HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN!

Today John is 26. John was the 2.5 hour start to finish labor, starting at 4:00 a.m., three weeks before his due date. He was almost born in the car in a snow storm. We made it on time to the hospital, however, with me running up the stairs to the second floor to tell the nurse on duty "I'm having a baby."

John was the quiet, studious baby. At five months he could be propped on the couch with a book and he'd study it. He never did crawl, he drug himself around with his left arm. He didn't walk or talk until he was 13 months old, at which time he toddled saying "want cookie." John was the baby full of mystery. People would come to visit and they would comment how quiet he was. I'd challenge any of them to visit for a day and see how quiet he was. He was always trying things out, studying them, busy and on the go.

John you have always been the charmer. You learned at a very early age that all you had to do was turn your little head so you were looking at me with that chocolate brown eye of yours, and I could become a softie. You have used that charm all of your life, always to your advantage. Most times it worked. You taught me to be a tough Mom, staying strong on my side of a story.

We have had our moments. There were many years where we barely spoke to each other. However, during those years, I always knew you loved me and you always knew I loved you. I can remember there was a time I was hurt by your lack of interest in me when your Dad told me not to take it personal. I didn't and that helped. You had to figure out who you were, and you wanted to do it on your own. I think you did a good job doing so.

You have made me cry, but you have also made me laughed myself silly, with tears in my eyes. You have driven crazy nuts where I wanted to knock you across the room (as if I could) and you have made me the proudest mom around.

Throughout the years I have always been thrilled to be your mom, even when it was hard. I am a blessed mom having you and your brother as my sons.

You are special John, and I love you. Dad and I are so proud of who you have become. You are a kind and generous soul, and a wonderful young man. Thank you for being who you are, and for being our son.

Stay sweet and Happy Birthday. Happy New Year's to you too.

Love,

Mom

To the Rescued Dog You are Their World

There is a beautiful phrase that many of us in the animal rescue have seen, particularly those of us who rescue dogs.

To the world you rescued a dog, to the rescued dog, you are the world!

This is the time of year we see an increase is owner turn ins, the dogs need to be deposed of before the holidays. You see, people are getting their houses fixed up for all of the company coming over ... new carpets, new furniture, new ornaments on the tree. Because of all of the newness, out with the dog. Dogs are dirty, they track in dirt on their paws, they might lift a leg and mark the new furniture, or the dog is just plain getting too old to control its bladder and bowels, and will probably make a mess on the new carpet. The dog just might want to join in on the holiday fun, and will be in the way. These are all real statements I have seen as reasons to turn in a dog.

Imagine what it must feel like to the family dog, to all of a sudden be dumped somewhere, or turned over to a rescue group, just when all of the fun of the holidays is getting started.

The dog doesn't ask much, just love. They will manage without a warm bed, a lot of food. All they want is love. I have always felt that the dog is God's way of showing His unconditional love for us. The dog gives unconditional love, and complete loyalty.

To all of the wonderful volunteers who are there for these dogs, I say you are amazing. There is a special place for you in Heaven, and God is overjoyed when you step in and take a discarded dog into your heart and home. The following is a take on the Night Before Christmas. It was sent to me by another volunteer with Small Paws Rescue. When you go to bed tomorrow night, consider the dog that just wants a family for Christmas, a family that will love and honor him.

~Forgotten Dog's Christmas~

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there

The children were nestled all snug in their beds

With no thought of the dog filling their head

And mama in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap

Knew he was cold, but didn't care about that

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter

Away to the window I flew like a flash

Figuring the dog was free of his chain and into the trash

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the luster of mid-day to objects below

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear

But Santa Claus - with eyes full of tears

He un-chained the dog, once so lively and quick

Last year's Christmas present, now painfully thin and sick

More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name

And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!

On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and BLITZEN!

To the top of the porch!

To the top of the wall!

Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all."

I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year

For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear

The gift of a dog is not just for the season

We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons

In our haste to think of the kids a gift

There was one important thing that we missed

A dog should be family, and cared for the same

You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain

And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight

"You weren't given a gift! You were given a LIFE!"

