You make me smile

A few years ago, Kyle and I were watching a movie when the actress' necklace caught my eye. It was unique, simple and an everyday piece that I loved. After the movie I search everywhere for this necklace. I search the Internet for days without luck. I half gave up..but still glanced in jewelery stores when I had the opportunity. Nothing. I hadn't thought about this necklace or even mentioned it to Kyle in a long time.
This Christmas, I opened a package from Kyle, with the exact necklace inside. I have no idea how or where he found it but did it make me smile. I love it.
Kyle knew Christmas without him would be difficult at best. But he found a way to make it special even from thousands of miles away.

So this is Christmas without Kyle...Let's not do this again.

The Grinch

Uncle Sam is the Grinch that stole Christmas this year. All "special" days throughout the year without Kyle are a little extra difficult - a little harder than the day to day. Christmas has proven to be particular trying. And I can only imagine how it is for our service members overseas and away from their families.

Maybe Uncle Sam should call a time out on all combat operations during the holidays? And then everyone could be home...Maybe this is something the UN could look into?

Isn't that how the story goes? First the Grinch is mean and steals all things Christmasy and then in the end he swoops in and gives it all back?

I've been told the two most difficult times of deployment are the holidays and the last month before returning home. Here we are at both the holidays and the last month...here's hoping I won't be the Grinch for my family this Christmas. No promises though.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry and Grinch-free Christmas!

Editor's Note

We here at According to KHK - The way WE see it...strive for accuracy and do check our facts to the best of our ability. However, every now and then we do make mistakes. There seems to be a discrepancy over the origin of the word, engagementversary, as previous mentioned here on December 17.

Even offering a reference to her September 2009 blog entry, on Bethie's Bridal Blog http://samandbethie.com/blog/ Beth believes this is her word. So Beth we apologize for the inaccuracy and thank you for your many emails setting the record straight!

Santa Bring My Soldier Home

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNsS7LmdvsA

Beth sent me a text, "Have you heard this song?" I hadn't. I found the youtube video of it when I got home. Love it. Great song. And the band, The Stunners, raise money and work in association with the USO.

If you get a chance, copy and paste the link above and check it out.

5 Years ago!

Kyle and I received a call that his sister Bree was going to the hospital to have her baby. We were also told that she wasn't having contractions yet so not to rush to the hospital. We slept in the next day (feeling guilty that Bree probably was not sleeping that night) and arrived at the hospital with the rest of Kyle's family. I remember walking into the waiting room and Kyle's dad said, "We're going to be here all night! I just saw her and she's not having that baby anytime soon." So I pulled a deck of cards out of my purse and almost as if cued by Kyle's dad's comment, the proud new father Curt came to waiting room to report that "it was time!" 20 minutes later, Austin Paul was born. Twenty two minutes later, Bree was quite the trooper having all NINE of us in her delivery room! I still tease Kyle's dad about his baby prediction!

Kyle and Austin have a special bond that started that very day. One of the first people to hold Austin, Kyle melted over him instantly. It was really cute. Not only is he Kyle's nephew but Kyle is also his Godfather. Kyle of course loves this title!

Bree and I also laugh about how we bonded that day. Bree feeling a bit queasy from the whole experience "tossed her cookies" shortly after Austin entered the world. I was standing closest to her and caught said "cookies" in a near by garbage can! Good memories!

Happy 5th Birthday, Austin!

Happy Engagementversary!

Engagmentversary! Definition: the anniversary of the day one gets engaged. (I can't take credit for this word however - this is Deanne's fun word!)
Today is Kyle and my engagementversary! We got engaged 4 years ago today. Wow! Look how far we've come since that day. Kyle really did do a great job asking me to be his wife. Such a romantic. And I love that we have photos capturing it. Especially this photo. This is the exact moment.

What's the traditional gift for your 4th engagementversary? Paper? Gold? Diamonds? Yes, I think its diamonds. I'll have to refer to the Deanne on this one but I'm fairly sure she'd agree - it must be diamonds:) Ha ha ha...Just kidding Kyle!

I'm such a baby!

Being the youngest in a family is AWESOME! I love it and wouldn't want it any other way. Fellow "youngest" you know what I'm talking about. Being the youngest, I never had someone that I watched grow up, or someone I was suppose to be a role model for.... until my baby niece came along (and all 6 of our nephews there after). I truly CAN NOT believe how quickly they are growing up! This past weekend, we celebrated Austin's 5th birthday! And this year my niece is going to be 13 - a teenager! Where did my baby niece and nephew go?

This is also true for my brother-in-law Kevin. Kyle is the third of four kids in his family. His younger brother, Kevin, turns 23 today! 23! What?! I met Kevin when he was 14 years old and at least 6 inches shorter. Back then when Kyle and Kevin would wrestle on the living room floor at their mom's house, Kyle still had a chance. Not so much anymore. In a wrestling match - my money would be on Kevin, sorry Kyle!

