What to send?

Whether it is a Holiday or simple Boost the Spirits package, some of us may run into the WHAT TO SEND problem. 

Well I fell in love with this cute post on what to send your missionary . . .
Link HERE, from http://hollytherobinson.blogspot.com

Excerpt:

What to send:
1. Ties. OBVIOUSLY. let's just get that outta the way right now. I mean, sure they might have more ties than they do shoes, pants, and shirts combine, but um, like I care. They probably get sick of the same 30 ties, so go to Etsy RIGHT NOW, fork up the money, and buy a couple snazzy ties. Also, Maceys Grocery store has cheap cheap cheap ties, and they are PRETTY dang good looking. Also Savers has spazzy ones, and pfft. ANTIQUE STORES. why not? (this is not from any sort of missionary, this is my own mind, and no one can change it. I love ties)

2. Socks. My neighbor just got back from a mission, and his mom told me that he LOOOVED socks so much, she would just send some with every package. Who doesn't love a fresh new pair of socks? I think they probs have to be black. 

3. FOOOOOD. my dears. this is something you need to know for life. boys love food. well, PEOPLE love food. after you've put the big things in the package, fill the empty spaces with candy.
A few friends with international Buddhist excursion experiences say go with Ranch Dressing (who doesn't love a good dollop of ranch on anything?) and anything peanut butter. (do they lack in the PB department overseas?) WARNING: this is expensive. 
I'm about to send off a package to Pedro of nothing but Cereal. Missionaries don't wanna spend money on the pricey (good) cereal, so send em some Reeses Puffs for heavens sake!
But really. anything. Just fill that box to the top with grub. they will be SO HAPPY.

4. "TREAT YOURSELF" money. Missionaries are the most unselfish people you'll ever know, so send them some money TO BE SELFISH. attach a note to a nice little wad of cash (I'm talkin' like $10-20) that instructs them ONLY to spend this on junk food or something.

5. Go to town at the dollar section at Target. I'm sure missionaries won't hate you for sending something they have to pack, but it's a hassle. Bubbles, play-dough, fake mustaches, light-up ties, wonky, random little toys that they can throw away after a while. (and leave them a note that says "you can throw this away if you don't wanna pack it away with your next transfer.)

6. Wishbones. that's just darn cute. I mean, not common. but I think that was a brilliant moment of mine.

7. If you're OK spending a little bit more money, for Christmas last year I got my pals Moccasins! They LOVED them. When my neighbor Cole got home, we went to Target and we realized he was wearing the ones I had given him last year! everyone needs shoes they can slip on on P-days and to go check the mail so their tootsies don't freeze.

8. Things for Kids. Small things amuse them, it's true! Jessy went and got a bunch of those cheap green CTR rings to hand out to kids! BRILLIANT.  Pictures of Jesus, bookmarks, stickers, treats, anything they can give away! Kids will LOVE THEM.

9.  Notes from friends. Make a public announcement that you are sending so-and-so a package, and anyone who wants to add a letter or note can! There are always friends who love the guy or girl, but don't get around to writing that often, so collect some love and throw it in there!

10. If they are in a close-by state, cookies will occasionally work out! and Scotch-a-roos! (Of course I have it easy over here with Mr. Colorado.)

11. If they are in an area where the cold winds come 'a blowin, find a nice manly scarf or hat or mittens! Old Navy has decently-priced things like that for guys.

12. PICTURES. we love them, so they love them too!

13. Gift Cards. if they are state-side, Walmart gift cards are gold! You can also get fast-food gift cards! Brilliant. A missionary in my ward is in  New York, and he said it's cheaper to go out to eat, than to cook your own meal up in there.

14. I've just been informed pop tarts and wheat things are crucial in the food category.

15. Hot Chocolate too. that's me though. OH. Introduce them to the "Tim-Tam Slam"... look it up and it will change your life. 

16. Chap stick is someone EVERYONE needs. if you're really nice and want to make an impression *wink wink* you'll send Burts Bee's, because that stuff is miraculous.

17. (if you are going for an actual gift) Go to Paper Coterie dot com, and MAKE THEM A JOURNAL. seriously, brilliant and pretty cheap! If you want to personalize one, but don't want to do the work, know that I am a NERD for that stuff, and I'll do it for you! 

