The Drew Family Blog

Pat's Personal Project

2010-09-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

USB Microphone $3.99

Cassette Player $6.99

Replacement Headphone Plug $1.50

Creating an MP3 of Dad's last performance . . . Priceless

The final configuration.

Listen Here:

Meet You In The Mo...

From Oly to Ohio

2010-05-11T06:19:00.000-07:00

We decided we better send some pix from our trip to non-FB people. They are all out of order, because I can't figure how to change it otherwise. If you don't already know, we are spending more than 2 months traveling to Ohio to visit with Mark, Joanne, Fred, and Matilda. After that visit we will spend 5 days at Jackson Center, Ohio for the Alumapalooza - a rally for owners of silver trailers and their friends. A great place to get ideas and problem solving hints and resources.

We left April 28th, plan to reach Upper Arlington by the 22nd and leave for home June 6th. We have been traveling I-84 to I-80. We're currently in Nebraska. We've encountered a lot of wind since the Columbia River and have had unusually cold weather (with the exception of Mothers' Day - 70 degrees), but almost every day has been sunny. We love our little home - the 1957 Airstream - and have got into definite routines that make life very comfortable. Here are just a few pix - more later.

Larry & Dottie

In memory of Mom

2010-05-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

This week I was cleaning my office (Stop laughing! Really, I was cleaning my office.) Anyway, I found this on a diskette and since the tenth Mother’s Day since her passing is coming up, I thought it was an appropriate time to share it. The only editing I did was in regards to formatting, the content was left intact.

Memories of Lucy Drew

Cheri

My mother “Gertie.” I am not sure how that name came to be, but it was what I, and only I, called her. I would call to talk and say “Good-morning Gertie” and she would say “Cheri, I always know when it is you.”

Our real friendship started when I was in high school, before that I remember her being very busy and always going, playing games, doing some art project, or reading a book. At that time, my sister Dottie went off to college and left me the only girl in the house and the one who worked closest to Mom. I can remember being a little concerned having all the responsibility put upon me. With a family of seven there were a lot of clothes to be washed and folded and I sure learned the folding side of that job. Gradually Mom and I grew to be very close friends.

A few days after Mark was born she woke me up on a Saturday and asked me to come down and watch my baby brother so that she could go to the beauty parlor. He was so small he didn’t even cry, just squeaked. I felt so important being allowed and trusted to care for him. Mom knew I loved children and she let me take care of him. When we went out to eat people would ask all the time if he were mine, and I being only 17 years old. Mom would say “I bet you’re glad that I was out in public a lot when I was pregnant so our friends know he is mine not yours.”

We always lived nearby and I have many wonderful memories of plying cards, camping & fishing trips, boat outings, and the group cook offs. The times that were the most special to me were when we would all get together for the holidays. It was our whole family plus many extras. It was always centered around God and His love.

Dottie

What D’ya know about Lu?

Describe Lucy Drew in a few words, betcha can’t do it!

You may say she was a stay-at-home mom. That’s definitely true. AS such, she was the director of a thriving group of Christian Youth Crusaders and the den mother for Rick’s Cub Scout group. Did you know that before children entered her life, she was a printer’s devil in an all mail print shop? Did yo know that she was the one who taught me to change a light switch and repair a clothes dryer? She was the one who taught me the joy of learning. You may say she was an artist a quilter, writer of poems, and a lover of good books.

Not only did she draw and paint, but she shared her materials and books with those around her. When young Larry was sick in the hospital with nephritis, she brought him art materials to work with. Later, when we were married, she encouraged him to take just one art class as a respite in his purely academic schedule. She also introduced him to Dale at Britt’s Signs. Larry’s life was changed forever.

She always wrote poetry. A consistency throughout her life, even until the end were her journals and notebooks. Did you know that she was 69 when she and Dad coordinated her drawings and poems and printed her poetry book?

She made beautiful quilts, but did you know that reading books, taking classes and joining quilting guilds until much later in her life.

Yes, she had poor health. Her health challenges were numerous, but she showed so much strength through it all. Do you know how many times she went from a wheelchair, to a walker, to a cane, to walking independently? Could you do that?

Ah! The memories of my Mom. Did you know that as a young person she was a tomboy, who pulled on her brother’s jeans and slipped out her window onto the tree nearby to go play baseball? Did you know she broke her nose playing that game? Later she and Dad would go hiking with Rick and I to Flapjack Lakes. I remember also the time she came home bragging because she water-skied from Phinney Bay to the bridge and back on one water-ski. Did you know she bowled several 200 games?

I remember sitting in the kitchen at the red formica table watching as Mom showed me how to carve the Ivory soap into a small animal. I remember coming home from school to find Mom and Dad working on the “train table.” Dad was forming mountains and Mom was making trees out of twigs and little pieces of green sponges.

A few years ago, I remember walking across the Evergreen Campus on the way to work wearing a brightly colored skirt and blouse with orange, pink, yellow, purple, and green when a young man said, “ I just want you to know that I really like your dress. It makes me feel happy.” I said, “Thanks! It makes me happy too. It’s a recent hand-me-down from my 72 year-old Mother.

Recently she wrote in her journal, “Our lives are a rich, sweet tapestry of things we have done and said with memories of those we loved and outlived in golden thread.”
She sure wove an amazing tapestry!

Michael

Some people hear a different drummer, one that no one else can hear, most unwilling to dance to this unheard beat. My mother was not one of these. She danced the beat she heard; many times alone. I loved her for it, and find a bit of her independent spirit within myself. It’s my better quality.

Pat

You cared for me when I was young.
You said you were proud of me, your son.
When people came, you showed my scar.
You told of my hand in the Jelly Jar.
And how I ate ice cream (all that they left.)
You told me of God’s love, when at times I wept.
You made me feel that I had good sense.
When I told you of Michael going ‘over da fence’.
Mom, I owe so very much to you.
And there is nothing more I can say or do.
But to raise my children as I know best.
Following God’s love and righteousness.
So on this day, I thought you should know.
Sweet Mother dear, I love you so!

Mark

I would like to begin by saying how nice it is to see so many people here who have been influenced by my mother’s touch.

Growing up in the Drew house there were many rules we were expected to follow, many things we were not allowed to do, and many words we were not allowed to say. In particular my mother had one word which didn’t exist in her vocabulary and that word is “can’t.” Our mother never said “I cannot be a woman and run a printing press in 1940. Our mother never said, “I cannot wear slacks, play cards, and dance.” Our mother never said “I cannot learn to bowl in my forties. My mother never said, “I cannot learn to paint, write poetry, make jewelry, learn to quilt, no matter what my age or station in life.” Our mother never said, “This will beat me.” Our mother never said these things because our mother loved life, every last bit of it.

I took that from my mother to never be afraid of learning new things. Whenever I find myself intimidated by life, I think of her, a woman who never hesitated to say, “I CAN!”

Larry

It all started out in 1948 in the little red wagon Dottie and I used to play together. Our families shared a navy housing duplex in East Bremerton. Lucy invited my family to church and we became part of the family of Christ.

When I was in the third grade I lived with the Drew family for a few weeks after my mom sold our house so we could join my father who was stationed in Adak, Alaska. I remember the unfinished attic which became my room. It smelled of cedar and insulation and it was all mine. One day I lost track of time and was late coming home from playing in the neighborhood. Lucy sent me to bed without any dinner. I really felt sorry for myself. Later that evening she brought me a tray and explained how important it was for me to be on time for dinner and that she knew where I was at all times. I really felt like part of the family.

I remember the church ski parties at the Wilson’s with all my good friends. I marveled at Lucy’s ability on skis and her skill at driving the boat (The Drucy Lu.) I remember all the talks and encouragement she gave me after Dottie and I were married in 1966 and I was in college. She is responsible for my career as an art teacher and sign painter of 30 years. Lucy also gave me numerous art books and supplies which helped me to become a better teacher.

