I'm so proud of him.

Hard to watch, but I couldn't be prouder.

Many of you have asked about care packages.

I'm working on compiling a list w/ J...

what they need, how many of each thing.

I will post a master list and will let you guys choose what you would like to send.

Thank you SO much for all of the comments and support.

It's been a tough, eye-opening couple of days, but I'm proud.

And thankful for the friendship and support.

xo

s

Comments

[Danielle Calhoun]

WOW Stephanie--I pulled up your blog to show my husband the last video you posted, and this one was here. WOW--you have every right to be so incredibly proud of him. I am proud of him. Those men are incredible, and we just can't thank them enough. I would love to help with some sort of care package. I am praying for you and the girls, as well as Jimmy's safety. I wish I could give you a big hug!

[Jen]

just watched both videos from the links you posted on FB...can't imagine how nerve-racking, but exciting to see him that it is.
you have every right to be proud and thankful.
you are an amazing woman.

[karen]

I can't watch the video from work so i can't wait to get home and see it. i am glad you are getting a list together of things they need. i would love to send a care package. take care!

[Steph H]

Steph, I have no words. Jimmy and his men are in my prayers every day as are you and the girls. This was the most powerful story I've seen in a long time.

[Kim]

Unbelievable...brought tears to my eyes instantly. What brave men they all are...I can't find the words to express how very grateful I am to them all for protecting our country.And my heart and prayers go out to you and all the other wives and children who bravely wait for them to come back.

This post honestly took my breath away. Their courage is unbelievable. I'll be watching for your post of what they need over there.

Hang in there...

[Nancy Nally]

Jimmy and his men are incredible. I hope you do put something together that everyone can do for care packages because I would love to contribute.

And you don't give yourself enough credit either for keeping going at home for the girls and for him while knowing what he is going through over there. You are amazing. I don't think I could manage it.

[Mary Jo]

Holy crap, Stephanie! These videos are so eye opening. I am definitely keeping Jimmy and his company in my prayers. You have every right to be proud!

[tara pollard pakosta]

Wow! what an amazing guY! it's no wonder you are so proud! you should be! I just sent the link to all my family and friends to pray for Jimmy and his company....and my scrapping friends and I are putting together a care package as soon as you let us know what should be in it!
take care friend! big hugs!
love & prayers!
tara

[Sheila]

I don't know what to say. that was so hard to watch and I only know you and Jimmy through this blog. what a daunting task he has. thank you for sharing. would love to participate in a care package.

[Jen Davis]

Wow, Steph...I've got tears in my eyes. Thanks for sharing this and hang in there girl. We're all proud right along with you.

[Scarlet Namvong]

Thinking of you today, Stephanie. Now I truly understand why you are so afraid. I admire your strength, and his.

[Raechelle]

I just saw this story on the Today Show and it brought tears to my eyes. Those men are incredibly brave and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. I will keep all of them, and you in my prayers.
Stay strong.

[sharron]

I heard the report on the radio and came back to check in to see if it was Jimmy's company. It is one thing to read your blog about him and his men, but quite another to see it in reality. What they are doing under those conditions is amazing. I would like to be able to send items to them as well.(The flea color in the first video stunned me.)
Blessings and continued Prayers.

[Becca]

That absolutely has me crying! Wow! You, Jimmy, and the men in his unit are in my prayers. May God bless and protect them.

[jen w]

WOW - I'm speechless. You, Jimmy and his company are gteting lots of my prayers.

[nicole]

I saw this video this morning on the today show. and my heart was heavy. for them, and for their families here without them. As I was sitting here watching it I couldn't even imagine that being my husband standing there in those mountains...I am proud of both of you! and all the families that have loved ones there. I would love to participate in sending over some supplies - I saw the list on the nbc website, but will wait now to see what you post here. My thoughts and prayers are with you Stephanie!

[courtney]

Wow. You have every right to be proud. I'm amazed at what all those men go through each day. I'll be looking for your list. A care package is the least we can do. Thanks for sharing.

[Janell]

There simply is not enough words to thank these men and their families for what they all go through every day for us. We are all so proud of them and pray every day for their safe return. TFS.

[Susan Beth Breuner]

I am amazed you can watch that! How intense it is! My heart goes out to Jimmy, who at 29 has what must feel like the weight of the world on his shoulders! Prayers are continuing! I feel like they should be constant 24-7. And for you too, knowing what he faces and seeing it on the TV. I just can't imagine!