Author Unknown

Merry Christmas from Edgar, A.J., Louie, Johnny and Abby (the Alpha cat)

Sue

One Reason for Operation Holiday Stockings

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY;

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY, THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;

I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR SO WILLING TO FIGHT.

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA, IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."

A New Yarn

While reading some comments on another blog I came across the comment about A New Yarn, a non-profit store to benefit Northwest Family Life. What a wonderful idea. I've been communicating with Claudia, the director of A New Yarn, and Susan, Cynthia and I will be visiting the store after the holidays. I'll be sure to report more. In the meantime, if you live in the Seattle area, check out A New Yarn. I'd love to read your comments if you do.

Okay, so where did the year go? I have always been told that the older you get the faster time goes. Okay, I believe it now. It seems like we just celebrated my birthday back in April. Today is the 15th of December and the tree isn't up yet. Of course I have had a good excuse. For several weeks now my house has looked like this:

And this

And this

But it has been well worth it! We sent out a total of 18 boxes to soldiers in Iraq, Afghanistan and in the Caribbean. It's been fun, and a lot of love from a lot of people has gone into this project.

A couple of weeks ago I made the comment to David that I felt the spirit of this project was lacking this year. It finally dawned on me what the problem was. Mom loved this project. Each year I would give weekly reports and send pictures and tell her about each stocking that we received. She was so interested and so proud. I know she has been watching again this year, but I miss telling her about all of this and her wanting to know each little detail.

Well, I love spur of the moment plans. Susan needs size 6 lace needles for her lace project, so we are meeting up with Cynthia for a knitting adventure this afternoon. Good thing I got up at 5:00 this morning to finish the final details of OHS 2007, and to do the Christmas cards.

On Being Politically Correct

December 25th is CHRISTMAS, the holiday for which we Christians celebrate the birth of Christ. December 25th is also a National holiday. However, it is not politically correct to wish someone a Merry Christmas anymore. The following was sent to me by Debbie, and it so clearly states how I feel about being politically correct about December 25th, the day we celebrate the birth of Christ, aka CHRISTMAS. The poem is floating around on the Internet so I can't give credit to anyone particular person. With that being said, the author is unknown, but also well known.

The Month before Christmas!

'Twas the month before Christmas

When all through our land,

Not a Christian was praying

Nor taking a stand.

See the PC Police had taken away,

The reason for Christmas - No one could say.

The children were told by their schools not to sing,

About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.

It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say

December 25th is just a " Holiday ."

Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit

Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!

CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod

Something was changing, something quite odd!

Retailers promoted Ramadan and Kwanzaa

In hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.

As Targets were hanging their trees upside down

At Lowe's the word Christmas - was nowhere to be found.

At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears

You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty

Are words that were used to intimidate me.

Now Daschle, Now Durbin, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen

On Boxer, on Reed, on Kerry, and Clinton !

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter

To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith

Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace.

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded

The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So as you celebrate "Winter Break" under your "Dream Tree"

Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.

Choose your words carefully, choose what you say

Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS, not Happy Holiday!

Enought said!

Sue

The Stockings are on Their Way!

It's cold here, but at least it's not ice. I've been reading about the ice storms in the midwest and they have my prayers and thoughts. We get those ice storms in the Northwest and they are horrible. Stay warm and stay safe.


The final tally is in. We got in 933 stockings, and sent out 17 boxes. The last of the stockings to come in are these:



Melinda sent in a bunch and they were stuffed and packed. And then ...

The Cub Scouts sent in their stockings. There are 115 stockings here, all decorated and stuffed by the Scouts. They are adorable. I've tried to get a close up of some of them ...

One of the stockings says "To all our Troops" and the other says "Happy X Mas". What a wonderful service project for these boys.

Our house was looking like the night before Christmas, except these stockings were stuffed and packed by the chimney with care.

We sent boxes to:

Virginia's son Rick
La Shona's Uncle Jay
Peter's nephew Kainoa
Cathy's son-in law Seth
Brandi's friend Joshua
Lindsey's friend Andrew
Jaclyn's friend Taja
Lynne's cousin Pat
Cindy's son Jer
and
Our friend Lisa

Thank you to everyone who helped. The knitters, crocheters, semstresses, decorators, stuffers, and packers, and the wonderful folks who provided the items to put into the stockings, and sent in donations for postage. This is truly a labor of love, and a lot of love has gone into it.

