Sassy's Strange Christmas

I was glad that the other kids had gifts for Sarah to open. All she got from mom & dad were promissory notes. She went home, organized her clothes, inventoried them and off we went to fill in her wardrobe to have her ready for job interviews and hopefully, working a new job soon!!

1. First stop, whack off those poor dried ends from her hair! At least 6-8 inches fell to the floor, but it still has plenty of length and it is gorgeous when it's all healthy. 2. Find some grown-up shoes to replace her brown flats. Just a little bit of a heel sure makes her short little legs lengthen out nicely. 3. These shoes were a definite NO! Old zippers for a toe ornament . . . . guess it could be handy if your zipper broke . . . or not!!

4. I liked this top so much, the lady in the changing room across from her loved it, but I guess it was a little too "grown-up" for her. Mariah got one instead. 5. No this isn't Sarah, it is a gal that was trying on all these party dresses, with her jeans around her ankle. How many times have we all tried on clothes with our jeans around our ankles? Of course we didn't look this funny ;-) 6. A winner! At least it will be after that weird "flower" is removed. What were they thinking?

Though it was a fun afternoon, I was exhausted when we got back home. Guess I'm not really over what ever I had before Christmas, or lucky me caught something else . . . my usual luck!

Christmas is Family

Everyone of us have had things occur that hit our pocketbooks, hard, in the last few months. The last couple of weeks were just the icing on the cake of the entire year. I have been pretty proud of my kids. They have put thought into what they could do for each other, stepped out of the box, and come up with wonderful ideas for each other. I sat looking at the tree, all of the gifts, for everyone, all twelve who would be here on Christmas Eve and the next day. It looked so skimpy compared to the past. I wondered how it would be taken, after all the years of going overboard. It has been an adjustment, but all are taking on the challenge and when they really think about it, they know that it is OK. I have even seen little glimmers of pride when they pull off a coupe.

1. So here is the tree, the great big old tree. I was thinking about digging out some of the pictures from previous years with the gifts spilling out well into the room, because there were so many. I decided not to. It would be embarrassing to admit that we had actually had such obscene celebrations. I am still enjoying the wonderful pine smell and it is still slurping up about a gallon of water every day, and Garrett still loves the Chwismus tree.

Now with the pressure off, I have good ways to spend my time. Ironing, mending, sewing valances, making bedspreads for big boys (they didn't get done when I got sick, so I bought new "Cars"sheets at the last minute). Finally finishing a comforter that was actually started last March (can you believe it?).

Culling out more books and creating a wonderful relaxing reading corner in Jon & my woodsy bedroom where Jon can escape, put his feet up and fall asleep in a comfortable rocking chair. What the heqq, maybe I will even hang the cute little shelves above the dressers!

Aunt Sassy made a beanie hat for each of the grandkids. They were so cute on all of them, but Garrett REALLY liked his and didn't want to take it off. She picked out good colors for each of them and made them all after her semester finished!

2. Stephen, Gabriel and

Mariah opening gifts.

Rob and Brianna gave Stephen & Mariah a night at a resort, with no kids and they could sleep in! Jon & I kept the boys until mom & dad came to get them to head down to Bisbee. We very quickly figured out that we needed to divide and conquer. Sure was glad that we have a futon in the monkey room for Gabriel, Garrett slept with Papa in our bed, and I snuggled Lincoln to sleep to go down in the pack and play in the monkey room. He was up and down several times with a cough, but Gabe sleeps really soundly, so it worked out OK.

3. Just a couple of hours after the boys took off to see Grandpa Joe & Grandma JoClair, the girls arrived to spend the night with us while Rob and Brianna went to the resort. Poor Tati loves doggies! She wants to pick Daisy up and haul her around and just love on her. poor Daisy tries to be a good sport, but there is a limit to how much loving a 9 lb. dog can take!

As I was trying to get the girls to settle in for the night, we turned on Little Mermaid. The girls got so relaxed, they were very still and miracle of miracles, Daisy jumped up on the monkey room bed to snuggle in. I told the girls to stay real still and Daisy would stay there . . . . poor Tati just couldn't contain her excitement.

Finally one movie and one book later, the girls were out cold and sure enough, here came Daisy!! she spent hours there, even snuck under the covers for awhile. A certain little girl didn't believe me, so Tati Pearl . . . this picture is for you!!

