tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37549665691173195232012-02-16T01:42:18.400-05:00Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.comBlogger651100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-83264242746797301272008-10-14T16:02:00.014-04:002008-10-14T20:25:37.962-04:00

Thanks to Keith (he drove an hour, one way, on his "lunch break") , my political groupie friend and I were able to get tickets to see Sarah Palin in Greenville at ECU's campus. When we drove up to the site, we were greeted by Obama supporters... The line snaked to and fro and took an hour and a half even though we were there early. I never did find out how long the last person to get in waited.

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-34571453350701382902008-10-01T18:43:00.005-04:002008-10-01T22:08:45.828-04:00

I don't think you need much explanation so I'm going to leave this as it is for now...

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-75135668360101745112008-10-01T18:42:00.001-04:002008-10-01T18:42:58.315-04:00

Letter from Michael:September 27, 2008I have been back at Kandahar Airfield (KAF) for about 2 ½ weeks now. Life here is bliss compared to what it was like at FOB Dwyer. We can shower whenever we like. We have plumbing. We can eat good food at the chow hall whenever we want. The soda is cold, as are our tents due to the air conditioning. We have next-day laundry service, gyms, a running

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-60985732580532618432008-09-10T21:29:00.003-04:002008-09-10T21:35:30.576-04:00

Here are some cute pictures of the kids sleeping and some more getting ready for soccer practice. I have some more pictures and videos from soccer that will be coming soon...

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-44164357208528290622008-09-10T18:45:00.010-04:002008-09-10T20:30:24.458-04:00

Last Saturday Tropical Storm Hanna (formerly Hurricane Hanna) came through and just happened to be at her strongest at the time we are usually out and about. Because I had no concept of how bad it would be I decided that we would just stay in our pajamas and hang out in the house for the morning. It became "backwards day". If you know me, it was a hard day for me because I really struggle with

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-45522868874202558452008-08-25T23:25:00.001-04:002008-08-25T23:27:21.252-04:00

Today Mikey started Kindergarten. We had a good time. It's really a tough task to prepare all the curriculum and balance all the kids and teach well, but it was really great. I just loved how we were all doing something together. I think the kids loved it. I can definitely see how homeschooling really has the potential to create an extremely close-knit family. I can also see how

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-79880597380708212062008-08-25T21:44:00.002-04:002008-08-25T21:53:07.619-04:00

Letter from Michael:August 25, 2008Here's a picture sent a couple of days ago with the guys having some nearing final days celebration with BBQ and flag football. This will probably be my last journal entry from FOB Dwyer, unless anything interesting happens within the next two weeks. We are inching closer to our departure date, and we are all looking forward to being back at KAF. Of course,

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-81374899108786769542008-08-20T21:21:00.000-04:002008-08-20T21:22:24.166-04:00

From Michael:August 17, 2008It has been nearly a full month since I last wrote. Not much has really happened in that month. Our convoys were struck by IEDs, resulting in some serious injuries, but thankfully, no deaths. By my count, we have had 4 IED strikes on our vehicles thus far, none resulting in fatalities. We have been either extremely good, or extremely lucky…probably a mix of both.

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-4114975877829447572008-08-10T20:05:00.007-04:002008-08-10T21:21:40.696-04:00

It's summertime and what would summer be without the pool and the beach.The kids took swimming lessons and that was fun, but too much for Mommy without Daddy. It was four days a week for two weeks straight. Translation, nothing but the pool for nearly two weeks. I like to get out more, sorry to those fish out there.Other than those two weeks, we've been heading to the pool and/or the beach at

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-57464786194804957272008-08-03T20:08:00.004-04:002008-08-03T21:02:46.588-04:00

A few weeks ago - I know, I'm way behind - I took the kids to get haircuts. This was Roman's first haircut so he got all his baby hair cut off. It's still hard to tell a color but the hair in the floor didn't look like his because it looked so brown. I should admit here as well that I got a little choked up picking up his baby hair. He's probably my last baby and it was a little sad for me.