Here's the list of everyone involved:

OPERATION HOLIDAY STOCKINGS 2007

List of Contributors

Annette of Bainbridge Island, Washington
Arlayne of Seattle, Washington
Beth of Bothell, Washington
Betty of Salem, Indiana
Bitsy of Olympia, Washington
Bonnie of Sequim, Washington
Cathy of Seattle, Washington
Christine of Wilmington, North Carolina
Chiya of Bellevue, Washington
Cindy of Renton, Washington
Cub Scout Pack of Shoreline, Washington
Deb of Lake Forest Park, Washington
Deborah of Seattle, Washington
Diana of Lyle, Washington
Dr. Jeff of Bellevue, Washington
Elaine of Seattle, Washington
Emily of Seattle, Washington
Eric of Seattle, Washington
Erlene of Grass Valley, California
Gillian of Lynnwood, Washington
Girl Scout Troop of Seattle, Washington
Grace of Kirkland, Washington
Heather of Mollala, Oregon
Honora of Seattle, Washington
Jaclyn of Lacy, Washington
Jamie of Cincinnati, Ohio
Janell of Canby, Oregon
Janette of Renton, Washington
Jeff of Poulsbo, Washington
Jennifer A. of Issaquah, Washington
Jennifer H. of Seattle, Washington
Jim & Sue of Sherwood, Oregon
Jim of Seattle, Washington
Jody of Seattle, Washington
Joe & Stacy of Bellevue, Washington
Karen of Kirkland, Washington
Kathy of College Place, Washington
Kari & Mike of Bellevue, Washington
Katie of Bellevue, Washington
Katlyn of Washington DC
Kelli of Cheyenne, Wyoming
Kristen of Seattle, Washington
Kristine of Arlington, Washington
La Shona of Seattle, Washington
Linda A. of New York, New York
Linda R. of Springfield, Ohio
Lisa H. of Bellevue, Washington
Lisa M. of Seattle, Washington
Lisa P. of Bellevue, Washington
Lynne of Seattle, Washington
Maggie of Plainfield, Illinois
Marina of Bremerton, Washington
Maryanne of South Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Melanie of Grass Valley, California
Melinda of San Rafael, California
Nancy of Corvallis, Oregon
Patti of Seattle, Washington
Peg of Overland Park, Kansas
Preceptor Alpha Nu Sisters of Beta Sigma Phi, The Dalles, Oregon
Richard of Seattle, Washington
Sam of Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Sandra of Edmonds, Washington
Santa of Seattle, Washington
Sharon of Edmonds, Washington
Steve of Kent, Washington
Sue and David of Bellevue, Washington
Sue of Oakland, Rhode Island
Susan B. of Bellevue, Washington
Susan S. of Kirkland, Washington
Susie of Grass Valley, California
Torero's Restaurant of Bellevue, Washington

What a amazing bunch of people!


Meanwhile, I better get in some knitting updates here.

I finally got the right size knitting needles to start on the shawl from the book Arctic Lace. I truly love this book. Donna Druchunas has written an amazing book, full of history, factual information, and lovely patterns. It was through this book that I was finally able to figure out how to read the lace charts and enjoy it. There are practice lace patterns to learn with and they are fun.

As you can see, the book is well used. I am knitting the Parka Trim Stole and using Jagger Spun's Zephryr in Bottle Green, on size 3 Addi Turbo Lace Needles. This is not a quick knit, but it is a lovely, soothing knit for me. Granted it is a challenge to read the chart and knit with three dogs in my lap, but it is possible. The color is so beautiful, it does remind me of the Douglas Firs in my yard during the winter months, and the touch is so soft and warm, it feels good on the hands. We'll see how long it takes. Don't hold your breath, after all I am knitting with three dogs in my lap.

I've already knit the Skeleton Scarf in Donna's book out of a 60/40 Merino Angora fingering blend from Toots LeBlanc & Co. It is in the natural white color and it's on my neck all winter long. I love, love, love it!

Last week while standing at the bus stop I was privately bitching to myself about how cold my head was. I'm bitching about this in my head when it dawns on me ... "You're a knitter, knit yourself a hat." Maybe the cold wind was freezing the gray matter, who knows, but anyway, I knit myself a hat.

