Happy Anniversary Baby!

Husband,

Looks like a woman in love right? I thought so too, but - the lovie dovies keep growing! I love you more today than I ever thought possible, because of you my life is full, you are an amazing man (and the best husband in the world), I am so lucky to have found you. 2008 has taught me alot, alot about myself, my strengths and weaknesses - I missed my best friend, but I know that the time apart has only strengthened us. The year has flown by... I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such caring individuals but long for the day when you are safe in my arms. I can't wait to talk to you and hear about the adventures you've been on. Come home soon,

Wife

Happy 1st

Ford:
Happy 1st year!!! Not absolutely sure of what I should or shouldn't post/say so I figure you will know what I'm trying to convey.

Love,
Aunt Carla

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Ford:
Happy 2009 to you and your team. Thank you all for what you do and know it does not go unnoticed.

I'm so happy your mom got to spend Christmas in Washington. Worried she wouldn't be able to get in because of the snow there but her guardian angel was with her and it happened. As I get older I reflect more on family and spending quality time with family. I'm thinking there should be no more Christmas' without the family together. Most of all I think of Gramma (mom, GG) and how wonderful it would be for her to have her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with her at the holidays. She's always put 'us' first so I'm thinking it's time for her to be first. She won't fly anymore so we'll just have to put her in a car and drive her. My BIGGEST hope is for you to be with the family at the holidays.

I haven't had the opportunity to speak with Miss Kate. Left some messages and your mom says she is doing amazingly well. That's a rough surgery. Takes a strong person to do it. You absolutely have a winner in Katie girl. We love her Ford.

I'm spending New Year's Eve here at the main detention facility. Hopefully things won't get too busy until after midnight. I'll leave (hopefully) at 2330 (we have pea soup fog so I'll be driving it that) and make it home before all of the drunks hit the road.

Again, Happy New Year to you, the team, family and all those reading the blog. Stay safe Ford and come home soon.

Love,

Aunt Carla

Christmas in Washington

Fordo.. Your dad is awesome! He not only got me a sparkly ring and beading desk..He also surprised me with a plane ticket to spend christmas with Blayne, Shanna, Tehya, Beau, Jill,Paul and of course the amazing Kate. It would have been perfect if you, pops, GG, Aunt Carla, Uncle Stosh, and Aunt Sharon were there. One of these days we need to make that happen..Also need Gramma Treva. I enjoyed the trip very much. I got to see Beau wrestle and watch princess Tehya get sooo excited about Santa! She came in to wake me up yelling "Mauggie, Santa came, he brought me a beautiful dress and toys..come see." She woke Shanna up at 3:00AM because she was sure she heard Santa wiggling his sack. She is amazing! We missed you every minute. Your brother toasted you and your team at dinner. I hadn't spent any time with Lexie and grew to love her. She is a precious little dog. I enjoyed Baylor too. He slept with me and is a snuggler! I like how he just kind of falls on you. Kate was doing really well. I had no idea how invasive her surgery was. WOW! she will set off all the alarms in the airport!! She was such a trooper, sucking on Gatorade while we ate steak and prawns! I offered to put some through the food processor,but she politely declined! I doubt that pureed prawns would be very appetizing so she was probably wise! I also got to visit with and enjoy ME. I am thankful that she could be there for Kate. She's a neat lady..but you already knew that. I enjoy all the blogs and the photo's you post.I have a difficult time with the handle bar mustache though. You look a bit sinister! I can not wait to see you sweet boy. I love you very much but you knew that too! Mom

Hey Brother

I got off work at 5:00, snatched Beau up, and headed to your house.

I cooked dinner for our mom, Katie's mom, and BeauBeau. Your kitchen is SICK. I'm a little jealous, but it gave me some good ideas. It's a very warm/open space, perfect for get-togethers. Katie did an awesome job, I'm pretty sure you are going to like it.

We all shared funny stories, mostly about you. Its much easier to make fun of you when you aren't here.

I'm looking forward to having you around Forder. I appreciate you and love you very much.

I'm very blessed to have you in my life.

Peace

blayner

Merry Christmas!

Ford: The picture you sent is super. Just so you know, I picked you out right away. Wish you were home but I do understand the important job you and the team are doing. Thank you all again for keeping folks like me SAFE!!!

