Dear Clayton

Memory Box

2011-05-31T16:40:00.000-05:00

I knew Clayton would need something to hold items from his time in the Army and deployment to Afghanistan. I wanted it to be special and asked our dear friend Dr. Chad Issinghoff to craft a box for us. And what a beautiful box he designed and presented to us.

It will hold the things Clayton will look back on in his older years. Thank you, Chad and Debbie, for your friendship, love and support.

Retiring the ribbon

2011-05-19T23:09:00.000-05:00

We've been on the road again. Clayton's leave began on Monday so Barry and I drove out to Ft. Campbell to pick him up since his truck is here at home. We headed south for a quick trip to see family and arrived back home today.

On May 7, 2010 Barry and I hung our yellow ribbon when Clayton deployed. Today Clayton removed it. We arrived home to find our home draped with yellow, red, white and blue ribbons. On the tree a new ribbon had been added.

We have more photos to share!

Also, not long after arriving I received a call that my dad, Daniel Stafford, and fallen and broke his hip. Please lift him in prayer. Thank you. His brother is helping with this situation with me being so far away.

Less & More

2011-05-16T02:05:00.000-05:00

During Clayton's deployment you know how excited I was to see his face in a video chat or to hear from him in email or facebook messaging after a long silence.

Here are the last ones that I saved:

I'm glad to be moving to less of those [he's still a long drive away] and to more of these:

Small Things...Memories

2011-05-15T01:46:00.000-05:00

We're looking through all the small things that will become memories. There are some special items Clayton received that I want to share on this blog before it is printed into a book. Look for those in the days to come.

The Penguin

2011-05-14T01:37:00.000-05:00

He also returned home. A little dirty, but he made it back, along with the army bear Grandma Wall sent over.

In case you missed it...

The Story behind the Penguin
Called to serve :)
Preparing for deployment
Penguin Appearance
At the Palace

Retiring the flag tie

2011-05-13T14:43:00.000-05:00

Mother's day was a good day. I missed having my Mama to celebrate and honor but rejoiced in the safe return of Clayton to American soil.

It was special in another way too. Barry officially retired the flag tie and attended church without one. Or so he thought. A few people in our Sunday School dug through their ties and presented him with some options. Old options at that! He wore all of them to worship service where Pastor Doug used him as an illustration in the closing of his sermon.

Thank you, Lord, for friends and laughter, to help celebrate the safe return of our son. The son that you protected while he was in harms way. We saw your hand at work from the very beginning with his attachment to the 101st and his placement in Afghanistan. And, the limited combat and protection during attacks.

Thank you to all that prayed for Clayton. I can only imagine the number of times our Lord heard his name this past year.

Please continue to pray for him. He is home but the war is not over. We have a 2013 date of when he will deploy again. I'm hoping to leave that concern with the Lord. Pray for our world, country, leaders and troops.

And for you, Clayton:

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

We are so proud of you, your courage, sacrifice and service. We hope that you know just how much you are loved.

Lots of Hugs

2011-05-13T13:32:00.000-05:00

We have a lot of catching up to do!

Normal?

2011-05-13T13:30:00.000-05:00

Life is beginning to feel normal again. I think. Perhaps this is our new normal. Clayton went through a week of reintegration and will soon take a couple of weeks leave. We'll travel a few days to visit family and back home for him to have some "down time" at home where I can spoil him, just a little.

He's settled into his barracks at Ft. Campbell. While the accomodations are small they are private and have a [very] close bathroom. Something he didn't have in Afghanistan. The area is well designed with two people sharing a common space of bathroom and kitchenette while having private bedrooms. The size compares to his college dorm which had to of been the smallest single person room in the building :)

A different view

2011-05-10T00:25:00.001-05:00

The 101st had their own photographer at the ceremony. These were posted on their facebook page. It is so nice to have photos to go with the wonderful memory of Clayton's safe return.

A General greeted this flight on the tarmac.

The Reunion

2011-05-07T00:53:00.003-05:00

Finally! The wait is over.

Thanks to Bill Larson of clarksvilleonline.com for permission to use his photos.

Clayton is 4th from left - front row.
Thanks to Bill Larson of clarksvilleonline.com for permission to use his photos.

The Wait

2011-05-07T00:36:00.001-05:00

Waiting at the hangar for the plane to arrive.

Thanks to Bill Larson of clarksvilleonline.com for permission to use his photos.

In the news

2011-05-06T09:11:00.002-05:00

Thank you to the media for being a part of our reunion to welcome home our hero.

Article 1 on Clayton's return ceremony on Clarksvilleonline.com

Article 2 is a blog post shared as our story on Clarkesvilleonline.com

Thank you, Bill Larson, for the photos and sharing our story.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is the video from News Channel 5

Just a quick glimpse of me trying not to cry [1:08 mark]

Clayton far right [1:38 mark]

Watch the video here:

In the hangar

2011-05-06T09:10:00.000-05:00

There were so many banners inside the hangar. Here are those that represent Clayton.

The Return

2011-05-05T23:51:00.001-05:00

These photos will quickly lead you through Clayton's return.

He's Home!

2011-05-03T08:39:00.002-05:00

Yesterday may have been cold and rainy, but it was a great day. Clayton returned home to the United States after a year-long deployment to Afghanistan. There were so many emotions felt and expressed with thankful, grateful and blessed being just a few. And, God does care about the desires of our heart. I prayed many times for the rain to stop in order for us to be outside to see him deplane - and it did. Thank you, Lord. Not only for this small gift but for your protection of our son. We saw your hand at work and give you all of the credit.

I will have more photos to share in the days ahead. For now you can view a few here in this online album.

