Heads at Ease pillowcase project - our motto is: ALL OR NONE

This is my new wreath... checking to make sure it works before we hang it on the outside of the front door!

QBlue, That is just great! Love it! I too would like to know how you made it. My sailor will be arriving home on the 16th (mid-night). I can't wait to see him. It's his first time home in over a year. Having an open house for him with family and friends on the 18th. This would be great along with the banner I got through build a sign (free). Thanks!

that is a really cool wreath quilt.  did you use a garland on a coathanger?  did you make it?  handsome sailor quilt.

Karen, you can start to make pillowcases.  We always have a need and it's good to build a stash. I got a call last night from a local crew member.  Her kinder class has adopted 8 marines for Christmas who don't get mail.  So now they are each getting a pc too.

We are working on a marines unit as well as our wounded warriors project in Germany.  I will let Natalie explain that better.

Got a request yesterday from  a former N4M whose daughter is working with the wounded warriors at Bethesda.  We are getting her some pcs.  So jump in and build a stash.  So nice to be able to go to that when a need arises.

Got school done this week and now our countdown begins to Ray's surgery.

So glad to know that the Bush is on it's way home.  On 12-15, Manzanita elementary will be having a special ceremony to retire their old tattered flag and replace it with the new one from the Bush.  The Boy Scouts will lower the old, tell about the retirement ceremony that they will perform and then raise the new flag.  I will speak about HAE and why the school has received that flag.  I am quite excited to present our group and tell what we do.

The Bush has pillowcases on it from this school, some students and a teacher as well.

Godspeed the USS George H W Bush!

m's mom can you post photos of those special requests and how many did you make?

New numbers crew!  Awesome job!

glad to hear that some sailors are coming home!  I know you will enjoy your time with them.

WOOOOOHOOOO Bush My sailor will be here in FL on the 14th. I will be watching the Live stream of them coming home in the morning. SO I guess I better get the big box of Tissues out. If you want to watch the homecoming you can go to:

http://www.livestream.com/usnavy

You all can cry with me as we watch them come home, My daughter has been warned that the Bush moms will be looking for her, I sent her lots of hugs and kisses with them.

Sue what time on Monday is the surgery?

Oh the homecoming is at 10am EST (yes this is public knowledge)

Hey thanks for that link ME.  I'll take a look in the morning before going to Curves to work.

The surgery is at 7:30 am.  did the Bush do a tiger cruise?

Yep they are doing it now, Dani got lots of hugs from people I sent to find her.

I've started the count down, til its "off to see the wizard"! Unlike carriers, we are not allowed to mention any dates for the subs return. But it is nice to know that they will be back before the Holidays. I still don't know Alex's leave dates and won't until he walks off the sub. Some times having my son in the Silent Service is a real pain in the neck. So, if you don't hear from me for a while, just assume I"ve left town. This will be our last welcome home and Alex's last deployment.

just looked at the link, but it won't show until I am at work.  boohoo!  so excited for all the sailors and families!

glad you will get to go Lyn!

The anchor was made using 14 gauge wire (my husband bought it at Home Depot) and he used around 10ft twisted it into the shape he wanted and then I wrapped it with a garland with lights. The circle at the top is a wreath frame I purchases at Hobby Lobby. I tried making it with wire coat hangers but it was too difficult to get the shape I wanted.  I am asking him to make another one for the front of our house, because the cars block the view from the street of our front door!

http://buoybird.com/2011/12/01/our-anchor-wreath/

This is where I got the idea from!

very nice quilt, thanks for sharing the link.

Ray's surgery is tomorrow morning.  7:30 am Tucson time.  We appreciate your praying for us and the doc.

Welcome to Cheryle!  We are glad to  have you join us.

Sue, Ray, You and Ben are in my prayers always.

Lord  we come to you today asking that tomorrow you put your loving arms around the Lambert Family in their time of need. Lord guide the hands of the surgeon that he does your work as you are OUR GREAT PHYSIAN. Be with Ray and give him the peace that only you can give him and take this cancer from his body and heal him Lord. We has thisin your name above all names.

