Soo…we were in this little article and even though it’s not on news stands until Sunday we’re already on the website and I’m noticing a lot more hits than usual. I figured it might be nice to have a few words for all the new folks dropping by.
But first, to our readers who have been here over the last 2+ years…Thank you. Your support and friendship has been a real joy for us, and I am so happy to have met you. I won’t forget you in the hustle of being momentarily popular, I promise. For our lurkers(and I know you’re out there, I check my stats) it’s been nice to have you sharing our lives as well. Leave a comment, we won’t bite. Much.
If this is your first visit to see Flat Jared, welcome! I hope you enjoy reading about all our adventures, and maybe even share adventures of your own. If you have some time, swing by the websites of our favorite causes, you’ll find them in the sidebar to the right. Deployments are rarely easy, but we try to keep the tone of the blog upbeat and supportive, please respect that when commenting.
It’s awfully scary having our family in such a huge spotlight, but if it helps ease the difficulty of even one family’s deployment then I guess it’s worth it.
(special thanks to Jami, Annette Lyon, Q Madp, and Parade Magazine!)
A Year with Flat Daddy 
November 27, 2010 at 8:16 am
This article brought tears to my eyes. My father was in WWII when I was born. He and my mother met in DC and were married 58 days later (July ’42) He had just been through the Pearl Harbor invasion 7 months prior to their meeting. They are both 91 and still married. But here is the similarity. I didn’t meet my dad until I was 2 years & 2 days old. (1943) He had shipped back out after they were married. MY mother had a picture of HIM framed in his sailor uniform, and gave it to me as a young toddler to carry around. That was MY “flatdaddy”. I recently was doing some organizing in their basement when I came across an old telegram from my dad just prior to my birth. It read “Here’s hoping it’s pink, but blue will be fine”. Hat’s off to our military!
Carmen Harding,
7th District Director for Sons and Daughters of Pearl Harbor Survivors.
December 19, 2010 at 7:12 pm
I think your comment meant more to me than most Carmen. It makes me think of when I found our oldest son sleeping with a picture of his dad tucked under his pillow. I hope that our children have fond memories of these moments and can grow up knowing that their dad loves them and missed them while he was away. It is hard being apart, but it can still be a positive experience. Thank you so very much for sharing your story with us
November 27, 2010 at 10:57 am
I don’t think anyone read your article without shedding at least one tear. What a wonderful story!
December 19, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Thank you
November 27, 2010 at 11:53 am
I just read the article about tyour family and it brought tears to my eyes. God bless your family and thank you to your husband and all of the servicemen who sacrifice for our freedom. Thank you from The Benyak family in Houston, TX.
December 19, 2010 at 7:04 pm
Thank you so much, your gratitude means the world to us and troops everywhere
November 27, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Dear Stewart Family:
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It has moved us to donate a flat daddy to another family. We are very thankful for your family’s sacrifice!
The Hunters
November 27, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Thank you so much Hunter family! It took a lot to put ourselves out there this way, but knowing that another family will be blessed with a Flat Daddy or Mommy makes the butterflies in my stomach all worth it!
November 27, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Excellent article and so glad Jared is home again! Our son just returned from Afghanistan Memorial Day this year.I love all the amazing photos on your blog. You ought to see if you can have them bound in book format for the kids to look at as they grow. We are grateful for your sacrifice for our nation as you clearly show an entire family deploys and serves together. Thank you!
December 19, 2010 at 7:03 pm
We have been lucky to have easy access to cameras and to family members and friends who are always by with their cameras at the ready. We have everything backed up in 3 places and someday when we have a little more time at our disposal I think turning them into a book for the kids is a great idea! Your appreciation and gratitude means a lot to us and to service members the world over, thank you
November 28, 2010 at 6:44 am
I just read the article in PARADE. I admire you for keeping the family contained during the absence of your husband. Too often, the family has difficult adjustments to make and you made it a fun time for the kids…dad was always there. God Bless you and your family. Wish this idea had been available during Vietnam.
December 19, 2010 at 7:00 pm
All things considered, we’re quite blessed to be going through a deployment in a time where communication is much smoother and easier than it was during previous conflicts. It has made a big difference for our family. Thank you for your kind thoughts.
November 28, 2010 at 8:53 am
What a great story! I cried while reading it. My husband was in the marines but we did not have children while he was deployed. We now have 2 children and one on the way and I can’t imagine not having him here for every minute of it. Bless you and your family – what a great job you are doing of keeping his memory close for your kids while he’s away. I have been inspired to donate a flat daddy to another family! Merry Christmas!