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-81707168356220330942008-07-20T15:50:00.013-04:002008-07-20T16:17:00.980-04:00

We wanted to make sure we picked some blueberries before the season was over so here we are with our buckets. The blueberries were very yummy and very cheap. The only problem was that the Berry family didn't get enough blueberries because we kept eating them and spilling them. But, hey, it was fun nonetheless.To my surprise the kids did a great job at picking blueberries (besides eating and

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-26185754658089694972008-07-19T20:19:00.003-04:002008-07-20T15:46:08.758-04:00

From Michael: July 20, 2008 I had the opportunity to venture outside the wire yet again. I left on a Monday morning, with the understanding that I had a multi-purpose trip. I wasn’t sure how long I would be out, so I packed my large pack, which carries enough to allow me to stay out for several weeks. I suppose one of the benefits of hot weather is that you don’t have to pack as much, because

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-14400824867795063802008-07-17T22:57:00.002-04:002008-07-17T23:09:06.897-04:00

I'll be posting more about this soon with pictures, but I wanted to get it started so I don't get behind on it. So come back if you want to know more about our VBS week. It's been a hard week because we've had swim lessons every morning and VBS every night. We've been getting up to work out, swim, nap, VBS, late bedtime then repeating the cycle for the last week. I'm going a little crazy to

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-80998106723676741422008-07-12T00:05:00.003-04:002008-07-12T00:36:45.909-04:00

I still need to post about blueberry picking and haircuts, but I couldn't resist posting this clip of Roman. It is so funny to me!

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-55732815636904814592008-07-11T14:59:00.001-04:002008-07-11T14:59:52.205-04:00

From Michael:July 11, 2008Shakespeare famously wrote “the first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers.” I cannot tell you how many times non-lawyers have tried to use that one on me. At first I would laugh it off as amusing, but over time, it has begun to grate on my nerves; the primary reason being that most people are totally unaware of the context of that phrase. It comes from “King Henry

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-50699698950610129892008-07-09T20:57:00.013-04:002008-07-09T23:17:53.663-04:00

Grandma and Grandpa came to visit for Sami's birthday. It was great because it gave me a extra pairs of hands (especially in helping to prepare for the party) and the kids loved having them here. Here's the whole trip in pictures (it was pretty much all about Sami's birthday): Sami posing in front of her presentsMikey helping Sami open presentsReading one of Sami's presents (if you haven't

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-61015484328241233192008-07-08T19:59:00.001-04:002008-07-08T19:59:43.271-04:00

From Michael:July 8, 2008In the military, we love acronyms. In fact, we use so many three-letter acronyms that we even have a three-letter acronym for “three-letter acronym”; TLA. We also like nicknames and callsigns. Nicknames are common anytime you get a large group of males forced together under challenging circumstances. For those of you who have played team sports, you understand this

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-27906257860782779222008-07-06T17:02:00.003-04:002008-07-06T17:10:06.865-04:00

Michael celebrating Independence Day:Do you think the food is worth the added heat?Michael's gym:Do you think the "shade" works to keep it cool?Michael's watch with thermometer: Pretty early to be that hot! 30 minutes time, 10 degrees!

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-8890636639780652462008-07-05T14:57:00.005-04:002008-07-05T15:17:19.805-04:00

It's been more than a week since my last post. I'll be honest, I haven't wanted to post out of personal discouragement and exhaustion. My parents came in for Sami's birthday (soon I'll post pictures for that) and that was great, but when they left I was exhausted and tired and Michael and I were in a fight. Michael didn't expect us to fight while he was gone, but I knew it would happen sooner

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-55723451078449902232008-07-05T14:49:00.002-04:002008-07-05T14:56:39.476-04:00

From Michael: A recent excerpt from a personal note to me describing his living environment:My shower consists of 2 water bottles dumped over my head. My toilet is an oil drum cut in half with a wooden outhouse over the top of it. When I brush my teeth, I spit onto a pile of rocks on the ground. We do laundry with buckets of dirty water and no detergent. July 4, 2008Yesterday was the 232

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-39794037292940232462008-06-25T16:16:00.002-04:002008-06-25T16:18:36.288-04:00

From Michael:June 25, 2008I wrote the attached article [see below] and submitted it to the magazine, Marine Corps Gazette, in the hopes that it will be published. I am sending it to all of you to read as well, because I think America needs to know about just how bad this decision was.Of Writs, Rights and Wrongs...The Supreme Court Leaves More Questions Than Answers.by Captain Michael Berry,