Nothing too exciting about this hat, except it is done, keeps my head warm, and I love the yarn I had stashed away. I used two yarns stranded together. Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Hollyberry, and Artful Yarns Portrait in Color 167. The pattern is a standard stocking hat pattern. I did use size 9 needles to accommodate the yarn, and the hat expert, Susan, suggested the 84 stitches (and who is to argue with the Susan, the hat expert, she knows what she's talking about).


Stay warm and enjoy the season.

Sue

A Weekend Off

I've been absent, because I have been busy. We continue to pack up boxes for Operation Holiday Stockings and are getting started on wrapping them up and labeling them for mailing. I'll have pictures on the next post.

Susan, Cynthia and I are heading over to Edgar's Acres for the weekend. I need to get over there to check out the place after the last storm that came through here. Yes, little Louie is going with me, and Cynthia will be bringing Disney and Bella.

Knitting is the primary theme, of course, along with laughter and a little wine. I already have two knitting projects at Edgar's Acres, and am working on a couple here. What to take, what to plan on working on. And then there are the baby items to work on. Right now my mind is tired so it's hard to think about details in knitting, like what to start next.

Stay warm and dry everyone. Pray for the victims of the recent flooding we have had in SW Washington and NW Oregon.

Catch up with you all later.

Sue

The Stockings Have Been Stuffed

We had the stocking stuffing party at our house yesterday and a good time was had for all. We stuffed about 500 stockings. We also got some more stockings bringing up the total to 770 stockings.

Susan brought three more stockings when she came over yesterday to help.

Bitsy drove up last night to deliver her beautiful stockings, along with a bunch of goodies to stuff them with.

Lynne knit her first stocking and did a beautiful job.

We've got stockings in boxes and had enough of the darling cards the girl scouts did for each box.

All of these stockings are beautiful and will be very appreciated.

Even A.J. got involved inspecting the stockings and making sure they were done correctly.

Chiya knows good help when she see it. Hunter was happy to help out. Note that A.J. is busy supervising in the background. Got to make sure the stockings are done right!

A big thank you to Kari, Mike, Chiya, Susan, Katie, Cindy, Hunter and David for all of your help getting these stockings stuffed.

Tonight David and I went through and counted out the stockings and got them packed for shipping this week. We will be shipping out 16 boxes to ten soldiers in all branches of the military. A job well done.

I wrote the letters that go with the boxes, along with the list of contributors.

Meanwhile, the countdown is continuing. 1489 days or 35,736 hours.

Sue

Thank You Sally!

Today is Saturday, December 1st. Today is pedicure day. Pedicure day means flip-flops. Flip-flops are fine when it is (a) hot and dry, (b) warm and rainy, (c) cold and rainy, but (d) snowy? This is what hit upon us this morning.Well, I left the house with my wool socks and fur lined shoes on ... nice warm feet. I came home in ... you guessed it ... flip flops.

Don't want to ruin the pretty toes.

Cynthia and I went to the grocery store after our pedicures to pick up some food and other items for some housebound sick friends. Yes, we got some looks. In fact, it was a bit funny.

We then went to Weaving Works so Cynthia could pick up the yarn she has been pondering over for the past 5 weeks, and I could pick up some size 6 Addi lace needles, and buttons for some baby sweaters.


We got looks, but we also got questions, which made it fun. Many women there understood entirely why were running around in a snow storm wearing flip flops. (In case you are wondering, we did have boots, socks, and warm clothing with us.)

I love the snow, especially when it falls on a weekend. It makes everything look pristine and serene. It also muffles traffic noise.

Another reason why we headed out this morning for the pedicures was for me to deliver the Baby Albert sweater I knit for Cyn's granddaughter Eva Rose. It has taken about three months because I needed to find the right yarn and then was detoured when Mom died. Cyn's been so patient.

She loved the sweater and assures me that Eva Rose will love it too. Look how nicely it came out. I used Provence, a lovely 100% mercerized Egyptian Cotton, from Classic Elite Yarns. I made the largest size and used size 8 needles. The pattern is from Sally Melville's The Knit Stitch. Thank you Sally for coming up with this darling pattern. I am thrilled with the way it came out. The yarn washed up beautifully, and it should wear really well.

