there's this boy

so i'm not sure if anyone has noticed, but there is this boy that i've become quite fond of! one like no one else. he was definitely hard to find, but well worth the search. he's 6'4", large stature, has dirty blonde hair, a killer smile, and rosy cheeks which he hates. he is currently living on the other side of world. (yes this is a constant love // hate battle). his name is colton, and he's my missionary! if you haven't heard about him stop by and read about this hunk and myself here.

judging from my last post you can see that i was quite the crapy "missionary girlfriend" if you will. i'll let you in on a little secret but you can't tell anyone... i didn't actually send a package until his year mark package. I KNOW. i'm awful. okay i sent some in the mtc but nothing after that. you guys. it's expensive to send packages there, not to mention it takes a month or longer to get there. but i'm starting a goal to send him one package pure holiday this year. which works out quite fantastic really, by the time i send out one i'll be on to the next to get it out a month before that holiday. (genius! i know!) plus there is just something special about making a package and sending it to a missionary. they work so hard and usually have so little, so why not send them a little something to make them just a tiny bit happier? emails are great! don't get me wrong. i love my sunday nights around 8 pm. but it's just something extra to keep them going.

so on to the package. this package was for the 4th of july. this holiday in particular is my favorite holiday. so it was double the fun for me to put together!

ending results...............................................................................

a little oooos and awes and TADA! you've got a package filled with goods and toys ready to celebrate his country where he's from! trying to think up a 4th of july package was stumbling at times but it all came together in the end. i found everything red, white, and blue that i could using stickers, colored pencils, and a great party store. i made up little labels for each item and tied them on with a little string.

all you need for this package is:

- picture of christ || & and little message

- fireworks the safe kind that don't explode || pop-its || party poppers || sparklers

- small american flags

- red || white || & blue decorations

- glow-in-the-dark necklaces and bracelets

- sunflower seeds

- big league chew

- m&ms

- pop rocks

- suckers

- sour punch straws

- air heads

- cliff bars || granola bars

- purifying water bottle this is because the water over there is awful and makes them sick (not needed)

really you can throw your own spin on things, and add whatever you would like. these are just the items i chose and mostly because they are some of his favorites. 

just a few notes to keep in mind when making and filling your packages. 

1. consider where you're missionary is serving. if it takes a long time to there there don't send things that will melt. send longer lasting and more durable items.

2. always have your theme in mind. colors, the items fit with your theme... etc. it makes it more exciting and appealing to the eye. i like that "curb appeal" to my things.

3. when packing unpack the boxes of candy || snacks || & treats. it will fit better and you can get more into the package.

4. always, always, ALWAYS keep your thoughts, messages, package etc... positive, gospel centered, and not too distracting. yes, it's okay to let them be excited when they open up that box and have that moment to love what's inside. but you don't want the moment to drag on into their day and week. 

lastly. send the puppy! get it on a jet plane... or a mail truck!

good luck packing. 

xoxo lovelies!