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That is what Olivia is running around shouting. However, it’s not to me. It’s not to Will. It’s to none other than our four-legged fur baby, Pom Pom. Olivia is in stamping heaven right now with my Thanksgiving stamp and some copper colored ink. When I asked to see them, she told me later, it was Pom Pom’s turn. *sigh*
I get asked a lot about my involvement with our military and different organizations who support our troops. Sometimes people give me the nod with the bottom lip half poked out as to say, “I get that.” Others simply move on. The rest fluctuate in between. Those who have known me for any length of time, whether it be through the blogisphere or in real life, know my passion and commitment are as real and as true as they can be. The two groups I do the most with are Soldiers’ Angels and Blue Star Mothers of NC.
I want to take a minute to answer some of the regularly asked questions that maybe some of you have wondered about, too.
Where do all the care packages, letters, treats, etc. go? Anywhere and everywhere there is a service member; Philippines, Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan, ships, and VA hospitals stateside and abroad, to name a few. We have troops all over the world.
How do you get names and can you share them? I get them from either people I personally know who are deployed or through my volunteer organizations. No, unfortunately, I cannot share them for security reasons.
What goes in care packages? Soap, shampoo, shaving cream, razors, individually wrapped snacks (i.e. cookies, granola bars), beef jerky, gum, cards, books, magazines, stationery and games to name off a few.
Do I ever get thanked? Yes, sometimes but it’s not expected and thanks are not what I strive for – AT ALL. I get more thanks from folks who receive a simple letter or card than I do care packages, for whatever reason, but it doesn’t matter. I do what I do because it’s what my heart desires.
Why is it such a big deal? When I first started volunteering, I read a post from a lady who wrote to a soldier weekly while he was deployed but she never heard back from him and had no idea he had returned home until her letters started being returned as undeliverable. In every letter she wrote that she was praying for him. It wasn’t until several months after he returned home did he write her back. In his letter, he told her he had a hard time reintegrating back into life and, if I’m not mistaken, he was suffering from PTSD. He then told her it was her letters and her telling him she prayed for him that helped get him through. That’s why it is a big deal. That is what volunteering is all about. It’s not a contest; it’s an outreach of support no matter what the cause. I get emails for special alert requests and I’d like to share some of the things I’ve read:
I’m on my third deployment. My family acts like it is no big deal so they don’t write or anything. It makes me sad.
I’m married with four kids and this is my fifth deployment. My wife and kids don’t write to me.
I order things just so I can hear my name at mail call.
It just seems everyone hates us.
Nobody cares about the good we do. The media just focuses on the bad.
Thank you for anything you are able to do. We appreciate it.
These are only a sampling of why it’s a big deal. We all have different views on different things but kindness is something there should be no dividing lines on. I buy a pad of paper with 100 sheets for $1. A box of envelopes $1. A book of stamps $41. For a total of $43 and a few hours of my time, I can reach out to 100 of our country’s finest. I also make cards, buy cards and a dear friend of mine who works for a printing company donated 2,500 cards preprinted with a message I wrote. Everything I send includes a handwritten note; even the preprinted ones. While it has my “message,” I want to include a handwritten thank you along with a couple of kind words and my signature.
We all have some idea of what it’s like to feel left out. While it’s nice to share in things others receive, it is nothing compared to having something of your own. I send something for them to call their own. In my eyes, there is absolutely no reason someone should have to stand in silence at the back of the group during mail call and not hear their name. There is no reason someone should not receive a card for their birthday just because they are deployed and away from home. There are many families who may simply think it’s not important but there are also some who are financially unable to send packages, which is where volunteer organizations step in.
I also get this next question a lot: “Why don’t you support people in your community?” I do. From where do you think these Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Guardsmen hail? Remember, not everyone who serves is active duty. They are our neighbors, our friends, co-workers, fellow church goers, farmers, doctors, etc. Besides, even those who are active duty stationed wherever are still part of our community; their grandmother lives down the street, their aunt works at the bank and their momma teaches dance to your friend’s kids. The L family also supports our church and community service projects.