When I took the commission to make this sweater for Eva Rose I quizzed Cyn about the baby's coloring, her personality, and was she a girly girl or not. I also asked about Eva Rose's mother's fashion preferences. After all, it doesn't do any good to knit something for a baby if the mother doesn't like it.


The little buttons are butterflies because Eva Rose loves butterflies. Aren't these precious?

Yesterday we had the stocking stuffing party at work that Deb and Sandra put together. We had a great turnout and lots of stuff for the stockings. The volunteers stuffed about 300 stockings in about an hour. We had secretaries, paralegals, other staff members, and attorneys all lending a hand. It was wonderful to have such support for a project that is so dear to my heart.

Well, the doggies want to go back outside and play in the snow (except for A.J., he's very content on the couch, thank you very much!). Actually, Edgar wants to go bark at the kids outside playing. Once he realizes it's the neighbor kids playing in the snow, he will want to get back inside where it's warm. He loves his couch!

I guess it really is December, isn't it? Glad my Christmas shopping is all done!

Sue

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANK

Today Frank is 27. I called him after 6:45 p.m., when he was really 27 years old. Frank is our oldest son, and a 1LT in the National Guard. We are truly blessed and proud to call him our son. It has been a pleasure to watch him grow up to be the fine young man he is now. Yes, there were times when I wanted to ring his dear little neck but I let him survive to adulthood. There were times when I felt I just plain didn't know who this kid was standing in front of me, and there were times he was close to my heart.

The milestones have come and gone, and there will certainly be more.

The day he was finally born (he was almost a 10 month baby) was full of much needed joy. I was three months pregnant when my Dad died so having a baby was a gift of life for life. I remember seeing him for the first time and thought to myself, he doesn't have dark hair like David. Instead, here was this darling blond hair, blue eyed baby looking like he was ready to take on the world.

His first step at 10 months, his first word "bobby" at 9 months. His first doggie he called "nooker" and the cat he called "she she."

At 13 months Frank became big brother to John and he immediately adored him. I remember Frank standing at the playpen to just look at the baby sleeping and calling out "baby seep."

Frank's first day at school, going to kindergarten was a milestone for him. He was a big boy then. There were some difficult times in school for him, but he got through them and made us proud.

I chewed down all of my fingernails on Frank's first kayak trip about Lopez Island when he was 12. I spent the entire week with my rosary in my pocket. He came back a changed boy. He had grown up on that trip and had experienced another part of our world.

Frank went to wrestling camp only to break his leg. During the 6 weeks he was on crutches he grew three inches. I wondered if this was just a warning of what was to be of his wrestling career.

When Frank started high school it was a whole new world for all of us. He became the football player and wrestler. His last wrestling match his Senior year brought tears of relief to my eyes that his neck was still intact. It was a thrill to stand on the football field at his last game wearing his 70 pound letterman jacket.

Off to college Frank went and he was living "away from home." The nest was starting to empty out, giving us a whole year having John as an "only" child and enjoying the opportunity. Frank chose to go through ROTC to help pay for his college education. When he started in 1999 our world was at peace and our country didn't have wars to send our young soldiers to.

When Frank went to basic training in South Carolina, we all went down for his graduation in July (only for a son). Another proud moment. Hotter than hell, and the humidity was merciless, but worth it.

When Frank graduated from College and received his commission, we all knew he would be eventually going to Iraq. There were some bittersweet feelings that day.

The day Frank came up to Edgar's Acres and told us he was being deployed to Iraq was the day time stood still for me. I knew it was coming, but still wasn't prepared for the reality of it. I had to stop and think of how I was going to react. After all, I was now an officer's mother.

For one year I prayed all day for the safety of my son, and the soldiers under his command. Frank is the reason for sending stockings to the troops during the holidays.

The day he came back from Iraq was like a full circle for me. The flight was delayed, the plane was late, it was like waiting for a baby to be born. The moment I saw him walking down the concourse toward the waiting crowd was probably the biggest relief I have ever experienced, I lost 100 pounds off of my shoulders. I felt glued to the spot, only to be nudged on by David. I just can't describe how I felt, to see him home again. I did manage to keep my composure and act as an officer's mother should act.

