Day Six.

It's Christmas Eve! Kinda hard to believe. It is finally starting to feel a little like the holidays now.

So update on yesterday's phone call - I did get a call from my soldier! :)

His mom, brother and sister-in-law were all there to partake in the call as well. So that was a nice treat!
We had him on speaker phone for a little while and he talked about the base and some of the things he's been doing.
Yesterday was his first day to check out the "shop" where they work on the helicopters. He met the Sargent and got to meet some other people. Sounds like it is becoming more official feeling and he is getting the feel for what he will be doing, or at least some of the things he'll be doing.

I was able to find some pictures on another soldier's facebook page of the base and the living arrangements. It's not the best, that's for sure. From what I can see, and from what he has explained, they live in what looks like the trailers you see on a construction site. The area around the base is pretty desolate looking.

We actually got a chance to talk for quite a while yesterday. After the speaker phone conversation, we talked for probably a half-hour until the house phone died, then he called back on my cell phone and we talked for another 25 minutes or so. It's funny though, because I couldn't even tell you what all we chatted about!! 
Sometimes I wish I would take notes on the phone just so I can retain all the information!

He sounded pretty good. The long days are starting to take a toll I think.

Today I went over to his dad's house to have Christmas celebrations with his dad, step-mom, brother, sister-in-law and niece.  His plan was to call their house and chat with everyone, however, for some reason the call wouldn't go through on their home phone. So he called on my cell and we just passed it around.

He was pretty beat today. I could just hear it in his voice. It was a long day, and they aren't used to working 12 hours, and having to be up a couple hours before work, and then dinner and personal time after work, and of course the trick is leaving enough room for sleep time. 

Sounds like he was actually able to do his "real job" today! It's been a long time since he's gotten to work with the helicopters the way he was trained to do so. In fact, there wasn't one single helicopter on the base at home, as they were all deployed as well! 

So I think he was glad to get the opportunity to get his hands dirty a little bit today.  I didn't really chat long with him today.  I knew that he was super tired and need to get to bed. We plan to try and video chat, for the first time since he's left, in the morning.  I am looking forward to seeing his face on the screen!! I will just want to kiss it!! :)

Today was a really fun time with his family. I don't want to speak too soon, but it's starting to get a little easier.  I think being with his family, people who know him as well as I do (and in some cases, better), that it makes me feel like I'm with a little piece of him at least.

I am saying my prayers tonight for him and all the soldiers there (as I have been every day/night!)  He said that the last "incident" happened around Thanksgiving, or maybe even on Thanksgiving, and that they are expecting something on Christmas.  Apparently the "bad guys" like to send them home made rockets for the holidays. Jerks.

So that has me a little on edge today. I know that it is already Christmas Day there, so falling asleep tonight may be a little more difficult.  Actually, I have had a hard time sleeping since he left, but tonight I will be anxiously awaiting tomorrow morning when I get to make contact with him. 

On another note: it's snowing.  It is snowing beautiful thick flakes! I am not the biggest fan of snow, however, I do think it is beautiful and magical looking.  I guess I'll be having a White Christmas this year. My honey will be having a Tan Christmas!