Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Support our Military with The Art of Marriage Ops {$20 Applebee's Gift Card Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Jennifer M!}

I've complained before about my husband having to occasionally head out of town for work, as the days and nights that he is gone seem to stretch endlessly long. The girls miss their dad and I miss having him there for everything from companionship to a parenting tag-team partner. Things just aren't the same without him!

However, as much as I whine about him being gone for a day or two at a time, I can't even begin to imagine what it would be like if he was deployed for an extended period of time that so many military families have to endure. How in the world do they manage for six months or a year or even more? And how does their marriage not suffer?

Fortunately, The Art of Marriage Ops recognizes the sacrifices that our military personnel make and, as they believe that marriage is the most important commitment that a man and woman can make, wants to do all they can to help keep the love alive.


For many service men and women the day they return home is the happiest day of their lives, but what happens after the reunion is over? Military divorces have increased 42% since 2001, a statistic that I find sad but not all that surprising considering the amount of time spent apart and the stresses that these couples go through.

Clearly it seems that while there are opportunities for support and help in other areas, marriage counseling isn't an issue that is focused on nearly as much. Therefore, The Art of Marriage Ops was designed to raise awareness about the challenges that military families face when returning home and strengthen marriages by providing simple, effective insights for helping couples to cultivate a healthy and happy relationship.

There are multiple ways to show your support and contribute, but the easiest is quick and simple: Just text OPS to 80888 and make a $10 donation to help our men and women in the military benefit their relationship by attending an event showcasing The Art of Marriage.

Want more ways to support this great campaign? Check out the widget below for more info on how you can help, while also picking up some date night tips that can help inspire all couples:


No matter what views you might have on things like politics or abortion or gay marriage, one topic that has the ability to unite our nation is the support that our military troops and their families deserve. Whether or not you or a loved one are directly involved with the military or what you think about war, there is no way to deny the sacrifices that our troops make when they leave their homes and families behind.

Now, thanks to The Art of Marriage Ops, we can all help the men and women who have defended our country return home to a strong, healthy marriage.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will be prepared to possibly head out for a small date night of their own, because...

One lucky person will win a $20 gift card to Applebee's!

To enter to win: Leave me a comment on this post with your best tip for keeping a relationship strong or a fun date night idea to help strengthen a relationship.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

I want to #WIN a $20 Applebee's Gift Card - yum! http://bit.ly/zSCv8k @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #marriageops

1 Extra Entry (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
2 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on March 22nd at 11:59pm CST. By entering this sweepstakes, you are agreeing to these official rules. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited by law. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and must be 18 years of age or older.

A big thank you to The Art of Marriage Ops for providing an Applebee's gift card for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

401 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   1 – 200 of 401   Newer›   Newest»
Reyna Meinhardt said...

I love a picnic date, and with the weather warming up, it's almost the perfect time for it! I imagine pretty sun dresses, button down shirt for your guy, tiny sandwiches and grapes, in a meadow of wildflowers. Perfection.

countrystars95@yahoo.com

Reyna Meinhardt said...

I follow GFC!

countrystars95@yahoo.com

Reyna Meinhardt said...

I tweeted!

https://twitter.com/#!/PoloPony95/status/179937228959662081


countrystars95@yahoo.com

Reyna Meinhardt said...

I am an email subscriber!


countrystars95@yahoo.com

Reyna Meinhardt said...

I'm a facebook fan!


countrystars95@yahoo.com

Reyna Meinhardt said...

I entered the Coca Cola giveaway!


countrystars95@yahoo.com

Reyna Meinhardt said...

I entered The Popcorn Factory giveaway!


countrystars95@yahoo.com

Reyna Meinhardt said...

I entered your Little Black Dress Shop giveaway!


countrystars95@yahoo.com

Kim said...

Date often (without the kids!)

chic_style at live dot com

Kim said...

I entered the Ubbi giveaway

chic_style at live dot com

Kim said...

I entered the barrington giveaway

chic_style at live dot com

Kim said...

I entered the coldstone giveaway

chic_style at live dot com

Kim said...

I entered the step2 giveaway

chic_style at live dot com

Kim said...

I entered the LLBD giveaway

chic_style at live dot com

Kim said...

I entered the mamas and papas giveaway

chic_style at live dot com

Kim said...

I entered the coco cola giveaway

chic_style at live dot com

Kim said...

