Last few days of 2009!

Well- I made it through this past week at work and I'm officially on Christmas break! YAY! I can't believe how quickly December has been flying by! It's amazing to think that we only have 11 more days of 2009!

This has been a tough week... I realized this week just how blessed and fortunate we have been throughout this deployment. Daniel does his best every day to touch base with me somehow... most of the time through a phone call but if not then definitely at least an e-mail. Since last week, Daniel has been away from Camp Leatherneck and has not had any access to computers or phones... he was able to call once from Payne and then another time Wednesday morning, from a different location, just to tell me that he was ok and to ease my mind. He was supposed to be back to Leatherneck by Tuesday evening my time... and he hadn't called... so he figured he should call on Wednesday morning to let me know that he was ok but that he was stuck there until there was another flight.. he said there wouldn't be another one until probably the 24th! I haven't heard from him since... so I'm assuming that he is still stuck wherever he is in this world. The only thing that has helped me through this past week or so is prayer... Prayer for protection from him and comfort for me... it's so hard not knowing where in the world your husband is (literally)... and I've been so spoiled by hearing from him daily! I know that the Lord has His hands on Daniel and will protect him wherever He may be... it's just very hard not knowing! I am hoping that maybe he will call sometime tomorrow just to check in again... PLEASE keep us in your prayers... His birthday (12/22) and Christmas are this week so it's going to be a tough week for us to be apart!

Other than all of that, things here have been hectic and crazy! My mom flew down Thursday evening and spent the last day with my kiddos with me on Friday! We were supposed to go to Richmond bright and early this morning... but all the snow kept us from being able to drive! Richmond already has a foot of snow.. and my grandparents in MD have 2 feet! We are hoping to be able to leave tomorrow morning and I am hoping to be able to get to MD tomorrow evening... please keep us in your prayers while we travel! I am so excited to have a white Christmas... but would be more excited if Dano was here to enjoy it with me. :(

As always, thank you for your kind words, thoughts, and prayers! Christmas day marks 4 months that we have been apart... it's been hard but we are stronger now than we have ever been! I am so thankful that the Lord brought us to this and trust and know that he will bring us through it, too! Can't wait to get back from Christmas break and start a brand new year and officially start our countdown to homecoming! :)

Hope you have a very merry Christmas and blessed 2010!

December is underway!

Just wanted to send an update on Dano! I had three packages waiting on me when I got back from Thanksgiving! I was so excited to get these packages! He sent my kids a bunch of beanie babies for Christmas... and sent home some uniforms that he has gotten while he's been there... and then a box of goodies for me! :) He sent a flash drive with a bunch of pictures... so I was VERY excited about that. When I see pictures of what he's doing, it makes this whole thing real to me. I was happy to get these pictures though... I love being able to put pictures to the stories that he tells me!

Later this week, he is going to be leaving to head south for a few days! He is going to take some other Marines down and get them set up to work with the Afghanistan Border Patrol. Hopefully he'll only be down there for a few days... long enough to get the other Marines set up and going... and to get a feel for the area and assignment. Please keep him and the others in your prayers... instead of flying like he usually does... he will be going on a convoy that will be about 9 hours... that's a little scary to think about! But, the Lord has kept him safe this far... I know He will continue to keep him safe and bring him back safely! Thank you for all of your prayers!

I can't believe that today is December 1st! It is amazing to me how quickly time is flying by! I can not wait to have my hubby back and for us to tackle the next chapter of our lives together! I am so excited about what the Lord is doing in our lives... and can't wait to see what happens once he gets home! Only two more weeks after this week until Christmas BREAK! YAY! I can't wait to head to Gram and Pap's and spend a long break there with them! I know that will help to keep me busy and keep my mind off of everything!

I'm sending out Dano's birthday and Christmas packages tomorrow! I know that he is going to be SO excited to get his things... Please send him a little note or card for his birthday if you have a second! I know that will make his day and help make his birthday as special as it can be without being here with me.

Have a great month of December! Enjoy it while it lasts... It will be 2010 before we know it!

Happy Turkey Day!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends! It was nice to get away and come to my parents for the long weekend. We had a wonderful dinner... just me, mom and dad! It was so hard not to have Dano or my brother here. It felt like we weren't complete... I love Thanksgiving... I am always thankful for the Lord's many blessings... but Thanksgiving just opens your eyes to everything you really are blessed with! I am so thankful for my family and most of all my husband.. I can't imagine my life without them!

Time is flying by! Wednesday marked 3 months since Dano has been gone... there are days when it feels like forever and then days when it seems like he JUST left and time is flying! We are crossing our fingers for a homecoming before March... there has been a lot of talk about it... but we aren't getting our hopes up just yet! I would be one happy girl if I got my hubby back sooner than expected!

He is doing great! It was very hard on both of us to be apart on Thanksgiving.. but now we have that behind us... we can mark that off of the countdown! We got to talk on Skype for a while on Turkey day so that helped! He seemed really sad... and it broke my heart! I can't imagine being alone and knowing what is going on back home... I know that Christmas will be another tough day but after that we are on the last stretch before he comes home! YAY! I keep thinking about homecoming and imagining what it will be like... I really don't think I can even wrap my mind around the excitement and feelings that we will have!

