My husband deployed at the beginning of December in 2005. Although we did not realize it at that time, I was pregnant with our first child.

I packed up a miniature Christmas tree, tiny little ornaments, and my best cookie recipe in a Christmas Stocking to send him a little Holiday cheer. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, after all.

Six years and three kids later, we treasure each Holiday we have together…

Growing up in New York, military service seemed a thing of the past: faded sepia-tinged photos of grandfathers in uniform, History Channel specials on the battles of World War II, and quaint propaganda posters urging apple-cheeked children to recycle tin cans.

Never would I have imagined that I would find myself married to an officer in the U.S. Army.

Memorial Day is the much anticipated start of the summer season–and we will definitely be firing up our grill. While we’re enjoying our weekend, though, we will definitely be thinking about our troops–those in harm’s way, those preparing to deploy, and those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms and way of life.

Check out this donation from EZ Grill–they are supporting the USO in their work to improve morale for troops and their families…

I don’t just shake hands with a hero–my hero is my husband.It has been an honor and a privilege to support him in his service these past seven years.

Like other heroes, though, he will tell you he is just doing his duty.

He left his job as a litigator at a New York City law firm to enter basic training and later accept a commission as a field artillery officer. In December of 2005, he deployed to Iraq…

Would you Bag It Forward with me and help school children throughout the country?

Money is tight everywhere and people are struggling to ensure their kids have opportunities and the families of our soldiers are no exception…

Our veterans have done so much for our country.

During National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week (February 7-13), you can make a small token of your appreciation for these brave soldiers. Valentines for Veterans can help boost morale and send the message that we are thinking of those who serve.

As part of a project with Bloganthropy, I am posting about this effort to earn a donation of clothing for Sew Much Comfort from Dollar Days.

Bloganthropy combines the power of social media with the resources of corporate giving.

The organization will support the volunteer projects of our fellow bloggers, publish posts about social media and non-profits, and implement 6-12 Bloganthropy charitable projects a year.

We’re currently looking for volunteer bloggers to make Valentines for Veterans and help earn a donation of clothing for Sew Much Comfort. Click here to read more details and volunteer!

Rather than letting your excess Halloween Candy go to your hips, send it to the troops. If you have young kids or you did not get as many trick-or-treaters as you hoped, you may have a lot of candy hanging around.

So, donate it!