Jason says hello

So I know that I said Jason would be posting in a couple days, but that was before his satellite service went down at his office. So he is currently unable to access the internet or make calls. Jason says hello to everyone, and to not worry about him if you don't hear from him for a little while. He will make contact as soon as the satellite is up and running again.

Of course all of this means that when Jason tried calling me from his government issued cell phone this afternoon the call was dropped no less than 15 times and we managed to converse for a total of five minutes. I miss my husband. I really can't wait until the time when we can have a conversation without being surrounded by an office full of people, or having to spend the whole time screaming, 'hello can you hear me?'

It's totally ok that I'm filling the void left by my hubby with shoes, right?

Quick Update

Hello friends, family and random blog readers

I just wanted to let everyone know that Jason did get a chance to read his happy birthday blog, and he absolutely loved it. He's been crazy busy doing all sorts of high-speed Sgt Hoyt stuff, but hopefully he should be able to post soon about some of his favorite pics. A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to send in pictures, it's very heart warming to know that Jason is loved and supported by so many. A special thanks to Rachel for coming up with such a cool b-day present, and then working her butt off to get it all organized and on the blog. Keep sending your prayers, well wishes, and good luck charms Jason's way so we can get him home safely!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON!!

Hi Blog Readers !

This is Jason's little sister Rachel - I've hijacked the blog for today! Its a very special day today - right now in Iraq it is Sunday, October 4th! And for those of you who may not know...

ITS JASON'S BIRTHDAY!!!

I love my big brother and am SO proud of him! I've taken over the blog to send Jason a very special birthday present. Thanks to everyone who helped me out!
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Hi Jason!

I thought long and hard about what to do for your birthday this year. I knew there was no way I'd get around to sending you something super cool to Iraq - and you'd kill me for spending the money. So, instead I cooked up this surprise instead. Hope you enjoy it!

(And yes, after today, you can go back to using your Facebook as well! )

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First, all of your family wanted to wish you a happy birthday! We are so proud of you and love you sooooo much!

Pawpaw insisted on being the first:




Mawmaw had to convince Annie that she wanted to be in the picture (to your disappointment, no cats were harmed in the making of this birthday present!).


You can imagine how much it took to get Mom included here - she had to figure out how to work a digital camera AND the computer!



Scully insisted on having her own picture - she was just thrilled to tell you Happy Birthday~

I braved a COLD day at Wrigley Field for you - but sadly it didn't really seem to help the Cubbies at all!

But I'm sure they'll get 'em next year - once you're back to cheer them on!




David and Rebecca really went the extra mile - they managed to get pictures with both Leah and Me for your birthday!


(Just in case you didn't recognize those grown up kids - its Gina and Grayson!)



You'd better hurry back soon so that you can join in all the cousins-bonding!



Melissa and Dusty sent this picture to remind you that not only do they wish you a Happy Birthday - they promise there will be many oysters once you get home!

Dad and Emma also say Happy Birthday and wish you were going to be home sooner!



And no worries - We couldn't leave out your other Mom and Dad!

Natalie's Dad was VERY excited to wish you another happy year~

But I'm not to sure her Mom was thrilled to be in the picture! We let her hold the sign though:






And Natalie practically had to tie down your nephews to get them in a picture -

But they did make you some pretty awesome signs!

But after all the family was in on the fun - there were more people who wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday.... SO STAY TUNED!!!

The Friends Join In....

Once people heard that it was your birthday - everyone wanted in on the fun!

Dad mananged to hunt down some people you haven't seen in quite a while:

And remember Jessica Long? From Jackson? She sent you this to remind you that just cause Iraq has lots of sand - doesn't make it the beach!

Natalie got her a whole lot of people from her office to wish you HAPPY B-DAY!

Joel felt the best way to wish you Happy Birthday was to reveal your love for Mr. Simmons...



A whole lot of your friends from Zion Lutheran Church wanted to wish you God's Blessings for your birthday too!

And Ben and Ashley joined in the fun -

I ran this one past Natalie and she assured me she was aware of this person...I'll just assume it falls under the "don't ask/don't tell" policy...

And my friend Gina is in the Witness Protection Program but wanted to be included:

Melanie joined me at that bitterly cold Cubs game!

And the Cubbies themselves sent a Happy Birthday email... well, an intern in their public relations office did anyhow!

And these guys didn't really know you.... but I'm sure they wanted to say Happy Birthday too!

Still more to come......

More friends!!!

The pictures just kept rolling in!

Your coworkers at the Northern Kentucky Health Department sent me some more birthday wishes:

And Tony proved that if you stay friends with someone long enough - they know enough to embarress you!

Tony also got Issac involved:

And Hannah is representing the Brasher crew for now!

Mom's whole class sent birthday wishes...

But one girl was extra excited - because its her birthday today too!

Nikki and her little guy send some love your way:

Over achieving friends....

Some people decided that pictures just wouldn't be good enough for a cool guy like you...

First Bethany got a "few" of her friends at college to help her wish you a Happy Birthday....

Then my friend Lisa and her adorable daughters joined in the fun...

And the Brashers wouldn't be outdone either - they joined the overachievers club with this video...

And Last but not Least

No - I didn't forget Natalie.... or your crazy dogs

(I have no idea how she got those dogs to all pose so well!)

I think we can safely say they miss you the most.

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So - I hope you enjoyed your Birthday Surprise!

We love you and can't wait until you are home safe and sound!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON!!

Love, Rachel