A BLOGGING ANGEL

I just got home from New York this morning very early. A package was waiting for me. George said it came on Christmas Eve. I just cannot believe what I found when I opened the box. Cindy, Onlymehere, made this wonderful doll for me. I am hoping you will be able to read the letter she wrote with it.
I left a comment on her blog once when she put a doll on and told a story about her daughters lost doll. I also had a lost rag doll so many years ago. Well, unknown to me, she was talking to Heidi and planning this wonderful surprise for me. I am so overwhelmed, I really don't know what to say to her. She is a wonderful person, it comes out in her blogging. I have not met her, but consider her a special friend.
I really hope you can read the letter she wrote to me. I don't often share letters people write, but she tells it so much better than I ever could.
Words cannot express my thanks to you Cindy. I wish you could have seen me when I opened that box. You are so special, thinking of others. I hope your time goes very fast while your Son is away on his mission.
By the way, Cindy, I wouldn't change a thing and I will treasure this doll.

GOING HOME TONIGHT

I have a ticket for tonight on Amtrak to head home. I am praying the weather holds. It was predicted a lot of snow to end at 6pm tonight, but right now it is sunny. The train is scheduled to leave Syracuse at 9:41pm. It is about an hour and a half to the train station, so hope the kids don't have awful weather to take me.
IF, and that is a big if, the train is ontime, I should arrive in Cleveland at 5:20 am. Not sure what the weather is like in Ohio. Yesterday morning it was icy I have heard. Hope it is clear now. I was going to go home tomorrow night, but the train had no seats available. Talk to you from Ohio soon.

IS THIS MY ERIC?

I made a label for a Santa hat on my embroidery machine. I wasn't sure he would want it. This is what they used to sing to him when he was in the Navy. You're a mean one Mr. Groetz.
This is my wonderful Daughter in Law, Becky. I made her one too. She loves Christmas. Her's says Naughty or Nice. She's nice.
Becky's mom told Eric the newest male member of the family has to be Santa. I
cannot believe he did it. He never did Christmas AT ALL. This is one more reason to love Becky.
Even Santa received a gift. He loves the Browns, no matter what they do, or don't do. LOL Becky's Mom made this for Eric.
He might actually be having fun. How many drinks did you have Eric?
I taught Becky to knit and crochet and she is now a machine. She made these hats and scarves for her nieces. I am soooooo proud of her. I am in New York, and they are in Toledo and I miss them. We had our Christmas before I left.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

In honor of my elf, Miss Pickles, I had to find a picture of her. I bet this is Jos helping her too.
She stays very busy during the Christmas season. No one loves Christmas more than my Heidi. I hope you have all have a wonderful Christmas.
Tonight, I will be going to Christmas Eve service with my Grandchildren. We should all remember the true meaning of Christmas.
Hope you have lots of good food, pies, cookies and laughter.

A PRINCESS BAKING COOKIES

I just got these pictures on Facebook, of Zoe baking cookies with her Mommy. I told her I just want to hug her.
I know they are having lots of fun together.

She looks very intent on her project.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BILL

This is Bill at age 5 in Africa. His Dad was stationed at Wheelus AFB, Tripoli, North Africa. It wasn't easy riding on sand. There was no grass and no pavement.
That fence was around our house.
At age 18, on his birthday, he left for the Navy.
Now, this is a little more recent. He is 52 today. Happy Birthday Bill. Heidi just sang to him on skype, and Jos wished him a Happy Birthday. I made his favorite, Oatmeal cake and we will have another cake too. Eric and Becky are coming for dinner and I need to get to the store. LOL
If we get time, tomorrow we will be doing his favorite thing. Baking cookies. I am
going to New York on Monday at 5:30am on Amtrak. Mitch told Kristy to call me and tell me my Christmas present is a ticket to their house for Christmas. We are
having Christmas here on Sunday. Bill will be working double shifts on Christmas Eve and Christmas, and Eric and Becky will be going to Toledo. George has his Granddaughter coming home from Florida so he will be at his Son's and told me go ahead and go.

GIFT WRAPPING DAY

I wanted to get to my sewing machine, so I HAD to start gift wrapping. I felt buried in gifts and still I am not done. Did I buy too much, yes I think I did.
It would have been nice, if this guy would have showed up to help me.
Now, I have to tell you, my gifts do not look like these. It would be nice, but no. I have mostly snowman paper. Is anyone surprised, bet not.