It sometimes surprises me when I see Kevin driving or ordering an alcoholic beverage and he can because he is of age! I love watching the relationship between Kyle and his younger brother Kevin. I total get the big brother relationship and think Kyle is such a good big brother. But I do feel like I can relate to Kevin when sometimes Kyle might not because of our "special" family pecking order. Happy Birthday, KEVIN!! Fellow baby of the family!

There is always a peeker!

Every family has one. The Christmas gift peeker! Growing up, it was my brother, Mike. We would double wrap and triple tape his gifts. He would sit under the tree feeling and shaking his presents trying to figure out what they were. Sometimes his gifts would mysteriously have a corner ripped off just enough to see what it was...hmm, wonder how that happened? Me, I'm the opposite. I don't even want hints. My mom, is not so good at this. I think it because she gets excited about what she is giving people. I would say 90% of the time, I have at least an idea about what she is giving me for Christmas. I'll be talking about something I want and she'll say, "well maybe there is already one under your tree." or "I think Santa has that covered." She even, more often than not, tries to get me to open presents early! Nope! I won't do it. Tradition in my family is one gift on Christmas eve and everything else on Christmas day. And I stick to this!

This year for Kyle's Christmas - Iraq style - I sent him a Christmas package. I asked his gift givers to send me his gifts unwrapped and early. I took a picture of these gifts and wrapped them to look like presents. This way he can open things on Christmas and have more to look forward to when he gets home. Along with these wrapped photos I sent his stocking filled from Santa. KYLE PEEKED! He tried rationalizing this to me. But there is no excuse. No presents, including stockings until Christmas! I totally busted him to. Causal asking if he liked what was in his stocking! This year Kyle is the Christmas gift peeker!

Happy Birthday Citizen Soldiers

Today is the Army National Guard's 373rd birthday this year. On Dec. 13, 1636, the Massachusetts Bay Colony divided its citizen-soldiers, or militia, into the North, South and East Regiments. The Massachusetts Bay Colony was seven years old in 1636. The colonists needed a military force for protection, but they had no money to hire a mercenary army, which was common practice in Europe at the time. So, they turned to the English tradition of the militia - citizen-soldiers who gathered for military training and who could fight when needed.
In Massachusetts, all able-bodied men between the ages of 16 and 60, except ministers and judges, were required to join the militia.

Today, the military lineage of these 1636 regiments is carried by the 101st Engineer Battalion, the 101st Field Artillery, the 181st Infantry, and the 182nd Cavalry, which are all still part of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. The 101st Engineer Battalion of the Massachusetts Nation Guard is currently serving with me in Baghdad. This morning, during a 3.73 mile birthday run, I saw their units colors (flag) and battle streamers, which include a streamer for participation in the skirmish at Lexington & Concord- the first of the revolution.

Not many military organizations can claim 373 years of unbroken history. Only the Vatican's Swiss Guard (1512), London's oldest unit and also citizen soldiers the Honorable Artillery Company (1537), and Britain's Royal Scot Regiment (1633) predate the United States National Guard. Amazing, considering how much older these countries are.

--KYLE

Care Packages

Care packages are more than comfort items from home. They are morale boosters, reminders that you missed by loved ones. I'd like to take this blog entry as an opportunity to thank every one of you that sent Kyle a care package over this last year. I can't speak for Kyle but heard the genuine happiness in his voice when he would tell me about a care package he received. Truly, thank you.

Tomorrow, December 11, is the last day to send packages to be received by Christmas and Tuesday, December 15 will be the last day to send Kyle any packages or mail at his current address. BECAUSE he will be heading home soooooon!!!

However, there are many care package programs out there (Any Solider!,Treats for Troops! , Give to the Troops!) for soldiers just beginning their tours. Let's make sure all 170,000 of these courageous men and women – who are risking their lives every day, for us – know they have not been forgotten.

Celebrity Sightings!!

The military devotes significant resources to "MWR" or Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs for deployed service members, and the USO, the non-profit group championed by Bob Hope, also provides invaluable morale support to service members. Part of the MWR program and USO mission is to arrange performances and meet & greets by celebrities and entertainers of all types for deployed service members. Kyle has been lucky to have quite a few celebrity sightings with his time in Iraq, including: a live taping of the Colbert Report, meeting NFL coaches like Jeff Fischer, meeting Angelina Jolie, having a meal with the stars of Burn Notice (a USA channel original series and one of Kyle's shows), performances by talented NFL cheerleaders and celebrity waitresses from a famous wings restaurant named after an owl, and most recently, a concert with Kid Rock, country music artist Jessie James, and comedian Carlos Mencia. Whatever you think of these celebrities and entertainers, know that they travel to these war zones without publicity, compensation or the comforts they are accustom to for no other reason than to lift the spirits of the soldiers serving our country. That they do, and for that they are appreciated.