Here is a link to Dano's Christmas card that he recorded for us! I was so excited when he sent this to me! :) I am hoping to get to see this on TV... that would be so awesome!

Well, I hope that November was a great month for all! It feels like yesterday I was excited that November was here... and now we are in the last two days! YAY! December is going to FLY by! I'm heading to Disney, school will mostly be fun with crafts, etc., two of our best friends are getting married this month and I'm heading to my grandparents on the 19th! Before I know it, January will be here! I am so thankful to be busy and that time is flying by! I can't wait to start the next chapter of our crazy ride together! :)

Love you all! Thank you for your prayers and encouragement! Don't forget the birthday cards for Dano if you get a chance! :)

Almost turkey time!

I can not believe that next week is Thanksgiving! I feel like it was just yesterday in August when I was standing in LeJeune waving goodbye to Daniel... and Thanksgiving Day will be our 3 month mark! It's insane! I really can NOT believe how quickly time is going by... it will be January before we know it! YAY!

Dano is still hanging in there! It's starting to get cold over there so he is trying to adjust from the heat to the cold! Other than that... he is staying busy and counting down the days! He has been traveling back and forth a lot.. doing a lot of day trips... but the Lord has provided safety for him and the other Marines that are traveling with him! He had the opportunity to hand out blankets to children and elders the other day on one of his trips.. I know that this really touched his heart and he felt like he was able to reach out to them and fulfill one of their many needs. We don't realize just how blessed and fortunate we are... when he shares pictures and stories with me... it just amazes me how blessed we are... just the little day to day things that we take for granted are HUGE blessings! I am so proud of Daniel and thankful that he has been given this opportunity ... it definitely has opened his eyes and made him thankful for all that he has here at home!

Daniel's birthday is December 22nd... and I want to make it as special as possible for him while he is over there! If you get a chance, take a second to send him a birthday card... nothing fancy or special... just a note to let him know that you have been keeping up with what's going on with him through this blog... and that you wanted to wish him a happy 25th! (yes, he's a quarter of a century old this year... ) :) I know that it would make him smile and brighten his day! His address is:

SGT PEAL JOSEPH D 2526
2 MEB G-3 ANSF
UNIT 73010
FPO AE 09510-3010

I know it would make his birthday really special... and I would really appreciate it, too! I know that he is going to really want to be home that week with his birthday AND Christmas... so I am trying to reach out to him from across the world and make him feel special.. :)

Thank you again for all of your encouragement and prayers! The Lord has had His loving arms wrapped around Daniel since he left... and I know that He will continue to do that until he is back home again!

Happy 234th Birthday!

Today marks the 234th birthday of the Marine Corps! Even though we won't be at a ball this year celebrating, it still makes me really proud to have a Marine for a hubby on days like today! (and everyday, of course!) I know that he has enjoyed celebrating (and eating) with his buddies today! I was lucky enough to wish him a 'happy birthday' this morning before work! I'm so thankful today for my husband, and all of the other Marines, that have dedicated their lives to protect our country and our freedom! Semper Fi!

Ronald Reagan once said, "Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But the Marines don't have that problem." :) What an awesome quote!

Along with the Marine Corps birthday this week, we also have Veteran's Day tomorrow! My kids have been super excited about Veteran's Day this week with our school celebration tomorrow and letter writing to Veterans, along with a few Marines, this week! This is the poem that we will be working on this week... and I thought that it was too cute and wanted to share it!

Veterans Day
by Cheryl Dyson
On Veterans Day we honor all,
Who answered to a service call.
Soldiers young, and soldiers old,
Fought for freedom, brave and bold.
Some have lived, while others died,
And all of them deserve our pride.
We’re proud of all the soldiers who,
Kept thinking of red, white and blue.
They fought for us and all our rights,
They fought through many days and nights.
And though we may not know each name,
We thank ALL veterans just the same.

This poem, as simple as it is, brings it all back to why we should be thankful. We take for granted the freedom and rights that the veterans and service men and women fight for everyday. The sacrifices that they make... both big and small... often go unnoticed and unappreciated! Take the time this week to thank any veterans that you know or come in contact with! We need to show our gratitude and appreciation for these brave men and women that make these sacrifices so that WE don't have to!

On that note, Happy Birthday Marine Corps! and Happy Veterans Day, too! :)

Already November!

If someone would have told me that time would have gone this quickly... I would have NEVER believed them. I can not believe that we are already done with the first week of November! Thanksgiving is JUST around the corner... and we all know how quickly time goes between Thanksgiving and Christmas! It's hard to believe that we are 11 weeks into this thing! It's been hard... believe me... but I have been strong and stayed positive thanks to MANY prayers and depending on the Lord! Nehemiah 8:10 says: "The joy of the Lord is my strength"... this verse could not be MORE true for me... I have found strength to face this deployment because of the joy that the Lord brings me everyday... I am so thankful for daily blessings... things that we all take for granted that the Lord provides for us everyday! I am so thankful to have His peace and comfort!


Daniel uploaded a bunch of pictures the other day... here are a few that I wanted to share!

This is my Marine on the back of a truck that he uses to get around in... Not sure if it was raining or his camera lens was dirty... but it looks kinda fuzzy!



