Charity Ideas, My 5 year old nephew has cancer...

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Brendan was born with a kidney condition and had them removed while still an infant. After being on dialysis for over a year, a donor was found and he had a transplant at the age of 2. Today he was diagnosed with cancer. I am not sure of the details yet, but this sweet little boy has been in and out of the hospital his whole life. I am sure that including treatment he is in for another long stay and I would like to know which charities you can recommend that I would be able to submit his name too. (To receive care packages and "Cheer Up" type things.) I am making him a cuddle up blankie and would love for him to receive other items as well. I think that knowing generous hearts are out there thinking and praying for them would be very encouraging to this family right now. And please, pray for my brother, his wife, little brother and especially for Brendan.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions you have.

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

I think little toys hats and things would be wonderful. I'd be willing to send something:)

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Thank you, that is very generous of you!

Please e-mail me and I will reply with the mailing address.
You may want to mark the package with something to the effect of
"Loving Thoughts for Brendan" or something like that?

I am adding a picture of him...
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y13/JodyH/Brendansoccer.jpg

I am very grateful and I know he will be too!

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

OOh just a thought but if you put this on your wishlist I bet he will get some things. I know Kat did that about her dd away at school and she has recieved things.

[tween]

Dennis bears is a org that donates blankets & of course bears hand made to sick children. I also think putting him on your wish list is a great idea, I know that will get him some fun/feel good things!!
I'll be keeping him in all my best thoughts & prayers!! http://www.tweenhookz.com/4cville/rainbowheart.gif

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Thank you both for the help and the suggestion, I have added a note onto my wishlist as well.

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Tween, do you know the site addy for Dennis Bears? I did not find them when I googled.

[Seneca and Scooch]

Oh my goodness, Bless his heart! Sending my thoughts and prayers to him. :hug

Coralie

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Thank you Coralie! I know that he needs the prayers most of all!

[sem464]

Yes, please put him on your wish list. You might include things he is interested in. :heart My heart goes out for him & his family.:heart

[Seneca and Scooch]

You're most welcome :hug Including things that he would be interested in is a great idea because I would like to send him something. Also, how old is his little brother?

:hug
Coralie

[Ro]

Send the info to me please!

My group may be little but I love 'adopting' individual kids with needs like this...send me the address info and I will see what I can do...

Be sure to answer these questions for me:

What is his favorite color?

Does he like cars, trucks, or something else?

does he have a favorite tv character? what shows does he like to watch?

Does he like any particular animal? Dinosaurs, that kind of thing?

What is his favorite toy, and/or stuffed animal's name and what size and color is it?

Is he going to need hats? (chemo? I hope he won't need it, poor little lamb)

I would love to put together some things for him. Give me a couple weeks, let me see what I can brainstorm up.

oops forgot to include email address sherwoodro at sbcglobal dot net (trying to avoid spam there! Just replace the words with the symbols) or you can click the email ro link at the PSF website linked in my signature.

hugs,
Ro

[tween]

Tween, do you know the site addy for Dennis Bears? I did not find them when I googled.

Yes I do!! I'm so sorry for forgetting to include it! Here it is. :hug

http://members.tripod.com/patt_m-ivil/dennisbears/

[crochetaddict033]

Oh my. It tears my heart to pieces. Such a happy looking little man. I pm'd you. I want to help.

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Thank you to all who want to bless this sweet boy.
Here is some info to help you know him a little better:
His favorite color is Yellow (Used to be red, so I think he would like red too)
He likes dinosaurs.
Baseball, basketball and soccer.
His favorite t.v. show is Fear Factor (go figure)
He also likes nick jr. shows
His favorite toy for a long time now is a lion named "Roary"
He will be doing chemotherapy however they are hoping he won't lose his hair
(new treatments)
His little brother just turned 3, his name is Ethan.
I was off a bit on his age, Brendan will be 5 in September.

I will post more as I think of it, or as Grandma thinks of it. And please, if you e-mail me or PM and don't get a response it is because my mind is simply a clutter so just resend it. I really want to keep this going.
God bless your sweet hearts!
Jody

[Julie]

Sent you a message. :hug

[YarnFeather]

I will be sending something as soon as i possibly can. Hugs and love to you and your family!

[Ro]

Okay! I've already called a friend, she says she's gonna try to help send him some goodies too...and with Jody's blessing I'm creating a button that will say "Boxes for Brendan" to put on your blogs to bring awareness to this situation...link it back to this thread if you post it so people can see what it's all about please! Please save the pic to your own webspace though (oh my aching bandwidth! ;)

Here's the button. It's a little big but I didn't want to shrink the picture any smaller...

http://psf.homestead.com/brendanbutton2.jpg

I just had an idea! wouldn't it be cool to see how many different kinds of crocheted animals we could send to Brendan? I know that Jody plans to make him one, and so do I, what if he got a ZOO full? Probably would be good to keep them on the small side so they would be travel friendly...but I'm thinking of making him a technicolor duck or something. Of course I'm also thinking of books...fun things....other toys...whatever you think is good Jody...

[sem464]

I wasted no time in snagging that button. It is already on by blog. I love the idea of the animals, also. we will do what we can to keep his spirits up!

[kittencrochet]

You could try also Make a Child Smile....http://www.makeachildsmile.org. I've sent stuff to some of the kids that have been listed. They do list a mailing address, so it would be best if you had or had access to a PO Box. But I've had some really positive experiences with them.

[Julie]

Ro said: I just had an idea! wouldn't it be cool to see how many different kinds of crocheted animals we could send to Brendan? I know that Jody plans to make him one, and so do I, what if he got a ZOO full?

I like that idea. Plus, he's got a younger brother so both of them would benefit from them. Very good idea! :hook

[MiCountess]

Jody - I sent you an e-mail :hug
Michelle

[shelbyro]

I'd love to help out!! Let me make something first, and then I will email you, Jody.

I have a feeling he's gonna be a very proud "zookeeper" soon, lol!

He's looks sooo cute!

[Ally]

Jody,
I sent you a PM. I'd love to help in any way. Much love and prayers to you and your family. :hug
~Allyson~

[natalie058]

I have the noah's ark pattern book that has instructions for a monkey, a giraffe, and an elephant... My time is squashed right now but once school wraps up next weeks I should be able to make at least one, hopefully all, of these animals to add to the zoo!

I'm usually hesitant to commit to things like this for fear of letting someone down, but I really feel for this family and would love to do something to help in any way I am able...

[YaYa Yarnhood]

I am so completely touched at the response I have received. Thank you all so much for your support and prayers! Yes the animals are a great idea! However, I feel he will love any gift he receives. And I love the help that RO has given me. Please in addition to the blog, let's label all of our packages "Boxes for Brendan". It will add something extra special for his family to know that a loving group of supporters "joined together" in sending Brendan some love. Again, thank you all so much, I am very grateful!!!!
God bless you ALL!! :heart :heart :heart
Jody

[kariholtz]

I have another question too, because of where I live now and where I used to live I have access to several pro (and semi pro and college) sports teams products, do you know if he has any favorite teams?

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Not sure of a favorite although I do know that he has been to a Mariners game and thought that was pretty cool. Other than that i think he loves sports but doesn't necessarily watch professional games on t.v. too much. Oh and the Dallas Cowboys are a family favorite that he would love too.

[crochetdiva]

My heart goes out to his whole family. Count me in!! I will think of something different to send to him.... but can't wait to hear what everyone has made.:hug Do you mind sharing what type of cancer he has...poor button.

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Well they are doing surgery this morning to see how bad it is, but it is intestinal. The Dr. said it will be about 20 weeks of chempotherapy and will be hard for him as he is already a bit frail. Thank you Andrea, he is so going to love these gifts!!

[YaYa Yarnhood]

I found out a couple more of Brendan's interests (talked to his dad, my brother this AM)

He is into Power Rangers (very much)
And he also likes Monster Trucks.
Dad is also going to get him a leapster handheld game system.
Brendan's bedroom is decorated with the Solar System.

My family is very touched by your generous support and prayers! :heart

[kariholtz]

Not sure of a favorite although I do know that he has been to a Mariners game and thought that was pretty cool. Other than that i think he loves sports but doesn't necessarily watch professional games on t.v. too much. Oh and the Dallas Cowboys are a family favorite that he would love too.

Well being as how we live just a tad North of Dallas I think I can manage to snag some Dallas Cowboy's swag for the family.
In the meantime he and his whole family will be in our prayers.

[Tiggzie]

The poor baby! I want to help Brendan anyway I can. I snatched up that button fast and putting it on my blog right now. My little brother's room is solar system and dinosaur so I think I have a few ideas. I also want to add to the zoo and make him an animal, maybe a snake or piggy. Prolly both! I'll PM you for the address sometime this weekend. My heart is with his family.

[Julie]

Well they are doing surgery this morning to see how bad it is, but it is intestinal. The Dr. said it will be about 20 weeks of chempotherapy and will be hard for him as he is already a bit frail.

That poor little boy! :(

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Thank you so much for this link. I forwarded it onto my brother as it requires a parent to submit a child's information. I will follow up with him and help him get it filled out. It looks like a great organization. :)

You could try also Make a Child Smile....http://www.makeachildsmile.org (http://www.makeachildsmile.org/). I've sent stuff to some of the kids that have been listed. They do list a mailing address, so it would be best if you had or had access to a PO Box. But I've had some really positive experiences with them.

[Ro]

Jody, thanks for the new info on what Brendan likes. The idea of that surgery just breaks my heart! Poor little sweetheart...

Please keep us posted when you can...

I think if the zoo idea is one that everybody likes we should start a list here of which animals each person wants to make so he doesn't get a lot of the same ones, does that make sense?

I want to make him a duck, and I don't know what else...was at the store scouting cool toys today to shop for in the days to come :)

Crocheted animals for the zoo...

C'ville name: Animal:

Ro Duck





I'll update the list if others want to contribute something!

hugs
Ro

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

I'll send the hippo I made plus I have a lion I can send as well. I would think it would be ok to have some duplicates since he has the little brother.

[Julie]

I had started a crocheted stuffed snake for my nephew but abandoned it for a bag of rocks. ;) Literally. I'll get it back out and finish it for Brendan.

