Hmmmm....

Christie, we've got a Barnes and Noble just up the road. Definitely sounds like a great idea. Chris is into sci-fi fantasy stuff: knights, dragons, magic, etc. He's got all the Harry Potter books already.
This weeks is spirit week at school and today is "dress up as your future career day". Mandi went as a vet, with a lab coat, a stethoscope and a stuffed puppy with it's leg bandaged up. Reminded me of Bruce (one of the many) when his little paw was broken. Cortlyn went as a kindegarten teacher (any pointers, Bert?) and Chris went as a soldier. He had one of my old BDU tops and his own pants. We found some different stickers from my scrapbook materials and subdued (colored black) some Field Artillery Officer's cross-cannons and a Lt Colonel rank for the colors. Then we took a Major's leaf and colored that silver for the cap. So, actually, Chris went as a Field Artillery Batallion Commander. Yeah, I had fun dressing him up.
The latest is as such: I will be activated either Dec 6 or 11th and head to Ft Stewart (again!) until 23 Dec. They're planning on giving us Dec 23-Jan 2 off for Christmas to spend with our families, then back to Stewart. We train in California from late April- late May and then fly "across the pond" probably within a month or two of that. Although it's a 23 month activation, we're only supposed to do a 12 month tour in Iraq, barring any tour extensions like most of the units that have been there since I left there the first time. This time, however, it'll be better. Phones and internet will be more readily (sp?) available and we'll actually have a scheduled departure and return time frame. We're supposed to be going to Camp Victory near Baghdad, actually on the western outskirts. From what I understand, that area encompasses the western Palace site our unit helped take and spent 10 days at in April '03 and the Baghdad Int'l Airport (BIAP) which our task force took from 03-04 April last year. There's supposedly a PX, a gym, basketball court. A friend of mine from 10th Mountain Division (Ft Drum, NY) that I went to chemical school with is there right now. He says it's not bad. As I understand, we'll be living in the "trailer park" that his unit originally occupied earlier this year with AC/heated trailers. He did mention, though, that sometimes the uniform is DCU's and full battle rattle, including the body armor. Anyway, that's about it for now. Just wanted to keep everyone informed.

Eddie, we're praying for you. It'll be alright- just gotta' keep the faith. We too are looking forward to seeing everyone at Mom and Dad's. I don't think I've decorated a tree at home since I got married. I can't wait. Mom, find the Harry Belafonte Christmas tape. That was always one of my favorite parts of decorating the tree at home.