All Military Please Read!!!

My mom read this article in our local newspaper. Please read it. Scroll down until you see an article about the Red Cross.

http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007705300305

Update from Iraq

Sheldon finally got to call me today. I have not heard from him since last Thursday. The generators that control the Internet and phones went out. They just got it fixed today. When he was in line to use the phone, the power went off again. He went to somewhere and made a morale call. We only got to talk for 15 minutes, but I was so grateful just to hear his voice.
He is doing good. It has been 100+ degrees everyday, but he is getting use to it. Please continue to pray for him and all the other soldiers and their families.

Popcorn's New Friend

I want to introduce everyone to Popcorn's new friend, Butter.

Popcorn's Escape

Today I woke up with an eye infection. It is not pink eye, but that is what it feels like. My eye doctor called in some medicine to the pharmacy. I had to take Popcorn with me to pick it up because there were some people here working in the house. Well, usually in the car if I tell him "No", he will stay. Today, he jumped out of the car at walgreens. Luckily, there was no traffic in the parking lot. It took me awhile to get him back in the car.
I went to the doctor to get blood drawn for the Triple Screen test. They will probably tell me the results on June 12.
Sheldon sent me a text message and he is okay. They are in a communication blackout, so everything is shut down. Hopefully, it will be back up soon.

Happy Memorial Day

I hope that everyone had a good Memorial Day. My mom, dad, and I went to Memphis for the day. We went to the mall and out to eat. It was fun to get out of the house for awhile.
Tomorrow I have to go to the doctor to get blood drawn. They are testing me to see about the baby having complications. Hopefully everything will come back clear. I have been doing good, except for my back. It has started to hurt all the time. I wish it would get better.

Support the Troops

You stay up for 16 hours

He stays up for days on end.
________________________________________

You take a warm shower to help you wake up.

He goes days or weeks without running water.
____________________________________________________

You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.

He gets shot at as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
____________________________________________________

You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go meet up with your friends.

He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
____________________________________________________

You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.

He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
____________________________________________________

You talk trash about your "buddies" that aren't with you.

He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
____________________________________________________

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.

He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
____________________________________________________

You complain about how hot it is.

He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
____________________________________________________

You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.

He doesn't get to eat today.
____________________________________________________

Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.

He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.
____________________________________________________

You go to the mall and get your hair redone.

He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
____________________________________________________

You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.

He's told he will be held over an extra 2 months.
____________________________________________________

You call your girlfriend and set a date for tonight.

He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.
____________________________________________________

You hug and kiss your girlfriend, like you do everyday.

He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.
____________________________________________________

You roll your eyes as a baby cries.

He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.
____________________________________________________

You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.

He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.
____________________________________________________

You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.

He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.
____________________________________________________

You see only what the media wants you to see.

He sees the broken bodies lying around him.
____________________________________________________

You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.

He does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.
____________________________________________________

You stay at home and watch TV.

He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.
____________________________________________________

You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.

He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopters all night long.

Thankful

Today I went to church. Every week, they have been asking for Sheldon's address. Today I was able to take it to them. They are collecting stuff to send boxes to Sheldon for him to pass out to his unit. I think that this is so great and I am thankful to be at such a loving church.
After church, my mom and I went to see Georgia Rule. It was an okay movie. I thought it would be more of a comedy, but it wasn't. I do not think I will ever watch it again.

Doctor's Appointment

Today I went to the doctor for the first time in TN. I just met with the OB nurse. She filled out paperwork with me, assigned me to a doctor, and we listened to the heartbeat. She said the heartbeat was betwen 130-150 beats per minute. I go back to the doctor on June 12 to see the doctor.
When I got home, I looked online to see if I could figure out what the baby's sex is based on the heartbeat. It said that 140 beats per minute and under is a boy and 140 beats per minute and higher is a girl. So, I still know nothing. This baby wants to be a surprise!

Almost 19 weeks or Almost 20 weeks

Well, here is a picture of my growing belly. One doctor told me that I was a week ahead of what we originally thought. So, I am either almost 19 weeks or almost 20 weeks. Anyways, maybe the doctor today will be able to tell me for certain.

Sheldon's Address

Hey! I have Sheldon's address. I do not want to post it on here. If you want it, send me an email and I will be glad to give it to you. My email is
jeo9332@yahoo.com

Thanks!

Not so poor Popcorn...

Popcorn is doing alot better. He does not even act like he has had surgery. He is not supposed to run or jump, but I cannot keep him from it. He is bouncing all around everywhere.
When he is not jumping around, this is what he likes to do.

In Iraq...

