Welcome Home Party

To help keep me sane during the past few months of patiently waiting for Mark to come home, I decided to plan a big homecoming party for him. I had special invitations printed up and made arrangements to have the party at the church in the cultural hall. Mark had missed bbq food so much while he was gone we had it catered by Famous Daves. My friend Jen Bishop made her awesome baked beans and I had one of our young women make these fantastic cupcakes for dessert. We had just over a hundred people come out - friends from Northern Virginia to Winchester. My friend Tammy Nixon made the gorgeous flower arrangements for me and helped me get everything set up. It was a lot of work but, I enjoyed doing it for Mark. Unfortunately we had so much fun visiting ... the camera got put down early on and we don't have many pictures from the great evening. Welcome Home Mark!

Daddy's Home Hooray & His New Sleigh!

Mark arrived home to the states and we were able to pick him up out in Winchester on Thursday, June 16th. Max and I were so excited to load up dad's new truck and take it for a drive! When we arrived at the hotel to pick him up we had very exciting news to tell dad! Not only were we driving his new truck, happy to see him ... but, there was a job offer in his email from the Air Force at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, NE! With a tentative job offer in hand, we also drove directly from Winchester down to Roanoke, VA for another job interview with VDOT on Friday the 17th! We were all so excited we could hardly contain ourselves. We also had a phone interview on Friday after his interview with VDOT for a job in Texas with Air Traffic Control. Three great job opportunities all within 48 hours of Mark landing on US soil. I know prayers are answered! So much hard work had gone in to applying for so many jobs (thanks to Grandpa Tippets) along with Mark's experience and so many people praying for us. We were truly seeing the blessings. After all the consideration and interviews, Mark accepted and finished doing all that he had to do for the job in Bellevue, Nebraska! Before we knew it, Mark had a start date of August 1, 2011! What a miracle!

Here is Mark and Max checking out the new truck! By the way .... mom did an AWESOME job finding and buying the DREAM truck for Mark! After nearly two years in Afghanistan ... this man deserves his a new truck! Welcome home honey!

We Are Off ...

Tomorrow Max & I are headed to Virginia to spend the next 12 days with Mark. This is sort of an unexpected trip so we are very excited. Mark has decided to extend his tour in Afghanistan for another 9 months. Because of the extension, Mark is required to complete another series of medical tests and doctor visits. So this trip will involve visiting several different doctors but, we are still happy for the visit. This extension will take us through mid-June of next year. We have many reasons for the extension but the biggest two are financial and no job state-side. We are still hopeful that a job will come to us and we continue to apply for jobs weekly for both Mark & I. In the meanwhile, we are grateful for the job Mark does have and will continue to pray for the employment blessing here in the states and for Mark's safety. We are also hoping to see Justin while we are in Virginia. He should be returning from Canada this week so hopefully we can visit with him later this week. Until we get back on the 27th ... enjoy your weeks!

Traveling Home ... R&R Time!

Today is Thursday May 13, 2010. This morning at 6:40 am Mark landed back in the United States at Dulles Airport having traveled for days from his base to Kandahar, to Dubai and then on to the States. My heart is so happy that he was able to all of this once again safely and without any travel problems with the airlines. He will spend the next few days in Virginia visiting Justin and friends then he will travel here on Sunday morning. Max and I have been counting down the days on our calendar until it is time to pick him up! We are so excited to have the next two weeks with him. Happy day for all of us! We love when daddy comes home!

Beauty in Afghanistan

Mark sent these pictures to me today. They were taken by a professional photographer in the City of Qalat. The first two are of the bluff and the third is taken of Alexander the Greats Fortress. To see these pictures it all looks so peaceful. The hard fact is ... spring has sprung in Afghanistan and with warm weather the bad guys are back out in full force. Please say a prayer for all civilians along with our armed forces who are there working diligently to try and help the innocent and make life better for them.

DEBT FREE!!!

Mark and I did accomplish something of great significance this week .... I sent one large but final payment on Mark's student loan! With this payment, we are now completely debt free! WOO HOO! It is a great feeling and better yet I know that "credit heaven" is going to be smiling down on us! Now we can start saving EVERYTHING for our future home once again! Congratulations Mark and THANK YOU for being so brave to go and work in Afghanistan to support us. I love you!

Headline For A Day ...