Katie: Hope you are doing well and your Christmas was good. Really glad your mom is with you. Merry Christmas M.E. Uncle Stosh is going to hook up the web cam for me this weekend. I'm working today (joy of being a nurse) and tomorrow so can't do it until then. Thank you so much for this wonderful gift.

To all of my family, near and far: Merry Christmas and I love you all.

Aunt Carla

Excellent Pic

Thanks Fordo,

Good to know you guys are in good spirits! We miss you and wish that you were here but know that isn't "the way things work". Thank all your men for me... for the sacrifices they make to make this nation what it is. I love you Nephew!

Happy Holidays,
Uncle Stosh

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM IRAQ

Here's wishing everyone a Happy Holiday season! Love to all!

Mele Kalikimaka!

Forder.

Hope you have a peaceful Christmas. Zimmy and Uncle Greg...Happy Hannukah!....Dad...Happpy Kwanszaa!!

.....I'm looking forward to seeing you soon

blayner

Mele Kalikimaka!

Oh No!!!

Tell me it's not so! Everyone I know who drives a Subie is a SERIOUS hippie!!! Next thing I know Ford will have earings, tats, be singing Kumbaya and well... look like Uncle Stosh (except not as fat of course). Seriously, nice ride! Glad it's keeping you safe up there Katie! NASTY STORMS you guys are having. Glad I'm not still stationed up there - sorry, but it's true.

Katie, glad to hear your surgery went... as well as could be expected. Hope you are pleased with the results. I know that it hasn't been easy and I hope that in the end you feel that it was worth all the pain. We love you and you are in our thoughts and prayers.

I'm going in to get my other shoulder fixed on the 15th of January. It isn't nearly as bad as the right one was but after what happened to Tom I'm not taking any chances. Doc says that after it's repaired, even if I injure it again, probably the most it will do would be tear again. Not looking forward to the recovery and rehab but if it keeps me from needing shoulder replacement sometime in the future, it's worth it.

Fordo, you and the troops stay safe. I can't even express how much I am looking forward to your return and to getting together in San Diego. I've decided that you and Blayner and Beau can teach your old ass Uncle how to surf... "oh joy, oh joy" I'm sure you're saying.

I'm hoping it won't be too tough. I've been skiing for 43 years and can't see how getting up on a surfboard can be much tougher than that. We'll see. I'll try to get in shape before we go down so that stamina isn't an issue - just ordered P90-X so I'll be "ripped" when you see me next... yea right - one armed pull-ups will be a challenge. Well, bottom line is that I'll be in better shape
than I am now.

I'm convinced that I can learn this thing, plus, I need to have more hobbies than just golf. Lots of good surfing around here - you need a wetsuit because of the water temp but the waves are incredible. Anyway, looking forward to it.

You and the men stay safe and enjoy the holidays! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you who read and contribute to this blog also. Here's hoping that 2009 is an awesome year for you all.

Happy Holidays,
Uncle Stosh and Aunt Sharon

An interesting couple of days!

First of all Katie, I'm glad to hear the Outback made it to the hospital on time, and has gotten you through the snow and ice. I heard from mom that you look smokin hot right now! You should post some pics of your new grille on this blog! I for one want to see what you look like right now. Is that wrong?

Anyway Forder I got my Civic more stuck than I ever got one of mom and dad's cars stuck. Last night, because i'm an Alaskan and I can drive in snow wicked good, decide to go up a hill of ice. I even did a quick risk analysis, not realizing what was snow was now an ice rink. I took a run at it, got about 3/4 of the way up, started sliding, my nose came around to the right as i was sliding backward...overcorrected on the way down the hill, and ended up BURIED at about a 45% angle in a ditch on the right hand side. The guy whose yard I ended up in was cool. He and his kid even tried to push it out once, and buried it further...but it was a good effort anyway. He offered me Rimplemintz, cause he knew that I was stressin. I declined, because I would have had 10, and then It would be worse today!

I heard this is the worst storm since 90. I know it has affected my business as well as others who are struggling to hang on. Sometimes it feels like things have to get worse before they get better. Next time I won't let my tires get that bald. I wish I had a tow truck right now. I'd be making a killing.

Do you remember drinking beer at Volkmans...I think you were back from West Point...and we were pulling each other down the street at the memory lake house. You remember how stuck we were. Mine was like triple that. The cold part is I was complely sober this time. Last time Mom was still awake at like 4 in the morning...and we got in trouble. Sorry mom.