From the time I became part of the Drew family, I remember Lucy’s health battles. She would fall back and then rebound. She fought a gallent fight and now she is at peace with the Lord. I will miss her. She was a wonderful mother-in-law.

Ric

My fondest memories of Lucy were of times sitting around the table in the breakfast nook of the Snyder house playing games, mostly cards, and drinking coffee. It wasn’t because she won, she hardly ever did, but we would discuss all kinds of topics as we played. It was during these times that I was drafted to wallpaper the kitchen, paint the living room, and remodel the bathroom. These were but a few of the projects we hatched over our game times. It was a wonderful feeling to know that Lucy would come to me first to talk about a new project.

It was always great to go up and watch Monday Night Football with her. She knew more about sports than most of my male friends.

Annie

Coffee, laughter, tears, backgammon, coffee, silliness to intimacy, all very special memories.

Patty

“Mama Lu”

Thank you Lucy for the brief time we had together as Mother-Daughter-in-law.

A few weeks ago, while Lucy was hospitalized, she held my hand and with sincerity in her eyes and the touch of her hand spoke to me about her regret. I her words, “I’m sorry I can’t stick around to get to know you better.” Lucy, my regret is that I shall not get to know you better, but then again, the remnants remaining, your six children, have shown me a truly super-bonded family. Without your presence of mind, your talents and your love for the Lord, they would all lack your beautiful essence.

As you lay awake hours before our Lord took you home to be with Fred, you asked me to save a place in our new gallery for children’s art. I shall do this as you requested and it shall be called “Mama Lu’s Art Corner in your sweet memory. Thank you Lucy for your touch on my life.

Brian

Memories of Grandma:

Sitting on the living room floor watching pro-wrestling with her. She always knew who would win..
Learning to draw. Grandma taught me everything I know about art.

How to make and enjoy a good cup of coffee.

I will never forget her stories. The lemonwood bow. The bike she dismantled and took in a trunk. The time she spent working on a printing press. Her partner in the Pro/Am bowling tournament that she didn’t like, and still doing well in that tournament.

Living in the basement apartment and coming upstairs for coffee and cards.

Ricci

My most vivid memory of grandma was when I was in the ninth grade. I would go over once a week and help her with odd jobs around the house. This particular week, I was cleaning the chandelier. I was telling her how frustrated I was in English class because we were reading Romeo and Juliet and I just wasn’t getting it. So, grandma went and got her copy and started reading the play to me while I cleaned. She did all the characters and explained it as she went along. Grandma gave me a love for Shakespeare and all good literature. She helped me to see the beauty that was found in good writing.

Lucy my friend (author unknown)

When I met Lucy she greeted me with wide open arms, a bit strong hug and a mother’s gentle kiss.

She let me know her quickly, sharing with pride the things she thought of as successes, and very honestly the things she thought less so. “ Flowers”, she once said, “bloom because there are sunny days and rainy ones.”

Lucy made me her friend and, once so, never let me forget it. “ I know your busy she’d say, “but surely you can make time for 1 cup of coffee.” Which usually turned in to 3 or 4 cups and a couple of games of backgammon or canasta.

Lucy taught me openness and love. She taught me to look inside and find beauty. She once told me never to fear writers block because. She taught me to look around—there’s always something to write about. And if you’re still stuck, she said, “Look at your own hands. There’s hundreds of stories to tell. Lucy, my friend, I’ll miss you!

Gunner is ONE!!!!

2010-04-04T18:47:00.000-07:00

So, I know it has been WAY WAY to long since I posted on here. I think the last time I posted was when we got Gunner's 4 month old pictures and today I am going to post his ONE YEAR pictures...I can't believe it!

Jesse and I are doing well. Besides working at both of our full time jobs we have decided to start our own small business. Gunner's Gunsmithing. It has been hopping busy and we aren't even set up yet to do half of the stuff we will eventually offer. Jesse obviously does the gunsmithing part of the business and I handle the rest. I am currently trying to get a small business loan to get all of the equipment we need to set up shop....that is actually easier said then done :-)

Love you guys and hope you enjoy the pics.

2010-02-27T23:16:00.000-08:00

Well hello. I also have not been on here in quite some time. A few things have changed since last time I logged on. For lots of us. Maddy and I moved into a two bedroom apartment in Port Orchard. Aunt Cheri and Uncle Rick helped furnish the living room. :) I love that couch! We are doing well in our humble abode! I'm still at Albertsons, and I plan to keep truckin'! There may be a Manager position open soon that I will definately apply for, and if it is meant to happen it will.

Maddy will be three this May. I know, I know. She is so old. I don't know how I will handle it. She's got a 'rude tude' sometimes, but I just remind her who Mama is. She is also....(drumroll) potty trained!!!!! Hooray! Everyone is so excited for her. I am ecstatic!

Let's see some more updates on here. I'de love to see how everyone is doing.

Always,

Alesta.

Denman Update

2010-02-23T10:38:00.000-08:00

Ok so...
We have been living in CA for seven months and are really enjoying it. We recently moved into base housing (only 4 days ago) and have been putting the house together before Daniel leaves. If anyone wants our new address, let me know. Daniel is leaving for a deployment in about three hours so please pray for his safety and return QUICKLY!!!
Lydia is coming to visit around the 12th of March and will be here for about 5 days and will be the first one of the family and I am so excited to go shopping at the outlet mall with her! YAY! Then Devonne and her adorable sons will come and visit around the 8th of April for about a week. I am really excited to see them but pray I get the time off of work! Anyway, hope all is well with everyone. Good Bye!

The Ramers just got back from mexico

2009-12-13T19:37:00.000-08:00

just wanted to post some pics.

happy holidays love devonne

The New Californians

2009-11-28T10:58:00.000-08:00

Hello family!
Haven't been on here in FOREVER! I just wanted to give you an update since um... the beginning of summer.
Well as most of you know, Daniel and I got orders to Travis AFB, CA in March. It is about an hour northeast of San Fran and about 40 minutes southwest of Sacramento. So in June I quit my job a week early than expected because we decided to go on a last minute trip to Germany to visit our good friends from McChord who are now stationed there. It was an amazing trip including many places in Germany and a road trip to PARIS! We were actually there until the Eiffel Tower for our third wedding anniversary. :o) It was bliss!
After we got back from Europe, we started our journey down to California about two or three weeks later. It was really hard to leave Washington for both of us since most of our families and friends are there but we needed to spread our wings and fly. :o) We made it down here in one piece (one very exhausted family) and within ten days I had a job (same thing I was doing at McChord.. HR Assistant) and Daniel found out he made the next rank. Staff Sergeant in the Air Force. So he had to go to a five week class for this rank. He now is back to his normal flying loadmastering job flying about 10 days out of the month. He was gone for Thanksgiving which was hard being all by myself but just kept myself busy making a pumpkin pie for him when he gets home in a few days! :o) I appreciate talking to all of you who were at Aunt Cheri's and Uncle Ric's on Thanksgiving. That was fun! Anyway, we are really enjoy ourselves here in California and hope all of you are doing well. :o) Happy Holidays!

Mi Casa es su Casa!

2009-10-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

Hola from Mexico! Here are a few photos of mi casa en Chapala. I'm renting a 2 bedroom 2 bath casa in Vista Del Lago, about 5 miles east of the town of Chapala, which is located on the largest lake in Mexico, Lago de Chapala, and about 30 miles south of Guadalajara, Mexico's 2nd largest city.

and here are some of the interior shots...plenty of room for guests, if you know what I mean.

My Discovery in Hot Springs

2009-09-24T15:58:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been awhile since I posted anything on this Blog so here goes. As you may know, I have been on a somewhat extended vacation, since... oh about a year and a half ago actually. Anyway, for the last 2 months, I've been staying with the Drews of Columbus, Ohio, where I enjoyed my time with one Frederick E Drew and his sister Matilda too. Now, as my stay is at an end, I'm heading south to Mexico for awhile.