18. THIS JUST IN. A magnet with your face on it. bloody brilliant. 

19. Office supplies. Post-its, highlighters, notebooks, etc. They'll always need paper!

20. Mormon Ads! those little card things. RIGHT? Go to Deseret Book and pick up some little doo-dads, the scripture guy plastic figure things, stickers, all that good stuff.

21. A mixed CD. don't even diss. Mixed Tapes are sooo underrated! There are obviously standards on music, it needs to be church music or instrumental. two words: William Joseph. ALSO, since it's the holiday season, I plan on putting together a marvelous Christmas CD! The rules are no romanticness, I'm pretty sure.  

22. Cake/brownie mix. Even if the man is the opposite of domestic, those things are a piece of CAKE to make. (haha. heh.)

She also has a cute WHAT TO WRITE section, directly after this WHAT TO SEND section. 

Get Well

We all know our missionaries don't last the full two years (or 18 months) without a few sniffles here and there.

So for those missionaries that are feeling a tad under the weather, check these ideas out . . .

Click to Buy

What would I send in my Get Well Package?

Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup

Band-Aids

Cough Drops

Mad Libs

Cold Medicine

Tissues

Powerade Drink Mix (for rehydration)

Energy Bars

Multi- Vitamins

A bag of Kisses and Hugs

12 Days of Christmas

Christmas season begins. 

And how cute is this idea. 

From http://laurenclairetucker.blogspot.com

Link Here.

Day 1

December is the time of year the days are getting cold. a nice hot cup of cocoa is like an ounce of gold. so find some nice hot water, and open the popcorn -- no fuss! and once in awhile as you treat yourself try to think of me! 

gift: koolaid disguised as hot chocolate, popcorn, pictures of everyone, fake snow, and a tape 

Day 2

On the 2nd day of christmas, you're always on my list, here's something fun to eat so you know that you are missed. sit down--take off your shoes, here's something you adore. these kit kat bars will give you energy as you go door to door.

gift: kit kat bars

Day 3

on the 3rd day of christmas i send you christmas lights, in hopes that you will hang them up and let them all shine bright. remembrance of your service to your father up above, i think of you so often, and am sending you my love.

gift: 100 christmas lights

Day 4

on the 4th day of christmas you're always on my mind i think of you so often and how you're one of a kind sit down--take off your shoes--here's something you can burn, kirs "pringle" with give you energy to go out and learn

gift: pringles

Day 5

on the 5th day of christmas, the days go by so fast, i wanted to provide you with something that will last. a helpful littler something that will make your home so cheery, so that the odors tomorrow won't seem quite so dreary.

gift: christmas smelling febreeze

Day 6 

on the 6th day of christmas, our hearts began to swell the love we feel inside for you we could never tell....

gift: tape with everyone recording on it

Day 7

on the 7th day of christmas, a very special night, i wish i could be with you, the spirit is just right. "love one another" was the lord's admonition, sharing with each other will help fulfill our mission.

gift: christmas book

Day 8

on the 8th day of christmas, i know you're feeling beat, so set aside your books and put up your feet. we know with all your walking your toes need to rest, so slip on these slippers and put them to the test.

gift: slippers

Day 9

on the 9th day of christmas, i know you're working hard. i knew that you'd need something more than just a little card. this is sure to help you as you're working up a sweat, be sure to apply it every day so you'll no regret!!

gift: deodorant

Day 10

on the 10th day of christmas i send you "peace on earth" as people all around the world celebrate his birth. to help us gain eternal life was our lord's endeavor. give away this book to show "families can be forever"

gift: book of mormon with a picture of his family in it

Day 11

'tis the night before christmas and all through the house, not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse. this stocking was stuffed by your girlfriend with care in hopes that you christmas is more than just fair. so open up your goodies--your sock's full to the top. with family voices, presents, and blessing that won't stop!

gift: stocking, pajama pants, and a tape

Day 12

christmas day is special even though you're miles from home. whispering of the spirit tell me you're not alone. this gift you'll enjoy at all times of the year so keep our thoughts close and help us feel near. we love you matt! merry christmas!

gift: byu shirt, and a calendar with pictures of everyone

So much work went into this idea, and how could you not love it! 

OREGON has a new ELDER

Congratulations!