I entered the safety 1st giveaway

chic_style at live dot com

Reyna Meinhardt said...

I entered your Happy Feet giveaway!


countrystars95@yahoo.com

Kim said...

I follow on twitter and tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/Kimmchic/status/179941631565377536

chic_style at live dot com

Kim said...

I follow via GFC

chic_style at live dot com

Kim said...

I subscribe via google reader

chic_style at live dot com

Kim said...

email subscriber (as kimjkim@live.com)

chic_style at live dot com

Kim said...

button on my blog #1

chic_style at live dot com

Kim said...

button on blog #2

chic_style at live dot com

Kim said...

FB fan

chic_style at live dot com

Reyna Meinhardt said...

I also entered the ColdStone gc giveaway!


countrystars95@yahoo.com

Reyna Meinhardt said...

I entered the Swiss Colony Zoo giveaway!


countrystars95@yahoo.com

Reyna Meinhardt said...

I entered the Barrington Pool giveaway!

countrystars95@yahoo.com

Reyna Meinhardt said...

I entered the Safety 1st giveaway!
countrystars95@yahoo.com

Jessica Allen said...

My best tip for keeping a relationship strong is communication! My Husband and I always go out atleast once if not twice a month on a date, it's usually to dinner and a movie.

mrsjschwartz@yahoo.com

Jessica Allen said...

I entered the Barrington Pools giveaway

mrsjschwartz@yahoo.com

Jessica Allen said...

Entered Happy Feet giveaway

mrsjschwartz@yahoo.com

Jessica Allen said...

Entered Popcorn Factory Giveaway

mrsjschwartz@yahoo.com

Jessica Allen said...

Entered Dolls W/A Purpose Giveaway

mrsjschwartz@yahoo.com

Jessica Allen said...

Entered Swiss colony giveaway

mrsjschwartz@yahoo.com

Jessica Allen said...

Entered Cold Stone Giveaway

mrsjschwartz@yahoo.com

Jessica Allen said...

Entered Step2 Giveaway

mrsjschwartz@yahoo.com

Jessica Allen said...

I follow you on Twitter & I Tweeted about this giveaway

https://twitter.com/#!/MrsJessicaS/status/179963908923195392

mrsjschwartz@yahoo.com

Jessica Allen said...

I follow you through GFC

mrsjschwartz@yahoo.com

nicky knight said...

Keep the relationship alive by leaving little "love" notes around the house... just because! Nicky

B. Wilson @ Windy {City} Wilsons said...

We love to have a date night once a week... that keeps the marriage strong. :)

--Brandy
fosterbrandy(at)msn(dot)com

B. Wilson @ Windy {City} Wilsons said...

rss feed

--Brandy
fosterbrandy(at)msn(dot)com

B. Wilson @ Windy {City} Wilsons said...

get your emails

--Brandy
fosterbrandy(at)msn(dot)com

B. Wilson @ Windy {City} Wilsons said...

gfc follow

--Brandy
fosterbrandy(at)msn(dot)com

B. Wilson @ Windy {City} Wilsons said...

fb fan of yours

--Brandy
fosterbrandy(at)msn(dot)com

B. Wilson @ Windy {City} Wilsons said...

entered coldstone giveaway

--Brandy
fosterbrandy(at)msn(dot)com

B. Wilson @ Windy {City} Wilsons said...

entered barrington pools

--Brandy
fosterbrandy(at)msn(dot)com

Fari said...

A nice date for me would be dinner and a movie

faithful1104 at gmail dot com

Fari said...

Follow and tweeted

https://twitter.com/#!/faricakes08/status/179972000201195520

Fari said...

GFC follower

Fari said...

Like you on FB

(Faride H)

Fari said...

email subscriber

Fari said...

Have your button #1

http://roadtrippincook.blogspot.com/

Fari said...

Have your button #2

http://roadtrippincook.blogspot.com/

danw78704 said...

twitted support giveaway

wigget said...

movies and dinner are always a good idea

wigget said...

entered Mamas & Papas Baby Snug Two Stage Seat Giveaway

wigget said...

entered Peaceable Kingdom Giveaway

wigget said...

entered i play., Inc. Giveaway

wigget said...

entered Scrubbing Bubbles Giveaway

wigget said...

entered Happy Feet Two Giveaway

wigget said...

entered The Popcorn Factory and Cheryl's Gourmet Cookies Giveaway

wigget said...

entered Barrington Pools Giveaway

Denise said...

