The Big List of "Welcome Home" Signs

Homecomings are, without a doubt, one of the best moments you can ever experience. People everywhere tear up watching these reunions, even if they've never been there and have no idea what it's like being related to a soldier. As a spouse you've worried, and waited, and worried some more. There have been sleepless nights and days when you just knew you couldn't do it anymore. But then you did. And you got through.

Homecoming is the culmination of all those emotions. If you're like me, you worry over it and nitpick at the details. You focus so much on that one moment, you drive yourself crazy. Sometimes I don't think we can help it. What are you going to wear? What will the kids wear? Decorate the house, yay or nay? Homecoming party? Probably not. Do I bake a cake? Do I have sexy lingerie??

Yep, all those thoughts and a million more are in there. Luckily, I'm here to help! I worried over creating a sign for homecoming, but had no idea what to say. I'm hoping this list will relieve a little stress for someone else out there who has the same worries I did. Please add your ideas in the comments too, you know I love hearing from you!

And always remember that no matter what you do, your soldier will be so happy to see you, nothing else really matters.


Signs For Your Door/Yard:


1. Do Not Disturb, Welcoming Home My Hero!

2. Free Welcome Banners from Build A Sign (thanks to Kimberly Connerly for her suggestion!)

3. Always Under the Same Stars, Finally Under the Same Roof!

4. (Fill in the blank) Days Away, Our Hero is Home Today!

5.  Use glowsticks to create a welcome home message on your lawn or door

6. Use stencils and flour to create a welcome home sign on your lawn

Signs for the Runway (picking your soldier up at the airfield):

1.  His Eyes Are (fill in blank), His Boots Are Tan, Out Of My Way, So I Can Kiss My Man!

2. I'd Wait For You Forever, But (fill in length of deployment) Was Long Enough!

3. Home is Where the Heart Is, and Mine is Finally Back!

4. It's Been (fill in the blank) Days Since You Hugged Me, That Streak Ends Now!

5. After (fill in the blank) Days, You're Right Where You Need To Be, Welcome Home!

6. (Fill in name of soldier), I Hope You're Ready For Our 2nd (or 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc) First Kiss!

7. Missed Me, Missed Me, Now You Gotta Kiss Me!

8. We've Waited (fill in the blank) Days For This Moment, Welcome Home!

9. The Longer The Wait, The Sweeter The Kiss. I've Waited (fill in the blank) Days For This!

10. For (Fill in the blank) Months I Held You In My Heart, Today I Hold You In My Arms

11. I'm Here to Pick Up My Hero!

12. Our Missing Puzzle Piece Is Finally Home!

13. (Fill in soldier's name), Get Your Hugs Here!

14. (Fill in the Blank) Sleepless Nights,
      (Fill in the blank) Hours Trying To Stay Busy,
      (Fill in the blank) Minutes Of My Phone on the Loudest Ring Possible,
      (Fill in the blank) Seconds Waiting For You To Come Home….
 
      Seeing You For the First Time in Countless Months = PRICELESS 

15. (Fill in the blank) Months
      (Fill in the blank) Days
      (Fill in the blank) Hours
      (Fill in the blank) Minutes
      (Fill in the blank) Seconds

       You Are Worth The Wait! 

16. Together Forever, Never Apart, Maybe In Distance, But Never in The Heart!

17. Home of the Free, Because of the Brave. Welcome Home (fill in the blank)!

18. Now That You're Home, Here is Your Honey Do List: Hug Me, Hold Me, Kiss Me!

19. Happiness is in the Arms of My Soldier, Welcome Home!

20. My Husband = My Hero. Welcome Home!

21. For medics: Hey Doc (fill in the blank), Can You Take a Look at This?

22. I Was There The Day You Left, and I'm Here to Welcome You Home!

23. Forget the Knight in Shining Armor, I'll Take My Soldier!

24. Here To Pick Up The Love Of My Life!

25. (Fill in the blank) Months Was Nothing Since We Have Forever!

26. I Love My Soldier, Welcome Home (fill in the blank)!

27. Blessed to Welcome Home Our Hero!

28. (Fill in soldier's rank/name), Your Mrs. Needs Some Kisses!

29. (Fill in the blank) Nights of Waiting, Praying, and Dreaming for This Moment… Welcome Home, Soldier!

