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

great notes ladies.  what units are they with?  and could you post in those as well.

thanks Peggy.  congrats to your son and you.  is he still in the navy?  get that fabric out of the closet!  haha

Sue,

I have no idea which unit the note is from. She didn't use any rank or list her unit.

okay.  I copied it into the 2012 misc thread too.  I like to keep track of those.

I'm not either Natalie, but there are many units at the base plus in a battalion, they have their division.  So we are just glad to hear from a couple because they represent them all.

I received this nice note a couple of days ago from the 9th Engineers.

Thank you very much for your loving and generous gift.  I am truly grateful for the pillowcase.  I was using t-shirts to cover my pillows before your gift came.

I love the Navy...more now, because a Navy Mom made me a pillowcase.  I'm a Marine and on behalf of all the Marines in my unit who sleeps well because of your pillowcases, THANK YOU!

Very Respectfully,

R. XXXXXXX

2nd LT. USMC

9th Engineers

Happy Easter to all!  I love the Easter Song.  such a happy tune!  Had dinner with my son last night and that was good.

Natalie, thank you for your kind words!  And you are most welcome.

Cathy, thanks for posting your note!  We navy moms are making an impression on the Marines!

Morning ladies!  Hope all is well with you!  I am posting some new numbers as I am finally mailing out my pcs today!  haha.

Great job!

Mornin all!   It has been raining here this morning and the clouds have just lifted.  AND we have snow on the mountains!  Snow in southern AZ in mid April-YIKES!

and I love it.  We so needed the rain.  I do think I'll stay home today.  haha.

hope all are well.

Sue, I have the 20 pcs finished for the Marines. I will  need to mail them on April 30th, if that is OK. So, I will be looking forward to getting the address.

The Physical Therapy is not going as well as we had hoped. So, I've decided to take a break and run away to Florida. Steve is leaving next Friday for China and I'll head to Florida on the 1st.

Hi Lyn, I will email you the address and I changed you to the 3rd wave of mailing times.  sorry to hear that the PT is not going well.

I started my new job on Monday afternoon!  I am chuckling, cause I am making changes and of course, the kids are resistant.  I am taking it one day at a time.

The closets and the room are a mess, so I am busy cleaning, cleaning out organizing etc.  The kids are helping me.  AND we are planning their annual end of the year party-a goodbye to the 5th grade.

I saw the specialist doc yesterday for the pain in my legs.  I have an inflamed right hip bursa which is causing much of the upper hip etc pain.  I have a mild "S", which I have known since I was a kid, that is just getting a bit worse with age and wear/tear.  1 disc is protruding out and that's where I am always rubbing my back for pain.  So that means another is compressed and she feels that the source of all the other leg pain.  I have some weakness in my right leg.  An MRI is on my horizon and they will sedate me this time!  I am thankful, as I've had one before and it is a bit close in there plus so loud.  

AND I am very proud of myself, cause I went back to work and asked to be relieved of the sand yard recess duty.  I slog thru that everyday to check on kids all over it and it really hurts my leg, especially the shin.  I asked to do the lower field which is level and grass.  Much better choice.  Time to let the "young" ones 

do that kind of duty.

Have an awesome day ladies!  Wave 2 of the CLB is this week.

Hi ladies, thanks for the advice and words of wisdom.  I had an MRI about 10 years ago and closed my eyes going in.  at one point, I brushed the top of the machine with my fingers and I realized how small the space was!!!  I was in serious prayer then.  a miracle that I didn't panic.  BUT now I know haha.

I did ask for the open machine but the doc says they prefer the closed one.  so if the insurance approves it, I'll be sedated.  otherwise, I will have to insist cause I don't think I can do it again.

My hip pain is in the side and my bottom.  So it's the bursa and the curved spine causing both.  

Not doing sand yard duty has helped already and I also told Curves that I couldn't work again until June.  I was supposed to work Saturday and just couldn't do it.  

I am mailing my 30 pcs today and then Wave 2 of the CLB-4 will be finished.

I give the new job a 50/50 rating.  Some things went well, some didn't.  Pray for me.  

