Sweet Surprises, Silliness and Tradition

Now, ahem. Henry. Oh, our Henry is quite the pill. Our youngest member of the family is a real character. At just one and a half years old, he is the reason that our biggest tree is not yet in place. Just ask each of the smaller trees why! They will be glad to tell you. I set Mr. Claus down the other day and Henry Fonda Higgins Ford Fred Mertz C.... (Yes, I do go a bit overboard with pet names. Just ask our Lucy Eleanor Moderatz McGillicuddy Ricardo McFadden C....) decided to give the poor old man what for. For what was this what for? I have no idea. Perhaps Henry was upset about his gift last year. He wanted to make sure the jolly old elf knew exactly what he wanted THIS year! Around here, it just is not Christmas unless the Zink family says so! This wonderful old barn overlooks a section of a local highway on land owned by Dr. Zink, a retired dentist. The barn holds sweet sheep and a llama and, during the holidays, this sign. The family has been doing this for years and, although Dr. Zink is unable to do it anymore, his family continues the tradition. Several newspaper articles have been written about this tradition and how sad the area folks would be NOT to have it. I love it and am so grateful to the Zink family for this treat every year. Merry Christmas Zinks!

Dear Andi sent me the sweetest package this week. I was so surprised and just tickled with the treasures inside! I don't seem to have a picture of the cutest blown glass mittens, all in blue and white, but I will show them when I post all the pictures of the house. Isn't this just wonderful? I had nothing quite like it in my Royal collection so I am thrilled! Bok Tower was a special place for us when we lived in Florida so I love this art postcard. And this calendar...now how did our Andi know I love New York City? Hmm...? Mary Englebreit is another favorite of mine. Do you think that our Andi knows me well? These soaps smell as sweet as they look. As I was placing them in a dish, Kipper decided to taste one. He took a quick lick and looked at me as if to say, "Thanks but no thanks Mom!" I guess he thought that anything that smelled so good had to be tasty... Thank you dear Andi! I can not express what is in my heart in words. You made my week!

Love and Hugs, Susie Q

No Scary Surprises Here!

This October, I participated in sweet Pea's Halloween Swap. It was my very first swap and what fun it was! I not only received lots of goodies but got to know a new blog friend in the process! My box o' surprises came from dear Connie from Serious Mumbo Jumbo. Don't you just love her blog's name? See the sweet box above? My goodies arrived inside this sweet package! The box was a gift all in itself! Connie included the cutest card she made herself! See the adorable bat under the card? It is a pot holder! How cool is that? Kitchen towels and note pads and books and candles and Fall decor and Halloween fun! And even more wonderful goodies!You can see that Grace made wonderful use of the delicious orange nail color and nail adornments! Now, guess whose toes are being painted even as I type? Hmmmm? Thank you Connie!! YOU helped to make our Halloween such fun! My swap recipient was none other than Pea herself! I had such fun making up a package just for her but, as of yet, she has not received it. Of course, I am a worrier but, instead of coming all unglued over it, Grace told me to make a wish and the fairies would help it get there soon. So....here goes....sprinkling a little fairy dust....a wave of a magic wand....P.O.O.F.! Let's hope that the package will be on Pea's front porch very soon! Have a sweet and safe Friday!

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!

Sometimes the mail brings the most delicious sort of surprises from special friends. Sometimes it just brings a sky high because of a too dry garden water bill, an advertisement for snow tires, a neighbor's waylaid Playboy and a plea for financial assistance from our Alma Mater. Like we didn't pay them enough 30 years ago?? What did they do with THAT money huh?? Oh yeah...what was I saying? So, today's mail brought the first sort of surprises (and an all too high because it has been so bloody hot electric bill)! From sunny California and dear Valerie... ....this wonderful, handcrafted letter *S*!! Now, I am not sure what it stands for. I thunk and I thunk but this Susie Q just could not decide what this *S* represents! Sexy? Well, that's a given but I am far too modest to advertise that fact. Smart? Oh duh. Supercilious? Scrumptious? Scintillating? Sabotage? Safari? Sailor, Salamander, Samurai? Seductress? Susie will have to give it some more deep thought and perhaps I can come up with it's meaning..think *S*ue, THINK! But it sure is pretty and it looks good on this cabinet in our bedroom. I love it Valerie! Thank you so much! And, from lovely Andi in sunny Florida....this pretty and sweet handmade card! It just made me smile to see it! Thank you so much Andi! Smile! Maybe that is what Valerie's *S* stands for...the friends who make me smile!

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise....

Some days are just filled with little moments that cause you to stop, take a deep breath, and realize just how wonderful

life can be. Today was one of those days. I received a box in the mail, and in it were such treasures....Lisaoceandreamer, our dear blog friend, sent me such delightful artistic creations that I can barely contain myself! The colors are amazing and so perfect for me...as are the words included on the bowl. The mug is just a joy. I can not thank you enough dear Lisa and just want you to know how much I appreciate these gifts and the work you put into them. They are treasures....YOU are a treasure.