Barry and I traveled to Ft. Campbell to watch him arrive and greet him at the return ceremony. As he deplaned and the line made its way closer to us I called out his name and he found me in the crowd. What joy it was to see his face and smile.

We will spend a little more time with Clayton and head home only to return in less than 2 weeks to pick him up for his leave time. We are looking forward to him spending some time at home with us.

Barry and I are so grateful for the love, prayers and support of everyone during this journey. Thank you! The story doesn't end here though. The news of Bin Ladens death accompanied this group of soldiers home. Here too many emotions are being felt and expressed across our nation. Let us not forget to pray for our country, its leaders, and our troops. While I'm so happy to have our soldier home, my heart is heavy for the mothers of those he trained to replace him. They are beginning the journey we have just completed. May their comfort be found in God, their faith, family & friends, just as we did.

He's Coming Home

2011-04-26T15:18:00.001-05:00

We're not allowed to post specific dates but I can tell you that Clayton is coming home, to the United States, this week. Once he leaves it takes about 5 days to make the trip. We are so excited!

Barry and I plan to be at his base when he arrives. We get to watch outside the hangar as they deplane and have their return ceremony. The only thing I have promised him for that day is that I won't wear lipstick!

We won't get much time with him but I'm actually okay with that. He'll be taking leave the end of May and spending a couple of weeks with us.

I will have lots of photos to share soon.

Thank you for your love and prayers during this journey.

Barry & Gale

Communication

2011-04-18T11:24:00.001-05:00

Since this blog will be printed into a book later...I wanted to save these facebook snippets so I am posting them here. Technology has played a huge role in our communication with Clayton while he has been deployed. I cannot imagine being a mother of a soldier in prior wars.

I saw that Clayton posted on his facebook wall that he is in the single digit days until he leaves, followed by "Wooo".

Can you imagine our anxiety and anticipation level? I don't remember the last time I was this excited about something. And Barry is looking forward to wearing a different tie to church. Or perhaps not wearing a tie. He has worn the flag tie every Sunday since Clayton deployed.

Keep praying for us. Counting down the days! Looking forward to boots on the ground!

Thank you!

2011-04-17T21:06:00.002-05:00

Thank you, Mary Jane, for the lovely gifts. We are so blessed to have many caring people in our lives. We are less than 2 weeks away from Clayton leaving Afghanistan to return home to the United States. Each day that brings us closer I'm afraid I will wake up from a dream. Can we really have been apart a year?

Thank you, Lord, for your shield of protection. I can look back and see you answering the prayer of so many, especially Mom & Dad, to keep our son safe.

Please accept these as a gift - in gratitude from us in recognition of all the service men and women give up for and contribute to the well-being of all Americans, as well as those they are aiding in the course of their duties.

Please pray for us in the coming weeks. I am so anxious these final days - just as in the beginning.

Kitty Love

2011-04-12T00:37:00.000-05:00

Sopie sends her love. Ha ha!

Weekend Update

2011-04-11T12:36:00.000-05:00

Hi Clayton,

We gathered at Grandma's this weekend. We got to meet Kyle & Tashina's baby, Cooper. He's so cute. Uncle Gary, Uncle Alan & Aunt Vickie and Kyle, Tashina & Cooper were there along with me, Dad and Grandma. Uncle Delbert and Aunt Carole came over later and had supper with us. Here are a few photos.

Dad and I are practicing...for grandchildren!
Cooper peed on me right after this photo was taken.

We are getting much closer to you returning home. There just isn't enough words to tell you how excited we are to see you in a few weeks. Keep safe and remember we love you beyond words.

Much love,
Mom & Dad

Extra Prayers Requested

2011-04-05T17:44:00.000-05:00

Please say an extra prayer for Clayton and the troops at his FOB. They were attacked again. I don't always post when this happens but today this one scared me, more so than other times.

We are about 3 weeks away from his departure to come home and this kind of fear makes me very anxious.

Forget not the fallen.
Pray for those yet to return.

Happy Birthday, Son

2011-04-03T07:40:00.001-05:00

Dear Clayton,

You are a blessing to us. We are so proud to be your parents and love you beyond words. Happy birthday, son. We can't wait for you to come home and we are counting down the days. See you soon!

Birthday hugs & kisses,
Mom & Dad

Um, dad and grandma ate all of your cake. Okay, I had some too!

P. S. - We really enjoyed our call from you yesterday. Keep safe!

More Birthday Greetings...

2011-04-03T07:34:00.000-05:00

...from the other Wall family.

Aunt Karen, Uncle Gary, Jennifer & Justin.

Your birthday just isn't the same without you - Uncle Gary.

Happy Birthday from the Miller's

2011-04-03T07:31:00.001-05:00

Yes, this is your family.

Happy Birthday!

Mike, Uncle Alan, Aunt Vickie, Kyle, Tashina & Cooper.

Birthday Greetings from Grandma

2011-04-03T07:26:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday!

Love,
Grandma

A Soldiers' Mom

2011-04-01T11:13:00.000-05:00

A facebook friend shared this today.

Just a tiny glimpse.

Packing here too

2011-03-31T17:17:00.001-05:00

For a kid that doesn't live here Clayton sure has a lot of stuff here. When he deployed we flew to KY and drove his truck home and it had lots of stuff in it. We stored it in the guest room and with what is in the basement that didn't go into his storage unit when he moved out of his apartment.

And now that he is coming home soon he wants some of it back. I'm trying to go through it all to make sure he gets what he needs.

Um, the cat stays here.

Waiting...patiently

2011-03-28T22:49:00.002-05:00

Okay, maybe not patiently, but we are waiting until these last weeks pass by.

