Christmas Blessings

From my family to yours, may you have the most Blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

Celebrating A Birthday

Ten years ago today our family was able to celebrate a birth. Not just the birth of our Lord, but the birth of our Grandson, Samuel. He arrived on Christmas Eve to the joy and delight of us all.

Christmas day that year was so special. His big brother, Redmond, got all dressed up and we took him to the hospital to see his new little brother. We delayed our Christmas dinner and opening of presents until Samuel came home.

This child has turned into one of the most kind, sincere, funny and joyful little boys you would ever want to meet. He's considerate of others, is intuitive to what's going on around him and has wisdom beyond his years.

Happy Birthday, Samuel Paul. We love you so very much!

Christmas Cross Stitch

I thought I would show you a Christmas cross stitch I did a few years back. I just love it! After it was completed and framed I sprayed it with glitter. I am not sure if it shows up, but it's all sparkly. That one little Scottie looks like she's smelling the gingerbread!

Before there were quilts In the Garden, there was cross stitch. I made quite a few but had to quit as I got older and my eyes got worse. I think I'm going to give it another shot, though. What with new glasses (tri-focals folks!) and great craft lighting, I think I can do it again. I have a project that I've been wanting to do for a long time so after the holidays I think I'll get it out and give it a try. Also, after the holidays, I'll show you some of the other non holiday cross stitch that I've done.

Have a great holiday week!

Toodles!!!

Abby

This is my son's dog, Abby. You have seen her before playing with Maggie. They are best friends but Abby lives in Colorado and Maggie lives in California so they don't get to see each other very often. I had mentioned here that she is going to need a temporary home since my son who is in the Navy will be going overseas in the spring. It isn't practical for him to take her with him and he'll be gone for one to two years. We can't take her due to a number of reasons. I would if I could and it breaks my heart.

I am so happy to report that someone has stepped forward and is going to care for her as long as is needed!!!! This is a big relief for me. Son had talked about taking her, but putting her in the cargo hold of a plane for 12+ hours just didn't seem safe to me. So while he is off to his new station, Maggie will be headed to Arizona and soaking up the sun!!

This is a common issue that those in the military face when they are deployed or transferred to another country with plans on returning. What do they do with their pets who are family members in every sense of the word?

If you know someone in this situation and you have the means, please consider fostering the pets of military personnel. There are a number of agencies who coordinate this sort of thing. You can do an internet search for "military pet foster care programs" and check them out.

Thank you from this Navy Mom!

That time of the year

Not much is getting done here In the Garden.

Just drinking lots of this...

...and this......

and using lots and lots of these!

All I have been able to do is sleep and read. I hope I get well soon. Places to go, people to see!!!

Stay healthy out there!

Stone Gable

One of the most beautiful and well written blogs out there is Stone Gable. Yvonne has been such an inspiration to her readers with her recipes, decorating, gardening and most importantly, her faith. She has come to the decision to stop blogging.

Please stop on over and wish her well. She will be sorely missed!

What's in a name...

No matter what you call her:

Maggie

Maggie Mae

Maggi-nator

Maggie Doodles

Maggie Poo

She is one spoiled - and loved - little dog!