Auntie Advent: The Final Chapter

I was almost through all the Auntie Advent packages and realized I had no idea how to reciprocally THANK the kids.

Until I realized I couldn't, so I should just say Thank You in a series of ways that was as spread out as their gifts.

So late one night, I spent time printing out the following message and addressing one envelope for each letter, symbol and piece of punctuation, and filling it with little treats. The next morning I started the staggered mailing process

The kids were supposed to color in the letters and unscramble the following message:

15 envelopes later, I think everything finally got there, because I go this message earlier last week.

THANK YOU Christina, because I know you had the most to do with it.

43 Ideas for Birthday 43: 43 Ways to Say Thank You

Sorry for the relative quiet after so many blog posts this year, but I was busily hunkering down to stay warm, taking some personal retreat and reflection days around the actual event and holiday, dealing with some work-related issues, but mostly writing copious amounts of THANK YOU NOTES.

I was overwhelmed, touched, amazed, humbled, and delighted by the various cards, notes, packages and presents that were delivered in honor of my birthday. Honestly ... I am just touched. Hopefully I have gotten all my notes written and returned in a timely fashion, but I know there is still one or two to write.

Here are just a few little highlights from the magical Birthday Fairies:

Stamps, stationery, Advil, gift cards, checks, oh my

(It's like they read something that gave them some hints!)

Adorable artwork from my littles, along with calorie-free cake and candles for more wishes:

Combo packages bursting at the seams, festooned with Fun Facts, more unicorns, and more birthday banners:

These are just a few photos of the weeks-long celebrations, meals, munchies, cards, and well wishes.

The biggest surprise -- and the one gift that still needs a thank you -- is this 12lb. mystery box that was delivered to the office (so someone did their research),

 filled with this little racy number. 

WHOO HOOO! Shopping basket = shopping time.

Or Schlepping

Or laundry

Or moving

Hello? If you are reading this - THANK YOU mystery donor. 

I won't push too much. I know sometime Birthday Fairies like to be anonymous, but really? Thank you.

(and fess up?)

When February, the cold, the snow, the grey, the COLD, (did I mention the cold?), and your weekly team meetings seem endless, it's good to have colorful, hearty cheesecake celebrations and surprise presents.

THANK YOU ALL! 43 ways to Sunday.

Veterans Day 2013

courtesy of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

(Earlier posters are better, but the thankful sentiment is still the same.)

Veterans Day 2012

How to Write a Thank-You Note, by Drew, Age 7

Dear Netti,

Thanks for the presents.
Thanks most of all [for the] bag*.
My dad tried to still [steal] it.
He tried to still it for his run**. he tried to still it without asking!
Notty [Naughty] dad.
love Drew

I'd like to point out that he has learned the finer points of writing a thank-you note
AT AGE 7
namely:
timeliness;
proper salutation;
thanking the person for their gift(s);
highlighting a specific present;
mentioning a funny anecdote;
making it personal;
keeping it short and sweet with
a proper closing;
including his name.
Bonus points? It's hand-written and pretty legible.

Why do I make a big deal out this?

Mostly because I work in a fund-raising office and people with years, nay, decades of experience can't seem to get these basic points.

Which reminds me, I owe a few people thank you notes for lunches, favors, and for writing essays for this blog.

Stay tuned to tomorrow's entry to hear more from "notty" dad.

*similar to this
**Ragnar Relay

Veterans Day 2010

In appreciation of those who led the way, those who didn't make it home, and those veterans of battlefields, barracks, ships, subs, planes, platoons, helicopters and Humvees, and most especially those families who sacrificed so much along with their service members, we cannot say it enough:

Thank you.

Quote of the Day

A friend is a second self — Aristotle

Here's a blogger shout-out to all those friends of mine who have been "weathering the storms" this summer due to one thing or another. The forecast here is that the dark cloud bank seems to be passing and the sun's peaking through ... finally! Here's hoping your storms pass soon, and that the skies remain bright and calm.