Trivia for today:  who was born and died on this date in history?   I'm doing some daily research for the kids to "spark" their brains.

It's official, we hit 100 in Tucson yesterday!!!!  YIKES  too early,.

I'm planning a birthday card blitz in June for my son who is currently deployed again. Any of you that are interested in sending him a card, please e-mail mat smile4soldiers@gmail.com

Once I've collected everyone's names, I will send out a mass e-mail with my address. I'll have you send the cards to his attention at my address and send him an entire box of birthday wishes at one time. I won't open the cards you send me. Just box them up and ship them off.

Thanks so much!!

I'm in Birdie.

Here is one of the many reasons that I refer to my job as "adventures in kinderland".

This guy was going along his "merry" way in the kinder area of the school yesterday morning.  This is 100 degrees brings out here haha.  I saw him moving along and I'd  guess at least 4 feet long.

here's another view of him

It's a diamond back rattlesnake!

It's official crew, I got an advance copy of COUNTRY WOMAN, the June/July issue. 

There is a full page article about Heads at Ease on page 51.  The magazine hits the news stands on May 8th if you want to get a copy.  The editor, whom I got to meet last summer in Milwaukee, says that Walmart is their biggest distributor although there are other venues.  

Check it out.

And thank you to Carolyn S for submitting Heads at Ease to them for consideration!  Her son is also a veteran now.   We have been working on this for

1 1/2 years.

Sue, that is soooo cool that something that started as a small kindness to a few sailors has grown into this wonderful project. You should be proud of all that has been accomplished with the help of all the ladies that have signed on. Here's to many more years and pillowcases to come!!!

Yep, I am proud of you all.   Remember, I am just a navy mom who wanted to make a few pillowcases ahha.  PTL for those moldy peach muffins!

New numbers today.  Check it out.

When you see the article, you'll see that the logo is a tad thinner-it went on a diet hahah.  The one that emailed was too small to use, so the art person recreated it but didn't have the time to "play" with the graphics.  I said that was just fine.

Have an absolutely awesome day today!

Sue the number look great, ladies you all should be very proud of yourselfs. We as a team have put smiles on 21,684 faces. We have given the the sense of pride that there are people here at home that love them and are proud of each and everyone of them. I am proud of ALL OUR MILITARY!!!

Ok on a lighter note, Well this week has been crazy. School is doing ok and Im hold a A in both classes. Now here is the kicker, I had a run of 103 pillowcases to serge together and my machine started to act up on the last 8. Well it went to the shop and I had worn out the looper shaft so they said it would not stay where it needed to be. So I bought a new one and I am back and running. It seems like I am just going through machines this past year, hubby said I need to slow down a little and not work so hard. I told him that when the Last soilder comes home I will stop. Well off to run erronds.

I added a new song that starts as an instrumental, but be patient.  The words are beautiful.   I heard it on the move "The Help".  If you haven't seen, please do.  It was so good.

ME, that is so true what you said to hubby!  so many people wondered if I would discontinue HAE cause my son was a veteran and I NOPE!   I want our military to get some support as much as possible.

I am proud of you all!

it wasn't too hot today.  not 100 anyway.   Theresa, it is a diamond back rattlesnake.  the firefighters caught it and then they relocate them.

Monrin ladies.  I see that Kelley has posted our new thread.  I am very excited to have one of our "own" be in a group this time.

I have had a number of responses from people who have a subscription to the Country Woman magazine already!  What a blessing!

Going to the doc today about my right thumb, which seems to be almost frozen into place.  What a challenge to write.

As I listen to the new song, I am reminded about all the joys and some uphill battles HAE has gone thru in our years together.  I so appreciate the love, concern and support that you all have given me.  I COULD NOT have done this by myself.  We are a team.  And I am one blessed woman to have you each in my life.  Thank you.

I sure hope that article conveys that clearly.  I really tried to make it so.  My hubby was surprised that he was mentioned.

Have an absolutely awesome day today!

Had a huge box waiting for me on my front porch when I got home last night. When I saw the return address from my son's squadron, I couldn't wait to open it.

