In April 2011, I was offered a new job at Mile High United Way serving as a senior director. I am spearheading a statewide early literacy effort to improve 3rd grade literacy proficiency rates and the past 9 months have been an absolute joy. The team that I work with couldn't be a finer group of committed individuals and I look forward to going to work everyday to help Colorado's kids and families. I seriously love it due to the joy it brings me....
Back to the boys and the family!
After we sent our first package to Billy, our soldier, we heard back from him via email within a month. I guess it took roughly three weeks for the package to get there and he was stationed at a post in Afghanistan where he patrolled pomegranate orchards. I couldn't believe it when I read that. He's from Texas and this was his third tour. We immediately wrote him back and started packing another package for him. We included some toy cars so that he could distribute them to other kids he meets. We also included juice packs for his canteen and he said he really liked those. What fun!!
During my mother's visit, we went to a packing party to help pack supplies and goods f
or the service men and women stationed overseas. We packed magazines, books, snacks, toothbrushes, etc. The boys would add their own letter at times too - - when they chose to go to that table although they liked packing better. 
The boys were actively involved and LOVED helping. Tutu even was busy helping! Eban really got into it and would help pack the boxes or carry them over to where I was working in the taping section of the work line. They wholeheartedly participated and I loved seeing them exude such joy and to know it was a worthwhile cause was even better. There was even a big band playing music for us in the background which added such jazz to the event. I just loved it and can't wait for the next one. I love the pic at the end where you can see how many packages we did...
or the service men and women stationed overseas. We packed magazines, books, snacks, toothbrushes, etc. The boys would add their own letter at times too - - when they chose to go to that table although they liked packing better. 
The boys were actively involved and LOVED helping. Tutu even was busy helping! Eban really got into it and would help pack the boxes or carry them over to where I was working in the taping section of the work line. They wholeheartedly participated and I loved seeing them exude such joy and to know it was a worthwhile cause was even better. There was even a big band playing music for us in the background which added such jazz to the event. I just loved it and can't wait for the next one. I love the pic at the end where you can see how many packages we did...The only down side was that they still allow smoking in VFWs. Who knew?? I guess I can't blame them. Let the veterans smoke should they wish...
