Happy Birthday Darling

Just wanted to wish you a big happy birthday Sweetie! Don't forget to open your card that's in my closet downstairs. I'm sorry I cannot be with you on your special day but know you are in my heart and thoughts on this wonderful Saturday. Take some time for yourself and enjoy the day because you have earned it!

Hugs and kisses!

R&R and Malkin

Well, I am back in Kabul after a wonderful time spent with family in Holland. The travel there and back was a little tiring (don't want to spend over 10 hours in the Atlanta airport ever again) but to be honest, I would have made the trip to see the family for one day. While home, I got to see lots of Taylor's tennis matches (he and his doubles partner, Kevin, were ranked No. 1 at conference after sweeping victories), a hockey practice, movies with Kelly, time with Turner, my sister and dad, mowing the lawn, washing and waxing the 4Runner and just enjoying our wonderful home and my wonderful family.

The highlight was a Red Wings and Penguins hockey game in which Afghanistan helped me to have Taylor meet his favorite NHL player...Evgani Malkin (via photo). Have you ever seen Taylor smile so wide? When I get home in March, we'll try and make some other memorable moments, too.

Thanks for a great leave family! I love you! Less than five months to go!

Let the countdown begin...

Well as of today Tim has 10 days until he is home for his leave from Afghanistan. He will be leaving Kabul on Wednesday and then it is several destinations after that--Bagram Air Force Base, Kuwait, Germany, Georgia or Texas, Chicago or Detroit and then...finally...HOME! Can't wait to see what he looks like:) Although we skype at least 3 times a week, it is not the same thing as seeing him in person. Taylor and I are very excited. Tim will be here for 2 weeks and then it is back to Afghanistan. I hope we can cram a lot of things in, in the weeks that he's home. Fortunately, Tim will be able to see a few of Taylor's tennis matches (they are still undefeated) and he will go to a few hockey practices, too. He plans on making a trip to Chicago for the day and a few trips to see his dad in Fenton. Otherwise it will be time with family--going to movies, out to eat and hanging around home:) I know he is looking forward to going to Barnes and Noble and mowing the grass--but I think he's most excited about driving a car and going anywhere he wants without having to wear body armor:)

Summer is almost over:(

Today Taylor and I went to the beach--the last day of August. It was a rough one out there today. Although the water was a good temperature the waves were a bit rough and the undertow too strong. It was still nice to hear and feel the waves as we sat on the beach. These are the times that I try to remember when it is snowing and cold here in Michigan. I know that summer will be here again--it just takes a little it of time.

New Bedroom

At the end of July, I grabbed the most coveted spot in a three-man room here...the back bunk. I now have a little privacy, am away from all the noise in the hallway at the front of our room and have this very crappy nightstand made of rickety plywood. Hard to believe what you look forward to and accept as prized possessions in a war zone!

My Favorite Gifts

My favorite things to get in the mail are my magazine subscriptions. Thanks Kelly and Barb!

The General

It's an honor and a pleasure to see this man every day and work about 50 yards from him. He was nice enough to write me a note and autograph a book for me that featured him and three other Army four-star Generals.