Everyone has their “niche” and this just happens to be mine. I’ve never seen the sad look on someone’s face who doesn’t receive mail but Will has. I’ve never seen the look on someone’s face who doesn’t receive a care package but Will has. He has shared these stories with me and he stands tall beside me as we stand for those who are doing their jobs serving our Nation and standing for us.
I suppose it’s more like we came around the mountain because the Tiara Girls have all arrived. I was the only one who was super duper late because I worked yesterday. Fabul-O is with us and it took her a while to warm up but after two suckers (one was a Tootsie Pop) she warmed up nicely and the TGs quickly learned why we shy away from such candy for the kiddo. The “cottage” we rented is pretty big. It’s not quite as nice as I thought it was going to be but everyone has their own room and it’s only for one more night. It’s an OLD house and it’s drafty. It’s 22* here this morning and I swear the heat hasn’t stopped running yet. The downstairs seems to be powered by ONE drop cord. Yes, drop cord. It connects power from an outlet to a room, where it meets up with an extension cord that moves to the next room to hook up some more light that moves to another room…you get the picture. The first thought that came into my mind was A Christmas Story where Ralphie’s dad had all the stuff plugged in.
We had a nice chat before turning in and it was so good to see Deb and C again. We’re off for a fun day of moseying around downtown Asheville and then to the Biltmore. We’ll probably visit during the grounds during the day but tonight is when we’ll see all that is spectacular.
The L family wants to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! Each year we remember things we are thankful for and this year will be no different.
This is the second Thanksgiving Olivia has been home with us. It’s hard to believe that in just a couple of months she will be 3 years old and in February we will celebrate our second anniversary as a family. It’s amazing to watch her change and grow before my eyes. I never in a million years would have imagined being a mom could be so amazing and it keeps getting more and more amazing. That’s not to say we don’t have our moments because, believe me, we do – many of them. However, if another blessing is never bestowed upon us, we will still consider ourselves blessed beyond all words to have her in our family.
This is also the second Thanksgiving since Will returned home safely from Iraq. There will be an extra place set at our table in honor of those who are serving away from their families this year. While our heroes are serving away from home, we will also keep their families, the heroes on the home front, in our thoughts and prayers, too. We send our thanks to them for their service and the sacrifices they are making.
We have our health, our jobs, a roof over our head, food in our refrigerator and all the comforts we could imagine.
I hope whatever you are doing today that you are safe and you enjoy the day. Remember to count your blessings and to share a kind word and smile with someone. You might not know they need it.
The L Family
So, it’s that time of the year – time for the Tiara Girls to pack our bags and make our way out of town. Last year we went up to Boone, NC this year we’re heading to Asheville, NC and will be doing the candlelight tour experiencing Christmas at Biltmore. It’s the original four TGs (Moi, Shanny, Shannon, Deb) and this year we will be joined by Deb’s friend, C – who was supposed to join us last year but decided to take a kicking trip to Ireland instead, and my friend A was going to join us but has had to have a change in plans. A: If you change your mind and can come, please do!!! We’ll miss you.
Here’s a peek into what should be happening but we all know things can change in the blink of an eye or simply on a whim:
- Everything will taste great when running under the flow of chocolate in the fountain.
- Veggies. NONE. Not unless they are served alongside wings with blue cheese dressing to coat them. And berries for drowing in chocolate don’t count. I know they aren’t a veggie to start with but they do normally fall under the healthy category. Not this weekend.
- Blueberry Mojitos. Never had them and they could very well be so very nasty but they sound so delightful and we’re hoping for the best.
- Arts and crafts.
- Interpretive dance.
- It’s possible there will be a teensy tinsy bit of gossiping but there will be a pinky pact that what happens in the mountains stays in the mountains. That is until we all come home and share with all of you!
We’ve rented our cabin. Tickets bought for the tour. After we give our thanks on Thursday, we’ll each make sure our bags are packed and we’ll head off to spend some quality girl time away. Incidentally, this will be Shannon’s last girl’s get away before the fabulous Miss Emily joins the ranks of Jr. Tiara girl.
Get ready to laugh until it hurts girls.
xoxo
I can only write about it as I missed the window of opportunity to video the fab Miss O belting out an original tune. Not sure about most of it but I did understand the parts about needing some juice while on the phone and don’t put milk in the shredded wheat.