This is a picture of Daniel from one of his trips that he took with the officers that he travels with. I posted a while ago that when he travels with them... they insist on serving him fresh fruit and hot tea... this is Daniel being 'spoiled' in Afghanistan with fresh watermelon! :)

Here are few he posted from traveling around... I thought that the picture of the desert was crazy! You know they are in the desert and hear about it... but this was just crazy to me!

This is a picture taken from the sky.. looking down on the mountains he was flying over!

Other than that, Daniel is doing great... been VERY busy! He hasn't been able to call or e-mail as much ... but I hear from him every day in some form... either through e-mail or hearing his voice :) I am so thankful that we have been able to keep in touch so much! I am so spoiled now... I know that he is going to find someway to get in touch with me everyday.. I'm a lucky girl! He told me this week that they got a flight window for March... when it gets closer and we know that it's definite.. I will give more details... but I don't want to post something and have to change it once they decide to move it again! But for now... he is going to be back in the states sometime in early March! :)

The most amazing thing happened this week ... I was talking to Daniel on Skype (webcam) early Thursday morning before heading into work. He asked to see the dogs and I had already put them up for the day... so I went to get them from their cage... When I came back I noticed that Daniel was looking behind me... He said, " you are never going to believe this!" I was kind of confused because I didn't understand what he could have seen... He said, "I just had this feeling to turn around to see if David Paul was in here... " (David Paul is our family friend that left a week or so ago to head to Leatherneck) About that time Daniel moved his head to the side and asked me if I could see him... In the background, David Paul was sitting in line waiting for a computer to open up! They had not found each other yet... so Daniel got his attention and David Paul came over to the computer! so I got to see their reunion on Skype! :) It was the best moment... they were both so happy to see each other and you could tell that David Paul was relieved to see a familiar face! It gave me cold chills and I got all choked up.. I was so thankful to be able to see that moment... and thankful that they now have each other there for support!

Please keep Daniel in your prayers... he has been traveling all weekend and then will head back out to travel again in a week or so for about a week! It's hard when he leaves Leatherneck because he can't give me any details on where he is or what he is doing... just leaves me with a very strange feeling! I know that the Lord is with Him no matter where he goes and is guiding his every step... but it's tough not knowing where in the world your husband is!

Thank you so much for your support... please continue to pray and encourage both of us... we are getting ready to face the toughest part of this whole deployment with the Holidays coming up... We are both very big into Holidays... especially Christmas... and it's going to be very hard to be apart on those special times with family and friends. But with the way time has been flying by... it will be March before we know it and we will look back on this and be thankful for all the blessings that have come from this deployment! More pic tures to come soon!

so proud of my hero! :)

Just wanted to post a video of Dano :) He was a part of the opening ceremony for the academy that he had been working with ... they opened the academy and Dano was one of the Marines that helped to raise the flag for the ceremony! If you play the video, you'll see him in the very beginning, raising the American Flag on the far right... Super proud of you DP! :)

Other than that, he's doing great! He called and talked to the kids today.. which was neat because they were all (including me) in costumes... so he got to see us all dressed up! :) They were all so excited.. he hasn't been able to call them in a while.. so they were flipping out! It's so sweet to hear them ask him their questions and to hear him try to sugar coat everything for them... One of my little girls asked him today if there had been any damage there... and you could tell he got a little choked up and he said, "No Claire, no damage. Just a lot of people here trying to make this a better place." It was just so precious. After school, he called back and we talked for over an hour on the webcam! He seems to still be doing great... Ready to come home, but thankful that the time is going so quickly! We can't believe that October is over after tomorrow... looking forward to March.. if not sooner! :) It doesn't seem that far away at all! Once the Holidays are over, he'll be home in NO time! WOO HOO!

So for now, we are both just taking it day by day! I know that he is looking forward to David Paul making it there within the next week or so... he left last night to start heading that way! Please keep their family and David Paul in your prayers... it's crazy how quick time has gone... it seems like yesterday Dano left and David Paul had two months before his date... now he's already gone! I'm thankful that they will have each other for support... and to ease our minds back home!

Thank you so much for your prayers, words of encouragement, and sweet letters/packages! I know that it means the world to him because it means the world to me! :) Keep us in your prayers.. they have worked wonders so far! :)

2 months down already! :)

Tomorrow is our two month mark! YAY! I can't believe that October is already gone! The time is just flying by... before we know it Thanksgiving and Christmas will be gone and we will only have just a few weeks before we're done with our first deployment! YAY! :)

Dano is doing pretty good... traveling back and forth all week from place to place.. so please keep him in your prayers. He enjoys being able to travel and see new things but it always makes us a little uneasy... He went to Payne earlier this morning... normally when he goes there .. he has no access to phones or internet so we were planning to talk again at the end of the week. I was surprised when my phone rang this morning around 7! He said that he asked around when he got there and had a couple of guys show him where they had gotten 4 phones... and he called to let me know that he had made it ok! I was so happy to hear his voice and so thankful that he was able to call! I always have such a hard time when he goes there because I never know that he made it there ok until he's already back from the trip! The Lord is so good and so faithful... I am just so thankful that He has provided us a way to stay in such close contact throughout this deployment. I am so spoiled and I know that Dano feels the same way! We never thought we'd be able to talk/see each other this much but technology has caught up to those guys for the most part! I am so thankful.. and we are so blessed!

