The seeds are sewn .
Thank you to all who participated in this video. It really warms my heart to see ATM in motion.
Today's video entry:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo8tJxUkQBg
The Mission: To collect at least 50,000 Christmas/Holiday cards for troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and all over the world.
The Reason: Being away from home and living in harsh conditions with combat & constant danger is difficult ~ our troops need to know we have not forgotten them!!! Mail from home helps to keep our troops' morale strong, making a very real difference in their lives. It keeps them motivated and focused when they know we care about them!
The Address: Send your signed, unsealed cards to the following address:
Mrs. Kathy Orr
OPERATION: LOVE FROM HOME
P.O. Box 1660
Loganville, Georgia, 30052
ALL CARDS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2008.
The Guidelines: The cards can be handmade or store-bought. Please do not write the date on your cards. Please, no glitter on the cards. Because of the intended destinations of the cards, nothing "shiny" should be sent for safety & security reasons.
*IMPORTANT: Please also refrain from making political statements of any nature.
If you have any questions, please contact us at Kat@OperationLoveFromHome.org or info@operationlovefromhome.org
Their website: www.OperationLoveFromHome.org for more info!
With the support of the U.S. Department of Defense and Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and with help from Pitney Bowes Government Solutions, the American Red Cross will collect, review and distribute holiday greeting cards to wounded military personnel. For security reasons, the Red Cross will be able to accept only holiday cards but not packages. Red Cross volunteers will receive and bundle the cards, which will be shipped by Pitney Bowes Government Solutions. Then, Red Cross volunteers at the medical facilities will distribute the cards throughout the holiday season. Please address your holiday cards to:
Holiday Greetings for Troops
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
Be sure to affix adequate postage. Cards must be received no later than December 27. Cards received after this date will be returned to the sender. Again, senders are reminded that "care packages” are not part of the program––send only cards and notes. Also, please refrain from using glitter or any other inserts that would not be appropriate in a hospital environment.
People who want to express their appreciation to American service members may also consider making a donation to one of the more than 300 nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping our troops and their families listed on the "America Supports You" website, www.americasupportsyou.mil Other organizations that offer means of showing your support for our troops or assist wounded servicemembers and their families include:
http://www.usocares.org/
http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/tooursoldiers/
http://www.redcross.org
The outpouring of gratitude and encouragement from the general public, corporate America and civic groups throughout the past year has been incredible. Our Warriors in Transition are amazed at the thanks and support they receive from their countrymen.
"Strength is more than being able to lift heavy things. Faith isn't just something you have when things are going great. Living in the moment requires no thought. Love should never come with conditions. Happiness is a choice. Failure is always the first step toward success. A change lives inside you now." --the ant colony
Need some help? CLICK HERE to email a moderator. Please be as specific as possible. Include the name of the colony you are at (MySpace, NBC, Facebook), time of occurence, and a brief description. Moderators will investigate and act accordingly. You may or may not be notified by the moderator if any action is taken.
To operate the colony television:
1. Click turn me on.
2. It should start with Today's blog. If it doesn't, don't panic. Click the "On Demand" button at the bottom of the player and select the blog with today's date or the the blog with the same name as the title at the top of today's blog.
3. When a scheduled chat happens, click the chat button that becomes visible only during chat times.
4. Volume control is the + or - buttons. To mute double click the horn.
5. Select "Menu" for more options.
6. If you lose the menu at the bottom of the viewer, just refresh the page. that should bring it back.
7. If you see that white start video button on your screen after you've selected play. Just double click it again and it should disappear.
PLEASE COMMENT below. I do read them all and may respond to yours.
TO CROSS POST (I HOPE YOU DO)
ANT COLONY MYSPACE CAMPUS
ANT COLONY YOUTUBE CAMPUS
ANT COLONY ANT HILL
ANT COLONY FACEBOOK CAMPUS
THE ANT COLONY CREED
1. To always speak the truth...except when to do so would injure another.
2. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to EVERYONE you meet.