December 19, 2010 at 6:54 pm
It can be hard without kids too, because you don’t have a constant demand for your attention to keep you distracted. My brother and his wife were in the Marines as well, and I know those are some tough ones to handle, good for you ;)! I’m glad you were impressed to give to another family, what a great way to spread the love, Merry Christmas!
November 28, 2010 at 9:40 am
Hi – I’m one of those newbies – read about Flat Jared in Parade this morning and had to check to be sure the 3-dimensional Jared got home safely. I was so glad to see that Veteran’s Day picture! Thanks for sharing your wonderful story with the world, to keep us mindful of the price families pay when their loved ones are serving.
December 19, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Well welcome to our world and thank you for your kind words. It was scary, but seeing the wonderful things people are capable of has made it all worth it!
November 28, 2010 at 9:42 am
Thank you so much for sharing in Parade magazine.I also want to thank your husband for serving our country and welcome home.My husband is a disabled Viet Nam veteran.We appreciate and understand all of the sacrificies military family make while their loved ones are deployed and the years after during the adjustment to civilian life.May God richly bless you and your family.
December 19, 2010 at 6:47 pm
It has been a blessing to witness the wonderful things that have come through this article, the outpouring of love and support for troops and their families is amazing. Please send our deepest thanks to your husband, and accept our thanks to you as well for what you do. You kind thoughts are much appreciated
November 28, 2010 at 10:54 am
I just read your story in PARADE and had to tell you, as many others have, that it really touched my heart and had me crying too. I’ve shared it with my son’s Cub Scout troop as we are preparing care packages and I think donations to this program will be a super addition!
Jared, thanks for all you and your family do for my family and our Country.
December 19, 2010 at 6:43 pm
Some of my favorite memories are from having my own Cubbie troop write letters to soldiers, they say some of the funniest and most insightful things. Thanks for what you do!
November 28, 2010 at 11:40 am
Dear Stewarts,
I so admire the spirited way you’ve maintained your family ties during your separation. And LOVED the homecoming pic at the airport and wedding party! Thanks, Jared, Marissa, and crew for showing what America is at heart – united, upbeat, strong, and valiant. Your family inspired our family to donate a Flat Daddy for another family today. Great program!
December 19, 2010 at 6:41 pm
What a wonderful sentiment about the things that make America great. We’re happy to hear that another family is going to be blessed with their own Flat Mommy/Daddy, Thank you!
November 28, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Dear the Stewart Family,
I just read your article on komonews.com in Seattle. I think this is such a wonderful idea! As a mother of two small kids, I can only imagine how hard it is for all of you when Daddy is deployed. What a creative way to ease the transition. Wow! Happy to hear the really Daddy is home, too. Wonderful story!!!
The Finlayson Family
December 19, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Thank you so much. The local news was almost harder than Parade, since it was guaranteed to be seen by people near us. I’m glad it had such a positive response!
November 28, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Dear Stewarts,
I, too, read your article this morning, and was tickled to see that Jared’s home! This story has inspired me to donate a flat daddy for a dear friend who’s husband has been overseas since November of 2009. He should be home in February, and she has a daddy pillow, but I think this would really help the family work him back into their daily lives.
Thanks for your bravery, and thanks for getting the word out!
December 19, 2010 at 6:36 pm
We’re happy to finally have him here too! I’m glad you could donate to someone you love and I hope it works out well for them. All our best to you
November 28, 2010 at 1:41 pm
Dear Stewarts,
I read with awe your remarkable story and knew I wanted to help other vet’s families. What a beautiful way to keep your spouse fresh in your children’s mind and remind those who see what a family gives up when someone they love serves our country.
Have a Merry Christmas!
December 19, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Thank you so much, a very merry Christmas to you as well!
November 28, 2010 at 1:43 pm
I loved the article in Parade magazine. Now I’m loving your blog & pictures of your family with FJ & RJ.
Thanks to Jared for his service, and thanks to you, Marissa, for being the woman behind the man, keeping everything running smoothly at home so Jared can be off protecting our freedom. You are an amazing and inspirational family!
Thanks to this great article, and my new awareness of this great cause, I’ve donated 2 Flat Daddies to help two families in need. Thanks for making me/us aware of this great program.
Much love from the Stokey family to the Stewart family this Christmas season and always!!
December 19, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Two families are going to have an even merrier Christmas thanks to you, what a wonderful thing to hear. I wouldn’t say I keep things running smoothly, but I sure keep them interesting! Thank you for everything, have a very merry Christmas!