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-69513750485239543982008-06-19T14:42:00.001-04:002008-06-19T14:42:40.990-04:00

Letter from Michael:June 19, 2008I recently returned to FOB Dwyer from Kandahar Airfield, affectionately known as “KAF”. I had the good fortune of going back to take care of various errands that needed my attention. I was able to spend about 2 ½ days at KAF in what turned out to be a nice little R&R trip. Most importantly, I was able to take back some items that I had packed that I don’t

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-40148031042050651982008-06-18T22:32:00.018-04:002008-06-20T23:10:20.237-04:00

We visited the air show a couple of weekends ago. I went on Friday night for the deployed families event and the kids participated in some singing, flag waving, and crafts. It felt like a sauna in the hangar so you'll see some sweat dripping as well... Notice the craft is pinned to Sami's shirt here. She colored and made a stamp that said "Dad - I [heart] you!" Mikey made one too. It said

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-10692569638399066062008-06-13T20:42:00.001-04:002008-06-14T20:55:52.974-04:00

From Michael:June 13, 2008I was “all kitted up” as we say. I had on my body armor, helmet, weapon, and my large pack. I was literally walking out to the flight line, where a military transport helicopter was waiting to take me back to Kandahar , back to civilization. Kandahar , while only a one-hour helicopter ride away, is a world away. They have air conditioning, running water, electricity,

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-70079148078453465902008-06-08T14:39:00.002-04:002008-06-14T20:53:18.208-04:00

Note from Michael:June 8, 2008I went outside the wire again yesterday to conduct an investigation. It is amazing how much the town has changed in the short time since I was there last. The first thing I noticed is that there were people, lots of people. We had been receiving reports that the townspeople felt safe enough (courtesy of the U.S. Marine Corps) to return to their homes. I was able to

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-59319809230395735642008-06-06T22:14:00.008-04:002008-06-07T09:53:57.008-04:00

I thought I'd post some random pictures of regular weekly activities:Roman decided that Mikey needed helping riding his bike so he started pushing. Here's us at our regular Friday morning storytime. We rarely miss a storytime at the New Bern Library. It's the most amazing storytime ever - and I've been to lots and lots of storytimes. Pictured here are our some of our best friends from left to

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-57561895182492562382008-06-06T21:53:00.007-04:002008-06-06T22:11:15.934-04:00

Roman is getting so big. I can sense that my life is going to be less involved in the basics of life (feeding, pottying, etc) and more about more involved learning very soon. He actually sat at the table the other night at a friend's house like a big boy: Sometimes it gets frustrating having to do so many tasks that we take for granted. For example, I'm so tired of being involved in others

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-21272903596423104652008-06-06T21:40:00.006-04:002008-06-06T21:52:40.972-04:00

Yesterday we went to the nursing home again and Sami is finally coming out of her shell! It's exciting to see her find excitement in serving (although I don't think she realizes she's serving). She started hugging people and saying "hi" and discovered how happy it made the people as well as me. The kids are becoming a little band now. We actually may hold a practice this week. I'm planning on

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-32500446558282553982008-06-05T15:01:00.001-04:002008-06-05T15:01:50.597-04:00

Note from Michael:5 June 2008I’m sorry that I haven’t written in a while. It has slowed quite a bit around here. That is good news as far as the combat thing goes. It means we are in a transition period from fighting to what can best be described as stability operations and reconstruction of the local village. I was told today that I will be playing a role in the reconstruction efforts. They

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-29883120397940556872008-06-03T21:10:00.005-04:002008-06-05T20:09:51.107-04:00

"Eight Down, an eternity to go! I love you and miss you. Five thousand miles can't keep us apart forever! -Love, Michael"Those were the words on the card on my roses today. It was so nice to get them. Normally I wouldn't have been home to receive them so I was so happy that I was home at that time today. They were a nice surprise and made me happy to think my husband cares enough to order roses

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-79071074861288754942008-05-29T20:43:00.000-04:002008-05-29T20:44:25.155-04:00

Today we went to the nursing home and soccer practice again. At the nursing home we encourage them to hug the older people and sing songs and recite things they know. Mikey is overall pretty good at it, but he can be annoyingly clingy. But he's exceptional when he wants to be. Sami however, she doesn't do a thing. She's basically just there. She gives people snacks but she only does that