3. To be so strong, that nothing can disturb your inner peace.
4. To be just as enthusiastic of anothers success as you are about your own.
5. To remember that God is in the pause.
6. To forgive the mistakes of your past and to strive to greater achievements in the future.
7. To never see failure...only opportunity. You are no longer a victim.
8. To have NO JUDGEMENTS of others...No matter what.
9. To live well and CHOOSE happiness. To say I can everyday.
10. To make an impact on the world. To live love.
11. To remember your spirit and nourish it daily.
12. To remember these principles above personalities.
13. To always speak of myself in a kind, gentle, positive way. To be nice to me.
Progress not perfection. Willingness is the key. And remember to laugh!
The FINE print. NEGATIVE posts will be deleted without explanation.
First?
![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://blog.nbc.com/ant/nav-commenters.gif)
(01:18 AM)
ANT, BEDBUG & EVERYONE- Thankyou for all the holiday information.
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GOODNIGHT EVERYONE.
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It's quiet here tonight. I guess everyone was watching the Debate? I'll catch the high lights on CNN.
(01:20 AM)
It's 3:15am PT , but 6:15amET so Goodmorning. I'm going to bed now. See you in a few hours. Have a good day.
(03:18 AM)
Hello Everyone- It's now 5am PT. I guess no one realizes the new blog is beneath the old one! I'm up for my meds and then back to bed.
(05:04 AM)
I've posted on the old blog that this is the new one, but no one seems to see what I posted??? Back to bed for me. I left a comment on ANTS myspace.
(05:31 AM)
From area 51 from this morning. :o)
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Well, it is 5:40 here in Beliot and as usual I am up before anyone else. I did watch the debates last night and it didn't change my mind as to whom I plan on voting for. I won't say who because I don't want to start a politcal debate here in our peaceful space. But I will say this, it was interesting.
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Corey's Mom came home last night, and we are glad. No stroke happening was the verdict, only her dementia was getting worse, which we already knew from just living with her. She is 84 years old and wants the Lord to call her home soon. She hates how she is living and she wants to be with her husband. However, God still wants her with us and I am glad. I love her very much and spending time with her is a joy, albeit sometimes confusing. Celebrate with us the joy that she and my Mom are still among us. My Momma is now in her own room and Jennifer says she is recovering very well. I am going to call her later this morning, probably after she has had her breakfast and before the doctors get in, just to tell her that I love her. I don't believe you can ever tell someone that you love them enough. Every time I talk with the boys I know I tell them at least twice that I love them. I want them to always remember that about me. Sometimes I will look at Corey and say "Corey Koebernick, I love you." He either smiles or says yeah, yeah I hear ya.
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Well maybe things will calm down enough around here for me to spend some time writing. For those interested I found an old story I wrote way back in Jan of 06. I read some of it and grimace at some of things I said and how I said them. I hope this one is turning out better. Anyhow, I have been sending the story to a select few on my e-mail addy to read. It is more than 17 chapters, short chapters like the one I am writing now, so if anyone wants to be included in getting it, please leave me a message on My Space along with your e-mail addy so I can catch you up and send you the rest of the chapters as I mail them out. So far I have sent out 7 chapters. It is called "An English Bride for a Scottish Laird." Lord I do love those Scots! :o)
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Well maybe soon Ant will have a new video up. If not, I will survive!!! LOL
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Many soft warm chubby arm hugs to Anthony, Renee Eve's son, to Renee herself, to Nancy SoCal, to Heady and to Craig. I know I give Craig a lot of hugs, but something in my heart tells me he loves and wants them the most! :o) Love to all, Jean
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Oh as for the story, I had to rename it English Rose so it would fit into my Devart section, so it will be labled English Rose.
Love Jean
(05:41 AM)
GOOD MORNING COLONY
♥HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOWEENIE♥
too early for me, going back to bed
BSA
(05:41 AM)
i cant wait for nov. to get here so we can vote... im ready now for some change
(06:39 AM)
TLJ- Thanks for your story on my email. I'm going to bed, but I will read it all later. I'm sure it's good as I love your writing.
