Thoughts & suggestions

Vicki, That is terriffic. Im so happy for you. Keep up the great work. It will melt off the first few months like that so take advantage of it. Pamela

A lot of good suggestions here. I vote for having in one place. I don't mind the trip to indy and it is nice not having to find where to go when you aren't that familiar with the area. Maybe once a year hold one in another location (north or south of Indy) if someone else wants to host one. Since the campout is in Aug maybe we can do an exchange then and combine the two events? All in the basement would be good and make it easier for all to shop and socialize. I really had a good time. I was disapointed I wanted to say hi to Vicki Smith and Linda V and I guess I missed you girls. I'm sure I walked right by you and just didn't connect the names with the faces on here. There were so many there and I'm still trying to get to know you all. Was Sally there? She is also someone I'd like to meet. Jodi, it was nice to meet you even if we didn't get to talk. I'm sure you worked hared making arrangements at the other location and such a shame we had to change locations but things come up beyond our control. I think everything worked out fine. You and Dawn are the hostess's with the most. Well I need to ger out and do some weeding after I clean the toilets and floors. I didn't get anything done here yesterday and have to make up for it today.

I too wanted to meet Linda V. I guess I didnt see her or if I did I didnt realize it was her. I was leaving when it dawned on me so I called Mendi who was home by then and she told me Linda was there....Linda Im sorry I didnt get to meet u. I didnt get alot of walking in since I had been down for 3 days with a bad back...I did alot of sitting downstairs. I didnt mind having the clothes upstairs and the food down...I dont know how we would have gotten all those clothes downstairs and still had room for everyone to sit and eat. That upstairs was overflowing with clothes. If u wanted it all in one room seems like we would need an even bigger room...but I really liked the location of this church, it was very easy for me to find off of 70. Id be really happy if they were all there.

I thought that the church was a nice place also...And the youth group was so helpful, makes them become very thoughtful and giving as they grow. If the church does not want the youths to have a money donation, maybe we could get a pizza hut or papa john gift card for them to use when they have a youth outing or get together at the churc. I would like to give also...Deb

Hi, We had a wonderful time, and the location was pretty easy for us to get to, even with all the road construction. Dawn, I can't thank you enough for the awesome job you did of getting this organized as fast and well as you did! Everyone I talked to had a great time, and we all appreciated all you did to make it happen. Here's my thoughts-- Dawn- head chairperson for the Exchanges, and others to help host/hostess. We could have it there spring and fall (April & October) & on the west side the other 2 times- if someone will volunteer to do it- if not, your church was wonderful! It doesn't really matter to me where, 'cause I'll try to come wherever we have it! (Now if theres a blizzard in Jan. this gal is staying home!) Loved having the youth help- they rock!! Lets do a donation jar for them -great!Thank them sooo much- they were the greatest group of kids! I think it really helped everyone who brought their kids to feel "safe" and enjoy themselves, as well. Food- I thought it all was wonderful- new foods, new ideas,new reciepes & soooo YUMMY!! I thought there was lots of variety. How about someone help with the beverages if coming from far away, or just volunteer that as their part~Great idea! Clothes & food- yup, I'd like it all together, if we could. I wouldn't even mind standing up to have it all on one level. I'm sure I missed fellowshiping with someone and ya know me- "Mrs "Social Butterfly! Gotta try to see/talk everyone, if I can. I'd be glad to help in anyway I can Dawn- just don't count on my to come early- especially if Hubby comes-.Believe me, he enjoys going just as much as I do- which really surprises me, since he is hard of hearing and not usually "social". See,opposites do attract- He likes to arrive "right on time", and I end up . Oh, he nearly drove thru 2 red lights-YIKES!!!Talk about crazy!! IDEA~ What about just bringing seasonal clothes? That way we could cut down alittle on the amounts brought, and have the right clothing for the upcoming weather? JUST A THOUGHT~~I know that is what I've done, and it has helped me get things I can use for the next 3 mo. I know this was the BIGGEST Exchange I've attended in the past . so I have to say Hats off to you Dawn!!! (((hugs))) Ellen

Dawn, I had such a great time. Everthing was perfect !!!!! Everybody looked great Thanks to Karen ( YOUR MOM ) for the ride Special Thanks to the Church and those of you that helped me using the stairs and help with getting me up !! Love and Blessings, to Everyone, Gail Hopefully we can meet there again.

I really liked the church too. And having the Teens there was a great bonus. I really appreciated that they were willing to keep an eye on the little ones while we "shopped". I'd be happy to drop something into a donation jar. I'm sure the church wouldn't want the Teens to look at it as a tip (sort of circumvents the whole "community service" thing), but surely they could use the money toward some future activity? I'd be happy to help out too. Just let me know what you need. I think it would be a good idea to keep it all downstairs next time also. Like Sherri, I kept running between floors (at least I got my exercise in!). I didn't get to meet some of the wonderful people that have given me so much support. But I was glad to see such a large turn-out. I think the afternoon was a great success. Cindy