Flat Rate Boxes

Flat Rate boxes are the way to go if you're wanting to send a package. Here is a link to information about the boxes (prices, sizes, weight, etc.)
http://www.usps.com/prices/priority-mail-international-prices.htm


Another option is a padded envelope...a cheaper option if the items you are trying to send are not big.

Remember: if it can get broken, it probably will...if it can leak/bust, it probably will. Please take extra caution when packing your box and never leave empty space (you don't want to waste money on air).

Children's DVDs

A common question: "What movies do you guys already have?" Here's a list....


Kids TV Shows:

Babar (The Movie)
Baby Einstein Videos
Baby Genius: Animal Adventures
Baby Genius: Favorite Nursery Rhymes
Baby Moves (Fisher Price)
Baby Songs Rock & Roll
Backyardigans: Cave Party
Backyardigans: Mission To Mars
Blue’s Clues: Shapes & Colors
Blue's Clues: Blue's Big Musical
Bob the Builder: Bob Saves The Day!!!
Bob the Builder: Build It and They Will Come
Bob the Builder: Snowed Under
Bob the Builder: Tool Power
Boz: Bananas, Bubbles & Busy Bodies
Boz: Start Singing
Curious George: Plays In The Snow
Dora: Rhymes & Riddles
Dr. Seuss Celebration
Elmo’s World: Elmo In Grouchland
Elmo’s World: Reach For The Sky
Elmo’s World: What Makes You Happy
Franklin: Turtle Tales
Hermie & Friends: Busby
Hermie & Friends: Nut To Share
Jay Jay the Jetplane: Friends Forever
Leap Frog: Letter Factory
Leap Frog: Talking Words
Little People: ABC Stories
Little People: Animal Stories
Little People: Good Manners
Little People: Storytime
Nick Jr Favorites 5
Praise Baby: Born to Worship
Praise Baby: God of Wonders
Sesame Street: 123 Count With Me
Sesame Street: 25th Birthday
Thomas & Friends: Tales From the Tracks
Tiki Tiki Tembo
Veggie Tales: Big River Rescue
Veggie Tales: Gideon
Veggie Tales: Jonah
Veggie Tales: Little Joe
Veggie Tales: Minnesota Cuke
Wiggles: Presenting Wiggly Playtime
Wiggles: Top of the Tots
Various recorded shows from PBS, Disney, and other networks.


Kids Movies:
Annie
Charlotte’s Web (non-cartoon)
Cheaper By The Dozen
Curious George: The Movie
Disney: A Bug’s Life
Disney: Aladdin
Disney: Finding Nemo
Disney: Meet The Robinsons
Disney: Monsters Inc.
Disney: The Incredibles
Disney: The Lion King
Disney: Toy Story
Dr. Seuss Horton Hears A Who
Eight Below
Facing The Giants
Heros & Friends: Episode 1
Holes
Jumanji
Kermit Swamp Years
Mary Poppins
Miracle (Disney)
Miracle on 34th Street
Robots
Shrek
Shrek 2
Space Buddies (Disney)
The Adventures of Pooh
The Land Before Time
The Princess Bride
The Sandlot
The Santa Clause
The Sound of Music

Book Wish List

Books stores are...well....non-existent here. So, here are a few I've seen mentioned on blogs (by friends or people I don't even know) that I'd like to read. You'll be able to tell by their titles what "stage" of life we're in. ;) --April


Wise Words For Moms
- Ginger Plowman
Good and Angry
- Scott Turansky, Joanne Miller
To Train Up a Child
- Michael & Debi Pearl
Raising Godly Tomatoes
- L. Elizabeth Krueger

(We already have Shepherding A Child's Heart (Ted Tripp) and Bringing Up Boys (James Dobson), but welcome any other discipline strategy books that you have found helpful.)

Sippy Cups

I have two toddlers, so sippy cups are a must!

