I received this thru an email (and I did check it out on Truthorfiction.com,) I hope it's okay to post this link...www.letssaythanks.com. You go to the site, and pick out a predesigned card, and Xerox will print it and send to the troops. How neat and what a nice idea. Apparently you can send as many as you would like. It's just a small way to say a kind word to the soliders overseas. Kay S.

In two days I'll see Derek for the first time since he's returned to the US. He could not make it to our hometown for Thanksgiving, but will be here in two days to stay through Christmas. I can't wait to see him!!! I did talk with him on the phone, and all I did was cry. I asked him if he had all of his fingers and toes, arms and legs and "baby maker". He laughed and said that he had everything! That was good news!

What I did not tell ya'll, because I just found out ------- Derek DID get shot while on duty!!! A sniper got him ------ IN THE CHEST!!!! By the GRACE of GOD and the POWER of all of our prayers ----- Derek was spared!!!!!!!!! THANK GOD! He had on a bullet-proof, metal armored vest (Derek is also a sniper!), and THAT is what saved him. An inch either way, and we would have lost Derek. His dad saw the vest he had been wearing ---- and it is amazing that Derek made it!!!! Remember months back when we were all scared because Derek was "sick" ----- I had a feeling that he had been injured --------- well, I was right! He had been shot! He's home - he's safe, but I still get sick at my stomach just thinking about it! I love that boy ---- EXCUSE ME ------ I mean "MAN"!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I CAN'T WAIT TO HUG HIM!!! I just can't wait!!!! I would honestly give up my trip to Vegas and my front-row seats to see Vince if it were to turn out that the only time Derek could come "home" was during the time I was to be gone. I want to see him so bad! He'll be here for several days BEFORE we all leave for Vegas, and he'll be in town when we return. The big BARN BASH will be on the 16th of December when we can welcome our soldier home properly!!! I have a feeling half of the town will be at that party! I hope so! Derek deserves to feel special! He's been through so much ---- just like all the rest of the troops!

YES ---- please guys, send our soldiers cards and remember to tell them , "Thank You".

I wished all of you guys could attend Derek's welcome home party!!! If you would like to send him a Christmas card or a "thank you" to him --- email me and I'll give you his Dad's address where he will be during the holiday season - or send cards to me from the Christmas card exchange list, and I'll make sure he gets them! And - you may want to remember Brad and Danny. I'm so proud of our guys - and I'm so thankful they are on US soil and ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!! I know the prayers from the Board helped to keep Derek alive! Thank you so much, ya'll!

That is such great news, Cathy. It's sure to be a wonderful Christmas for your family.
Each year, since the soldiers have been over there, one of our parents has organized having all the students sign individual cards to send. She buys the cards, the teachers take them and each student adds his or her own message, signs his or her first name, and then the mom takes care of addressing the cards and sending them out. Our third grade teacher(who has retired to take care of her ailing mom) had a nephew and daughter's fiance over there too(they've both since have come home), so we would have the kids draw pictures or make cards to send to their troops.

I have been sebding those e-cards through that one web site. Can't remember now what it is. I have saved it to my favorites. I'll see if I can find it .I have sent several.They are nice just to say Thank you for the job you all are doing. Just woke up and noticed Kay's link. I do believe that' the same one.