Christmas Kisses

The WWE Tribute to the Troops was on tv last night... Logan got to see his daddy for the 1st time since August. Let's just say that Logan gave him tons of kisses to make up for the past few months! He would kiss the tv and tap on the glass- he was excited to see his daddy!

Finally an update

Steve's mom called me today to tell me that she spoke to Steve. Apparently he is doing great and he is as happy as can be expected...

Steve is a big fan of wrestling (don't ask me why!) so he was excited that all of the wrestlers were in Iraq filming their holiday special. I guess Steve was able to sit front row for the filming of that. I think that it's supposed to be on tv December 24th @ 9/8 CT so Logan and I will be watching that to see if we can spot daddy! And I thought that I was done watching wrestling! Ugh!

That's all I know! I'll post something if I find anything else out!

Fievel Goes West!

Oops, I mean Chad goes to Korea. He recently received word that he will be stationed in Korea for about 6 weeks. He is scheduled to leave early February of the New Year. He is very excited to train others on the amphibious assault vehicles. Congratulations to Chad!

We haven't heard much from Steve lately. I assume he has been busy protecting our freedom. It's a busy job and we're proud of him for doing it! Please keep our soldiers in your thoughts as they are overseas.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Chad came home from California with a WHOLE BUNCH of buddies for the holiday. It was great to see them all. His fellow Marines were grateful for a home cooked meal and definitely got their fill of 2 turkey's, 1 ham and much more! Thanks to our mom for a great day filled with lots of food and laughter.

As for Steve's Thanksgiving, I'm not sure how he celebrated. I have been meaning to ask Chelsea if she has heard anything recently. I did see on TV that the troops were given a turkey dinner, but I'm not sure how great it was. I hope all deployed soldiers know that we are all so thankful to have them protecting our freedom.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and are looking forward to the holidays ahead!


Also, Happy 1st birthday to Logan! He sure wishes his daddy (Steve) was here to celebrate with him!

*I'll post a pic of everyone very soon!

I'm sure you've seen The California Fires on the news recently. It seems Chad is having a fun time dodging those at the base. I thought I would report back to tell you he is safe where he is at, although they weren't far off! Apparently they evacuated everyone at one point, but allowed them back. Don't worry, he's fine!

On the other hand, Steve is obviously still in Iraq. He has nearly been away for 2 months if you are checking the ticker at the bottom of the page. I will ask Chelsea for an update on just what and how he is doing.

If you are already thinking about the holiday season, here is something for you. When you are making out your holiday card list this year, please include the following and pass on the word.

A Recovering American soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

One

I was talking to my sister yesterday and venting about my current stresses. She always tries to bring me back to reality-thanks! Then, this morning my son woke me up at 3:47 a.m. for about the 2nd week in a row. That is what led me to this checking this blog, this early. Today I noticed on the "Steve's Deployed Ticker" that he has been away for ONE month ONE week and ONE day.


My point is, my stresses are so minor compared to Steve's right now. I think this blog has been a good reminder to me to check myself and re-evaluate. Steve has been in a foreign country which is in shambles for a while now.

Life is great, but sometimes exhausting. I'm grateful my stresses are mine and not that of Steve's right now.

Meanwhile, Logan (Chelsea & Steve's baby) is growing quickly! He will be ONE year old in a matter of weeks. He is getting so big and looks so much like daddy.

Update on Chad: Chad is still in 29 Palms training. He has big plans of bringing 14 Marines home with him for Thanksgiving. Apparently they will all be eating with our family! That should be interesting. It's always good to see him. Plus, his little nephews and niece miss him so much.

"Be kind to strangers, for everyone you meet may be fighting a harder battle."

Another E-mail!

Yesterday Chelsea received an e-mail from Steve. In a previous e-mail to Steve, Chelsea mentioned that Logan was trying to walk. He told her he was excited for Logan, yet sad that he was missing these moments. It also seems that this time around is a little more difficult for him to be away. I'm sure it has something to do with leaving more loved ones behind this go-round.

In Iraq...Again!

Chelsea received an e-mail from Steve today. He is now in Iraq. It seems that he is not too thrilled to be there, but is making the best of a bad situation. It must be hard to be so far from home, family and the comforts you are accustomed to. You can keep track of how long Steve's been away by checking the "ticker" at the bottom of the blog. His absence reminds me to be happy and grateful-even when I'm having a rough day. My fussy son is no match to being in the middle of a war zone.

Priceless Phone Calls

I am soliciting calling cards! I would greatly appreciate it if anyone would be willing to donate AT&T global calling cards to Steve. This would make it possible for him to call home to his wife, son and other family members. He will be gone for over a year and it would be great for him to stay in contact. Once again, I am willing to donate a 2 movie tickets to the winner of most donations! Thanks so much...you have no idea how much Chelsea and Logan would appreciate this. -Lacey

Steve's Deployment

This is a picture of Steve as he is leaving from Killeen, Texas for Iraq. Thankfully we have people like Steve who are willing to defend our country! Operation Stocking Stuffer will be making a special shipment to Steve's unit this holiday season. Normally, the organization focuses on The Marines (but Steve's a pretty good exception to make). I'm sure Chelsea will be sewing a very special stocking to send over to him! *Steve is the tallest pictured, with his weapon pointed to his left.

New Day, New Blog!

I am dedicating an entire blog to my brother and brother-in-law. I feel it is only necessary since Chad and Steve are both serving our country and giving up things you and I enjoy daily . This blog will include posts updating you on their where abouts and also info. about "Operation Stocking Stuffer".

Since enlisting last December, Chad has been in San Diego, California until recently being re-stationed. Chad is now stationed in 29 Palms, California where he is continuing training. He has moved from the ocean to sand! I don't know the technical term, but I believe he is training for amphibious assault vehicles. Chad remains single but meets a new girl (or two) every weekend! He loves where his life has taken him. *Pictured top

Steve on the other hand has been enlisted since around late 2003. He and Chelsea met and married in December of 2005. They have a new son, Logan (who is Steve's "mini me"). Steve recently left for his second tour of Iraq on September 9th. He is still in Kuwait waiting to make the final leg of his trip and should arrive in Iraq in about 1 week. He will be there for a little over a year, but will be able to take a short leave and come home sometime. Please keep your thoughts and prayers with Steve as he needs to return safely to his family. *Pictured bottom

Lastly, Operation Stocking Stuffer is a program that is dedicated to helping soldiers. While I am new to this, it is a group of people (mostly having a soldier in the family) who give their time and energy to making sure soldiers are remembered during the holidays. They collect items year round for stockings-which they hand make-to fill and send to soldiers all over. It is a charitable organization and these families depend on our donations to keep this up and running. They are always accepting donations of items, skilled labor (ie sewing) or monetary contributions. If you are interested in helping, feel free to e-mail me at laceylturner@msn.com