The Best Way To Read. Ever.

Shane was always the one who took care of bedtime around here--baths, snuggle time and books.  You may remember that in his absence we have been doing the "Goodnight Kisses From Daddy" jar to help keep him 'involved' at bedtime.  Speaking of which, that jar is looking quite different than it did when we started, so maybe an update on that soon.  Anyway, regardless of the nightly chocolate (which Trevor loves), we have still missed Shane very much when it comes to reading bedtime stories together.

Today in the mail, Trevor got a small envelope from Daddy, and I have to say I was over. the. moon. when I saw the United Through Reading sticker on the back of the envelope.  Trevor didn't have any idea what it was, until I plugged it into the computer and let him watch.

 Trevor loved seeing Daddy and having him read to him.  The smile on his face was priceless, and at the end of the video he immediately asked to watch it again at bedtime.

United Through Reading is an initiative that really does accomplish its mission of keeping families who are separated by deployment connected through reading aloud.  The benefits of reading together are countless, both to the child and the family as well.  I am so thankful that we have this opportunity for Shane to stay connected to Trevor while he is gone.  Seeing Trevor so happy and listening him talk back to Daddy and interact as he read the books was priceless--definitely filled a void that we've been feeling here around the house when it is story time.

To find out more about the United Through Reading program, click here.    

Monday Mail Call

Shane finally received the other two packages that I mailed out to him today.  I could tell from his email letting me know tonight that he was over the moon about them.  It means so much that I am able to make him feel "a little closer to home" even for a little bit.  (Shane's words, not mine)

That brings our care package count to 3 for this deployment.  I still have 22 boxes left to go in the military mailer package that I got.  Hmmmm, what to do next?

Of course, care packages here don't just mean that I go buy Shaner's wish list and throw it in a box before sending it off to the abyss that is often the FPO mail system.  There is FUN and CREATIVITY involved.  Also known as:  Kim refuses to send just care packages.  Kim has to send AMAZING care packages.

If you know us at all, you know that Cinco de Mayo is HUGE at Casa de Chapman.  Usually, when the weather cooperates, that means poolside on the deck with nice salty margaritas flowing by the pitcher!  This year, I had to forego my margaritas, and had to send Mexico to Shane in a box.  That aside, it turned out pretty well!

Next time I need to use poster paint on the inside of the box to cover up the USPS writing better.  

In addition to some mail-able Mexican food eats (note that I bought salsa in a can to avoid potential glass breakage) I hit up our party store and sent out some maracas  sombreros and fiesta candy.  Shaner says he and the boys are planning on having a little fiesta later on this week.  

The other package had less of a theme to it, but I did let T-rex go nuts decorating it. 

This box had items that Shane had requested and the rest of the box we filled up with snacks and treats that we thought he would like. We did hand prints and lined the entire box with scrap booking paper (I even got in on the fun!).  On the panels that didn't have hand prints, I gave Trevor one of his sticker books and let him go to town.  Sidenote:  T-rex may just be type-A like his momma.  Look how neat and orderly those stickers are!