Amen and Amen.

ME, thanks for the prayer.   I'll post later today.

BTW, how is Teddy's situation?  any improvement?

Well not much improvement, but I have to say it's not getting worse. 4 doctors later and noboby can give us a good answer. They pharmacist even said none of his meds could due this. I am wondering if he had a small stroke or something, I guess we will never know. On a great note Dani will be her in 2 days and we can't wait. I think Teddy is more excited than I am.

Prayers for the Lamberson family today.

Hello all!

I got Ray home about 30 minutes ago.  I had to have alittle "training" at the hospital so I can help him at home.  He's hungry and laying down right now.

Welcome to KarenJ!  Happy to have you join us.

Sue- So glad that Ray is doing good after the surgery. Praying for good test results!!! Glad that Ben was there for you both. Take care.

We've made it to Groton. Now its just settle in and wait..... I hate waiting. Just no patients. 

Well I have my daughter home, picked her up at the airport and went to dinner. She looks great. Please keep us in your prayers, she has to tell her hubby she is filing for divorce. Most of you know what has been going on and it has not changed. He is still asking for more money and has not stopped since she got back from deployment. The next few days will be hard but she is strong and she is tired of the crap he is pulling. Please lots of prayers so we can have a quite Christmas .

Lyn glad you made it to Gotrton, Thanks again for the Thread, I love it and have not had one problem since I switched to it so I am getting rid of the others.

Well off to spend time with the Sailor have a great night..

Thanks Dawn.  Ray has an appointment next Tuesday, so we should have the results then.

Lyn, glad that you made it safely to Groton.   And ME, wonderful news that you have your sailor back home.  Will pray for her tomorrow.

In the morning, I am presenting the flag that my school received from the Bush. It will be in front of the entire school body and I will talk about HAE a bit.  I am very excited to do this.

Sue, Dani and I are going to meet with the Brownie Troop that made pillowcases for the Bush, It will be Friday at 3:30 my time. I am going to make a pillowcase for the troop and I have a patch from the Madien Deployment so Im going to sew it on the pillowcase. There are 3 differsnt troops coming to meet her and she will wear her camies and boots. She is really looking forward to doing this and I am so proud of her. She looks so good, now I know how you felt after you saw Ben for the first time after his deployment.

that's great ME.  I'm glad that you mentioned camies cause I have a camie jacket that was Jazz's. I'm going to try it on and see if I can get away with wear it.

I'll see about getting some photos tomorrow too.  I still owe you some.

I would love to have some photos of the flag raising that way I can send them to the CO and let him know that it was well recieved and appreciated.

Well I asm wiped out I think tonight will be an early night.

I agree Natalie, I feel blessed to be a part of HAE... making these pillowcases mean so much to me, and gifting them..... well there really isn't mere words that will explain the joy! God Blesses us as we sew and send, and I feel it every time I pray and sew these itty bitty pillowcases! Merry Christmas Dear, Dear Friends!

Maryellen-So happy that you have your Sailor home.  I will be praying that everything goes well for her.

Sue-Praying for you and Ray.

Natalie-Thank you so much for the card and I definitely agree with you about this group. 

We go Tuesday to pick up our Sailor.  He will be home for 10 days.  It will be so good to be able to hug him again.  Hope I don't embarrass him in the airport.

Dani's day with the Brownie troop when great they just loved all over her and made her feel like she was the most important person they ever met.

ME, I know you are so happy to have your sailor home! I pick mine up at midnight the 22nd!!! Im so excited and cant wait to see him again. I will be praying for Dani as she seeks a divorce, I definitely know how shes feeling. I feel so blessed to be part of this group, Thank you everyone! What a blessing to serve our military in a way that blesses them. Merry Christmas everyone!

Hello Everyone, Just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas. I'm starting my "Happy Dance". My sailor will be home after mid-night tonight. Unless his little brother takes him to his apartment for some guy time. Home made beer, I'm sure, is top of the list over Mom and Dad. Will spend the next 16 days just enjoying by two boys... Love to you all...