This second part stems from last weekend. I attended a Gold Star Ceremony, which honored the mothers and families of fallen heroes. Olivia went with me and, I must say, my child is the best blessing God has ever bestowed upon me. During a really emotional moment for me during the ceremony, she grabbed my hands and put them around her and told me what I tell her when she’s upset, “Hold me tight and love me much. It will be okay.” She brought a smile to my face beneath my tears. Then she said, “Here’s a tissue. Wipe it up.” Love her! During all the chaos of the morning trying to get out of the hotel, my purse was left in the hotel lobby. About 30 miles into my trip home, one of the ladies from my group called to tell me the hotel had it and I turned around. I held my breath that the money wasn’t gone but it was; about $130. This is what is known as my “soldier money” for shipping care packages, etc. I was telling my mom about it on the phone and when I hung up with her, Olivia asked me, “Where you soldier money?” I explained as best I could that somebody took it away from us. She asked would we get more and I laughed and told her yes. Then she piped up with, “Don’t worry. I hep you.” That night Will came home and asked where I was and O told him, “Shhh. Mommy’s making soldier money and I hep her.” She showed him the pictures she colored while I was working on some contract work I do from home.
Back to tonight…Oh, I was just informed she was on the “phone” with Jessica but I have no idea who Jessica is. Anyway… She repeated last week’s story to “Jessica” about the soldier money and the last thing before she hung up was, “We got more and spent it at Costco. Don’t worry.” She’s right. We bought some care package goodies today.
I love her more than the next breath I’ll take. She has more compassion at 34 months old than a lot of adults I know.
Pop on over and give a big ‘ol shout out of congrats to Shannon on her referral for Emily. Shannon we love you and can’t wait for the fabulous Miss O to teach her CQ sister the ropes.
Oh, yeah…Tony we’re giddy for you, too!!
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Goody bags being made…check.
Care packages taped to be shipped…check.
Letters from school kids pouring in…check.
Learning to sew…half a check.
I’m learning to sew. I bought a sewing machine a couple of weeks ago and my Aunt B showed me to stitch a straight line. She showed me but I can’t do it…YET. Why on earth am I learning to sew, you ask? Well, because Christmas is just around the corner. Huh? We have three “official” soldiers we’ve adopted and a couple of platoons we send things to. Everybody loves Christmas – even our deployed service members. Most don’t have the space to decorate but everyone has a pillow so I’m learning to make pillowcases! I’ll be constructing these little pieces of nighttime heaven out of Christmas fabric to send with their Christmas and holiday goodies.
Since I’m getting over my shyness on pimping for stuff: If you sew and want to help, pickup some Christmas pattern fabric (Wal Mart is $2/yd and it takes about a yard to make), fold it, stitch your seams and away you go. You can get free patterns/instructions online. Need by November 20.
There is no count yet…we’re working on it. But, this is what my living room looks like and more arriving daily. For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of visiting Chateau L, it’s a small house but this proves a small house can hold a lot of love.
This is about 2/3 of the letters and goods I’ve received so far from schools. Some gracious volunteers are helping me to sort through and count plus there are some others tucked away in another corner of the house.
TX and PA have sent the most. NC and SC will be coming in through the end of November and there are some from NE, IN and a couple of schools in TN. I think PA has sent the most so far. I’ll be tackling the other states (one at a time) after the first of the year.
Operation HO-Lotta Cheer – the unsigned part of it – has come to a close with great success. Thanks to those of you who participated by sending me unsigned cards to send to our troops stationed abroad; there will be approximately 2,000 loved ones who will receive a Christmas card from someone they love who is far away from home.
The signed card portion of HO-Lotta Cheer hasn’t wrapped up yet but I’ve gotten bunches of cards with more on the way to me soon. Yippee. For those who think you may have missed out on the fun, NO WAY! There’s still lots of time left. Email me and I’ll get you all the information you need.
Thank you to all those who forwarded my request to your family and friends. I don’t know a lot of you (or them) and will likely never have the honor of meeting you but please accept my most sincere thanks.
Now, remember to hit the stores after Christmas and let’s stock up for next year and we’ll do it again.
In the words of the fabulous Miss Olivia – You peeps rock! (Have no idea where she got that from. heh)
