Chef B'oyardee's on the Way!

Just talked to my brother, Tim, in Iraq, and he sounded fine, but is frustrated because the boxes that my mom sent him haven't gotten there yet. His DVD player is in there, and he said he's going nuts without anything to do. It made me sad because he said he goes by the mail place every day, and there's boxes and boxes- walls of them, he said, and somehow, his haven't gotten there yet.

He said he was just worried because he knew mom had put a lot of stuff in them, and he didn't want it to get lost, but really, I think he's just ready for a little taste of home.

I hung up feeling really guilty because the box of stuff that I have to send him, has been sitting there for about 2 weeks, because I had to go to 3 post offices to get the right boxes, and now I found out I have the wrong forms, too. Anyway, that box is going out TODAY. I put cans of pop-top Chef B'oyardee (per his request), a soup mug, plastic spoons, Lance Crackers, Pumpkin Peeps, and lollipops in there along with a Halloween card, and a picture Mason colored. Hopefully, it'll get there before Halloween. I told him about the Chef B'oyardee on the phone, but I said, "I guess I shouldn't tell you about it- your mouth will be watering". He said, "It already is." He said the PX over there has lots of canned microwavable stuff, but there are some things they don't sell- Chef B'oyardee being one of them.

I joked about sending him a freeze-dried pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. But he said they are eating really well. He said he had bacon and eggs for breakfast, and stir fry for lunch. Last time I had talked to him, he'd had steak and lobster. Good thing they keep those guys moving!

Anyhow, I think he would appreciate a card or note- or a picture your kid colored, whatever. I know you're all busy, but if you have a second, and want to send him a card or note, contact me for his address- postage should be the same as US.If you do send a card, put on there how you know me or our family, so he knows who you are. :)

Also, I know alot of you are involved with youth groups, school groups, and such. Maybe some of your kids would be interested in doing Care Packages. Not just to Tim, but to some of the guys over there. I'm just thinking that he's probably not the only one over there not getting mail, you know?

If you decide to pursue any of that, and want to do a package- get the flat rate boxes. They're $8.95 to ship- no matter what you put in them. It just has to fit in the box. However, if you do that, then make sure you go to the counter and get the big white customs form and fill it out if it's over 3 lbs. I'm just telling you because I got the little green customs form, and now, I get to wait in line.... Again. If you want to do this, and need ideas, let me know.