On my way down, however, I took a slight detour to visit Hot Springs, Arkansas, where after some searching around I was quite excited to find evidence of the original Frederick E Drew. (I really was excited!) This was, of course Frederick Elias Drew, Dad's grandfather, but I shall not bore you with the details...anymore than I already have, that is. I hope to post more pictures in the near future, maybe some you'll even find exciting.

PieFace

2009-07-31T07:36:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share . Lori works at an Assisted Living facility in Lacey and they were having a fun-filled day, which included allowing the clients to throw pies (or something) at the manager. Larry donated the background.

Summer.

2009-07-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

Maddy relaxing on a stump. July 09.

Maddy walking Rex. July 09.

Most everyone who attended.

Adorable cake that my boss and I made.

Maddy turns 2! Party. :) May 09.

More Gunner Pictures

2009-07-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

Gunner's 2 month picture.

LIL' MAN ISN'T SO LITTLE ANYMORE

2009-07-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

For those of you who didn't hear, I got a call from my boss two days before I came back from maternity leave to tell me that I was getting bumped out of my position by a more senior employee whose position had been eliminated. I prayed and searched hard and was offered a new position as Regional Business Manager for DSHS Home & Community Services. I began my job job on July 16th and so far I LOVE IT. I think my getting bumped was a blessing in disguise.

So now that I am employeed and able to afford it :-) we went and got Gunner's pictures and our first family pictures done this last Saturday.

So...since I'm behind in my picture posting here is a few to catch everyone up. He is 4 1/2 months.

2009-07-27T22:17:00.000-07:00

Wow, is it almost August. So much fun we have had. been camping a lot. I had more surgery on my foot 2 weeks before school got out. I have to say it went WAY better than I though it could have ever thought. Walking very well with some stiffness, and soreness. Trying to still control the swelling. Today was my first day back to work in 2 months. Still at limited work, and only 20 hrs a week. Just a start to get me going. This weekend since it was going to be hot we decided to take a long drive and go to Whidby Island. On our tour we went to Fort Casey. The kids loved it. They ran and climed till they couldn't walk anymore. We also went through deception pass. Walked the bridge and then we went to the State Park and walked the beach. This picture is at the top of the bridge. Kids getting so big. Wendy is 8 and starting 3rd grade. Matthew will be 6 in August and starting 1s grade. They are so excited. Kinda torn loving Summer break but wanting to see who there new teachers will be. Garden is huge thanks to Mom. Got veggies, anyone want some. A baby fawn and her mom decided to visit us in our front driveway. Wow what a blessing it is to live in the country. Kids love to be out in the boat. So this is the Dietzman summer so far. Oh yea, and we also got a new dog. She has been the best dog ever. Spent many hours in bed with me helping me heal. She is a smooth fox terrier. With a really long nose.

No rest for the weary

2009-07-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

Rick barely sat down after his 2,608 mile drive to Columbus and we put him to work....

Time for Updates

2009-07-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! Larry has been working almost full time on the Airstream . The aqua flooring gets installed tomorrow - photos to follow. I've been Betsy Rossing -- hand-stitching a flag for our Airstream (complete with silver beads to simulate rivets.) We want to get as much done as we can by mid-September for the Tin Can Tourist rally at Lynden. All trailers and RV's there will be 25 years or older. It's a great place for owners and the "just curious" to spend some time looking at vintage cars and trailers.

Now, my request: Take a minute. Upload a photo. (Babies and children change quickly.) Write a few sentences. What is your most recent family news? Any new jobs, homes, hobbies, accomplishments, presentations, vacations????? We want to know.

family

2009-07-10T21:23:00.001-07:00

billie 4 yrs old, maddy 2 yrs old gunner 2 months

Cleanup update.

2009-06-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

As many of you have heard tragedy struck my family last week. In the middle of home renovation we discovered the ceiling was made of asbestos, as apparently many materials from the era this house was built in were, and the house was thoroughly contaminated. In the end we found an honest cleaner and had the house cleaned. In this case cleaning means we lost the vast majority of our possessions and cost around 7000.00.
The only real difference between this and a fire was we have a house afterward. If you want the details of what was thrown out just ask but knowing all of you I can think of one or two things each that would make you cringe.
A number of people has asked how they can help so we set up a Target gift list for those so inclined.
Additionally we are having a house re-warming BBQ this 4th of July for those of you close enough, bring meat we'll bring the coals.
We still have the important things, our family and a roof over our head but it is going to be a lean year though we will make it and once repairs are done I imagine the value of our house will only be higher.
In short it has been hard but we are coping and will survive.

Erick, Cymon, and Shiva.

Father's Day with Dad, Alesta, Maddie, Lydia and Patty

2009-06-21T18:57:00.000-07:00

Maddie enjoying the fun spouts of water, trying to catch them......

We found a friendly person who took this picture.............

We had lots of fun before the lightening and thunder came in....

Bubble rock and heads...........notice the clouds rolling in?

Maddie did most of all the wading.....and enjoyed rock throwing in the pool.

Oh, here's Lydia enjoying the fountains........when she's not in school or working.

Disaster for the Kirkland Kilmers.

2009-06-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

As some of you may have heard by now there has been nothing short of a disaster in my life. while trying to renovate my bedroom for Cymon's return from a business trip I instead contaminated my entire house with asbestos dust. On this Saturday and Sunday professionals are coming to my house and decontaminating everything they can and destroying the rest. On the short list of things you can't clean are anything made of cloth like rugs, clothing, and mattresses and more esoteric items like TV's and Computers also can not be cleaned. As you might imagine this is an especially tough time for us since Cymon is in Prague. To quell any immediate health fears the expert I have talked to referred to Shiva's and my exposure as 'minimal' and essentially nothing to worry about though not recommended. Financially we can take he hit right now so we will be OK so no worries there but keep us in your prayers.

Our visit and Matilda's first birthday party

2009-06-15T11:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures from our AWESOME visit in Seattle and Matilda's first birthday party. I wish I'd had my camera at Chris ad Rebecca's wedding it was (and they were) BEAUTIFUL!

More...

2009-06-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

More again...

2009-06-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

Columbus Visit (cont.)

2009-05-20T11:55:00.001-07:00

Relaxin' and gigglin'

A day at the park.

Dottie and Larry's visit

2009-05-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

Dottie and Larry arrived by train last Saturday and since then we visited the zoo, the science center, took lots of walks to a couple of different parks, had a great lunch out for Mother's Day, Larry and Mark installed my new dishwasher, they hauled a bunch of someone else's junk out of our crawl space and laid down a plastic vapor barrier (which immediately eliminated the unpleasant crawl space dirt smell we had going on), we worked well into the wee hours scraping wallpaper glue off the dining room and kitchen walls and prepping the kitchen for painting (which somehow or other involved the use of a crow bar (you know how it is--if you're gonna paint, you might as well rip out the backsplashes), Dottie and I spent an entire day figuring out paint colors (which is a miracle because normally it takes me months on my own to make a decision), we spent lots of time eating and laughing and telling stories and playing with the kids and watching Matilda take her first steps. What a wonderful wonderful week!

Zac's Birthday

2009-05-04T06:58:00.000-07:00

Zac is 16! and at his birthday party last month Grandpa presented him with chartered halibut trip on the Slammer from Westport. Opening Day was yesterday. After a very long day both men returned home with a plastic bag of fillets and smiles on their faces.

Happy 13th Nolan!

2009-05-02T21:23:00.000-07:00

Sunday is Nolan's 13th birthday. Here's a picture of him and his chocolate cake keyboard and vanilla cake "mouse". The second picture is of the "keys" (smashed tootsie rolls) on the cutting board before placement on the cake. The cord is red licorice, of course. The letters are written in silver edible paint. Zoe baked the cake and helped smashed the tootsie rolls.

Small news in my life.