The Spectrum, St. George's Daily Newspaper published an article on our School Supplies Project yesterday morning. I made the front page with a follow-up on A3. Here is the link that will take you to the full article. There are two pictures but, with the link you only see the REALLY bad picture of me. Of course it was large and above the fold line on the paper. It was kind of weird to drive to the gym yesterday morning and see my picture in all my neighbors driveway! The important thing was the article and so far I have had quite a few responses by email and phone from people here in town wanting to help support our project. Mark and I posted the link on our Facebook pages and have had several responses from that. One manager with Rubbermaid is contacting their sister company to see if they would donate chalk, markers, etc. that they produce. Several others are contacting their childrens school to see if they can collect supplies and have more letters written to the kids or the soldiers. Either way, the word is spreading about the need and I am so happy to be part of something bigger than our own worries! One lady here in St. George offered to make a blog spot for the cause and another lady called me to say that every fall when school supplies go on sale, she buys $100 worth and would like to donate all the supplies she has on hand to us. Another contact of mom's (Grandma Tippets) has made 8 helmet liners and will be bringing them down to us on Tuesday from Cedar City.

There are a lot of wonderful people who are willing to help & support complete strangers. For this I am grateful simply because I truly want to help the children of Afghanistan who can not help themselves with these basics. Again, Mark and I are grateful to everyone who can help with either spreading the word, donating their time, money or start a drive in their local area. This is a great way to start off the year!

Christmas Wrap-Up

The holiday came and went so quick. Max and I had so much fun with Justin, Mark all our cousins, uncles, aunts and grandparents! While they were here we went swimming twice at the indoor pool here in Santa Clara, Justin & Mark went shooting with James, David and Grandpa Bridges, we went hiking in Snow Canyon twice, we drove to Pipe Springs, AZ to see a historic landmark (in the snow), we had endless bowling tournaments on Unlces James Wii, watched a great fireworks show on New Years Eve, ate lots of great meals together, decorated endless cookies, watched lots of football all while we laughed and told stories together. But the holiday soon came to an end and we had to take Justin and Mark back to the airport to catch their redeye flight back to Virginia. Before we dropped them off at the airport, we took some time to drive down the Las Vegas strip where Justin especially enjoyed seeing all the hotels, water fountains, lions, crazy people and drivers! The Luxor hotel is Justins favorite he thought it was sooo cool how it was black with the laser lights and single spot light going up in the sky. Someday we'll have to get a room there for him to stay in. Justin would think he had died and gone to heaven!

Mark and I went out to dinner on New Years Eve to celebrate our 7th Anniversary before he left. It was said that we had to be apart on the 3rd but, we were grateful for the time we did have together that night. It was to think about all the things we have done over the past 7 years and where we'll be in the next 7 years.

I'm still waiting to hear from Mark from Afghanistan. I certainly hope and pray that he is safe and that his flights are going ok. I can't wait to talk to him again!

Mark's Homecoming

Hooray! Mark finally made it home on December 22nd at 10:30 pm! What a crazy nightmare it was for him and for us! I was so happy when we found him in the airport. Mark's dad and brother drove down to the airport with Max and I to pick him up. Here are some pictures of his homecoming. Might I add the wind was blowing SOOO hard on the way down to Vegas and at the airport. It was a bit crazy to drive in but, as you see we made it!

My luck ... Part V

So today is our BIG DAY! Talked to Mark this morning and told him that I was finally able to get him a ride to the airport. Shuttles were booked up and friends were working, but thankfully he should be getting picked up here shortly. Hopefully he will arrive at the airport with hours to spare. I told him to go buy a good book!

In the meanwhile, I am trying to stay busy with more cooking and baking, laundry, reading books to Max, playing with our cousins and uncles across town.

Guess what I managed to do this morning? OK - I'll tell you. I washed my pants that had my cell phone in them! The only way I can communicate with others via long distance and of course with Mark! Ughh ... my luck has been so bad lately. Seriously, I need my phone! So I have been on the phone with Verizon trying to see what I can do. Currently, I have my phone and battery separated out and in a bag of white rice ... a suggestion from Verizon. Maybe that will help but, they need to dry out as long as possible before attempting to put them back together. What dumb luck!!!

So, I am praying that Mark gets out of Virginia tonight and lands safely and on-time in Las Vegas. I can't wait to give him a big hug and kiss! Neither can Max for the record!

Part IV...

So last night we were able to confirm Marks newest flight information. Tomorrow night 12/22 direct fight, changing airports now to Washington National Airport, changing airlines to US Airways, first class, arriving in Las Vegas at 10:38 pm. I'm going stir crazy waiting once again and upset that our days together is getting shorter and shorter. But, I have to have faith that he will get here safely which is really the most important thing.

Max and I have been able to spend some time with Mark's brother David and James and their families over at Grandpa & Grandma Bridges' house. Max absolutely loves his cousins and is excited to play with them.

