Huge News and a Very Busy Month

Couple of (huge) reasons why I haven't posted a video in a while.

[@serendpity3478]

I found your mum during a really terrible period of my life. Fleeing domestic violence, moving from one nasty casual rental to another trying to keep ahead of him. She always responded to me when I made comments on her videos. I never told her of my tibulations because her channel was a sort of safe haven for me. I have long been a great admirer of Southern US writers and the meals she cooked were the meals they wrote about their mothers cooking. Fried green tomatoes, pulled pork, chicken & dumplings, pound cakes. Her soft voice and wise words. It was as if she knew I was seeking comfort and she never failed to reach out in love and graceful kindness. She lived her religion through the care she put into every task she shared with us. She was the most godly woman I have ever known.

[@PhyllisStokes]

That is very kind of you to say. I pray things are going better for you now.

[@serendpity3478]

@@PhyllisStokes Yes just this past several months things have begun to get far, far better. I've finally found myself able to purchase a tiny little flat An apartment I suppose you'd call it there but that seems a very grad title for my little home. I will never be insecure in my housing again & that's a blessing which only those of us who have known nothing but housing insecurity for years can truly feel the full value of. I am going to make a Roman blind, which Miss Phyllis left us the most wonderful tutorial on how to do perfectly. I made a peach cobbler for my lovely neighbour who is very ill just this past weekend and my balcony garden is blooming with cyclamen & crysanthamums, a crocos and ferns. I have daffodil bulbs in a blue pot. I think she and Mr Bucky would enjoy having an iced tea out there with me, watching the cornflower seedlings pop through the peatmoss. Thank you for leaving these videos here Steven. They mean so much to so many of us who found your mum all those years ago. But more than that, I notice every time I watch one to get the quantities & times for a recipe or the sewing tips she was famed for, that new people discover her every day & find in her the same treasure we did. No one is ever truly dead until the ripples they made in the world go away. Miss Phyllis's ripples have travelled around the world again & again. They will never go away.

[@JillsInMyTreeHouseKitchen]

@@serendpity3478 beautiful sentiment for miss Phyllis. Thank you for sharing your experience and how she affected us. I feel like she’s still around when I see any of her videos. Honestly she taught me so much, my biscuits are perfect 👌🏻 thank you, Phyllis 🧡🩷💚🩵💜

[@selenaarnold6604]

Bella looks so much like your mom.

[@jannyopp1686]

I know your mom is proud! I sure do miss her!❤

[@bettypierce8050]

Thank you for keeping your mom's channel going. I still go back and watch and use her recipes.

[@Neamcel225]

oh, my goodness. I could see your mom just stating matter of factly about your potential Captainism and the graduations. then she would turn and say, Right Buckie? Your family is doing very well at living this life. Good job!

[@M.L.E.85]

Oh my goodness in your thumbnail Bella looks so much like your mother! Miss Phyllis was so gracious and kind to me in our email correspondences. Sometimes when this world gets to be too much for me, I’ll put on some of her videos just to listen to her beautiful voice. I’m sorry that I never had a chance to meet her in this life, but I know she’s in heaven and I’m gonna look for her when I get there!❤

[@PhyllisStokes]

That is very kind. Thank you!

[@BettyFremont]

Congratulations to your daughter. I know y’all are proud. Your Mom and Dad would have been so proud as well.

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you so much!

[@Jiggidywig]

I miss your Mom so much and thank you for keeping her content up. She and all of us are so proud of your family.

[@PhyllisStokes]

That is very kind. Thank you!

[@carolynharmon7074]

Your Moms memory does live on, Thanks for sharing and Congratulations to Bella!

[@verashular3116]

I loved watching your Mom. She had the kindest voice. Her and Mr. Buckey and their dogs. Miss them.

[@csmarsh1957]

I loved your Mom and miss her so much !!

[@vernaoyer295]

Congratulations to Bella and to you, Steve and Arlene! It’s an accomplishment to get all the kids through college. At least that’s how I felt when my last child graduated.😊 Wow, all your kids have military careers. Thank them for their service!

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you, Verna! Arlene and I have made service in some fashion a big deal. I guess they listened! LOL!

[@carolynfulton4060]

It’s good to see you Stephen. Congratulations on your promotion and congratulations to Bella on her graduation!

[@juliamason8393]

My 2nd oldest grandson graduated from the US Marine Corps on April 12. He is going in to the cyber security field for his training. His name is Tyler Mason. We are very proud of him. We also lost our two miniature longhair dachshunds last year. Sugarfoot in May and she was 13 and Gunner's Coal in Dec and he was 14.