Now, tonight, I am sitting back, unwinding, going through the pictures that I took, not very many of them, but enjoying remembering the good times that I got to spend with my family.

The next challenge: Coming up with ideas to pull off our traditional "Southern New Year's" dinner. Once again, the thinking will have to leave the box, use some imagination, and depend on the love that we all share as a family for one more get together before Rob returns to the rest of his training.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL & TO ALL,

GOOD NIGHT . . . . . . GOOD NIGHT . . .. . GARRETT, GOOD NIGHT . . . . . YO! GARRETT ! . . . PLEASE?

The Arrival of the Shepherds, by Henri Lerolle

I totally ripped this lovely depiction of the nativity from the website, "Chocolate on my Cranium". She is the one who led me to the "Connections" site by Donna B. Nielsen, who is sharing her presentation from the 2006 Education week.

I think the reason this touched me so is because I just woke from one of my many mini naps to total silence. I couldn't even here the fridge running. The dogs were all snuggled up to me under the quilt, Chip on my tummy, all 8 lbs. of her. When I opened my eyes and was swept back to a wonderful, peaceful Christmas Eve quite a few years ago, by the tree with its lights.

By our third Christmas, we were living up in northern AZ. Jon had been disappointed that he didn't have a full 20 years in law enforcement/search & rescue. When we arrived up there, he discovered that the coverage was alarmingly thin for so many square miles, so off he went volunteering part time. Of course there were officers who had not been home on Christmas Eve for a very long time, so with my "blessing", he would cover for them and let them have that special time with their families.

Over the years I had mixed feelings, knowing that there was plenty of intoxicating celebrations and families trying to mend fences going on. I would go about business, praying for his safe return to our home. I had to keep going along with it, too many grateful officers and wives would thank me every year for my sacrifice. Jon would stand by looking like, "What's the big deal?" Such a sweet, clueless man :-0

Finally . . . . he had in the twenty years and and announced that he would be home for Christmas! He was completely puzzled at my excitement . . . . . ;-D We went through all of the usual traditions, didn't have to hurry so Daddy could leave, so pleasant. Got the assembling finished, together, and then leaned back against the couch, snuggling. Kind of under the Christmas tree . . . . just relaxing and watching the lights twinkling. That was when I fully realized what this special gift of giving should be. Our gift was to the many families he enabled to be together. His gift was wanting to reach out to his fellow man and teaching our children to give from the heart, not what money could buy.

A few years later, poor Jon over heard me telling someone how I used to cry my eyes out every year because I was lonely. Oops! I guess I still hadn't told him, my other gift, at least for a few years, a mind free of worries about home while he was out. He thought he had married a much nicer person than he had. Oh well, just one more bubble of his that got burst!

Funny little side note: The next year we had spent too much money on kids or whatever, didn't have much left for each other. I decided to give him 1/4 of the big old garage for his radio, reloading stuff & whatever else he wanted to putter with. I had to do it after he had gone to bed, so . . . . . . I spiked his punch that night with NyQuil so he would sleep soundly. It was a loooooong time before he found out about that one!! It worked so well . . . . I was able to build shelves on the walls and everything! the kids and I did have a time getting him to wake up the next morning he does think however . . . . oops, again?!? He tried to look stern when I did tell him but then admitted that his mom had a bottle in their medicine cabinet labeled: For Christmas Eve Jitters" It was Benadryl. Ah for the good old days!

I'm fully awake now, time to go and destroy all the peace and quiet in my kitchen so there will be cookie dough ready when the boy monkeys come over later!!

What's Wrong With This Picture . . . . . OR . . . . Lovin' My Bubble

RECIPES & IDEAS December’s Made for Parties The best party recipes are effortless so you can spend more time mingling with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen. This slow-cooked rustic stew and floral-infused punch fit the bill. SEE MORE

Duh Moment . . . This is the lead article I found in an email this morning, when my back, oxygen and energy gave out & I needed a breather. It's from a well known weight loss program that has invaluable information on losing weight, keeping it off and just eating in a healthy manner.

