Injured Soldier & Care Package Ideas

So I'm posting my second entry for today...I don't count my blog at 12 AM as an entry :)  Stryker is at daycare so I can get some stuff done (Spuz is acting like an only child right now)...And here I am!  I was supposed to be cleaning, but oh well...

I want to first say that if you are interesting in sending items or cards to an injured soldier in Jesse's company, please shoot me an e-mail or Facebook me.  We're trying to give him as much support as possible as he goes through this difficult time.

I also want to share with you this entry from Laura from Diamonds and Dogtags.  Amazing ideas on stuff to send to your soldier/marine/airman/sailor.  Seriously, I'm stealing some of her ideas.

Happy Friday!

A++

Stryker's first day at the doggie daycare on post went very well, as expected.  They give them a "report card" at the end of the day so you know the good and bad things your dog did when you come to pick them up.  They didn't give him a letter grade so I decided to grade him myself: A++.

I'm really glad that worked out, even though he was very wired when he came home.  I got him inside and he played for a little bit, then laid down.  I'm not quite sure where he is at this moment.

Other than that, the day went on without a hitch.  Yes, things are getting better.  I'm happy for that.  I have the next three days off so I'm out to do some things I have needing to do.  They're doing some schedule adjustments at work, so we'll see where that takes me.

I have a list of goals to accomplish this week, one of which is the St. Pat's care package I'm sending Jesse.  I hope to mail that out in the next few days.  I hear there are going to be some girl scouts at the PX late afternoon on thursday....So I'm going to make sure to get over there and buy me some cookies (and some for the hubster of course)!

Hope everyone has a great week.  Happy Monday!

Packages From the Husband

Before I go off about everything along with my day, I would like to thank all of my "followers" for reading.  I've increased by a couple of people, and thanks for visiting!

So today I got a package in the mail from Jesse.  Now, I knew he was sending me a package (the last five days this was mentioned in most of our conversations..."did you get my package yet??"), and it takes over a week to get here, so I kept telling him to give it some time!  So today I got this bulging box (I should've taken a photo of it, it was hilarious!) full of goodies.  Well I guess "full" probably isn't the right word...Maybe overfilled.  Nonetheless I got a "mink" (it's like polyester or something, no I'm not an animal killer), a coffee mug with a flag on it, three movies (one of which haven't hit DVD here in the states), a scrubs top (don't ask), and a piece of "headgear" he got as a gift from his interpreter.  Even as though none of this stuff is going to be used that often, it's just nice to get something from him.  I love that boy!

For dinner mom is making a Salmon Chowder, I bought a mix with some canned smoked salmon at the Food and Gift Festival at the Tacoma Dome back in October.  I'll let you guys know how it goes, this company has a website and has some excellent smoked salmon!

Oh another magazine I bought was from The Mixing Bowl, which has some excellent stuff in it.  There are some interesting banana bread recipes in there that I'm going to try.  They even have a peanut butter banana bread and a strawberry banana bread in this book.  I would absolutely love to send some of this to Jesse, but I think that it wouldn't make it over there without mold on it.  Haha.  So maybe leave time, I guess.  If I try these (and I probably will) I will post and let you know if they're good.

So that is all for me today, another two more days of work before a stretch off.  Hopefully I can get what I need to have done in that time!

Have a great week,

A Much Needed Update

Alrighty.... I have been a smidge behind on updates, I'm sorry!

I've been a bit busy lately.... Just doing things here and there.  I've been working a bit, with Valentine's day coming up and all.  This week I'm going to focus more on getting into that house -- for good.  Yes, I know what you're thinking.  I'm still not in the house?  I know, I know....

Mainly I wanted to update on Jesse.  He has been a busy kid!  Our conversations are getting shorter and shorter it seems.... He doesn't get a lot of down time.  They did come across a car accident late last week, which happened in front of their convoy (not involving them).  It was one car and one man died, a civilian and native to the country.  That was difficult, but Jesse's platoon did very well in handling the situation.  The medic that was with their convoy did an amazing job and made sure that everyone was well taken care of.

Jesse still has had time to spend some time with a buddy of his, he has also been working out, ruck marching, and stuff like that.  They also did some training in which Jesse had a tube stuck into his nose.  Nothing was wrong, it was just training!  I will get more photos up soon.