[@Teresa-K]

Congratulations to your grandson! Thank him for his service. So sorry for the loss of your two beloved dogs. I’ve been there. It’s a hard time. God bless.

[@lindamills9444]

Congratulations to both of you, I still go back to your Mom videos and miss her and Mr. Buckie.✈👩‍🎓💜💙

[@charleneheiland8803]

Congrats to Dad and Daughter and the rest of a very proud family.🥰

[@vernareed2692]

listening to you i couldn't help but think how excited and thrilled your mother and Bucky would have been for all of you!! congratulations!

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you!

[@peggysue7289]

Wow! Congratulations! The Good Lord’s blessings is all over you and your family! God Bless you Captain!

[@magn630]

Congratulations Captain 👨‍✈!! Company knows a good thing when they see it. Also, Congrats to Ms. Bella - well done. You sound like the song says - "But, I will keep counting my blessings, knowing I can't count that high" and you bless us by sharing them with us. Don't stress about posting - gives us a chance to rewatch Ms Phyllis cooking. Fly safe Captain.

[@janneking3878]

Your mom and Bucky are smiling in heaven .. very proud of you !!!

[@louisenurse1234]

Congrats about the graduation celebration. My son graduated from there. Proud of her. Go Air Force.

[@davelunaskitchen8355]

Congrats to you Steve on the Captain promotion and Bella for her graduation! Busy, busy!

[@cheriwhitley8385]

Congrats Captain..congrats Bella great Job .and many blessings!! U have some some awesome kids..boy do we need more like these kids in this messed up world..

[@nancyoleksy]

I miss your mom. She had some amazing videos. Congrats on the Captain position. Congrats to Bella as well. You are a busy man.

[@conniephillips8217]

Oh my gosh, have you been a busy man! It sounds like an exciting time in your family. Enjoy!!

[@judywells7801]

Congratulations! Thank you for the update. Many blessings to you and your wonderful family:)

[@phyllisullery9963]

Congrats on the promotion, and congrats Bella. 🎉🎉😊

[@CathyHendrix1]

Congrats to you and Bella! So glad that your entire family was able to spend some time together.

[@PhyllisStokes]

Us too!

[@wandapitzen3636]

Congratulations to you and Bella!! Sounds like you have been super busy. I still love watching your Mom's videos.

[@louisenurse1234]

Go Captain. I have loved all of these videos. I get to visit your mom and then you. Please keep us alive with you. Love you and your family

[@rain.danceing3867]

So Awesome!! My grandson Isaiah and his girl Avery, just graduated from Liberty this May also. Soo exciting!

[@BB.halo_heir]

Congratulations Stokes' Family!! We love you ❤🙏

[@Forsythia50]

Wonderful news all around! Grandma Phyllis would be so proud of ya'll! Good to hear from you again Steve!

[@warwinlee1021]

Congratulations on your job promotion! Congratulations to your daughter graduating! It’s nice all the kids were all together too! Many blessings, I praise the Lord for everything!

[@doglover8204]

Congrats. My husband is a grad of the Air Force Academy and flew F-15’s throughout the Cold War. He was stationed for some time in Iceland and his squadron went up to “accompany Soviet fighter jets as they toyed with our air space.” After 20 years in the AF and multiple bases with different assignments he retired and became a Captain for a Commercial Airline. Being a “Captain” is a big deal and since your seniority is really not that many years; the offer to become a Captain says they must appreciate your skills and talent. So big congrats….we are both retired now and enjoying our lives. 💙💙💙. PS I loved your mom. I always told my hubby she was my “comfort person.” You are doing a great job as well. Congrats on your awesome family too!!

[@iriswilliamson1133]

congrats to you and your family and thanks for keeping us updated. i go back to Miss Phyllis’s videos again and again for recipes and the good company of her and Mr. Bucky. I find it so comforting and i like to think she would be so pleased to know how many people loved her and Mr. Bucky. You are such a good son and i’ll keep you and your family in my prayers. ❤️

[@donnaj.1634]

Congratulations to you and Bella 🎉🎉🎉 Don’t you love It when you get all of the kids together. Have a wonderful summer 💜🙏🏻🕊️💜

[@phylliswurm9473]

A big congratulations to you and Bella. Nice pictures of family. Blessings to you and family. Still watch your moms videos for recipes.

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you so much!

