So much for being in the mail.  I took the advice of one of our mailroom ladies at work and sent it out through them (I got postage stamps from them - that they had them was something new I learned).  Imagine my horror today as I opened my mailbox here at home and found the box in it Returned To Sender.  Something about the way our mailroom sent it to the post office violates the "you must hand the box to a post office clerk" rule (the existence of which is something else new I learned - I've just always chosen to go to the post office, so it didn't occur to me that I was required to). 

So, although I'm hoping I wasn't the last person and you aren't waiting for me, but if you are, Kerri... please go ahead.  They won't go to waste - I'll just create some others and send them out to a big group... there are quite a few 300+ groups, I'm sure someone will appreciate them. 

 I'm really disappointed not to see what everyone else worked on, but... lessons learned.  The hard way.     Sorry, everyone!

ChristyInPA:

...  Imagine my horror today as I opened my mailbox here at home and found the box in it Returned To Sender.  Something about the way our mailroom sent it to the post office violates the "you must hand the box to a post office clerk" rule (the existence of which is something else new I learned - I've just always chosen to go to the post office, so it didn't occur to me that I was required to.

Yes, it is a regulation (I know cause I worked at the USPS for many many years).    I believe it is anything over 16 oz MUST be handed to a clerk.   I believe this happened after 9-11 to hopefully prevent "things" being put in the mail system.   So think of it as anything weighing more than a can of soda.   Even as a mail carrier....I could only accept pkgs. for customers I knew and then had to initial it.

And don't worry if for some reason your cards dont make the swap.......there are plenty behind this one.......including next year!!!

Love peace and blessings....Anne Marie

They bumped that down to 13 oz.   If it has something like a mail strip or stamps.com postage that works but regular stamps need to be handed off directly.

 Donna

I got my batch of cards in the mail yesterday afternoon, and have spent most of the day today going through them.

You ALL did such a wonderful job--so thoughtful and creative and heartfelt...LOVE THEM!!!

Dawn, I am totally coveting the little smiley face flag pin--where did you find those??

Kerri, thanks again for hosting--you did a great job!

Just got my cards in todays mail. They are all totaly awesome!  I am going to go pick a brand new contact (from nearby Ft Carson) to send them to and will hopefully get them sent out tomorrow morning.

PS   Thank you Kerri for all the hard work getting this swap together!

My cards got here today. They are all great! Can't wait to pick a group to send them to.  My daughter-in-law, an Army wife, looked through them and expressed her opinion on how neat they are too.  Thanks Ladies! We did well!  Lynne B.

Hello fellow swappers.........

Fantastic job ladies!!!!!   I received the package a few days ago.....but unfortunately with my new job, juggling other things and watching my grand daughters I had to put off opening the package.   So, there I was about an hour ago with a nice cup of coffee (in my AnySoldier mug......of course) and had the time to read and enjoy all of the letters, pictures and notes.  I divided my cards into 3 groups to send them out this weekend.     I know I got chills reading the notes and looking at the pictures of our GREAT   COUNTRY......and I'm sure the troops on the receiving end will feel the same.    Another successful card project and a good job by our hostess Kerri..........

Now onto the next swap 

Have a great weekend.......Love peace and blessings......Anne Marie

Hey! 

I received my cards in the mail Monday.  I took time to briefly look through them, and they are GREAT   Good job everyone!  I'm a little overwhelmed at work and at home these days, but I am hopeful to get the cards in the mail to my contacts today or tomorrow. 

Thanks again to everyone that participated and to Kerri for hosting at the last minute.  I know the troops will appreciate each of your efforts too. 

Thanks guys for all the thanks...   I really enjoyed hostessing the swap. 

I was wondering though if maybe we shouldn't have a thread with tips for hostesses?  I can't think of anything offhand at the moment but maybe comments on how previous hostesses "handled" things.  For instance, began separating out the cards as they got them vs. waiting until they were all there, etc? 

One thing I would definitely recommend would be getting the priority mail envelopes ahead of time and not waiting until last minute (I did and the PO was out of them). 

 Yup, got my cards here in California today.   This has to be my most favorite of them all so far.  Opening up each envelope and having Red, White, and Blue spill out with "Happy 4th of July" exclaimed over and over again. 

Thanks everyone, and to you new comers - you did good. 

I'm still waiting on mine...  I have been checking in at my post office every morning asking them because my mail doesn't come until late afternoon.  Kerri, you can order the envelopes and FRB and have them delivered to your home.

 I got mine and they're awesome! You guys ROCK.

 I'm going to section them off into two groups (so I don't send doubles to a single group - I think the intricacies of a card swap are better explained without trying to explain that!) BUT.. I have a silly (and probably stupid) question... But bear in mind, this is my first card swap and I'm learning as I go!

I know we left all the cards UNsealed so we can look at them, and so they could be screened for offensive or heavily religious material, but... Do we seal 'em up before we ship 'em off?  Or do we send a bunch of unsealed cards?  I know the ones that were purposely unsigned (like Martha's) should be left open, in case a soldier wants to send the card to a loved one...  But the others?  Open, or sealed?

 Thanks... ;)

And once again, AWESOME job guys!  (I was SO stoked to see I got my cards, even after traveling all day after a week-ling vacation and arriving home after midnight, I opened the package as soon as I walked in the door!)

I was very lucky and received my cards on Monday!!!  I should have told you right away, but they were so great that I've been showing everyone and packing boxes so I can send a few to each of my contacts.  Super job, everyone.  Got a lot of great ideas for the next swaps.

Thank you again, Kerri, for all of the hard work!  

Finally! It only took a week but I got my cards yesterday.  I loved all the photos and hard work put into these.  I know my group who wanted "real" letters is going to enjoy them.  Thanks ladies!

 I got my cards Thursday, but didn't get to see them until last night.  There is so much talent in the group and so many different ideas.  The letters and personal touches show so much care.  I am truly inspired to do better each time.  Thanks to everyone who took part in this swap and a special thank you to Kerri for stepping up when the original hostess was out of touch and couldn't be contacted.

Vicki