My sailor saying goodbye to his daugher, before deploying on the Lincoln again a couple of days ago.

Hi ladies,

I have been busier than I care to be and felt like a truck ran over me last night! Every day that I come home for lunch, Ray meets me at the door with "jobs" haha. Our roles are reversed.  Actually, what greets me at the door is an upright vacuum cleaner.  Ray has a bag and the hospital gave him a bin to carry it.  BUT that is a hassle.  So I got out a cloth bag with long handles, which he puts his bag in looped over the handle of the vacuum cleaner.  It works and gives him alittle stability when he walks.  He is doing good and Ben is a real help.  He made a pot of chili on Thursday and on Wed, my kinder teacher made us some chicken soup.  What a blessing and both are so good.

Birdie, that photo of your son and grand baby!  That says it all.  Can I use it in my  next HAE update?  If yes, please email it to me. 

ME, the photos of Dani and the girl scouts are wonderful!  I am so happy that they made her feel like a VIP, because she is!  And more importantly, she is a HERO!  That's what I told Jazz.  Because these girls do all that the guys do, plus we have those female challenges to go along with it.  I am proud of her and please tell her that!  Could you post those in the Bush thread too?

The flag presentation and raising!  AWESOME.  I was nervous.  haha.  I've been interviewed 4 times, once live, and I wasn't as nervous.  There were over 600 people there, but I've received many kind words about it.  So I guess I did okay.

AND ladies, I mentioned you all cause I talked about HAE as a "we" because we are HAE.  Not just me.  I am the founder, that's all.

I will detail in the Bush thread.  ME, I have photos of the 1st presentation to the principal when I got the flag and will see if I can track down some from Thursday.

Natalie, I love that note. I am going to post it in the Misc 2011 thread.

Moms, so happy for those of you that are getting your sailors home for Christmas!

AND you all would be very proud of me today.  I am going to a cookie exchange across the street and we are supposed to bring 8.5 dozen cookies.  It used to be 10!  I was going to bake a bar cookie, but need to make 4 batches.  And I was going to start last night.  I called a "family" meeting and asked Ray and Ben if I should bake.  See I was making lemon cheese bars, a Lamberson family favorite.  and they both said NO.  so I am not baking.  I will go, take the ornament etc but have to let the baking go.

So hard for me to say no, but I need to.

have an awesome day and later on I will post in the Bush thread about the flag.

Oh, check out the title of our group and the numbers.  YOU are awesome!

Birdie, I love the photo of your son and granddaughter.  It is touching.

Maryellen, enjoy your visit with your daughter.  I am sure you are having fun.

We are not supposed to have snow but every now and then the weather tries to prove that the weatherman does not know what he is talking about.  It sure is cold outside!

He's Home...

Hi Everyone, I just got home from Groton. It was wonderful to be able to spend my birthday with my sailor. It was really hard to leave him, esp. since I know that he will have the duty on Christmas Day. But, I will see him again on Dec. 30th or the 31st. He'll be home for a while, but we still don't know if he will be able to go with us on vacation before he needs to go back to Groton.

Got another Thank you note and wanted to share:

Peggy,

           I wanted to thank you so very much for the pillowcase.  I have been in the Navy almost 30yrs now and it is people like you that make doing this job all worth while.  I appreciate what you do, not only for me but for all the military members.  You may not know this but your act of kindness helps keep our country strong.  Thank you again and I wish you and your family a happy holiday season.

Very respectfully,

LCDR Rxxx

Mornin' ladies.  Check out the numbers!  We are over 9,000 for this year.  AWESOME!

hubby is seeing the doc today.  he hasn't been feeling too good and I sure hope that cather can come out today!

Good for you Phoebe on having your handsome sailor home!  He looks like you!

Peggy, great note.  Which group was he in?  Would you also post that in that group?  and if he is an individual that you did, please post in the 2011 Misc thread.  then we can find it again.  Too hard to go back thru the main posts.