2009-05-01T00:10:00.000-07:00

As some of you know I work at Uncles Games in Redmond Town Center. What may be news is I promoted to Assistant Manager recently. Now in my company all employees essentially do assistant manager work to begin with, we all have keys to the store and are responsible for opening and closing, etc. Being the Assistant Manager in title means they are training you to be Manager. Yesterday my Manager, Jodie, found out she is pregnant. This means she will be quitting in about 9 months and I will more than likely be the new Manager of my store. To quote Jodie 'If you aren't nervous about that something's wrong' Yeah, nothings wrong.

While trying to find me...

2009-04-26T22:09:00.000-07:00

...I found someone else.
I was looking on gigharbor-life.com to try to find a picture of Maddy and I that the editor had taken.
Instead I found this article from 1998.

"A local physician whose ties to the community go back five decades and more than 4,000 delivered babies died Wednesday.
Dr. Frederick Edgar Drew, of Port Orchard, died at his home. He was 75.
Drew was a family-oriented man with strong ties to the two churches he belonged to in Kitsap County, said his daughter, Dorothy Freemantle.
The spouses of his children were like close friends and included in all the traditional family activities, including annual camping and fishing expeditions to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and one of Drew's favorite activities, cooking.
""He was from the South and he liked to cook Cajun food,"" recalled Ms. Freemantle. Family members would each be given their chopping, mixing or blending assignments, ""and since we had a large family, it would take up the whole house,"" she said.
He also was avidly involved in genealogical studies.
Dr. Drew was born Nov. 6, 1923, to the Rev. Edmund and Emma Drew in Grand Bay, Ala. His parents preceded him in death.
He was raised in numerous states including Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Michigan and spent time at Central College in McPherson, Kan.
He attended Seattle Pacific College and joined the Navy.
On Nov. 11, 1942, he took fellow student Lucy Marie Fine on their first date aboard the historic ferry Kalakala from Seattle to Bremerton.
The couple was married by Dr. Drew's father on Sept. 25, 1944, in Winnsboro, La.
Shortly afterward, he entered Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans.
After graduation, he began his internship in 1948 at Naval Hospital Bremerton.
In 1950, Drew left the Navy and became one of the first three physicians at the new Doctors Clinic.
He spent the next 4412 years at the clinic in general practice and doing obstetrics and family medicine.
It wasn't unusual, his daughter said, for a grandmother to meet him in the hospital and recognize him as the doctor who had delivered both her children and her children's children.
Drew had a special concern about alcoholism and for many years worked regularly at the Kitsap County Alcoholic Rehabilitation Program, known as ""Dry Doc.""
In 1995, Drew retired and moved with his wife to Port Orchard.
First as a member of the Bremerton Free Methodist Church, his father's denomination, and later as a member of Grace Bible Church in Port Orchard, Drew found special joy sharing his musical gifts with his family and community, his daughter said. He sang solo and in the choir, and composed.
With the help of a fellow church member, he had just completed a new gospel composition before his death.
In addition to his wife, survivors include two daughters, Freemantle of Olympia and Cheri Kilmer of Bremerton; four sons, Raymond of Edgewood, Mike of Port Orchard, Pat of Purdy and Mark, a student at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore; grandchildren Drew Freemantle, Brian Kilmer, Lori Flanagan, Ricci Kilmer, Christopher Drew, Christian Drew, Jesse Drew, Sean Drew, Devonne Drew, Kelley Drew, Emma Drew, Alesta Drew, Lydia Drew and four great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 21, 1998, at Grace Bible Church, 7070 Bethel-Burley Road, Port Orchard."

I just thought it was weird to stumble upon.

Procession of the Species

2009-04-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of our Procession of the Species, held annually near Earth Day. Participants are ALL ages. There are babies in front packs and backpacks, Moms-to-be with painted tummys (the globe was my favorite), people in wheel chairs (see turtle above), people on stilts (one absolutely AMAZING dancer on tall stilts), configured and jointed bicycles, many paper sculptures, masks, and hats of fish, animals and plants. The crowd beats drums and shakes rattles and dances down the street. The best in that category is our samba dancers - great rhythm and dancers of all abilities. The whole parade is a symbol of inclusion and FUN!

Larry, Rick and I left early enough to pick up veggies at the Oly Farmers' Mkt. and check in on Artswalk - where EVERYONE (again all ages and abilities) displays art in galleries, cafe's, banks, shoe stores, bike stores . . . Some beautiful work at Childhood's End and a very fine example of Zoe's portraiture at Peppers, a Mexican restraurant.

He's a cute one. isn't he?

2009-04-23T07:42:00.001-07:00

Garrett Walker Ramer

Garrett is here...

2009-04-22T16:15:00.001-07:00

Garrett is finally here! He arrived at 3:41 pm. He 6 lb 15 oz. That's all I know at this time.

Garrett is willin' . . . he's just a little shy.

2009-04-22T11:19:00.000-07:00

Devonne called at 5:26 this morning.

Garret is on the way.

As of 11:21 am, he still hasn't shown his face.

What is wrong with that boy?

I'll post what I know when i know it.

Pat

Waiting for Garrett Walker

2009-04-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

its devonne, still pregnant waiting for baby garrett. We are so ready to make this a family of 4. Billie keeps talking to my tummy telling Garrett that its not scary out here, and to come out. Very cute. Billie is so ready to b a big brother, he has no idea how his little world is gonna change. lol. Well, i will post pics when he comes. meanwhile say prayers, cause patience is a virture i lack. : ) devonne

i am 3 days past my due date.

Gunner's First Visit to the West Side

2009-04-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

Gunner made his first trip across the mountains to see family this last Easter weekend. He is now 8 lbs 13 oz and is 21 inches long. He is starting to stay awake and look around a little bit more each day. He is in the habit of sleeping solidly from about 6pm to 11pm, which means that by 5am he really doesn't have a whole lot of interest in going back to sleep. So anyway...enjoy the pics and Gunner is looking forward to meeting those families members he hasn't yet at the family reunion in May.

Maddy & Alesta.

2009-04-06T19:26:00.000-07:00

Maddy sunbathing. April 6th, 2009.

Maddy wearing Mommies shoes. :)

Baby Gunner and Maddy moo.

Containing Maddy in the Fred Meyer bathroom.

Maddy and Auntie "Yidya!"

Hello family! Maddy's second birthday is just around the corner. :) She has grown so much, and so fast! This girl remembers everything. She really surprises me everyday. We are going to start going to a Mommy & Me group this Wednesday. A girl around my age came up to me at church and asked me if I would be interested. Definately!

Maddy like to count to ten in Spanish, and Tyler taught her one through ten in German also. She loves to sing! Sing sing sing, all the time. Such a sweet little voice she has. Lately, she loves "Mary had a Little Lamb" and "Muffin Man".

I am working at Albertsons still. Supposed to be getting a raise soon. It's pretty much same ol' same ol'. Pizza is pizza, and thats what I do there. Sometimes I work in the Customer Service. No plans to move out anytime soon. I really dont want a room mate. So I'm just going to have to wait to save lots of money, and find a screamin' deal. Also! This summer I am going to Yakima to babysit Gunner, and see Kelley and Jesse, for two months!!! Excited!

I'm turning 21 April 20th. :)

All is well over here. Thanks for reading. Enjoy the pictures of my little sweetie.

-Alesta.

Grampa Drew meets "Little Man"

2009-03-29T19:45:00.000-07:00

Grandpa says,

There is so much excitement going around this month waiting for Gunner's arrival, then getting to greet and craddle him in my arms on Saturday, then back home.

We had so much fun and wished we could have stayed longer, but ya'all know, I have another grandson waiting in the wings and didn't want to miss this one either.

Enjoy the pictures...

Pictures, Life, Update.

2009-03-28T19:32:00.000-07:00

Well nothing too exciting happens in the life of Lydia. But, just to update, I am still attending school, havent dropped out and gotten into any hard drugs or anything. ;) I go to South and Olympic College. I am still working at Stafford Suites retirement home and LOVE it. Best job, not that I have any others to compare it to. Other then that there is nothing too exciting. I have posted a picture of alesta and I just cause, and a picture of my boyfriend (at cheri's request when i saw her last) and I at the tolo dance. His name is Greg Wasilchen, yes he has VERYYYY long hair, we are exact opposites in looks, and will have been together for six months in april.