Yes, that was probably the best day of our lives, for all of us.

I know it was for John, Frank's "little" brother.

I love this picture. These two brothers are thrilled to be back together again. Frank is on the left with the "desert" watch on. John is wearing the striped shirt. And no, they aren't twins.

Happy Birthday Frank. We all love you. Thank you for being who you are.

Mom xoxoxo

We're up to 718 Stockings

Look at these. These stockings and cards are from a local Girl Scout Troop. The cards are very dear and the stockings beautiful. The girls decorated the felt stockings with glitter and gems. These are very precious to the soldiers.Peg has been busy crocheting again this year and sent in this beautiful bunch of stockings. Peg, how long have you been crocheting up stockings for this year, anyway?

Arlayne sewed these beautiful stockings for our soldiers. Look at the beautiful fabrics she used.

La Shona crocheted these lovely stockings. We will have to make sure the one of these stockings is in the box we are sending to her uncle.

Emily learned to crochet last year doing stockings for us. She is still crocheting and has done these beautiful stockings.

As I said, that brings the total up to 718 stockings, and we have seven soldiers we will be sending stockings to. We have plenty so if you know of someone who would like to receive stockings of love and support, please let me know.

On another note, doesn't Edgar look comfy?

Here's the Teddy Bear Blanket I've been working on. I'm in the middle of the last repeat. It's funny how I can't see the bears while working on it, but once I layed it out on the ottoman, I could see them clearly. As I mentioned before, this is knit with two strands of worsted yarn, and I think it may be a bit heavy for a baby. However, it will be a great blankie for a toddler to drag around. I may try using a single strand of yarn next time, which will mean more repeats of these darling bears.

Well, it was a grueling day at work today so I'm off to join David and the doggies in the living room, and have a glass of wine while dinner cooks.

Sue

Question for You!

Why is this dude holding a baseball bat instead of skis for the Panda Ski Mask? Does this seem odd to you?

Sue

More Stockings!

I received 13 more stockings from Kristine yesterday bringing our total up to 611. I'm going to take in several hundred to work on Friday because Deb and Sandra are putting together a stocking stuffing party to help out. I am anticipating receiving a couple hundred more this week. I know there are two ladies still crocheting away on stockings, and one cub scout pack putting together about 100.

We will be stuffing stockings here at the house on Sunday, December 2. We postponed it by one week because Thanksgiving was early this year and we still are waiting for stockings.

All of the stockings we have received are so beautiful and each one carries a message of love and support. I had someone ask me last week why we were doing these stockings again this year. The comment was "aren't you just tired of this war?" I response was "this is about the soldiers that won't be home for the holidays, no politics."

So far we will be sending stockings to:

Virginia's son Rick

La Shona's uncle Jay

Cindy's son Jer

Our friend Lt. Lisa

and Peter's nephew Kainoa

We need to let these young people know we think about them and that they are included in our prayers.

Again, if you know of anyone who should receive stockings this year, please email me at ramsddj at aol dot com.

Thank you again to all of you who have provided stockings, items for the stockings, and cash for postage. God will truly bless you!

Sue

Football and Knitting

Yesterday morning at 7:30 a.m., Frank, John and I headed off to Tacoma for the high school semi-final games. Why? Well because O'Dea was playing against Bellevue at 9:00 a.m. It isn't often that I get to hang out with the guys so I was up and ready to go at 7:00. We hooked up with the Walshes and saw a lot of other guys that went to high school with Frank and John.

Of course, O'Dea won and it was a great game.

This also meant I had close to two hours of knitting time. Of course I took my knitting. I got the first repeat of the Teddy Bear Blanket done on the way down to Tacoma, and got started on the second repeat on the way back.

It case you're wondering .... I did NOT take my knitting into the game. I think that would be crossing the line as far as Frank and John are concerned.

In the afternoon Susan called and asked if I wanted to go for coffee. I looked around the house and here was Frank asleep on the couch with A.J. sleeping on his chest. John was downstairs playing Halo. Edgar was asleep in a sun spot on the floor. Louie was stretched out on the ottoman, and even Johnny was snoozing on the loveseat. David was still at work. Coffee with Susan sounded like a great idea. I told Frank he was responsibile for dog sitting while I was out, and off I went. What a lovely respite this was.

