Happy Memorial Day

Before February of 2004, Memorial Day held less significance then the sale that was going on at the Mall. Although I've always felt an appreciation for every service man and woman, being I have uncles that have served in wars before I was born, it just didn't come to a realization till that day in February when Chad got the call to get his affairs in order, he's going to Iraq. He trained for 6 months from Fort Hood, TX to Fort Irwin, CA. He served in Baghdad from Sept 04 - Oct 05. He had leaves here and there in that 18-month period and seeing him was wonderful but it hurt more every time he left. Support was so important for us at the time and we never lacked in that department. From friends to family to people that we didnt even know, everyone reached out their hand to help in whatever way they could. It was a wonderful feeling to know that whatever you were going through at the time, there was always someone thinking of you. It was such an overwhelming sense of pride to know that what we were giving up as a family was not in vain. And I say that because when a soldier leaves to serve his country abroad, his family serves on the home front. We give him up because we, too, feel that feeling that a soldier has to fight for what they believe in. I'll never forget the day that he was leaving to go back from his 2-week leave. He, Shelby and I were sitting in the airport waiting for him to board and with all of our sad faces just staring blankly into space a young guy walked up to us. He looked about our age, he reached out his hand to shake Chad's and said "Hey, man, I just want to say thank you for everything you are doing out there" and just walked off. If tears weren't falling then, let me tell you, they were when that guy walked away. We never knew his name, he wasn't even on the same flight as Chad, and I doubt we will ever see him again, but, he instilled such a sense of pride in us and we knew what we were sacrificing as a family was totally worth it. Just that one simple gesture, made everything seem right, even if it wasnt what we wanted happening in our lives at the moment. And Shelby, can you imagine what it did for her? To see such respect to be given to her father by someone who we didnt even know? Priceless. Something she will remember always. So, on this Memorial Day, by all means partake of the sales, I know I will! But just remember all the service men and women who served in this war and all the wars before for us and for what we have today. Say a prayer for the fallen. If you have the chance, dont pass it up to shake their hand and thank them, and thank their family too.
*For a soldier fights not because he fears what is in front of him but because he loves what is behind him.*

Yea, So I Knit

I basicly taught myself to knit and with a couple of free classes that were offered at the library, I understand how to do beginner projects. I would consider myself right between beginner and intermediate, leaning more toward the "beginner" side of the spectrum. Like, I can do dishcloths with complete ease. I can whip one up without having to have the pattern right there in front of me. But, not yet seasoned enough to be able to watch tv at the same time though. Must. Have. Eyes. On. Needles. Still not bad for just having *touched* knitting needles just 6 months ago.

When i first found out that Derrick (nephew) was expecting his first baby, images of knitted booties, beanies, and afgans danced in my head. So, my mission now is to condition myself to have booties, a matching beanie and YES an AFGAN (baby size of course) ready for when that baby arrives. Over the weekend I purchased a skein of sport weight yarn in white, what looked like a fairly easy pattern book of nothing but baby booties, and I will attempt to make my first bootie of a pair of booties.

Since, like i said above I consider myself a beginner with just basic knowlege of knitting, I have set myself up at the computer with a awesome online knitting help source. I casted on, knitted 18 stiches, now I have to increase, thats where my knowlege stopped! Pretty sad huh? WISH ME LUCK! So, the picture is a where I am on the first bootie. Those blue booties on the book are hopefully, eventually, through the graces of God are what the finished bootie will look like. See, I'll need the luck! Also, since I can't watch a movie, I put the 70s radio station on TV. Depending on how quick I catch on the "increasing" it could be a long day, hence the coffee! If these booties don't turn out looking like "booties" they may become the practice pair!

With a chick-chick here...

Mom and dad hatched some chicks a couple of weeks ago. They are so cute!! Shelby was so excited about them. When we would visit and the chicks would peep, she would say "hmmm...don't you just love that sound?" and when we would would leave, she would say "let me go tell my peeps bye". They're going to paw-paws chicken coop soon. I wanted to take pictures of them little, cute and fluffy but they grow so fast! They are already getting wing feathers. But, I went and took pics anyway. Look at this little guy. You think he was a little upset I was in their space? I mean, he was all up in my lens!

Flower Power Wednesday

Yea, I know, I fibbed. I said I'd post soon with pictures and I didn't. I had you on the edge of your seat, coming to my blog for almost 3 weeks now hoping to find something and there was nothing! My apologies! I've been real busy with other stuff lately and eventually I'll put it out on here.
But, I did get these lovely flowers from my wonderful husband this morning! He stopped by on his way home from the dock to drop these off. Usually, when he gets off on Wednesdays, he'll swing by and bring me flowers to show me how much he's missed me when he was away. How sweet, huh? Yea, I think I'll keep him!