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-66948121624069231092008-05-27T21:52:00.013-04:002008-05-27T23:23:55.180-04:00

When Michael's away I dread holidays, especially the patriotic ones. I don't want to be the person whose imposing myself onto another family but I find myself in pity parties as I sit on my front porch by myself with the kids while every house around me is having a cookout with cars parked down the street. I hate being pathetic. And, it doesn't help when during the patriotic church service I find

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-38847447874124322382008-05-24T20:51:00.010-04:002008-05-24T23:00:45.501-04:00

Earlier this week we went on a trip to Bald Head Island to visit with the Wolock's while they stayed at the Hartshorn's (thank God for such wonderful friends!). It was a wonderful and beautiful getaway. I fell in love with the idea of having a house to take myself out of my current reality. Of course I didn't forget that Michael was in Afghanistan and that two more Marines there died the same

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-35176081962623529002008-05-23T20:00:00.001-04:002008-05-23T20:01:50.881-04:00

Letter from MichaelMay 23, 2008It has been pretty quiet around here as of late. It seems like more an more personnel are moving into our FOB. Real estate is becoming more scarce, and we are having to move our stuff around. My berthing area is right smack dab in the middle of the FOB. I am right next to the chow tent, which makes that part of my life a bit easier. The hardest part about life

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-20308329375149041382008-05-18T22:12:00.002-04:002008-05-18T22:17:10.775-04:00

Today was the Cubbies Award Service at church. Mikey received an award for completing a whole book of scripture memorization. He has memorized more verses than I have in my lifetime - at age 4! During the awards presentation the Cubbies all sang the Cubbies song and Mikey sucked his thumb the whole way through - except for the part he was supposed to hop. Then, he would let his thumb linger in

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-45088764177252783872008-05-18T22:07:00.001-04:002008-05-18T22:12:25.500-04:00

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-53022574350243037302008-05-18T22:03:00.000-04:002008-05-18T22:04:38.473-04:00

Letter from Michael:May 16, 2008I had the opportunity to go outside the wire again the other day. This time, I was blessed with the good fortune of spending the night. I had to go to where one of our platoons is located to do some “lawyer stuff” as the grunts like to call it. We had detained some individuals and they were probably bad guys. My mission was to make sure that all of the evidence

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-61364478957444505032008-05-16T00:02:00.003-04:002008-05-16T00:07:51.907-04:00

I just wanted to post this fun...

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-8675353408673757262008-05-15T23:33:00.002-04:002008-05-15T23:43:10.898-04:00

We just returned this week back from our month long adventure in Texas. The kids and I traveled with the three dogs all the way to Jackson, MS by ourselves. I actually feel quite proud of myself for that feat. We actually had a very good time. We made each stop fun and exciting. Even an ordinary gas station was fun because we all went to the field behind it and ran around. I actually felt

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-16384073049793602172008-05-15T21:07:00.004-04:002008-05-15T23:32:28.560-04:00

During our trip to Texas the kids discovered Daddy Long Legs. It became a ritual for Dad and me when we returned home. Before bed we would take the kids to the front porch to see the spiders. Kelle

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-46407467893994834372008-05-15T21:06:00.000-04:002008-05-15T21:07:03.532-04:00

Letter from Michael:May 13, 2008A couple of days ago, I was having a pretty bad day. Many of my friends and family have told me that my e-mails and journal entries have had a positive tone of optimism. That always makes me wonder if I am being honest with myself. Whenever I journal, I try to just let my thoughts flow in a steady stream of consciousness. The truth, whatever that happens to be,

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-7196288024273860212008-05-15T21:05:00.000-04:002008-05-15T21:06:06.799-04:00

Letter from Michael:May 9, 2008Yesterday, for the first time in my life, and after 6 years of military service, I had the opportunity of traveling “outside the wire”. “Outside the wire” is military speak for venturing away from the relatively safe and [less-relatively] friendly confines of our Forward Operating Base (FOB). Every grunt worth his salt yearns, even lusts for the chance to go

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-21264406054064136892008-05-15T20:53:00.006-04:002008-05-24T23:14:40.124-04:00

This evening we had our first soccer practice. They would have made Michael proud. Mikey did great. I could tell all the skills Daddy had already taught him. The coach asked me how old he was as if he was a bit impressed. Kudos to Daddy. [Update: the coach commented Mikey handles the ball really well too!] I was especially impressed at the end when the coach let the siblings participate and Sami