It's still early on in my day, I'm thinking that I'm going to make some cookies and send off a package for my hubby tomorrow!  I am still very excited about leave.... I have to say this (everyone is going to think I'm a total dork):  I am going to make heart shaped pancakes that are pink for the morning after he gets home.  So excited!!

Thanks to all who have sent me birthday wishes!!  Thanks for thinking of me :)

Have a great week!

The First Night

There are so many firsts....  And this is the first night I'm sleeping in the new place!  So many people say "you're going to be alone??" and I say, "I am not alone, I have my dog."  Such an amazing guard dog he his.  He hears the neighbors making noise and gets all strange about it.  Not to mention an 100 pound dog is enough to scare the socks off enough people.  Trust me, been there done that.   There was this guy who got trash once a week from the Ft. Benning dog park and would see Stryker.  He wouldn't come in unless I had ahold if him.  And you're supposed to have good mannered dogs at the dog park, let alone on post or in housing.  My dog is well mannered.  But he'll let me know if some neighbor of mine is dangling their arms over the fence and into our yard.  That yard is his yard, no one else's!  I find it adorable.


Anywho, we got a lot accomplished today.  My father helped us hang some things on the walls, my mom drank wine and tried to help do a lot of different things.  I am considering getting new dishes, but I'm not 100% on that yet.  I am debating getting something like Corelle, which you can microwave, put in the dishwasher, and practically throw without a scratch.  That would last our next ten moves!


Other than that I have talked to Jesse who is having an amazing time getting free stuff from supply.  Don't worry, all legit, and he's hooking up all of his soldier's with it too.  Speaking of stuff for Jesse, I found a stash of Power Bars and a variety of candy that Jesse bought but never really ate.  Guess what you're getting in your next care package Jesse!


Other than that it's the same ol' stuff.  I am going to go now so I can make my bed to sleep in.  I was SO happy to find our comforter today!





PS - it'll be even nicer when I can say it's OUR first night sleeping in our new place... :)

A Letter a Day, Hoosier Bars, and MORE

So I think I decided that I'm going to try and write Jesse a letter a day.  Now, I know that I may have said this before, but I think I am going to.  The mail isn't very quick getting over there, but I think that is my new goal.  Maybe we can call that my New Year's Resolution?  I don't know... I told Jesse I didn't have a New Year's Resolution, that I had enough to worry about.  He didn't really like that answer!

So, going back a couple of days, Wednesday was my day off.  I went and met a friend, Kristen, who's husband went through the same training as Jesse did at Ft. Benning.  They got up here almost two months after Jesse and I, so he left about two months after Jesse (he too is in 5th Brigade).  Her and I weren't close at Ft. Benning, but since I have lived here all of my life (or most of it at least) I offered to help them if the needed anything.  It will be good to have someone close by that is going through much of the same things as me!  She and I went to Marshall's and to Panera for lunch.  We talked for a long time, and we had a good time.  I also mailed Jesse his first care package in a little over a week.  I know that Jesse likes mail so I send something to him as often as I can.

Yesterday I ran some errands, made a few phone calls, and went out to the house.  I made progress at the house, I opened 3-4 boxes, which is good.  I haven't found our sheets or our bedding as of yet, but am finding a lot of bedroom stuff.  I also found all of our silverware, plates, glasses, and mugs, so that is progress!

After all of that I went to a downrange update, and I'm glad to hear that the guys are doing good things over there!  The Battalion Commander and Sergeant  Major are going to be taking leave in the near future, and both of them will be speaking to the spouses on how everything is going over there.  Overall, it was a positive meeting, and informative.  Most of the stuff they covered was 2-1 oriented, keep in mind Jesse is "detached" from 2-1 and much of them aren't in the same area as him.  But again, things are good and they are making progress over there.

Today I went out and got Stryker's stitches taken out!  He seems happy they are gone.  He really liked the veterinarian there, LOVED that he was giving him treats.  It was very funny.  He did well getting the stitches and is going to have to take antibiotics for another week to be sure that he has rid of his infection.  In total we were at the vet maybe 20 minutes, so basically in and out.  I went out to Michael's to visit my mom at work.  They already have spring flowers, Valentine's Day, and St. Patrick's Day.  They also have a bunch of their spring candles, candleholders, etc., out so it was tempting not to walk out with everything in my cart!  I did buy some Valentine's Day stuff for Jesse along with a couple of St. Patrick's Day things....  I'm getting excited to send him the stuff!  Which brings me to my next topic.....

