William's 12th Package

I mailed packages 12, 13, and 14 to William in Iraq while he was on his way home so that he would have some surprises when he got back. As you can see I got him a new pillow.

William's parents bought him some new green wool socks and tan undershirts (I washed them so they would smell like home).

Happy Belated Birthday Hubby!

William's 22nd birthday was yesterday but I'm posting this late because I was at mom's and didn't have internet. I haven't heard from him since Saturday when he was in Kuwait. He was supposed to find out last night at midnight (Eastern time) when he would be leaving. I hope he's on his way since I haven't heard from him but I really don't know. Hubby, I hope all is well and we'll celebrate your birthday when you get here! I love you and be careful as always!

William is in Kuwait

I talked to William a couple hours ago and he was able to get a flight into Kuwait today. He said they are backed up and he is hoping to be home by Christmas. It's a waiting game now...I'll keep you posted.

I saw William today!

This morning I was eating breakfast at the table and my laptop was there and all of a sudden the Windows Live Messenger screen popped up. It was William! We were able to IM and see each other for about 30 minutes. That's the first we've seen each other since early September! He's sitting in the terminal in Balad and has now gone to see when his flight to Kuwait will be. Hopefully, we'll know something soon!

William is on his way!

William called a couple hours ago and said he is on his way. He's in Balad, Iraq waiting for another day or two for a flight to Kuwait. Then he will go from Kuwait to Atlanta and Atlanta to Gainesville. He won't be here in time for his birthday but we're hoping he makes it for Christmas.

William's 11th Package

William's 10th Package (Christmas)

William's 9th Package (Christmas)

Dad got the Heroes DVD set for William.

Early November...Mom and I making Christmas cookies for William

Mom and dad made William a whole lot of sweet stuff in early November so that he would get it by Christmas. I helped a little but they did the hard parts. Mom and I made spritz, gingerbread, and mingles. Dad and I made him chocolate covered pretzels, pecan pralines, and divinity. I would much rather eat cookie dough than a cookie any day! Yum!!!

Mom pressing out camels and stars. She also made wreaths and trees.

I made royal icing and decorated a few of the cookies. I'm sure they were melted by the time they arrived but I tried.

All done. I accomplished the ACU attire, ha.

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Now playing: Josh Groban - When You Say You Love Me
via FoxyTunes

Thanks Mom and Dad!

Since William is coming home (Gainesville for now, I guess) for Christmas I told him to go ahead and open all of the gifts from me and my parents that had been sent to him. My mom sent William a box full of snacks, toys, books and a book light. Dad got him a boxed set of one of William's favorite TV shows. Thanks Mom and Dad!

ThanksChristmas in Alabama

Dawson (4 years old) riding his 4-wheeler at Grandma and Grandpa's.

Grandma and Grandpa's Christmas tree. Thanks for setting it up Greg!

Nate got a Wal-Mart gift card from Greg. Nate is moving away to go to school next month at Florida Gulf Coast University so I have a good feeling he will get plenty of gift cards/money for Christmas this year.

My most amazing dad!

Corey helping Dawson open his gift from mom.

Madison got this cool photo hanger from Nick and Kristy.

Grandpa with a wedding photo album from Nick and Kristy.

Bailey opening her gift from Nick and Kristy. Bailey is doing amazingly well and loving her brand new insulin pump!

Every few years Grandpa wears his gas blower out and gets a new one for Christmas.

Nick opening his and Kristy's gifts from the Ken Crowe family. Poor Kristy...I gave her a super strength Benadryl and knocked her out for the afternoon.

Corey with her book from Nick and Kristy.

Madison and Bailey opening their gifts from mom.

Ken opening his present from me and William. We got Ken and Corey a personalized Auburn address stamper.

Nick and Kristy gave Greg these candlesticks.

Jackson gets presents every year too and opens them completely by himself.


Greg asked if there was a reason that Jackson's present was cold. Well, Bailey actually wrapped up a frozen ham bone for Jackson, it was pretty funny!

Greg, as usual, was Santa again.

Dawson eating a cupcake.

Grandma and Grandpa gave Nick cast iron skillets.

This was the year of gift cards for Nate!

Ken, Corey, and kids gave me and William a platter, dish towels with pink snowflakes, a set of Christmas canisters and Victoria's Secret pajamas.

Colton (Madison's boyfriend) helping Dawson with his new toys.

Grandma and Corey.



Kristy, Nick, and Lexi. What a nice family picture...Nick holding Lexi, lol. This will never happen again!

Grandma and Grandpa teaching me how to make peanut brittle.

Great news...

Guess What? William called me Friday and told me that he is coming home for Christmas! I feel like the luckiest wife to be able to have him home for 15 days over the holidays and his birthday!!! I can't wait! More pictures will be posted soon as I am going to Alabama for ThanksChristmas with the Crowe family.

Thanks Crowe Family!

I talked to William last night and he wanted me to thank Grandma, Grandpa, Greg, Ken, Corey, Madison, Bailey, and Dawson for his Christmas package. He said he has so much stuff now. If he only knew he has 2 Christmas packages from me on the way, ha! They all share what they get so that's awesome. This past Sunday they took the stryker to pick up the mail and for about 10-20 people there were 30-40 packages! Twice a week they can get their mail.

William's 8th Package (Birthday)