All of us were hoping for four big Christmas presents under the tree in Baghdad. It didn't happen.

Wanda came bringing in a six-foot live Christmas tree for us and it was already decorated. That was a blessing to us. We just thank God every day for bringing us through the storm and we thank Him for everyone who has given us clothes, food, support and prayers. One day, we'll go back to New Orleans and repair our house. It's home, but living here is the next best thing.

From what we can tell, it appears the lightning hit a tree next to us, came down and came out of the tree and just into some nails that were driven into the cabin to hold the logs together.

It will be a nice, little Christmas, just the four of us. We just got the tree up and the decorations (Thursday) night.

All of us are praying that they will be merciful and these people will be released.

I grew up with a Christmas tree, I'm going to stay with a Christmas tree,