Mike can do anything - literally anything. I have never known anyone with his abilities in such a wide range of activities, from webpage design to installing plumbing. He is truly amazing.

After spending the morning driving around, running errands, I found myself in my kitchen, baking cupcakes for our friends down the street. I pawed through my cabinets to find the utensils and ingredients that I needed, and took my KitchenAid mixer (a Christmas gift from Mike) on her maiden voyage. As the mixer quietly hummed in front of me, I looked out my kitchen window to see my husband blissfully weed-whacking along the perimeter of our house. For the first time in a long while, I felt happy and at peace, comfortable in the knowledge that I'm right where I'm supposed to be. This quiet, suburban life is what I want, and although the duffel bags still aren't unpacked and the new television set is still an enigma, I'm right on track.

I've been home for five days and I'm absolutely loving it. Thanks to all those who supported me during this deployment and welcomed me home. And special thanks to my Army buddies across the country, who are hopefully experiencing the same sense of peace and wonder that I am.

That's right. The best view of Iraq can be seen through the rearview window - or, in my case, craning your neck as the ramp of the C-130 closes.

I am so relieved. The last week of my time in Baghdad was decidedly unpleasant, as anyone who reads the national headlines can surmise. I'm now in Kuwait, enjoying the fact that I have nothing, literally nothing, to do. Although it's pretty warm here, there's a stiff breeze blowing constantly, which makes us feel as though we're enjoying spring again. I've watched more movies in the last three days than I have in the last six months. And I'm not complaining!

I should be back in Kansas in a few days, and if I'm lucky, in just over a week, I'll be back where I belong - in my house, in Newburgh, with the world's greatest husband.

If there is such a thing as Cloud Nine, it's far below me!!