I'm a Traditionalist

I'm a traditionalist.. and here is why.........

When I grew up, Christmas was the end-all-be-all holiday!  The whole family got together.  I remember I was giddy with excitement because I literally could NOT wait to see my Aunt Anne from Colorado.  She was always so much fun and always made me feel special.  From the moment she arrived, that marked the start of Christmas.  Plus my NaNa and Judy Baby had not one but TWO Christmas trees because there were too many presents for just one tree!  I could often be found under the tree counting presents!  (Yes I admit... I counted.. and that seemed to tickle my grandparents... my parents.. not so much)

Because we had such little Anne time, our evenings and days were full of looking at her as much as possible... this usually included food, drinks, more food and more drinks. (my drink was always a sparkling punch)  I loved sitting in the den watching Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer while trying to figure out what was so darn funny in the other room.

After Rudolf, we always had chili and tamales or gumbo for dinner.  That was after we had stuffed ourselves silly with all the dips and chips, shrimp and other yummies that were out for the taking! 
Our Christmas eve always included a family talent show.  (and no, none of us were talented - the only talent we had was loving each other) My precious NaNa would open up the talent show by dressing like a Christmas tree!  You knew "the program" (as it were called) started as soon as Judy Baby plugged NaNa into the wall!  Once her Christmas tree outfit lit up - she would bust into her favorite song, "Oh Christmas Tree".  We would all sing with her as she tossed tinsle at us if we weren't singing quite loud enough. 

Another one of my all time favorites was when my Uncle Karl did his version of stupid pet tricks - and I'm pretty sure David Lettermen had a spy at our house and copied our platform.  I remember laughing until I literally wet my britches!

As the years progressed, the talents got funnier and more elaborate.  One year, Jack, Charles, Letitia and I did a routine to the Nut Cracker.  Our program, was synchronized showering.  We put up a shower curtain and had cut outs of arms and legs, plus we wore shower caps....... good times...

The program always concluded with a wine tasting contest.  Every year the same result, drunk adults picking the cheapest wine as their favorite.  All swearing that had to be the most expensive.  Must've been the drunk taste buds.  Some years they would let us underagers have some wine that included 7-up.  I think they call that a wine spritzer now! 

Then it was off to bed..... ya right... what kid sleeps on Christmas eve.  Plus I could still hear the adults in the other room laughing, giggling and loving each other.

Now we are all older and have our own families, Anne doesn't come for Christmas anymore and my NaNa and Judy Baby have Christmas in heaven - it just isn't the same.

I guess you could say it is just different.  I miss those days - a lot - and I would give anything to have everyone together one last time.  The crowded house that wasn't crowded with people - just laughter and love.  Everyone would tell me - you are so lucky Jennifer to have a family like that.... and I knew it at the time... but didn't really know it..... now..... I know it....

So to all the people that were part of making me a traditionalist - I love you.. and I wish you a very Merry Christmas.

The best cookie recipe of all time....

I must be high.... but I am going to share with you my grandmothers famous, never duplicated cookie recipe.... Act quickly, because if I come to my senses, I may delete this post!  Actually, I wouldn't!  My precious NaNa would love to know that others are gathered around the kitchen eating her cookies.

I can still see her winking at me as I ate the raw dough!  Sometimes she would act like eating the dough was a crime, but as she was scolding me, she too would be eating a bite of dough!  We would giggle and laugh. 

My brother Charles as actually mastered the art of NaNa cookies and he recently shared is secret with me..... its all in step one.... thats the secret to moist yummy cookies... oh and not over cooking these little jewels.

These cookies not only inspire bigger thighs and larger waists, but also giggles and good times... I hope you enjoy...

2C Butter melted

2C dark brown sugar

2C Grapenut flakes cereal

4 eggs

2t vanilla

1C chopped pecans

2C sugar

2C oatmeal – regular (not instant)

4C flour

2t baking soda

2t baking powder

1t salt

1 package semi sweet chocolate chips

Coconut is options (I never add it)

1.        Mix together cooled, melted butter, beaten eggs and both sugars

2.       Then add flour, soda, powder, salt, oatmeal, grapenut flakes – stir

3.       Add vanilla, pecans and chocolate chips

4.       Bake 10-12 minutes at 350

5.       Makes a ton!

Great to freeze!