Hoosier Bars!  I think I'm going to make an entire batch to send to Jesse (maybe for Valentine's Day).  I know when I say that name that people give me the strangest look... But they are good.  Chocolate, peanut butter, peanuts, and meringue bar cookies.  Basically Jesse really likes them and I'm pretty fond of them myself.  So, I wanted to share it with you.

Hoosier Peanut Bars

Preheat Oven to 325*

Crust:

• 2 c. all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 c. butter, softened
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1/2 c. packed brown sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:

• 2 egg whites
• 1 c. brown sugar
• 1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 c. chopped salted peanuts

In large mixer bowl combine all ingrediens for crust.  Blend with mixer until particles are find.  Press in a greased 13x9-inch pan.

To prepare topping beat egg whites in small mixer bowl until soft mounds form.  Add brown sugar gradually and continue beating until meringue stands in stiff peaks.  Fold in chocolate pieces and 1/2 c. peanuts.  Spread over crumb crust and sprinkle with remaining peanuts.

Bake at 325* for 40 to 45 minutes.  While warm, cut into bars.

Makes 36 bars.

Please let me know how you like them if you try them!

Progress

So my main goal for the day was to make some progress on the house.  I am happy to say that we did make some progress.  I do hate the fact that when you get the ball rolling and in a groove....You have to stop.  I work the next two days, which make it a little more difficult to tackle the craziness in our new house.  We did get the bed, my dresser, the futon, the TV stand, the Wii tower, and most of the bookshelf together.  Plus mom and I unpacked two kitchen boxes (mostly breakables, nothing broke!) and measured some spaces.  I realized today that I don't have great access to towel bars in the bathrooms, we're missing some hardware from some of the furniture, and I still would like to paint the bedroom.  It does look as like I might be spending some nights on the futon if I decide to do that.  A plus side - lots of room.  That is pretty exciting!  In Georgia I felt like we were cramming, and we probably will our second time around there.  Until then, I'm going to enjoy our space!

Next trip we're going to try and finish the bookshelf and I'm going to arrange furniture.  Maybe take a trip to the hardware store to make sure we have everything together.  Between that stuff, there is a briefing I have yet to go to, I need to figure out some things with my washer situation (plug doesn't work with the outlet we have), and I need to figure out the cable/internet thing.  Until I get the washer and cable/internet thing figured out I'm not living there.

I do think though, it is time for me to leave my parents house.  You're probably saying "duh," and I know.  Besides, dad is working and mom is working.... I should have no reason why I shouldn't be moving forward.

Please also visit this site if you can, its SUPER easy to do, and something Xerox has put together.  The link is:  http://www.letssaythanks.com.  Seriously, it takes a matter of seconds.  You pick a card, put in your name/location, and pick something to say.  Xerox delivers the information in a card for our troops overseas.  Boost some morale!

Oh, and if you sent me a Christmas Card this year with a picture on it, chances are it's hanging in my husband's room right now!  I sent him everything I got, so he went through everything and loved them.  Thank you all for the Christmas cards, letters, and photos you sent!  He loves them.

Also - Hooah Mail is seeming to have some hiccups.  It is NOT getting to him faster than priority or first class mail.  he is getting it, but he got mine 3-4 weeks after I sent it.  NOT cool.  But I have to say that first class mail doesn't seem any quicker!  If you send a box priority mail (flat rate is automatically priority mail)  he is getting them in 7-10 days.  I feel like I'm not able to keep up with him getting my care packages!  I will be sending one out *hopefully* tomorrow, and then another later on in the week.

If you want to send him things, send him some healthier foods, he's not too happy with me with overloading him with cookies, chips, and candies.  Oops.  Crackers, power bars, and the like are good.  Also keep sending him photos!  He loves them.

Thanks again for reading!

Leave, Flowers, The House, and More

I'm sorry my motivation for blogging is lacking right now!