We are entering the 5 week zone...until he returns. He's packing up what must go in the shipping container and keeping just what he needs to travel with. A few things he will leave behind for the soldiers replacing him.

Clayton called today. It has been many weeks since we've heard his voice. And how wonderful to hear his laughter. Emails are fine, because I know at that given time he is safe, but hearing his voice is music to my ears.

I wonder if he realizes just how excited we are about his return? I tease him about all the things I can't wait for him to experience as a parent, but the one thing I can't wait for him to understand is just how much we love him. Words do not come close to expressing the special place in our heart that only he can hold.

Please continue to pray for him and his safe return.

HOME - Final Part [5]

2011-03-23T04:07:00.000-05:00

Special little parts.

Thank you, Karen, for such a beautiful gift to honor Clayton's service and for the memories in years to come.

HOME - Part 4

2011-03-22T04:05:00.002-05:00

The story of the Flag tie.

More to come...

HOME - Part 3

2011-03-21T04:02:00.001-05:00

The story of the penguin.

The one Clayton took to Afghanistan with him!

More to come...

HOME - Part 2

2011-03-20T03:58:00.001-05:00

The book is 12 pages, including front and back cover. Here are all 12.

More to come...

HOME - Part 1

2011-03-19T03:53:00.002-05:00

My sister-in-law, Karen, made this for me. I cried! :)

It's a little book with pages that spell H-O-M-E

She went through the blog and pulled pictures to make it.

More to come.

Tired and Ragged

2011-03-18T15:52:00.000-05:00

Will it make it?

While working in the yard yesterday I noticed that our ribbon is looking tired and ragged. It has kept watch for many days now since Clayton deployed. Our hope is it will last until he can return home and remove it from the tree.

I'm looking forward to sharing some special posts in the days ahead. I received a gift this week that really touched my heart.

The Last Box!

2011-03-18T15:46:00.000-05:00

I feel a sigh of relief in my future. Not yet, though. This is the last care package which means the end of this year long journey is drawing near. Can we really have spent almost a year apart?

While the date is subject to much change I can say out loud...6 weeks. So soon and yet so far.

Please continue to pray for our troops, Clayton's safety, rest & protection and his safe return home.

This box also contains a few small gifts for Clayton since he will celebrate his 27th birthday before returning home.

How many?

2011-03-17T10:55:00.002-05:00

How many computers do 2 accountant brothers need to plan our trip to Savannah, GA?

Supper in Texas

2011-03-17T10:54:00.000-05:00

More photos from Kent & Lauren's house.

Aunt Karen

2011-03-17T10:49:00.001-05:00

Don't let her sweet smile fool you. She's really a rebel!

How do you like....

2011-03-17T10:45:00.000-05:00

....Uncle Gary's new glasses?

The Cousin's

2011-03-17T10:43:00.000-05:00

Martha Stewart she isn't but Betty Crocker she might turn out to be.

I think Jennifer got the naughty chair for supper.

I missed getting a picture with Justin in it and he worked late and couldn't join us.

At cousin Lauren's

2011-03-17T10:23:00.000-05:00

Hi Clayton,

I've got several posts coming from our trip down to Texas. Tuesday night Lauren and Kent cooked supper for us. This is how the time was passed waiting...

Here is a link to YouTube in case you have problems here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqKhzeaGywY

Love,
Mom

The Countdown Begins

2011-03-11T12:31:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was a great day for this Mom. We were given a date! The Countdown begins!

6 weeks, 2 days until this guy heads home!

This was what I shared elsewhere yesterday---

Today I've:

screamed for joy
felt like fainting
prayed I wasn't dreaming

And lifted a prayer of thanks...for Clay's continued protection and safe return home...soon.