(07:05 AM)
omg the song playing on this video made me cry.. and cry i dont listen to country music so i have no clue who sings this and what the name of the song is... so if anyone knows could u please post it for me.. thanks
(08:22 AM)
Good Morning one and all! I'm sorry I didn't know to participate in the video for the cards, but I'll surely be participating in the act of sending them! What a great idea. I've wanted to do something lik that for a long time. It will feel good!
(09:51 AM)
TLJ - I am so glad to hear that your Momma is recovering from her surgery. Thanks for keeping us informed! And, I have got to get caught up on my reading, I'm sorry to say I'm behind, but I can't wait to read the chapters you have online. I hope they are posted at MySpace?
I know that there were several others who had concerns for dear family members and friends in the past few days. I apologize for falling behind and not getting individual posts out for each of you. Please know that as I read each of your messages here at the Colony, I said a prayer for you.
BEDBUG ACCOUNTABILITY REPORT: I've been all over the board. When I was in Atlanta, I ate SO WELL the whole time, primarily because my sister and her hubby are health-nuts, especially now with the baby. All meals are prepared with the thought of which nutrients are being provided. Since returning to MN, I've slacked off a little bit. I haven't been "horrible" - but I could have done better. I'm still down about the same amount as I was before the trip - roughly 10 lbs overall. Not nearly enough, and certainly not as much as I could have lost if I stayed better focused. So, here I am, airing my dirty laundry, so-to-speak, hoping for the day when my boyfriend doesn't do this any more:
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2938607616/tt0256380
LOL!!!!
(10:04 AM)
MORNING EVERYONE.
ANT - I will be participating as well...Great Idea. I'll try to get some of my friends involved too.
DAWN...First again. Good for you. Talk soon
DEB...The song is Christmas Shoes by Alabama. I love it.
HI TO NANASU...Thinking of you, BEDBUG...Great idea...CRAIG...See you Monday...DEE...Keep in touch...TLC...can't wait to read more that you've written, DR. DONNA, NANCY, CHRIS,JULSF,HEIDI, JANINE2,JAZZY,GINGER,EMJAY,LOIS LANE, MRS. BEAN...HELGA, AND ANYONE I MIGHT HAVE MISSED.
HAVE A GREAT DAY EVERYONE.
(10:09 AM)
TLJ I would love to read your story. I LOVE the one your are working on now....When will the next chapter be ready? I think the Scrap and I will make cards and take them to the local nursing home. Infact I think I will get his class involed!
(10:31 AM)
This is a very sad story,
My girlfriend called me today and told me that one of our girlfriends daughter was shot and killed after work last night at 11:00 PM. She was only 21 years old and was just married. She did not have any kids.
My girlfriends husband commited sucide when she was pregnant with her 3rd child. She remarried and had 2 more kids with her 2nd husband. Her son is 23 and I guess they were very close. Please keep Connie and her kids, and her Son In Law in your prayers. Connie worked hard for all her kids. She is single again. I just hope she will be ok. Its something a parent never expects to do, but it can happen. Thank you!!!!!
(11:31 AM)
Renee Eve...so sorry to hear about the loss. Thoughts and prayers out to you and the families.
warmly,
ANT
(12:00 PM)
ATMs!!!!!!!!!!! YOU ALL ROCK!
BedBug thanks for taking on this HUGE project. I love that there are so many places to send the cards to.
Jean, great news about Cory's mom, thanks for updating. Still keeping her in the prayers, well, just because. :)
Doc, you sneaky snake, you tricked me! I clicked thinking I was really going to see your boyfriend doing who knows what and then I saw that! Hahaha!
Renee, prayers are going out to Connie and family. Such a terrible thing to happen to anyone of any age. So shocking when it's someone so young. My heart goes out to you and them.
I hope everyone is having a great week. XOXO
(01:08 PM)
Hi, everyone.
I would just like to ask that if there are any sites you frequent besides this and if you can mention a link to this page and the "The Seed is Planted" video so we can encourage more folks to participate, that would be great!