December all ready? I'm just saying.......

Where did the year go?  I must have blinked cuz last time I looked at the calendar it was January!  It's been a year of great and amazing things!

January 2010 - Colton made the Varsity team for the Richland Rebel Soccer Team!  so our lives were consumed with soccer - after all  - it IS a year round sport!

February 2010 - Kendall got braces... and Colton is still playing soccer!!!  Jack and I managed to squeeze in a movie date to see Shutter Island and had sushi!  You might also recall that we had record breaking snow that was absolutely beautiful! 

March 2010 - I began our kitchen remodel.  Note to self.... NEVER again.... we also found out that Colton made 1st team ALL District as a Freshman - can you say PROUD PARENTS!!  PROUD GRANDPARENTS and even a PROUD SISTER.

Before


After

April  2010 - My house is officially full of teenagers.  Kendall turned 13 and Colton turned 15!  Club soccer got back into full swing!  Rebel soccer winded down with their annual banquet!  Colton looked dashing and received the Mr. 110% award!


May 2010 - I celebrated my 25 year anniversary with American Airlines.  It is something I am very proud of... not too many people these days can say they have done anything for 25 years, except maybe breathing! 

June 2010 - My wonderful mother took me and the kiddos on her all expense (well almost all expense) paid trip to DisneyWorld that she earned because she rocks at selling Pampered Chef.  We made sooo many wonderful memories.  We laughed until our sides hurt.  One memory I think is worth posting - my mother did a cannon ball fully clothed into the hotel swimming pool.  She received a round of applause from all the onlookers who shouted - "I love this woman!"  I happily shouted back "thats my momma!"   Another wonderful thing happened in June - Jack and his friends nabbed first prize for their brisket at the Colleyville BBQ Cookoff!  It was yummy!
   

July 2010 - My birthday cousin gave birth to her first child Kaylee Claire!  I really thought she was gonna pull another fast one on me and have the baby on MY birthday.... ok ... ok.. OUR birthday! 

August 2010 - October 2010  - It's all a blurr - School starts again for the kiddos!  Kendall is in her last year of Middle School and Colton is a Sophomore!  Select soccer starts up again and is in full swing!  Both kiddos were totally active in sports!  Kendall in volleyball and her new calling Softball and Colton in soccer!   The Texas Rangers were still playing baseball in October and actually made it to the SHOW!!!  Gotta love that!  Jack and I scored tickets (courtesy of the Greenes) to the first playoff game ever won at HOME!!  Go Rangers!

November 2010 - Kendall tore up the softball fields and kept her dance card very full!
The Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone and here we are, waiting for Santa!

Where oh Where did the time go!!!!!!

I'm thankful for.....

I was in the shower this morning doing some of my best thinking..... come one.... everyone does their best thinking in the shower!  Something about the hot water on your head.... Anyway, I digress.... I started thinking about the crazy things that I am thankful for (like a hot shower)... Here they are in no particular order.... (remember this is not the mushy thankful list.. but the CRAZY thankful list)

1.  I am thankful for indoor plumbing - I just cant imagine going #1 or #2 in a hole in the backyard or showers with water from a pot or sharing bath water with 3 other people from your family!  Gag me with a spoon!!!!  Amen to the brilliant person that created indoor plumbing!


2.  I am thankful for Taco Bell - Hello, my name is Jennifer and I'm addicted to taco bell hot sauce.  Is there a 12-step program?


3.  I am thankful for AIR CONDITIONING - Lord knows I could NEVER have survived in the pioneer days..... Long dresses and no A/C?  Puuhhhlease!


4.  I am thankful for XM Radio and the 70's & 80's station - nuff said!


5.  I am thankful for ice makers - I was never good and the whole twist and bend at the same time.  I usually wasted half the tray of ice because when I bend the tray, the ice would fly everywhere.