30. Postage for Care Packages: $ (fill in dollar amount)
      Phone Cards & Internet Packages: $ (fill in dollar amount)
      Paints and Supplies for this Sign: $ (fill in dollar amount)
      Holding You For the First Time in (fill in the blank) months: PRICELESS

31. Dreams Do Come True, Welcome Home, I've Missed You!

32. Welcome Home Husband, Father, and Hero. We Missed You!

Signs for Kids:

1. I've Waited My Whole Life to Meet You

2. Red, white, and blue welcome sign with kid's handprints as the border. "These Are The Hands That Prayed For Your Safe Return"

3. Outta My Way, I Get My Daddy (or Mommy) Back Today!

4. Hand Over My Daddy (or Mommy)!

5. I Just Met You, And This Is Crazy, But I'm Your Son/Daughter!

6. Welcome Home Daddy/Mommy! I Spent (fill in the blank) Days Missing You!

7. Warning: My Daddy/Mommy Is Here, and I'll Run You Over To Get To Him!

8. I'm Meeting My Daddy For the First Time Today!

9. You Owe Mom 1,222 Diaper Changes!

10. He's Not Just My Daddy, He's My Hero!

11. Welcome Home Daddy! I Took Care of Mommy While You Were Gone :)

12. Welcome Home Daddy/Mommy, Look How Big I've Gotten!

13. You Left Behind One Heart, but Now You're Coming Home to Two! (For babies born during deployments)

14. I'm Daddy's Princess, and He's My Hero

15. Come and Meet Your Mini-Me!

16. Daddy, Get Your Hugs and Kisses Here! (with an arrow pointing down to the child)

17. (Fill in the blank) Days Old, and Ready To Meet My Daddy!



Decorate Your Car:

1. If I'm speeding, it's because I'm on my way to pick up my soldier!

2. Move it or lose it, our daddy is coming home today!

3. Half My Heart is Coming Home Today!

4. Today We Welcome Home Our Heroes!

5. Beep, Beep, Outta My Way, Daddy's Coming Home Today!



And now for the last list. The, ahem… dirty and flirty signs. A lot of people don't like seeing these at homecomings, and I can't blame them. After all, there are lots of little kids around. And seriously peeps, some things should be private. BUT, you could always hang these in the hallway leading to your bedroom, haha. So here goes…

For the Home/Bedroom:

1. I Can't Wait To Untie Your Boots and Find Your Camo All Over My Floor!

2. If You Think (Afghanistan/Iraq) Was Hot, Wait Until Tonight!

3. Welcome Home Honey, I Hope You Slept on the Plane!

4, Welcome Home, Are You Ready to be Debriefed and Boarded?

5. Next Mission: Operation Nookie (and you're in command!)

6. Welcome Home, I Can't Wait To Get My Hands on You!

7. I'm Glad To Have You Back, Now Let's Jump in the Sack!

8. 1, 2, 3, 4… Let Those ACUs Hit The Floor!

9. 1 Faithful Wife + 1 Deployed Soldier = Babysitter Needed!

10.  Job Well Done, Come and Get Your Reward!


I hope these lists help someone out there. I'll be back with more homecoming posts, hopefully soon. Until next time, my friends!

Thanks for reading, everyone!

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Crying in the Coffee Shop

This morning I've been working on a new post that makes me cry.

Don't worry, they're sentimental and happy tears! But it still makes me cry. Since I'm blogging in our coffee shop on post, people are staring at the crazy lady who is all sniffly and teary-eyed. Maybe I should finish the rest of that post at home?

Homecomings always make me weepy. I totally can't watch those shows, like Coming Home or Surprise Homecoming… at least, not without a box of tissues at my side. But I really wanted to create a post that listed some great sign ideas for your homecoming moments!

When I was expecting the Hubs home from deployment, I wanted it all to be perfect. I scrambled around, scrubbing the house and buying new outfits. I purchased gifts for the Hubs and made him his Final Care Package. And then I got around to making signs. I practically bought out the craft store of poster board, paint, and markers. I even bought decorations for the house. And then I purchased stuff to make a patriotic-themed cake.

I really went overboard, peeps.

But then I got all my packages home, and I realized I didn't have any idea what to put on my sign. And I was running out of time. Complete panic ensued.

Of course, I did manage several signs (the one above was hung on my front door). But I don't want you to go through the same panic as me when homecoming comes around. As happy as the occasion is, it's also very stressful, what with all the anticipation and everything. Hence the reason why I'm making a nice big list for you, so you can just pick a sign and make it.

I won't be writing that post today in the coffee shop though. Too many tears! I can't seem to help it, I just get weepy when I think of all those joyous homecomings. So I'll be back soon, with a complete list for you, after I buy a box of tissues to keep me company whilst I write.

In the meantime, feel free to post your homecoming ideas in the comments below! Until next time, my friends…

Thanks for reading, everyone!

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Welcome Home: The Final "Care Package"

Nothing is better than the moment you finally get to hold your soldier again, after many months of separation and deployment craziness. You've anticipated the day for what seems like forever, and you want everything to be absolutely perfect, yes?

Let me let you in on a secret... there is no possible way to have a fairytale homecoming.

I know, I know, this is not what you wanted to hear. But it's the honest-to-God truth. You can prepare. You can anticipate. You can enlist help. And still, things will not go exactly as you planned.

The best you can do is focus on the only thing that matters: Your soldier is HOME. Absolutely nothing else matters. Not what you wear, not what photographer you choose, not the welcome home festivities. I'm not saying those aren't great things to strive for. Plus, it's fun to plan! But don't pin all your hopes on that list of things you "think" you need for a great homecoming. I can promise you this, all those trappings will fade into the background the second you see your soldier step off the plane.