Natalie, that has been the HAE motto from Day 1.  I don't know why I never thought to put it up there before.  I get around to everything eventually, haha.

Last full day for adventures in kinderland today.  I will work 3 afternoons in CARE this week, then off until Jan 4th.  I'll work at Curves alittle bit too-I do that for me.

The "W" in Christmas

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I
had cut back on nonessential obligations -- extensive card writing, endless
baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself
exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course,
the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season
for a six-year-old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's
"Winter Pageant."

I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the
production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher.
She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation.
All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.
Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.

So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found
a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several
other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students
were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat
cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform
their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday
as Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial
entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.
So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken
aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens,
red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front
row-center stage -- held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the
title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child
would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until
each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message,
"Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small,
quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down -- totally
unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W."

The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's
mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall,
proudly holding her "W." Although many teachers tried to hush the children,
the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it
together.
A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that
instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the
holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for
our festivities.

For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:

CHRISTWASLOVE

And, I believe, He still is.
Amazed in His presence...
Humbled by His love..
May each of you have a Merry Christmas and a blessed
New Year as you reflect on His Amazing Love for us.

forwarded with Love and Blessings!

Quilt thanks for posting that story. Natalie had sent it to me and it's wonderful.

I agree T.  too much rushing around for things.

Ray went to the doc today.  he got the cather out and that is a good thing.  in some pain when he got home and then he told me he couldn't find his wallet.  Ben checked his car and no wallet.  So I called the grocery store where we use the pharmacy and they had it at customer service!  Thank you Jesus, I told the lady.  I went right down and got it.  It seems to be intact and I am thankful for an honest helpful person.

That really stressed me out and I didn't go to the afternoon part of my job.  I had no idea what I was facing.

Slow down and breathe.  great advice.

Quilt and T, Great posts, I am learning to slow down but its hard.

Sue Good news on Ray and the Wallet. Hope everyone has a Great Christ-mas and a Blessed New Year.

Bad news here.  I fell down while turning around while on some stairs and starting to go up.  Went to the hospital and found out my left arm is broken (Humerus, near the shoulder).  Just got back from the hospital about an hour ago.  (My husband is typing this message.)  I was supposed to ship out 35 pillowcases next week but only have 30 done.  I won't be able to finish these so somebody will need to make up the difference.

trouble, Sue has the addy. They were to go out next week.

Lyn, I am so sorry about the broken arm!!!!  yikes!!!  I will pray for a speedy receovery!

Do not worry about shipping any pillowcases for right now.  If it's the WW with Cathy, we have slowed all of that down for now.  So just put that on hold.

Ray discovered today that a credit card was missing from his wallet.  So we quickly called and canceled that!

I got alittle guest for 2 weeks today.  Her name is Olive and is a dog, part black lab.  She and Tobey get alot great  Her parents are headed to my hometown for Christmas.

2 more days at afternoon kinderland and then I am off until Jan 4th.  Today we made small wreaths out of puzzles pieces and popcorn/cranberry garlands.

Thanks to all for praying for Ray.  this is really challenging time for him, as he has to retrain his muscles.  I am glad that I will be home alot.

Things are not going well. It turns out that I broke off the top of the bone that connects my arm to my shoulder. Because of other medical problems, operating would be dangerous. So, we are holding our breach in hopes that the bone doesn't move and heals without the surgery. Wish me luck.

Lyn, you are in our thoughts and prayers as you heal. If there is anything we can do let me know. Prayers coming your way.

Prayers are definitely needed in this case. Thanks everyone.

Lyn, praying for you!  that sounds very serious.   

Terry, you don't need to mail those pcs, just hold onto them.

Made microwave caramel popcorn with the kids this afternoon.  One more afternoon and then I am done for alittle while.  I am worn out.  Made 4 aprons today for a special order for Christmas.

cold front coming in tonight and it's cold!  OIive is a wonderful little doggy.

I had the accident 15 minutes after I finished the last present,