6 .  I am thankful for cars - see #3, Pioneer days.... ya.. not me...


7.  I am thankful for Kool Aid - I mean come on... who doesn't love Kool Aid?  Not only does it taste great, but it can also earn you some extra cash as a young child!


8.  I am thankful for snicker bars! Gotta love the ooey, gooey, crunchy goodness


9.  I am thankful for Charmin toilet paper.... my va-j.j. thanks you Mr. Charmin... I love you..

10.  I am thankful for popcorn and movie theaters!  Love the whole experience!


11.  I am thankful for pretty panties, pj's and bra's.  AKA Victoria Secret! 


12.  I am thankful for squishy pillows and down comforters!  Thank you Mr. Duck and Ms. Chicken for donating your feathers to my happiness!

13.  I am thankful for southern cooking!! It felt funny to write lard... but, I guess that is what I'm saying!  Everything is better when cooked in lard!

14.  I am thankful for cokes in a glass bottle!  Everything taste better in glass!


15.  I am thankful for blogs!  Gives me a platform to put my thoughts on paper!

I'm sure there are many things that I am leaving off my list... Everyday I come across something else that makes me stop and say..... Goodness I am so thankful for..............

Make it a great day everyone!  I would love to hear some of the crazy things you are thankful for!

Family

Families are a funny thing.  You don't get to pick your relatives - You are born and boom you are part of a family or you could be one of the lucky ones that are adopted.  There are no auditions or tryouts.  Nothing to study and no way to prepare.  You have the family you were dealt.  

I wonder what an audition to be part of a family would look like??  I can see it in the Survivor or American Idol format!  Wouldn't that be a hoot!

I was talking to my brother today about families and I starting thinking about what family means to me.  I realized that family may mean one thing to me, but something entirely different to someone else.

To me family is all about trust, acceptance and unconditional love.  My grandfather - Judy Baby - was big on unconditional love.  He loved me no matter what.... and I knew it.  Same with my parents...... unconditional love.  When you live your life in a world of unconditional love it gives you comfort of knowing that today, the next day and the day after that through infinity and beyond you are loved.

Love is a funny thing too.  Especially when its built on conditions.  Have you ever had a relationship that was based on conditions?  I have... I broke up with a guy once because he didn't put the lid down on the toilet seat!  Another one because he spoke German to my Schnauzer.  (don't ask me why that irritated the living snot out of me.. but it did) When love is given based on conditions people behave and act differently.  They are always trying to prove that they are worthy of your love.  Really?  Is that the way love is supposed to be given out?  I don't think so.... love is a gift you give because you can - not because of what the other person does for you or gives you.

When a family is built on unconditional love, that means that no matter how bad a person has hurt you, or disappointed you - you love them... that means through the good and the bad times.  Take my relationship with my brother as an example......

I probably was tough on my brother growing up - picked on him a little too much - tied him to one too many trees but he knew that his sister loved him.  I would protect him, fight for him, scream at girl friends that hurt him and was his biggest fan.  I protected him at all costs.  No one was going to EVER hurt my brother.....not on my watch.  As we got older, our relationship was awesome... I enjoyed hanging out with him and his friends and loved watching him play baseball.  I remember when he met his future wife - Letitia - we were in the whataburger drive-thru and he said, "Jennifer, she is the one..... she reminds me of you"  What a great compliment!  Years pass, and we both marry and then life happened.  Somewhere along the way, we grew distant.  I can't put my finger on what happened, but it did.  I missed him for years..... was angry that he wasn't in my life like he used to be.... and then I missed him again.... But lately, we have reconnected and I am so grateful.  Again, I go back to unconditional love.  I don't love my brother because I have too..... I love him because I can and I want to.  I don't love him only in the good times but at ALL times.  I have got to be the luckiest girl in the world to have Charles as my brother.  The day he was born, I told my momma he was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen -not sure how many babies I had seen at the ripe old age of 4- but to this day, I still haven't seen a more beautiful baby....

No tryouts, or auditions..... boom.... you are family...Family.... it is a funny thing....