He said that on the flight there.. he noticed there were pretty bad dust clouds and then it felt like the plane was starting to go out of control... he said that he just started praying... asking the Lord to take control of the plane and to keep them all safe... he said when he finished praying and opened his eyes, it got really quiet and calm... and once the dust settled.. he realized that they had landed!! :) It was too funny to hear him tell this story... I told him, once again.. God was showing him that HE is in control! :) He thought that it was funny that they were landing all along.. and he thought something bad was happening! He gets really nervous flying around everywhere.. so I can only imagine his nerves when that started happening! Thank the good Lord that the plane was just landing... I know Dano was very thankful! :)

Please keep the Lawson family in your prayers... they are VERY dear friends to us and their son, David Paul, is leaving this week to head to Afghanistan (to the same base that Dano is at!) They had a "see you soon" dinner tonight at their house... it was tough to face that again after having to go through it with Dano.. but we are all so thankful that they are going to be together over there... I know that Dano is excited to have one of his buddies with him over there... it will ease our minds and help to pass their time... (Love you Mrs. Sherri) :)

Other than that, all is well! I am staying busy so that time continues to fly by... looking forward to going to my parents' for Thanksgiving and going to my Gram and Pap's for Christmas! YAY! It will be so hard to face the holidays without Dano but I am thankful that I will be able to spend time with my family! I am ESPECIALLY thankful that the Lord has helped me to stay so positive and encouraged ... I don't know how people face things like this without Him! We are on the home stretch now... almost half way there! WOO HOO! March can't come soon enough... I can NOT wait to make that trip to welcome him home!

Time is flying by!

I can't believe that we are a week away from our 2 month mark already! It has flown by.. and I'm so thankful for that! Before we know it the holidays will be here and after that.. he'll be home! :) I can't wait for that day.... it will be so amazing!

Dano is doing great! I've heard from him everyday... sometimes more than once a day! We are so blessed that he is at a base with phones and internet! I am so spoiled now that I have heard from him so much! It's definitely helped to make things better. He is still staying busy... traveled for the most part of this week. He made a CD to send me in his next package with over 300 pictures... so I am waiting for that to arrive! I can't wait to see some of the things that he is seeing... I can't imagine! He is setting up pen pals for my kids this week with the Marines at Leatherneck! We are going to swap pictures so the kids can see their Marine and the Marines can see the kids... and hopefully they'll be able write back and forth several times before its time to come home! They can not WAIT to see him... it's like he is a celebrity! Seeing their reactions when he finally comes to meet them will be priceless!

I am so thankful that the Lord has protected him and been with us step by step while he has been over there! We can both tell that this is all working out for the best... and we're so thankful that he was given this opportunity! We know that God has a plan for us and that this is a major part of it... it's so amazing to look back and see God's hand in it all! I'm also thankful that I am staying busy and time has seemed to go so quickly... I am getting so anxious for him to come home.. I know we still have a little while to go.. but in about 18 weeks he'll be home for good! :) YAY! We are so ready to see where our lives take us next and to be together again... he's trying to decide on a good vacation for us to take for Spring Break when he gets home... I can't wait to see what he plans for us!

Other than that, I've been very busy with work and LOVING this change in weather. It's so nice now that it has cooled off a bit! I can't wait to post some of his pictures once I get the CD! Thank you again for your support, prayers, and encouragement! We are so thankful to have the support of our friends and family... through packages, phone calls, and prayers.. you guys have made this so much easier on both of us! Please continue to pray for us as we seek the Lord in all that we do!

Still doing good!

Just wanted to do a short update on Dano! He's still doing good... staying busy! I have heard from him everyday... at least through e-mail! He hasn't be able to call much lately because they have had things locked down... but I get to at least e-mail him back and forth which helps my days to go by! He's still doing the same thing... flying out on the 12th again for a few days! He has been in pretty good spirits... was excited this afternoon when he called because we are almost 1/2 way through October! YAY! Time really is going by quickly... once the holidays come and go... we will be well on our way to homecoming! :) He is missing home a lot... and very thankful for the cards, letters, and packages that he has been receiving! I should be getting my first package from him within the next week or so... I'm so excited to see what kinds of goodies he sent me! Other than that, we are just patiently waiting on time to go by so that we can move on and start the next chapter of our lives together... whatever/wherever that may be! It's exciting to think about where we might be this time next year... and comforting to know that the Lord already has it all mapped out for us! As always, thank you for your prayers and encouragment... it has helped make all of this much easier! Looking forward to getting some more pictures so I can post them on here asap! :) Love you all!

OCTOBER IS HERE! :)

I'm not really sure how I feel about this picture... yikes! :) He sure is handsome, though! :)

Here is a picture of Dano with some of his Marines ... not sure where/when this was taken!

Here is a picture of Dano being... well Dano! :) He always manages to find the most random things wherever he goes! That's why I love him though... always finding something interesting!

Here is a picture of Dano when he traveled further South last weekend. He went on a patrol with a group of Marines. This didn't make me feel so great inside.. but I am SO thankful that the Lord provided him safety!