Check out what they did for me!!!! My son said that his MC wanted to do this for me sending them their pc's and the weekly (3-4) care packages. I'm still stunned!

Wow I bet your still crying over that one, I know I would be. Great Job Birdie!!

That is an awesome gift Birdie!  I am sure they all appreciated your continued support while they were deployed.

Well Matt's Mom, they're still deployed. They've had two extensions and a third may be on the horizon. I want to do all I can to keep up their spirits.

Birdie,

awesome gift!  I am sure that it will hang in a prominent place in your home!

How about if send a couple of extra birthday cards with no name, that your son could hand out?  let me know.  You could get quite a few in a flat rate envelope. I can get 5 yards of fabric or 3 pcs in one of those.  75 coloring sheets as well.  haha.  I do know my numbers.

Natalie!!!!!!!  Your son is home, makes me want to cry to know he is safely back  here.  so happy about that.

I will be having minor hand surgery once school is out.  that is the best option for me.  I don't want to start a life of shots and he said those would eventually damage the tendon.

have an awesome day!

the extra cards could be a "birthday" party for all at the 4th of July.  They all could celebrate their birthdays with the country.  That is how I actually started HAE.

extra extensions-stressful!

Extra birthday cards would be great. So far, I've received two cards for my son. I'm hoping that I'll have a massive stack to send him. I'll pack them in a large flat rate box with some other birthday treats. Do you think the kids in Kinderland would like to make birthday cards for him? I'm sure he would LOVE that.

please refresh my memory on when you need them.  And yes, we will make some cards.  great idea!

I just sent an e-mail to those that said they were interested in sending him a card. It has the address on where to send them. I'm hoping to ship them off the first or second week of June.

Thanks Sue, Ally and Natalie. Feel free to forward my e-mail to anyone that might be interested in participating.

Ladies, About a month or so ago, I was given 202 Surgical Scrub Caps that were handmade by a friend of mine. They have made it to their destanation in the sand box. Here is a picture and the email I recieved today. I want you to know that this email has touched my heart and soul today. Ms. Sadalia is my friend who made the caps and donated them.

Dear Ms. Maryellen and Ms. Sedalia,

I am CPT Heather XXXXX, and I'm pleased to be in contact with you both! Today, I received your package of the scrub caps and was truly delighted! I will distribute them to our medical service people tomorrow AM, as it's quite late here now. I will attempt to take a few pictures of our Soldiers with their new scrub caps and send them your way!

Also, I will be sending a thank you card, but it may take up to 8 weeks before you receive it! Out-going mail takes much longer to get to its' destination, than in-coming!

I wanted to thank you ladies personally for making this happen for our Soldiers here at FOB Fxxxx! I can't tell you how much your support and prayers mean to all of us here! Thanks again for your dedication and support of our troops!

Sincerely,
Heather XXXX<CPT, AG
Battalion S1

I still need the address for the CLB-4 mailling. I never got it.

I sent you the address Lyn. Please post a photo if you take one thanks!  Once yours are mailed, this group will be finished.

Next week is military week in my afternoon class, so we will work on some cards for your son and other sailors.  So I'll mail at the end of May.

surgery is set for June 11 right now, but hoping to move it up to June 1.

The magazine is out on the stands tomorrow.  Check it out.  I've had 56 responses so far from people who have a subscription.

Heard something fun about that yesterday from my sister Barb.  My Aunt Ann, who is my dad's sister, has a subscription.  She is 90 and still sews and very active.  BUT she doesn't email, so we have a snail mail communication.  She got her June/July issue and was reading it and came across the article about Heads at Ease and was very surprised to see me.  How fun is that?  She had called my dad for his birthday and told him that.  

She and I are kindred spirits.  I will never forget the time we went to visit her and she said she wanted to show me something.  She opened her single car garage and it was full of fabric:  in rolls, in bolts, loose!!!!   I was amazed.  Someone had donated it and she was taking it to her church quilting group to make blankets. 

Ummm, kind of sounds like someone else we know.  

I put the MRI off until after school is out.  so much to do before the end of the year and that is less stress for me that way.

Have an awesome day ALL!

