Announcement!!

Hello Everyone! Brian and I wanted to officially announce that we are pregnant and expecting a baby boy in early March! We've included the pictures from the latest ultrasound below. Please enjoy, and we'll post some additional updates to catch everyone up on recent events soon!

Updates

Hello everyone!  I realize that it's been a little while since we last posted, but we haven't had much exciting news to share.  Brian has been settling in at FOB (Forward Operating Base) Garry Owen (as much as one can settle in when living on a cot in a tent with 9 fellow soldiers) but reports that he is very busy and for the most part enjoys the work he is doing and the folks whom he works with.  I recently mailed Brian the cord that allows him to transfer images from his camera to his computer, so hopefully we will have some images of the new FOB to post soon! 

Things in Texas have been quiet as well.  I am looking forward to Mom's visit in a few weeks, and have enjoyed the cooling temperatures (average daily temperature is now down to 86!).  Maggie recently started obedience school, and although she had a rough start things are beginning to go smoothly and she enjoys her weekly classes with the other dogs.  She now can sit, lay down, front, and walk on her lead (this required a harness so that she is no longer able to drag me around - good for me, but she doesn't particularly care for it) , and go to her place (either her crate or mat).  We are still working on staying and not running through the gates.  She is a work in progress.  I am also cat-sitting for a colleague this week, and this has been a learning experience for Alli.  She is not used to sharing her space, especially the upstairs which is her domain (Maggie isn't allowed up there).  It seems her ability to hiss and be cranky is not limited to her interactions with Maggie.  Alli and Bob do seem to have some fun chasing each other around and stealing toys back and forth though.  

Other than that, things have been pretty quiet here.  I am also looking forward to attending an upcoming conference (International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies) in Chicago this November.  The program looks great, but I am most excited to spend time with my best friend Caroline, who calls Chicago home.  Our good friend Colleen is looking into making the trip out as well, so it might be a great mini-reunion!  

Our thoughts recently have also been with Aunt Karla and her family and with Grandma Murphy as they spend time in the hospital recovering and taking steps to lead stronger, healthier lives.  Our love and best wishes are extended to both of you.  

Thank you again to all who have been sending Brian packages.  They seem to average about 20-30 days to arrive, with arrival to Iraq occurring in about 10 days and then taking an additional 10-20 days to make it out to him at Garry Owen.  They are still building up the FOB (hopefully a Dining Facility and fixed latrines and shower will be up before winter) so food, building supplies and ammunition continue to maintain priority over mail and packages.  He does truly appreciate all of the food, toiletry items, photos and small gifts that have been sent.  It makes life a little bit more enjoyable and comfortable and he is grateful that he has been given enough to share with those who aren't receiving some of the comforts of home.  

Happy October to all, and if you happen to be one of our New England friends or family members, enjoy the apple orchards, pumpkin patches, and changing foliage for us!

Thanks!

Thanks to everyone who have sent candy and other nice things.  I've passed a lot of the candy out to my soldiers in the shop and they were happy to get it.  

My address has changed to:

CPT Brian Murphy

HHC, 2-7 CAV, 4/1 CD

FOB Garry Owen

APO AE 09331

Thanks again! I appreciate all of your support.

whirly bird

Hey this is me in a Blackhawk helicopter.  Always a fun ride, with lots of breeze.

Catching Up

Hello Everyone! It's been a busy month of August here in Texas.  I was out of town for about three weeks, first in Albuquerque, NM for the annual Force Health Protection Conference (see photos below from my trip up Sandia Peak on the Tram!) then to San Antonio, TX to train with Dr. Edna Foa on implementing prolonged exposure therapy into the Army "bank" of effective treatments for PTSD.

 Following all of these trips for work, I was able to make a fun trip to visit Uncle Dave and Aunt Joan in Cincinnati for labor day weekend and their annual fireworks party.

Aunt Joan and I went down to watch the duck race (the rubber ducks were joined by the real ducks, who were helping to herd them back into their barriers; see middle picture) but we're still not sure who won.  A lot of the rubber duckies seemed to be great escape artists.  The last photo is the view of downtown Cincinnati from the deck of their condo.  What a great place to watch the fireworks from!