A date. I finally have a date! Subject to change, but a date! He is scheduled to leave Afghanistan April 25th, arriving back in the states about 5 days later. This has been a long journey. I have managed to endure because of my faith, family and friends.

````````````````````````````

Lots of good news this week

Clayton you can't imagine how happy that news made me yesterday. So much that I had a hard time focusing on anything and didn't sleep well last night! Dad and I can't wait to see you!

You know how you like to poke fun at me and my cemetery research...? Well, my cemetery blog has been voted one of the top 40 genealogy blogs for 2011 - read the details at Family Tree Magazine online, which will be printed in an upcoming issue.

And today...Dad let me buy a new toy. More on that later.

News from Home

2011-03-09T15:48:00.001-06:00

Hi Clay,

Things are pretty quiet here. I think winter is winding down, finally. Temps in the 50s and 60s this coming week. Dad and I are ready to get out and take a few weekend get-aways. We are going down to see Uncle Gary and Aunt Karen sometime soon so we can plan a trip for the 4 of us...to Savannah, GA sometime in the late summer / early fall. That will be fun. We always enjoy spending time with them.

Dad and I took a trip to your storage unit this past weekend to check on the recall notice you got for your washer. Yep - it is one of them. Looks like we'll have to call them out. It hasn't been that long since your dishwasher was repaired in a recall. When you are home on leave [boy does that sound good] perhaps you can check on getting a smaller unit. Maybe you can save a little money that way.

Did you get your care package yet? I'm getting ready to send what I hope is the last one, in about a week.

Here is the new living room sofa and chairs. While there was nothing wrong with the old stuff [almost 14 years old] it was nice to get a fresh updated look to the room. It probably still looked good because I didn't let you play in that room. Ha ha! We need to hang new pictures now. One thing always leads to another! We did keep the old tables and lamps though.

This green chair is my $7 find. It's a Kroehler from the 1960s. Kyle is going to re-upholster it for me as soon as I find a material I like.

Speaking of Kyle...I told you in a email that Tashina had her baby last week. I believe he is a week old today. Here is Cooper Sterling Miller.

Well, that about wraps up this update. Hope to hear from you soon.

Keep safe and remember we love you beyond words!

Love,
Mom & Dad

Update

2011-03-09T15:29:00.000-06:00

Last week I got an email from Clay after 11 days of silence. 11 looooooong days. I get antsy after just a few days. They all run together for him. He has gone back to 12 hour shifts and in a completely different time frame. Just about the time I figure out when he is awake, working and sleeping it gets changed. Oh well.

We don't have an exact date yet for his return but we are in the "less than" 10 week area. I feel these will be the toughest weeks for me. It has been a long journey and I'm ready to get to the destination and for this to become a faded memory.

I can't promise no kissing his sweet face but I will promise not to wear lipstick!

Please continue to lift him in prayer and for a safe return home soon.

You've Got Mail

2011-02-24T14:27:00.000-06:00

This left yesterday...Wed 2/23/11.

I'm really hoping this is the next to last care package I send. Only because that means you will be coming home soon!

The last one will go out in time to arrive for your birthday. It will be hard to fit a good birthday gift into that box size but I have a few ideas. When you get home perhaps Dad and I can do something special for you - besides a nice dinner out.

Today is a gloomy day. Awakened at 5 a.m. to a storm. Can't remember the last rain storm. With it came ice pellets.

As I was cleaning the kitchen I looked out the window and realized I had a peeping-tom...er, squirrel. He didn't give me time to change the camera settings.

Well, that wraps up another exciting day here is small town, USA.

Mom & Dad

What's new?

2011-02-23T08:46:00.000-06:00

Clayton called Monday morning. A wonderful start to my week! We had a nice long conversation. Since Barry wasn't here he had to make two calls. I hope Clay knows how much we appreciate that! I feel at this point we are ticking down the time until he returns home. It can't come soon enough.

On Tuesday I received a recorded call from the eArmy messaging center. It was testing the system to those that would receive a call informing them of the return date for the 101st Brigade. Can I tell you how excited I was?! That call is still some time out but I feel better informed on what to expect on the day of his return in regard to where to be, when they de-plane, ceremony and dismissal. I can hardly wait until that day.

And to Clayton...I think I told you all that was new when you called. Dad and I bought some new furniture which will be here Friday and Monday. I'll send you old and new picks. My new camera should arrive tomorrow. Yippee! I know you can't wait for me to take a few pics of you. What I'm saving for now is a new lens for wildlife photography. We have a bald eagle that lives out on 11th that I would love to get a shot of. This isn't a good photo. He was out on the island and it was so windy I had a hard time keeping the camera steady.

Have a great week. Keep safe and rest as best you can. We look forward to talking to you again soon.

We love you beyond words!
Mom & Dad

Hi

2011-02-17T08:30:00.002-06:00

Pssst. Hi Clay. When are you coming home?
Gotta go. I hear your Mom coming down the hallway.

Love,
Sophie

Last of the snow?

2011-02-15T20:26:00.000-06:00

Hi Clayton,

Here are the snow pictures I said I'd post for you. I heard Hutch had 17 to 19 inches from several reports. I know we got 19 here. And that was on top of what we'd received the week before when the blowing wind created a 4 foot snowdrift in the back yard. It had started to shrink until the 19 inches hit. I'm hoping the higher temps this week will melt most of it.

The left over from 1st big snow

Dad was out of town and I was dreading the job of shoveling all that snow. Thankfully our neighbor, Bo, came over with his snowblower and cleaned the driveway for us. So that just left the porch and sidewalk. It was then I found out he was the one that cleaned our drive a few weeks ago when Dad and I came back from Aunt Vickie's and it had snowed here. It is a blessing to have good neighbors.