I've been baking, cleaning and eating ... of course to pass the time. Hopefully I don't gain all the weight back that I have lost this past month. No gym time has also been hard - do I dare say, I miss the gym?

Part III ... I'm SOOO Sad ...

So Mark was able to spend yesterday with the LaPointes in McLean. They went sledding and I am so grateful that they were willing to trek out in the snow and pick him up. Mark called me last night once he was back to the hotel and was worried about how he would get to the airport this morning. Thankfully, the shuttle was up and running to get him there.

Once he was at the gate, apparently they cancelled his fight once again. Even though there is no snow coming down now. I just burst in to tears. I've been crying all morning. Things seem so unfair. The only thing that is keeping me going is at least he is not in harmsway, here in the states, warm and dry.

The current flight plan is for Tuesday evening to arrive on Wednesday morning. Justin is also suppose to fly in on Wednesday evening so we'll probably be making a couple of trips to Las Vegas on Wednesday.

Just when you think you have a plan ... but, hopefully they'll make it for Christmas.

Part II ... Journey Home & Santa

Marks flight was cancelled again today at 4:30 am this morning. I spent 2.5 hours on hold at 4:30 am waiting to speak with a United Airlines customer service representative to work on getting Mark a new flight. The NEW CURRENT plan is to have him fly out on 12/20 at 10:40 am through Charlotte, NC and in to Las Vegas to arrive around 3 pm. Please oh please let it stop snowing in Virginia!!!

To pass the time, I took Max over to the mall here in town. I think this was one of his first trips to the mall without a stroller (we sold it this summer at one of our garage sales). Anyway, of course he LOVED the freedom to go see everything, run, touch, play on all the "rides" they have in aisles for .50 cents. But, we did get to see Santa which I was trying to hold out until Mark and Justin got here but, I had to do something! I'm going nuts!! Then we headed over to Costco for lunch and to pick up a couple more things.

Max loved seeing Santa ... gave him high 5's and knuckle knocks ... Santa is soooo cool!

Short of the Long Trip Home...

Mark has been working on getting home to St. George from Afghanistan for almost a week now. Traveling within the country is difficult since you can not merely put your thumb out for the next taxi to pull up! Mark left his base by armored vehicle to travel to FOB Apache. From there he had to catch a helicopter ride to Kandahar. In Kandahar, he was met by a buddy whom he has met since being in country on base. He had to stay in Kandahar until he could get his plane ride to Dubai. He was scheduled to leave Kandahar on Wednesday, the 16th and would not be flying out of Dubai until the 18th around midnight.

When Mark was leaving the base in Kandahar, the guards reviewed his travel orders and said to him, since you do not have a Dubai Visa ... you will have to stay in the airport for two days until your flight is ready to go. Hmmm ... this would have been good to know ... since who likes to hang out in airports for 2 days??? But, Mark says, ok. I'll stay in the airport. I believe once Mark got to Dubai and entered the airport, you must go through airport security immediately vs. waiting until you go to the gate, like here in the states. So, traveling with just a backpack, Mark then lost his toothpaste, facewash, shampoo and razor ... hmmm thus begin the stink at the airport. Poor Mark is now sleeping on the airport benches talking to complete strangers (not one of his strong points) and waiting as patiently as he can for his 15 hour flight to leave. Finally the 18th comes and he checks in for his flight with his paperwork from the travel agency. The polite check-in desk attendant from United then informs Mark, "I'm sorry you are NOT on this flight!". Thus you can see where the panic / heart-attach begins! After HOURS of trying to call out from the airport and being unsuccessful ... Mark is back in line at the United desk and calmly requests .... HELP! Turns out the travel agency had put him on the same flight that left the night before (17th) which Mark was at the airport for and could have gotten on ... but, typed up his travel orders for the 18th! Talk about stress! All he was thinking was, I have not seen my family for 4 months and I could be stuck in this airport for 21 days until I have my travel orders to come back! Ughh. Thankfully, and seriously, I know the Lord was watching over him, the agent at United worked with him and was able to get him on the flight stand-by for which he had been waiting on. The flight was full... it was a miracle!

Mark arrives in Washington today, the 18th at 6:30 am. I got his call and helped him find his way to the shuttle that would then take him to the Marriott for the day / night. Thankfully, the Marriott let Mark check in early and finally, Mark has a bed, shower, shampoo, clean running water and all the comforts of American lifestyle.

Later this morning ... I got a call from United Airlines. Mark's flight for tomorrow that brings him from Dulles to Las Vegas is now cancelled due to the potential for 12" of snow! UGHHH! We can not get through to the customer service agents because United is ringing busy and busy, so I called Mark back and had him go back to the airport to stand in the reservation line. He is now booked on a 4 o'clock flight that goes through Chicago and should arrive in Vegas at 11:04 PM!