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-62649718870530984612008-04-30T09:21:00.001-04:002008-04-30T09:21:45.343-04:00

From Michael:30 April 2008By now, the entire world is aware that we have commenced our operation in Helmand province in southern Afghanistan . I was fortunate to spend some of the operation in our Combat Operations Center (COC). The COC is the nerve center of Marine Corps combat operations. Everything that is happening on the battlefield is being broadcasted and relayed into the COC via

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-50528407187795012902008-04-29T11:53:00.001-04:002008-04-29T11:54:52.261-04:00

I want to invite anyone that can to pray for one of my closest friends. She and her husband (Bri and Jeff) had been trying for 4 years to get pregnant. I was able to be with her for a sonogram and we were able to see the baby and everything looked great (and we suspected a little boy). She was relieved that everything looked to be normal and progressing well. However, she went to a sonogram

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-25717189764222326892008-04-27T22:31:00.002-04:002008-04-28T01:16:00.742-04:00

First of all, thank you to everyone who has commented on my "Wal-mart Blog Post". It was great to read everyone's comments. You really made me think about this and determine what really bothered me about the whole situation. Some of you commented that the lady was just following the rules. Some of you commented that she was crazy and should have just let me in. Others thought of some ideas

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-45768810455331096202008-04-27T22:04:00.003-04:002008-04-27T22:21:02.752-04:00

From Michael:27Apr08We have been taken over by reporters. Our mission is apparently very high profile. We have MSNBC, Fox News, and a British newspaper here. Everyone seems to hate the media. I think that is a mistake. You create friction with them, and there is an air of distrust. I think we should develop a rapport with them, and allow them to see the human side of us. We may be Marines,

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-13099352102616692942008-04-27T22:02:00.001-04:002008-04-27T22:04:10.588-04:00

From Michael:26April08We left our base several days ago. The flight was approximately 1 hour to our location. The landscape was as barren as a lunar landscape. As I peered out of the back of the helicopter, all I could see was a sea of dirty sand, periodically interrupted with dots of green, like freckles. I was very close to becoming air sick. You see, the military didn’t exactly have

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-48241129941065821422008-04-27T21:59:00.002-04:002008-04-27T22:02:35.530-04:00

From Michael:21April08We received our Afghan interpreters last week. They are living with us now, eating with us, bathing with us. They are Afghans who have come back to help fight the Taliban in their own way. I met one while huddled in our bomb shelter after a rocket attack. His name is M.. and he is from Kabul . He lived in Amsterdam for 9 years. In my opinion, anyone who lived in

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-16052459592406613022008-04-23T21:05:00.004-04:002008-04-23T22:10:39.224-04:00

Please read on, I would like your opinion...The other day, I was at Wal-mart doing a grocery run. Of course, I was on my own with all three of my small children (meaning that it was not a simple task). I really dislike the big carts because they're like navigating semi trucks and they cause more problems between the kids than they are worth. Not to mention, it's rare to find that all the buckles

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-43132332981545236032008-04-18T00:29:00.003-04:002008-04-23T20:58:34.476-04:00

I just read in David Wood's blog (see the embedded journalist blog link to the right) about two Marine's with Michael dying this week. It was an IED. David writes much about how they learn to detect and avoid those because they are the largest threat. But, unfortunately, these two Marine's were killed by an IED.Of course, quickly, I wondered to myself about the likelihood of my husband being in

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-19237896749529484912008-04-17T15:13:00.003-04:002008-04-18T00:44:45.205-04:00

I'm having a great time at the Heartbeat Conference. It's really been a vacation. I'm feeling inspired and motivated. I can't wait to tell all and post more! Pictures to come too...