[Tiggzie]

I'm pretty sure I'll be making a piggy. :)

[mythunderbird]

your all in my thoughts and prayers, poor baby. he is such a cutie. breaks my heart to think he has to go through this. i am going to make him some animals too. ro's right, we need a list so he don't get a ton of say hippos or something!!!LOL what else do you think he would like. what size is he. i can easly get mariners stuff here in washington. so if he would like a little shirt or cap or something let me know. please keep us informed as to how he is doing. poor little guy, hard enough for a adult to deal with. also please tell his parents that our church is praying also. i called my prayer group today and everyone is including him in prayers.take care and hope all is well for him, maybe it isn't as bad as the doctors think. we cn only hope right?:hug :hug vicki

[Mom w/a Motif]

I had started a crocheted stuffed snake for my nephew but abandoned it for a bag of rocks. ;) Literally. I'll get it back out and finish it for Brendan.

I will make one for his little brother!

Tina

[Frangipani]

I'd like to contribute however I can. I was thinking about making Brendan a cool beanie with a cartoon theme. Maybe Shrek or Power Rangers. I don't know if I have what I need to make him a kangaroo (that will actually LOOK like a roo) for his zoo. I'll email you now Jody. :compute

Bec :hug

[CatsCradleCreations]

I have some puzzle toy patterns~~one is a clown, one is a car~~that I could work up a couple for him.

[YaYa Yarnhood]

A little update and questions answered...
Brendan will be starting his chemo on Tuesday.
He is a size 5.
I think he would love beanies!!!! And wow, just knowing someone sent him something all the way from Australia, that is cool to a 4 year old!

I made him a funky chicken (this pattern, http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=46) along with a 12x12 soft cuddle blanket that the chicken can hold. And my kids have added a poster drawn by my daughter, my 10 year old son is doing a comic featuring "Brendan the Brave" (my son is his best buddy he thinks is cool) and some books contributed by my youngest. My digicam is broken :( but I did get a friend to take a pix. I will post it when she e-mails it to me.

I just can't say enough thank yous and God Bless You All!! :hug

[mythunderbird]

awwww jody, we are happy to help your family.sending lots of prayers and good thoughts your way.and for brendan:hug :hug :hug vicki

[Aunty Dana]

I know of a Group for kids with cancer, it's called Cancer Warriors. They match the child up with an Angel(s) who sends the child something, cards, smal gift and other packages, twice a month. They also send stuff to the siblings and parents. A lot of the members on a MSN group I belong to are Angels to some of the Warriors(kids) of the group. Some of the moms in the group who have kids w/ cancer signed their child up to be warriors. The founder of this org. is the Mother of a 3 1/2 yr-old cancer survior. Her daughter was dx. w/ Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma at 4 weeks old.

http://www.cancerwarriors.org/



The mission of Cancer Warriors, Inc.We aim to encourage and support the children, siblings and caregivers during treatment for childhood cancer, raise funds for childhood cancer research while raising awareness and educating the public about the devastating diagnosis of childhood cancer, and honor the precious, young lives lost. Provide financial support to research organizations for rare cancers that do not get attention and funding from pharmaceutical companies, as well as provide financial support to the families with children battling cancer. The Angel Networkâ„¢ program consist of special people ("Angels") who feel led to encourage and bring smiles to the families with children ("Warriors") battling cancer during the course of treatment and up to their one-year milestone off treatment. Cancer Warriors, Inc.â„¢ feels a happy heart helps heal many illnesses. If a child is cheerful they feel stronger and willing to continue fighting this battle against cancer. This program is not only to help the child feel encouraged. It is also designed to encourage the siblings and parents/guardian so they feel encouraged and know others feel they are extra special as well.

[Samio]

I am going to try and find a pattern for a Koala so he can have another gift from Australia

[crochetdiva]

This site has some cute animal patterns. There is even a Koala pattern.


http://crochet.theshoppe.com/patterns.html

[natalie058]

Count me in for at least a monkey... I'd like to try the giraffe and elephant, too tho.

[YaYa Yarnhood]

WOW! He is definitely going to end up with a great collection of animals! And other gifts too! I am so excited for him! I just think this is going to be so thrilling for him to go to the mailbox and find all these great surprises waiting for him!

[Ro]

Okay, here's the list so far:

Animals People have signed on to make for Brendan's Zoo:

Jody: Funky Chicken
Ro: Technicolor Duckie
Alisha: Hippo and Lion
Julie: Snake
Tiggzie: Piggie
Frangipani: Kangaroo
Samio: Koala
Natalie058: Monkey (and possibly elephant or giraffe)
Animals for Ethan:
Mom w/a motif: snake

Hats/beanies for Brendan:
Frangipani: character beanie hat
Ro: I'm going to attempt to make a Mickey Mouse Ear beanie for him!

Will update list as we go! I will also create a webpage with a link to the page I already have up with the animal list so that people can access it.

Give me a couple hours and I'll get it up there! I think it's great to send some to his brother too so he doesn't feel left out! :)

Update: I just got an email from a lady who says she works with Brendan's grandma and that they are going to send him a big card, she said that Grandma reports that Brendan likes to get cards. Thought you would like to know! That way maybe even people who can't make something or send a gift can still send him a note!

I finished the Mickey Mouse ears hat, will post pictures on my blog later if anybody wants to see it. Will start on his duckie soon, don't know what color I want to make it yet!

[Ro]

Okay, the page is up for the animal listing, I"ll update it as additions come in via email or here to the thread to the best of my ability so that we don't have duplicates. The list is MOST impressive, already, I must say! :hug

There are so many angels here. Makes me all teary eyed to see the kindness and care out there for this little boy. You all rock, seriously.

Brendan's Zoo (http://www.psf.homestead.com/brendanszoo.html)

I know most of you are moms and know about the dangers of trim and eyes and such, but I just posted it in case to remind everybody making animals about not using anything that could be a choking hazard in case Ethan decided to play with some of his big brother's new buddies! Can't be too careful.

[Julie]

Looks great Ro! :clap :hug

[tween]

I've got patterns for a lion, a tiger, a leopard, owl, fish, tons of teddy bears, cute lil creepy crawlie bugs, hippo, turtle & a monkey. Tell me what you need, & I'll whip it up! :D ok, maybe not whip, I've got finals all next week, but I'd sure luv to pitch in!!

[sem464]

Ro, great job on the site. I was thinking of something for him & lost it. Guess if it doesn't come back I will think of something else. I did run across some really cute animal pillows.:think

[Ro]

I've got patterns for a lion, a tiger, a leopard, owl, fish, tons of teddy bears, cute lil creepy crawlie bugs, hippo, turtle & a monkey. Tell me what you need, & I'll whip it up! :D ok, maybe not whip, I've got finals all next week, but I'd sure luv to pitch in!!

Cool, Tween! That's wonderful! We don't have a tiger on the list yet, you wanna give that a go? That, or a cheetah or leopard...we don't have any of those or fish yet either. You can see who is making what by clicking on the zoo link above :) Just let me know which one you decide on!

Thanks, glad you guys like the site :hug I've got so many irons in the fire I hoped that I had done it justice...

note to self: Ro do not forget people's animals after you type them LOL. Hippo is done already by Chiscrochetcrazy :)

[kariholtz]

I haven't decided what to make yet. So when I finish my paid project I will start a blanket for him, I have several animal patterns but I can't settle on just one:eek

[tween]

Cool, Tween! That's wonderful! We don't have a tiger on the list yet, you wanna give that a go? That, or a hippo, or leopard...we don't have any of those or fish yet either. ...

Ok I'll make the tiger & boys..especially lil ones, like bugs, so I'll make a few creepy crawlies too, to add in there!! :lol

[natalie058]

Oooh, Tween I think little bugs would be great! Boys love those kinds of things! How cute!

I had a question for Jody or anyone who's in touch with the family:

I'm going be starting my monkey this afternoon and would like to ship it out by next week, and i was thinking it would be nice to include some candy or treats, but I realize that often kids who are ill have restricted diets. I have a great old fashioned candy shop by my house, not to mention that I work at an organic food store, so I have access to lots of good stuff... I was just wondering should I send whatever or should I stick to "healthy" junk food? I would hate for the little guy to open a box full of goodies he can't eat!! what torture!! :eek

[MiCountess]

I'll be sending a box out today with Power Rangers and Monster trucks and a couple of pair of Power Rangers socks, my boys helped me pick out what to send to Brendan. Will continue to pray for him and his family :hug
Michelle

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Actually I've made a hippo allready:)

[Ro]

ACK! Alisha, I am so sorry, I knew that! I was so tired last night, I just totally blew it on that one. So note to Tween: hippo is in the hizowse LOL

A bug would be cute as...well you know.

Nat, I will email Jody your question too just in case she doesn't see it here.

Thank you so much MIcountess, will make a note about the power rangers on the website so that people know!!!!!!

I am continually amazed by the generosity and good hearts I come across in this world. Thank you so much. All misty eyed.

hugs
ro

[kariholtz]

Dolphin???? Anyone making one of those? I have a pattern for a dolphin. If no one is making one I'll make it.

[Ro]

Oooo! Kari that's too cool!!!!! Nope, no one else has dolphin...go for it! I'll add it to the list

you guys are so amazing!!!

xoxo!

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Yeah, candy or food items would probably not be a good idea. Since his problem is intestinal he has had problems with vomitting and that sort of thing, so he is eating only small amounts of bland foods. It is a great thought though, thank you!

And I agree, bugs would be great! Do you have a pattern for a Madagascar hissing cockroach? (From Fear Factor, hee hee)

Oooh, Tween I think little bugs would be great! Boys love those kinds of things! How cute!

I had a question for Jody or anyone who's in touch with the family:

I'm going be starting my monkey this afternoon and would like to ship it out by next week, and i was thinking it would be nice to include some candy or treats, but I realize that often kids who are ill have restricted diets. I have a great old fashioned candy shop by my house, not to mention that I work at an organic food store, so I have access to lots of good stuff... I was just wondering should I send whatever or should I stick to "healthy" junk food? I would hate for the little guy to open a box full of goodies he can't eat!! what torture!! :eek

[YaYa Yarnhood]

I am so touched by the generosity! Brendan will be too!
I spoke with my brother yesterday after the doctors reviewed the surgery results. They are still undecided about the diagnosis but they are leaning towards this...

From our e-mails:
"Technically its not cancer it is PTLD. PTLD is similar to cancer and could turn into cancer. We are calling it Cancer Lite as the treatment is lite chemo."

Me :"What does PTLD stand for?"

"Post Transplant Lymphnode something something something Disorder. "Lymphnode something something something" is all one word that is hard to pronounce. PTLD for short."

Me: "Would it be a good idea to keep the box drive going for him?"

"He still going thru a lot. We just don't have definite answers yet."