I talked to Jesse last night and this morning.... I'm not quite sure what my problem is but I have been going through this phase where I just want him to come home.  I am completely aware of how irrational my thoughts are, but that is how I am feeling.  Jesse says that he's probably going to get leave, but again nothing is set.  We're not making any solid plans of course, but we are discussing some fun stuff to do.  Right now it looks like we'll be making a trip out to Ocean Shores, so I'm excited.

Today was my day off so mom and I went out to the house.  I don't think I had been there since before Christmas.  I really really need to get things together, but still haven't found the screws to my bed.  My father is also still working, so I don't really have anyone to help me put big things together.  We did unpack a lot of clothes (mostly stuff on hangers), and decided where furniture is going to be arranged.  I'm going to also need to set up the TV, get cable, phone, and internet set up.  I will also have to get all the stuff in line to put up a fence for the dog.

Yesterday I received a dozen red roses along with six calla lilies from Jesse.  They are very nice and very pretty.  The day before that I received a rug from him, complete with misspelled words!  It's pretty obvious that the people around the area do not have a lot of education, especially since they can't even spell their country's name correctly.  Oh well I guess, it still is an interesting piece to have in the house.  I have one more package on the way, which I'm excited about too.

My birthday is right around the corner (I know it's not January yet) and Jesse and I have picked out my birthday/Valentine's Day gift, which I am super excited about!  It's a pendant from Kay's.  SO excited :)

Tomorrow I work, but I'm not going to get completely stressed out this time if I don't get out on time.  Besides that I highly doubt we're going to have a lot of business, with everyone's New Year's festivities. I am very excited for the new year, 2010 is going to bring many more fun things!  Have a safe New Year's Eve!

Week of Christmas

I feel like it's long overdue, so I wanted to write a blog!

The last couple weeks have been crazy!  I've tried my best to be positive, but I feel as though many things were working against me.  I did get through it though, with some bumps along the way.

Christmas Eve was good, I worked until closing time.  Go figure that the mall closed at 6, and we didn't get out of the store until 7:15.  I don't remember it being that bad ever in the history of working for the jewelry store.  I got home, not doing much until dinner time.  Mom made king crab and steak for dinner along with potatoes, green beans, and watergate salad.  I would've loved Jesse to be there.... But know he wouldn't have liked the surf and turf ;)  I stayed up to two AM wrapping presents and talking to Jesse.  Exhausted, I went to bed.

Christmas morning I got up and talked to Jesse again, he wasn't having a super busy day since it was still Christmas day there.  The family and I got up and unwrapped presents, ate breakfast, and got ready for the day.  We went to a friend's house, ate, listened to some karaoke, and came home.  We finished up our stockings, lounged around, and went to bed.

The day after Christmas mom, Taylor, and I went to the mall.  I think it was busier that I ever thought it was during Christmas, parking was horrible!  I hit up American Eagle (they always have jean sales after Christmas), got a couple of shirts, and got Jesse a couple of things also.  We also looked at Target, which was very busy.  We left, went out to a shoe store (I found some super cute zebra print heels) and went to another Target (I know we're crazy).  We went and got dinner then came home.

Sunday I worked, we were busy but not horrible.  But again, for closing at 7:00, we got out at 8:15.  I don't know why this keeps happening, but I don't close again until New Year's Eve, and I don't think we're going to have a ton of people wanting to buy jewelry.  Other than that my plans for the holiday are quiet, which to be honest I really don't mind!

Jesse is doing well, he had a good Christmas full of food, Christmas stockings from Operation Support Our Troops (OSOT), and relaxation.  I know that it is still not home, but it wasn't horrible.  We are thinking at this point in time Jesse will get leave, sometime in the springtime.

My next goals are getting our house in order, Jesse's Valentine's Day Care package (why don't people have their Valentine's Day stuff out yet?? lol), and then leave plans when he knows a date.  I also want to enroll Stryker in Petsmart classes, something I hope to look into on my next day off.

Other than that, all is well.  I'll keep you all updated on our life happenings, even as I know things will probably slow down as we get into the new year!

Cookies, Crackers, and Starburst

I thought that would make for an interesting blog title!  These are things going into Jesse's next care package.  I'm baking him some cookies (I bought premade dough with chocolate and mint chips), including some triscuts or wheat thins, and some new Starburst I saw today at the store.  It'll be a small package with a card.  I will probably mail the package friday, Jesse of course won't get the package before Christmas, but a fun package nonetheless.  I'm thinking he'd probably rather omit the cookies... But what he doesn't know won't hurt him!