Susan and Cynthia came over last night for a sip n' knit and we had a great time. It's always good to catch up with them. They are very special ladies and very good friends.

It was a lovely day overall.

Sue

Pies and Teddybears

We had a lovely Thanksgiving yesterday. It was a day of outstanding food, special friends, good drink, and of course, pies and teddybears.

As I mentioned earlier, we went to the Walshes for Thanksgiving. My assignment was dessert, which was pumpkin and pecan pies. I've made many a pumpkin pie, it was the pecan pie I was worried about. Nothing like making a brand new dessert with an untried recipe and taking it to someone's house for dessert. After all, I do have a reputation to maintain.



I started with the pumpkin pies since I am comfortable with that task.


First of all, lay out all of the ingredients for the pie. Last check to make sure I have what I need before the grocery store closes at noon.

I layed out the ingredients for both pies ... need that comfort level for the new, and untried recipe.

For the pumpkin pie I put the pumpkin, sugar and spices in the bowl, and mixed well with my 25 year old Mixmaster.

After that I mixed together the eggs and half n' half and blended it with the pumpkin mixture.

Until it was all smooth and creamy.

Then I poured the mixture into the two "prepared" pie shells.

I put them in the oven for 50 minutes, and then ...

I went over to the kitchen table to sit, sip and knit.

I should point out that the "sip" portion of the "sit, sip and knit" exercise consisted of coffee (it was 8:00 in the morning after all).

This is the darling teddy bear baby blanket by Crystal Palace. Since I have 8 babies to be knitting for I was anxious to get started on this blanket. I haven't been able to locate the colors I want in the new Merino 5 so I am using Plymouth Yarns Encore. Between the time I had yesterday and the time today I have done one repeat. It's going to be cute.

Anyway, back to the pies.

I love the smell of pumpkin pies baking. It reminds me of Aunt Vera and Marguerite and the many, many Thanksgivings we had at their house in what used to be the "country" in Beaverton, Oregon. The smell of the spices fills the whole house with love and comfort.

These came out really, really nice and made me proud of myself.

Well on to the new and untested pecan pie recipe. Again, I set out all of the ingredients, including the bourbon (since I didn't have rum).

The pecans were sent to us from Louisanna and have been in the freezer for a couple of years. I had David taste test them to make sure they tasted okay since I had no idea what a pecan tasted like. After eating a handful, David declared they were perfect.

In the bowl I put in the Karo Syrup, white sugar, salt, eggs, melted butter, and the bourbon. After that was blended to perfection by the trusty Mixmaster, I used a spoon, and stirred in the pecans. After everthing was mixed up nicely I poured the mixture into the pie shells.

Since I want everyone to see my dirty oven I decided to take this picture. See, I'm not a perfect housekeeper by any means (I know you've been concerned).

Another 40 minutes of sit, sip and knit.

David officially said they looked beautiful and we all enjoyed the smell of whiskey floating through the house.

The pies were a big hit. The pecan pie passed the "I don't think I like pecan pie" test." All of the guys were raving about it, and some even had seconds. I took two and brought back one half. Between the pumpkin and the pecan pies, we ended up bring home one whole pie. Makes me feel good.

We got more stockings today. Two of our stocking ladies have been running their sewing machines.

Kristine sent these 12 stockings and said more are coming. They all have bells on them and so cute.

Melinda made 62 stockings and each one has a holiday card in it. She also sent along donations for postage from her and some of her co-workers.

We now have 598 stockings and $530.00 toward postage and items for the stockings.

You will note that those darling stockings from the Preceptor Alpha Nu Sisters are not on the table. Edgar and his little buddies, Louie, A.J. and Johnny are just too interested in them. Yesterday morning they had a plan. Edgar got one of the stockings down off of the table and spilled the candy cane, bubble gum, and peppermint. That gave each of the doggies a piece of candy/gum to chew. Within 30 minutes we had doggie wommit that smelled like peppermint all over the place, and one dog finally needed help getting the bubble gum out of his mouth and off of his face. They thought it was great fun for a few minutes until the plan backfired on them.

Hummm ... I smell fresh coffee.

Sue