"A Day that will Live in Infamy"

On December 7, 1941 the Japanese raided Pearl Harbor, and changed the course of history. The carefully-planned and executed attack devastated the United States Navy's battleship force, allowing the Japanese Empire to expand southward undeterred. America, unprepared and considerably weakened, was abruptly brought into the Second World War as a full combatant. We lost 2403 people that day and about 1178 wounded from these attacks. The memory of the "sneak attack" on Pearl Harbor fueled a determination to fight WWII, a war we as America didn't want. Very parallel to 9/11. On September 11.2001, 2,985 people died in the terrorist attacks, again propelling the U.S into a war on terror, a war we didn't ask for.

Today we remember those lives lost and affected during the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor. I was fortunate to visit Pearl harbor and the USS Arizona memorial this year with my family. It is a solemn and sobering experience, even for those (like me) who were not alive when the attack occurred. You are literally standing over a grave of 1177 men. Even more ere, you can still see oil and air bubbles that are trapped in the vessel still coming to the surface today.

Admiral Yamamoto, is quoted after the attacks as saying, "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant." He was right. America mobilized an industrial war machine never before seen in history; producing more tank, planes, rifles, and ammunition than anyone thought possible. Maybe the terrorist of 9/11 should have taken this quote to heart.

Marathon #4

Kyle completed the Seattle Marathon via their first Baghdad Shadow Run! His finish time was 4 hours and 11 minutes on a chilly and breezy race day. Impressive! This was Kyle's fourth marathon, and his first without me:( There are many things that STINK big time about this deployment but one of the biggest things for me, is this kind of stuff. Experiencing things apart that we would otherwise be doing together. I'm looking forward to sharing experiences again soon:)

Training was difficult for Kyle in the sandbox. With long work days and limited time and space to run and without me keeping him on a strict running schedule! Kyle reports only some soreness in his legs but other than that he feels pretty good. He's planning on running another half marathon this next Sunday. Crazy!

Congrats, Kyle!

Happy December!!!

Kyle' Thanksgiving: Uncle Sam really does put in the college try. He had all the food staff wearing pilgrim hats at the dining hall where Kyle eats. They also had most of the traditional Thanksgiving dishes to eat. The 1st CAV Division Band was playing Christmas music- which was actually depressing. For some reason, they also had a12' tall 15' wide Styrofoam sculpture of the White House. Nothing says "Happy Thanksgiving!" like a huge fake White House!

Kathy's Thanksgiving: This year I hosted Thanksgiving at our home. Not being much of a chef, I channeled my inner Martha Stewart and was mostly successful. I learned alot from the experience and got to use lots of my fun kitchen stuff. My pretty pink mixer is not just for looks - it works great too! I only had one non-edible dish. The crab stuffed mushroom appetizer was not so good. It tasted like a salt cube. It was fun and I would host Thanksgiving again.

Happy December! Another month down for this deployment. Bring on Christmas, New Years, and 2010. I'm ready for Kyle to come home!

Thanksgiving

The Armed forces have a tradition called the "Missing Man Table" (or the missing man place setting). At military ceremonies, and even in the dining halls where Kyle eats everyday, there is a table and place set for missing and fallen service members. The single place setting is always arranged with particular items, each with its own significance:

The table is round -- to show our everlasting concern for our missing men.

The tablecloth is white -- symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty.

The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and their loved ones of these Americans who keep the faith, awaiting answers.

The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing.

A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.

A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers.

The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.

The glass is inverted -- to symbolize their inability to share the meal.

The chairs are empty -- because they are missing.

There is much to be grateful at Thanksgiving, like a table full of family and friends-- without any empty chairs. If your table is full of your loved ones, you are blessed. Hug them a little tighter knowing that not everyone will be home for Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

The Anniversary Dance

I love weddings. I love watching the people in my life, so happy. And as Clare said at Beth and Sam's wedding, "There is just love in the air!" (ha ha ha...oh Clare!)
One of my favorite parts of weddings is the Anniversary dance. Where they have all the married couples on the dance floor and slowly eliminate them by years married. Until they are left with the final couple, that has been married the longest. I was able to particpiate in this dance with my 1-D cardborad husband last weekend!

I love seeing that couple that has been married for 50 or 60 some years, still happy, still dancing and still in love. I envy what they have, and have high hopes that one day that will be Kyle and I. Still happy, still dancing and still in love after 50,60,70 years.

If I have the opportunity, I like to ask that couple that has been married the longest, what the secret is, or what advice they would give to having a long lasting marriage. Over the years I have heard quite the spectrum of responses. My favorite advice though remains from this cute old couple at a wedding about 3 years ago. She said, "Marriage is not a 50/50 effort. Its two people giving 100 percent all the time." And then the husband chimed in and said, "The real secret to a happy marriage is to have two t.vs."

Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Spratlin!

Let the tradition continue! A cardboard cut out of Kyle was present for the Beth and Sam nuptials! What a fun filled weekend- everything was beautiful. A special thanks to the newlyweds for including both Kyle and myself in YOUR day!

As we all were talking about how the cardboard cut-outs got started and the weddings they have attended, our friend Petra says, "I hope when I get married, someone can't make it." I looked at her with a puzzled face when she finished by saying, "Because I really want a cardboard cut out at my reception too!" It really is a fun addition.

With Kyle scheduled to return home soon :) , I am hopefully that this will be his last cardboard cut out and that I will have my favorite 3-D dancing partner back home for the upcoming 2010 weddings!

Lt. Kyle Hartman Discusses Sandstorms, Wild Dogs, Random Fire

Here is the link to Kyle's video broadcast interview. Check it out!
Lt. Kyle Hartman Discusses Sandstorms, Wild Dogs, Random Fire

It's Raining...Mud

Believe it or not, Iraq has a "rainy season", generally from approximately November to March. During these months there will only be a few brief, violent rainstorms that account for most of the 10 to 17 cm of rain this region gets all year. When the rain is accompanied by wind, which it usually is, the dust in the air combines with the rain to create little rain droplets of mud that I assure you no one tries to catch in their mouth.

Round one of the rainy season struck this week, a few hours of steady rain has created a foot or more of muddy, sandy mess EVERYWHERE. It amazes me how non-absorbent the desert is. Tactical vehicles, non-tactical vehicles, and tanker trucks are sliding off roads all over the place. In the right light, the mud and water looks just like a light coat of snow.

In connection with the wet weather, the temperature has dropped an average of 40 degrees from what it was when I left country for leave. Tonight we're expecting a balmy 44 degrees, with a high tomorrow of only 65 and overcast. Last night was the first time I turned off my AC since I arrived here. I even tried out the heater in my room to see if it worked in anticipation of cooler temps- it spewed smoke, dust, sand and smelled like burning, but it made heat. Unfortunately it also set off the smoke detector.

--KYLE

32 Faces of the 32nd Brigade

Kyle was recently interviewed by a Madison, WI reporter. They are featuring 32 soldiers in the 32nd Brigade and Kyle is one of them. Very cool! His online interview is currently posted here:

http://www.channel3000.com/32faces/index.html

On Thursday, November 19th, Kyle's skype interview will be broadcast on the 5pm news. For those of us not in the Wisconsin area you can watch the newscasts in real time via live stream on www.channel3000.com

After the news has been broadcast they will add a link with photos and the video interview to his online interview page. You should check it out! My hubby's famous!

Simba's 6!

We celebrated Simba's birthday while Kyle was home. It's hard to believe our little pup is 6. They grow up so fast.
As expensive as Simba is and has been over the years, (Think Marley and Me here) Kyle continues to admit that Simba is the best investment we ever made. In Kyle's absence we frequently have what I call, T.G.4.S days - Thank Goodness for Simba! How lucky am I to have been blessed with both world's best dog and world's best husband?! They may both be messy boys and create more work for me around the house but they are well worth it. And I count my blessings every single day.

The Other little supraises

All around the house little "Kyle" surprises everywhere. Not the fun kind that come in small boxes with ribbons on them (like the Christmas presents) but the other kind where things were left for me to discover. For example, I needed a garment bag for my bridesmaid dress for the upcoming SAM AND BETH NUPTIALS!!! Very exciting:) SO I grabbed the garment bag Kyle had used while home for Tony and Gillian's wedding. When what did I find? All the clothes Kyle took to NY still in there. Dirty and clean just left for me to find...Thanks honey.

Veteran's Day

To all the veteran's I have the privilege of knowing personally, thank you for your service and sacrifice. To soldiers of today's wars and those of our country's past, you are truly amazing individuals, among an elite group in our country.

To the friends and family of Amy Kruegar and to the people of Kiel, WI, I'm so sorry for your loss. A tribute

Christmas Presents

While Kyle is overseas I am authorized to open all his mail. I just got use to doing it, when packages started being delivered that were shipped to Kyle care of "For Kyle's Eyes Only". I got the hint. Kyle didn't want me to open these. I set them aside for Kyle to open when he was home on leave. Kyle waited for a morning while I was still sleeping to open these packages. They are my Christmas gifts. Kyle thought ahead, such a thoughtful hubby. He wrapped them up in Christmas wrap and now they are just taunting me from the closet. I suggested that it was only right for me to get open at least one. He wouldn't give...and I'm super curious. But I won't peek, I can make it to Christmas!

The duties of a wife

I knew that becoming Kyle's wife came along with a list of duties. Just as he gained a series of responsibilities when he married me. I thought for the most part I had this list figured out in advance. Nothing to out of the ordinary. Things like keeping Kyle on track with doctor appts. and reminding him of important dates like birthdays, ect. ect....