[@candismith4080]

Congrats Steve on getting on the list for Captain, would be cool to board a olane someday and see you sitting in the cockpit. Phyllis is so proud of you and her granddaughter for these new achievements in your lives. Looking forward to the Earl Hamner video, I still watch reruns of The Waltons, one of the best shows ever made for television. Take care and God Bless

[@louisenurse1234]

Keep sharing your journey and your thoughts with us. Love your Christian Walk we need it.❤

[@debbiemoeller2169]

Great to see you! Congratulations on your upgrade!! Your awesome! Congratulations to Isabella!!! You have 3 amazing children. Your mom would be so proud!! Please stay safe. God bless you and your wonderful family❤️❤️✨️🙏

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you so much, though I have 4 amazing children! LOL!

[@debbiemoeller2169]

@@PhyllisStokes oh I forgot 3 sons!!🤣🤣🤣. My apologies

[@revguess9546]

Love your family. Loved your parents and they loved Jesus....thanks for sharing Steve. God bless ya'll. Love, rev.

[@pmorales12345]

Congratulations to you & your daughter Isabella. I will always be a fan of this channel. I enjoy watching your mom's cooking videos and now hearing of all the great life journeys and adventures you share with us. May God continue to bless you and your family with all his precious gifts. 🙏

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you so much!

[@paulaingram811]

Congratulations!! My so graduated from Liberty Law. Fantastic school.

[@burdudeandthegoodtimecrew7881]

Good job Stephen! I knew you could do it, Captain! 😂😜👍🏼

[@PhyllisStokes]

I had a great instructor! Thanks, Brad. See you tonight for our BWI flight.

[@GenoVictor]

Thank you, Captain, for catching up. Congratulations on Bella's moving on to the blue yonder. God bless you and your family!

[@susanwest2002]

Congratulations for the both of you your daughter and you.. I know your mom is so proud.. God bless take care hope to see more videos when you can

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you so much!

[@debj4life478]

Congratulations on your promotion and to Bella. Glad to see you back on here. Blessings

[@maryrodriquez7247]

Congratulations to you and your beautiful daughter. God continue blessing you and your family. I still enjoy watching your mother’s videos I enjoyed her stories and when she would talk for dogs. 😊

[@lynndavis5349]

Anyone would be blessed to have you as their pilot, I bet you are the best' congratulations!

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you!

[@deborahmckinney3414]

Congratulations…your mom would be proud

[@bettygann4628]

SHE WOULD BE SO SO PROUD, AND THANKFUL FOR GREAT BLESSINGS FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY!!

[@theeyesehaveit]

The photo of all your children is just really beautiful. What a great looking family, Captain. (No more Colonel). Congratulations to you all ! Barbara.

[@lilly3628]

Congratulations on your promotion!

[@HilahSpaethe]

Congratulations! Proud of you as your Mom would have been. Yes still make a lot of your Mom's recipes. Good to know can go back and see others too.Have a Blessed Sunday, Hilah

[@carolechoff9979]

Congratulations on becoming Captain!! Congratulations to your daughter also

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you so much 😀

[@bettysshowtime7400]

Thanks for catching us up. Congratulations to Bella on her graduation and good luck in her future endeavours! Congratulations on your promotion to Captain, May you stay safe and be blessed by the Lord!

[@mrsdomino4196]

What a season of transitions. God is so good. May His Hand continue to be upon you and yours during these exciting times. God bless y’all.

[@cathym8053]

Congratulations to your daughter and you!! God Bless you and your family

[@junewoodward8982]

Hi Steve, I'm so happy for this glorious news, I knew something special was coming. Congratulations to you and Bella, how proud you and Arlene must be.❤ God bless you all, I'm tickled pink for this wonderful news. What a great photo of the kids. My prayers follow always. I couldn't be happier for my favourite family.😊❤xo

[@Jacelyn5440]

Congratulations, Steven! How awesome! Captain Steve! :) As I understand it, that is the highest rank for a pilot, isn't it? I am proud of you, and I know your Mom would be super proud!

[@PhyllisStokes]

There are a couple of additional steps up, Jacelyn. Line Check Airmen is a Captain-instructor who can give checkrides to other pilots. Then there's an FAA inspector designated by the FAA to give checkrides.

[@Jacelyn5440]

@@PhyllisStokes Thanks for shedding light on that. :)

[@joansommerfield8419]

Always enjoy your Sunday messages. Since not being able to get to church it was so uplifting to hear what you had to say about the scriptures. You are a busy family. Nice things are happening for all of you it seems.

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you, Joan!

[@margaretmacinnes1519]

Dear Sir, Thank you for your kindness and Congratulations to your daughter, wishing her success in her future endeavors 🌷🌿 Also wishes and prayers for continued happiness and satisfaction as you pursue advancement with the company. They are lucky to have you ⭐️

[@Cathy_fifties]

Well congratulations to you and Bella how exciting. I have to tell you, when I first read the title I thought you had an update that you are going to have a cookbook on your mom's recipes. Thank you for leaving her older videos up so we can watch them. Good luck to you all.🍀🍀🍀

[@Quiquetenax]

Congratulations to both you and Bella! What a wonderfully busy month you’ve had. It’s lovely to see how proud you both are of the clan and all they achieve. Enjoy the Captain’s course!

