Just a Few Things

So I know it's been a really long time since I've last posted but, as you can imagine, my plate is pretty full right now. There are a few things I'd like to address, things that are coming from me, John and both of us.

Babysitting/Helping me with kids etc.
I know there were some that were a little upset by John's last blog post about helping me more. I just want everyone to know that if you have helped in any way, even if it was just once, or if you have offered but weren't able to help for any reason, thank you. His blog post was in no way directed towards you. His blog post was directed towards the people that said before he left "if you need anything let me know", but have not once offered to come and help me out. I have posted on here a few times (not recently, I know) that I've needed someone but have only gotten a few offers from the same people every time. I know some of you have said that you want to come help but you don't know me that well so you don't know how to go about asking or you're not sure if I would let you, you are John's family which makes you my family as well, if he trusts you then I will take his word for it. Please don't be afraid to offer to help me!!! I welcome it! Another thing, I can't ask people for help if I don't have a way to contact them. If you don't want to help then that's fine, but please don't say to me "if you need anything let me know", because that does me no good. I've posted my email address on here so you all know how to get a hold of me, and if for some reason I don't respond (for some reason I don't always get emails on this account, Melanie can testify to that) you can also try me at this email jess.buckley4507@gmail.com. If you choose to step up then great but if not then I must say that I am terribly disappointed. I'm not going to post every time I need someone, right now I'm just taking the help as it's offered, and I'm not going to call because I really just don't have the time for it. This is me asking for help. It is not something I ask for often because, as those of you closest to me know, I am usually let down.

Packages/Letters to John
John has asked me to let everyone know that the packages, letters and postcards are great and to keep them coming. This is a huge thing for his morale. There are days that he's not getting any mail and it really bums him out. Please, it does not take much time to write him a quick note or drop a postcard in the mail to let him know how much we at home are thinking about him. When sending packages please remember not to send any more candy, sweets and flavored drink mixes. Things to send that John really likes are tuna packets (they are easier and less messy than cans), chicken (I have no idea how he's getting this, in a can or packet maybe?), sugar free Rockstar energy drinks (he really likes these) and Mission tortillas (these can be gotten at Kroger's). Another big thing for him is pictures of me and the kids. I try to take pictures as much as I can but it's not easy to take pictures of myself doing stuff with the kids so please, if you have your camera with you or if you see I have mine then snap away! He needs more physical pictures, not ones sent to him on the computer so please keep that in mind when sending him packages as well.

I think that's about it for now. Thank you to everyone that has been helping out and supporting our soldier. The kids and I look forward to seeing everyone for Christmas!