Anyway bro...I'm looking forward to you getting back, to me either making it in this game or moving on to the next thing. I think Iknow what I may be doing, but God has been throwin me some curves lately. Time will tell

I love you and I hope I made you laugh a little. Kate just kidding..don't post those that would be grosss. I will be able to point and laugh when I see you evening of the 23rd with mamma.

Peace

blayner

An interesting couple of days!

Christmas

First: the car is beautiful Kate. Blayne does do a good job doesn't he!

Second: Sis called me this morning to tell me about going to Washington for Christmas. That is so awesome. Told her that they broke the mold when Tom was made. I'm so fortunate to have him for a brother-in-law. Just so you know Thomas - you are well loved by the in-laws.

Kate - wish Ford could be home with you for Christmas. I know you miss him. You and Ford are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.

Love to all,

Auntie Carla

Mom and Pop's 38th

So dad calls me 3-4 days ago, asking me what we are doing for Christmas...

His idea was to send mom down here for Christmas.

Mom opened up her 38th wedding anniversary card from dad today and she was pretty surprized to find out she was flying to Seattle on the eve of the 23rd and flying out on the morn of the 29th.

Great present dad, wish you were coming too.

Mom...we are all looking forward to seeing you. We will figure out a way to juggle you between here, JB and Paul's, and kate and Ford's.

I'm stoked to get to have you down here ma.

Thanks for your selflessness Papa.

love

blayner

Thank you Blayner!

After about a million emails and calls, Blayne found us our new car! It's perfect, exactly what we wanted and I am thrilled! The timing is perfect, I'll have time to get it insured, registered, etc. so that when Ford gets home, its waiting on him. We are so grateful Blayne, thank you for all your help. So far, it has snowed everyday that I have owned the car - pretty nice to be driving a nice car with AWD...
Anyway - here is our new Seattle-ak, we call her Subie ....what a beaut!

BeauBeau wrestling

Forder. I just wanted to let you know that Beau won his third varsity wresting match and took 8th of 16 at a tournament in Seattle today.

He has gotten his ass handed to him a few times, but he is really driven by the competition and challenge.

The kid amazes me every day

I think the season is over in late February so you can come yell across the gym, like dad used to do during our matches .

I hope all is well

love

blayner

The Last Box!!!

Kate and Ford's new ride!!!

Hey Fordo. As of about 5:30 PM, you are partial owner of one black on black Subaru Outback.

Katie came down and finished up all the paperwork.

Tell Katie to tell you about the rubber floor mats that I found for the car in our detail department.

Excellent choice by the way. Not to stereotype Subaru Buyers, however now Kate needs to start growing leg and armpit hair, post an Evergreen State College sticker in the back window, and you both need to become vegetarians.

Anyhoo...

I think you will like it, and they go anywhere....usually better than a 4x4 truck.

I love you bro!!!!

Can't wait to see you!!!

Cheers!!!

blayner

Ford's Band of Brothers, Alpha Co. Afghanistan

Top 5 reasons why old people don't need the survival bracelet shown below

5. Old people only wear carpal tunnel devices
4. It would clash with our medical id bracelets
3. Survival is a reality show on a desert island
2. We watch McGiver and know you always need a paperclip
1. Fordo is the only one that would know what to do with it....
But He's Not here!!! :( ................................yet

Survival Bracelet

Is this cool?

Each of these "Survival Bracelets" has 15 to 20 feet of 550-pound test paracord inside. If you ever need to use the cord for something, just unravel the binding. When you're done, you can send it back to manufacturer Survival Straps and they'll rewind it for you free of charge.

They're available in a variety of colors with either steel or plastic clasps for around $20-$25.

Thanksgiving Pictures

Thanks for the pics bro.

Beau said you look like Mario from The Mario Brothers (Nintendo.)

And he said you look kind of like a chimo.

We are really looking forward to having you back bro

Peace

blayner

Thanksgiving Pictures

Thanksgiving pics.

Fordo,

Thanks for the pics! It looks like you guys had a pretty good meal. I know how much you can miss the "little things" when you're away from home so I hope this brought a little "home" to you.

You and the guys stay safe and we'll see soon!

Love ya,
Uncle Stosh

Pretty funny!

Working people frequently ask retired people what they do to make their days interesting.

Well, for example, the other day I went downtown and into a shop. I was only there for about 5 minutes, and when I came out, there was a cop writing out a parking ticket.