[Heather R]

I will be keeping an eye out for the list of care package items. I want to help as much as I can. continued prayers for the soldiers and their families.

[Alison]

This is such powerful video and I know it evokes so many different emotions for you. You have one strong husband and my God bless him, his entire company, and you. He should equally be proud of you for your continued strength and grace.

[Linda E]

I immediately thought of you when I saw this report on The Today Show. I can't even imagine how hard it was for you to watch. My heartfelt thanks go out to your husband and his men for their courage and bravery. My prayers continue for you, your family and all of our soldiers and their families.

[Kelly]

Continued prayers for your husband and his company. And you and your girls. Thanks for putting together a care package list. My daughters have started writing letters to some soldiers but would really like to put together a care package.

[Shanna]

Steph! I am in tears over here girl! All kinds of mixed emotions flyin'! My heart is so full of gratitude for you and DH and the sacrifices YOU BOTH make for our country. Love you!

[dana]

i cannot even fathom how hard this must be for you and all the families involved. its hard for me to watch and i don't know anyone in the miliary. let the viper company know that we are praying for them and i would love to put together some goodies for them. god bless every single one of them.

[Megan]

dear Lord please keep them safe. As a bystander, that was heartwrenching to watch, I cannot imagine how it feels for you and all the other families whose fathers, sons, husbands, and brothers are there, trying to make this world a better place for us.

Thank you so much for posting these Stephanie. I'm praying for all of you.

Take care.

[Jocelyn]

I only know you through your Blog, but my heart aches for you and your family! What Jimmy and his men go through on a daily basis, is beyond what I ever imagined! It takes a strong woman, to be able to keep the homefront going with the children, just knowing what your husband is going through. Saying thanks to you is not enough! How can I help! I really mean this, I want to help in any way. Please let me know what to send and where, because I will send whatever these brave men need and I will continue to pray for all of them and their families. I am so sad for the one soldier who died and all of the other men who were injured! Please let me help. let me give back to you and to them! God Bless You, Steph!

Jocelyn

[Maryangella]

Wow! You have every right to be SO proud of J. I am at a loss of words. It is one thing to hear and read about it but to see this clip really opened my eyes. I would be honored to help out in that care package you will be doing, shoo! It is the least we can do for all that J and his men and women do for us every day. God bless you all and you are always in my prayers.

Hugs, Maryangella

[melita]

You have every right to be so proud Stephanie! What an incredible job Jimmy and his men are doing. I will continue to keep them in my prayers and you and the girls too. Tell them thank you for me...there are many Americans who are so grateful for what they are doing and what they are sacrificing. I would be honored to be able to send anything to them! Will be looking for the list!

[Crafterbeth]

No wonder you fell in love with him so quickly. He is an amazing man. Sent you a
p.m. at 2 Peas. You and Jimmy are in my
thoughts.

[Cystal]

It's hard enough knowing there is a danger, I can't imagine actually watching him experience it...Prayers and hugs to you!

[erika]

Colten and I just watched this video. Brave, brave men. We will continue to pray.
We would be honored to send whatever is needed. Much love to you xxe

[Pam Callaghan]

i don't know you.. but I am thinking and praying for your husband (and you too). I admire him so much for the work he is doing. I have tears just watching the video. You just never know what really happens over there and it was a total eye opener. I am going to show my dh tonight the video so he can see this also. I will continue to pray for him and the mission. Thank you for posting this, and a cyber hug in Ohio.
Pam

[sarah]

Wow Steph. You have every right to be proud. What brave, brave men. Let us know what they need (and want) I'd be honored to send them some things.
xx.

[Kristen]

I saw our hubby on NBC nightly news last night. My thoughts and prayers are with your husband and all of our brave troops...

[Kristen]

My comment should read "your hubby", not "our hubby". Yikes. That's what I get for trying to type fast...