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you so much! Arlene and I talk all the time about how blessed we are with these kids!

[@laverneorsan442]

Congratulations to you and your daughter Bella. Happy you and family are doing well. Thank you for keeping the channel up and running. I often go back and watch your mom's videos for ideas for cooking and just the simple things she posted - I have also rewatched some of yours too. Have a grateful day😊!

[@dianefoulk8126]

Congratulations to you and Bella. Try and get a little rest, spend time with your wife. My husband is gone a lot too. Love the Waltons,

[@rodneyscruggs3107]

I was born in Lynchburg and I still live just outside of the city. I graduated from Liberty University (30 years ago 😳) and am glad you and your family got to visit our beautiful area of Virginia. Congratulations to you and Bella on your accomplishments. May God bless you and your family! I know Miss Phyllis is beaming with joy in heaven over her family.

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you! My Aunt graduated from Liberty back in the late 70s. It's definitely grown since then! LOL!

[@Oldebookworm]

Congratulations on all the milestones in your life. God bless you and yours.

[@timomo818]

Congratulations Stephen and Bella!! Well deserved for you both. Your Mom would be so very proud. God Bless you and your family. ♥️

[@Sally-nse2]

Congratulations 🥂 🍾 🥳 🎉 never safer than when flying with the colonel - roll on one 😊 Your mum and Buckie would be so proud and the ravishing Mrs Ritter is too I’m certain.

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you!

[@shirleygupton1299]

CONGRATULATIONS CAPTAIN! & CONGRATULATIONS TO BELLA!

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you!

[@jeannettegoozey7451]

🎉💥 Congratulations 👏 to You Colonel and Bella 💗🎉 Wishing You Two the Best !! 💥

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you so much!!

[@nicelady51]

You have the pilot "Ahhhh" down pat. 😊

[@MrCorvettegirl2]

Congratulations Bella 🎉💞🌸 And congrats on your promotion Stephen 👍

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thanks so much!

[@Esther-kq7nv]

Congratulations!!!!! - to you AND Bella!!!!!!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤ Tim Scott & Willie Robertson? Very cool! I love & admire both gentlemen.

[@BentleyJax-River]

Congratulations on the upgrade! That’s awesome! Congratulations also to your Bella! Thank you for the update and I think I’ll go back and watch some of your mom’s videos. Just adored her! ❤️

[@sarahd419]

Congrats on everything! Please always keep your mom's videos up.

[@PhyllisStokes]

I will as long as people want to watch them! Thank you!

[@janejones1797]

@@PhyllisStokes I watch your mom’s videos often. It’s comforting, and I cherish her memory.

[@PsalmS-vi8zl]

Congratulations and well done! May you all continue in the joy and blessings of the LORD🙏

[@Kare1949]

Hi Stephen, I just found that you posted a few videos since the last one. Congratulations to Isabell. It seemed like she had just started college. God bless you and your precious family🙏🙏❤️

[@people_watcher]

Congratulations 👏 to Bella. I just love to watch your family grow. To think it all started with Mrs.Phyllis frugal ideas. She would be elated to see that you have successfully taken over her channel. I sure miss her and Mr.Bucky. May God continue to bless you and keep you

[@louisenurse1234]

Love your moms cooking! Her money saving tips. Just watched the Bacon Lettuce Tomato sandwich one. Fun.

[@suejohnson3972]

Congratulations Steve and Bella !! 🎊🎉♥️♥️ Looking forward to upcoming videos !!🤗

[@schizoozy]

Congratulations. You are a great employee/pilot/officer and I'm glad they see it. Congrats to Bella. Liberty is a great school. Prayers for you and your family. It is always good to hear from you. Love ya.

[@dianafowler791]

CONGRATULATIONS BELLA,great to see you Steven ,nice to hear about all the things happening. Your kids definitely our kids to be very proud of.Great parents make Great kids.Bless you and your Family. Looking forward to your next video when you have time.Love and Miss your Mom alot but her videos still keep her alive and Thank you for that.Take care stay safe see you the next time.❤😊

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thanks, Diana!

[@cherylf.4616]

Happy Sunday! 😂😂Congratulations Stephen! Captain Ritter has a nice ring to it! ❤️ Congratulations to you Bella on graduating 👩‍🎓 college! I’m glad the whole family was able to be together during your special day! ❤️ Have a good weekend Ritter fam!