November 28, 2010 at 2:09 pm
So enjoyed the parade article, how heartwarming. Thanks for sharing your story. What an amazing family you have.
December 19, 2010 at 6:31 pm
Thank you very much, they are amazing, I guess I’ll keep ’em 😉
November 28, 2010 at 2:27 pm
I Love what a piece of cardboard can do for kids and Family members! I used to work away from home for weeks at a time so I understand the missing of a family member, cannot even go into thinking how I would feel if I was so far away not knowing if I would wake the next day to see my family! This bought tears to my eyes and I feel for you! To the kids, family members and friends that have someone overseaʻs fighting for our freedom, keep up the faith! Thanks for sharing and letting us know what we are missing in our own families!
December 19, 2010 at 6:29 pm
It’s nice to know that we have others on our side, even anonymous names somewhere on the internet, thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
November 28, 2010 at 2:43 pm
What a wonderful story. Yes, it brought tears to my eyes too…. This is soooo cool for the families to be able to do while their loved ones are overseas keeping the USA safe and free!!! Thanks for sharing your story and I am so glad your husband is home safe! Thank you for your service and God Bless You and your family!!!!
December 19, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Well thank you for your kind words and enthusiasm, it pepped up my day!
November 28, 2010 at 2:50 pm
I read about this project in today’s paper and plan to blog about it. Do any of your photos have Creative Commons licensing? I would certainly include a credit and also link to your blog.
As a retired teacher/librarian, I’m familiar with variations on the Flat Stanley theme. But this is the most wonderful application I’ve ever seen.
Best wishes to you and your family.
December 19, 2010 at 6:26 pm
Uhhhh…. I guess the pictures are out there and you can use them as long as it isn’t for any sort of commercial purpose. *writes note to self to go check licensing settings on flickr*
Thanks a bunch, best wishes to you as well
November 28, 2010 at 3:23 pm
Everyone who serves is a hero.
And the families who wait behind are heroes, too.
Thank you all for your service.
🙂
December 19, 2010 at 6:26 pm
My sentiments exactly, thank you
November 28, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your story and thank you to Jared for his service. Your family and their strength is inspiring!
December 19, 2010 at 6:27 pm
Thank you for your kind words and the time you took to comment!
November 28, 2010 at 4:56 pm
I don’t usually cry while I cut coupons from the Sunday paper, but this morning I was cutting coupons while reading your beautiful article.
I think you are amazing and your family is gorgeous. I couldn’t help but browse the rest of your site after that article!!
I also wanted to share your article with all of my readers: http://www.withourbest.com/everything-else/a-deployed-dad-an-article-that-brought-tears-to-my-eyes/
Thank you to Jared and FJ!
December 19, 2010 at 6:24 pm
Thank you for all your kind words, and for linking our story. I also love hearing the word gorgeous in relation to me and my family, lol!
November 28, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Thank you for sharing your life with us via today’s Parade article, “Wish You Were Here.” This weekend we have been discussing how so many of our wants or wishes have already been granted for which we are blessed and thankful, and then I read of your family’s sacrifice. As I put my Christmas gift idea list today, I added a note “give to Flat Daddies.”
Thank you for sharing your family’s story, Jared’s service for our country. Happy Holidays!
B of J&B Myers family
December 19, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Thank you for your kind words, and for your gift to another family through Flat Daddies. All our best to you and yours!
November 28, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Just wanted to make you aware of a project that is free to the troops. http://www.dogtagsforkids.com Dog tags engraved
“With Love, From Dad, U.S. Army, Iraq 2010” are sent to the military member in Iraq, Kuwait or Afghanistan and the parent then sends it to their child. Connects hearts, one tag at a time.
Hopefully Jared won’t be deployed again and need the service. All branches, moms, dads and Spanish tags are available.
Thank you for your family’s service!
December 19, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Thanks for the heads up, I will do my best to pass the info along!
November 28, 2010 at 5:18 pm
What an amazing idea! My husband recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan and I so wish that I had thought of something like this before. Our daughters adore their father (three daddy’s girls) and I know they would have loved having something like this where they could see him and know he was loving them, even from a distance. We recorded him reading bedtime stories before he left and I made a slideshow for them at the end of it and they watched it all the time. I am definitely going to get us a flat daddy for the next deployment. Awesome!
December 19, 2010 at 6:04 pm
No offense, but I hope you won’t need a Flat Daddy anytime soon! Love from all of our home to all of yours!