[Stephanie Jedlicka]

Oh wow. I don't even know what to say. :( I'm just sitting here staring at the screen with tears rolling down my cheeks. Your family and all those men are so brave. I can't even begin to imagine what it has been like for you, the girls, Jimmy, those men. Unbelievable. Please let them know we are praying for them and are very proud of the work they are doing. *hugs*

[Danielle]

Stephanie,
My heart goes out to you, sweetie. If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask! Your husband and the other men are so brave to do this for our country. It really hits home when you see it in person, that video is amazing. I'm sitting here in tears...
Hugs and love to you,
Danielle

[daniella]

Stephanie no words are enough to thank you and your family for the sacrafices you make everyday for our nation and our people. Your husband is a fine example of what it means to be an American, the thoughts and prayers of my family are with your family. May the Lord bless captain Howell and his men and keep them safe in his everlasting love and mercy. Please let us know what they need, so we can help. I hope you dont mind but I will add your husband to the prayer list of my church group.

[Chris Dodaj]

Steph - I'd be proud too.
We are collecting, I sent some emails out to my friends locally, and as soon as you let us know, those care packages will be on there way!!

Big hugs to you my friend, and hugs for your precious girls, too.

[Kimber-Leigh]

watching that couldn't be easy for you...but how special for you to "see" jimmy, even for a few short moments.

i am full of pride and hope and patriotism, seeing them so courageous and strong despite all that they are up against...they continue to remain in my prayers.

[janet o]

Oh man, STeph...did that just make your stomach turn over? It sure did mine. I don't know how you do it - you are a very strong woman. He's certainly on my mind. HUGS

[Jill]

oh steph. they're in my prayers. and so are you.

[aja]

honestly speechless...

waiting anxiously for the list of needed items.

[Lynn Lynn]

Please relay to your husband and his troops how incredibly grateful we are for all they are doing for us! It is truly humbling to see what they are going through everyday! We are proud of them! We will keep them and their families in our prayers!

[Lynn Lynn]

Please let your husband and his troops know how incredibly proud and grateful we are for all they do! We appreciate how they serve our country and for their patriotism! It is truly humbling to see what they are doing everyday!! They are in our prayers, as are their families! Thanks for showing those clips, please keep us updated!

[sheila]

I saw the video here yesterday & when they played the piece on tv last night I was like "shhh this is Stephanie's husband" lol. Everyone got quiet & watched the piece... as a former "air force brat" myself I can't begin to tell you the amount of pride I had watching this peice... it was hard to hold back tears. Utimately I want to say "thank-you" to your entire family. It means sooo much to me that there is still young men out there like you "J" that are willing to fight for ALL of us & that would not be possible without the support & love of their families. Thank-You

[Erin M]

Honestly, I'm not sure how you do it. It makes my heart beat a little harder just watching this.
Continued blessings to you, Jimmy and all of those brave men who continue to fight.

[Laura Fitzmaurice]

Steph,
I'm not even sure what to say to you. When you get the list together I would be more than happy to give a care package. Your husband and his men are so brave. My husband is in the military too, but has not yet been over there. I will pray for you and his company. Keep up the great work with your girls. You really do inspire a lot of people with your blog.

[Jonnelle]

Steph, I cannot imagine how you felt watching this because it just brings me to tears. I know you are proud of him as he is of you and your girls - God bless all of you!

[amy jackson]

wow, that is really amazing, I think we all tend to forget the gravity of what is really happening there, thanks for posting them and thanks to your J and his men!

[Mary Ann]

Thinking about Jimmy, you and the girls again today. This video is really eye opening for us back here in the states.
Be sure to let us all know when we can start on the care packages. I know all the men in Viper need some hugs from home.

[cathann]

Wow, that was hard to watch, I can only begin to imagiine how you must feel every day. Thank you for your sacrifice and wishing you strength. You are doing amazingly well.

[Rita Weiss]

I am keeping the Viper Company and your Jimmy in my prayers Steph. I have a tear after watching this. I can only imagine how proud you are of him. Love and hugs xo

[Stephanie Ainsburg]

you should be so proud.
prayers are with your husband, his company and you and your girls.

[Jennifer.T]

You are such a brave and inspiring woman Steph! We're all so proud of him and his men too.
I would like to know how I can help them out too and would love to send them a care package.
*hugs*

[Kirsty]

Oh my gosh. I just watched and have tears in my eyes. I can't imagine how hard that would be for you to watch...amazing, those guys, Jimmy and you!

