He is doing well. He sounded a little tired but that could be because it was 11pm his time. He has requested that I don't send anymore packages but I talked him into letting me send 1 more for Valentines Day. It has to go out by Jan 15th because that is the cut off date for all packages to the guys. I'm so excited that is a huge milestone for this deployment. I have a Reunion Brief on Wednesday night. Hopefully they will be able to give me a window as to when he will be coming home. I'm hearing lots of rumors that they could be home the first week of March but I am not counting on it. I don't feel that he will be home until right before Easter. Usually my gut feeling is more accurate than the "rumors". The next few weeks are going to be a huge emotional roller coaster for me as we are coming up on the elections over there. So don't be surprised if I am a little more whiney than usual.

By Tink on Friday, January 7, 2005 - 11:42 pm:

I'm so glad that you heard from him! That is great! I have so much respect for you military wives, especially ones whose dhs are deployed in Iraq. This time I hope your gut feeling is wrong so that he can be home earlier than you expect.

Oh...and whine away! We are here for you!

By Ginny~moderator on Saturday, January 8, 2005 - 12:19 am:

So glad, Kristie. Hope he comes home sooner rather than later, and safely.

And yes, this period leading up to, during, and immediately following those elections is a scary time. I will be thinking of you and all the other women whose men are there. And of the men and women over there, of course.

By Jtsmom on Saturday, January 8, 2005 - 08:58 am:

I am so happy that you finally heard from him and all is well. I hope he comes home just as soon as possible!! What are some of the things that you can send to the guys over there?

By Kernkate on Saturday, January 8, 2005 - 10:19 am:

Kristie, So glad you finally heard from DH.
Just know that we are all here for you anytime. Even is you do get whiny.LOL

By Insaneusmcwife on Saturday, January 8, 2005 - 10:51 am:

Thank you for your support, it really means a lot to me.
Some of the things I have been sending my dh are
black socks
snuff (nasty stuff but says it helps with stress, he promises to quit before he gets home, if not I told him to get on the roster for the barracks!)
razors
shaving cream
after shave
deoderant
tooth brushes
tooth paste
mouth wash
Bar soap
chapstick
sun block
lotion
baby wipes
laundry detergent
drink powder (koolaid, gatoraid, tang, etc)
Starbucks coffee
creamer
beef jerky
tortilla chips
nacho cheese
packaged already cooked seasoned ground beef
can soups, chili etc.
packaged tuna and other packaged sea food same shelf
pasta anytime and other heat and serves that don't have to be refridgerated
crackers & cheese wiz
cookies
candy(type depends on weather)
gum
batteries
dvd's
books
magazines
pocket hand warmers

For Christmas Operation Santa send them,filled stockigs, cold weather shirts, socks, personal hygene gear, playstation, game cube, xbox, board games, sports equiptment, etc. All this is to be enjoyed in what little spare time they have. I have been told the stuff is to remain for their replacements to enjoy .

By Insaneusmcwife on Saturday, January 8, 2005 - 10:52 am:

I sent tons of candy for Halloween for him to share with his platoon and I will do the same for Valentines day.