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-47627018939595027372008-04-17T15:11:00.002-04:002008-04-23T21:03:40.396-04:00

15 April 2008Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with like officers to organize. When you have 40 nations, each with their own histories, their own laws, their own prejudices and attitudes towards warfare, it can be a daunting task to come up with a framework for conducting military operations. Then add to that the fact that we are trying to do this whole thing with honor and integrity,

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-47451079292371237122008-04-06T15:17:00.003-04:002008-04-06T15:57:19.684-04:00

I have a couple overwhelming fears looming inside of me on a regular basis. One in particular continues to perculate deep inside me. I thought it would help me solidify my thoughts on overcoming my everpresent concerns if I articulate my encouragement here. My main giant of a concern is the looming possibility of national leadership promoting universal healthcare, higher taxes, pulling out of

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-63794935974504157482008-04-06T14:17:00.002-04:002008-04-23T21:04:59.411-04:00

Letter from M:Sunday, April 6, 2008One of the things about setting up camp right next to an airfield, a military airfield no less, is that there is a constant – and I do mean constant as in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – roar of helicopters, cargo planes, and jet fighters taking off and landing. Off in the distance, we can hear automatic machine gun fire. Who knows if it is merely a group of

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-16559465438775289372008-04-04T15:34:00.008-04:002008-04-04T19:47:38.434-04:00

Pictures of true sibling rivalry. Yes, it looks as though Sami pushes Roman through, and honestly, that's probably what happened. But then, note the second picture. If you'll notice to the left in the picture are the tips of Sami's hands and feet clinging to the top of the cushion. BTW - She's screaming for help while I take the picture (also while laughing of course)!

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-13635235158616892832008-04-04T15:23:00.004-04:002008-04-04T15:34:23.412-04:00

I just wanted everyone to get to see how cute my family is when they're having fun. I wanted to say musical, but that would be pretty much incorrect. If you could hear this picture you would probably cover your ears. There were four different beats to four different songs. But of course, as the mother, I thought it was beautiful music!

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-264449094246772402008-04-02T20:45:00.004-04:002008-04-02T20:48:12.507-04:00

Tonight, during our scripture time, Sami told me that Jesus died on the cross and got lots of boo boos. I told her she was right, but I still couldn't help giggling...

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-11221369435594162912008-04-02T20:35:00.003-04:002008-04-02T20:44:42.531-04:00

Michael sent a couple of pictures for his birthday. It's nice to have a visual of where he lives.The first picture is just of him and his surroundings - dirt. Michael says he's growing a mustache because locals believe that if you don't have facial hair you're either a woman or you're homosexual. I find this humorous because he hates his mustache. At home, he never misses a day of shaving his

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-54374667713827087002008-04-01T23:15:00.003-04:002008-04-01T23:31:19.482-04:00

The last couple of days I have read a couple of scriptures that I really want to type out so that I am more likely to solidify them in my heart and actions.The first is regarding the children:As for you, my son [or daughter] Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-79054746012394297642008-04-01T23:08:00.003-04:002008-04-01T23:12:04.228-04:00

Today is Michael's birthday. For his birthday he made a call to us. The last time I spoke with him was Easter. I'm conflicted on my feelings toward my infrequent conversations with him. Of course, I love hearing his voice and he says the same. It's also important for the kids to hear his voice. The kids faces all lit up when they heard his voice. Plus, he was able to hear the beautiful

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-73066876349125854972008-03-24T21:10:00.005-04:002008-03-24T21:36:29.720-04:00

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. -- 1 Cor 10:31Exhibit God’s purpose in our lives to others regarding life, country, and behavior through living out our family’s core values. Core ValuesWe believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God.We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father,

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-43863489751536038332008-03-24T20:53:00.002-04:002008-03-24T21:09:57.512-04:00

Michael,A long time ago, I began to wonder if God wanted me single so I could focus on pregnancy centers and His work there. During that time, as a friend, you supported me and cared about my passion - a best friend. Then I followed my heart's desire thinking God's plan was to get exactly what I wanted. I remember very specifically you supporting me even though my pride was swollen. When I lost

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-40548970213668501942008-03-24T20:52:00.000-04:002008-03-24T20:53:37.112-04:00

I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me.Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.--Psalm 119:19,54Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3754966569117319523.post-50530696645318367202008-03-24T20:20:00.003-04:002008-03-24T20:52:11.836-04:00

The hubby has now been gone a week. The first week has had its ups and downs. I'm less emotional now because I'm getting used to his absence. The first day was rough because I was used to a routine that he would be home at some point in the day and every time I realized he was not coming home I'd get teary. But now I'm used to the fact that he's not going to be home today. Now I'm getting

Kellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05564317689704295636noreply@blogger.com0