[Shawn]

I've followed your blog for quite awhile and I'm not sure if I've commented before but I saw this clip on the today show podcast and wondered if it was your husband in the video. Delurking to say thank you SO much for the sacrifice you make having him gone so far away and to him for his bravery. I'll be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. This video was such an eye opener. They are true heroes.

[Lisa M. Pace]

I cannot imagine being in your place right now. Please know that Jimmy is in my thoughts and prayers each day.

[Steph Mahoney]

Just wanted to give you a big hug right now since I just watched the second video with Jimmy.

I cannot even begin to imagine all of the emotions that fill your heart watching him first hand fight for his country.

Please know that I will continue my prayers for you, the girls, and Jimmy.

[Sudie Alexander]

Lady, I am so proud of you too! and J. and his guys. all the troops and what they are doing. What an eye-opening video! I would love to send something to them and will be keeping an eye out for your list. Thanks for sharing. Love and blessings, Sudie

[Tammy]

Hey Steph,
Thankyou for sharing this with us all here in blogland. I can't begin to fathom what it must be like for those boys over there or for their families at home. I can only pray that they stay safe & for those families that lost a loved one or had one injured in that incident and those of you waiting anxiously everyday.
Thank you.

[Emily Jones]

This has brought tears to my eyes immediately. I can't imagine how it must feel for you to watch this...Your family is in my prayers..
Stay Strong,
Emily

[Ana]

I just want you to know that I am very THANKFULL that your husband is such a brave young man. I can't imagine how hard it is for you, but want you to know that I will pray for both him & you. Keep up your strenght, hug your little girls and always remember that he is hero for all of us.

God Bless you!

[Julie]

Stephanie ~ I'm one of those many readers who never post, but look forward to reading your blog every day. I was getting ready to leave for school this morning - I teach second grade - and I stopped as soon as I heard Viper Company mentioned on the Today Show. It was incredible to actually hear Jimmy speaking on tv, and my heart just went out to you, the soldiers of VIper Company, and all of the families connected to those men. My 16 year old daughter was watching me watch the report, and she couldn't figure out why I became so emotional. You and your family continue to be in my prayers. Thanks for all that you do to brighten my days with your blog. I enjoy hearing about the girls and I love your scrapping style.

[Toujours-Moi]

I really can understand taht you're very proud of him. And - if the boys are interested in - I would send them German gummybears out. :)
All the best to you and your family,
Nina - TM

[C Rayevich]

You have every reason to be proud!! We actually all do, what these guys go through everyday is beyond words.... our prayers are with them always

[Rachel]

You are so brave Stephanie. I don't know how you do it. Praying for you, your girls, and Jimmy.

[isabel h.]

WOW! I couldn't help but cry. I am praying for you, your husband and the company.
Be strong. My heart goes for you!
I wish you the best

[Amanda N.]

Thank you for sharing this with us. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts.

[Jodi]

Wow, Steph you are one strong woman!! I totally cried for you while watching this. It must be GREAT to see his face and hear him speak while watching this. And I can tell how proud you are of him, but I can't imagine how hard it is to see him in that setting.
Prayers to all of you and all the families!!!
Jodi

[Sharie]

Keeping Jimmy, Viper Company and our troops in my prayers and praying for courage for their families here at home like you who are trying to live a normal life, staying strong for your children. Thank you for your sacrifice and please thank Jimmy and his men for us.

[Deb Wisker]

We're proud of him too Steph! We wish him and his men Godspeed!

[Liz Butler]

We are all very proud of him and his men. I cannot imagine what you go through every day, but please know that even though you don't know me personally, you and your loved ones are in my prayers.

[Wendy z.]

Holy cow!!!! I cannot even imagine. I sit here in the comfort of my home and yet a world away these men are experiencing the unimaginable. Your husband and all of these men are in my prayers!! And so are you!

~Wendy

[gigi]

sending you love

will be watching for the list of stuff to send...thank you :)

xoxo

g

[Vanessa]

WOW!!!!!! This instantly brought tears to my eyes. It really brings the story home and is so heartwrenching to watch. I am so proud of Jimmy for what he is doing and I am thankful to them all for their service to our country. God bless them!!!! My thoughts and prayers are with Jimmy, you and the girls.

[MamaJayne]

Steph,
You are such a strong woman! I'd love to help the guys out. Keeping them all in my prayers and you too. Please let them know how proud we all are of them, that they are in our prayers, and we can't wait til they are all home safe.
:J

[Maggie]

wow...thanks...and I am proud too

[Jackie Gallop]

I'm in tears for you. I will pray harder for you and your family...my heart goes out to you.