Lisa also included a very special creation for Grace but I will post pictures of that soon. I think Lisa will understand that I am waiting to give it to Grace until next week. She is having her last 5 primary teeth extracted at a pediatric oral surgeon's office. I think that this precious gift and a few gold coins will be just what the doctor, er, dentist, well, yes, doctor ordered!

Thank you sweet Lisa...thank you from the bottom of my heart!

A Surprise And An Announcement!

What a very sweet surprise! A little package appeared on our porch today, just ahead of the storms. Inside was this precious gift and the sweetest card. Andi said she had found this little treasure in an antique shop and it had begged to live with me. I decided to add the pink egg as a small Easter touch. Andi, you are just so dear and thoughtful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! What a special new piece for my collection.

Grace and I decided that we had so many names in our hat that we would draw 2! The first name she pulled out of the hat (a very jaunty red fire helmet that belonged to my late Father)

was.......may I have drum roll please?.......

It was Sheila whose blog is titled, "From Me To You".

The next name pulled was.......okay, I'll hurry. The drummer is getting really tired......

Dawn B. from the blog, "Be Inspired, I Am".

And, once again, thanks to ALL of you who visit me here, who leave comments and who make my life just so much brighter. I so love dropping in on your blogs many times a week and continuing to be inspired, awed, tickled, enlightened and just plain *DElighted*. I can not tell you how much this blogging community has meant to me.

I am grateful for it, for each of you, for the opportunity to share and create and just plain have fun. If anything I post gives you a giggle from time to time then *I* am the lucky one. Thanks to you all....many, many special blessings are wished for each and every one of you.

Hugs,

Susie Q

And The Award Goes To....

Okay, so this is *probably* not what Mr. Dennehy

will be wearing for his role in the play

but I like the picture okaaaay? Gee whiz...

Little pieces of paper that are worth so much to me.... If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere...

In the category of

*Husbands Who Do The Wonderfully Unexpected*...

the award goes to.....

Bill!

*insert wild applause, foot stomping and cheering*

...For his role in buying the tickets for us to see "Inherit The Wind", *ON BROADWAY*, in May.

Can you see my smiling face from where you are? Did you hear my whooping and hollering? Um, have I mentioned who is starring in this little production? Yes, Christopher Plummer to be sure...wonderful, delightful, Captain Von Trapp, yes. Anyone else? Hmmm...? Oh...that's right. Brian Dennehy! HE is in it TOO. Uh huh. I know, I HAVE seen him on the stage but never ON Broadway. We saw him, and the rest of the Tony winning Broadway cast do "Death of a Salesman" in St. Louis. Yes, I HAVE been to NYC but have yet to see a play on Broadway. One of my life's goals (Silly I know but oh how I do love the theater). I am just a little bit excited...just a weensy, teensy, bleensy bit excited. Bill had arranged the hotel (We are staying in a great little "European" style place a half block from the theater district, the airplane tickets and had everything ready to surprise me. Of course, our Grace is beside herself with happiness! She thinks of NYC in the same way as one of her favorite characters, Eloise, does. It is "evah, evah, evah, so, so, beeeeauuutiiifuuul." A carriage ride in Central Park, visiting the American Girl Place for tea with Grace's doll, Olivia. Dinner at Tavern on the Green, taking in the sights from the observation deck of the Empire State Building. All are on our list of must dos. I first saw NYC when I was Grace's age and it left an indelible impression on me. I think I will see it do the same for Grace...

What A Warm Treat On A Cold Day

Our blogging buddy, Teresa in Texas, sent this sweet and oh such fun treat to me! We were out all day and upon returning at 11pm last night (it is now 1am so, technically, this arrived yesterday! Or sumpthin like that...) this was waiting on us. It was absolutely freezing today...yikes! I do believe that certain body parts are only now beginning to thaw....uh huh. THAT cold.

So....to find such a dear surprise was just what I needed to warm my old heart.

Thank you dear, dear Teresa! I absolutely love these! That gator is too cute and this is coming from a Buckeye fan whose team was trounced by the Gators! Still, this little gator is adorable! And the crabs & lobsters with those teeny chef hats...too cute. Thank you sweetie!

Mardi Gras PARTAY!!!! And no, I did not have to flash anyone to get these beads...actually, I once was thrown hundreds of beads for NOT flashing passersby. PLEASE do not do that Suzie Q....we beg of you.

We will do ANYTHING if you promise to keep your shirt down!!

Ahem....anyway....stay warm and plan your Mardi Gras festivities now! Make sure to include a lot of chocolate...

I Found A Smile...

A new treasure...priceless! Kipper is speechless!

A box for Chad...

A day that started off sad has ended on a happier note. Yes, our Haley is ill and yes, it will be a rough go for awhile but just knowing that there are such people as all of you, who care so much, makes the load lighter. My sis in law is to speak with the vet tomorrow and the doctor seems determined to persuade them to go for the surgery...she says it could extend her life by a couple of years. I still have no idea what they will decide but they will take everything into consideration I know. I have hugged Kipper so much today that he is all tuckered out! What a hard life!

Lucy and Henry each got a good brushing (which they love!) and they each had some yummy baked chicken with their dinners.