Hamburger Cookies

2009-03-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

½ cup vanilla frosting Red and yellow paste or gel food coloring
40 vanilla wafers 20 peppermint patties
1 teaspoon light corn syrup 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Place ¼ cup frosting in each of two small bowls. Tint one red ant eh other yellow. Frost the bottoms of 20 vanilla wafers with the yellow frosting; top with a peppermint patty. Spread with red frosting. Brush the tops of the remaining vanilla wafers with corn syrup; sprinkle with sesame seeds. Place over the red frosting. Great dessert for a picnic!

Mark's Home

2009-03-26T17:06:00.001-07:00

Just walked in the door safe and sound! Boy are we glad to have him home!

Say a little prayer for Mark

2009-03-26T04:11:00.000-07:00

Could you please keep Mark in your hearts today. He is in Breckenridge, Colorado at a conference and scheduled to fly home today out of Denver, but I just saw that the National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning that is in effect from 6am this morning until 6 am tomorrow. Pray that he gets home safe (or that his flight is canceled and he gets some good skiing in). :-)
Joanne

Gunner Lynn West

2009-03-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

HE IS HERE! Gunner Lynn West was born at 7:55am on Thursday, March 12th, 2009. He was 6 lbs 14 oz and 20 1/2 inches long. We had a little bit of a struggle with him at first as we were released from the hospital on Saturday evening and then they admitted Gunner back in on Sunday due to his weight dropping to 6 lbs 2 oz and his having a bad case of jaundice. He spent the night under the lights and was woken up to feed every three hours. By Monday at 3:30pm we were told that his bilirubin count had come down to 13.2 (it was up to 21.5) and that he now weighed 6 lbs 7 oz. YEAH! We were told we could take him home! Once we got done hugging and crying as a family we packed up and headed home. Now it is Wednesday and my little man has been home for 2 straight nights in a row. He is more alert, eating like a horse, and just looking as cute as every.

So...without further ado may I present the best thing that ever happend to Kelley and Jesse West!

New Zealand pictures

2009-02-16T19:31:00.001-08:00

Billie is 4 years old

2009-02-07T09:19:00.000-08:00

kinda old photo, just wanted to show a pic of my little guy. His 4th birthday in november. they grow too fast. My due date is coming up, Billie is getting so excited to b a big brother! Tax day april 15 is my due date.

devonne

Kelley's Baby Shower

2009-01-20T16:23:00.000-08:00

I was told to upload some pictures from the baby shower so here you go!

"OH MY GOSH"!!!! NEWS FLASH!

2009-01-12T14:56:00.001-08:00

Never let it be said that little boys don't keep secrets from their parents!

Jesse and Kelley just found out Cheyenne is really Gunnar Lynn today. The baby shower is the 17th of January and how many of us purchased "pink".....including us?
Congratulations again to both of you, but you will have to talk to this little guy about keeping secrets from mommy,daddy and all his relatives and friends.

Love,
Grandpa Pat and Grandma Patty

just an fyi.

2009-01-06T16:30:00.003-08:00

Daniel and I are going to New Zealand next month. No big deal. YAY!

White Christmas!

2008-12-31T13:55:00.001-08:00

Hello, Hello!
I just wanted to share a few photos from the Christmas season from all the crazy amounts of snow to friends and family. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and have a Happy New Year!

A New Addition

2008-12-17T08:16:00.001-08:00

Daniel and I have a new addition to our little family. Beans has a brother. :) We got little Tater Tot (his name but he goes by Tater or Tate) last week. Daniel's mom and dad were holding him for us because Daniel was on a trip and they also got one of his brothers so it worked out perfectly! :) Anyway, here are some updated pictures of the two of us and then Beans (black and gray) and Tater (brown and white). Enjoy!

Thanksgiving in AZ

2008-11-29T20:50:00.000-08:00

Cymon, Shiva, and I went to Arizona to spend Thanksgiving with her family. Her brother Chad and his wife Amanda live there with their two children Kelsey and Cole. I apparently failed to get a picture of Cole but here is one of Shiva and Kelsey on Thanksgiving day.

We stayed with her step father Rich and his fiance Janet, who I also don't have pictures of so here is a picture of their cat Meechan.

We went to the range, ate at Sonic and In-N-Out, spent money at the mall, had fun in the 85deg sun and overall had a wonderful vacation and Thanksgiving.

2008-11-28T13:45:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from our Thanksgiving. It was quiet, just the four of us. Still, in its way, nice. Our biggest dillema was what pie to make--since it was just the two of us, we couldn't justify making more than one. After much deliberation we decided to make a traditional pumpkin for Thanksgiving and make the sweet potato pecan pie for Christmas dinner. The other big thing was trying to figure out how to take a family picture. It kept going off before Mark had a chance to get settled. We tried a couple of times and this was the best we could come up with. Which is, if nothing else, very indicative of our crazy and wonderful life together.

The night before Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T08:38:00.001-08:00

What do you think of this Butterball?

THANKSGIVING CHALLENGE

2008-11-26T09:44:00.000-08:00

I haven't included a picture in THIS post - just a challenge. DON'T FORGET YOUR CAMERA TOMORROW!!!! Take a picture of your individual Thanksgiving celebration and post it.

Autumn day in the sun

2008-11-22T20:44:00.000-08:00

Well, The weather was nice and like my mom tought me. We took our rakes, camera and video camera and went to the school that had the most leaves on the ground. We took so many pictures and at least an hour of video of just running and playing in the leaf pile. The kids are hams, and learned very quickly that a leaf fight is so much more fun than a snow ball fight. Its not cold, wet, and it doesn't hurt when it hits you in the head. At first Brian was very skeptical
on why we were putting all this in the truck. He to soon learned how much fun it was. By the time we were done, we were covered in mud, broken leaves and sticks. Just laughing our heads off on how silly we were and how much fun it was. The funniest thing was watching the people driving or walking by. The wonder in there face was like "what on earth were they doing".

McMaddy.

2008-11-22T08:49:00.001-08:00

Happy early Thanksgiving all! Here are a few pictures of 18 month old Maddy. Some of these were at the McDonalds play area. We met my friend Josh and his girlfriend there the other day. Maddy is doing well, you can tell she is on her way to two years old! She's got her mamas attitude for sure. She recently had a cold, so now she can say "Tylenol?" :) She is talking all the time. She says, "Yada." For Lydia and my friend Leda. "Citen" for my friend Nathan, "Yee-shaw!" for Alysia, "BEE!" for her cousin Billie, and any other name you ask her to say.

I'm at Albertsons, I usually work from about noon to nine. I rarely get to put Maddy to bed, which is a big bummer, but soon I will be getting trained at the customer service desk, and I also have been trained in the chippery. So, hope fully I will be getting off sooner than later.

One last interjection, I have met a guy. He's 20. Works at Boeing. (Wooo!) & has a 2 year old. Nothing going on, we have just started hanging out. :)

There's a little update. I'm going to go chase Maddy.

Goodbye!

He's HOME!!!

2008-11-06T09:50:00.001-08:00

Daniel got home yesterday morning and I just wanted to share a few pictures.
One is the plane landing. The other is him getting of the plane and then finally one of us together. YAY!

Trick or Treat (in reverse)

2008-11-02T08:38:00.000-08:00

So, you see it's like this - we live on a busy corner and in the years past, the only people who trick or treat at our house are our grandchildren and they are growing up, so . . . we decided to turn the tables. The gradual moment of recognition on Zac's face was all we needed to get over our embarassment over how ridiculous we looked.

Our 3-Day Story

2008-10-31T06:41:00.000-07:00

WE DID IT!!! Cheri and I completed the entire route of the Breast Cancer 3-DAY September 12, 13, & 14. We've already shared this experience with some of you. This post is for everyone else.

