I’m not in to politics at all. But I love presidents. I find the sociological side of things fascinating. Like, why would someone want to subject themselves to the unrelenting scrutiny? And why do most Americans not allow for the fact that these men (so far!) are humans, just like the rest of us, and fallible? Some of our presidents have been better than others. And I am particularly fond of the Obama’s. Policy and decisions aside, they have brought such a humanistic approach to the office. I love their humor, I love the relationship between the family and love that Michelle has become such an important figure to empowering women in an every woman-kind of way (even though she’s crazy smart and NOT your average woman!). So when a presidential greeting showed up in the mail for me…my heart exploded.
My Mother-in-Law is an excellent gift giver. On many occasion, she has requested a presidential greeting to be sent to her mom and dad. I’ve always been hugely jealous of this, given my love of the oval office. One day, sort of in passing, I asked her why she hadn’t ever gotten a message for me. And she sort of laughed it off. And I forgot about it. 
When we returned from vacation, I came across this envelope in our mail pile that had a White House return address. I set it aside, sure it was some kind of junk mail due to the impending election. But my heart started to race. Because I’m a nerd like that. 
When I opened it up, I saw it was a note wishing my husband and I a Happy Anniversary! Signed (stamped) by my favorite presidential couple! And then I looked closer. Congrats on your 50th wedding anniversary?! I laughed so hard. I don’t condone lying to get what you want but I’m so happy my mom-in-law fudged our wedding date a bit. She knew it would mean the world to me to get a card from the Obama’s (because who knows who is going to be in there next…) so she did what she had to do to make sure it happened. It is such a fun keepsake and one that we will truly remember every year until well past our actual 50th wedding anniversary in 37 years! 
Requesting your own presidential greeting is actually very easy. There are several restrictions so take a look at the site so you’ll have plenty of time to request one for any event that falls in line with their rules. Presidential Greetings can be requested for the birth of a new baby, birthday greeting (80 years and older or 70 and older for Veterans), retirement greeting (20 + years of service), wedding greetings and anniversary greetings (50 years and up). Most requests require 6 weeks so plan ahead!
I can’t tell you how fun it was to get this in the mail. The kids thought it was so cool and it’s something I will do for milestone gifts in the future. Please don’t lie. Most people only have one wedding, so I suggest having more babies if you want to receive a greeting and you are not nearing your 50th wedding anniversary…kidding, kidding.
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I love Valentine’s Day and all the gifting possibilities! If you love lavender and balloons, this simple DIY is for you! Balloons are super cute, but don’t last for that long. I decided to pair them with something that can be used long after Valentine’s Day. Whether making these for your kids or surprising you best gals with a gift at their door, these lavender sachet balloon bouquets are something that everyone will love!