Here is a picture of Dano flying the plane into Afghanistan when they first arrived! He was so excited that he had this opportunity! He sounded like a little boy on the phone! :)

Can't believe that today was the last day of September and October is here! YAY! I am so excited and amazed at how quickly time has gone by! Before we know it the holidays will come and go, and it will be time for me to pick up my other half :)

Daniel is doing great! He got his package with his new electric razor and GPS! I was really worried that someone had taken the package.. but luckily it was there waiting when he returned from traveling! He was really excited about all of the goodies in the box! His cookies that mom made were crumbled.. but he said they were still good! :) He always sounds soooo excited and encouraged when he has received a package from home! I love how much that brightens his days!

He just got back today to Leatherneck from traveling to a couple of bases. His translator, 'Mike', traveled with him. Daniel said that he is a really nice guy! He sent me a message online that said, 'I can't believe your husband loves you so much. You are really lucky to have a husband like that' :) He also said that he really likes Daniel but Daniel is having a hard time understanding his English! This made me laugh.. not only because I imagined a good ol' Southern boy talking to an Afghani translator.. but because of Daniel's hearing loss! I asked him to be very patient with Daniel as he communicates with him. I thought that his message was very sweet.. made me feel good that even 'Mike' could pick up on the fact that Dano is a good man.. and loves me a lot :)

Our article made it to the Journal Scene today! Click on this link and you'll get to read it! :)

http://www.journalscene.com/news/Students-at-Beech-Hill-befriend-deployed-Marine

The kids were SO excited about the article! I was, too! I thought that the journalist did a great job writing it up and look forward to sending an 'autographed' copy to Dano! :)

I am SO excited that tomorrow starts a brand new month! I am so thankful for all of your prayers and encouragement! I know that the Lord has a wonderful and perfect plan for our lives.. and this is a part of it for some reason! I am just thankful that I can talk to him so often and get e-mails from him throughout the day to help me get through being without him! It's hard to be without someone once you get used to them being by your side all of the time! I can NOT wait until it's time to bring him on home for good! :) What a PERFECT day that will be!

One month mark!

Today marks one month since Dano left! I have been very encouraged by how quickly the time is passing! Next week is already October, can you believe that?!

I talked to Dano today and I got to see his smiling face! That made it even better! He was very discouraged and down in the dumps... so please pray that God will lift Him up, motivate, and encourage him! He is just very bored when he is at Leatherneck in between travels. Daniel has never been the type to just sit... so when he is back at base it is killing him! I'm just thankful that he gets to travel as much as he does because I can't imagine what he'd be like if he had to stay in that office everyday... he'd go crazy!

Yesterday, the Summerville Journal Scene (local newspaper) came to the school to interview me and my kids about communicating with Daniel from Afghanistan! The kids were SO excited! They were mostly excited because we were expecting Dano to call in for the interview. About an hour before the interview, I got an e-mail from his parents telling me that Daniel had tried to call me from a satellite phone to let me know that communication was shut down and he wouldn't be able to call in for the interview :( We were ALL so upset. The kids were really disappointed (until the reporter got there) and I was, too. Once the reporter got there, we were all much better! They were so excited to do the interview and we are even more excited about seeing our article published soon! They are really soaking all of this up. We were on the school morning show when we first started Skyping with him and now we're going to be in the paper. One of my little girls said, "You know Mrs. Peal... first the morning show, now the newspaper... I'm thinking the next step is television! and that is why I LOVE your class!" :) I thought that was precious!

Well, one month down and hopefully no more than 5 to go. They got a different projected date today... but I'm not counting on anything until we're much closer! We all know how much it can change! As always, thank you so much for your prayers and support! I can't wait to start planning his homecoming.. he's going to be one happy Marine! :)

A little more than I expected...

Dano called last night around 10pm! I was so excited to hear from him because the last time I heard from him was Saturday afternoon! That is the longest that we've gone since he's been gone.. so I realized just how spoiled I have become :( It's been so nice to have contact with him every other day or so.. so three days were REALLY long and REALLY lonely.

He sounded good. He had just gotten back from traveling to the southern most part of Afghanistan (where we have Marines). He was filling me in on his last few days.. and he had taken part in a lot more than what I thought that he would be doing. He took a squad out on a patrol and was exposed to much more than I thought that he would be.. considering what he's doing. It shook me up a lot. Without giving details, just know that he needs EXTRA prayers as he may be in and out of harms way with this position after all. It was hard to hear him talk about the things that he had seen and had to do without getting emotional. He could tell that it was upsetting me.. and I hated it! I have done so well keeping my emotions under control when I talk with him. I haven't let him hear me or see me upset because I know that makes it even harder on him. Last night, I couldn't help it... I was so taken off guard with all of this news and information and my emotions just got the best of me. He reassured me that everything was fine.. and that he knew that the Lord had His hand on him and that he would be safe no matter where he was or what he was doing. I was/am SOOOOOOO thankful that the Lord has kept him safe and brought him through everything that he's done this far. Please continue to pray for him as he is starting to be exposed to these things ... and pray for me as I am giving this all to the Lord daily!

Other than that news, he sounded great! Missing me and his doggers terribly.. I had to get them out of their bed and bring them downstairs so he could see them on the web cam. :) They get so confused though.. it's pitiful. They look around all over to see where his voice is coming from.. they definitely miss him!