My question is: Shouldn't the first thing you should leave out it the HOOCH ? It will destroy your

inhibitions, ability to make sound eating choices, add lots of calories and just make it harder. I

spent Saturday evening with some of the nicest people you would ever want to meet, none were drinking to what, even I would consider "excess", but boy howdy! Some of them were getting pretty "funny". I doubt that any of them were worrying about their weight, seeing that I was still the fluffiest one there, but still, I think it is kind of "funny" that a weight control organization would show drinks as the entree' in their article. ; <>

OK, I am rested, time to get back at it and see how much of my Christmas Eve & Day plans can be salvaged . . . . should be interesting! Definitely feeling better, but if pacing isn't part of the day's activities, I will be back down again . . . . . now where did I put my inhaler . . . . a little oxygen will go far today!!

1. Got the lights on the tree last night thanks to Susan's help. 2. Like our little secret weapon? When we were losing babies,ourselves that at least now we won't have to keep tying the

tree to the ceiling . . . yeah, didn't fool us either. Papa grumbled while he put it in, but I caught that pleased little smile on his cute little ole face!

Oops, I Forgot to Share This!

I ran across this blog site earlier and thought it would be a wonderful one to share. Click HERE to see "Connections". Donna B. Nielsen is the author of "Beloved Bridegroom", which is a book detailing Jewish Marriage customs at the time of Jesus Christ which helps us understand Christ's metaphor when He called Himself the Bridegroom.

The material Donna is sharing is from her 2006 Education Week presentation. It has also been recorded on a longer CD titled, "The Holy Child Jesus". Enjoy!

Searching For the First Christmas Gift

I think every year we have to search for a renewal of the special spirit that we experienced as children. Not just magic of jolly St. Nick, but the quiet rest for the soul that only comes from reading, pondering, studying and reflecting of what God's gift to us, really encompasses. Maybe that is why I have been blessed with this pesky virus that seems determined to hang on. (I will chuckle if I miraculously on the 26th ! My usual luck, well not really, the aftermath of this sort of illness is usually around for weeks, if not months to come. Anyway, I have to pace myself, or I will be coughing, hard, for months to come, no time for that.)

Back to what I was getting at. I was reading "The Christmas Box". I have always loved that book. I used to read it every year. This year, I finally did again, thanks to the time of rest forced upon me. In it the husband/father finally figures out that the first Christmas gift was not gold, frankincense or myrrh. The first Christmas gift was love. Of course, we all know that God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

This year when I read that phrase, it hit me pretty hard, that He showed His love for all of us, in many ways, long before He sent the Savior to teach, live and atone for our sins. It began beyond our memories, but it is

so evident every day, all around us. In so many small ways that we often attribute to coincidence or good luck.

I heard that there was a huge pile up on the freeway south of Phoenix. I finally couldn't stand it and called to see if Jon was in his office yet. He was stuck on the freeway behind the pile up. He had stopped and gotten gas or he would have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was also able to turn around and get to his destination by a little known route to avoid impatient drivers being diverted after being waylaid.

Those who know me at all, know how I agonize at his driving so much. This why, other drivers who whether from fatigue, DUI, or lack of experience in bad weather conditions, have accidents. We had something similar happen a few years ago when we broke down in a little town in the middle of Texas. Two days later, after we were on the road, we found out that a bridge washed out on the back road Jon had wanted to take, once again, just about the time we would have been going through that area, in the dark, rainy night. Coincidence, I don't think so, the tender mercies of a loving Heavenly Father who knew that we needed to be protected.

So I wish all I know and love and even those who peek at this that I don't know, a wonderfully Merry Christmas, enjoying the good company of those you enjoy being with. A Christmas feeling close to our Savior and Heavenly Father. A Christmas of feeling the spirit of the true meaning of this season. I hope that the economy will not mar or block our feelings gratitude as we reflect on the blessings in our lives. Even in these lean times, we are truly blessed.

May you experience the Christmas that we all felt as children while gazing at the stable and dreaming that we back there with Baby Jesus.

Today's Political Statement . . . . . Thousands Gather to Protest Global Warming!

Am I bored? Yes, in a way, I am mainly sick and just can't seem to shake this nasty little bug that got a strangle hold on my body. I work a little, sit and rest, sometime sleep for a short while and then get back to it again.

I did think this was kind of cute and someone was pretty determined to make this photo op . . for once, I am glad that I don't live where it is cold. I still get chilled every time I visit the facility because the seat is cold and gives me the super shivers. Oh wah, wah, wah !

Jon said, " I Feel a Blog Coming On!"