Happy card sending, everybody!
ANT, you rock!
(01:21 PM)
Renee Eve: I'm so sorry about your friend's daughter. Many healing beams headed out to her and her family.
(01:25 PM)
*******cross post********
I need to lose more weight is all I can say! :) I am so funny! ANT you did great at editing it! I will be going to the dollar store and getting a BUNCH of cards. Last year we did a card exchange on here that I want to do again. I will also be sending them out to people getting better in the hospital.
Okay shameless plug for my daughter's radio interview. It went really well last night. Here is the link go about 30-40 minutes in and then wait until you hear how this guy talks about her. It was WONDERFUL!!!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/IFU/2008/10/16/Independent-Film-United
xoxo,
Janine
(01:39 PM)
HELLO EVERYONE
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I know you probably don't get the show SYTYCD Canada, but it's so good. They have such good dancers it's unbelievable to me. Now, that's what I call a dance show!!! Yippee!! BORN TO DANCE.
(02:10 PM)
Renee Eve- Thinking about your friend.
(02:40 PM)
RENEE
Praying for you, your friend, and her family. What a tragedy....
JEAN
Glad to hear that mom is doing well. Will continue to keep her in my thoughts.
HEADY
I, too, need a new video STAT!!
HEIDI
Love you and miss you like crazy!
DAWN
I wish I could see SYTYCD Canada. It sounds amazing!
LOIS
Happy writing! I am LOAing it to be!!
NEBLINA
How are you and Emma? Hugs to you. Thinking of your mom and dad too!
ANT
I love you
BEDBUG
Awesome idea! Can't wait to have my boys help me!!
JANINE
Love to you, Ben, Justin and Keith!!
Back to work....lots of papers to grade!
(03:29 PM)
POP!
hi-dee-hoodle.
:)
Oh, I think it's so nice that people will be sending little holiday cards to troops this holiday season.
I just wanted to add though, that feelings of loneliness or pining for a nice chatty note from someone doesn't happen only at Christmastime.
It would be nice if we people could get into the habit of sending these notes and cards to others (you know, people) all the year long.
Why, think of the soldiers sitting there on, oh, like June 23rd of the year when really not much is going on (well, except perhaps for suicide bombers driving through check points).
There they sit, sweltering in a desert, a little bored and maybe nearly tempted to break out into a country song (for heavensake).
But think if they suddenly got a card or letter from someone they don't even know. Someone who simply wrote to, oh, I don't know, maybe "hi-dee-hoodle" them. :)
Or some such thing.
It's wonderful that ants will send the troops holiday notes.
I also plan to send notes though like on February 21t when nothing really is one a trooper's agenda (unless he's big into President's Day or something). February can be such a dud of a month in some ways when you think about it. Oh, sure, it's short. And there's Valentine's Day. But that's sort of an annoying holiday, isn't it? Valentine's Day? I mean unless you're newly smitten with someone, it's really a holiday invented by the chocolate, flower and greeting card industries.
Welp, that's about it.
:)
POOF!
(03:57 PM)
Great editing ANT!
Wonderful information!
Bedbug should have her own channel. :-)
((WAVES MADLY))
(04:52 PM)
Donna, in order to get English Rose or the orignal title which is An English Bride for a Scottish Laird, you must give me your E-mail address. I am not going to post it in my blog. I am only posting A Scottish Bride there as I write the chapters. I am still working on Chapter 3, but hopefully will have it finished soon.
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Scappysmom, please e-mail me at DancerUnderAMoon@aol.com so I can send the story to you. Anyone else can contact me there too if you want to read my older story. :o)
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Renee, prayers going out to your friends in their time of trouble.