He was filling me in on the Marines that he checked on while he had been gone. One of the SSgts told him that they had not had a shower in over 7 weeks! That really opened my eyes to just how blessed Daniel is to be stationed where he is... and just how blessed WE are! We don't even realize the living conditions that others in the world are facing.. let alone our Marines and heroes in the service!

He is leaving again tomorrow to head to a different base for about 2 weeks. The Captain in the Army that he is working with is heading home for 2 weeks of leave (He is deployed for a year so he gets 2 weeks of R&R). Daniel has to go to the base to cover for both of them while he's gone. Good news is that base has phones... so it won't be two weeks before I hear from him again! yay! He was really excited.. he got a letter/picture from one of my students from last year that we both LOVE! :) He sounded so cute talking about it.. and was really excited about writing Devin back! I knew that Devin had sent him something.. but kept it a secret so it would be a surprise! :) Hoping that he gets my big package this week!

He still hasn't come up with anything that he really NEEDS. He love Strawberry Shortcake Little Debbie snacks, Strawberry Applesauce (individual cups), and of course green EXTRA gum! I can't thank you enough for your continuous prayers and encouragement. Without those kind words, prayers, and the Lord.. I would never be able to face this deployment alone!

More to come soon! ;)

Update on my MARINE!

Just a little update to let you know what's been going on the last couple of days! The Lord has truly blessed us when it comes to keeping in touch... I have heard from him every day for the last week! He is doing well.. staying busy and seems to really like his new assignment. When he isn't traveling around, he is in an office at Leatherneck and he has really enjoyed having the computer there to e-mail back and forth. It has made it nice to have little notes from him throughout the day to help my day go by... and to know that he's doing alright! He tried to skype us today while I was teaching.. my kids got SO excited! It's been almost 3 weeks since we were able to talk/see him through Skype so this was such a big deal! We were able to hear him but he couldn't hear us because of the connection! They were disappointed but still so excited to get to hear him! It's like he's Santa or something ;)

He is leaving again tomorrow morning(in a few hours his time) to head to another base to do some work. He said he will be there for a few days working with the Captain from the Army that he was teamed up with. He said that they have really hit it off and work well together.. so that's a relief knowing that he has someone to work with that he likes :)

I sent him another package yesterday. I was racing the clock to get to the post office in time and luckily had a VERY nice retired marine that helped me at the post office! It's always a blessing to run into people throughout your day that have that connection.. and sympathy for the sacrifice that our family is making. I made it just in time and the package is on it's way! I know he's excited... lots of goodies in this one! :)

Nothing much has changed in the past few days.. still traveling around with the officers so please keep them in your prayers for safe travels! I will continue updating y'all on anything new that goes on or that I hear! Next week marks our one month mark for this deployment! At times it is amazing to me that one month is already gone.. and then other times it seems like forever until he'll be home again! Just trying to stay busy, prayed up, and keeping focused on the Lord and work to make time go by quickly! I can't wait until I'm posting information about a welcome home party :) :) :)

Thank you AGAIN for prayers and encouragement! God Bless! :)

missing my other half

Well, I had my surgery yesterday! I went into it really upset because I had talked to Dano on Sunday and he said that he wouldn't be able to call me until Wednesday night. When I talked to him Sunday, he was telling me about his first trip for his new assignment. He said that when they got to one of the bases, the Afghans insisted on making them hot tea and serving them fresh fruit. One of the generals that he was with tried to tell them that it wasn't necessary and they didn't have time, but they kept insisting... so Daniel was served hot tea and fresh cut fruit with the officers he was traveling with! He said, "I kinda feel important over here!" :) I know what this means, I'm in for it when he makes it home! That's ok with me! I'd love to spoil him! :)

He sounded great on Sunday.. seemed to really enjoy his trip with the officers and seemed uplifted and encouraged about what he will be doing! He said on Sunday that he was going to be flying out to another base until Wednesday... and he wasn't sure if they would have phones or internet so he probably wouldn't be able to call me for my surgery. That was really hard to cope with.. I'm so used to him babying me and taking care of me.. and for him not to even be able to tell me he loved me on the phone .. killed me! :( I tried my best to stay strong while I talked to him.. and then had a mini melt down once we got off of the phone!

BUT! :) He ended up calling me yesterday morning as I was walking to the Surgery Center! I was so excited to hear his voice! He said that he found a phone.. and I could tell this base wasn't as up to date as Leatherneck because there was a delay in the conversation for the first time. The number actually came up an 843 (Charleston) number and I almost didn't answer it! He had to call to the Charleston Air Force Base and that operator transferred his call to my phone! He sounded great and I know that he could tell that I was relieved to hear his voice before going in for the procedure. He told me that he would try his best to call back to check on me after I was out of surgery! He ended up calling while I was in surgery to make sure things were ok.. and then called again once I was out of recovery and in the room with my mom! When I heard his voice I just lost it! I was so relieved to hear his voice.. and the drugs didn't help me stay calm either! After I calmed down and we got our emotions out of the way, he told me that he would be heading back to Leatherneck for a few days before having to fly out again. He sounded great, but I could tell in his voice that it really bothered him that he couldn't be here for me. It was so great hearing his voice after coming out of the surgery.. that's the only thing that I wanted (well.. that AND apple juice!) :)