Technically it is not classified as cancer but is just like it. It requires the same treatments and can spread the same way. It is a result from transplants and low immunities. Based on our talks, Brendan is headed home for the weekend. The Dr.s are going to run more tests to get more conclusive results, which means more hospital visits and poking and probing. They will not start the chemo on Tues. but later in the week and they will be inserting a pic line (sp?) into him to use for the chemo treatment. The pic line is an inserted tube that will slightly stick out from his body to use for I.V. lines. It adds the worry of infections occurring as his immune system is low due to his kidney transplant and the PTLD. Brendan is a bit whiney today while visiting the ear/nose/throat Dr. (on top of everything else he has had ear infections, inflamed tonsils and pollups in his nose).

I will update more as I find out but probably won't know more until next week.

Thank you so much for all of your support and especially for your Prayers! for this sick little boy. It means so much to all of us. His Grandma cried when she read this thread and saw how such caring people are joining together to bring joy to a little boy they have never even met. Most of my family are christians and we definitely believe that God has a wonderful plan for Brendan's life.
:heart Thank you all soooo much!! :hug
Jody

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Here is a pic of the chicken I am sending him. THe blanket is attached with a button for easy removal. It is much cuter in person. (The pic doesn't do it justice.)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y13/JodyH/CoolChicken.jpg

[MiCountess]

My package is mailed off, Should be there Monday or Tuesday
Michelle

[Ro]

Jody, that PLTD sounds horrible! :( Poor little man. Thank you for keeping us updated on his condition. I plan to post that info on the PSF page, will create another page with updates on his condition as we go. If it's "cancer lite" then that's a blessing!!!

My good ol PSF buddy Nancy really came thru for us just like I suspected she would! She doesn't post at c'ville yet, has lurked a bit but I'm working on her! (I know you're out there, gnatknees! LOL) she went to WalMart and went nuts! She said looking at his picture she couldn't help herself! So a list of what she bought is on the website.

I wanted to let folks know if they would rather I not put their name with what they send if you buy a box of toys or something, let me know and I'll take them off, or list 'anonymous' I just put them up there in order to show what's been purchased that I know of so we don't get repeats hopefully.

And an aside...if anybody needs anything Little People, go to Toys R Us QUICK! They had a BOGO going on and I was able to purchase something great for Ethan and give a similiar set to my daughter who still collects little people stuff. Some great deals to be had! My dad chipped in too for the playset for Ethan cause we didn't want him to feel left out.

Got some fuzzy yellow yarn to try, hope I can make it work for a cool duckie!
Got Brendan the coolest little Jedi Force action figures, list on the website.
you all rule :)

big hugs!
Ro

Oops, correcting an error on my part, I misheard my friend on the phone, she couldn't find power rangers stuff so she got other items instead. But since MIcountess and her family did, it's just as well! :)

[sem464]

Wow Ro, :cheer the site looks better everytime I see it. :think I finally remembered what I was going to make - :turtle a little turtle. That will be my first project anyway. Hey, I didn't read thru the whole site,:blush did it tell me where to get the address to send Brendans packages?

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Hey Shari,
You can send me either a PM or an e-mail and I will give you the address!! Thank you so much, to everyone!!! You are turning my family into mushy weepies with your generosity! :heart :heart :heart

[tween]

http://www.tweenhookz.com/4cville/shuffleGirlie.gif umm... would creepy crawlies & a triceratops be ok? I'd luv to do the tiger/lion/panther but to be honest.. I haven't been crocheting very long, & the pattern lQQks sorta hard.. & as any one who's been stuck being in a swap with me can tell you, I'm not that good at crocheting yet. http://www.tweenhookz.com/4cville/blushreg.gif So.. would a triceratops & bugs be ok? http://www.tweenhookz.com/4cville/biggrinblu.gif is any of you talented & non newby crocheters wanna try the lion/tiger/panter I'll be happy to share the pattern, I mean not a copy, but the original, so I wouldnt be..ya know... anything wrong.. at least I don't think I would be.

[Ro]

Tween that's wonderful sweetie! Just pick whichever of those you want to make and then let me know so i can post it to the list. I bet he would LOVE a dinosaur and crawlies, esp. since he likes fear factor! (which makes me queasy, just the commercials! LOL)

He'll love it :)

hugs
Ro

[Ro]

oops, missed Shari's post the first time, yup a turtle would be so sweet!!!! :) I'll get you on the list.

The site is a work in progress, I just tinker when I can steal a moment. Unfortunately I didn't get started on his duckie yet because I spent today running around and then I had a promise to keep to my daughter...so I will probably ship the package early next week, making the duckie tomorrow. But it sounds like items are on the way already, and I guess it's good that we'll all finish our stuff at different times cause then he'll keep getting stuff instead of all at once!

:hug big hugs for you Jody! btw, I :manyheart the funky chicken! he's a total hoot lol gorgeous blankie too!

[sem464]

I think this is such a good heartfelt "project". I wish there had been a group like this when a good friend of ours, daughter had lukemia (sp? sorry). She was almost 3 when they first found out. Glad to say she is almost 16, and free from it.

Our prayers go out to him & his family!

[Frangipani]

UPDATE! My Power Rangers beanie is almost done. I did it in yellow (his favourite colour, right?) microspun. It's SUPER soft for his little head. Then the hunny tells me the yellow power ranger is a GIRL!! ACK. I hope brendan doesn't mind. But I do also have red microspun so I can make a red one instead. Took no time at all to make so I totally don't mind. I hope to post his *Ranger Beanie* out tomorrow.

Bec :hug

[Julie]

I'm about halfway through with the snake so far, I should be able to finish it either tonight or tomorrow. The great thing about the snake is I can just keep going, making him longer and longer and looooooooonnnnnnnnnnggggggger until I run out of steam. I'm no where near to that point yet. I may (debating, not quite sure if I have the right stuff for it) try to add beads to the last couple inches of the tail so it would be a rattlesnake. I think the beads I have are too small and it wouldn't look right, so I might start it then frog it back. Time will tell. :hook

[sem464]

My turtle is done! Little but cute. My middle daughter (20) loves turtles & said "For Meeeee?!!) I will have to make her one. I will ship Brendans out soon.

[Ro]

LOL about your daughter wanting the turtle! Sounds like something mine would do (or I would do !)
I cannot WAIT to see pictures of your items, guys that is wonderful! :cheer I know he's gonna LOVE that snake, Julie! And the power rangers beanie, who knew yellow was a girl? I sure didn't! Cause my daughter isn't into power rangers I had no idea.

My husband and dad hauled the box of toys to the UPS store today for shipping, its on its way! I held onto the mickey hat to go along in a different box with the duckie which I plan to start making soon as I finish this post...will post pics of course when he's done!

I am getting emails from people off the board too, relatives of Brendan and such who are jumping on our bandwagon to send boxes...what a wonderful thing. It's beautiful to see everyone rally around this little boy...

hugs!!!
Ro

[Julie]

Here is Brendan's snake. :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/yarngirl/th_brendan.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/yarngirl/brendan.jpg)

It's almost 4 feet long, just 45½ inches. I came so close! :lol I'll mail it out tomorrow or Tuesday, whenever we're due to go to the post office again.

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Brendan got his first package Saturday, I am passing along the e-mail my brother (his Daddy) sent me along with the photo that was attached...

"Brendan recieved his blanket and stuffed bear today. He has been using the blanket all day and has taken it and the bear everywhere we have gone. He has had another rough day but not as bad as yesterday. He named the bear "Rainbow."

Thank you all for your kindness,

Sean and Allie
and of course, Brendan"
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y13/JodyH/Brennyblankie.jpg

[Julie]

Poor thing! He looks tired and worn out already, but I'll bet he was very excited to get that blanket and bear!

[Ro]

Oh, Jody. He is too precious for words *tears*

I don't know who made that blankie and bear, but if you're from c'ville, thank you and bless you. I will list them on the webpage and put "anonymous" until I know your name, if you care to share it...

I finished the egg to go with the duckling...the effect is really cute I wish you could see it in person! My husband was so cute when he came up with the idea...his heart is so tied up into this project too, he did all kinds of extra stuff around the house while I've been working on webpages and making the items...I couldn't do any of the projects I do without my sweetie's support!

One of my other trusty and trusted PSF buddies just emailed me, she has two boys just Brendan and Ethan's ages and she wants to send a box too. I'm amazed every day by the continued love and support for this project...thank you again everyone.

Julie, your snake RULES. I put the picture on the zoo gallery page, I hope that's okay!!! I'll put a link to your blog on the description :)

big hugs and thanks again everybody, please keep those pictures of completed items coming I love to see all your beautiful work.

love
Ro

[Ro]

Oops forgot, at least I think I forgot, I'm sooooo tired tonight sorry guys! Here is a link to the page where I will put all the animals as the pictures come in. Shari, did you get to take a picture of the turtle??? I'd love to see it.

Brendan's Zoo Gallery (http://www.psf.homestead.com/zoogallery.html)

hugs
Ro

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Awh, thank you so much Julie. Your snake is awesome, he will love it!

Here is Brendan's snake. :D

It's almost 4 feet long, just 45½ inches. I came so close! :lol I'll mail it out tomorrow or Tuesday, whenever we're due to go to the post office again.

[Julie]

Thanks Ro and Jody! He's going out tomorrow to Brendan. :hug

[sem464]

I will take a picture of the little turtle before I send it out. Also, I wanted you let you all know that my friend Sally, that heads Project Linus, brought me a little quilt & beanie bear to send to him. I was thinking I would stagger the packages so he doesn't get everything now, & nothing later when he really feels bad!

[Ro]

Ooo, thanks, can't wait to see the sweet little turtle!

That's a good idea about staggaring them...I plan to do the same thing, was another reason I didn't wait on sending the toys till the duck was finished...now I will work on some other things and also plan to staggar them out.

Your friend from Linus was so thoughtful...If you email or PM me her first name I would be happy to thank her on the webpage for her kind and wonderful gift.

hugs
Ro

[diamond]

Count me in. I'm going to make a dolphin!!

I see that Kari is making a dolphin. I have tropical fish that are really cute, I can make him one of those.

[YaYa Yarnhood]

His Mom asked me to post this to all of you wonderful angels...

"Brendan had a pretty rough weekend. He is in a lot of pain but wants to tough it out at home. The doctors said we could admit him for pain management to the hospital again but he doesn't want to be in there anymore.

The docs still think it may be PTLD- Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder. The biopsies showed up as negative, but that is one characteristic of the disease is that it can change its apperance often. We will just have to wait and see i guess. He will have to have his tonsils, adenoids and a few lymphnodes in his neck removed, possibly this week. They are too swolen and it interferes with his breathing.