Something that most don't know is, my sweetie pie is actually a "closet blogger"! He loves to make jokes about, "If you find your wife standing on a chair taking a picture, you just might be married to a blogger", etc. He does it in the old, "if you . . . . . . . . you just might be a redneck", style. I also often hear ," I feel a blog coming on". When he is out of town, he likes to read my blog to catch up on what has been going on in our lives, including his . . . . at least that is what he says . . . I think he is just checking to see if he needs to put in a disclaimer, he does give me lots of laughs and giggles.

Where was I . . oh yeah . . . . On Saturday, when I walked out of the front door to go help with Bountiful Baskets, a deep gravely voice started talking behind me. I just about had a heart attack! Then I realized that it was the Christmas decorations. It was the 5' Grinch that Mariah & Stephen bought for me after Christmas a few years ago. Stephen thought it was a waste and that I would hate it . . . HA! He didn't know me yet, may I say totally redneck but so stinking funny!!

Garrett hates that thing! It scares him to death. He would have loved seeing me jump like I had have.

Later that day, I noticed that many of the plants plants were dug up, chewed up and flung clear out of the planters. At first, I thought it was probably rabbits, but then Jon found "the tracks". He assured me they were not rabbit tracks, but were javelina. I was surprised that they didn't even touch the other side, until I walked up to where they seemed to stop and leave, it was apparently our resident scarecrow!

I can't import the video, but this thing moves when I starts talking and singing. We make sure it is turned on every night now!

1. The lettuce patch after we replanted it. 2. The deepest print 3. Mr Scarecrow!

Oh the Crazy Games Kids Play . . .!

I just saw on the news that Oral Roberts has passed away. The news swept me back to the days when we lived on the farm, just one TV station and two boys with a little sister that would do about anything to get her brothers to play with her. So we often "played" some of the shows we watched on TV. Rin Tin Tin, Sky King, Sea Hunt . . and oh yeah, Oral Roberts. One guess who always needed to be "healed"! It's a wonder my neck problems didn't start before I was hit from behind.

If you are wondering, no, my mom did not approve of the game ;<]

My Baby Graduated!!!

The last couple of weeks have reminded me of when the kids were little. When Mariah started playing in sport, we all went and watched. When Rob joined her, we still went to see them, sometimes together, but often by dividing and conquering. When our Sarah started up as well, it was dividing and running back and forth on a regular basis. That is how our lives are now, running to and fro!

1. Our Sassy waiting for the ceremony to begin. 2. Sarah waiting to walk across the stage. 3. It's official, she's now alumni!

1. Sarah, Mom, Dad, and the little show stealer. 2. Sarah with a proud big sister with an interesting eye. She's trying to hide it by standing with it in the shadow. 3. Lincoln taking the spot light that Aunt Sassy willingly shared.

It is said that the family that shares together stays

together.

Mariah has be trying to avoid catching pink eye from her boys. Oops! She started putting the drops in during the night, but it just kept getting worse. Ends up, she was having an allergic reaction, maybe to the drops. Poor girl looks so sad and miserable!

Quick, It's Almost Time to Get Up For BB . . . .

Don't know why this title, except that is how our day started. We had bountiful baskets, Sarah's graduation, meet Rob at the airport and the to home to make the lighted blocks for white elephant gifts at a party that night, go to the party and then notice I felt really awful as we drove home. Don't know what I have, but you don't want it! I lost three lbs. in the last 48 hours and I never lose wight when I am sick! Probably from the montezuma's revenge and the fact that my fever was so high that I sweat-soaked through two sweat shirts. Boy, did that shower feel wonderful this morning. Left me feeling wasted, but I sure hope the rest of the aches, etc. are gone soon . . . . do not have time for this!

1. We were hoping to get Rob's picture as he headed for the escalators. Ha! He wa

s booking it!

1. Tati waiting patiently, or something like that ;-). 2. Brianna was a little more composed than the girls, but pretty cute waiting! 3. Should've know to set the camera on "sports"!

1. Daddy's arms are full of sweetness. 2. There are lots of "aahh" moments in a mother's life. Watching your son take his sweetheart into his arms like this is one of the best ones. 3. Heading home.

1. You know what a pain getting the kids all seat belted down can be? I think Daddy was so glad to do the chore again! He went to great pains to make sure it was all done right. 2. Daddy brought the girls these cute little bear soldiers. They will be so precious to them! 3. Rob telling us how it is hard to be inconspicuous when your name is Huish. We just don't see the big deal, no one can figure out how to say it most of the time! Silly people, it's a wonderful name! And only five letters, thank goodness . . .