This week has been a warm week of temps in the 50's, 60's and maybe 70's. I'm crossing my fingers and toes and hoping that groundhog was correct and spring will soon be here to stay. The birds have been very active these last few weeks. I am seeing the Robin's again. Although they are here in the winter I haven't seen any in our yard. Over a span of a few days I wrote down all the birds coming to the feeder hanging outside of the kitchen window and here is what I remember: Junco, Nuthatch, Sparrow, Red bellied [zebra backed] woodpecker, Carolina Wren, Cardinal and House Finches. In the tree I've seen Blue Jays and a Pine Siskin. I'm ready to get out in the gardens. I have the one in front to plan and plant this year and the foundation planting will be done. We've redone every existing and created a few new gardens since we moved here in 2005. Maybe next year is the year where we sit back and just maintain and enjoy. Maybe...

I'm saving to buy a new lens [and camera] that will be a better choice for photographing nature and wildlife. Dad won't give me an advance on my allowance. Maybe you can convince him for me? Ha ha!

Well, not much else to report. Still waiting on a date for your return. It was good to see you on facebook today. Hope to talk to you soon.

We love and miss you!
Mom & Dad

Another Update

2011-02-15T20:02:00.001-06:00

We talked to Clayton on Saturday. It had been 9 days since we'd heard from him and I considered sending him a scolding email to call his Mom. Just kidding! [maybe].

He actually had to call twice since Barry wasn't home at the time. He was out running errands.

Clayton's still doing well, although ready to come home. And we are SO ready for that day as well. Especially the part where he gets to take leave and comes home for a few weeks so Mom can spoil him like the good ole days.

And today I had a nice surprise when he commented on one of my facebook posts and I got to have a mini conversation with him that way. [He's never on facebook] I know, it doesn't take much to make me happy. And you know how I like pictures...so without further delay...

Later he uploaded some new pictures - most of which I hadn't seen before. I like this one, although the ammo in the background is a grim reminder of just where he is.

Please continue to keep him and our troops in your prayers. We cannot express how grateful we are for the love and support we've received during this journey.

Update

2011-02-07T11:58:00.000-06:00

We had a 40 minute conversation with Clayton last Thursday morning and the Sunday prior. On Sunday I had just sat down at the table at the annual family dinner [Barry's Mom's side] and Amanda asked about Clayton and I said he was doing good although we hadn't heard from him in 10 days [which is too long] and that I hoped to hear from him soon when my cell phone rang and it was Clayton. Yay! Barry and I talked to him a long while and his Grandma Wall was able to talk with him too.

He is doing well and still enjoying the shorter hours. Maybe, just maybe, he will return to the states in late April. As long as his boots are back on american soil before June I will be grateful. This has been a journey I will be happy to see come to a close. I pray for his safety, health and well-being on a normal day and so praying the same while he is in a war zone has been difficult. Children really should come with long warning labels. Ha ha!

And to Clayton...
We had snow last week. I'm not sure how much because the wind gusts were so strong it blew sideways all day. We ended up with a 4 foot snow drift in the back yard.

I hope it melts before May 1st so I can plant my tomatoes! Now the wind is blowing in dirt from the wheat field and it's turning into a big brown hill. We are supposed to get more...predicted 4 to 6 inches for our area this week. Yay, me. NOT. The ground hog didn't see his shadow so it's supposed to be an early spring. Goodness, I hope that critter is right!

There was an interesting article and news report about the prison ordering over 900 pizzas and 9,000 hot wings for a fund raiser - the spiritual life center. If you want to read it online you can find the story HERE. I sure wish you were still home and working there.

And some sad news to report. Grandma Wall's sister, June, passed away yesterday morning. Saying goodbye to our loved ones is always hard to do. We will be taking Grandma over to Ellinwood for the funeral sometime this week. I think Uncle Gary and Aunt Vickie both will be here as well.

I hope you have a good week and that we get to hear from you.

Love,
Mom & Dad

The latest

2011-01-26T14:01:00.003-06:00

I'm a little late in getting this post up. We talked to Clayton last Thursday. He is doing well and enjoying the shorter work days. I am glad he has more down time. I can only imagine how hard 12 hour days 7 days a week are in that environment with shift changes and trying to sleep with constant aircraft noise. And with no days off...Our body and mind need down time.

An update on his re-deployment home. Possible best case scenario is late April / early May. You know what I'm hoping for.

For Clayton -

I hope you get to call this week. We are having nicer weather this week. I'm enjoying it because you know it's going to get cold again before Springs arrives.

And, your Uncle Bill Duffy sends their best. I found him on facebook.

We miss you and love you!
Mom & Dad

You've Got Mail

2011-01-18T21:53:00.002-06:00

It was 26 degrees but I made it to the post office today. Brrrr. Not much new here since we talked last Friday.

Hmmm. Can you see the box contents on the custom form? Awww guess I covered that up! :)

Here are two things I will show you that are in the box:

Seriously - it's in the box!

This was made by a friend of mine, Diane Wright, for you. It's made of a very soft wool.

Have a great week!
We love you,
Mom & Dad

Not much new

2011-01-13T19:28:00.000-06:00

We've only had a few email exchanges with Clayton since we had a video chat with him on New Year's day. He is doing well and now working the 4 pm to midnight shift. They have enough people to work 8 hours for a while. I'm glad he's able to have a little more down time since there are no days off.

And for Clayton
We got our first real snow this past weekend. Some has blown or melted away but still enough out there to make me count the days until Spring. It's been really cold this week - like 1 degree. Supposed to get up to the low 30's which will make that feel warm.

We miss you and are waiting to hear when you're coming home.

Love,
Mom & Dad

Trip to the Palace

2011-01-03T00:00:00.029-06:00

First day off since I returned from R&R leave around four months ago! I slept in till 10. It was so nice. My internet is a little more friendly during these hours (when I'm normally at work) so I'll upload a few pictures from the mission I went on a few days ago.

The jist of the mission was that a Platoon's worth of soldiers went from our base to the nearby governor's palace (yes, palace) for some sort of holiday/new year celebration the govenor was hosting for US forces in the area. It was a good excuse to get out off the base. Had a good time, got to eat some things that I hadn't tried before and still can't identify

