Thank You!!!
This morning started quite early for me today, but it was an excellent way to be woke up; my Husband called me from Afghanistan. We talked until that horribly melodic voice announced we had two minutes remaining. Considering the time difference, I wished him sweet Dreams and got out of bed to start my day.
I knew today was the Children’s Deployment Fair, and while my child is currently only of the furry four-legged kind, there was the promise of pictures with Santa and care packages sent downrange for free. The last drawing tid-bit caught me hook line and sinker. If you are a Military Spouse, you know that those little packages mean a lot to the soldiers receiving them, but can cause the pocketbook to take a hit. So, with the glimmering idea of the care packages (and only 1,000 going out), I wanted to be there when the fair opened.
I arrived at the Evergreen Elementary on Blaine St. at 9:05 and there already was a line to get into the fair. The weather was blustery and wet, but the line moved quickly. Upon passing through the doors of Evergreen Elementary, I knew why it was the chosen location. The Disney themed facades just gave it a cheery atmosphere. The ladies at the front desk were very cheerful as well and was more than helpful. I was given a red ticket to claim my care box and then told where to go for the pet pictures.
There were obviously many families with deployed spouses and parents, but the lines weren’t too bad around the opening of the fair. At the pet photo line, I was next to go in to sit with Santa. While I was waiting I had a very charming chat with a lady who was working for the fair. With this past sentence, you’ll have to forgive me for forgetting her name, but I am HORRIBLE at remembering them. But back to Santa photos, it was my turn and I went in, rolling Teddy Bear’s “Stryker” (rolling backpack) behind me. I unzipped Teddy’s bag, and we had our picture taken with the big guy of Christmas. Teddy had to sniff him out before posing for the picture. The photographer was lovely, and the picture was perfect.
After the photo, I was told that there was a station where you could read a storybook to your soldier. I jumped at that and waited in another short line. I was worried when I saw that the computers were of the Macintosh brand, but the gentleman working that station was more than helpful. Teddy was again out of his bag and in my lap as we read my Husband a book; I added in my own commentary to make it more personal.
From storybook land, I entered the cafeteria and was given a picture to color. I hadn’t colored for ages! It put a big grin on my face, as I felt a youthful sense of happiness return. Once I was done coloring, I got in a snaked line towards the USO. The freebies they passed out were for the families, with promises of other goodies for the packages just beyond the gymnasium doors.
Once through the doors, I produced my red ticket and was given a flat rate box to fill for my soldier. After my container of cookies took up a third of the box, I gave away a bag of animal crackers so that I might fit in more of the free gifts they were giving out as the line continued. I received candy, coffee, lotions, soaps, and even hair gel. Just beyond these items were DVDs and CDs. I picked up White Christmas and a copy of Queen’s Greatest Hits. Books followed the CDs, and I knew I was running out of room. So, I topped off the package with a Reader’s Digest and a book of Brain Teasers.
My box was overflowing with items. So, I decided to sit down and repack this box. I must say, I have really learned to pack a lot into a flat rate box since this deployment. I packed it, addressed it, and filled out a customs form. There was a few tables with ladies there to assist in checking everything off and getting the box on its way. On my way out I was once again greeted with the lady I spoke to in the pet picture line. I received warm wishes, a bag full of goodies, and a greatly needed hug. I shipped off a package to my Husband, and was set with a smile for the rest of the day. I tried to thank everyone I could while I was there, but words cannot express my gratitude. So, to all involved in organizing this event… THANK YOU!!!
I knew today was the Children’s Deployment Fair, and while my child is currently only of the furry four-legged kind, there was the promise of pictures with Santa and care packages sent downrange for free. The last drawing tid-bit caught me hook line and sinker. If you are a Military Spouse, you know that those little packages mean a lot to the soldiers receiving them, but can cause the pocketbook to take a hit. So, with the glimmering idea of the care packages (and only 1,000 going out), I wanted to be there when the fair opened.
I arrived at the Evergreen Elementary on Blaine St. at 9:05 and there already was a line to get into the fair. The weather was blustery and wet, but the line moved quickly. Upon passing through the doors of Evergreen Elementary, I knew why it was the chosen location. The Disney themed facades just gave it a cheery atmosphere. The ladies at the front desk were very cheerful as well and was more than helpful. I was given a red ticket to claim my care box and then told where to go for the pet pictures.
There were obviously many families with deployed spouses and parents, but the lines weren’t too bad around the opening of the fair. At the pet photo line, I was next to go in to sit with Santa. While I was waiting I had a very charming chat with a lady who was working for the fair. With this past sentence, you’ll have to forgive me for forgetting her name, but I am HORRIBLE at remembering them. But back to Santa photos, it was my turn and I went in, rolling Teddy Bear’s “Stryker” (rolling backpack) behind me. I unzipped Teddy’s bag, and we had our picture taken with the big guy of Christmas. Teddy had to sniff him out before posing for the picture. The photographer was lovely, and the picture was perfect.
After the photo, I was told that there was a station where you could read a storybook to your soldier. I jumped at that and waited in another short line. I was worried when I saw that the computers were of the Macintosh brand, but the gentleman working that station was more than helpful. Teddy was again out of his bag and in my lap as we read my Husband a book; I added in my own commentary to make it more personal.
From storybook land, I entered the cafeteria and was given a picture to color. I hadn’t colored for ages! It put a big grin on my face, as I felt a youthful sense of happiness return. Once I was done coloring, I got in a snaked line towards the USO. The freebies they passed out were for the families, with promises of other goodies for the packages just beyond the gymnasium doors.
Once through the doors, I produced my red ticket and was given a flat rate box to fill for my soldier. After my container of cookies took up a third of the box, I gave away a bag of animal crackers so that I might fit in more of the free gifts they were giving out as the line continued. I received candy, coffee, lotions, soaps, and even hair gel. Just beyond these items were DVDs and CDs. I picked up White Christmas and a copy of Queen’s Greatest Hits. Books followed the CDs, and I knew I was running out of room. So, I topped off the package with a Reader’s Digest and a book of Brain Teasers.
My box was overflowing with items. So, I decided to sit down and repack this box. I must say, I have really learned to pack a lot into a flat rate box since this deployment. I packed it, addressed it, and filled out a customs form. There was a few tables with ladies there to assist in checking everything off and getting the box on its way. On my way out I was once again greeted with the lady I spoke to in the pet picture line. I received warm wishes, a bag full of goodies, and a greatly needed hug. I shipped off a package to my Husband, and was set with a smile for the rest of the day. I tried to thank everyone I could while I was there, but words cannot express my gratitude. So, to all involved in organizing this event… THANK YOU!!!