Last night I came home from the coffee, was on the computer, and talked to my dad for a while.  Before I knew it, it was midnight... And I laid down to go to bed.  Not even five minutes later Jesse e-mailed me to talk to him.  So I got online and spoke with him for about an hour, went to bed and got up at six.  So, right now I'm pretty sleepy, but pushing along nonetheless.

I stopped and picked up some stocking stuffers and maneuvered myself out of the Tacoma Mall parking lot.  How come EVERYONE waits until the last minute to shop?  It was INSANE.  I don't understand sometimes... I understand that people are going to be finishing up college classes and getting out of school for winter break and will need to go shopping... But do people really enjoy the craziness in these parking lots and stuff?  I don't get it!  Yes, I do realize I am still doing some shopping....  But at least I don't have a lot to do and won't be wasting all my time at the mall!

I got some dinner (soup) on the way home, called the vet clinic, and arrived at home.  I'm feeling the five hours of sleep last night, but still have to make sure I get those pills from the vet (if possible) today.  I also want to try and get some things from a store -- possibly WalMart -- and get a couple more things.  All I can think of is sleep right now!  I better get off my behind and do something!

Here Comes the Weekend

Thank goodness there are only two more weeks until Christmas.  I am SO counting down until all this craziness is over!

I tried to get my Christmas shopping done today, to no avail.  I got the shopping done for my brother, and about half of the shopping done for my parents.  I went to the mall, then Costco (meeting up with my parents, getting a mocha for $1, and getting a new Costco card!), then off to Target.  Then at Target I ran into my parents.  Thank goodness that they didn't get anything for me and I them, because we would've seen everything!  Then I went to Fred Meyer, where I ran into a friend from Fort Benning.  We had been meaning to get together for quite awhile, but couldn't get our schedules straight.  We had a nice chat, and went our separate ways.  I picked up some things for Jesse's care package (which I plan on mailing next week) and then left.  I was at home for just a little while and we went out for some Mexican food.  On the way home Jesse called.  I talked to him for about 40 minutes, and then let him go.

Jesse says that he gave a brief to his platoon today.  It is now, officially, his platoon.  He missed a couple of things in the brief, but I'm sure he will have everything perfected in no time.  Jesse told his company commander that he was sorry that he wasn't extremely confident in his briefing and his commander told him that he had "no doubt" that he would do "great things for this platoon."  Jesse's reaction to me was "wasn't that nice of him?"  That was a very nice comment, and optimistic - great for Jesse to hear to give him a little bit more confidence.  It's great to know that someone else thinks what we've known the whole time :)

Other than that he's going to a bazaar today, I told him to buy me something.... We'll see how that goes!  I thought that it would be fun to have something a little bit different.... And it could serve as a great Christmas present (which he, out of the blue, told me he wanted to do something for me for the holiday).

Tomorrow I'm getting up early to meet a friend at the airport, then going out to the new house, dropping up some stuff, sending my Christmas cards out, and making a stop at the PX.  Hopefully I will get everything done tomorrow!

Have a great weekend!

Jesse's New Location

Since Jesse has a new address and a new location, I wanted to tell you all about it!  If you look up his location (which is right after the "FOB" in his address, it is an actual city) you can see where it is on a map.  He is going to be a platoon leader of a MGS, or a Multiple Gun System platoon.  It is an armor platoon (they are tankers), not an infantry platoon.  There are eleven soldiers in his platoon, not like the thirty plus he would be overseeing if he was in an infantry platoon.  It seems as though he has been getting along with the company commander and his platoon sergeant.  He hopes that he will be getting leave which he might get as long as they don't move him again.  We will have to wait that out and see though.


The highways that they travel seem to be safer than other roads that some stryker units travel on because they are overseen by the Afghan militia.  Where he is at he does have good access to a PX and can get most of the supplies that he needs.


I know in his care packages he doesn't want to have a lot of junk food, and he doesn't normally like too much of one thing.  If you have any questions of things to send him, please let me know!

Day Off... Well, sorta.