Friday the 12th, we awoke early and were at Bellevue Community College shortly about 5:15 a.m. We wanted to get at the front of the line, because we wanted to walk in the cool morning air as much as possible. We watched the sun rise behind the stage. We dropped off our camp bags, which included our clothes in several 2-gallon zip-lock bags, our sleeping bags and air mattresses (each bag weighing less than 35 lbs), grabbed our water bottle or hydration pack and our pink jackets, then headed off for the Opening Ceremonies. After a few guest speakers and some stretches for us to do, five breast cancer survivors walked in and formed a life circle. Tissues were passed around, then the cheers began and we headed out for our first 20.7 miles.

The first cheering station stretched for more than a half-mile as the community came out in force, including kids and survivors passing out candy and waving pom-poms. Our day consisted of Pit Stops and Grab-n-Go’s, every 2-3 miles, all having port-o-potties – very clean ones. Pits Stops had snacks, water, sports drinks, ice and medical tents. Grab-n-Go’s had water, sports drinks, potties, ice and medical tents. All had a cheering squad at the entrance. At lunchtime, our routine was to get ice on our feet while eating a great lunch. We then checked out our feet, replaced moleskin, if necessary, and changed into clean dry socks. Throughout the route people cheered from the sidelines or honked their car horns as they drove by.

After 8 hours walking around Bellevue, we arrived at camp (Marymoor Park in Redmond), set up our pink 2-person tent, took our showers and ate our dinner. Large trucks were mobile shower rooms that always provided warm water. That evening there was entertainment and a karaoke show.

The next morning was cool and foggy and Cheri and I were first in line for our 20.7 mile trip around Kirkland and Redmond. The second day provided more great vistas and lots of up and down hills and lots of cheering crowds. Family members, including Patty, our team namesake, met us at cheering stations and took pictures. This day’s trek took us an hour less. We always stopped and filled up on water and used the port-o-potties, but since we started our walk before some people got out of bed, we were able to stretch our legs and walk at our own pace and the day just went faster for us. However, when we returned, we stopped at the 1st aid self-help table, where medical staff helped us treat our blisters (one each). They had different tubs of moleskin in the correct shapes for heels, or balls of the feet or between toes. The EMT told us to ice our blisters – 20 min. on and 20 off and repeat, then sleep with our feet elevated and we would be new women in the morning.

That evening we found out we were a winner in the Tent Decorating Contest and that Cheri had won the La Croix door prize - I'll let her tell you about it!

We awoke at 4:00 the final morning (not exactly “new women”, but with properly place moleskin bandages, we were ready for the last leg of our journey. It began with a short bus ride under a full moon. We walked to Green Lake and were greeted by a HUGE cheering station! Lunch was a Gas Works Park with a gorgeous view of the Seattle skyline. From there we crossed over the Freemont Bridge. We then headed downtown for the Closing Ceremony at the Seattle Center. The very last part of our walk was into the area where all finishers congregated and everyone cheered. It was emotional both as a receiver of the congratulatory cheers and high fives and, later as those cheering the ones arriving after us.

We walked into the stadium and looked for our family members. Larry and I had made a fluorescent pink banner and our family had centered themselves near it, so as impossible as it seems, we found them in the crowd.

3,250 people crossed the finish line, about 1000 more than last year. 329 of the walkers were survivors. Most were women, but 254 were men. Together they helped raise $8.6 million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. ($2.2 million more than last year.) And from all efforts, Pink for Patty raised $7326 in our fight against breast cancer - for all the women and girls we know!!! Thanks for all of your support!

Tomorrow is Halloween!

2008-10-30T10:49:00.000-07:00

& Maddy is going to be a little duckling. :)

We are going to a nice neighborhood here in Port Orchard where just about every house does something, & there is music playing throughout the neighborhood.

Here is a picture of Maddy at the Breerton Rec Center with Devonne & Billie. They played with toys & rode bikes and had a great time!

She is almost 18 months, and boy is she talking. She says 'pwease' now, finally.

But, her favorite words are 'no' & 'uh oh'.

She mostly says 'uh oh' when she knows she did something not good.

Anyway, that is all.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Pumpkin role call.

2008-10-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

Post your Halloween pumpkins! This is mine, I'll post Shiva and Cymon's later.

I am sixteen going on seventeen.

2008-10-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

Well, not anymore. As of yesterday I am officially 17! It was a quite delightful birthday. My best friends brought me flowers at school, and alesta brought me balloons. When I got home we had cake (which is quite adorable if you can't see for yourself) and opened presents :). At work emma had sent me flowers, and my coworker had made me brownies. Then when I came home dad and patty were there with more presenttsss :). So it was busy and perfect.

Thats it. haha. just thought I'd be a bit self centered and post a blog all about meeee! The picture to the left I look a little strange in, my eyes are slightly squinted, but thats alright. :]

Thought I would share this...

2008-10-14T21:17:00.001-07:00

My friend sent me this and it is soooo true for myself and many women around me daily. Just thought I would share with you all. Enjoy!

Average Age of a Military wife

The average age of the military wife is 20 years old.

She isn't old enough to buy a beer, but is old enough to manage a whole household on her own, and maybe, has a kid or two.

She probably never saw herself loving a man who was in the military, but she loves him regardless.

Her penmanship has improved over the last few months or years, due to the excessive letter writing she has been doing.

She cries alot, because she misses the man she swore to love. Her life isn't complete without him.

She looks very tired, because of her many nights without sleep, due to a late night phone call that never came or a call that came and kept her up all night, just because she heard his voice and is too overjoyed to sleep.

As a wife, she is classified as a dependent, but she is totally independent. She tends to her household, her kids, her school work, and her job, all without her husband.

She manages to wear a smile, even though inside she's crying.

She understands that the man she loves has to go far away and is proud of him but also scared for him.

She understands that he can be taken away from her in a moment.

She feels a great sense of pride and gets teary eyed whenever she hears the National Anthem, sees a flag blowing in the breeze, or watches the news and hears about another soldier dying.

She goes weeks without a call or a letter, but she writes him every second she gets.

She knows how to convert civilian time into military time.

She knows how to iron his clothes and how to get the creases just right.

She gets annoyed when she hears someone complaining about not seeing their boyfriend for a few hours or a few days.

She may not have see him for months but she remembers everything about him, every scar he has, the way he smells, whether or not he snores, the look in his eyes and the way he feels when she holds him.

She has every picture of him and them out, and in frames, and she stares at them for hours on end

She has read every letter and e-mail over and over again.

Even though her man is half a world away, she still manages to go on with her life, as he would want her to.

She has at least one Support out Troops pen and a magnet on her car.

Half her wardrobe is based on his military branch. She never knew that she could love camouflage.

Next time you see her, you'll know her, thank her for what the man she loves is doing. She will greatly appreciate it and she will smile and thank you. Just because you thanked her she will smile the rest of the day!

BTW: DANIEL IS GOING TO BE HOME IN THREE WEEKS! PRAY FOR HIS SAFE RETURN PLEASE!

Patty's Gilbert Girls

2008-10-09T06:16:00.000-07:00

Patty just received some new pictures of her daughter, Darcy and her granddaughters, Emmy and Katie. They were taken at their church picnic last Sunday while we were wet and cold. They look like they're blessed with Patty's beauty.

Maddy's first Puyallup Fair.

2008-10-05T22:20:00.001-07:00

Maddy loved doin' the Puyallup! As long as she was distracted with food...

:) We had a great day, and she got lots of stuff.

& Mama didn't even have to spend that much.

Yay!

She is 17 months old in two days.

& she can count to three!!!!

I love it!

She also is talking more, more, more.

Such a sweet baby.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Can't wait for new additions to the family.

(NOT TALKING ABOUT MYSELF)

I'm thankful for one and only one right now. :)

-Alesta.

2008-09-13T10:21:00.001-07:00

Dottie, Patty, and Cheri stop for photos on day two of the walk.

Soccer.