Sippy cups....or cups with lids that don't spill....are a life-saver in all our long car trips (each trip is 6-9 hours) or even out in the villages, not to mention simply around the house. I have a few that I have found I really like. I have some that I'd like to throw away but cannot seem to part with them knowing I'll be short on my cups. So....I thought I'd post here my two favorites. I figure one can never have too many sippy cups.

Absolute Favorite:

Playtex Coolster TumblerI like these because they help keep the liquid cold (a must in our over 100 degree weather) and the lid is more like a regular cup helping transition to cup-only drinking. These are great for kids of all ages. I'm not picky about the color, but "boy" colors would be preferred.

Second Favorite:

The First Years Take & Toss Cup with Straw
These are super fast....cup, lid, straw. What I love is that the plastic bendy straws we grew up with will fit these cups making it easy for Caden to get his own drink. However, since they are designed to "take and toss" they do not hold up forever. This is the reason I'd love some more. Corban has been using the ones with the spout lids (see picture below) and has chewed most of the spouts open making them no longer useful for a true sippy cup. Either version is great and the lids are interchangeable.

These items do not have to be purchased online or from the links posted. I have found all of them at WalMart in the past.

CADEN & CORBAN

CADEN:

• PreSchool/Kindergarten workbooks (ex. dot-to-dot, mazes, letters, numbers, colors)
• Travel games
  

CORBAN:

• books to increase vocabulary
• plastic pants (to use for potty training, not sure when we're going to start this)
  

BOTH OF THEM ENJOY:

• goldfish crackers
• balls
• bubbles
• pool toys
• disposable diapers-size 4 and Huggies baby wipes (yes, this is for Momma to enjoy!)
• character band-aids (prefer Nexcare 3M Waterproof)
  
• stickers
• "Take'N Toss" cups (lids/straws)
  

FAMILY

These are items we use as a family...mostly in the kitchen. ;)

• precooked bacon
• pepperoni slices (the kind that don't have to be refrigerated)
  
• Ziploc baggies (quart sized and snack size)
• individual Gatorade drink packets
• Ranch dressing packets
• Taco seasoning packets
• chocolate chips
• cake mixes
• icing
  

**Be sure and put all items in individual Ziploc bags...there's a good chance it will spill, bust, leak, or even melt in transit...even if you think it won't.**

BRETT & APRIL

BRETT:

• Sweedish Fish (it's a gummy candy)
• Sour Patch Kids (another gummy candy)
• Beef Jerky
• Cliff Bars (energy bar)

APRIL:

• American Cereal (generic brands are fine)
• Apples & Cinnamon instant oatmeal
• Carnation Instant Breakfast Packets - Chocolate
  
• Chewy Sweet Tarts
• Trial/travel size hair/face/skin products
  

TOGETHER:

• new release DVDs
• DVDs of entire season of a show
• iTunes gift cards (we can buy music and movies/shows)
• books (spiritual, adventure, or just a good read)
• Size D batteries
  

Things We Don't Need

These are items we can buy here or have plenty of already:

• rice
• plain noodles
• corn flakes
• tuna
• spam
• baking soda & powder
• most spices8
  

Why Another Blog?

As missionaries, we have to plan ahead....way ahead. Living outside of the United States, we are limited in the things we can find. While most of these are comfort items, they are ones we much plan ahead for. Our resources for acquiring such items include (but may not be limited to) visitors coming to Togo, care packages, and furloughs. Every so often someone will ask what we need or want and every time I think of the "perfect" thing after it's too late....

This is the reason for this blog! To keep a running list that anyone can access of things we'd like to have or need. It is a place for me to keep updated information regarding the boys and other household needs.

So, if you've found yourself here if may be because you were asking "What could I put in a package that the Emersons would like?" or "What could I bring with me to Togo as a surprise that I know they would enjoy?" or "I'm just curious....what's on those lists?"

Please don't read these lists as things we simply can't live without...because we can. It is simply an easy place to keep our wish lists...if you're asking.

Blessings and big thanks to everyone that has sent us things or helped us purchased our needs and wants in the past.