The pillowcases are in the mail. So, this group is now finished.

 I didn't get any pictures because Steve took my camera with him.

So after several Months away I had alot of reading to do!!

Much going on in my life but nothing serious.  I have managed to to send a soldier, home on leave, back to Afghanistan with 2 PC's so add them to your count Sue!

Sorry to hear about your thumb.  Hope the surgery helps.

We are scheduled to go to Virginia Beach for Mother's Day.  Son couldn't get leave to come home so the mom is going to the son, DIL & Grandpuppies!!  I can't wait.  I will check the schedule for PC's needed and add my name.

Have a great Mother's Day everyone!

So sorry that I wasn't able to work on the last couple of groups.  We have so much going on around here.  We've been house hunting and are waiting for approval, helping my daughter get ready for our granddaughter and I got a job but I sure have missed being able to make pillow cases.  At least now that I'm working I won't have to wait on donations.  I'll keep checking back to see when the next group is put up.  

Birdie-I would love to send your son a birthday card.  Let me know where to send it.

hi all,

off for some "beauty" sleep.  have to rest up for my big role in the kinderland play tomorrow.  I have been putting costumes together for the kinder team.  Will report tomorrow.

Heard from our CLB-4 contact.  Will post tomorrow.  Good to hear from M's mom and Cindy!

Some new numbers for you.  I got to be the "president rattlesnake" in the kinder play yesterday.  I wore a waist length white blond shag wig and a huge Uncle Sam hat.  I took some of the hair from the wig and rubberbanded it under my chin for a "beard".  It was a hoot!

The kinders all seemed to know who I was, but some of the older kids didn't.  I love that.  And I took my "signature" apron off and wore a large stuffed snake around my waist for a "tail".

I was telling 2 kinders that some kids didn't know who I was and the little boy very wisely said to me "Well, that's because we know Miss Sue".  I do love working with the kinders.  I can be silly and talk in funny voices and wear funny hats etc.

Hope you are all well!  Tonight, I will be the "mad scientist" at the Uncommon Evening party for the older group of kids that I work with.  I have the wild hair, lab

coat and crazy glasses.  Then I can collapse.  

You are all awesome! 

Mornin' all!  got thru the party last night and it was really fun.  I thought you would like to see what I look like in one of my alternate "personsas"  ahha.

Ray came to help and I am so thankful that he was there.  Was so tired last night, but today is a new day!  The party is called "Uncommon Evening" and our theme was "Mad Science Nerds".   

Happy Saturday to all!

The kitchen was called the "The Mad Lab Diner" where all the food was a science

experiment.  I served the smoking or steaming beverage (root beer in dry ice) and I had a mancial laugh.  Ray said that I sounded and looked like Phyllis Diller!  yikes!

Hey i like the new look, I guess  the mad scientist is a good Look Ha Ha ha.

Thanks for sharing that made my day.

Happy Mothers Day Ladies, I will be home cooking a nice dinner, don't want to do the eating out thing its getting to be a pain in the butt with the long wait. Have a great Day and God Bless You All.

I've told my family that Mother's Day isn't until May 29th. That's when my sailor comes home for good. Hope  you all have a great Mom's Day.

I also hate the restaurant thing. I'd rather cook than wait  in line to eat.

Ha, well it certainly fits the personality.  The kitchen was called "The Mad Lab diner" where all the food was a science experiment.  haha

Happy Mother's Day to all!   Just talked to my sonny and he will come over later this afternoon.  Last year he was in VA.

We have received 72 responses so far from the magazine article.

And yes Lyn, that is when you have Mother's Day.  Don't like to eat out on a day like today either.  too crowded.

hi all,

the mailing for the new group begins today.

had kids making generic birthday cards yesterday at school Birdie.  I'll mail them next week once school is done.

got 2 wonderful reviews at work yesterday so I have a job for next year!  My job is actually 2 separate things in the same school.

kinderland and intermediateland haha

it's been about 100 all week.  too early for me, but  no humidty so it's really not too bad.  As they say "it's a dry heat".

Thanks Sue for doing the birthday cards for my son. He will be sooo excited!