2008-09-08T15:08:00.000-07:00

Did I mention Shiva's on a soccer team? She's really enjoying it and they had their first game on Friday and her team won 13 to 6, Shiva scored 9 of those herself.

If you want to know why she is holding that rock you will have to ask her, I have no idea.

2008-09-08T09:04:00.001-07:00

Look at Lydia's new hair!

Last day of summer.

& that's not a booger in my nose.

So PROUD of our kids

2008-09-03T22:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, they grow up so fast. So proud of them.

Summer 08

2008-09-01T13:41:00.000-07:00

"Cooling off in the Yuba River"

Summer is fading fast....excuse me, it's gone! Annie and I did manage to find a warm week in August, but we had to go south to do it. Christian, Annie and I drove to Lake Wildwood where we met up with Sean, Kristin and Annie's family for a fun week of good food, swimming, great dinners, boat rides, fantastic lunches, late night star watching, and of course, a final feast. This year with a Turkish menu that had the girls cooking for hours.

Speaking of "cool"

Ahhhh....

Kristin, Sean and the "Old Man"

Annie, Chris, and Laurie (The "Smith" side)

Of course there are some folks who don't enjoy the sun as much as others. You find these people in the shadow and only in the bright nasty sun for minutes at a time. Just long enough to move from the shade tree to the "covered" boat.

Christian on Lake Wildwood, away from the nasty sun.

Sean acting like, well.....Sean!

This August marked 30 years together for Annie and I. I Wrote a poem that ended with... "this ring is in memory of all this". I read her my poem and when she gave me the look of "What ring?" I handed her a ring box with a special ring I had made for the event. It was a "Man-in-the-Moon ring that was a bit like one given to her by her mother when she was much younger. The new one was in memory of her mom, our meeting, and me getting enough nerve to kiss her...(I lied about a shooting star, and made a wish)

Michael reading his "poem" just before giving the ring.

Annie freaking out

A very emotional time for some....

But....not everyone got all "emotional"

And some "nice" gifts were given... :-))

And we all did the right thing...and had a feast!

Our last night before heading home....nice!

It was a great week, we all enjoyed getting away form the Northwest and soaking up lots of bright sun shine, (except Christian). Here is wishing us all an Indian summer so we can soak up just a bit more summer before the fall truly hits us.

Michael..............................................

3 DAY Supporters

2008-08-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

Just a short note to 3 DAY Supporters. Marge, Cheri and I have received enough donations ($2200 minimum from each of us) to qualify for participation in the 3 day walk - September 12, 13, & 14. We have a lot of people to thank - our friends and family members who contributed, both in money and in other types of support - helping us fundraise, walking with us and cheering us on our way. This includes our "Pink for Patty" team namesake - Patty. The actual event will be a real celebration and you are all invited to join the pink crowds in Seattle. Just in case you are interested, the 3 DAY people offer this supporters' link: http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer?pagename=SE_Supporter

I'm a happy Grandpa Pat (Gramma Patty's pleased too)

2008-08-12T10:48:00.000-07:00

Yes. As Devonne said, I'm going to be a grandpa for the fourth time. Oh, did I say "fourth"? I guess that's because Devonne is faster with her news than Kelley is with hers. That's right, Kelley and Jesse are expecting their first child around St. Patrick's Day, somewhere around a month before Devonne and John. (Stay tuned for Devonne's actual date.) Since I'm posting this message from Kelley's dial-up conection in Yakima, I understand her delay in sharing this news on the blog. (It's sloooooow.)

On another front: Patty and I have a house. It appears that our years of renting are coming to an end. The house is in Bremerton and has just the amenities we need; a big kitchem for Patty and a small yard for me.

It's a happy house, don't you think? Cheri said it was smiling.

Patty's big kitchen. Did I mention the hard wood floors? Pat's small yard. (Yes, this is the whole yard.)

Well, that's the news for now . . . one more thing, please keep Daniel (and Emma) in prayer during his time of service to our country. God bless you, Daniel.

everybody ready for a new addition to the drew clan

2008-08-11T19:50:00.000-07:00

yes, i'm pregnate. saying we're thrilled is stateing it lightly. just wanted to share

devonne

Dietzman Vacation

2008-08-11T19:45:00.000-07:00

Did I mention I got a job?

2008-08-04T09:56:00.001-07:00

I know my parents know but maybe everyone else would like to know. I got a job. I work at Uncles Games in Redmond Town Center about 20min from my house. It's a fun job, I sell board games, chess sets, role-playing books, and dice. My co-workers are fun though the oldest turned 18 last week. I work nights and weekends most of the time so if you're in Redmond some night after 6:00 stop on by.

Summer Update.

2008-07-31T21:13:00.000-07:00

Hellllo family!

A little information on me and beautiful Madison. Currently, we are living back with my Mom in Manchester. Maddy is communicatin alot more. She uses sign language and english, and I am thinking about teaching her spanish. I feel that later in her life all those languages will be very helpful in her career. & life! Anyway, she can sign: more, eat, drink, and all done. She can say: mama, dada, mamaw, cracker, dog, cat, bird, water, bug, please, more, and yeah. :)

I like to brag about her, obviously. She is almost 15 months, loves to dance, loves to test me, loves to hide. And now she likes water! She has a little baby floaty and once she eases into it she doesnt want to get out!

Me? I now work about 20 hours a week at Albertsons on Sedgwick in Port Orchard. I work at the Pizzaria. It's a good job. I can say way more words than Maddy can, but she's a baby so it's okay.

Here is a picture of me and my favorite girl enjoying the sun at my friends dock. :)

Recipe Time!

2008-07-29T21:07:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, you LOVE pumpkin anything... & why not have it all year round. Here is a DELISH pumpkin cookie recipe that will make you want to eat about 50 of them!

Old Fashioned Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Estimated Time: Prep-10 min; Cooking-18 min; Cooling-2 min

Yields- 36 cookies

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp gound nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup pumpkin (canned)
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
glaze (recipe follows)

Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 350. Grease baking sheets (I just use foil & don't grease.. saves you from making a huge mess & most of the time i don't have to wash the cookie sheet)

COMBINE flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in medium bowl. Beat sugar and butter in large mixer bowl until well blended. Beat in pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Drop by rounded Tablespoon onto baking sheets.

BAKE for 15 to 18 mins. or until edges are firm. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Drizzle Glaze over cookies.

FOR GLAZE:
COMBINE 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 3 T milk, 1 T melted butter and 1 tsp vanilla extract in small bowl until smooth.

THERE YOU GO!!!!

Hope you all enjoy!

If you try it out, let me know how you like them!

Founders of Bremerton YMCA

2008-07-05T21:52:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a nice surprise to see Dad & Mom's names on the new building for having supported the YMCA in it's early life in Bremerton. Something for us to all be proud of considering how upscale and state-of-the-art the Y has become.
Patty and I just enrolled in membership this last week and while observing the wall of dedications, we found our parents name posted in bronze. The picture on the bottom is the list of founders which each block has about 20 names.

We're pretty much famous.

2008-06-29T19:46:00.001-07:00

So Daniel left last Tuesday & the base paper that came out on Friday (front page, mind you) was this. I didn't even know this was going to happen because they didn't ask for our names or anything. Crazy!

It reads: "Duty Calls"

Senior Airman Daniel Denman, 4th Airlift Squadron, embraces his wife Emma at the passenger terminal prior to departing Tuesday on a 120-day deployment (it's actually going to be around 140) in support of the Global War on Terror. More than 90 4 AS Airmen deployed as the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron to various locations throughout Europe, Southwest Asia and the Middle East area of responsibility. The 817th EAS, headquartered at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, is responsible for scheduling, planning and executing all C-17 missions into the U.S Central Command's area of responsibility including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Exciting huh?

Please pray!

