The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,  I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.  My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,  My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.  Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,  Transforming the yard to a winter delight.  The sparkling lights in the tree I ...

Oh whew....I thought the poor guy was going to be sent back out after a 15 month deployment....glad to hear he's headed towards an overdue, well-deserved return home!   And you're right....this is like picking up a whole new language!

Those are all great ideas, too!  I am worried about him being overwhelmed with stuff to take home, so I'm trying to keep it small and with several pocket-sized items or thing I think he would pick up at the airport along the way, anyways.  I figure if its too much, he can spread the wealth around like he normally does.  He said ...

My contact will go home sometime in early December.  I'm considering putting a "going home" kit together for him.  I was thinking about maybe one of those travel pillows that goes around your neck, some snacks, word puzzles, etc.  Any other thoughts/ideas?  Thanks in advance, Amy

Thanks for the pep talk.  I'm just frustrated because he has written in within the last 60 days and his name was still dropped...  I've sent a couple things since his last letter, so I'll wait and see if I hear back.  They are there until December, so hopefully I'll get to send a couple more things out there before ...

My contact's name was removed from the anysoldier list and he was moved into Old Contacts.  The reason cited was that his address was "old or expired."  I know he's still there and received a letter from him at this address just recently.  What in the world is going on?  How frustrating!

Well, sent out my boxes yesterday -- thanks for all the suggestions!  I ended up deciding to make it a joint effort with a few other couples from church.  We ordered pizza and all brought candy over, dumped it in the middle of the floor into a mini candy mountain, and started stuffing individual candy bags that we twist-tied shut.  ...

Some soldiers are saying they are already getting chocolate with no problem.  While it is still hot in the day, nights seem to have cooled down.  I would think you could stick a few chocolate things in there and some of it make it okay.

I know there are a lot of websites out there from which you can buy bulk candy.  Has anyone tried any of them or found a site that has better prices/choices than others?  Thanks, Amy

"The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten."    - Calvin Coolidge This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.  ~Elmer Davis How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!  ~Maya Angelou When our perils are ...