We just had our brother return home from Brazil at the end of September. And are now preparing for another to leave. He is anxious to go and has been held back due to extreme orthodontics. We are happy to announce that he finished his papers and waited for his call, and we guessed and gathered as he excitedly uttered his MISSIONARY CALL! Called to serve in the EUGENE OREGON MISSION!

So happy for you brother! And soon to be Elder. Can't wait to bombard you with packages and love!

We will miss you dearly but are so proud of the work you will be doing come February.

Sister of a Sister

• I just had to share these ridiculously cute ideas, from my friend Shey.

  
  

  Postal Mail

   "Send our sister (who is serving currently) a one word letter for like 5 days in a row until it's complete. It could be longer than one word, but make it a continuation of a letter for the week or something."

  It could be an inspirational cute, an inside joke, a story, or a scripture. 

  Small Package Idea

  "Unique to her and her situation...she is serving in Kansas (you know, where the Wizard of Oz was done) and she has a charm bracelet so I told her she is there as the Mormon girl missionary form of Dorothy, Dorothy had to click her heels three times to get home but she is there teaching the 3 pillars of the Gospel that people need to know to get home. So I got her a ruby slippers charm!"

  This is a great idea for sister missionaries! A charm bracelet for Christmas that you can expand on for different holidays, seasons, or special events. 

  Themed Package

  "The first package I sent had random fun stuff in it, but I named each of them for Halloween...I put in a bracelet that was made out of metal & had leaves on it & said that it was petrified pumpkin leaves. Some Reese's & called them cremated peanuts, etc & labeled each item with a Halloween spin on it."

  This is an excellent idea for any season or holiday or even color. I am sure your will get an overload of themed package ideas on this blog :) 

  Wrapped Package

  "Before she left I gave her a gift that I wrapped to look like a shirt..

  

   And I also made her personalized stationary." Send a message to sheydoodles@gmail.com for more information on personalized stationary and to see her work check out 

  http://sheydoodles.blogspot.com/ 

  

  "I made her a pennant banner to decorate her room with and laminated it so that it would travel well. Also gave her a little stuffed Snow White doll (she loves snow white) to put on her bed. Atmosphere just is really big to me & her too..so I thought it would be fun to have those little things to make her room look happy."

  
  

  I love all these ideas they are simply fabulous. Cute, unique and so fun for our Sisters in the field. 

"... Over mountain or plain or sea;"

Photograph by Jed Clark

I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go

Hymns, no. 270 (PDF version)

1. It may not be on the mountain height
Or over the stormy sea,
It may not be at the battle’s front
My Lord will have need of me.
But if, by a still, small voice he calls
To paths that I do not know,
I’ll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine:
I’ll go where you want me to go.

[Chorus]
I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,
Over mountain or plain or sea;
I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord;
I’ll be what you want me to be.

2. Perhaps today there are loving words
Which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now in the paths of sin
Some wand’rer whom I should seek.
O Savior, if thou wilt be my guide,
Tho dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo the message sweet:
I’ll say what you want me to say.

3. There’s surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth’s harvest fields so wide
Where I may labor through life’s short day
For Jesus, the Crucified.
So trusting my all to thy tender care,
And knowing thou lovest me,
I’ll do thy will with a heart sincere:
I’ll be what you want me to be.

12 Week of Missionary PREP

For those sending their first son or daughter away into the missionary field, I thought this may be helpful. I am amazed by this Mother's organizational skills. Maybe one day I will use this for my son, but I still have a while before I need to start thinking about that :)

From http://preparedldsfamily.blogspot.com 
"As we count down the days until our number three son leaves on his LDS mission (enters MTC March 2nd) to Stockholm, Sweden, I'm busy working on those last few details. Today he's off skiing with his dad for the last time. I love this boy of mine that has grown up and become a man with his own independent thoughts and direction. We are excited that he will serve in an area where my ancestors are from. I have immensely enjoyed the last two months with him before he heads out on his mission, I am grateful he went to BYU for 6 months, to help with the separation anxiety this mom may have.
Attached is the missionary preparation timeline that has helped me with all three of my sons regardless of where they served. It's on Excel so I could adjust for their various missions and number of weeks before the mission. Feel free to copy and adjust for your own use. This time I put the items in my Google calendar as an all day event and it has helped me pace myself. I hope someone finds it useful."

12 Weeks of Preparation PDF version