Last Week In a Nutshell . . ? . . . . So I Can Catch Up!

Having one of your kids teaching music has it's bonuses! We look forward to Brianna's concerts with her kids each season. This year at Salpointe, the whole fine arts dept. performed and displayed their talents. First there were lots of art work, using several mediums displayed in the main hallway/lobby for our viewing pleasure. Then we made our way to the concert hall for the performances of all of the music groups.

1. This is the girl's choir doing "Santa Baby". They were so cute. Some were a little self conscious, others really got into it ;-D. 2. Look at that face! Brianna absolutely glows when she is up there. I wish the picture was more clear, it shows what a beautiful young woman she is, inside and out. It is obvious how much she loves her work, loves the kids and as always, she takes a back seat to the performers so that all attention is focused on those she it mentoring. Definitely not the mean old German lady they were expecting when they saw her name! 3. Lincoln got to go with us this year while his mom and dad were on a hot date. What a little monkey! He lasted about 30 minutes and then that poor little guy sure wanted to get down and crawl around in the aisle. Then the drum line came in. Such a boy, he couldn't take his eye off them! As soon as they were done, so was his frozen attitude . . . . he was so done!

Next we had Gabriel's Kindergarten Concert---what might have been missing in finesse and skill was made up for in enthusiasm!

1. Family waiting patiently for the concert to begin. It was a good night, the boys' patience lasted almost until the concert started. 2. Mr. Dunbar encouraging each of the kindergartners as they came into the concert. Gotta keep losing weight, Gabe caught me trying to hide and waved. 3. In the world there are teachers and then there are the master teachers who really make a difference in the lives of children and their parents. This man/principal knows the name of every child in that school and it didn't seem to take very long after the school year started. He also seems to know all about the parents. Of course behind every great man there is a great woman. Mrs. Dunbar is obviously so supportive in her husband's work. She was standing beside me during part of the concert, so excited that she could hardly contain herself. Later, I found out that when one of the teachers missed school due to chemo treatments, Mrs. Dunbar substituted so that the children would always have the same face until their regular teacher came back. She was so proud of those kids that night!

1. When little boys get hold of some jingle bells, they do have a good time, at least they do until they almost take themselves out, hitting their own forehead. Mr. Dunbar thought it was so funny when that one little boy hit himself in the head, in his enthusiasm. Of course, it was Gabriel 2. After the concert, we got to tour Kinder Kingdom, Gabe's class room. He is holding the gingerbread house that he decorated earlier that day. Are they insane? Sugar rush for the concert that night? 3. Is this the absolute cutest little kindergarten teacher you have ever seen? She is just as "cute" on the inside too! Wonderful teacher who loves her students! And hey, she sees nothing unusual about Gabriel! What more could one ask for? She is so funny, she told Mariah that since the holiday season began, it seems to be a case of the body snatchers . Where have her good little kids gone to? It still makes me laugh every time I think of it.

1. I had time with the grand kiddies this week, most days. This is what little girls to do when Granny Nanny says it is time to brush your teeth after breakfast. 2. These are the "eggs" that Garrett pushed around for a couple of hours waiting for them to hatch. By the time he and Linc got done with these oranges, they juiced up beautifully ;-} 3. The gum drop kid proved that teeth are optional when eating pears. When you get done with it, you hide it in a really funny place to surprise Nanny a few days later. But of course she has the last laugh when she trims it and adds it to the rest to make pear sauce, YUM!

1. Like the way I have these pictures arranged all catawumpus? Not changing them, no time . . . it is that time of year after all. 2. Funny little Tati. She daintily blew the candles out, one at a time. If she isn't doing something like this, her little hand is on her hip, telling you just how it is. I still say she is the perfect little Hummel girl! 3. Sitting on Aunt Shantell's lap with Aunt Brigitta watching as she opened her loo . . . I mean gifts. Brigitta is so funny. She knows that she is a little older and wiser than Arianna and Tati, her nieces. Since Mom (Grandma Petty) watches the girls most days, she has playmates her age to grow up with.

1. All of the younger kids enjoying the "Princess Room". Good thing those little boys are in touch with their "sensitive side" so they don't mind all the pink! 2. Brianna lighting the candles and three year old Tati waiting patiently. I was so impressed!