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Love to all, and chubby arms hugs to Renee's friend and family. Maybe they will feel them and not know where they came from, I can only hope they get the comfort I am trying to send. Love Jean
(05:33 PM)
STEPH- You can watch it on the net I think unless it's like here we can't watch shows unless we are in US. It's SYTYCD -Canada the website. CTV is the TV station. It's so good. The dancers are really top notch and I just love it. Blake from SYTYCD - US season 1 is one of the judges and Jean Marc from the US one. A lot of the choreographers are the same and some are different, but you will know lots of them AMAZING show. Also what I like is the results show is 1/2 hour and no waiting!!! LOL!!!
(05:45 PM)
TLJ- I still haven't read your first story, but I promise when I finish I will let you know what I think. Looking forward to chapter 3 too of this story. It's exciting. You are famous!!!!
(05:47 PM)
teri thanks so much i cant get that song out of my head now :)
(07:50 PM)
*FLIP FLOP*
*FLIP FLOP*
*FLIP FLOP*
Nothing like a day at the beach! I think I got sand down my speedo though. Anyone around?? Nooo?? Good! I can take these off to get the sand out of there!!
(11:24 PM)
ATMs HELLO!
~
Ant♥
~
Renee- prayers out to you and your friends. The loss of a loved one is always hard, but unexpected loss can change a persons life forever...
~
TLJean- So happy to hear your momma is doing well and you seem so happy in your new role as Author and member of The Ladies Guild! Good for you!
~
Dawn thank you for the heads up on the blog last night about them being out of order. AND...
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~GREAT BIG OLE CONGRATS TO~
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~*~*DAWN*~*~
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~#1 ALL DAY~
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***WHOOHOO***
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~
♪HAPPY BIRTHDAY♫
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~*♥MOWEENIE♥*~
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~DR Donna- you crack me up! TY
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Gramma hugs to Chris! Smooch too!
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B-I-G H-U-G-S to all my Ant Friends, I would write all your names out but I just don't have it in me tonight. Oh wait maybe this will work...
Thank you to MRS.BEAN who I totally stole this list from!!!!
.
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—HELLO Teri, Canadian gummy bear, Jeanne From NC, renin77, Alyssa CO, Kevin T. Ant, Moweenie, RCC Robin, Ginger is up all night,(SEE I'M HERE! HaHa!) Mrs. Bean, Heady, julSF, Teri
Gracie, Emma, Canadian Gal Heidi, BedBug, Andrea the Redhead, Nancy So Cal, Janine 2, Ali-Kat, Ami Ant, Coleen, Neblina, Dr. Donna, Khay, STEPH IN OREGON, ANT, Gorilla Girl, Jazzy, Tutu, Vancouver Girl, Tresa, Sweet Pea, Dee, Birdee, Busymom2, Elliot’s Friend, Queen Janine, Gracie, Helga, Jigglin’ in jax, Steel Magnolia
Lois Lane, Kristen, Auntie T, Luvagi, Kerker, Tender Loving Jean, Karen 117, KENNY, Gretchen, Mikeymike, Scrappysmom, Susan, Sweet Lady M, Sarah, Rita B, Emjay, Diana, David, DAWN/RICHMOND/BC, Ross, Canada-Ont-Ryan, Katy klee klai, Kim, Lefty Blue, Lemon Deb, Melanie, Nicole from CA, mommyp, MonieJay, Pam, Renee Eve, ShannonM of Oregon, Tahari, Pamela/FL, Teri D, Gretchen
CRAIG, Connie from UT, Jazysmama, Jennifer-JPB, JoJo, Visible Girl, aka Cathy, Whitby the Grandma!, JoeyfromVA, hartrose, Kelly M, soupdiva, Laurie625, DABEAST, Amy Beth, Rachael from NC, chriann, Nance, irish trish, p*nky, UNCLE OKRA, kandyed,pqdq94
Colony Kat, Jeremiah Christopher, aliya@myspace, LeaisDramaFree, Malea from Gladstone, dreamatexas, Beefy Burrito, Taryn, Cathe B, SHORTY, Melissa, Tammy J, Janice, EmaDawn, nanasu, jessicacorey, nevadagoddess, NancyWyoming, JodiD, Chris, Janice, Meed, Cher, Raven_ M, JanieduPre, SHORTY and - Also, A big HELLO to all ObservAnts!