November 28, 2010 at 5:22 pm
Great article in Parade! Your family is an inspiration to us all. Thank you and God Bless!
December 19, 2010 at 6:02 pm
Thank you, right back atcha!
November 28, 2010 at 5:47 pm
I saw the lovely article about your family and was very touched. My father was in Vietnam when I was born and didn’t get to meet me until I was 6 months old. My mom always said he never really forgave himself. It is so hard having a spouse serve but what an honor it is too. Your husband is brave and his service deeply appreciated. thank you for sharing your story.
December 19, 2010 at 5:54 pm
It’s hard even with all the different ways we have to communicate during deployments, but kids are wonderful creatures and tend to remember the best of the situation rather than the worst. I’m so proud of my husband and his willingness to follow through on the commitment he made to our country, to you, even when it’s hard. Thank you for your kind thoughts!
November 28, 2010 at 6:29 pm
SO INCREDIBLY AWESOME!
That last line about Mira’s first 3 birthdays got me all choked up.
December 19, 2010 at 5:50 pm
Oh my goodness Annette, you have done so much for this blog and this cause! I appreciate all the love and support you have shown us, and for your willingness to dive right in and get down to business. You’re fantastic!
November 28, 2010 at 7:14 pm
I am greatful to Jared for his service to our country. I admire you for your strength to get through 2+ years of having to raise three children alone. I loved your story and your blog about FJ. Love to you and Jared and your family. This really touched my heart.I have clients who struggle with the same situation and I never fail to Thank them for their position to serve and protect. Love to you
December 19, 2010 at 5:49 pm
Thank you for your love and kind thoughts, often the service of spouses and children is forgotten, thank you for doing your best for them
November 28, 2010 at 7:33 pm
I was touched and delighted to read your story in Parade. My son will be deploying to the Middle East soon and I love this idea for keeping him foremost in our 3 year old granddaughter’s life. Thank you for providing this information. Blessings and joy to your family.
December 19, 2010 at 5:46 pm
Thank you. Our best wishes to your son and his family as he leaves. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
November 28, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Just finished the parade article and promptly went to donate a Flat Daddy. I was so very touched. My father was stationed in Korea in 1968. He left my mother, who was 20 at the time, when she was about 9 months pregnant wilth me. They knew that he would be missing so much of the 1st year of my life, so they sent reel to reel tapes back and forth through the mail. My dad played the guitar and sang lullabies to me, so that 13 months later, when he was discharged from the service, I would recognize his voice and know him as if he had been with me all along. It must’ve worked, because when my mother met him at the bus stop, she held her breath as he reached for me and prayed that I wouldn’t turn away. I never missed a beat in going right into his arms. By donating a Flat Daddy, i hope to give this same reassurance to another family-that they know that their loved one is not forgotten and is a part of everyday life back here in the states. God bless you all for the sacrifices you are making.
December 19, 2010 at 5:44 pm
We have been blessed with so much wonderful technology that has made contact with deployed service member easier than in conflicts past. The dedication of your parents is inspiring to me, and I know your gift will touch another family in a very special way. Thank you
November 29, 2010 at 6:58 am
Marissa & Jared,
Thank you for allowing us to get a peek into your private life and understand the sacrifice your family is making so that we can all enjoy the freedom of this great nation. Thank you, Jared, for your service and for enduring the hardship of being away from your family for such an extended period of time. Thank you, Marissa, for being so invested in making sure that when Jared is deployed he is not “out of sight” so that he will never be “out of mind”. What a wonderful gift to your children, so they can maintain a strong attachment to their father. Again, my thanks and many heartfelt blessings to you all as you spend a well-deserved holiday season together. I will be donating a flat-daddy today.
Marit (from Minneapolis, MN)
December 19, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Thank you for your kind words, and for your gift to another family. Family is the most important thing, and we’re doing our best to keep ours close and happy, even when things are rough.
December 1, 2010 at 6:15 am
Thank you so much for sharing your story! I work with a military ministry and interact on a daily basis with the families of those who are deployed. My heart breaks for the sacrifices that you have made, and also swells with pride at the American heart that your family represents. Thank you for sacrificing for my freedom, and for making the best of difficult circumstances. I’m praying for you and your family as you adjust to having your husband and father home and putting FJ aside (hopefully for awhile!!). Thank you again for sharing your life with us, and know that you have our full support, love and prayers!!
December 19, 2010 at 5:24 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words, and for all that you do in the service of others, it is much appreciated!