So today I woke up knowing that I didn't want to go to the new house.  I didn't want to think about getting the pets registered, going to a fire safety brief.  I didn't want to work, I didn't want to paint, I didn't want to drive, I didn't want to get out of bed.  I just wanted a day OFF.  Well, that's not going to happen.  At least completely.

I heard my dad get out of bed probably about eight o'clock, treading down the hallway.  I called him into my room (I didn't want to get out of bed) and told him we weren't going onto post today.  Not gonna happen.  Here I was, thinking that I could use a break, de-stress a little.  I don't know why, but left alone with my own thoughts I seem to get more stressed.  I tried to get back to sleep, but my mind was buzzing.  Maybe next time I guess.

We didn't go on post, nor did we do anything remotely with the house.  I went out to Fred Meyer, they have some deals on bookshelves which I wanted to look at.  I also ordered some of Jesse's promotion photos, I will add the album at the end of the blog.  Let me know if you would like me to e-mail you the photos to print as you would like.  I also met up with our friend Gillian, who gave me the beautiful wine glasses I ordered from her Southern Living party.  I might just take a photo to post for you all to see.  They're quite pretty.

I picked up a couple of things to put in Jesse's next care package.  I'm not sending him anything since he still will probably be moving.  And I'm finally squared away with 2-1's Charlie company, where Jesse is supposed to be going to.  I researched some stuff, and did some much needed errands, then went to work!

Oh if you've been trying to use Hooah Mail (which I'm guessing no one has because I haven't gotten an e-mail!) Jesse's unit isn't on there yet.  So, you'll probably want to hold off on that for a while too.

I hope everyone's having a good week.  I'm going to go have some ice cream!

Jesse Overseas

Jesse's Care Packages: What TO do and what NOT to do!

First of all, I would like to say that my thoughts and prayers are going out to Ft. Hood tonight.  How horrible that was!  It's very tough to see soldiers turning on soldiers in the worst way possible.  Being a spouse of a soldier it hits so close to home.  There is enough danger and worry as a spouse (or a close family member or friend) to someone in the military, and its even worse to hear of this type of situation.  Its hard thinking that this is the first time something like this has hit a military base, and it adds salt to the wound to find that this tragedy was created by people who live, eat, and breathe this same life as Jesse and I do along with many of our friends.  It is just heartbreaking.  It should be interesting to see if this event changes security measures on our posts nationwide.

Here at home my mother had off today and decided to do some much needed cleaning and decorating (for Thanksgiving) and my father got home early from work.  He did get laid off, an event that happens quite often in his career as an ironworker.  It is good to hear the economy is picking up, for they are expecting more work again in January.  So there is that possibility that he may not have a job through this Holiday season.

He and I took a trip to the store (I'm a little obsessed with finding stuff I can send to Jesse), and bought a lot of stuff.  Or at least probably more than I need to buy at the moment.  But, I feel good enough about it.  I also was on the hunt for some very large cardboard photo mailers for some large photos I'm going to be sending out around Thanksgiving.  Most everyone that follows this blog will likely get a photo of Jesse in or with their Christmas card this year.  I also mailed my Thanksgiving cards today, which I know seems a bit premature, but I had a couple people I wanted to get them out to sooner than later so I just sent them all!  I also stocked up on my stamps, I'm gonna need 'em!

So, my point to this blog today (other than my aforementioned updates) is to try and give you some do's and don'ts for Jesse's specific care packages.  I also will offer some suggestions.  I know many of you remember Jesse's last deployment and sent things to him then, but I may bring up some points you want to consider.  I also may bring up some stuff that may be cheaper and easier to do.  All things I am discovering myself through this deployment along with Jesse's experience with his past deployment!