[@tinav4755]

Congratulations to you Sir and Miss Bella. Take care and God's Blessings

[@donnaintexas4406]

Congratulations to your daughter! And to You! Well done... I miss your parents. Phyllis sure knew how to cook!

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thanks so much

[@alicearnold4117]

Congratulations to your daughter and how nice to have the whole family together! Thanks for posting the family pictures. My grandson and a granddaughter graduate high school these last two weeks of May, she going away to NC for college. Our oldest granddaughter is getting married the first of June, she will be moving from Ohio to Missouri. It’s a year of changes as my son is moving a couple of hours away from us, my husband and I will be downsizing and moving out of our home or 44 years plus my mother passed in January (at 97 yrs old) and my parents home of 66 years will be sold this year also (we live next door). Enjoy your family and your new rank at work. Best to you all.

[@BarbaraCooper-qg2bn]

So proud for you!!!! Know your family is thrilled. Congratulations to Bella. I still watch your Mom, miss her so much. I know she is proud of you and yours.

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you, Barbara!

[@charlestatem3099]

Congratulations to your daughter. Prayers for her future endeavors. Have to say that I absolutely adored Miss Phylis and Mr. Bucky. Miss them so much still. Hope you have a blessed day.

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you so much!

[@14truth]

Captain.? Wow! May is always a busy month. Congrats on your kids' accomplishments as well. Impressive! I love good updates! && I came across your mom's channel years ago while i was looking up how to cook grits. She was wonderful & felt like i was home. I love the peacefulness..even in your videos.

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you! That is very kind!

[@Teresa-K]

Hi Steve! Good to see you! ℂ𝕆ℕ𝔾ℝ𝔸𝕋𝕌𝕃𝔸𝕋𝕀𝕆ℕ𝕊 on your offer to move up to a captain’s position! The airlines must see and appreciate your flying talent and ethics. That is such great news! ℂ𝕆ℕ𝔾ℝ𝔸𝕋𝕌𝕃𝔸𝕋𝕀𝕆ℕ𝕊 to Bella too! It was just “yesterday” that she started college! I’m sure she’ll get her commission and accomplish her dream to be a military officer. Your family is lovely and bright. Love hearing about your family life and what you are up to. Good luck with your training “Captain.” Kindness, Teresa

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you, Teresa!

[@acemarie3613]

Congratulations 🎉 and many Blessings to you and yours!! LETS GO..LET FREEDOM RING ❤ 🤗 🙏

[@cherylsimone2167]

I think often of your mom. Gosh i miss her. Her video feeding dogs was how i found her. She was one of my first subbed channel. I think of what you said about her pain at the end. I just worry about that for any of us . She would be so happy to know you come on KZbin and speak to us. That i know. God bless🙏

[@PhyllisStokes]

I like to think so, Cheryl. It's what she wanted me to do.

[@kathlerngutiertez9693]

Continued success and many blessings to you and your family ❤

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you! You too!

[@jimmiemabe6512]

Congratulations to you and Bella. Both of you have worked hard and deserve the best. God Bless your family in all the future holds for you.

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you so much!

[@admirathoria0073]

Congrats to Bella and you! I recently made your Mom's country fried okra. I've also referred a few British youtubers to your Mom's explanation about grits and to her biscuit recipe, because for some reason American food, especially Southern American food, is gaining popularity in the UK.

[@PhyllisStokes]

It's because of all the butter and gravy, I'm sure! LOL!

[@admirathoria0073]

@@PhyllisStokes Some of the Brits are funny: "Why did we never think of adding spice in our bread pudding?" I'm like...wait, y'all don't put cinnamon or nutmeg in bread pudding??

[@debrawoody9322]

We sure have missed you , Look forward to to the upcoming family video , praying for you and your loving family 🙏🏼

[@sharronwolfe7711]

Congratulations to you and to Bella and actor entire family! Your mother would be so proud! Just awesome! 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@JENN7238]

Well that 4 years went by fast! Seems like you and Bella and Benjamin were doing cooking videos. She was in high school. Mrs. Phyllis, She's still my go to when I need to know how to cook something.

[@carlaramunno7314]

God bless you and your family. Your mother was a great teacher and comforter. Whenever I was missing my own mother and dear aunts, I found your mother's sweet voice, kind words, and sensible advice brought me peace.

[@PhyllisStokes]

Thank you!

[@Lucy-be8ft]

Luv your Sunday lessons .... look forward to those again ... congrats to your promotion and graduation of Bella.... keep your videos coming captain !