So - I'm curious..... what does family mean to you?

Kendall - Greatest Hits Volume I - Lessons in Love

Another favorite story regarding my strong willed little girl.....This one comes from 2007 and is my personal favorite Kendall story...buckle up for this one...


The year was 2007, Kendall was in 4th grade when she got bit by the love bug.  This is the year she had her first boyfriend.  His name was Connor and by all accounts he was precious.  (Kendall would beg to differ with me now).  She came home from school and made me "pinky promise" that I would NOT tell her daddy that this boy at school liked her and she liked him back.  I was tickled with excitement that first off, she told me and second, that she was asking my advice. 

I decided that it was time for me to meet this young man.  So I went to school to have lunch with Kendall and Connor.  He was very mature for his age and asked me what "Mr. Huie and I like to do for fun".   Wait a minute, did he just say Mr. Huie?  What kid says Mr. and Mrs. these days!  We carried on a REAL conversation and I left the lunch just a smitten as Kendall was.  I gave her a high five and told her that she got herself a good one.

Connor was equally as smitten with Kendall.  The calls started coming to the house as did handwritten poems.  These poems were the sweetest things I had ever seen and I have secretly kept them for safe keeping.  After a whirlwind courtship, they decided they should "go out".  She told me about their upgraded status during our routine tuck-in time.  When she told me they were "going out"... I asked where they were going?  She said "no-where".. I said, "so you mean you are going together?  and she said, "no MOM, we are going OUT (emphasis on OUT)... I'm like... ok whatever that means... She was tickled about it, so that meant I needed to be tickled.

They "went out" together for about 3 months.  Although they never went anywhere.  (details, details).  All was going fine until (insert scary music here) Connor accused Kendall of only going out with him for his money......really?  seriously?  ok... it is 4th grade remember....

yes... I'll give you a minute to pick yourself off the floor.... you'll want to, cuz its about to get real good.

Apparantley, one of Kendall's friends told Connor that she was only interested in him for his money.  To which Kendall replied, "Mom - really- I don't even care how much money he has in his lunch account! (told you it was getting good)"

So Kendall told Connor, that if you are going to believe something as silly as that, then we should just break up.  So they did.....

Later at recess - Connor couldn't take it.... so he came back and begged Kendall to take him back.  Kendall said..............

"I'm sorry Connor but the Kendall Huie train has left the station and YOU are not on board"!

(after I managed to pick myself up off the floor) I said to Kendall - "that wasn't very nice, where did you learn that?"

She said, "mom you know... boys gotta learn that they get one shot with Kendall Huie and when it's over... it is OVER."

She's gotta point people... If only I had that much self confidence in my twenties as she did in the 4th grade, boy how my life would be different!  I immediately thought, we need to get Kendall on the Oprah circuit... she could be the next Dr. Phil.... She would have book tours - seminars, books on tapes... the whole 9 yards!  Her philosophy is simple yet impactful... treat me the right way, or the train departs!  Goodness, I love her!

Kendall learned a life lesson in the 4th grade.... boys want what they can't have.... to this day.... Connor still pines for Kendall... and she has NOTHING to do with him.... bless his little broken heart.  He holds the #1 spot for being the first boy who had their heart broken by Kendall........ I'm sure he certainly won't be the last!!!

Greatest Hits Volume I

As promised - here is one the the greatest hits of all time
Chart Topper......
Stuff legends are made of.....
Oldie but goodie............

First, you must turn the hands of time back 13 years ago.  I had just given birth to Kendall and as any new mother knows - I was on a very strict feeding schedule.  My phone rings (not my cell phone!) My precious Judy Baby called me up and says, "Jif - can you get me a ticket to Memphis, there is a card game I need to get to?"  Of course, there was nothing in the world I wouldn't do for my Judy Baby.  I glanced at the clock and thought to my self....self.... I have 1 hour and 30 minutes.  Surely, I can get to the office, get a ticket and get back...no problem.. Right???


WRONG!!