There is however one duty I did not know came with the title "Wife". No one warned me. Not once was in mentioned in any of our pre-wedding counseling that as Kyle's wife I am to know at all times where every personal item, article of clothing, anything that Kyle owns, is located. Kyle to me: "Kathy, where is that abstract item that I haven't seen or used in five years but need to have it right now and you must know where it is."

More specifically, Kyle wanted a certain pair of his jeans to wear during his leave. I explained to Kyle that I put all of his jeans in the same place in his closet and if they weren't there I didn't know where they were. The jeans were not there and Kyle torn thru his closet and dresser drawers looking for said jeans. He finally gave up and settled on another pair all while blaming me for "losing his favorite jeans!"

Two days before returning overseas Kyle went into his office to say hello and have lunch with co-workers. Before heading to his office he grabbed his briefcase to get his i.d out when low and behold...HIS FAVORITE JEANS...in his briefcase. Hmm...who do you think put them in there?

The Honey Do List

Here's how the honey do list works in our household. I determine the needed task. Be it something that broke, something I want changed or something that Simba altered. I put these said task on the fridge honey do list. It works best for Kyle and I if I just leave the list there for him to see and do at his own pace. Occasionally mentioning the more urgent items. I find that nagging only slows Kyle's speed.

Without even asking Kyle completed all 18 items on his honey do list while home. Impressive! I must admit, its nice having such a handy hubby. He did everything from electrical work (I'm so glad I insisted on fire extinguisher for each floor of the house)to pluming and only one small injury to report. He was up in our crawl space area working on some electrical stuff. I, myself have never been up there (its scary and claustrophobic) but remembered we stored some items up there when we moved in. I asked for a verbal inventory when he bumped his head and caught his scalp to a nail. Ouch!

Kyle the tonado!

Boys are messy. I've decided its just in their DNA. I worked hard to make the house look perfect before Kyle got home. And he noticed...lucky for him! After he left Thursday I got to work putting everything back together. It looks like his closet and dresser drawers exploded. And how is it that I found one of his shoes downstairs and one upstairs?

Everything is just better with Kyle

Kyle's leave was a great 15 days. We got a lot done and did lots of fun stuff. His leave was a reminder that every thing is just better with Kyle than without him. I laugh more, harder and am better with him. I am blessed with a wonderful husband.

He unfortunately, started his trek back to the middle east yesterday morning. From Chicago to Atlanta to Shannon, Ireland to Kuwait and finally Baghdad. Less than 100 days left until his homecoming. Here's hoping the time flies!

The awful events that occurred at Fort Hood yesterday are heartbreaking. I am so glad our friend, Rob that is based there was not harmed. My heart goes out to our friends, Lara and Tony. A high school classmate of there's was one of the victims of the gunman. My thoughts and prayers are with all the men and women affected by the horrific event.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,572305,00.html

Kyle and Brad

Nothing quite like a familiar face when you are far away from home. Brad, a college roommate of Kyle's, is currently stationed in Afghanistan. He came to Iraq for a PT conference. Medical conferences in Iraq...who knew? Kyle and Brad were able to meet up and catch up in Baghdad where they took this picture! Looking good gentlemen!

Kyle is ALMOST home for his two week block leave. The process is just taking a bit longer than anticipated. He was bumped from a flight in Baghdad. Then his flight was delayed out of Kuwait, 3 times! But he is in route and scheduled in tomorrow afternoon. A solid 5 days of travel for Kyle. Ugh! Keep your fingers crossed that his itinerary doesn't change AGAIN! Because if Uncle Sam tries to delay this process any longer, there might be a throw down!

Marathoning

The Chicago marathon was this weekend. I went out to cheer for my big brother. I'm very proud of him, he finished in just over 4 hours. However, since he is not a blog reader...he gets no further shout outs.

The marathon got me to thinking and reminiscing about marathons past. I came to the conclusion that Kyle's overseas experience, for both he and I is like a marathon.
Here's how:
At the beginning you're good. You feel empowered and able to complete the task ahead. You've prepared, you made plans, your well rested. As you continue, you are supported by those on the sidelines and those cheering for you from a distance, but helping you along nonetheless.

At some point during a marathon, it just becomes about making it to the next water station, checkpoint, the next Chicago neighborhood, and eventually just the next step. Just like the deployment. At some point it's just the next package in the mail, the next phone call, the next email, and the two weeks R&R leave that we could have had already been here if our close friends (Tony and Gilian!) had chosen to get married in late summer or early fall rather than late October...but I digress. Sure there are a few spots along the way where it's quite, your supporters are somewhere out there in the distance and it seems like your further away then when you started. It's the hardest part of the race for sure. Its only the anticipation of the finish line, the achievement, the accomplishment and the euphoria that follows that keeps you taking that next step. In the end the race takes a hefty physical and mental toll, and it takes time to heal. You're stronger for it, and you may even want to do it again (that part only applies to the marathon though, we don't want Kyle to deploy again).