In other news, a few congratulations are in order.  First a big Happy Birthday and Congratulations on your retirement to Mom Kasarjian.  Sep 1 was the official day for both, and I'm glad I was able to spend it with you!  Next, congratulations to our brothers, Brian and Liam.  Both are beginning new jobs in the first two weeks of September, Brian with the Plymouth Public School System as a permanent substitute teacher and assistant soccer coach at Plymouth South, and Liam with Westchester County in the Human Resource Department.  Liam will also be continuing as the assistant soccer coach at Iona Prep.  It is interesting to note that both brothers are now employed alongside their fathers.  I guess the Counties and Towns in Massachusetts and New York like the Murphy and Kasarjian men!

Finally, below you'll find the photos I've promised of our house and pets.  Since many of you have not met our girls yet, Maggie is our 1 year 9 month German Shepard/Australian Shepard mix, and Alli is our 4 1/2 year old cat.  Maggie wants to be Alli's friend, but she won't have any of it.  You'll constantly find Alli swatting at Maggie from a countertop or couch.  

We hope this post finds each of you doing well.  One last item that I almost forgot - Brian's unit held a "town hall" meeting with the Brigade commander where families were able to be updated about the current mission and living conditions and ask questions of the command.  If anyone is interested in watching it or finding out more about 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, head over to www.cavcountry.net  .  The link to the town hall is on the homepage, on the right hand side.  You can also check out his current unit, 2-7 Cavalry, under the "our Units" and "4th Brigade" tabs.  If you do watch the town hall, Brian is still currently moving back and forth between COB Adder at Talil and COB Garry Owen, closer to the Iranian border.  That's all for now, we miss you all !

Love, Kate

IRAQ UPDATE

Hello all,

Iraq is hot as usual, smells bad, and I have met the sand flea in full force, however none of this high tech weaponry has much effect on them. I am bouncing between two different bases right now, so as usual whether I'm in the states or in Iraq, the Army has given me multiple places to hang my hat.  I should have my new job soon, but I cant post what that is.  If you are that curious you can call kate, and she can fill you in.  Its not too exciting though.  

Anyway, I found out that I will be on leave sometime in March, so I'll be back in Texas then.  Other than that I'm just doing pretty much the same stuff every day, trying to stay out of trouble.  More to follow... Time for bed

Maine Send-Off & Iraq Address

Above you'll find pictures from Brian's Maine send-off.  Again, a big thank you to Aunt Joan and Uncle Dave for meeting Brian with special maine goodies (lobster roll for lunch!) and snacks for the plane ride.  Brian certainly appreciated spending time with you both, and his fellow soldiers were jealous on the next leg of the trip (word is he wasn't sharing!).  

We also just received Brian's current address, I have included it below if anyone is interested in sending along a note or a package.  The address will probably change in a few months, but for now, to contact Brian:  THIS IS THE NEW ADDRESS.  1/9 Address will send stuff to the wrong place!  He can still get it, but its a little tricky.  Leave it up to the Army to switch units on him as soon as he gets there.

CPT Brian Murphy

HHC 4/1 CD

COB ADDER

APO AE 09331

The cheapest way to send anything is still to pick up the flat rate boxes at the U.S. Post Office.  They come in several sizes, with the largest 12"x12"x 5-1/2" for $10.95 (this is $2.00 cheaper than the domestic rate for the same size).  They have special Military boxes, but if none are available you should still pay the reduced price as you are mailing to an APO.  You will have to fill out an international customs form, I find that it is easier to pick up both of these in advance and fill it out/pack the flat rate box at home rather than at the post office.  

If you are looking for ideas of things to send, snacks and toiletry items (q-tips, baby wipes, sunscreen) are always appreciated.  Brian generally consumes anything caffeinated, twizzlers, starburts, gum, etc...  He will be in the vast desert expanse known as eastern Iraq, so there will be nowhere to buy anything.  If you have any old books laying around that will also help pass the time at night.

We hope that all is well with each of you!