We wanted to thank you all for doing this for Brendan. He was so excited the other day when he opened his first package. I know these gifts are going to cheer him up a lot and hopefully make him forget about some of the pain that he is dealing with right now.

That is all I know for now. I will try to keep you all updated on him and how he is feeling. Thank you all again from all of us.

Sean, Allie, Ethan and "Super Brendan" "

[Bobbie Faye]

Your little grandson Brendan is in my prayers.

Our charity sewing group is making Pediatric IV Covers. The crochet pattern can be found at: http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/iv-wrist-cover.html

The clinic oncology nurse that I spoke with said that these can be crocheted or knitted in colorful yarn or sewn on the machine .. using Super Hero fabrics. She said that would help the children remember that they are in a battle right now .. and that they can win it.

I'll be happy to send along a couple of IV covers for Brendan.

[Ro]

Thank you diamond, I will put you down for a tropical fish! :) He'll love that I'm sure!

I spent the day figuring out how to make Brendan a Tri-cornered Captain Jack Sparrow pirate hat...and I just finished it! It came out so cool that I would wear this hat! LOL

I'll probably make him a little red cap to go under it too, just like Jack had his bandana...

Big hugs Jody thank you so much for the update! I will post it on the site. Thank you to Julie too for plugging this project so whole heartedly on her blog! :hug

Thanks too Bobby for the offer of the IV covers I have emailed Jody to send you the address info!

big hugs and keep those animals coming folks! you rule!
love
Ro

[diamond]

Thanx Ro! So you can see what I am going to make him (and maybe one for his little brother). Hooked On Fish (http://www.anniesattic.com/detail.html?prod_id=10470) Also, I have gotten them each a set of ColorWonder Markers and ColorWonder Coloring Books. The markers will only mark on the ColorWonders Paper. It's great for little kids who tend to coloring on anything & everything. Crayola Color Wonders (http://www.crayola.com/canwehelp/result.cfm)

[Ro]

woo hoo! Thanks Diamond! I added the markers and books to the list, that is so wonderful!!!

I put up pictures of the Capn Jack..er, Brendan hat! I have to hide it from my husband though or he's gonna want it LOL I'm gonna have to make him one I bet lol. Hat pics (http://psf.homestead.com/brendanhats.html) I hope Brendan likes it! I have to put together some pirate booty to go with it of course before I send it...

hugs
Ro

[kariholtz]

OMG Ro... I LOVE :manyheart that hat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


:manyheart :devil

[diamond]

Both hats are super cute, Ro! Any boy would love either of them! I can just picture my sons (when they were little) playing pirates with that tri-cornered hat. And those Mickey Mouse ears are great! Better than the ones at DisneyLand and I'm sure fit better and more comfortably.

[sem464]

Ro, those turned out great. He is sure to love them both!

Jody, thanks for the update. He is such a brave little boy, it brought tears to my eyes. But, we are going to help him be strong!

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Ro - the hats are great!! My 10yo (Brendan's favorite cousin) says "Cool! Can you make me one mom?" So did you write a pattern as you went? :wink He will love those for sure! Hats off to Ro!!!

[Julie]

Ro, the hats are fabulous!! :clap

I sent off the snake today, addressed the package to "Super Brendan" as his mom referred to him in her email update to Jody. Poor little boy. :cry

[Samio]

I would love to attempt the lion/tiger/panther. I have been looking for a pattern to make a Koala or kangaroo, so he can get something from "down under" but no luck so far, so if you are happy to share the pattern, I will do them up

[diamond]

I would love to attempt the lion/tiger/panther. I have been looking for a pattern to make a Koala or kangaroo, so he can get something from "down under" but no luck so far, so if you are happy to share the pattern, I will do them up

Here's a Koala pattern for you, Samio. Koala Pattern (http://members.optusnet.com.au/we2/koala.html)

[tween]

I would love to attempt the lion/tiger/panther. I have been looking for a pattern to make a Koala or kangaroo, so he can get something from "down under" but no luck so far, so if you are happy to share the pattern, I will do them up

I sent you a PM about the pattern. :U

[Ro]

hey everybody,

wanted to give you the latest on Brennie, he had to go back to the hospital for pain management, poor little lamb :cry His Grandma Pat emailed me to thank everyone for all that they are doing for him, she said it means so much to the family, and I wanted you all to know that! if i hear anything else I will post soon as I can.

Thanks to everybody who has already sent packages and who are still working on animals for him...he's going through so much, I know that he will be able to feel the love that you're all putting into every single stitch.

Sam, whatever animal you want to make is fine...just let me know what you settle on hon and I'll update the site.

thanks for the great feedback on the pirate hat, unfortunately when I try to write out a pattern it makes sense to only me, and even then not so much . maybe it's just lack of sleep, i'll keep working on it! in the meantime jody I emailed you about the hat for your boy...decided to take it on last night when I couldn't sleep and had brendan on my mind and it's almost done. i made it a bit larger since your boy is older, this one fits me so it should fit him!

i want to make an animal for ethan too...maybe a little star blankie cause i've been wanting to try those...just a little comfy for him too so he doesn't feel left out. will do my best to get going on that.

carry on, wonderful people. i'm off to find more coffee; i think i'll just eat some beans to save time and for maximum effect lol.

:hug
ro

[diamond]

carry on, wonderful people. i'm off to find more coffee; i think i'll just eat some beans to save time and for maximum effect lol.

:hug
ro

Ya know, Ro.....Starbuck's has these great chocolate covered coffee beans that are so yummy. Maybe it'll help instead of eating plain ol' beans! You've been doing great things for Brendan, hang in there.

[sem464]

Hey Ro,

I will be more than happy to make a little star blanket for Ethan, Unless you just want to. Let me know! Thanks for all your help & time.;)

[Ro]

Shari, that would be wonderful if you could do that...would be one less thing on my plate heading into a crazy month with two dance recitals, a tae kwon do test for my daughter, visiting relatives, my anniversary...and of course, the most important thing, the charity stuff! I have to update Brendan's website and so appreciate your offer to do that. You're a sweetheart!!! :hug

I'll add it to the webpage that you're going to make it. :yay

Diamond, I haven't tried starbucks...I am out of coffee beanery ones...gone straight to the raw stuff, and the scary part is I actually like it LOL. Who needs to liquify it...just eat a handful and I'm good to go for another couple hours LOL

you guys are the best :manyheart

love
Ro

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Diamond, I haven't tried starbucks...I am out of coffee beanery ones...gone straight to the raw stuff, and the scary part is I actually like it LOL. Who needs to liquify it...just eat a handful and I'm good to go for another couple hours LOL

you guys are the best :manyheart

love
Ro

I need to invent and patent a way to get caffeinated intraveneously (sp?). (I have an espresso vice of my own)

And I agree, you guys are the best! :manyheart
Thank you all!!
Jody

[diamond]

Here's a tip from me if you like espresso/cappuccino....Mr. Coffee has this cool maker, sort of like the CocoMotion machine (makes hot chocolate & looks like a blender), it's called the Caffe Latte machine and it's wonderful!!! Looks like a blender, add 1.5 cups milk (or Soy milk if you prefer which I do), 1/3 cup water, heaping teaspoon instant coffee, packet of Splenda and push the button. Instant cappuccino. It heats it while it blends it. Push up the pour spout lever and it goes into your mug!! It cost about $30, I got mine at Linens N Things. Even if you don't like instant coffee, you will with this machine. Would make a great Mother's Day gift! I love mine and use it all the time and I don't like coffee. I love Starbuck's and cappuccino but don't like coffee. Weird, right??? :coffee

[rebeccav]

hey ro, put me down for an octopus.

i haven't read through this thread, so if one is already in the works, let me know :)

[Ro]

ooo, way cool rebecca! We definitely do not have an octopus yet, thanks so much!!! :clap

:hug

[sem464]

Ok, I finally took a pic of Brendan's little turtle. He needs eyes yet, but I have not wanted to embroidery. Won't take me 5 minutes! Also, is a pic of the blanket & Beanie Bear Project Linus is giving to him.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/chris463/480x360_giftsforbrendan.jpg

[Ro]

That's so wonderful Shari, I LOVE that turtle!!!!!! Will post the picture in the gallery, thank you!!!

big hugs
ro

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Rebecca - An Octopus would be great!!!

And Shari - I love the turtle! And the Project Linus donation is so sweet!

This little boy is going to be swimming in cozy ups and feel betters!!

[rebeccav]

the octopus is done. i'll have to see if it meets my son's approval in the morning before i post pictures - he drew it for me :P

[tween]

Isnt there a pattern some place in C'ville for a squid purse? We could make one of those & stuff it instead of line it or something. :U would go great with the octopus. :D

I have one dragon done, & am working on the other one. I also am making a skunk & a porcupine.

Great work so far every1! :clap

[rebeccav]

tween that's a great idea.... except the octopus is small. i followed my son's directions on this and he said it needed to be a baby - so it will fit nicely in his hand

[Ro]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to let you know that Homestead is having issues at the moment, it keeps telling me to download the new version of their software but I already did! So I can't update the site at the moment, but I am making note of the animals added to the list and hope to have this resolved by the end of the day!!!

big hugs!
Ro

[Rockinmax]

Sending prayers and good thoughts for Brendan and the whole family. I will send some things for him and for his little brother. Somewhere I have a pattern for a horse, if I can find it I will make one for him.

hugs,

Stacey

[Ro]

Aww, thanks Stacey! Be sure to let me know what you decide on so I can put it on the list...

My friend Nancy made the coolest frog, am putting the picture up now, finally got homestead to work again! was a firewall issue...i mean, isn't it always?

I locked myself out of the house today lol. fortunately i was with my dad so we just hung out at his house until my husband came to claim me, but needless to say it threw off the rest of the day. so i've gotta run, back later!

love ya all, you wonderful ladies! (and drew, if you're lurking. love you too LOL)

ro

[CatsCradleCreations]

Ro, I can't locate my puzzle pattern book, so how's about I do some ants (red and black), tarantulas and a couple of penguins?

[tween]

Hey, I know ro made those awesome hats, but here is another head hugger, & its for soccer luv'rs even!!

http://www.headhuggers.org/patterns/cpatt10.htm

[Ro]

Tween, those are awesome! I love Sue who runs Headhuggers, she is such a sweetie! I haven't talked to her in a long time, I should email her :)

hugs!
Ro

[Ro]

Melissa, those sound fabulous! Esp. the penguins, and I bet he'd like the tarantula and ants too a lot loving fear factor as he does *shudder* LOL

hugs and thank you for making them!!!

ro

[Frangipani]

Okie dokie! Brendan's Power Rangers beanie is complete. I will be posting it to him today and I can put up piccies of it tonight. The kangaroo will come later this week as I get paid tomorrow but I couldn't wait to get the beanie out to him. Be back later with a pic.... :D

[Ro]

Woo hoo, thanks so much! I know he's gonna love it totally :)

You rock!