Kyle and I have successfully finished three marathons together, holding hands at the finish line (except in 2006 when Kyle ditched me for a better time) and if we can do that, then we will knock this deployment out of the park with the finish line in sight.

Congrats, to all the Chicago Marathoners! Especially, my brother James, his 7th marathon (ok, one more shout out. Maybe it will get him to read this WHOLE blog entry!).

A fallen Soldier

Although Kyle and Spc. Paul E. Andersen did not know one another, their lives crossed in a way that will never be forgotten.

http://www.fox17online.com/news/fox-17-michigan-soldier-killed,0,4725671.story

My prayers and thoughts are with the men and women that were effected by the attack on Oct. 1, 2009. Especially, with the family and friends of Spc. Paul Andersen. A fallen hero who will always be remembered.

Hello My Name is...

I think it started with my car. I always named my cars. First, there was Sally, then came Monty, and now we have Ben. I always refer to my car by its name and never by its make or model. B.K (before Kathy) Kyle's vehicle didn't have names. This didn't last long. The name game doesn't stop with just cars. Anything Kyle and I own (or will own eventually, after just a few more payments!) has a name. For example, Kyle's flat screen tv, is Sam (because it's a Samsung), Kyle affectionately calls my engagement ring "little Harley," there's Dusty the treadmill, and the list goes on and on.

Its just like the army, which also affectionately names its enemies, soldiers, equipment. In WWII German soldiers were "Jerry," in Vietnam the VC and NVA where "Charlie," and today in Iraq and Afghanistan its "Haji." US soldiers have always been called "Joe," riding in vehicles like the "Brad" (the Bradley armored fighting vehicle) and carrying weapons like the "Ma Deuce" (the M2 .50 caliber machine gun). Even the popular civilian Hummer is derived from the nickname given to the Army's M1024 HMMWV (Highly Mobile Maneuverable Wheeled Vehicle) which was nicknamed the HumVee.

Simba's Adoption Day

I started campaigning for a dog in 2004. I knew for me, someone that isn't much for having my sleep disrupted, that I needed Kyle behind me for this decision. Seeing as though he would be responsible for those early morning walks! So in the fall of 2005, we had a weekend with absolutely nothing planned. When I realized this, I announced, after almost a year on the campaign trail that, TODAY IS DOG DAY! 1 Breeder, 2 Pet Stores and 4 humane society's later, we found him, OUR DOG!

Simba was officially adopted into our family on Oct. 16, 2005 (because we don't know his actually birthday we celebrate this day instead). We recently learned that Kyle's leave was pushed back 8 days. Ugh. This means Kyle won't be home for Simba's day. Its ok though. Seeing as though he will only be turning 6, we decided that he's not old enough to know and we will just have to celebrate a few days later:) As Kyle and I discussed Simba's birthday this year, you know the usually; What was on his birthday list this year, what the plan was for his party, ect. Ok, I'm exaggerating a little, we're aren't that crazy. Kyle said in a very somber voice, "Do you think Simba will remember me?" OF COURSE HE WILL. How could he forget?! What Simba really won't understand is why Kyle will be sleeping on his side of the bed!

Kyle will be home for his leave in less than two weeks! Approximately Oct. 20:) Woo hoo! Invitations to Simba's birthday party to follow...jk:)

Halloweens Past

Kyle's leave being pushed back a few days does have a few positives. For example, now he'll be home for Halloween! YAY! A fun costume for us both is in the works:) Below are a few photos from Halloweens past. 2002 and 2004 elude me. I can't remember what we dressed up as and I can't find a photo...But here are the rest!

Our First Halloween Together, Hippie and Coyote Ugly Girl, 2001

Inmate and Firefighter 2003

In 2005 Kyle was a Slim Jim and I was a Smarty Pants. I can't find a digital version of this photo...
K-Fed and Britney 2006

2007 We were both Hawaiian Punch

Pilot and Flight Attendant 2008

Sand + Sweat = Mud!

Kyle got caught in a bad sandstorm while he was out running the other night. He got hit by a wall of sand for the last mile to his room. By the time he got there his eyes were almost swollen shut and he was hacking up a lung. The lesson learned here...Sand + Sweat = Mud...ewww

Is that mud mask exfoliating?

Missing my Soldier @ Soldier Field

Lynnie scored some awesome free tickets for the Bears home opener last night! IT WAS SOO FUN! We ran into an old friend from high school and made new friends in our section. Nothing quite like sporting event to bring people together. Not only did the Bears pull off a sweet victory but Vince Vaughe was there! And the rain, only made the whole experience more authentic -- we are NOT fair weather fans:)

After the game I received this email from Kyle:
"Hope you had fun at the game....I'm glad the Bears pulled out a miracle victory at the last minute, I'm sure it made the game more fun and enjoyable for you (gosh it was really hard for me to say that)."