He called again this morning around 1:30am.. to check on me and tell me that he was getting ready to fly out and that he would call me once he made it back and settled back in! I heard from him again today around 1:30pm and he was going to bed! I'm sure that this traveling and being pampered is tough work ;) He doesn't realize just how blessed he is to be doing what he is doing.. everyone that I tell that knows the ranks and the military has such a funny reaction! It's unheard of for a Sgt to be working with all officers.. and I could not be more proud that my hubby gets this honor! :)

I'm really proud of my MARINE and everything that he is accomplishing over there! I still can't believe the potential that they see in him and the opportunities that this assignment is providing for him! These next 6 months will build his career and only strengthen his resume.. no matter where or what we decide to do from here! I'm so excited and happy for him.. he deserves to be recognized.. and rewarded for being a good man and an excellent MARINE!

He is going to call me again when he wakes up for the day.. I'm thinking between 11p-12a this morning. I think that he is flying out again on the 19th for a few days. Please please PLEASE continue to pray for his safety as he is making his rounds in Afghanistan! He will need all the prayers that he can get! :) Thank you again for all of your support! If you want to send him any encouragement, feel free! I know it brightens his day when he gets something from home!

Love y'all! :)

SO proud of my HERO!

Third day in a row! Even from the other side of the world, Dano still finds ways to spoil me! :) He called this morning around 9:30 (6pm his time). He sounded great! When I answered he told me that they moved him from the academy and my heart dropped! I immediately thought that they were moving him off base somewhere and felt so upset. He told me that a Colonel pulled him to the side while he was working today and told him that the Major that was in charge of monitoring the border patrol in Afghanistan had been moved and put in charge of the academy. He told Daniel that they had watched him the last few days as they have built the tents and prepared everything and noticed that he was a natural leader and very motivated and decided that they wanted Daniel to fill the Major's position! My jaw dropped when he was telling me this! He said that he had to sit in on his first meeting with 8 Colonels and a General this afternoon! He will be the only enlisted Marine with all of these officers as they fly from base to base to check on the border patrol and Marines. He sounded SO excited about this honor! I mean, who would have thought that he would have ended up the only enlisted Marine with a group of officers and filling the shoes of a Major in the Marine Corps! God definitely has His hand in all of this, there is NO denying that!

I could not be more proud of him and the man that he is.. and I am so glad that he is getting recognized for it! It's just awesome to know that his hard work and motivation is paying off for him! It's helping him to be motivated and excited which I know will help make time to go a lot faster for him! He will be flying to a base every couple of days to check on things but while he is at Camp Leatherneck on his days off, he will have his own office area with a computer and phone! I am very excited about this because I know that I will get to hear from him even MORE than I have already! This deployment is going to be very hard to be apart from each other, but it will be SO much easier being able to hear from him so often! It's just SO awesome how all of this has fallen into place. We KNEW there was a reason that he was recalled and sent over there, and it has been amazing to see God's hand in all of this and see the reasons unfold! I can't wait to see what else He has in store for us... and I am so excited for my SGT! :)

He got my package yesterday! :) There was so much excitement in his voice when he told me he had gotten it! It only took 6 days .. and that was with a holiday in between! It was so awesome to make contact with him through a care package.. and he was so excited about his goodies and snacks :) Only more goodies to come.. I have to spoil him too, ya know! :)

Thank you so much for your encouraging words and prayers! It's obvious that God is still in the prayer answering business and our prayers our working! Please pray for his safety as he flies from place to place now that he has a new assignment. He was taking his first flight with them to the Southern-most part of Afghanistan tomorrow (its 5:30 am on Sunday there now). Please pray for his safety in his travels!

Maybe my next post I will be able to share some pictures! Hopefully he will be able to share some as he travels with these officers from base to base! :)

woke up happy today :)

He called last night around 1am our time.. it was about 9:30 in the morning his time! So he was wide awake and ready for the day.. and I was just into my deep sleep :) But hey.. I'm not complaining! It was so great to hear my phone ring and see that it was him.. no other feeling in the world like that right now!



He sounded great. Really missing me and the doggers! He asked how they were doing and if they missed him :) They really do.. it's nuts! Boogee has gone into guard dog mode. Every little sound he is barking his head off and walking around with his chest poked out like he's going to tear somebody up! From the outside, it sounds ferocious. When the door opens and you see that he's only about 7 pounds and Fifi barely hits 5, it's quite amusing! :)



He said that there was an incident on base the other day and two marines were injured. It's crazy to think about what he is actually hearing and seeing over there. We take our lives for granted so much! No matter what battle or storm we are facing here, we still have so much to be thankful for. Please pray for the safety of the troops there and also for the brave Afghanistan men that are translators and other things for our Marines. They put their families safety and their own safety at risk everyday because they are willing to help us. . It just puts things into perspective when you think that you are going through something terrible.. makes you realize just HOW MUCH you have to be thankful for.. even in the midst of a storm!


He seems to be staying busy! They are still working on the tents.. putting floors and walls in and getting everything set up. I think that the first group starts on October 1st (that's what he said a few calls ago) and so they will be getting ready for them to come and start training! I know he's definitely looking forward to having his own space or 'room' once the tents are finished. He said that they might end up hooking up wireless in that tent for them so that would really be awesome! He said that he's pretty sure that they will be coming home in February based on what some of the officers have said that he's with. I sure hope it's February! Once the holidays get here the time will start flying by and I'll be hugging him again before I know it!