:hug

[Ro]

Got this email tonight from his Grandma Pat and she asked me to share it with you all...along with her thanks and gratitude for all you're all doing...


hi RO
I was hoping to have some good news tonite ... they were thinking about letting brennie go home today, however, the drs
are still concerned as to why he isn't gaining more strength. So ... maybe tomorrow. I may be going up tomorrow to give
grandma Sandy a break. She has been wonderful ....taking care of Ethan and not letting him feel abandoned. I know he is missing his "BB" (Brendan) not to mention his mom and dad.
I am still overwhelmed by all the wonderful people helping Brendan get through this rough time. We all thank you so very much. Words cannot describe our gratitude.

I was at the hospital last nite and a friend had given him a Spiderman mask and gloves that make "webbing" noises. He
was really excited to put them on ... once he had them on he wanted me to pull his IV pole along with him .. he made
for the door and began "webbing" all the nurses - drs - and anyone else who walked by .... after a minute or so he was tired and sat down on the floor ... I got a chair and pushed it over so he could sit and "keep on webbing" it was so cute !! I wish I had taken my video camera! The nurses had a big laugh.

Thank you again to everyone!!


can you imagine, as tired as he was, still making people laugh! What an extraordinary child. Bless his heart! *tears*

will update you when I hear more...thanks again everyone!

hugs
ro

[Mom w/a Motif]

I hope Brendan is doing a little (at least!) better today. I have Ethans' snake 1/3 (?) way done. (17 inches from nose.) If I would stop visiting Crochetville, maybe I could finish it!:compute There is a picture of it so far, on my blog: timelesscreations.blogspot.com (http://timelesscreations.blogspot.com/) under "Ethans' Snake". My two year old found it, (I have been keeping it in a bag, taking it with me for car pool and 'whenever' times) and.... I think I will have to make another one, and keep Ethans' hidden! :lol I hope Ethan will like it this much!

Tina

Okay the keeping it hidden is not working- but now the two year old is helping me stuff it! (He still thinks it's "his", but he isn't playing with it...) Me thinks me is going to have to start a new snake today! "This one is yours, this one is for someone else, okay?":)

[CatsCradleCreations]

Got my first ant body done last night! It currently has one leg, because I ran out of pipe cleaners and have to get more. (I haven't broken my stash busters pledge~~I'm using what yarn I have in my stash.)

I also linked my blog to the Boxes for Brendan site.

BTW, what's the shipping deadline for the zoo critters? :think

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Ok this is what I'm sending Hippo crocheted little Lion not crocheted, 2 coloring books a power rangers one and a dinosaur one some great bug stickers, and A Fear Factor notebook with worms on the front cover, oh and I had 2 Buzz Lightyear happy meal toys still in the packages so I'm sending those as well.I just wanted to update and say I sent it today

[YaYa Yarnhood]

I am so completely overwhelmed by the wonderful response you all have given to our family and to little Brendan! Thank you all so much! I am so excited for him to have this great Zoo collection!!! And thank you most of all to those of you praying for him as well. I know God is working miracles with and through Brendan's ordeal. Thank you ALL!!!! :hug :heart :heart :heart :heart

[Ro]

Alisha, what a wonderful and thoughtful assortment of goodies, I know that Brendan will LOVE them! Did you take pictures of the hippo and all, I'd love to see it!!!

There isn't really a deadline for shipping...just get them done and ship when you're able I guess! And please let me know when you do so that I can update the website with status of each box in case his family checks to see what is coming against what has already arrived.

I'm excited, my first box for the boys should get there tomorrow, I sure hope they like their toys!

again, you all rock. You totally inspire me!

hugs
Ro

[Frangipani]

OKay, here's the Power Rangers beanie I posted out to Brendan yesterday. It looks more like a spider to me but I really tried to recreate the Yellow Ranger's helmet.
Click me:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/bellascreations/th_IMG_4504.jpg (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/bellascreations/IMG_4504.jpg)

I really hope he likes it and the note I put in with it! :manyheart

Bec

[Nashville Crocheter]

Very cute!!!

[natalie058]

Well, I finally finished sewing together the monkey last night. He's a little crooked, and understuffed, but he'll do. He was my first attempt at stuffing/sewing, so I hope Brendan doesn't mind! (I still think it's cute!) I'll be mailing it out this afternoon, once I run by Target and grab a few other things to put in the box (My hunny suggested hot wheels... will these be too small to have around Ethan?)

I'll be sure to share pics before I send him off.

LOL, Oh yeah - I need an addy to send it to! Jody or Ro, could you PM me with it? Thanks!!

[Bobbie Faye]

I saw the picture of Brendan with a soccer ball. I finished a Head Hugger hat for him that looks just like a soccer ball .. and a matching IV cover. http://e4u.deltait.com.au/sport/sport06.gif

Included two other IV covers.. One is a bright multicolor and the other is his favorite color, yellow. Mailed everything yesterday.

[turtlecrochet]

Ro, I have a turtle that I would like to send. I know he has one already, but we could pretend for a moment about Noah's ark? 2 by 2....
Anyway, let me know what you think...
Jessie :turtle :hook

[Ro]

Jessie, that will be great! Perhaps that turtle could be shared with Ethan since his list of animals is still kinda short. Thank you! PM Jody and she'll get you the address..

Nat, sent you a PM!

Bec, that is one of the most unique beanies I've ever seen, it's a perfect PR helmet! He's gonna love it :)

Bobbie, you rule! Thank you so much for making him the soccer head hugger and the iv covers...will update the website now with all the new info and sent packages!

I'm so so excited because my first box is gonna arrive today. I hope Ethan likes his Little People castle!! :) Wish I could see his face.

I feel like it's Christmas, and for such a wonderful purpose. You all rock!!!
*misty eyed again*
Ro

[Ro]

Newsflash! This just came in from Jody via email:


Brendan got to go home last night! Hooray! Lets hope and pray he gets to stay there this time!


Woo hoo! He's back home from the hospital, lets all hope he can stay there!!!

You go, little man!!! What a trooper!

love
Ro

[natalie058]

Here's my monkey: (that sounds dirty! :blush )


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/natalie058/th_100_0251.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/natalie058/100_0251.jpg)

I hope he likes it!

[Ro]

Oh, Natalie he's PRECIOUS!!!!! Posting pic on the zoo page now!!!

:clap :hug

love ya
ro

[natalie058]

Don't know if I've mentioned this Ro, but your sites are looking so great! Thank you so much for doing all this work...

Once again, I'm so impressed by the great people here at C'Ville...

[Ro]

btw, here's a link with info about PTLD (http://cnserver0.nkf.med.ualberta.ca/nephkids/ptld.htm) if you want to read about what Brendan is fighting...

hugs
Ro

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

There's a pic on my blog of the hippo but I sealed everything else up and forgot to take a pic. I'm so amazed at how much everyone is doing for Brendan :cheer :hug to everyone.

[Ro]

oh that hippo is just so cute!!!:manyheart

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Thanks Ro I think I'm going to make him a blue and white skunk, and maybe a porcupine too.

[YaYa Yarnhood]

That beanie is awesome! You rock Frangipani!
OKay, here's the Power Rangers beanie I posted out to Brendan yesterday. It looks more like a spider to me but I really tried to recreate the Yellow Ranger's helmet.
Click me:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/bellascreations/th_IMG_4504.jpg (http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/bellascreations/IMG_4504.jpg)

I really hope he likes it and the note I put in with it! :manyheart

Bec

[YaYa Yarnhood]

I just went to the gallery of animals and they are all so cute. You are all so very talented!

[Ro]

Good morning ladies! sorry for no update yesterday was spent running around like a loony and taking care of real life-offline (read, non-fun LOL) stuff. But I have wonderful news of just how much good your work is doing...and how much Brendan is loving his goodies!

His mom emailed me and said that they boys were having a total blast with all the new toys they've gotten. She said that it was a good, low pain day for Brendan but that he had to play inside and that the gifts we've sent were serving a very important purpose, keeping him occupied while he gets better! She said that what we have done is "one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for" their family and that they are so thankful to all of you!!!

She also told me that we have helped make a very unhappy time happy for them, and that they are going to take some pictures of the boys with their gifts soon as they can so I can post them on the website. Isn't that cool?

You've all done so good! I am so proud!! Thank you to everybody, and to the folks who haven't sent their stuff yet no worries, cause I'm sure he will need to be occupied for awhile and spreading them out is good!

Chiscrochetcrazy I can't wait to see your skunk and/or porcupine! I want to make some more goodies too (mailed off his hats and the duckling yesterday!) and something for Ethan, just need to catch my breath first!!!

huge hugs to you all, you are all mothers today in my eyes because you have shown so much love to this little boy, that is 'mothering' and that is love!!! You all, quite simply, RULE my crochet world!!!:manyheart

love,
Ro

[Ro]

just another update for you all, Brendan had to go to the doctor today, he's having some med reactions hopefully it is something they will be able to fix by cutting back some dosages...please keep him and his family in your thoughts still! His Grandma Pat wanted me to tell everyone again how grateful they are for all you've done.

You all are just the best...
hugs
ro

[diamond]

My fish is ready to be mailed but I have no address. He turned out really cute. My hubby loves him which is weird because usually he'll just say "That's nice" or "Good job" or something along those lines. But this time he said "I really like that fish. It's my favorite. It's the cutest thing you've ever made." Now mind you, I've made countless items in the years I've been crocheting and have never heard him exclaim over an item like he has this fish. Guess I'll have to make him a fish for Father's Day. I'll be posting a picture later today. Do I post it here in this forum or is there a special place?

[Julie]

I can't wait to see it! You can post it here and then Ro will grab them to post on Brendan's website. :D

[diamond]

Thanx Julie!

[Mom w/a Motif]

I can't wait to see your fish, either, Diamond. I am at the tail end :lol of Ethans' snake. (Get it, tail...) I am hoping to finish it today, but if not today, then hopefully by tomorrow, and will take a picture. I wish I could do more animals, but we are going to be moving in two weeks, and I just don't think I can commit to anything more right now!:sweat Here is the picture- Hope it..http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/TPryst/PDRM0002.jpg

works- it turned out cute, I think! Now my eight-year old wants me to make him a Coral Snake.:lol I think I'm going to have my work cut out for me, once we get moved.....