For Kyle to "be glad the Bears won" I know, is no small thing. It goes against everything in his Packer loving self...Wow, he must really love me, Bears fan and all:)

Choosing Unity

During our wedding, our officiant's main theme was that we should "chose unity." His point was that we'd have the opportunity to make several choices every day during our marriage, from how to handle an argument, to where to go for dinner. And with these choices we should strive to make the ones that promoted unity. A nice message we thought.

Since then, during any disagreement in our household, no matter how heated or inane, Kyle would look at me and with a very serious tone and look say, "Kathy, choose unity." And we would just start laughing. It's his default answer when he doesn't want to engage in an argument, when he doesn't want to do something, or when he wants to convince me to do something. He'll say, 'Kathy, I choose unity, do you?" or "fine, go
ahead and turn the Packer game off, I understand if you don't want to choose unity." Although sometimes it makes me want to punch him, I know that he is thinking of our wedding and that the small things can be simply worked out by "choosing unity."

With our wedding anniversary around the corner, we would like to "choose unity" but are separated by our nation's combat operations. However, unity doesn't require proximity. Despite the distance, we still choose unity by staying involved in each other's days and decisions- from the mundane, to the important. Just like Simba's football jerseys. I could have simply put on his Bears jersey but NO!, I "chose unity"!

Simba is a Beaker

Simba is a Beaker: half Bear fan (BEA), half packer fan (KER). Kyle argues that because Simba is a Wisconsin native, Adopted from the Waukesha humane society that he is a packer fan. Clearly, this is not true. Dogs take the NFL loyalty's of their mom, like religion, thus making Simba a Catholic Bears fan in my opinion. This argument was not going to have a clear solution. So it was decided that Simba is a Beaker. Half and half for now and when he is old enough he can choose for himself:) While the Bears and Packers duke it out this Sunday, Kyle will be cheering for his green and gold, while I support my orange and blue and Simba barks his loyalties for both teams!

Kyle's brother, Brad and his wife, Erin will be enjoying the game from Lambeau field. LUCKY!

GO BEARS!

9/11

9/11 occurred when Kyle and I were still in College. My roommate, Stacey, and I were still sleeping when the events began. Our dorm room phone kept ringing but neither of us budged from bed. When the phone rang for a fourth time I finally got up and answered it. The news of the days events were explained to me from the other end of the phone. The events were all still unfolding. Several of our friends all watched in one room as more and more details came to light. We were all scared and unsure of what to do. I remember sitting with Kyle and I asked him, "Not to go too far away today." He replied, "Where would I go? And besides I never want to be too far away from you."

A few years later Kyle worked at the Pentagon, near the area that the airplane struck that day. He organized a personal tour for me with a survivor of the attacks. His story, like many others, was a matter of minutes, a few feet between him surviving and those who were victims. He had no visible scars or injuries remaining from that day, only the kind you could hear in his voice as he described what happened.

In 2006, I met one of the most interesting individuals in my life. We were working together on a set when I learned his horror story of 9/11. He, his wife and two children were on vacation in NY. His daughter had just auditioned at Julliard. On the morning of 9/11, he drove his family to airport to fly home and he stayed behind for business. His family was in the airplane that struck the first twin tower.

9-11-2001 is a day so tragic and truly unforgettable. Today I remember every rescuer who died in honor. I will keep in my thoughts every family that lives in grief over the loss of a loved one. I will remember, the last phone calls, the sad days that followed in our nation, and the many men and women that fight to keep our great country safe.

The Dentist

Kathy Says:
Kyle is not a big dentist fan. This started our dentist dates. We go ever 6 months for our cleanings together. And by going together, I could insure that he actual goes.

Let me be clear in saying that Kyle isn't afraid of the dentist, but has a strong dislike for going. He claims, it's mostly related to the cost he knows he is going to incur. Be it a needed filling or fluoride treatment, even with dental insurance it can get pricey.

Going by myself wasn't a big deal but just another thing that we usually do together that we wouldn't be doing together this year. The other day, Kyle called and told me he WENT TO DENTIST all by himself. WITHOUT his nagging wife dragging him. I was so proud. Who knew? Dental cleanings in Iraq?

Kyle adds two things:
1) I don't mind going to the dentist, and I think dental hygiene is a sound investment. Dental appointments simply weren't enforced or a priority B.K (before Kathy). Just one of the many ways Kathy helps me be a better person.

2) As I was driving to my dental cleaning, in my armored Humvee with my M-4 carbine (that's his gun) I thought, "these are certainly strange times." The cleaning was relaxing, the chair was comfy, there was music, hardly any sand in the clinic, and the place smelled good. I may try and go back again before I leave.