My ride to and from the palace.
Our HLZ was a soccer field outside the palace
walls but not that far of a walk. Reasonably safe too.

Just in case you forget what I look like, here you go. :)

Yep, the Penquin came along as well!
Just waiting around for the time to go.

Inside view, fairly comfortable ride.

This is us flying to the area.
That's right, we fly with the doors open :D

At the palace. I brought the eagle along with me.
The pool needs water, and some new tiles. :(

Just in case you wanted to know exactly where I was.

Hanging around outside.

A walkway with shrubbery.

This is why you can't have nice things.
When you have nice things the American's invade. :)
Seriously though, nice chair.

And at last, the food. Lots and lots of it.

What did I tell you about having nice things?

Thats all for now. Hope you all had a happy new years.

One More...

2011-01-02T18:32:00.000-06:00

One more from New Year's Eve.

Hello SSGT

2011-01-02T18:14:00.000-06:00

Greetings to SSgt Spittler from Barry & Gale Wall in Hutchinson, KS

Bastogne Magazine

2011-01-02T18:09:00.000-06:00

Clayton was featured in the December issue.

The Whole Page

The mail packet

Video Chat on New Year's Day

2011-01-02T18:02:00.000-06:00

We had a video chat with Clayton on New Year's Day. It had been a long time since we'd seen his face and so you can imagine how happy I was. I am very grateful that we hear his voice almost weekly and also emails from time to time. But seeing his face reassures me of his well-being.

Barry and I decided not to be selfish and invited the family over to see Clayton. As always I had the camera in hand.

Clayton was able to tell us the re-deployment [home] papers had been issued but no date or time-frame is available yet. Patience. Not something I'm good at!!! We're still many months away.

We miss you son and can't wait to have you home.

This is what the chat looked like from our end.

To Grandma's House We Go

2011-01-02T17:52:00.001-06:00

Even the dogs came to grandma's for Christmas.
[and we're positive she was overjoyed]

Top
Left: Mollie - she belongs to Jennifer & Justin
Right: Roudy - he belongs to Jennifer & Justin and lives up to his name

Bottom
Left: Manny - he belongs to Aunt Karen and sometimes Uncle Gary
Right: Keisha - she belongs to Mike

Christmas on New Year's Day

2011-01-02T17:49:00.000-06:00

Pics from the Wall & Miller Christmas. Guess we should add the name Kendall too since that is Jennifer's married name. :)

Tashina and Kyle's baby is due in March.

Here is a pic of what Grandma got for Christmas from all of us. The TV is from us parents and the TV stand from the 5 grandkids [yes, I will be writing a check out of your account :)]

I guess you know why I'm not in any of the photos. But you know what I look like. Lol.

Wish you and Lauren had been with us.

New Year's Eve

2011-01-02T17:39:00.000-06:00

Dad and I had planned to spend new year's eve with Trent and Diane before we knew that was the weekend the Wall's and Miller's would celebrate Christmas. So, the family joined us at our house and we had a good time playing Apples to Apples and trying to bowl and play golf on the Wii. Even grandma gave the Wii a try. Here are a few pics. [My favorite is the one of Aunt Karen]. Wish you could of been here.

Catching Up

2010-12-29T20:36:00.000-06:00

With our unexpected trip I didn't get any posts up or scheduled, so I'm catching up.

Clayton we got our mail delivered today and your packet to us was in it. Great picture of you in the magazine. I'll post it on the blog later so others can see.

Also, as I was unpacking and cleaning today I moved a chair cushion and found that I forgot to send one of your Christmas presents. So, guess what you'll get it in the next care package. Nope - not going to tell you. :)

Uncle Gary & Aunt Karen, Aunt Vickie & Uncle Alan, Kyle & Tashina, Mike and Jennifer & Justin are coming to Grandma's this weekend to have Christmas.

To everyone else: You may have read in a previous post that Barry and I took 8 days to drive to Georgia to take care of some things for my Daddy. Hopefully things will improve from now forward. We talked to Clayton via phone twice while gone. One was on Christmas day and that was the present I wanted - to hear his voice. He's doing well.

Trip to Georgia

2010-12-29T20:20:00.000-06:00

Dad and I took an unplanned 8 day trip to Georgia to check on Grandpa Stafford. He had a stroke earlier in the year and we wanted to make sure his health issues were being addressed. We got a lot taken care of while there and will continue to follow up from here.

Thought I'd share these pics with you.

They still have these grocery stores in Georgia.

Yum. Nuff said.

We got to see Linda, Tressie & Jessica and families while in Georgia. I didn't take pictures when were all together but here is a picture of Linda's 5th baby. He was born the day before Thanksgiving.

Cameron Robert Isaiah Guthrie

The above picture was taken at Granny and PawPaw's house. We stopped in for a quick visit on Christmas day. Granny cooked Christmas dinner so Dad and I ate there before heading out to Tressie's to see everyone. It was a nice visit with Granny, PawPaw and your Aunt Pam. Your Granny will be 80 on her birthday in January.

Christmas Trees

2010-12-29T20:03:00.000-06:00

With you being gone I almost didn't put up the trees. Decided to go ahead.

Bath

2010-12-29T19:59:00.000-06:00

Dad gave your truck a bath :)

Kitchen Changes

2010-12-29T19:56:00.000-06:00

I forgot to send you the before and after pics of the kitchen. Looks much better. We still have to pick out tile for the backsplash and repaint.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T00:57:00.001-06:00

Wishing you a Merry Christmas! We miss you and love you beyond words!

This & That

2010-12-15T18:53:00.002-06:00

Dad tells me he is working down there in the basement. Wonder how much he actually gets done?

Its been cold here lately. Nothing says cozy like a nice fire.

And, here are pics of my birthday gifts. Thank you for the camera backpack.

What we look like

2010-12-12T18:00:00.001-06:00

Dad and I don't want you to forget what we look like. Ha ha! We went to KC this weekend for his office party. We had breakfast at the Old 56 in Olathe. Still looks the same and the food was really good! I finally got to see a different tie on Dad this weekend at the Christmas party. He has been faithful in wearing the flag tie to church every week. I will be glad to retire it! We miss you!

Love,
Mom & Dad

12 Days of Penguins - Day 12

2010-12-12T00:35:00.002-06:00

On the twelfth day... we bring you:

12 Days of Penguins - Day 11

2010-12-11T00:33:00.000-06:00

On the eleventh day... we bring you:

12 Days of Penguins - Day 10

2010-12-10T00:30:00.002-06:00

On the tenth day... we bring you:

Update on Clayton

2010-12-09T13:10:00.000-06:00

Just a quick post to update everyone on Clayton. We talked to him last week and also this past Tuesday night and Wednesday. Those 2 calls brought me birthday wishes. It was the one thing I wanted most - to hear his voice on my birthday. My birthday also marked 7 months of his one-year deployment. I have never wanted to age so fast in my life but I can hardly wait until this year is behind us and a distant memory.

He is doing well. The weather is about what we are experiencing here in Kansas. I'm sure they are ready for cooler temps after the heat they experienced this summer. Hopefully where he is located will be somewhat protected from the extreme cold.

He is back to 12 hour days most likely until January. But we know that is always, always subject to change. He seems to bounce back and forth so often I can't keep up. Please keep him and our troops in your prayers. We are experiencing our first Christmas without him. Thanksgiving just wasn't the same and I know Christmas won't be either. There are so many families like us. I am hoping we will get a video call with him. I haven't seen his face in a while. Hearing his laughter over the phone is great but seeing his face and smile is so wonderful.

12 Days of Penguins - Day 9

2010-12-09T00:21:00.002-06:00

On the ninth day... we bring you:

Santa and the chimney

2010-12-08T23:43:00.000-06:00

Uh, tell me again how the big guy gets down the chimney with all this fire.

What! No Santa Claus. Waaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!

Is that how you felt? Ha ha!

12 Days of Penguins - Day 8

2010-12-08T00:20:00.002-06:00

On the eighth day... we bring you:

12 Days of Penguins - Day 7

2010-12-07T00:22:00.001-06:00

On the seventh day... we bring you:

12 Days of Penguins - Day 6

2010-12-06T00:20:00.002-06:00

On the sixth day... we bring you:

We miss you!

12 Days of Penguins - Day 5

2010-12-05T00:20:00.001-06:00

On the fifth day... we bring you:

12 Days of Penguins - Day 4

2010-12-04T00:17:00.001-06:00

On the fourth day... we bring you:

12 Days of Penguins - Day 3

2010-12-03T09:28:00.002-06:00

On the third day... we bring you:

Happy Holidays

2010-12-03T06:23:00.007-06:00

It's getting that time of year again!

Over here the weather has turned agreeable to me. Which means low 40's and I find that I am enjoying the cold more so than others.

Thank you for the suprise package. I hadn't checked my email in a while so when I went to gather the mail for my section I was suprised to see one for me. Thank you!

I try very hard not to count down the days. All around me I hear others doing it, counting months, weeks or how many paychecks they have left in country. It works better for me just to let one day blend into the next.

Will I wait till Christmas to open the boxes from mom and dad? I think not!

Another earthquake last night. Just a boom with a short rumble. Lasted about 15 seconds total. Thought we were under attack again but we quickly realized what it was when our B-Hut started to shake just a little. I never knew earthquakes made a boom sound as they first start when the ground rips and grinds against itself.

So long for now!

PS - The oatmeal cream pies did not last long. Thank you for those :)

You've Got Mail

2010-12-02T23:59:00.001-06:00

Hi Clayton,

These left today. Are you going to wait until Christmas day to open them? Talk to you soon.

12 Days of Penguins - Day 2

2010-12-02T21:27:00.001-06:00

On the second day... we bring you:

12 Days of Penguins - Day 1

2010-12-01T14:34:00.000-06:00

On the first day...we bring you:

We love you!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T21:58:00.000-06:00

This bunch of turkey's wish you a happy thanksgiving. We missed having you here with us.

Remember these little people? You got these for me when you worked at Publix in high school. I always loved that commercial at thanksgiving.

We love you!

Gallery Showing

2010-11-25T21:55:00.000-06:00

Hi!

I told you a few weeks ago that I joined the local photography club. And just in time to participate in a showing at Gallery 7 on Third Thursday this month. You can't really see my photos because I'm in front of them. I did have someone interested in purchasing 2 of them. Instead of selling them we made a trade. She creates beautiful jewelry and so I came home with a lovely necklace and earrings. Good deal!

Too many leaves

2010-11-23T21:03:00.000-06:00

The leaves are falling and the trash can is way too small. Dad can't keep up so he had to resort to the following! Good thing we brought your truck back from Kentucky. Ha ha!

And little miss diva is always trying to get one of us to rub her head and ears. It's still cute after all these years. Well, except when it's in the wee hours of the night.

Looking forward to talking to you in a few days.

Update on Clayton

2010-11-22T12:26:00.000-06:00

Despite my day not turning out as I had hoped, it did begin on a very good note. We had a 55 minute phone call from Clayton this morning. Just when I thought he may be settling into the night schedule again he has been bounced back to days.

I worry about his ability to get the rest he needs. Afghanistan is no place to be operating without a clear and rested mind. Then I remember, this is a war zone. Sleeping in a wooden shack with constant aircraft noise, alarms sounding, real and drills, and being tired, physically and mentally, are what make up a normal day for him at this time. It is hard to enjoy my basic comforts knowing he cannot.

As thanksgiving approaches I am mindful of the abundance of blessings I have to be thankful for. One of them being God's protection over my most treasured gift on this earth.

Please remember Clayton and our troops this week. Because of their courage and sacrifices we enjoy so many freedoms in our life.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

Note from Grandma

2010-11-22T12:11:00.001-06:00

Dear Clayton,

Turning colder here as your mom told you. I'm not ready for cold weather. Everyone that can is coming here for Thanksgiving. Wish you could be here also. Hope you have a good dinner on turkey day. All of us will be thinking about you.

Tashina got her commission. She reports to Ft. Riley, Kansas January 4. We are all excited about that. She thought she may have to go to Louisiana. They will be about 95 miles from Aunt Vickie and Uncle Alan. They found a house in St. George a small town east of Ft.Riley. They will move the end of December.

Wanted to let you know there is a package on the way to you from the Blue Star Mothers in Edmond. Talked to a friend from there a few days ago and said they were getting the boxes ready to send. You should get it within the next 10 days. They do this from the church that I went to.