Sheldon just called and he is doing good. He is 9 hours ahead instead of 8. Everyone made it up there safe and is just trying to get settled in. Their tent is close to the PX, chow hall, phones, and showers. That is good that he will not have to walk so far to get everywhere. I know he will be glad of that.

Moving

Sheldon is doing good. He is tired from all the work they have been doing. They are moving up north tomorrow. He is so tired of living out of a bag. He is ready to go and get his things set up.
He bought an American flag to fly on his helicopter across the border. I bet that will look cool. I will post pictures when I get some.
Please continue to pray for Sheldon and all the other soldiers.

Poor Popcorn

Popcorn has just been lifeless since I brought him home. This is a big change from yesterday when he was driving me crazy hopping around everywhere. I hope he feels better soon.

Popcorn's Surgery

I just got home from picking Popcorn up from his surgery. He did really good. He is not supposed to run or jump for 2 weeks. That will be kind of hard since he is really active. I will just have to try hard.

Good News

Sheldon is doing good. He will not be going into Iraq until later in the week because of all the dust storms that they have been having. I am glad of that. He should still get the Internet next Thursday or Friday. Be sure that you are sending those emails!
s_hoesli@yahoo.com
Popcorn goes to get fixed tomorrow. He also has a hernia that they are going to fix. So, he might not feel good for the next few days. Hope everyone is doing well.

School Days...

Today I applied to the Master of Arts in Education at Union University. All they are waiting on is my transcripts from Austin Peay and I will start classes. Sheldon and I decided that I needed to do this while he is gone. The classes are all at night, so my mom or aunt can baby-sit. It should take me 1 1/2 years or less, so that will be good. I am doing the program that adds endorsements to my existing license as well as a Master's degree. I am probably going to do 2 endorsements. One will be a reading specialist and the other early childhood. I am really excited and ready to start.
Popcorn and I went to the park today. We had a fun time. He had a blast chasing the birds and running around.
Tonight we are going to Memphis for the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. My sister's brother-in-law has entered and we are going to eat some of his BBQ. Hopefully he will win. Good Luck Wally!!!

5 Months

Today is mine and Sheldon's 5 month wedding anniversary. :) Today I have been trying to find a Master's program that will work with my schedule. I think I might have found one, but I am going to check out 1 more program tomorrow. I did not hear from Sheldon today, but I am sure he is doing good. Tonight, my mom and I are going to a jewelry party. That should be fun. :)

Sheldon Update

Sheldon called this morning and he is doing good. They are getting things together to move into Iraq. I should know his address next week. Also, he will have internet next week. I know he would love to hear from everyone. His email is s_hoesli@yahoo.com


Also, I have been working with an organization called Freedom Calls. They link up families for special events while the soldier is overseas. We are hoping that they will link Sheldon and I for the birth of the baby. Please pray that everything works out.
Here is the web address for Freedom Calls.

http://www.freedomcalls.org/press.html

Popcorn's New Friend

Popcorn went today to get a major haircut. He looks so cute. I will post pictures soon. Then, we went to my good friend Kasey's house. Kasey has a cocker spaniel who is a lot bigger than Popcorn. It was funny watching them try to play together. Popcorn would bark at her and then run and hide under the coffee table. He is such a scaredy cat. We are going to have another play date sometime, so we will see how that goes.

A Nice Surprise

Sheldon has been calling me every other day. He called yesterday for Mother's Day and I figured that he would not call until Tuesday. This afternoon he called again. I was so happy. He just got done flying and had some down time. They are getting ready to move to Iraq. We thought they would be in tents for the entire 1 1/2 years. Today, they found out that they would be in tents for a few months, but they would get trailers. He was really happy about that.Other than the heat, he is doing good. Just keep him and every soldier in your prayers.

Mother's Day

Well, since I am almost a mother, today was my first Mother's Day. My dad gave my mom a manicure and pedicure and she took me with her. We went on Saturday. It was so fun.

The best present of all was that Sheldon called on our way to church. We got talk for 45 minutes. He is doing good. He did not sound nearly as tired as before. He is getting used to the time change and the weather. He is probably coming home in November for 2 weeks. YAY!!! He will miss the baby's birth, but at least he will still see it as a newborn. Popcorn and I are so excited!

My aunt had the prettiest yellow ribbon made for me to put out for Sheldon. Here are some pictures.

Sheldon update

Sheldon called yesterday. He is doing good, but he is just so worn out. They got up at 4am yesterday to start work. He said that it was 117 degrees at 11am. I cannot even imagine it getting that hot. He is having a hard time getting adjusted to the time change and the heat. Please continue to keep him in your prayers.