Pity Parties

Pity Parties are different for everyone. And who among us hasn't had one for themselves? My personal pity parties include one common factor-- Ice Cream. If I've had a day, its ice cream for dinner. I blame this vice on my mom 100%.

During my more awkward years, say age 13-17, I would come home from school all bent out of shape on a pretty regular basis, and my mom would take me for ice cream. I would spill my teenage drama over ice cream while my mom listened and gave guidance, or we would just sit in silence while the ice cream worked its magic--transforming me from unpleasant teenager to normal human being again:)

The medicinal effect of ice cream has unfortunately persisted into my adulthood. Even though I call it a vice, if I ever have an unpleasant teenage daughter I'll handle it the same way my mom did, all over ice cream.

With Kyle away from home I justify regular pity parties. Only now, I can't eat ice cream like I once did without the physical repercussion. Don't get me wrong, I can still eat my share of ice cream. So unless Kyle wants to return home to a 500 pound wife, I best find a better outlet for these little parities because I'm on the
fast track to becoming a major whooty...and not in the smokin' Kim Kardashian way either.

Squeak Squeak

Kyle is not cheap. I would not have married a cheap man. He is, however, fiscally responsible. He is constantly looking for the best deal, the most bang for his buck. Previous to his time in the sandbox this had little direct or immediate effect on me. I was proud of my hubby for planning well for our future. Because God knows I lack the fiscally responsible gene.

I am still sending him his financial magazines,so he can keep up with the latest. Which maybe I should stop doing...Because he reads these articles and it results in me doing the fiscally responsible leg work. UGH! Those little annoying time consuming tasks that he once did and now I appreciate that much more. Be it going to the bank to change our checking account to a "better deal" or calling the phone company to make a change to our plan...

Now, I understand they have these privacy policies in place for our safety blah blah blah...so I go into these places well armed with Kyle's orders, my power of attorney, our marriage license. You name it, I've got it. And yet, some of these costumer service dumb dumbs tell me they will need to speak with both me and my husband for authorization.

I have a new favorite phrase for them. "NO, I would not like to speak with another costumer service representative. Just get me whomever is in charge!!" They say the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Well, I have learned to squeak. Loudly.

RUN KYLE RUN

Pushing his physical limits once again, Kyle will be running in not one but two half-marathons this weekend. One on Saturday and one on Sunday. He says these organized runs are a good way to lift his spirits, to get his mind off what is going on around him. He also digs the race t-shirts...he's collected about a dozen in the last few months.

They start these runs at a ridiculously early hour of the day to avoid the heat. So even though it means getting up BEFORE the crack of dawn, Kyle continues to participate in as many of these runs as possible. And I continue to be his biggest cheerleader and proud wife, cheering for him from the distant sidelines here at home.

Kareful Kathy

Kyle and I both like a little adventure and trying things that some might describe as risky. But its all in fun. And although I do enjoy these things, I am a "Safety Sally," a "Kareful Kathy"about them. I like pushing the limits in the safest way possible. Kyle on the other hand needs regular reminders, from his "Kareful Kathy" that he is not invincible and needs to take the necessary precaution. For example, photographed here Kyle is 40 feet up on a concrete aircraft bunkers. There are no railings and he is not wearing a helmet. Just off camera is a 20ft wide crater in the side of the bunker where it was struck by an American missile, leaving some question over the stability
of the structure itself. You better believe this would not occur on my watch.

Aug. 19, 2009

A wave of bombs and violence occurred today in Baghdad.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8209608.stm

Kyle is ok.

Leave: Army lingo for VACA!

Looks like Kyle's leave will be in mid-October. Dates are not rock solid but he hopes to be home for our friends, Tony and Gillian's wedding. Leave is two weeks long and we have ALOT planned for that amount of time.

I added a new countdown to the approximate date he will be home:) 52 days and counting!! It can't get here fast enough.

The Shack

Kyle and I like to read very different kinds of books. I am more of a Nicholas Sparks, romantic novel, type reader and he is more of a heavy, non-fictional, nerdy, historical type reader. Needless to say we rarely share books.

It can be difficult when Kyle and I are living two very different day to day lives and experience very different things. I thought if Kyle and I were reading the same book at the same time it would be something (as small as it is) that we could share even with 6,375 miles between us (Yes, I looked up that little factoid).

The challenge was finding a book that we would both would like. I sent out an email to the family and The Shack seemed to overlap on several suggestion lists. A quick trip to the book store and then to the post office and off to reading.

The book was GREAT, I highly recommend it. Our experiment worked too. I sent Kyle an email asking what he thought of the book and if he was writing anything down as he was reading. His response:

"I finished the Shack. I didn't take any notes. I didn't know there was going to be a quiz later, but I did dog-ear some pages in case you tried to make me talk about my feelings."