Tina

[Nashville Crocheter]

made me smile :) I like the snake :clap

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

I'm about finished w the blue porcupine w white quills he just needs eyes and a black tip on his nose he turned out really cute:) will post a pic as soon as I finish. Now the skunk was a bust he didn't look right at all so I may make a racoon or an owl or robin or maybe both.

[diamond]

Here's the package I'll be mailing tomorrow to Brendan. The fish is approx. 16" long (including tail) and almost 16" around (excluding dorsel fin). I made some adjustments to the original pattern ie: the tail is my own design as is the dorsel fin, the eyes were supposed to be those plastic kind that wiggle, I felt for a 3 & 5yo to play with, those eyes could fall off and cause a choking hazzard so I made my own eyes with yarn). The fish is filled with fiberfill but stuffed into a knee-hi stocking then inserted into the fish. The plastic animals were in my local grocery store and were bigger than I usually see, so I got one for Brendan and one for Ethan. The elephant measures about 9" long from tail to snout, and 4 1/2" high. The lion is 9 1/2" long and stands about 5" tall. I hope they like my gifts. Also, there will be 2 ColorWonder sets and a get well card for Brendan.
http://img135.echo.cx/img135/5886/brendangifts7lq.th.jpg (http://img135.echo.cx/my.php?image=brendangifts7lq.jpg)
Click on image to get a better look.

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Wow Cheryl those are awesome I'm loving that fish :manyheart Great job:cheer

[diamond]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/TPryst/PDRM0002.jpg
Tina
OMG, Tina....that snake is just too cute!!! I'm sure Brendan will love it. H*ll, my sons would and they are 25 & 18. They both have real snakes. I would prefer your snakes tho!!!

[diamond]

Thanx Alisha. I had fun making it! My hubby wants me to make him one next. He wanted this one but I said it was for Brendan and he would just have to wait! My hubby loves to fish so I think I'll make him one for Father's Day.

[kariholtz]

that fish is soo cute.


So is the snake,
I'm working on the dolphin

[diamond]

Kari, I can't wait to see your dolphin. They are my fav.

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Can't wait to see the dolphin Kari. Cheryl usually nobody around here like my stuff only when I have plans to give them away then suddenly everyone wants them :lol

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Ok here's a pic of the porcupine my camera went dead so it was the best I got , will charge it up and take a side pic tomm.http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-10/857771/smporcupine.jpg

[diamond]

Alisha, that's too cute!!! He's really adorable!

[sem464]

Wow, have y'all been busy while I was at work. :c9 Everything is soooooo cute. I know they are going to love them.:cheer

[Julie]

Wow cute stuff!!! :clap

[Tiggzie]

Aww I love what everyone is making. I've had some setbacks but I am still making Brendan a little piggy or two. I was thinking of also making an alien or something else.

[Nashville Crocheter]

Cute porcupine!!! :lol :cheer :clap

[Ro]

Hi you wonderful ladies!

First of all, my sincere apologies for going AWOL on you all the past two days or so, the weekend was mad crazy busy and I had a chance to spend the whole day alone today and I just had to unplug a few hours and sit and crochet and hear myself think, I didn't even look at the computer until now! Much needed stress relief and recharge day, those don't come along too often when you homeschool! LOL

I will be updating the website right away with all the great wonderful new pictures too and thank you all for your kind words about the pages and all.

Before I get to telling you how much I LOVE the new animals, I want to give you an update on Brennie. Poor lamb is having a rough go...

This is from Jody, as told to her by Sean ( Brendan's dad)

Sean called this am and wanted me to send you all an email and update you on Brennie. He doesn't have email at his work and they had a very busy weekend with Bren. They were at the hospital all day yesterday with him as he is swelling up, and his tummy was big and hard. So they took him in first thing. After testing etc. they decided to lower his steroids in half. The kidney tests showed the kidney is still functioning good. They took one other test and haven't got the results back from that yet. Bren is really moody from the steroids. Sean says he cries over every little thing. Last night they had taco's and his shell broke, so he started crying. They made him another one, and a piece of tomatoe fell out so he started crying again. He cries all the time now . I feel so sorry for him. He can't help his moodiness. I don't know how long he will have to be on the steroids. So anyway, it is still day by day, and he will have continual testing. We will keep you informed and please keep praying for our little sweet boy. Thankyou. They still don't know what is wrong with him.

Ugh. Poor baby. I don't know about you ladies but I've taken courses of prednisone before and it is evil. It does things that are important, but, for want of a better term, it makes you feel possessed! I remember that feeling, I can't imagine how hard it has to be for a four year old to feel it. He's just a baby :(

Thank you again so much for all you're doing. The porcupine is wonderful, so is Ethan's snake I know he's gonna love it...the fishy...all of it. So wonderful.

Tears in my eyes as I go off to update the website now. Thank you julie for telling folks to post pics here, you're absolutely right, then I can snag them for the webpages.

You all amaze me, completely. Just completely.

love
Ro

[Ro]

P.s. sorry I can't remember who it was who said they needed the mailing address please send Jody a PM or an email and she will give it to you!

hugs
ro

[kariholtz]

Poor little guy. It breaks my heart thinking about how rough a go he is having.
I haven't been on the steriods before but I know what I am like when my thyroid is trying to get itself (and the med) straightened oiut, It's hard to even TRY to control my emotions. And we are old enough to understand these things! Imagine being so little and going through it. :(

But he has a good family you can tell ( and the C'ville Comfort Warriors) and that will be the one thing that helps him through alot.

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Poor little boo :( I know how steroids can make you so moody you can't control your emotions I've taken them all too much for asthma. Not fun at all and especially being so little I sure hope the little sweetie feels better soon.Sending good thoughts and prayers his way.

[Ro]

Kari! that "C'ville Comfort Warriors" name is just too cool! We need a button, I tells ya!

I mean, think of it...we're comforting people with a vengeance! (well, only vengeful toward the stupid diseases that make people suffer...and comforting with great force and all our might to the kids and families!) it sounds so noble, I love it!:clap I mean, it even comes from the french...from dictionary.com

Idiom:
with a vengeance

With great violence or force.
To an extreme degree: December has turned cold with a vengeance.
[Middle English, from Old French, from vengier, to avenge, from Latin vindichttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/AHD4/GIF/amacr.gifre. See vindicate.]

[Ro]

What we're accomplishing...a picture is worth a thousand words.

Look at this smile...

http://psf.homestead.com/brendanandethantoyscrop.jpg

I'm so proud of you all :)

Keep those animals coming!!! That smile is so precious, we have to keep it there as much as possible during this rough time for him.

xoxo
Ro

[kariholtz]

woohoo!

WTG Everyone.



Ro, I liked C'ville Comfort Warrior as soon as it came out of my head. I'll work on a button when I get this Brendan's dolphin done.

[natalie058]

Thank you for sharing that picture! It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!!

Way to go, Comfort Warriors!! :cheer

[Ro]

how cute can these boys be???

Check out these two as well...too large to post here no time to shrink right now!

http://www.psf.homestead.com/brendan3.jpg

and

http://www.psf.homestead.com/brennieupandplaying.jpg

His mom said he even got up out of his chair to play with the newest toy that he got! Way to go whoever sent it!!!

I also have this email from her to share with you all with the latest info...

"the boys are having a blast with their new toys. brendan is up and around a little more today. he saw his nephrologist (kidney doc) yesterday and he is now concerned about his blood pressure being up so high. he started him on some medicine for that so keep your fingers crossed that it will come down soon. he also said he is starting to worry about his kidney and the possibility of it rejecting so we may have to get a biopsy on friday. we will see though. thank everyone on the website for me. bren gets so excited every day to see if he gets any mail. i really think that is the only thing keeping his spirits up at this point. and mine too. i just want him to feel beter, as we all do. have a nice day and i will talk to you soon.
Oh, I hope he doesn't have to have a kidney biopsy that sounds so painful :(
We are definitely on the right track with our boxes, keep them going folks, you all rule! Look how happy you're making him *tears*

Rock on, C'ville Comfort Warriors!

:hug

ro

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

It's good to see that great big smile:cheer I just hope the little sweetie starts to get better soon:xfin

[diamond]

These pictures make it all worthwhile, doesn't it!?! *sniff* :c9

[Julie]

He's got such a beautiful smile! :clap :D

[Ro]

Okay, ladies, I warn you to get the Kleenex ready.

When I originally posted that I had some PSF regulars who would surely want to know about Brendan, it was cause I knew that at least two of my buddies from previous projects would be in with both feet. Well, Nancy has already sent a box (you can see her frog in the new pictures of brendan!) and my other friend C. said that she would definitely be in, this is especially dear to her heart because she has two boys who are exactly Brendan and Ethan's ages.

She just sent me this email and I have to share it with you. She's not a crochetvill-r (yet!) but she is learning to crochet so I hope she'll be over here eventually!!!) You won't believe this, it's amazing.

C. wrote:


I just wanted to give you an update of things we are sending along. The boys are I went shopping and I totally left this trip up to them. I explained the best I could what was happening with little Brendan. The eyes of my 5 year old welled up as I explained how difficult and unfair his sickness was, and that Brendan needed lot of happy prizes to make him better. They were on board and we had a mission!

Lukas decided he wanted (needed) Brendan to have a special friend from Build-a-Bear. They decided on everything. I read the list of favorite things, even though I didn't need to. The similarities and the personalities of Brendan and his little brother so closely mimic my own two boys...it is haunting. I think that is why we have just been so taken by his little heart and his plight to get well. I just don't know what I would do, if faced with an illness like this if it was my children....my heart goes out to Brendan and his family. Many prayers that he will be well soon.

Anyway...Lukas decided Brendan needed the "World Wildlife Federation Lion" from Build-a-Bear. We were just there for Mason's birthday party and Lukas chose the Lion and wanted Brendan to have one too. When we got there we discovered the Lion had been discontinued and Lukas was heartbroken. Nothing he saw could replace his idea, and they have lots of cute animals to stuff! I tried every one of those animals, and he would not change his plan.

Lukas was quiet for a moment and then came up with another idea. He would give his Lion to Brendan for adoption! I didn't know where to go...I was in the middle of the store...weeping with joy and pride. This is one of those moments that a mother will remember and cherish forever! No worries, the Lion is really brand new, never played with. We've had him only a few months and he never left the top bunk. They allowed us to print another birth-adoption certificate for Brendan and his new Lion friend...re-named "Fenway Roary" and a new Red Sox (of course) outfit to dress him in. To make this extra special...my husband has a few mini baseball bats that Red Sox outfielder #18 - Johnny Damon signed for him and we included one with Roary and a soft baseball to bat around!