DO's & DON'Ts:

  - Keep in mind Jesse will have to likely carry around anything you send him.  Many sites recommend sending "fun" stuff like mini Christmas trees, decorations, etc.  Most likely that is something Jesse will not do, for in the Infantry they often times don't sit at a desk, they are going out and doing missions.  If you send something like that Jesse (nothing against the person who sends/wants to send the gift) will throw it away.
  - Try and avoid sending things/packages that aren't disposable or that you wouldn't want thrown in the trash (ie cookie tins).  I personally will be sending goodies (such as cookies and other food related items) in small, sturdy boxes within a bigger box which will prevent the goods from being crushed.
  - If you send cookies/goodies/food, it's best to send everything with (or in) a ziplock bag.  I'm probably going to use a food saver and include a ziplock bag with them so he can transfer them from the food saver bag (which keeps the food fresh) into something he can carry around and seal (to avoid sand/dirt).
  - To keep things fresh I've been told adding a piece of bread to the cookies to help with moisture issues is a good idea.  Like I said before, it can take up to 22 days to get to him.
  - Sending candy is fine, as long as it won't melt in high heat.  I wouldn't send chocolate for that reason, even though chocolate chips in cookies and such should be fine to send.  Besides that, Jesse doesn't really care for chocolate candy anyway, he prefers things like Mamba's, Swedish Fish, Sour Patch Kids, Skittles, etc.  Include a ziplock bag with anything like that you send!
  - Postage is like sending something stateside!
  - Letters & drawings/pictures from kids would be a good morale booster for Jesse!  He may not hold onto them for a long period of time but I know he would appreciate them!  Please don't send anything that you would NOT want to be thrown away.
  - I am going to send any Thanksgiving and Christmas cards that I receive onto Jesse so that he can see them.  Please let me know if you need my address.  If you want to send cards to Jesse that is fine too.  I likely will be sending him packages bi-weekly and letters daily.
  - USPS offers FREE boxes, larger envelopes, and priority mail tape to military families (and probably friends too).  This includes 10 boxes, 10 customs forms with envelopes, 10 shipping envelopes, and a roll of the tape.  Call (800) 610-8734 for this "Mili-Pack."  It does take money to ship the box but it's a flat rate.  You can visit www.usps.com and look up "Supporting Our Troops."
  - Also, make 100% sure you send it addressed to Jesse specifically.  When I get the address I will post it EXACTLY how you need to send a package to get to Jesse.  If you are interested in sending a care package to any soldier, visit www.anysoldier.com, do NOT send it to an address with the name as "Any Soldier" or anything of the like.  It will not go anywhere.

I may add/subtract from this list so I don't keep posting stuff about care packages on every blog.  So if you need a reference it'll be here!  I do not have an address for Jesse yet, I'm thinking I will by the end of the weekend!

Sites that I found interesting with care package information:
www.spoucebuzz.com/blog/2006/12/care_package_id.html
www.operationmilitarypride.org/packages.html

There ARE restrictions to what you can send.  Please take note of those, even though I don't believe anyone will send most of the things they list!  Please e-mail me with any questions.  My e-mail is:  marissa.mcadam@gmail.com!

Shipping Overseas

No, I don't have an address yet!  But I wanted to post some information about shipping, shipping restrictions, etc.  USPS does have a flat-rate box you can buy specifically to shipping to an APO address.  They also list restrictions and such here:

http://www.usps.com/supportingourtroops/

I am going to check with Jesse on a few things before I talk about suggestions on what to send him and what not to send him.  A few tips:

-  Do keep in mind that it can take up to 22 days to get a package.  If you are on the East coast, it will probably be quicker.
-  Regular letters and items requiring regular postage will likely be quicker than packages.
-  Keep in mind that they have hot days.  Anything that might melt or be damaged more than likely WILL be damaged.

I am going to send him some stationary for Jesse to use to mail to people (and myself of course) because chances are e-mail or anything computer wise will be difficult to do.  Computers there are also VERY slow and there are time limits.  I don't really think Jesse enjoys that much so he probably won't be contacting anyone much that way.

I will post an address ASAP.  On another note, things with me are still fine, I've been busy.  Yesterday I worked on our Christmas cards close to all day, my mom and I took the dogs for a walk, and then we worked on my Army no-sew blanket.  I will post photos of the blanket, it's a hit among all of our critters.  Daisy, Luna, Spuz, and Gwen have all slept on the thing!  I rolled over on Spuz this morning because I didn't know he was there (he never sleeps on the bed anymore).  Oops.

Today mom and I went to Scrap'n Book, Aaron Brothers, and a paint place to do some shopping.  I think I've decided that I want to paint one room pink (probably the laundry room) but we need to see inside of the place before we make any concrete decisions.  I can't wait to see that house!

Please e-mail me if you have any questions about anything!