All was going fine until I got to the office...As best as I tried to sneak in, I was unsuccessful!  People can smell the scent of new baby and there I was stuck..ok loving every second of hearing how beautiful she was, how she was perfect and all that jazz.  We had to play a quick game of pass the baby until I glanced at my watch and realized, pass the baby was officially over. 

We were back in the car heading home driving in the middle lane of 183 (I didn't feel right driving in the fast lane with a new born and I didn't quite feel like I should be in the slow lane, cuz that just aint right, so I picked the middle lane - cuz it wass jussssst right!)  All of the sudden - the car in front of me swerved and I was left with no choice but to hit the object staring at me.... a metal ladder..... Crunch... Crash... Boom... bang....blop..blop...blop... sssssssssss... if you can't tell from my sound effects - both front tires - blown..... I was stuck.... stranded .... and I could feel that my boob clock was ticking and that the alarm was about to go off.... (mothers, you know what I mean).

I got my handy dandy cell phone to call Jack to come and save me!  After all, he IS my knight in shining armour.  Jack answered the phone and told me that he could not come and save this damsel in distress.  I was like what the heck??!!??  What am I supposed to do?  He said, "call Mr. Rescue.. they can help"  Exasperated, I said , fine..... I bitterly called Mr. Rescure and told them that apparantley, unbeknownst to me, knights in shining armours have meetings in Dallas. 

About 15 minutes later, Elmer Fudd, errr... I mean Mr. Rescue shows up.  He looked nothing like the knight in shining armour I was expecting.  He was wearing filthy overalls, with one side unhooked.  He was missing not only his hair but several teeth.  Lets just say, I was not impressed.  He proceeds to look at my car, scratch his head (thank god it was his head and not his butt) and tells me that in his professional opinion, "it looks to me m'am like you've got two flat tires".  To which I replied, "no shit dick tracy!  I must have dialed 1-800-send-me-a-genius!".  He seemed to laugh me off.  I on the other hand was not laughing because now my boobs have reached the point of explosion and my daughter now is starting to cry.  We are moments away from hysteria people....

We walk to my car and he says, "where is your Jack?".  I said, "he is in a meeting in Dallas."  He tilts his head and says, "Your Jack is in Dallas??".  In my best -you are a dumbass voice-, I said, "yes.. that why I called you".  I was becoming more irritated because why on earth would I call him if my Jack was here!  He finally looked at me and said, "m'am, your tire jack (insert jacking up a car hand motions)."  Finally it clicked... he wasn't talking about MY JACK, he was talking about my car jack.  Gulp.... now picture me and my gi-normous boobs trying to hide under a rock on 183. 

At this point I just burst into tears - I called my Judy Baby and told him I was stuck.  He was there in literally a nano-second.  He walked over to Elmer Fudd and gave him a $100 bill for his trouble.  I think he was paying the guy off since I had officially lost it at that point.  Judy Baby giggled (like he always did) and took me to get tires. 

Now... I told you some stories are the stuff legends are made of....... and this one becomes one..... its important that you fast forward your clock to about 3 weeks after the "jack incident"...... I'm at a restaruant, when all of a sudden a drink appears in front of me... The waiter says its from the bartender... I walk over to find out why anyone would send little ole me a drink.....about that time, the whole bar area burts out into laughter...... They all asked me if my Jack was there....(insert men slapping their knees, pointing, snorting, laughing and howling).....  there nestled amongst the fellas, and laughing the loudest was Elmer-friggin-Fudd....
.
.
.
.
.

Guess Judy Baby needed to give him more than $100.....

Just to be clear..... here are your cast of characters... The one in red is Jack.. in case you don't recognize him..


Cast of Characters

No life story would be complete without a complete cast of characters.  Let me take a moment to introduce you to them.....It's also nice to put faces with names! 
In case you forgot - Here is a little recap of my peeps from yesterday!
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My handsome son - Colton

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My beautiful daughter Kendall Kitty Cat

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Handomse Husband Jack

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Now.. on to the reason I am here - and the reason I am who I am today... my precious parents -
John and Gay.  My life has been full of joy because they made sure happiness and joy were a part of my life every single day. 