Thank you again for all of your prayers. We are so thankful for the love and encouragement that we have from our friends and family. I don't think Dano even realizes just how many people are praying for him and for his return. I look forward to hearing something again soon and will post as soon as I do :)

Another awesome wake up call!

I went to bed super early last night because of the long weekend back and forth to mom and dad's! I was in bed around 8:45... but around midnight I heard my phone ring and just had a rush of happiness take over! :) It was my hero! :)

He sounded great! Seems to be completed adjusted to the time difference and sleeping well at night. He has been setting up the academy the last few days. He said that today and tomorrow they were going to be putting in the wood floors and walls into their tent. He said that they have been putting in long hours in the heat while they've been building the academy. He said that his arms and face are really tan! :) I know that he has to be ready for the academy to start so that he's doing what he loves.. training and infantry skills. He said he is going to try to get his green belt in the evenings.. they are offering classes there on base. I'm thankful that he is trying to stay busy and is motivated to get in shape and better himself while he's there!

I asked him what he needed and he said that there still isn't anything that really sticks out. He said the best thing that anyone could send would be encouraging letters... so that's always a good thing to send :) He said that once he gets into the tent and has his own 'room' he will have more space so he might want more things then. I know that babywipes are a big hit there because of the heat and feeling so yucky! I will continue to update the list as he gives me suggestions. As for now, I would say any type of encouragement would be the thing to put the biggest smile on his face (and EXTRA spearmint gum!)

Hoping to hear from him again tonight (which will be the morning for him). He said he was going to try to call me more in the morning before he heads out for the day because once he gets off, eats, and showers, he is beat and ready for sleep! Please continue to pray for the Lord to keep him in high spirits and motivated... and for time to pass by VERY quickly for both of us! We are SO ready to be together again... but we know that the Lord has a reason for this and we can't wait to see where our life takes us next!

Phone call in the middle of the night :)

SOOO happy today! Got to hear from him in the middle of the night last night! He sounded so good.. and was so happy to hear my voice :)

The group that he is with was cut down to 5 marines from 8.. and he made the cut! :) He is very blessed to have stayed with this group of instructors for this academy. They are going to be well taken care of! Instead of being in a tent with 18+ marines, the five of them will be in a tent together. They are going to put wood floors and walls in their tent so that they each have their own 'room'! I am really excited for him that he will have a better sleeping arrangement and not be stuffed in a tent in bunk beds! I guess they know that these 5 marines will be very busy, working hard, and have a lot on their plates so they want to make sure that they are comfortable and well taken care of! I am so glad that he stayed with this group. I know that he will soar as a leader and instructor.. he loves helping people better themselves and seems very excited about what is ahead of him! What a blessing! :) It's awesome to think about the impact that he could have on these Afghan soldiers. I know he is relieved that he will be busy for the deployment rather than sitting around and having time creep by... and being at Camp Leatherneck is such a relief! We are so thankful that he will be safe and secure.. and not have to take the chance of moving from place to place and being in harms way! The Lord has blessed us so much with this assignment and opportunity for him. He's hoping that he'll get to pick up Staff Sergeant while he's there since he is a 3rd year Sgt! Never know what this might mean for our future... We are open to anything and everything.. as long as we know we are in God's will!

Hearing his voice and knowing that he's safe and on a sleeping schedule is such a relief. I am so thankful that he has adjusted to the time difference and is actually looking forward to his job! He said they worked on putting up the tents, etc. for the academy yesterday and he was running a jack hammer! I would have loved to see that :)

Thank you again for your continuous support, encouragement and prayers! I look forward to hearing his stories and sharing them with our friends and family! His first care package was mailed Saturday morning.. waiting to see how long it takes to get from me to him! I am excited about being able to mail him goodies to make his heart smile! :)

I will update his 'wish list' when I hear from him again tonight (hopefully!) :)

He's safe and secure :)

SOOO glad that I heard from him today! He is safe and sound (actually sleeping better!) and will be at Camp Leatherneck for his deployment. He was in good spirits and happy to see me (and my 16 babies) when he skyped us this morning!

He is one of 8 Marines that will be building and starting an academy for the afghan soldiers. We are SO thankful for this assignment and blessed because he is in the safest spot there! Thank you for your continuous prayers and words of encouragement! We are very thankful for our friends and family that have been there for us through all of this craziness. Thank goodness the deployment is under way and we can start our countdown for homecoming :)

His address is :

SGT PEAL JOSEPH D 2526
2 MEB G-3 ANSF
UNIT 73010
FPO AE 09510-3010

He is going to let me know after the weekend what he needs/would like in packages. Any notes of encouragement, snacks, goodies, EXTRA Spearmint Gum, and drinks like SMART water or Gatorade would be great! I will update the list once I hear more from him. He's trying to feel out the area and see what he could use or what he needs to be more comfortable while he is there!

Thank you so much again for your support and prayers! We know that the Lord has His hand on Daniel and will bring him home safely before we know it! Please pray for the safety of the Marines and the families who are making sacrifices while they are deployed and defending our country!

More to come soon! :)