(11:26 PM)
AAAAAAHHHHH!!! Boy does that itch when that happens!!
*SCRATCH* *SCRATCH*
I better hit the shower before someone unexpectedly walks in on me....Hope the night ladies dont mind the sand here in the kitchen....
(11:27 PM)
DEDICATED TO THE COLONY AND ATMs
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_DfPNU-oM4
(11:28 PM)
*Hears Ginger singing and quickly gets out of the kitchen *
(11:30 PM)
OMG!!! MY EYES!!!!
(11:31 PM)
* passes clean out...kerplunk right over...
(11:33 PM)
Oh yes, they call him the streak!
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85krLPrWWTY
(11:38 PM)
This one is better quality...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sdTIXPU1Dg
Better to see Jazzy with that is!
(11:44 PM)
Oh Jazzy! What big...
(11:46 PM)
sneakers you have!
(11:46 PM)
....and a BIG smile :)
(11:57 PM)
ummm those aren't sneakers Ginger, better put your glass's back on !!!
(11:58 PM)
You know what else I have that is big???? :)
(11:59 PM)
NOT THAT!!!
I have big dreams! Big hopes! Big expectations!
(12:02 AM)
Your head???
(12:02 AM)
and now you you better just go get your robe so we can make some sammies!
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I can't eat in the nude, I've tried!
(12:04 AM)
.....and a REALLY BIG bed in my.....
Yellow room?????
(12:04 AM)
nooooo not the kitchen, keep him out, noooooo
(12:05 AM)
What did you girls do to my room? My poor poor room!!! Its...its....yellow!!!
(12:11 AM)
nice bright, clean, refreshing yellow, ohhh and i found the curtains on sale, oh oh and look I even got a nice bed skirt,for the bed, How do you like all the happy faces :) thought you would just love them ! We did it just for you!!!
(12:14 AM)
*CLUNK*
(12:20 AM)
And a smiley faced clock! Smiley faced beads and lights strung up!
Don't you just love it???
~
We are doing Chris' next!
(12:38 AM)
oh oh Ginger, I think he hit his head on that new hanging basket we put in his room, humm thought it may be a bit to low!! ooppsss
(12:41 AM)
Ant Colony Towers
Antling Room Make Over
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was thinking Hello Kitty for Craig,
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And Rainbow Brite for Chris.
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Taking suggestions...
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remodel starts on Saturday morning!
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Volunteers Welcome!
(01:39 AM)
AWESOME CARD PROJECT!
:-) XOXO
(05:02 AM)
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for posting about our Operation Love From Home Christmas card drive!!! This year is our most ambitious goal EVER... nearly DOUBLE the amount we sent last year (which was a lill over 27,000 cards, btw). I have faith in the great folks in this country who love our deployed HEROES and want them to KNOW IT, that we can accomplish this goal, or even exceed it! So far we have a little under 2,000 cards... need about 48,000 more!
We also do card drives such as this for Valentine's Day, and the 4th of July. We also accept cards for ALL holidays - halloween, thanksgiving, easter, st patty's day, whatever.... :) Our support goes YEAR ROUND. Also, if you cannot afford a card, we do have a "send an e-card" link on our website...click there, type your message... we print and glue the message into a holiday card and ship it along with the rest.
If you know of, or are, a military servicemember deployed anywhere in the world and would like to get holiday cards for you and your group, click the link on our site that says, "Troops Click Here!" and give us your name/address, what holidays you want cards for, and how many cards to send. We'll GIT-R-DONE! :)
Thanks so much, ANT, for posting about our card drive! Our heroes can't see the yellow-ribbon magnets on our cars...BUT they CAN hold a letter or card in their hand after surviving a day of absolute hell, and KNOW that they haven't been forgotten, and that someone cares.
You totally rock, dude. Thanx!
Kathy "Mama Kat" Orr
President, Operation Love From Home
www.OperationLoveFromHome.org
(03:36 PM)