We like to have "dates" after the kids go to bed, like having a special dessert, or popping popcorn and watching a movie.

stonemedic76@hotmail.com

Denise said...

Email subscriber
stonemedic76@hotmail.com

Denise said...

FB Fan
RobertandDenise Wilson
stonemedic76@hotmail.com

Denise said...

GFC Follower
stonemedic76@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

We try to schedule an actual date night out with no kids at least once a month.

Doreen
rm2_mah@att.net

apple blossom said...

just a cheep McD. for a ice cream is a fun cheep date

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

twitter follower
1apple_blossom

tweeted

https://twitter.com/#!/1apple_blossom/status/179990881984716800

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

gfc follower
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

email subscriber

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

rss feed subscriber

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

entered coca cola giveaway


ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

entered popcorn giveaway


ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

entered happy feet dvd giveaway


ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

entered splash park giveaway


ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

entered coldstone giveaway


ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

entered swiss colony giveaway


ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

apple blossom said...

entered my pal doll giveaway


ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

jessica said...

Communication! And being able to joke around :)

jek9880 at gmail dot com

jessica said...

email subscriber
jek9880 at gmail dot com

jessica said...

gfc follower
jek9880 at gmail dot com

vandahm said...

The best tip for keeping a relationship strong is to recognize where your weaknesses are, and work hard at doing better in those areas.
jennifer (at) jennifervandahm.com

vandahm said...

I follow you on Facebook!
jennifer (at) jennifervandahm.com

vandahm said...

I entered the Safety First giveaway!
jennifer (at) jennifervandahm.com

vandahm said...

I entered the Mamas & Papas giveaway!
jennifer (at) jennifervandahm.com

vandahm said...

I entered the American Idol giveaway!
jennifer (at) jennifervandahm.com

vandahm said...

I entered the iPlay giveaway!
jennifer (at) jennifervandahm.com

vandahm said...

I entered the Scrubbing Bubbles Giveaway!
jennifer (at) jennifervandahm.com

vandahm said...

I entered the Step 2 Big Splash giveaway!
jennifer (at) jennifervandahm.com

vandahm said...

I entered the Cold Stone giveaway!
jennifer (at) jennifervandahm.com

vandahm said...

I entered the Swiss Colony giveaway!
jennifer (at) jennifervandahm.com

vandahm said...

I entered the My Pal & My Sibling giveaway!
jennifer (at) jennifervandahm.com

vandahm said...

I entered the Popcorn Factory giveaway!
jennifer (at) jennifervandahm.com

vandahm said...

I entered the Happy Feet 2 giveaway!
jennifer (at) jennifervandahm.com

vandahm said...

I entered the Barrington Pools giveaway!
jennifer (at) jennifervandahm.com

Amber said...

My fun date night idea is to cook for each other - one person cooks the main course and the other dessert!
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber said...

I follow your blog with google friend connect as Amber
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber said...

I follow your blog with google friend connect as Amber
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber said...

I subscribe to your RSS feed with google reader
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber said...

I'm a fan on Facebook - my FB name is Amanda Moore
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber said...

Entered yoru Visa giveaway
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber said...

Entered your Cold Stone giveaway
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber said...

Entered your Swiss Colony giveaway
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber said...

Entered your Happy Feet Two giveaway
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Amber said...

I tweeted, I'm @AmberGoo:
https://twitter.com/#!/AmberGoo/status/180033661276651521
Thank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com

Robyn said...

communication and picking your battles! Nobody is perfect, nor a mind reader!
fiestyred-head @ live.com

Robyn said...

entered safety first giveaway
fiestyred-head @ live.com

Robyn said...

entered mama's and papa's giveaway

fiestyred-head @ live.com

Robyn said...

entered I play giveaway
fiestyred-head @ live.com

Robyn said...

Fan on FB
fiestyred-head @ live.com

Kathy Rambousek said...

I love revisiting special occasions through pictures/videos or in person. ie the waterfalls from our first date

LKARambo at comcast dot net

Kathy Rambousek said...

subscribe w/Google Reader

LKARambo at comcast dot net

Kathy Rambousek said...

email subscriber

LKARambo at comcast dot net

Kathy Rambousek said...

