Aug. 12th 2010

Shani: A letter and a phone call!!! It's like Christmas, only BETTER:)
This evening at about 10 to 7:00 my phone rang and the caller ID said, "STAN". My heart skipped a beat. It was so nice to hear his voice. He sounded a little horse, but in good spirits. He told me his platoon was finally able to pass off all their guys so they can pass from Red to White phase. But that they won't let them move on to white phase until all the other platoons in their unit pass too. He say's he's healthy and doing everything possible to stay out of Sick Bay.

Here's Stan's letter:

Hi my fun cute kids! I hope you had a good summer. When I come home I will put some grass in the backyard for you. OK. You can all help me. Then you can say you helped and tell everyone tat you are all hard workers. Mom told me in her letter that you are all being really good and brave. Thanks for helping mom. I love you kids and I loved the letters you sent me. You all did such a good job.
Guess what? I got to repell off a great big tower today. Twice as tall as our house
(60') It was fun. Then I climed across two rope bridges. Then I slid back across on top of one rope. It was as high as our house. I get to shoot my weapon next week. I will tell you how I do. I have the first real P.T. test on Saturday. I will tell you my score later. I have fireguard tonight in about 10 min. Only 4 hours of sleep tonight :( It's not to bad if we don't have to sit in a classroom. It's very hard to stay awake. The DS gave us one privlege; they said we can now get orange juice or chocolate milk at chow time lol It's not much, but I'll take it;) We should be in white phase right now, but there are still soldiers just doing their own thing. We have been learning more Army combatence this week. Lot's of good fighting moves.
Thanks kids for your nice letters. Grayden for the picture of our home, Todd for the picture of that Army hummer and Sophie for your sweet letter. You are so cute. And don't forget Layla's cute hand. It's getting bigger!
Hey, find out when Colton goes to BT. Tell him good luck and to start working out more. Even if he thinks he is doing enough. It's nice to be ahead of everyone. Yes, I am still thinking about airborn school. I won't know much more about it for about 3-4 weeks. Remember any pictures you snd I have to show them to the drill sergeants.(Shani: What kind of pictures did he think i would send??lol)Lot's of push ups for those fat letters. It's worth it though:)The pictures of our family turned out nice.
Shani, we have some special kids. I am glad this little obstical is just a short time. These times, though hard will only make us stronger. "The moment may be temporary, but the memory lasts forever." I don't remember where I got that. When times get hard I just close my eyes and thin about hugging my wife on graduation day.
There is a family day on the 29th too. It won't be long now.