Popcorn's Depression

Ok, this might sound crazy.... I think Popcorn is depressed. He follows me around and whines when he cannot see me. I think that the move and Sheldon being gone has traumatized him.

He loves to play with my dad. He plays rough like Sheldon and I know that Popcorn likes that.

Popcorn has been trying to be potty trained in TN. He is doing good. He likes to play in the woods beside our house. Last night, I gave him a bath and found a tick on his head. After his bath, my mom was holding him in the towel and he was whining really bad. When I got him, he immediately quit. Hopefully he will get used to things soon.

Here is Popcorn and his daddy the day before he left.

Free Stuff

Here are some web addresses that will send free stuff to your soldier. Sheldon's cousin, Megan, sent it to me and I wanted to pass it along. Thanks Megan!!!


http://www.operationhomelink.org/ - Free computers for spouses or parents of deployed soldier in ranks E1 - E5.

https://store.primediamags.com/soldier2/service_member_pg.html - Free magazines, up to 3 choices, for the deployed.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/2/prweb106818.htm - free mail/gifts sent to children of deployed soldiers.

https://www.operationuplink.org/ - Free phone cards.

http://www.operationshoebox.com/ - free shoebox care package.

http://www.treatthetroops.org/ - free cookies.

http://bluestarmoms.org/airfare.html - lowest airfare available.

http://bluestarmoms.org/care.html - free care packages.

http://66.241.249.83/ - free air conditioners/heaters.

http://www.heromiles.org/ - free air travel for Emergency Leave, and for the family members of injured soldiers to travel to Medical facility.

http://www.bluestarmothers.org/airlinespecials.php - Airline discounts for R & R.

http://www.booksforsoldiers.com/forum/index.php - free books, DVD's, CD's.

http://www.militarymoms.net/sot.html - free care packages (your family member signs up to have sent to you).

http://operationmilitarypride.org/smsignup.html - free care packages.

http://www.soldiersangels.org/heroes/submit_a_soldier.php - get adopted to receive stuff.

https://www.treatsfortroops.com/registration/index.php - free gifts and care packages.

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Nov2004/n11232004_2004112312.html - free shipping/packing materials for shipping to troop

To a soldier far from home........a box or a letter from home means so much. It may be hard to understand how much a postcard or letter means unless it is you who is sick for home and doesn't get any. Any soldier past or present knows the importance of "mail" when they have been stationed far from home or deployed far from home. It's easy to support our troops........put pen to paper and stick a stamp on it. Show your support.

Sheldon is Safe

Sheldon called me at about 8:00pm yesterday. I was 4:00am where he was. He said that they had recently arrived and everyone was safe. His phone card only would let him talk 9 minutes, so that stunk. He said that he was going to stay up for the rest of the day so he would sleep that night. He said that he would call me before he went to bed. He called me at 2:30am, so it was 10:30am where he is. He was really tired and getting ready to go to sleep. He is in a tent that holds 70 people. At least it is air-conditioned. It was 108 degrees there today. I cannot even imagine being somewhere it gets that hot.

Popcorn and I had a good day. We went to the car wash, Petco, Target, and Hobby Lobby. We had fun. Popcorn is starting to lose his teeth. He has lost 2 on top and 2 on bottom. Here is a picture of them we took before Sheldon left.

Back in TN

Popcorn and I are back in TN. We left yesterday right after Sheldon. I was so sad to see him go, but at least after this deployment he will be finished with the army. Here are some pictures.

Doctor Visit

Today, I had to go and have an ultrasound of my gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. hopefully everything will turn out okay. We are just waiting for the results. I probably will not get them until I am in TN. We are still packing and getting ready for the move/deployment. Please continue to pray for us.

Sheldon's Deployment

Sheldon is leaving May 7 for Iraq. My mom and dad are coming into town on Friday. They will be here until Sheldon leaves. When he leaves, my dad will fly back to TN. My mom is going to ride with me and Popcorn. We are almost finished packing up the apartment. We just have to move the washer, dryer, TV, and a few boxes to storage. Sheldon is trying to finish all his packing. Please continue to pray for our family and for Sheldon while he is in Iraq. It is going to be a long and hard 18 months.

Baby M

Today we went to the OB Gyn. I have had a rash and they think that my liver is messed up. They have drawn blood and are running tests. We are also going on Thursday to have an ultrasound of my gallbladder. Other than that things are going good. Baby M is growing alot. They are not supposed to do an ultrasound, but since Sheldon is leaving they did. We were so happy and excited to see the baby before Sheldon left.