Momma & Daddy - They gave me everything a girl could want.  They still do - and I love it

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Next up Brother and Sister-in-law

(Charles and Letitia)
Charles - My handsome, smart, clever brother (also my brother-in-law - see Letitia)
Letitia - Jack's sister and Charles' wife!  (yes... it is legal)
Jack-Avery-Macy - otherwise known as the JAM;  Triplets courtesy of Charles and Letitia
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The Schneider Family

Melissa - Jack's oldest sister and my sister-in-law
Joe - Melissa's husband and my brother-in-law
Cole-Trevor-Zoe:  Melissa and Joe's kiddos (nephews and niece)
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My Mother and Father In-law

Ann (aka Millie) - My mother-in-law
Jerry (aka Mr. Huie) - My father-in-law

There will be a pop quiz later.... so pay attention
My Aunts (Anne & Peggy)



My Cousin - who stole my 16th birthday from me... Note - I was the ONLY girl granddaughter until my 16th birthday... My aunt was due on July 4th... she held that baby in on purpose!  I'm convinced... well I used to be convinced until I had babies of my own... now I get it....(could be on the pop quiz)

Diane, Ramon and baby Kaylee
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And last buy not least - the man that whom I adore and miss more than anything - the star of my life -
Judy Baby


I hope you enjoyed my Cast of Characters....
Here is a teaser for my next post -----

Greatest Hits - Volume I - ...... that oughtta get you back in a hurry!!!
See ya next time!

PS... I found pictures of my dogs.... Bo and Lexi Lou.... They are too cute to leave out of the cast of characters... so here is a treat!
First up - Mr. Bo Jangles

This is little Lexi Lou Lou

Starting is the hardest part

So I sit here staring at a blank page... thinking I will have something profound to say.... ya.. you're right... what was I thinking! 

I'm wrapping up my day at the office and I've been thinking that I need to find a way to tell the story of my life so that my family can one day look back and get a giggle at the things that made my day, made me crazy or made me want to drink alcohol! 

Here is my beautiful family.  Jack - my better half, Colton my pride and Kendall my joy!  This picture is a few years old, but it brings back happy memories to look at it.  (we are actually sitting close and the children aren't punching each other or giving each other wet willies..... like I said.. it was a good day!)

Jack is truly my better half.  He is the calm in any storm - loyal beyond description and spoils me rotten.  Of course he had good training and was given specific instructions by my beloved grandfather - Judy Baby.  In fact, Judy Baby's last words were to Jack and he said, "take good care of my baby girl".  Jack said, "yes sir" and he has done just that!

Colton is 15 years old and continues to make me proud every single day.  He is one of the lucky ones, he doesn't have to try very hard to be good at everything.  He is smart, funny, artistically gifted, athelticlly gifted, good looking as all get out and most importantly kind hearted.  He is different than most 15 year olds, (he will kill me for saying this but......) he actually enjoys spending time with me.  I dont' know how I got so lucky.  He is taking pre-AP classes and is about to start his second year on the varsity soccer team.  He works as a Soccer Referee, plays select soccer for the DFW Tornados and balances it all beautifully!  He really makes it look easy.  Like I said, he is one of the lucky ones....

Kendall is my 13 year old daughter.  She is my joy!  Being around her is like instant happy!  Her little heart is full of sunshine and happiness.....most of the time...... when the hormones aren't around!  She is confident, smart, witty, caring, incredibly beautiful, giving and loving all wrapped up into one amazing young woman.  Everyone tells me how awesome she is - how well behaved and respectful she is and I can't tell you how proud that makes me!  She too is active - volleball, softball, band (for just a little bit longer) and her favorite past time - socializing!  She is making straight A's and is also taking pre-AP classes.  She is in her last year of Middle School and I just can't believe how time has flown by....

We have a Blood hound named Bo.  He is a hoot and a half.  We also have a mini-schnauzer named Lexi Louise; or Lexi Lou for short.  She makes my heart sing...Let's not forget the cat, Gracie Jane. She just meows....

We are blessed beyond measure! 
Not bad for my first entry!