HOWEVER...

We all know we're going to do those things anyway. It doesn't matter how many people tell you not to stress it, you're going to.

I did. And you probably will too. It's ok, you're among friends here.

With that in mind, I think one of the coolest things to prepare in advance is a final "care package" for your returning soldier. This isn't an ordinary care package, because you won't be putting it in the mail. Instead, this present will be waiting for your spouse (or girlfriend, or boyfriend, or whoever) when they walk through the doors of home for the first time in a long time.

What's in this care package? Well, I'm going to give you some ideas, of course!

Welcome home "care package" for the Hubs

The best part about this package is it's easy to personalize for your soldier. I'll give you some standard ideas, but really let your imagination run wild. The basic principle goes like so: Fill this basket (or bucket, or whatever vessel you choose) with everything your soldier either couldn't have during deployment, or with special treats you know he will appreciate.

Here's what I did:

 (Fair Warning: I'll start with all the good girl stuff, but don't be surprised if this gets a little naughty later!)

1.  Fresh Food - one of the biggest things the Hubs missed during deployment was fresh fruit and vegetables.

While the troops do get some fruit, there isn't a whole lot of variety and the freshness is debatable. Also, depending on location, fruit deliveries may be few and far between. Many of the men (or women) develop stomach issues while overseas because of the erratic diet and the consumption of MREs. Combat this on their return with natural, yummy goodness.


2. Chocolate - this one is good for sweet fanatics especially. After a certain time of year, chocolate can melt in a care package and is therefore not recommended for shipping. Add a supply of your significant other's favorite treats to this welcome home goodie basket.

3. "In the Fridge" (or freezer) - These would include items that require refrigeration or freezer time. Obviously, you don't want to place these directly in the gift basket, peeps! Instead, create a fun note or card you can place within the basket that directs your hubs (or wifey) to the fridge:

These were some of the items I had chilling for the Hubs. His favorite ice cream, and his favorite dinner  (it's always a good idea to make a few freezer meals in advance of homecoming so you don't need to worry overmuch about cooking those first few days. You can find the Hubs' favorite dinner here, Zuppa Toscana). My soldier also has a particular weakness for freezer pops. I have to call them freezer pops because the Hubs makes fun when I call them Chilly Willies! Am I the only one who does that??

For these, I tied a few unfrozen ones with ribbon and a note (all red, white, and blue, of course!), and the rest were already frozen and waiting for him.

4. Bacon (and other pork products) - This was also on my "in the fridge" list. For many soldiers, pork products are prohibited in care packages because of the laws in their deployed location. This can be something your spouse will especially miss! For the Hubs, I had two packages of bacon in the fridge, and a summer sausage in his basket.

5. Alcohol - Definitely a restricted item overseas and in care packages. This can be on your fridge list, or be in the basket. It can be beer, wine, or hard liquor. If you want to be really creative, you can create a mini liquor bottle bouquet.

Try this link for an easy, DIY tutorial for your own bouquet: DIY Booze Bouquet. (There isn't a picture of mine because I ran out of time and it was a massive failure. Don't be like me!)

6. New Clothes - It's tempting to go overboard with this one, especially if you're a shopper. Your soldier hasn't had the opportunity to wear civilian clothes in a very long time.

There is a BUT in here though... Keep in mind that your spouse has likely either lost or gained weight (probably lost). Also, many of the men use deployment as an opportunity to lift weights and bulk up, so clothes may not fit the same as you remember. If you want to purchase clothing, go for a new shirt or maybe even underwear/socks.

7. Personal Perks - These would be items individual to your spouse. For example, my Hubs LOVES movies, so I included one in his basket.

Although I could easily mail movies in other care packages, he really appreciated the thought. Plus, a movie in the basket is also a great way to spend an evening at home relaxing. Pick items that your spouse would appreciate and suit your relationship.

8. From the Kids - Get your children involved with the homecoming by letting them create artwork or poems or cards for Dad/Mom. Perhaps let them decorate your basket. A special note or a homemade treat from the children can go a long way.

9. Sleepy Time - This category can consist of such varied things. For me, I know the Hubs slept less and not as well as at home during his deployment. Good sleep can come few and far between. Some ideas for this category are blackout curtains for your bedroom, sleep masks, or even misting sprays like these:

10. Sexy Time - There will be no pictures here, hahaha. You'll just have to use your imagination! I'll add that lingerie, magazines, etc. make great basket gifts for this. Another fun idea would be professional boudoir photographs, perhaps a framed one for the basket. Stay within your comfort zone, and that of your spouse, and have fun!


So peeps, what are your ideas for a welcome home basket? You know I'd love to hear from you! I hope you have a great time creating your own goodie basket, but don't forget the most important thing:

Your soldier is home!!!

Happy homecoming, my friends. Enjoy every second of it.

Thanks for reading, everyone!

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