Thanks for a smile and a chuckle, Phillis!

  Jenifer

What a great story!  I agree it will be something special for them to remember and laugh about for years to come.   I used to have all these plans in my head about them opening their stockings, then their presents, sharing the beef sticks, cheese, crackers, etc etc.    I have gotten thank you's, sometimes before Thanksgiving, they don't seem to wait for Christmas !  But what the heck,  whatever makes them happy.    You should send this to Reader's Digest, how cool would that be to see your story in there.     Blessings,     Anita

Phillis:

Kevin AND Kristen?????

hearing from you two is a present in itself!  We've been missing you guys!!

Aww.... {{{hugs}}}  Thanks, Phillis!  I can understand being exciting to hear from Kevin, but little old me???  I'm touched!  It has been a while since I've had the time to really read and post, so I'm happy to get back into the groove.

I can't wait to hear the rest of this story!!!!  I'm sure it's going to exceed your hopes and dreams!!!!

Hey Phyllis girl!!! Your story cracked me up! I bet those guys will still get a LOT of mileage outta that tree and it's goodies! I have missed everyone...stuff has been happening at home so I have been away for a while. You are such a special person with all you do, Phyllis! I loves ya!

Julie

Y'ALL!

GUESS WHO I GOT TO MEET TODAY?????

Yep, it was Nick, my famous Christmas Tree guy!!  We had a show down in South Alabama, only about 30 minutes from Fort Rucker.  Nick's uncle is stationed there, and he decided to come down and visit everyone!  We got to spend the entire day hanging out and pickin' and grinnin'.

He brought me a scarf and a gorgeous stone bracelet from Afghanistan.  I gave him an AS Cookbook.  I figured that if the people at Subway and Taco Bell already knew him by name and he's only been home a few weeks, he NEEDS to learn to cook!

We introduced him to the crowd, and he got a GINORMOUS standing ovation!! 

What an incredible day.  He is an amazing young man, and I feel very, VERY fortunate to have finally met him in person after writing to him for almost three years and through two deployments.

and no, we never did discuss "The Tree Incident" 

Oh Phyllis, What an honor it is to meet one of our contacts.  I am so very happy for you.  And to receive a gift, WoW.  You defiinatly made an impact on this young man and made a friend for life.

"pickin and grinnin" - what a beautiful picture - I hope someone was taking a few pictures for you.  If you actually needed any.

God Bless you both.

how wonderful!!....memories to cherish forever!!!!!

i needed a laugh today and i just received it, thanks, Kathy Penich-Garross, proud mom of Sargent John M Penich, kia 10/16/2008, 1/26inf vipers, ristipo, afghan.

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to let everyone know that hasn't been informed that my brother, Sgt Nick Chirco has made it home safe and sound from his 3rd tour in Iraq.  I wanted to take a minute to extend a Heartfelt Thank You to all of you that supported my brother while he was in the Sandbox.  He is now trying to adjust to Family life at home, which can be difficult at times, but my brother is Army Strong, has and always will be!!

Any of his supporters wishing to get intouch with him, Please feel free to drop me a line.  He is still very busy. But some much needed R&R will be heading his way soon.  Although I haven't seen him because of the distance between us.  I find comfort in knowing that he is safe and that we have found much strength, love and support through Anysoldier.

Again Thank You for everything that you have done for him and myself.  I know as time permits he will make sure to get on and Thank You all himself as he get's more settled.

Believe me when I say I am truly blessed to have found such wonderful people and I will continue to be a part of Anysoldier.

Proudsister

It's great to know that Nick is home safe and sound. I'm sure it is quite an adjustment for all concerned when one of our Warriors returns from deployment; I'm just as sure that Nick and Doraine will make those adjustments and keep perking along just fine. That's what I pray for them and for all our Warriors as they come home. Thanks Betty, for letting us know how he's doing.