TO BE CONTINUED ...

School Supplies Arrived

This morning when I spoke to Mark, he was happy that he had received 4 packages in the mail today! Three of the boxes were the school supplies that I sent and the 4th package I had sent clear back on October 19th ... so I was so happy when everything arrived.

Mark is going to have one of the women on base speak with the Head Mistress at the school to speak to her about the supplies. Mark can NOT speak directly to her so, he is hoping that he will be able to go with them to deliver and get some pictures. I wish I could be there to see the kids faces!

Mark will be arriving in Las Vegas (if all goes well) on December 19th! He will start leaving to come home on the 16th but, it will take several days to make the commute. Justin will be joining us on the 23rd. I think I am starting the countdown already!

School Supplies for Afghanistan

Here are some of the pictures of the kids receiving supplies from Mark and or some of the men in on his base. So cute!

This is Shaw one of the interpreters holding a little girl with a new pair of shoes in hand.

Paper & Crayons ... the most basic!

These kids just received new shoes. Hard to see but some are giving a thumbs up!

Ring around the Rosie at the local girls school.

Since Mark has been in Afghanistan, I have been hearing about the children and the schools that he has been working on. In an effort to help the children and keep me busy, I have started collecting basic school supplies to send to Mark to distribute to the two local schools. The childrens schools are segregated and Mark has worked on each one. So far most of the supplies have been donated by us but, this past week while purchasing some of the supplies at a Dollar Tree, the lady behind me checking out asked me what I was doing. She then proceeded to hand me a $5 bill and said please put this towards the shipping. Another lady from our ward was also in the store and saw what I was doing. A few days later, she had gathered up several supplies of notebooks, pencils, pens and some candy and brought them by for me to send. This week I sent three boxes to Mark that include pens, pencils, pencil sharpeners, erasers, filler paper, large notebooks and some paper folders. As I get the word out about how easy it is to send the packages, I am hoping that others will catch the spirit of service and charity and help to donate items to the children who have so little. Another wife, of one of Mark's co-workers, send shoes over to the children. I am including some of the pictures that Mark sent out this week of the kids and of him. If anyone is interested in donating or sending letters to the military men and women, please let me know. They would be thrilled to get your kids letters or pictures.

Military Photo Humor

These pictures were sent to me recently and I thought they were pretty funny so I thought I would share them with you. I guess on occassion .... there is some down-time!

Mark's New Picture

Kind of hard to see ... this is the picture that Mark just posted on his facebook account. There are more trees in this picture than I had thought there was in all of Afghanistan.

We miss you Mark .... Christmas is not that far away!

PS - Mark writes a weekly update on his life in Afghanistan. If anyone reading this would like to read about his weekly tales, let me know and we'll get you on the email list!

Fun Pillow Case

Mark received his first package that I sent to him for his birthday today. We thought it could take 3 or 4 weeks for him to get any mail but, surprisingly he received a package in about a week and a half. Amongst some chocolate, peanut butter, microwave popcorn, cards, and broken cookies ... we did make this pillow case with fabric paints for Mark. We traced Maxs' hands on it, put a birthday message on it, a flag, and of course a prediction for the upcoming Bronco season of 16-0-0! Mark was happy to receive his package and told me this morning that he screwed his pillow case to the wall for some decoration in his room. Since sending his first package, I have since found out that the US Postal Service has a box that we can use for APO addresses - which will hold up to 20 lbs and only costs $11.95 to ship. We sent off a 2nd package this week and hopefully the first letter we sent will arrive shortly as well. We love you Mark and happy birthday a little early!

All About Mark

I am so proud of Mark! He is in his 4th week in country and is finally stationed at his job post. He is slowing adjusting to the country, the climate and working in an unfamiliar environment. I am so thankful that we can talk just about every morning and now that he is at his final job point, I can give him a call if I needed to. Our lives have turned up-side-down over the past 2 months but, we are so grateful for the job and this opportunity. He is working 7 days a week usually 10 to 12 hour days. Now that he is getting settled in he will be starting work on designing roads and over-seeing contractors. Since he has been in Afghanistan he has had one flight by plane and one by helicopter. He is getting to see a whole new part of the world first hand and is learning about a completely different culture! I am anxious to have him home for Thanksgiving and so I am counting down the weeks. Thankfully he will be able to come home every three months. Mark has already met so many people from different parts of the world and the US and the great thing is that he is making contacts for future work every day. I know the Lord is watching over Mark and each and every day Max says a prayer that his daddy will stay safe and protected. We miss you and we are so proud of you Mark!