2008-06-25T17:50:00.000-07:00

My husband, Daniel, just left yesterday for a four month deployment. What makes it worse is that it was our 2nd wedding anniversary. Boo hoo! For those of you that don't know, Daniel is in the Air Force. Proudly serving for three years but of course these deployments come with the territory. He is stationed at Alleealsaleem, Kuwait.. Please pray for him & his entire squadron that are half stationed out in Kuwait & the other half in Turkey. Please pray for all the men & women out there fighting for your freedom especially with the 4th of July coming up. Please pray that they all return safely in the beginning of November. Thank you very much!

Love, Em :)

Our New "Baby"

2008-06-22T08:25:00.001-07:00

Larry and I found our new "Baby" - an 18', 1957 Airstream. We now have our next "project". Thursday we drove to White Salmon to look it over and came home, towing this beauty in the rough. We will pull out everything inside (which is double ugly) and polish up the exterior. (The 1950's polish out the best.) One highlight for us is that 1957 trailors have 13 pleats in the back. In 1958 they were changed to 7 pleats. Our trailor friends, including some new friends from the local Airstream club, totally approve of our purchase, telling us that we have "money in the bank." The inside is a blank slate, so now is the time for you to give us some ideas on decor, themes, colors, etc. We will share our progress as time goes on.

Pink for Patty Fundraiser

2008-06-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

This last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I sat out in front of WalMart with my Breast Cancer 3-DAY donation bucket and sold pink ribbon items - pink duckies, car magnets and earrings made by Patty. On Saturday, Zoe & Caitlin, dressed in pink shirts and caps, sat with me (and my donations increased!) On Sunday, people arrived after church and the donations increased again. Over those three days, I received over $1000 and heard a lot of personal stories from survivors and family members. I may return this next Sunday, since today my pink rubber bracelets arrived and I still have some duckies and magnets I can sell.

Drew's 40th

2008-06-16T17:29:00.000-07:00

Friday the 13th, one day after Drew turned forty, some of us got together to celebrate at Olive Garden. Here are a few pictures taken.

Larry's Vintage Signs

2008-06-16T16:55:00.000-07:00

Larry's been having fun lately creating new "old" signs. Our friend, Ed, owns a 1941 dump truck that he uses for his business - Vintage Dump. He wanted Larry to letter it for him, but he wanted to look like it had been lettered in 1941 - oxidized, faded and worn. He gave Larry a VW door for practice. We made up the name, "Night Owl Cafe, and designed a logo for this make-believe business and Larry went to work with thin paint and a Scotchbright pad. A few weeks later he produced the sign for the dump truck. It started out light and bright and shiny and gradually aged.

The "real" Matilda

2008-06-04T17:53:00.000-07:00

O.K., here are a couple of photos I took today that really capture her look. We think she's a doll, but then again, we're biased. I do think she makes a fine addition to the Drew family.

Mark

2008-06-03T18:05:00.000-07:00

Click here for Matilda's first "professional" photo session at the hospital. We'll post some more photos soon, just a little busy at the moment...

Photos of Matilda

2008-05-31T02:30:00.000-07:00

See our personal blog for photos

http://markandjoanne.typepad.com/blog

Matilda Lee Drew, 10 lbs,

2008-05-30T18:40:00.001-07:00

Matilda Lee Drew, 10 lbs, 3 oz, 22.5 inches. BEAUTIFUL!

At the hospital

2008-05-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a pic of joanne just after lunch. Were at the hospital now.

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And still waiting...

2008-05-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

Alright, I guess we'll have to settle for this little girl being "fashionably late". Those of you who know me (and my side of the family) will realize that this behavior must be coming from Joanne's gene pool...

As to Joanne, she is doing as well as can be expected here at the house. She's very tired after the past few days of irregular contractions, but is able to get sleep in short stretches. We were hopeful last night in that she was having regular contraction at about 15 minutes apart, then down to 10 minutes, then...they stopped. Now its back to the waiting game.

Keep checking in for the latest.

Mark

Still waiting. We're at the

2008-05-26T13:08:00.001-07:00

Still waiting. We're at the house. Joanne's sister and aunt are here.

Tick..tick..tick

2008-05-24T09:37:00.001-07:00

Still waiting for the baby. Keep checking back for the latest. Blogging from our cell. - MJF

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First BBQ of the season.

2008-05-19T11:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first BBQ of the season as well as my mothers birthday. Unfortunatly due to bad planning on my part we couldn't combine the events. We had lots of friends over and everyone had a good time. There was a pinata, a bubble machine, and lots of fun.

Easter at the Kilmer's

2008-05-12T06:29:00.000-07:00

Well better late than never, here are our Grandkids on Easter all dress up.

Mothers Day Photos Please

2008-05-11T03:05:00.000-07:00

A big Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's on the family blog. Here is a photo of the mommy of our house taken yesterday just after she walked through ceremonies (in heels) and received her Master's Degree from the University of Missouri.

What a Mommy!

Lets see some more photos of the Drew clan's mommies...

Pink for Patty Team at Work

2008-04-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since we have updated you on our team activities. Here is our most recent photo. We're keeping up with training and getting stronger.

As of this writing, Marge is $50 from her goal! YEA!!!! Cheri, Pat and I still have a ways to go. We've written our letters to let family and friends know what we are doing. Now, we start stage two - letting the general public have an opportunity to donate to the Breast Cancer 3-DAY. On June 13,14,15, and 22, at least one of us will be in front of the Lacey Wal-Mart distributing breast cancer awareness information, accepting donations in our big pink donation jar and selling "pink ribbon" items. So far we have car magnets, pink rubber duckies, bookmarks and "pink ribbon" charms. Aren't our duckies cute?? You too can own one for $1.50. Buy 2 - they're cheap. Perhaps you would like to sell some for us. Let us know and we'll get some to you as soon as possible.
Also, Leanne Stewart, a friend of Diane Dietzman, will be running a fundraiser on her website - http://www.infinitetreasures.biz/ . She will donate profits from the sale of her gift cards ($10, $25, and $50) from now to just before the walk. People can purchase and redeem the cards on the website for all sorts of things. You may want to check it out. If you like what you see, pass this information along.

Thanks again for all of your support and encouragement!
Dottie

Yard Sale

2008-04-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

I decided to go to the huge yard sale this year @ kitsap fair grounds. i called dad, ( pat) pretty sure he was going to see if he wanted to meet there. he said to meet about 7:15 so i'm thinking it starts at 7:30. nope! i get my bootie out of bed @6:00 (which is early for me) and try to wake up my little guy. turns out it started at 8:00am! dad, patty, sherri, and dottie we're already first in line. now, i love yard sales but it was freezing!we were all huddled together to keep warm. (any toddler cocoa anyone?) it must run in the drew blood to love yard sales. it was nice to see some of my family. by the way, my aunts are so pretty, they both still look 30. (hope that runs in my geans too). anyways it was ablast, glad i got up. i found lots of kids stuff. what did the rest of you find? any great deals? Who's going next year?
devonne

Tank Parts.

2008-04-10T16:29:00.000-07:00

I've not posted anything about my RC Tank in a while, mostly because there's been nothing new to mention. This weekend however I assembled one of the eight suspension sets. I need to find the proper shocks for it now but that happens when they are all done and I know the final weight of the tank. One down, seven left.

2008-04-05T22:26:00.000-07:00

Here is little Maddy! She is almost 11 months old. I can't take it! She is so funny, her personality cracks me up.
If you say "wave" she waves. If you say "bonk" she comes up and bonks her head to yours. If you say, "Maddy", she does that face. Haha. She is a huge ham. Can't wait to have her birthday party.

I'm not working right now. Tyler is working full time at Saars Marketplace. We are moving out this month! into a cute, 2 story house on Belmieir. I'm not sure how to spell that. Anyway, I'm nervous and excited. I think that is it, except that my birthday is also coming up! April 20th!

Thank you & g'night.
-Alesta.

Devonne is FAMOUS

2008-04-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

Devonne was interviewed at a silverdale park along with 12 other parents. However she charmed her way into being shown on T.V. It was quite exciting to see her on the big screen. :)
Y Lydia

http://www.king5.com/video/news-index.html?nvid=232113&shu=1