Grace came home with such a sweet surprise today! The cutest little clay dog! She made it in her art class last week. They were molded, painted and fired at school and oh how cute it is! A pottery Kipper! She was so proud of her creation and it tickled me to pieces to receive it. You can see from the picture that Kip is simply overwhelmed by this artistic tribute. Ahem...

This evening, Mom, Grace and I had dinner with our friend Terri (TK Angels blog). Good food and conversation always lightens my mood! Thanks Terri!

In the last picture, you can see what Grace and I did today! We finished packing Chad's January box. It will be on it's way by tomorrow afternoon.

Here's what we included...

5 greeting cards tied with ribbon:

3 mushy ones for him to send Sandy/1 sweet one for Mom

1 Brown leather journal to record his thoughts and 2 pens

1 UNO card game

Time magazine's Year In Review magazine

National Geographic Adventure magazine

1 Tin of Jelly Belly's

1 Disposable camera to take pictures for Mom & Dad, the brothers and Sandy

1 Box of Kleenex

1 Mini Tube of Toothpaste and travel toothbrush

1 Speed Stick deodorant

1 Chapstick

1 Package of WetOnes

1 Can of Shaving Cream with Razor

Visine

1 Mini First Aid Kit

1 Box of Q Tips

1 Tube of Sunblock

1 Mini Mouthwash

3 Pack of Orbit Gum

and a Centerville Elk ball cap, our little town and it's mascot!

For those *out of uniform* days!

We hope he will like receiving the box and can use/and or share all of the items. We sure had fun gathering everything!

Hugs,

Suzie Q

A Sweet British Surprise

I visited one of my *must see/read* daily blogs this evening and found a sweet surprise! Jafabrit (you can find her link here on my page) had posted 2 wonderful pictures that really put a smile on my face and in my heart. Thanks dear C....who, by the way, just happens to be an amazing artist!

Delightful Surprises

Well, how could anyone feel down for long when there are people like all of you out there! And when there are dear sons who fix dinner (Okay, so he ordered a pizza but he did make a salad for us too!), daughters who giggle, dogs who love to snuggle and cats who purr happily just because you are near... How can I be sad when there are good friends and family who call just to say hi... When I have a warm, safe home and, even if he is far away, a husband who calls just to say "I love you". Then there are the surprises that appear at your door. Look what came today! The mail service took their time getting it here but it finally arrived! Straight from England and the hands of talented Cherry...my little stars and this precious red heart. All wrapped up so sweetly in red tissue and gingham ribbon. Ah...the things that can turn a dreary day into one that seems to glow. Hugs, Suzie Q

A Nice Surprise Starts The Day

It was hard to get up this morning! Rain was pouring down on the roof and even our Kipper was not keen to hop up and greet the day. The flannel sheets (which need to be changed by the way!) just felt all the more cozy and I was still dreaming about vineyards in Provence! Still, the alarm's jarring bell would not be ignored... Grace and I shared Cheerios and tangerines this morning. She was all chatter and giggles so we were enjoying ourselves quite a bit. I was reading to her from the paper (Which our Kipper brought in for us! He is practically a genius! Well...maybe not *practically* but...) as I often do when I came to one of our favorite local columns. It has been lovingly written for years by a very dear man and always has something heartfelt and inspirational to share. I was surprised to find MY name in it this morning! Grace was thrilled! I really do not know how inspirational it will be for you to read it but have been warmed by the knowledge that many military wives have found comfort in it. I have heard from quite a few of them and do know it was to be used in one wedding ceremony held in San Diego. It is a poem I wrote just after Bill returned from the first Gulf War. It seems that my husband and the columnist had banded together to surprise me....it worked. I will share a bit of the article with you here: "...Sue was married to a Navy officer for 27 years. She wrote a poem about life as a military wife. Her husband, Bill, now retired from the Navy, lives with his wife, son Daniel, 24, adopted from Korea in 1990, and daughter Grace, 8, adopted from China in 2004. 'Sue's poem was selected to be printed in the book Chicken Soup for the Military Wife's Soul', he said. 'I am very proud of her.'

Here is a copy of the poem with permission to share it.

A Navy Wife's Prayer

How often we've stood on dark flight lines and piers. 'I love you, I'll miss you' whispered through tears. During long separations, in peace time, at war My nights filled with dreams of this man I adore. With only my memories to hold close at night I live for the day God returns my sunlight. Yes, life goes on when your loved one's at sea But the ache never leaves, the fear stays with me. Dear Lord, I need Your guidance, Your love. Help me be brave, keep Your watch from above. Hold my dear one so safe in Your heart and Your hand. Bring him home to his family ... this hero ... my man. Of us Lord, I pray he'll be filled with such pride Of how we carried on without him by our side. Please help time fly quickly and soon I will hold The hand of the man whose eyes chase the cold. Whose voice brings delight, whose touch eases pain. How will I ever say "Farewell" again? With your help dear God, I'll try to stay strong. And pray that his time here at home will be long. Still I know that the Navy will need him, I sigh. But we'll face it together, Dear Lord, you and I.

You can purchase this poem along with other stories in the book 'Chicken Soup for the Military Wife's Soul: Stories to Touch the Heart and Rekindle the Spirit' at most local book stores or at amazon.com."