Mason picked out a yellow soccer ball for Brendan and the boys picked out "WonderBot" toy from the new movie "Robots". I didn't get it...but they both assured me Brendan and his little brother will love it!

I was also able to find that Pirate book that has lots of Pirate stuff little boys love!

Please let me know what else I can do, as I feel helpless and so far away.

Love,
C.


can you believe that? That sweet little boy gave up his lion because he felt that Brendan needed it more than he did. And the Build a Bear people even let him get a new 'adoption' certificate!!!

I made an extra lion brand suede tri-cornered pirate hat yesterday...I didn't know what I was gonna do with it. Now I know. A generous little boy named Lukas, who I also hear tell loves pirates, deserves a special hat from Cap'n Jack. That's for sure.

My heart is so full today, there is so much good out there for all the bad you hear every day. I am so proud to be part of crochetville!!!

:hug
Ro

p.s. I told C. that she's sure raising her boy right and that in about 20 years, we need to introduce the lad to my lovely daughter LOL. She's only a couple years his senior! And C's family are all red sox fans like we are...they could get married at Fenway! LOL

[kariholtz]

*tears*



wow...

*tears more*

[Frangipani]

I knew I shouldn't have opened up this thread at work :cry C. definately has some special boys there. Very generous!

Well, I am excited for Brendan to receive my parcel!:gotmail so he can get all excited that something came for him!

Must go fix myself up now...

[Tiggzie]

Aww man....*grabs kleenex* Some people truly have hearts of gold. Tell your friend she's raising them boys right and she's right to be so proud of 'em.

[YaYa Yarnhood]

WOW!
I mean, WOW!
No, no, what I really wanted to say is WOW!
You are all just amazing to me! And that sweet little boy shopping with his mom... well, you know... :cry

Thank you all so much!
Praise God for your thoughtfulness and for the joy it is bringing to Brendan!!!!

:heart :heart :2hug :heart :heart

[natalie058]

That is too much... it's just amazing the good out there... what a great kid.

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Oh what a sweet child :manyheart Yes there is alot of good in the world :c9 :cheer

[sem464]

Ok, opening this thread this morning got the ol tear ducts moving.:cry Those boys are so sweet. I know that Brendan and Ethan will really like the things they chose.

[Bobbie Faye]

What thoughtful and generous little guys. Obviously, the parents have done a great job with them.

[diamond]

Just letting you know, Brendan's box is officially on it's way. I found the cutest little hip pouches at WalMart the other day and added them to the box. One is with Spiderman on the front and the other with Batman. (One for each boy.) I thought they would be great for little toys when they have to wait at doctor's or hospitals. Anyways, they should receive the box by the weekend. Sorry I didn't take pictures of the hip pouches but if you get to WalMart, they were where the purses/wallets/accessories are. They were $1 each. Great price for something so cute.

[Ro]

Thank you so much Diamond!

I haven't heard from Brendan's mom since yesterday, she is understandably having a rough time right now. She said he was having a 'better' day yesterday but I think all that is going on is catching up to her, poor dear :(

I am about ready to start on another animal, one for Ethan and maybe another one for Brendan...I don't know yet what it's gonna be I have a ton of patterns I haven't tried yet for animals! I'll let you all know when my mystery animal is complete :)

To folks who may be reading this thread for the first time, it's not too late to send something to Brendan! No matter how small anything he gets in the mail really helps brighten the day not just for him but his family too. Please keep him in mind!!!

thank you again to everyone who has sent boxes...you're all heroes to me!:hug

hugs
Ro

[kariholtz]

I'm stuffing and sewing up the dolphin!

I want to do something for Ethan too so it'll still be a couple days before I mail it out.

[diamond]

I'm stuffing and sewing up the dolphin!

I want to do something for Ethan too so it'll still be a couple days before I mail it out.
I can't wait to see a pic of your dolphin, Kari!!! :clap

[Mom w/a Motif]

I have started a penguin for Brendan. It is looking pretty small, but maybe I can make a bigger one, too? A mama and a baby? I didn't see that anyone else was doing one, so.... and I'm not feeling all that great tonight, so I have some "time" to do it.:D

Tina aka "Mom w/a Motif"

[Tiggzie]

I kept frogging the pig because it didn't come out right. I must have tried three different patterns. I think it was just the whole mess with my mom and my cluttered brain because I reread one of the patterns tonight and the lightbulb went off. :cheer I'm starting it and the little piggy already looks cool. Will finish this one, make one for Ethan and then ship em off with some monster stickers and two little aliens I crocheted last week. I'll ask for the address when I'm done.

[YaYa Yarnhood]

An update:
Brendan had a follow up visit today and they determined that all of these problems have not affected his kidney so he will not need a biopsy! Hooray! Also he seems to be making improvements and they may lower his dose of steroids down. Another Hooray! I am sure that a lot of his progress is because his spirits have been lifted by all of your kindness. (The whole family has been uplifted for that matter.) We will try to keep you posted as much as possible. In the meantime, Thank you ALL!!!! Having a positive spirit can really feed the soul and do a lot for your health and I truely believe you have all helped to do that! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[Julie]

:clap :cheer :clap Alright Brendan!!! :clap :cheer :clap

[diamond]

:yay :cheer :clap That is AWESOME news!!! :clap :cheer :yay

[Frangipani]

Great News!!! 3 Cheers for that!!! :cheer :cheer :cheer

[kariholtz]

What wonderful news!!!!!!!!!!!!:clap :cheer :yay :yay

[Mom w/a Motif]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/TPryst/PDRM0003.jpg


Here's my penguin. I named him "Wheezy", he reminds me of Wheezy from Toy Story. :D I used this pattern: http://www.kreinik.com/PDF/crochet_penguin.pdf I used an H hook, and RH yarn instead of the Kreinek stuff. And did the stomach part different than what they called for.

Tina

[natalie058]

Awww, that's SO cute!!

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Glad to hear that all that's being done is boosting the whole families spirits:c9


Wheezy's adorable :cheer Allthought I don't remember her from Toy story.

[Ro]

Tina that penguin IS wheezy! That's fabulous!!!!

Jody, that is the best news, I've been on pins and needles hoping he wouldn't need that biopsy!!!

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I made good progress on Brendan's 'mystery animal' last night...hope to get it finished today and then I hope to make something for Ethan too before I send.

You guys all inspire me so much! I just cannot read this thread without crying.

See how much good love and crochet hooks can do??? :) ONWARD!!!!!!!:hook

ro
looking for the kleenex again!

[sem464]

All the news is so great! Wheezy is really cute. FYI, he was in the second Toy Story. My turtle is going out probably this weekend. I am getting the yarn for Ethans Star blanket, next week. I didn't have anything in my stash that I liked for him. After that is done, I will send it & the blanket from Project Linus.

[Mom w/a Motif]

Glad to hear that all that's being done is boosting the whole families spirits:c9


Wheezy's adorable :cheer Allthought I don't remember her from Toy story.

He was in the Toy Story 2. Andy's mom "put him on the shelf to get his squeaker fixed"... And Woody saved him from the Yard Sale. :P

Tina

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

I haven't sent that 1:)

[kariholtz]

Well here's the dolphin, I'm not to happy with it...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/shadydowns/CROCHET%20PROJECTS/th_d2942f58.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/shadydowns/CROCHET%20PROJECTS/d2942f58.jpg)

[diamond]

He's really cute, Kari. Dorsel fin is a little big & crooked, but Brendan will never know the difference. :D Which pattern did you use? I have several and would like to see if there's a difference between the ones I have and your's.

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Oh I love the dolphin! You did a great job!

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

It looks great Kari:clap

[MiCountess]

Good Job Kari!
Michelle

[sem464]

Kari, he is cute & I am sure Brendan will love it!!!

[Ro]

Kari, the dolphin is PERFECT. It's the little unique touches that make each hand made animal precious and perfect just as they are. I love his fin!

You put so much love into that dolphin, think of it this way; there isn't another that has ever been made in the world that is just like it, and no manufacturer could ever make one as special even if they had all the parts positioned with laser precision. Brendan will know that this one was made with all that love just for him. Please don't be unhappy with the way that he came out! You're so hard on your work and it's so great!

He's just the best, I love him. And I guarantee you my daughter would love it too and she's always my best judge of what will be a hit with kids and what won't!

Now, to unveil my mystery animal...talk about imperfections LOL...he is imperfection incarnate but I think he's kinda cute anyway :) I've never done this pattern before, it turned out to be more time consuming than I thought it would!

http://psf.homestead.com/Picture_857.jpg

Now to decide if I want to make another one for Ethan or maybe try something different...hmmm...

great work everyone, everything is so adorable!
:clap

[sem464]

Ro, that is too cute. If it is very time consuming, you might want to pic something different. Besides, that way, together they have a complete zoo/jungle!

[YaYa Yarnhood]

Oh very way so cute giraffe. Which pattern did you use?

[Ro]

that's a good point, Shari I didn't think of it that way Thank you! I was tempted to try the elephant that is in the same brochure and figure that Brendan can keep one and give one to Ethan whichever he or mom decide, is anyone actively working on an elephant or should I give it a go? Even if someone else is working on it, that'd be fine anyway I guess that two elephants is better than one eh? :)

I just cannot get over how amazing everyones stuff is. You are all so talented, I bow to your skills! :nworthy

it wasn't the main part of the giraffe that was so time consuming, it was stitching on all those spots and the eyes kept coming out wrong, was supposed to be a bead but I won't use those for fear of choking. I just used yarn and finally got them the way sort of anyway that I wanted them LOL

hugs
Ro

p.s. Oh Jody I didn't see your post dear! I used the Noah's Ark leisure arts booklet #2964 has a monkey and an elephant in it too, that's the elephant I'll make and I believe that is the book that Natalie got the monkey from, cause hers looks just like the one on the cover :) P.S I love your new avatar, I can see you!!! :)

[natalie058]

Ro - you're right - the Noah's Ark booklet. The 'raffe turned out great!!!

[Mom w/a Motif]

Kari- Your dolphin is SO cute! I know my son(s) would love him (or is it a her?)!;) (Ever since we went to visit my mom in Florida last summer, they love dolphins, sharks, snakes, and esp. alligators.) Plus their whole school "theme" is dolphins. Orcas, Duskys, Hectors, Belugas... (These are all the class names.) I know Brendan will love it! :manyheart

Ro- Your giraffe is cute, too! I think an elephant would be good; of course,I was thinking about an elephant myself, but ended up making the little penguin. But I don't see that anyone else has made any elephants yet either.