Praying for you and all our troops safety and I thank all of you for the job you are doing in keeping us all safe.

I love you and miss you,

Grandma

Busy Weekend

2010-11-20T13:47:00.000-06:00

Hi Clayton,
Just a quick note to tell you we are thinking of you and miss you! We have a busy weekend. We prepared communion this morning and have lots of other errands and chores to do today. You got a recall on your dishwasher so Dad is going to check that out today too.

Hope you have adjusted back to the night schedule and getting some decent sleep now. Take care of yourself. We hope to hear from you soon.

We love you!
Mom & Dad

A few flurries

2010-11-17T15:20:00.000-06:00

We saw our first snow flurries today. I am NOT ready for winter. It didn't last long. We will take your truck over to Grandma's soon and store in her extra garage space for the winter.

We love you!

Update on Clayton

2010-11-17T11:46:00.001-06:00

I thought I'd better post an update here since those on facebook knew this days ago. Clayton's base was attacked again this past weekend. Thankfully no American or Afghan soldiers lost their lives.

---------------

From our local newstation website is this brief account:
[kake.com]

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Would-be suicide bombers have been repelled after trying to storm a major NATO base in eastern Afghanistan early Saturday.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack. It's their second assault on the base and an adjoining airport outside Jalalabad city in six months.

Meanwhile, a bomb attack in the north of the country killed people.

A national army commander says the militants attacked the Afghan army checkpoint outside the Jalalabad base shortly after dawn, sparking a gunbattle that lasted at least two hours and involved NATO helicopters firing from overhead.

A provincial government spokesman says eight assailants were killed -- including two who were wearing explosives vests.

A Taliban spokesman says there were 14 attackers and that 11 of them were killed.

NATO forces say initial reports indicate no foreign or Afghan forces were killed.

--------------------------
Most know that Clayton is at FOB Fenty in Jalalabad and his base was also attacked in June and he was in combat. This attack came while he was working. He was not in combat this time but that does little to relieve my worry.

They have also experienced two earthquakes since this past weekend. One shook them pretty good.

We have had email and chat communication this past week and know that he is doing well. I think he was delighted to find chocolate in his last care package and I was told it went pretty quick!

Please keep him and our troops in your prayers.

What's for lunch?

2010-11-12T20:29:00.000-06:00

UPS delivered this to me today. Pretty cool, huh?

A surprise gift from Uncle Gary & Aunt Karen.

Thank you for your service!

2010-11-11T09:21:00.005-06:00

Dad and I are remembering you, with much pride, today - Veteran's Day. We hope you know how proud we are of you. When you enlisted you made us proud. Enlisting during two wars made you our hero. We are thankful for your courage. You follow in the steps of the other brave men in our family including Grandpa Wall and Duke and my grandfather's: Daniel U. Stafford [top right] and Cleveland H. Snell [middle left]. Grandpa Stafford is the one that gave you the little orange truck when you were 3 years old. The one you still have today. Keep safe and we look forward to talking to you soon.

This photo of you [bottom right] is in the veteran section of The Hutchinson News today.

Overdue Photo

2010-11-11T00:25:00.006-06:00

Okay, so I promised my mom I'd upload a picture I took of me when I had all my gear on during the night I was assigned to tower duty.

Well here it is!

Now let me give you a run down of what all I'm wearing. On top of my head attached to my helmet are the night vision goggles they gave me. They make the world very green, but it lets me see at night just like it was day. A strange, green day, but still I can see so that's all that matters. They also do some other neat stuff I can't talk about, good thing they gave me extra batteries.

I have my mandatory eye protection on, because I can't get away with not wearing them try as I might. Then, obviously, I have my body armor on. It's what all that other stuff is attached to. That "other stuff" is my magazine rack, which sits over my stomach, it's the vertical rectangle looking things. I have six magazines of ammo plus one more in my weapon for a total of seven. Then, to the side of the magazine rack I have a smoke grenade pouch which the penguin is riding around in. I have my first aid pouch, its the pouch with the tiny bit of red showing on the clasp.

I have my weapon, pretty self explanatory. Also you'll notice that my cargo pocket seems a little bulky. Well, gotta have snacks up in a tower, right? I took the picture at the end of my shift, which explains the daylight and the smile.

Here are two other pictures I took when I managed to get outside the wire.

This was on the way to the range, when we were stuck in a traffic gridlock in the nearby town. I was looking over the side of the road into a low area where locals had built up their housing. A group was standing out there looking at us (looking at me) so I took a picture.

The next one is at the firing range. A crowd of Afghani children and teenagers gathered when they had heard we were out there. They come to collect the brass from the ammunition that we shoot. I'm pretty sure they sell it for the value of the metal to someone somewhere. Our security element had to keep them at a distance while we were shooting, otherwise they would have run up between the trucks while we were shooting to grab the brass.

Yes, I know its out of focus.

About the "Then and Now" - I look very strange with hair.

Lauren - Nice hat :)

Dear Clayton

2010-11-08T11:27:00.002-06:00

Today I am celebrating. You see, today marks the half-way point of your deployment in Afghanistan. In each situation we should look for the good and this is good for me today.

My prayer is always for your safety and protection. That you get the rest your body and mind needs for each new day. May we remember to count our blessings daily. Dad and I are looking forward to your safe return to us at the end of your deployment.

We love you and miss you!
Mom

Matthew 11: 28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Another "Then and Now"

2010-11-08T11:17:00.000-06:00

I know you're glad I saved all these photos. lol

Note from Lauren

2010-11-07T16:28:00.000-06:00

Greetings from Texas!

[one of our beautiful nieces]

Then and Now

2010-11-04T13:53:00.000-05:00

For those that need a good laugh