"like" you on FB

LKARambo at comcast dot net

Kathy Rambousek said...

tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/LKARambo/status/180051799120691200

LKARambo at comcast dot net

Kathy Rambousek said...

entered Cold Stone g/c

LKARambo at comcast dot net

Kathy Rambousek said...

entered Barrington Pools giveaway

LKARambo at comcast dot net

Kia89 said...

My best tip for keeping a relationship strong is communication.
austma7@aol.com

Kia89 said...

I follow and tweeted.
https://twitter.com/#!/DiamondStar728/status/180062522416697346
austma7@aol.com

Robyn said...

entered safety 1st giveaway
fiestyred-head @ live.com

Robyn said...

entered step 2 water park giveaway
fiestyred-head @ live.com

Robyn said...

entered barrington visa gift card giveaway
fiestyred-head @ live.com

Nebraska Hockey Mom said...

PRAYER!

Nebraska Hockey Mom said...

I follow you!
jtfilleman@cox.net

Nebraska Hockey Mom said...

I subscribe to you!
jtfilleman@cox.net

Nebraska Hockey Mom said...

I like you on Facebook!
jtfilleman@cox.net
tonya stutzman filleman

Nebraska Hockey Mom said...

I have your button!
jtfilleman@cox.net
www.nebraskahockeymom.blogspot.com

Nebraska Hockey Mom said...

I have your button!
jtfilleman@cox.net
www.nebraskahockeymom.blogspot.com #2

TemporaryWaffle said...

To keep a relationship strong, make sure to have lots of communication trust, and respect.

popcornpieces at yahoo dot com

The Frugal Free Gal said...

I agree with the date often without the kids rule! Communicate and talk out problems--and don't go to bed angry with each other!

I'm a military wife and hubby had to leave for a 7 month and 4 month deployment--plus lots of weekly trips here and there for other training! It's difficult but we make it work!

thefrugalfreegal at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Best tip for a great relationship is communication!
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

google friend
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

subscribe to rss feed
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

email subscriber
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

facebook fan of TMC - Becky L.M.
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

entered Safety 1st giveaway
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

entered Happy Feet giveaway
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

entered Step2 giveaway
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

entered Barrington pools giveaway
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

entered Ubbi giveaway
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said...

A fun date would be a trip to a waterpark.

Anonymous said...

I follow you on twitter and I tweeted about the giveaway.

Anonymous said...

I followed you on GFC, liked you on facebook, subscribed to you by email, and subscribed to you via a reader.

crystletellerday said...

dinner and a movie crystletellerday@yahoo.com

Kimbers867 said...

We try to joke around as much as we can! With me working two jobs and hubby working 60 hour work weeks, plus kids, we don't have a lot of time together. Last nite we walked around our yard admiring the flowers and shared our day together. That five to ten minutes we share together alone really helps keep us sane.

kimbers867(at symbol)comcast {dot}net

Kimbers867 said...

just tweeted

https://twitter.com/#!/frugalmdmom/status/180299353167118336

kimbers867(at symbol)comcast {dot}net

Kimbers867 said...

just entered the Coca-Cola Family Night Prize Pack

kimbers867(at symbol)comcast {dot}net

Kimbers867 said...

just entered the Big Splash Water Park from Step2 giveaway

kimbers867(at symbol)comcast

Kimbers867 said...

just entered the Baby Snug Two Stage Seat in Teal from Mamas & Papas giveaway

kimbers867(at symbol)comcast {dot}net

Kimbers867 said...

Green Butter Popcorn from The Popcorn Factory AND a Shamrock Cookie Greeting from Cheryl's!

kimbers867(at symbol)comcast {dot}net

EMMAHORTON said...

HORTON111@AOL.COM

TALK TO ONE ANOTHER

EMMAHORTON said...

HORTON111@AOL.COM

ENTERED POPCORN FACTORY AND CHERYL'S GIVEAWAY

EMMAHORTON said...

HORTON111@AOL.COM

ENTERED MY PAL DOLL GIVEAWAY

EMMAHORTON said...

HORTON111@AOL.COM

ENTERED SWISS COLONY GIVEAWAY

Amy said...

Keep a relationship strong by keeping laughter in the relationship!

Amy said...

I'm following you on GFC @Amy.

Anonymous said...