I said to him, 'Come on, man, how about giving a retired person a break'? He ignored me and continued writing the ticket. I called him a 'Nazi.'He glared at me and wrote another ticket for having worn tires. So I called him a 'doughnut eating Gestapo.' He finished the second ticket and put it on the windshield with the first. Then he wrote a third ticket.

This went on for about 20 minutes. The more I abused him the more tickets he wrote. Personally, I didn't care. I came downtown on the bus, and the car that he was putting the tickets on had a bumper sticker that said, 'Obama in '08.' I try to have a little fun each day now that I'm retired. It's important to my health.

Thanksgiving pics

The fellas out by the fire enjoying the dinner. The dessert and snacks table

Me and one of the fellas making the chow

Before we started cooking

Here is our local cook...as you can see he likes his food!

Hope you enjoy the pics....again thank you all for everything. Lots of love this holiday season. Cheers,

Fordo

Turkey

Ford:
Can't tell you how happy I am that you and your team liked the turkey! I looked and looked for turkey that could be sent. Thought about a smoked turkey but that didn't work out so o o o o o . . . . found a site that did canned things. The people that own it are awesome. They are true patriots. They put in the 2 extra butters to make sure you and the team had enough. Anyway, hope you have a few leftovers. If there is anything else I can send please let me know.

I love you,

Auntie Carla

THANKSGIVING PIC

As you can see...we had some good eats. The first pic is our cook. The rest of the pics are of me and the team helping prepare the food and then the last one is of us eating it out by the fire. Okay...disregard the last two messages...i am just sending the pics to Kate and she can post them...sorry again for not getting to this sooner...again the team really appreciates everything you all did.

Fordo

THANKS AFTER THANKSGIVING

I'm sorry all it took me so long to post these....busy as usual. The team and I thank you so very much for all of the good food. Much love to all of you. Pics to follow.

P.S.- I would post more pics but it took about 10 minutes per pic to load....crappy internet over here

WALKING THE DOG

I received this e-mail from a co-worker. Thought you all would enjoy it.

A woman was flying from Seattle to San Francisco. Unexpectedly, the plane was diverted to Sacramento along the way. The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay, and if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft the plane would re-board in 50 minutes.

Everybody got off the plane except the one lady who was blind. The man had noticed her as he walked by and could tell the lady was blind because her Seeing Eye dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of her throughout the entire flight.

He could also tell she had flown this very flight before because the pilot approached her, and calling her by name, said, 'Kathy, we are in Sacramento for almost an hour. Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?' The blind lady replied, 'No thanks, but maybe Buddy would like to stretch his legs.'

PICTURE THIS:
All the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a Seeing Eye dog! The pilot was even wearing sunglasses. People scattered. They not only tried to change planes, but they were trying to change airlines!

HAVE A GREAT DAY AND REMEMBER . . . . . THINGS AREN'T ALWAYS AS THEY APPEAR.

* This is not a true story. This tale was told in the mid 1990's by a blind jazz pianist George Shearling who pretended to be the pilot on a flight from LA to SF. People should have faith. If a blind pilot really got them safely from LA to SAC, why quibble about SAC to SF?


Auntie Carla

3 WEEKS TO CHRISTMAS!!!

I am so not ready. Guess I will finish up tomorrow (day off) and try to get everything mailed Sat. a.m.

Most of all I think about my family and wish we could all be together during the holidays. Would be way cool to all spend another Christmas with Mom/Gramma/GG. Stosh and I have the privilege of being with her because she lives here. Maybe we can all gather in Washington for the holidays next year. Just a thought.

Ford - I love you to pieces and think about you all of the time. Be safe, come home soon.

Love to all,

Auntie Carla

Happy After Thanksgiving

Ford:
Hope you and the team had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner! Christmas presents are on their way. Wish you were going to be home, however, we will make up for the missed Christmas when you return.

We (Gramma, Uncle Stosh, Aunt Sheri and I) spent the day in Castro Valley with Ruthie and Michael. Todd was under the weather so he stayed in the city and Bill, Ruthie's husband, is back east at school so we had a quiet day. The food was awesome and we took the dogs to a dogie park that is all up hill. Thought the family might have to resuscitate me at the top of one hill but I made it and am better for it.

To all the folks out there in blog land, hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and not to many problems with 'food coma'.

Auntie Carla

Snopes says this is a hoax but it's still funny, hope you all get a chuckle.