[Selena Kimsey]

WOW, girl. I don't know what to say but that I am continuing to pray for you and Jimmy. So neat to watch him on TV. I bet he is a great leader for his team. Definately a tough job. That whole video gave me chills. My heart goes out to the soldier that lost his life and his family, as well as the wounded.

Thinking about you always!

[Frankie]

Thank you Jimmy for what you do for us.
Stephanie you and your kids are in my prayers

[Julie O.]

Oh. my. gosh. Stephanie!! I'm so proud of YOU for being so strong...watching all this! Jimmy is totally an amazing man. I can see why you would be so proud. I don't know anyone who is on the front line like that. I think I'm just still in shock and it's such a wake up call. I'm so glad you posted this. I mean...I knew he was there. Seeing this just makes it so much more real. My heart aches for you. You and your sweet peas, Jimmy and the viper company will all be in my families prayers. Blessings on you for your sacrifice and on Jimmy for her strong leadership and commitment. Wow. What. a. hero.

[Kim k]

Wow - wow and wow! I just watched this and sat there in shock. I am also a military wife but I can't even imagine how you must feel watching your husband in live combat. You and all of the guys/gals from Viper are in my families thoughts and prayers. Take care and God Bless!

[KathyF]

Hey Steph! I don't know what to say, except WOW! You are right to be very proud of him and his men, those videos really hit home. Keep on being strong, girlie! for him for your girls and for yourself! We are so proud of you!
Kathy F

[Jill]

Wow, Stephanie, I don't even know what to say. It must have been so hard for you to watch this, to want to reach out to Jimmy. He's an amazing leader, clearly, and I am in awe of how he kept his cool through the entire situation.

[Michelle W.]

Honestly, I don't know how you can watch that. My heart was racing as I watched. As always, my prayers are with you and everyone else so closely affected by this. Stay strong :)

[Veronica]

I cried. I can not believe, what I have just seen. My God. I pray for a safe return. Thank you!!! Thank Jimmy. Goodness I'm a mess...I can't imagine what you and him both go through each and every day.

Hugs!

[Staci Taylor]

Wow. Jimmy and you both are so brave. I can't even fathom what he is going through and what you are going through while sitting and waiting for his return. Many many thanks to you and Jimmy and the other military families who are fighting for all of us. Many prayers for you, the girls and Jimmy!

[tammy kay]

could you ask him about the bibles steph?

[karen]

I watched this clip when i got home last night. i understand how proud you are. how difficult this must have been for you to watch. i left the computer with tears in my eyes. i understand how hard this is for you having lived it for 20 years. i admire your strength and his. praying for his company's safe return.

[becky]

oh my sweet Lord. i am moved....and so appreciative. you, jimmy and the girls are my heroes. i put a link on my blog today, hope you don't mind. keeping you all in my prayers.

[Ember Sherman]

Well, I came over here from OLW (congrats, BTW) and here I am swelled with pride, holding back tears. What an awesome man you have in your life, you have EVERY right to be proud of him! I will pray for Jimmy, his company and you and your girls while he is serving our country.
Blessings to you and yours!

[kerry lynn]

sending all of my love & support.
you are one strong woman steph!
xo

[JenGallacher]

You are amazing, and I find the both of you so brave. Keep us updated on how we can help!

[tammygraves]

Stephanie...I'm speechless..just tears. It has got to be so tough to watch things like that...I will continue to pray for his company and all our soldiers...you are a part of that and you are to be commended for your watch over your family while he is away. Please be sure to let us know how we can help....blessings!

[pam bennett]

(((hugs))) to you, my friend. Your strength is amazing.

I pray for Jimmy and his company every day.

[Carrie]

Oh my goodness, Steph! The video was so incredibly powerful & scary to watch. Please know that Jimmy & his team are in my thoughts. Peace & strength to you & your family! xo

[Sara Rossi]

I had tears in my eyes watching the videos. Keeping them in my thoughts. God Bless Them ALL!! Be brave!

[Chrys]

I can't even imagine what you are going through, along with all the other families of our brave men. Just know that my family continues to pray for each and every one of them. Hugs!!!