The newest obsession for the kids

My parents bought the classic ZORRO movie. I don't know where they found it (at a library sale, yard sale, dunno). My dad watched it with the kids and now they run to him and ask if he'll watch Zero with them. They love to watch Zero, but only with Vovô Lee. I tried to correct them a few times, but Zorro doesn't catch as easily as Zero.

The best Ford I've ever seen.

Li'l Edward Cullen

This is to all my Twilight maniacs.

Letter #4 from Pt. Scattolon

It's definately getting tougher. I can tell from the general tone of the letter that it is emotionally straining. He says that many soldiers cry themselves to sleep. Some are trying to thing of ways to escape or get discharged. Giampiero is being strong. He knows why he is there, and that it won't last forever.

He is losing weight and getting stronger. They excersize, walk, stand, etc., for hours a day. He gets on average 4 1/2 hours sleep a night. (He's dying for a monster drink.) Giampiero was very excited to get treats at church. It was the first sweet thing he's had in weeks. You know he's a choc-o-holic.

Baby belly 14.5 weeks

I finally went to the doctor. It was a relief to hear the baby's heartbeat. Crazy as it may seem, before you feel the baby move, see an ultrasound, or hear the heartbeat, a woman wonders if the baby is really even there. We just feel fat, tired and sick. Now I am happy to feel like all this chub is going to a good cause.

I will have my ultrasound April 16th. I hope to find out if we are having a boy or a girl!

FINALLY! An address for Pvt. Scattolon

Pvt. Scattolon, Giampiero M.
4th PLT
B co 2-81 AR
3576 Wilson Road
Fort Knox, KY 40121-5728

Today I received letter #3 from Giampiero. He said Drill Sergeants are much like they are depicted in the movies, only worse in some cases. They are very demanding. "Three guys have already tried to escape to go home, but it's called a FORT for a reason. They all were arrested. They are to be issued rifles the following day. They will be required to carry them at all times even when they eat (which he can do in less than a minute, thanks to the Drill Sergeants) and sleep. Two guys were arrested because they were joking around that they would shoot the Drill Sergeants when they got their weapons. The Army does not joke around like that!

Things are not easy, but he is confident he will make it through. Please write often. Write encouraging and optimistic things. Please don't write things that will bring him down (no complaining). He needs all the uplifting, loving, and encouraging words possible. Remember, no packages, just standard sized letters.

Thank you!

Letter from Robert C. Oaks

I received a letter from Robert C. Oaks (in presidency of the quorum of the 70 and retired airforce general).

"We recently learned that Giampiero has joined the military and is attending basic training at Fort Knox, KY. We are pleased to inform you that he has been attending the Church services on base and are grateful for the spirit he brings to the meetings. Brother Byrnes is the Church leader at Fort Knox and will do all he can to help strengthen Giampiero's faith and testimony. We appreciate your support and know you join us in asking that the Lord will guide and protect him during this time of uncertainty and turmoil in the world."

There was more in the letter that was directed more specifically toward me and also informing me of the Military Relations Division of the Church that will be helpful as we travel to various locations to follow Giampiero.

I am so grateful for all our faithful brothers and sisters who pray for our soldiers.

Letter #2 from Pvt. Scattolon

Giampiero was still in "reception" when he wrote this letter. That's where they give them haircuts, issue uniforms, finish processing, do more tests, etc. The highlights of the letter were the BCG's or Birth Control Glasses that the soldiers are issued. They are huge and have hideously thick frames. They are already running drills. They are rushed to eat. They were told that the only way out is to graduate because the paperwork to get kicked out takes 6 months to process. All communication will be standard sized letters and once in a while he will be able to call home. I look forward to those calls! There is no set date for graduation because if he gets sick or injured, or if the unit does not keep up with schedule, there could be delays.

I think he is doing well. I am so proud of my soldier.

It's Private

Giampiero left on the 24th for Fort Knox, Kentucky. He is going through "reception" so he hasn't been assigned a unit. That means we don't have an address to mail anything yet. Communication is restricted. There is no e-mail during Basic Training and timed phone calls are given as a reward. It looks like snail mail will have to do! I will let you all know as soon as we have a mailing address for him.

I got my first letter from Private Giampiero Scattolon today. He said that when they reach for soda or sweats, they get screamed at. He was happy to go to Church and have a place where there was no screaming.

Keep up the prayers. They are appreciated. I know I feel the Lord's comfort and guidance. I see the children being blessed to understand to the best of their ability where their daddy is. Sara says she isn't strong, she's "Army Strong"