Brendan and Ethan are going to love their zoo animals, and all the hard work everyone put into them. :c9

Tina

[Ro]

Tina, you reminded me of a funny story, when I was in second grade we had to pick an animal name for our reading groups. Well, my group was bummed that "puppies" and "kitties" was already taken. So I said, "Lets name it dolphins, they're just about one of the smartest animals in the world!" You should have seen the look on the puppies and kitties when they went from all smug to hearing the teacher praise our creative choice LOL.

I got the head and neck of Monsieur le Elephant done last night! I am going to work on it today and hopefully have pictures by tomorrow. Even if anyone else makes another elephant, the more the merrier!

I'm glad you guys like the little 'raffe...I'm tempted to make another one but then I'd want to keep it! LOL

My daughter had an idea, she thought it would be cool if I crocheted a lion for Lukas, the little boy who gave up his lion to send to Brendan. I have a big Jungle Cats booklet but I've never made an animal that big before...and I don't know if I could pull it off or finish it in a timely fashion, cause I have to get started on some more UMC hats and I keep getting myself distracted! LOL Anybody know of any small lion patterns out there?

Have a great day, Crochetville Comfort Warriors! Kari, if I have time I'll work on a coat of arms for us LOL. I used to have a template for one somewhere...(not in crochet, though with the new software I suppose that could be done too!)

xoxo
Ro

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Love the giraffe Ro :manyheart I have that book too :think should pullit out and make them critters. Great idea to make the lion to replace Lukas' lion.

[Mom w/a Motif]

All I could find for a crocheted lion was this: http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/projects/july_crochproject.html and this: http://home.wideopenwest.com/~sag55/lion.html maybe you could make them bigger for a hand puppet? I will keep my eye out for a lion though....


I found this one on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41232&item=8191969284&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

and "King of the Cookies": http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3095&item=8191916020&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW#ebayphotohosting

They had another one, Leo the Lion. He was long and weird looking- didn't look like a real lion. (Well.. less than these do, anyway...)


:shrug
Tina

[crochetmomma]

I would love to send the Child something if you would send me the address of where to send it too. My husband and I are former childrens pastors and we will add him to our prayer list as well.Thanks!

gwen:)

[Ro]

Hello Gwen and welcome to Crochetville! *hugs* thank you for taking an interest in Brendan!

If you send Jody (Ya Ya Yarnhood) a private message she will get you the address to send to, thank you so much! If you crochet him an animal be sure to let me know which one so I can add it to the webpage!

Well last night I got the elephant stuffed head body and legs done and started on the trunk but the pattern was giving me grief! There was no way it was turning out right using a G hook as the pattern called for (only then did I see "Or size needed for gauge :eek ) so I went way down to an E and it's still giving me trouble! I finally had to put it down and get some sleep last night but I hope to try it again today. If it fails me this time, I'm gonna just improvise something on my own!

That leaves arms, eyes, and ears do to then hopefully I'll have pictures!

Thanks again everyone for all your good and hard work! rock on!
xoxo
Ro

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

I started on a racoon yesterday:)

[Ro]

Ooooo! Cool! Is the pattern for it online? My husband loves raccoons I should make him one :)

xoxo
Ro

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

No it's actually a pattern book a friend sent me, but here's 1

http://www.sarahanns.com/crochetworks/animals.html

That's where I got the pattern for the porcupine,some really cute ideas there.

[Ro]

Thank you Alisha I hadn't seen that webpage before, so much cute stuff!

I'm still struggling with the trunk of the elephant, had put it down for awhile to rest my eyes and work on my lightsaber idea (still a work in progress LOL) but I hope to finish it in the next couple days.

Been having headaches and when I get the MS type like these it's hard to crochet. Had to take lots of naps too the past few days and that's not helping my productivity! But it's better I think anyway to spread the packages out :)

I cannot wait to see your raccoon when it's finished!:manyheart

xoxo
Ro

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Hope you feel better Ro:hug Let me see why I'm not finished :think no excuses I'm just motivationally challenged is that even a word:think well it should be for me :lol Ro take care of yourself :hug really I do agree it's probably best to spread out the packages a bit.

[Ro]

That's okay Alisha I didn't get my elephant done yet either, I had to take a detour to make a lightsaber! :lol sometimes these things just happen.

Just got an email from Jody with a little update in it I think it comes from Grandma Pat it was dated 5/17:


he had a dr appt yesterday with dr j (kidney doc)
he is getting better but they are still concerned about
his blood pressure being so high
they had to do labs yesterday too but the lab didn't do
one of the tests dr j had ordered so i guess they will
have to re-do that test but i don't know when
allie said brennie & doc j were trading the silliest "knock-knock"
jokes ever ....... that is a good sign!!!!


Keep going Brendan, we're pulling for you buddy!!!

xoxo
Ro

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Oh good It sounds like he's feeling a bit better :cheer I'm done with the coon and about to take a pic. How Ya feelin Ro , Hope the headache is gone :hug

[Ro]

I'm hanging in there Alisha, thanks for asking sweetie! :hug

If this picture doesn't make your day, nothing will! Look at this smile:

http://psf.homestead.com/brenniepirate.jpg


Allie says he loves his pirate hat and so does Ethan so I better make another one! LOL Look at that face!!!! I just wanna kissy those cheeks LOL

His mom also said that she works for his kidney doctor and tomorrow when she goes in they're going to talk about what they can do for him next...I told her that I'm hoping that the answer to Bren's troubles will come to him like a bolt out of the blue and help not just Brendan but other little kidney patients too! *fingers crossed*

Hope to finish the elephant today, or tomorrow!

Thanks again to everybody for all you've done for this sweet little guy!

xoxo
Ro

[kariholtz]

OH my I just wanna grab him up and :hug :hug :hug :hug :hug :hug


What a wonderful pic! Thanks Ro, that made my day!

Here's hoping the answer comes, just like you said!

(Glad you're feelin ok Ro)

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

What a sweet face glad we are keeping that smile there :cheer Good going gals :)


Hope you feel great soon Ro :hug

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Found this link on another board this lamb is done in dc's and it could be modified to be another critter.


http://www.interweave.com/needle/projects/lamb_project.asp

[Ro]

Finished Brendan's elephant last night, it came out very cute, I LOVE the tail! LOL will post pics soon as I can. My daughter has a dance recital tonight and I have so much to do today.

They also had a deal on more of the little preschool star wars figures at TRU last night so I got Brendan Chewbacca and Luke to go with the yoda and droids we sent him before! WOo hoo!!!

I'll mail those out then next week after I make Ethan a pirate hat will mail the crocheted animals, trying to spread everything out a bit :)

Have a great day everybody!

xoxo
Ro

[Ro]

almost forgot, LOVE the lamb! I should make one for my mom, she loves lambs!!!!

[diamond]

Ro...am just curious as to whether Brendan got my package or not? Do you know?

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Ro The elephant sounds awesome Glad you got it done. Hope you're feeling better:hug

[YaYa Yarnhood]

A thank you note from Gamma along with Brendan and little brother, Ethan showing some of their "loot"! (Brendan wasn't up for too many pics so Ethan helped out)

Quote:
"Hi girls. This is Brendan's grandma Sandy. Ethan's grandma too! (Gamma to
Jody's little darlings too!) I am up here watching the boys the next couple
of days and I want to tell you that I am seeing all kinds of ADORABLE
animals that you girls have made!! I have fallen in love with all of them.
OHHHH, they are all so cute!! Wow. I am gonna line them up on the couch
today with the boys and take some pics so Jody can get it on your websight.
This is a wonderful thing that you girls have done for Brendan. It has been
such a bright spot in his life these days. Getting the packages is what he
has looked forward to every day!! You girls are all angels and I want you
to know that we all appreciate it so much. If Sean/Allie don't get to you,
it is because they are both working & taking care of Brendan. I know it is
all so stressful for them but I also know they are very 'touched' by what
you have been doing. God Bless ALL of you!!! I can't thank you enough.
Love, Sandy ~~aka Gamma."

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y13/JodyH/EB3.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y13/JodyH/EB4.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y13/JodyH/EB2.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y13/JodyH/EB1.jpg

[YaYa Yarnhood]

And one more pic, Ethan and the 3 little pigs...


http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y13/JodyH/EB5.jpg

[rebeccav]

i went out shopping yesterday and found a booklet of patterns - FIANLLY! that no one else has already made :cheer


going to get started today :hook


did i post already that the octopus just didn't turn out:( not at all. gave it to my dog:lol

[diamond]

:yay :day :cheer :c9 :clap He likes my fish!!!! I am so happy!!! He likes my fish!!!! :clap :c9 :cheer :day :yay
BTW...thanx so much Jody for posting these pictures! They are awesome. It looks like he is so happy with all his animals. And all the animals are so cute!!!! This group is the best!! :ghug

[Ro]

Awwwww!!! Jody I just got the one pic of ethan with the zoo and was about to post it thank you for posting all those wonderful pictures I sent the one of Brendan with Roary the lion to Lukas so he can see it I'm all teary beyond words what precious boys!!!

I mailed his star wars figures off yesterday have to make ethans pirate hat then will mail the elephant (will post a pic soon promise) and the giraffe, what great work everyone!!!!

:yay :hug

[rebeccav]

great booklet for this project - and it's on SALE (http://www.anniesattic.com/crochet/detail.html?prod_id=14837)

[Chiscrochetcrazy]

Why , oh why must you torture me Rebecca :lol

[rebeccav]

mwuaahaa haa ha:devil


:hook

[CatsCradleCreations]

Here's Brendan's fire ant! After fighting the chenille stems, my fingers are too sore to make any more bugs, so I will proceed with the penguins to add to the zoo.

Click for bigger view.
http://photos10.flickr.com/15360048_78458d0404_m.jpg (http://photos10.flickr.com/15360048_78458d0404_o.jpg) http://photos11.flickr.com/15360049_4fc11cb6ac_m.jpg (http://photos11.flickr.com/15360049_4fc11cb6ac_b.jpg)

[rebeccav]

YIPES melissa! that's kinda creepy ---- boys will LOVE it!!:D :cheer :cheer

[Frangipani]

Awww! I love those pics of everything we all have made!!! And I see my Power Rangers beanie there in the pile!!! YAY!!!! :yay

What cute boys they are!! :c9