The picture!!

To everyone:

This is a hand sketched, pencil drawn picture by an Afghanistan citizen overseas. Matthew gave him the tiny photo you see and he drew this unbelievable picture! We are so thrilled and Matthew sent it to me as a surprise! How neat! The next one he wants to do is a picture of me when I am later and bigger in pregnancy to hang in the baby's room....like a maternity photo. If I keep going at the rate I am, it won't be long before I can give him a " big" picture of me!

To all you guys out there, friends and family.....I want you to know Matthew is doing really well overseas. He has been lifting weights very hard in his free time and really getting big and buff! As for Layla, she apparently is getting much bigger. At the time of year when everyone is trying to slim down to get into swimsuits, I cannot stop the inevitable growth of the little alien inside! My stomach is ever present and has finally stopped me from running so I am using work out videos to stay as in shape as possible. I told Kristin the other day that I didn't think I was getting bigger and by the look on her face I knew I was mistakened as she said, "I think you might want to measur." Sure enough, unfortunate as it may seem....to me....haha I have gained 3 belly inches since I got here, so 3 inches in a month and a half. WOW. That's all I can say, BUT the good thing is that my belly is what is really showing that weight gain and I love rubbing my belly. Layla is most active when I lay down at night and she just starts wiggling away. I actually can SEE my belly moving now when she squirms! How fun! What a joy we have! I cannot wait until Matthew returns to share in this joy in a new way, we all know how much he wishes he could be here for this exciting time.

All I can ask is that everyone really be thankful for our men and women that serve. Many give up the most important and BIGGEST part of their lives being away in order for us to remain free. Whether you believe in the causes or politics behind the war, support our troops while they are away. They are just doing their job and we are lucky that their job is protecting our freedom! Fighting is more apparent overseas, but it is also an everyday battle for us families left behind to stand strong behind our men in a country growing ever against what they stand for. Let freedom ring!

Love to all!

Hey Matthew!!



Ok, so I know you are so so SOO anxious to see these pictures, so without further delay, here they are! I hope you like them, this picture is awesome! Thank you for the present, baby, it is going to be SO neat to see it in our home again when you get back. You get back here soon, ok? This baby and I are waiting on you!



Love,

Your girls and Hurley