My mother told me when I was a young bride- you just put that "D" word right out of your mind now. You said better or worse- if it gets worse, you think, how can I make it get better, you don't think the "D" word.
Her advice is very very true!!!!!
Spacemonkey907 (at) yahoo.com

Kimbers867 said...

just entered the $50 Visa gift card from Barrington Pools!
kimbers867(at symbol)comcast {dot}net

Lane Mahnke said...

The best way to keep a relationship strong and fun is honesty, communication, and respect.

lanemahnke@yahoo.com

susan1215 said...

We like to go out to eat and them go bowling.

s2s2 at comcast dot net

susan1215 said...

https://twitter.com/#!/susan1215/status/180332888053645313

s2s2 at comcast dot net

susan1215 said...

follow via GFC

s2s2 at comcast dot net

susan1215 said...

Like you on FB Susan Smith

s2s2 at comcast dot net

Anonymous said...

Dinner and a movie is a great date night.

astormer at comcast dot net

Kim said...

Today's tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/Kimmchic/status/180356208513921024

chic_style at live dot com

Unknown said...

open and honest communication is key
stigay at comcast.net

Unknown said...

gfc following (stigay)
stigay at comcast.net

apple blossom said...

tweeted

https://twitter.com/#!/1apple_blossom/status/180426259568930818

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Kathy Rambousek said...

tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/LKARambo/status/180436195766054913

LKARambo at comcast dot net

mogrill said...

Honesty is very helpful.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com

Heaven Morgan said...

Observe nature together. No matter how far apart we all live under the same moon. Sometimes when the one you love is not with you it is comforting knowing that they are looking up at the same sky as you.

hevmorgan@yahoo.com

Maude Lynn said...

Never forget to notice the nice things your partner does and say "thank you!"

Flowerg said...

I think a good tip was one I heard from a couple who had been married for over 40 years. They told me to pick and chose the battles in a relationship. I try to remember that when something little irks me. Thanks for the great giveaway!

Flowerg said...

Entered Cold Stone

Flowerg said...

Entered Ubbi Diaper Pail

Flowerg said...

Entered Scrubbing Bubbles

Flowerg said...

Following you on twitter and tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/romapr09/status/180508921541304320

Flowerg said...

Following your blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

Flowerg said...

RSS Subscriber in Google Reader

Flowerg said...

Current email subscriber

Flowerg said...

Liked you on Facebook under Rochelle Martin

buzzd said...

Communication and respect are the best 2 ways to keep a relationship going. Stay involved in each other's lives and find some shared interests

buzzd said...

tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/buzz8/status/180677312151437312

Susan said...

To have a lasting marriage you need to have Trust and respect without these you do not have a marriage. I Like on twitter - corrysue1. I want to thank you for this awesome sweep and hope to win :) corrysue@yahoo.com

Kathy Rambousek said...

tweet
https://twitter.com/#!/LKARambo/status/180766597273747456

LKARambo at comcast dot net

Kim said...

Daily Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/Kimmchic/status/180842447935504384

chic_style at live dot com

♡♥♬ Carolsue ♡♥♬ said...

Reserving some time to yourself -- away from kids -- is very important in a relationship. A nice dinner at Applebee's should do this trick nicely!
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

♡♥♬ Carolsue ♡♥♬ said...

I entered the Little Black Dress Shop Giveaway
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

♡♥♬ Carolsue ♡♥♬ said...

I entered the Cold Stone Creamery gift card contest
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

VickieC said...

my best tip for keeping a relationship strong is to listen to each other an bend a little,,Im not crazy about all sports but I like spending time with him so I watch them,,he doesnt like shopping but he goes with me because I like too,,

krystle said...

Never go to bed mad.

Madeline said...

My best tip for keeping a relationship strong is communication

jonesmadelinee@yahoo.com

Madeline said...

I entered Little Black Dress Giveaway

jonesmadelinee@yahoo.com

Madeline said...

GFC MadelineJ

jonesmadelinee@yahoo.com

Madeline said...

Facebook Fan

Madeline Jones

jonesmadelinee@yahoo.com

Madeline said...

https://twitter.com/#!/jonesm333/status/181037301256826880

jonesmadelinee@yahoo.com

lyndsey said...

praying together is the best way to keep your relationship strong.
lyndsey dot hauck at gmail dot com

lyndsey said...

i follow on facebook
lyndsey dot hauck at gmail dot com

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