All Aboard!

I'm not quite sure how we lucked out, but we managed to do our visit to Locomotive Park in the few days when we actually had snow. Which always makes it much more fun! We didn't even get a white Christmas this year, so this little bit of snow was wonderful. Locomotive Park has grown its lights display over the years, and this year was no exception. They added a bunch of LED lights this year. Other displays include the singing trees, the arched pathways (motion-sensitive lights change colors as you walk by under them), the fireplace, the train, and the dance-pad lights, which light up when you stand or jump on the corresponding section of mat. Each year our business is one of the Winter Spirit sponsors that helps pay the light bill.


Alyssa shows off up in the engine. I'm glad they leave it accessible to climb up there. Note the zebra patterned headband -- it's her latest craze.


We brought our niece/cousin with us, and she had a lot of fun there as well. Here she's ringing the bell on the train, which you can't see, but trust me, it's there!

Emma absolutely LOVES Christmas lights! A bonus for her is that she finally gained enough weight to graduate up to the toddler car seat, and now faces forward so she can see better in the car. Cameron is really great with her and often puts her up on his shoulders so she can see more (and it keeps her contained, as well!)

Cousins! Coming from Vegas, snow was an uncommon experience. But Grandma made sure she had a warm winter coat, plus snow pants -- a good idea when you're not acclimatized to the cold!!
Todd took Em over to the big outdoor gas fireplace to warm up a little. Instead of fake logs, it has a scene of houses and pine trees, laser cut from metal. Which is a little bizarre if you really take a look at it because it looks like a whole alpine village is on fire. She didn't have any mittens (yet - she got some for Christmas)... so she's wearing socks on her hands. I am nothing if not resourceful.
So one of the new displays was this set of lighted penguins, who danced in time with the music, "Linus and Lucy" (if you're blank, think of A Charlie Brown Christmas). We thought it would be cute to get a picture with each of us by one of the penguins. Which is all fine and dandy until you get some strange random child there,who has no parents anywhere near, and he won't move from his penguin. Yep, that's him in the red coat, front and center. No clue who he was or who he belonged to!!

We ended our trip with our now-traditional trip to McDonalds for eggnog milkshakes. YUM!!

Student of the Month

Having gotten behind on our blog posts, I'm here to make up for it now. At least the news is all less than a month old! Just before school let out for Christmas break, we found out that our Alys had made Student of the Month. This is something voted on by the teachers; criteria includes good grades, participation in extra-curricular activities (band, sports, etc.), positive attitude, leadership qualities, and so on.

I'm sure a sense of humor doesn't hurt, either! Congrats to Alyssa -- and we knew she had it in her all the time. Love you, Sys!!

(Alys is well-liked by her teachers, was up for student of the year last year, and has previously been nominated several times in the last 2 years for student of the month. She won in 7th grade as well.)

One Perfect Rose

Todd and I are just a bit different from the average couple, in that we do almost all our shopping together. Groceries, clothes, gifts, whatever. We've done it this way since we were first married, and it works for us as we bounce ideas, opinions, and suggestions off each other. Todd and I also have a habit of doing our shopping late at night. Not just at this major shopping season, but any time of the year. An unforeseen complication is that now we have a little one, who really needs to be in bed. We used to take her with us everywhere, but she's old enough now to be home. She also has a rather late bedtime, which is something I'm working on changing.

As a result, Todd has ended up shopping solo a bit more lately. He does really well, and only requests a list sometimes. On his latest solo trip, he brought home a mixed floral bouquet, which is what this photo is from.

He knows I enjoy getting to arrange flowers for myself, and the timing of this bunch of flowers was perfect to have it grace the Thanksgiving table. The mix was pretty, but this one rose seemed just so perfect, I had to grab a picture.

P.S. Alyssa reminds me that on that particular shopping trip, she was with him. (Maybe she put the idea in his head?)

Today's Gratitudes

Boy, that turkey tryptophan must really work! No matter how stressed or un-stressed I am for a holiday season, when Thanksgiving morning hits, I am usually pretty mellow and relaxed. Which is good, because it gives me a good chance to reflect on all that I am thankful for. What a great holiday! If we didn't have Thanksgiving, how many of us would really stop and say hey, I've been blessed?

So since I can't possibly name it all, I'm only going to name a few things. There is no particular order.

• Even with no order... it's easy to start: Todd is the best! And years ago when I said yes to him, I didn't realize how lucky I truly was. I love you, sweetheart!
  


• My children are all such individuals, but they are all so amazing. I could name traits and characteristics for hours; I love them each for themselves and the great people they are and are becoming.
  


• Our extended family and friends. The support and influence they have been to us is wonderful.


• Having the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives is a blessing beyond comparison. I would not want to be without the blessings and guidance we have today.


• This country and the brave and valiant ones who have fought to make and keep our liberty and the freedoms we enjoy. It's not perfect but there's no place on earth I'd rather live.


• Our home, not just for the HAVEN it is, the warmth and shelter it provides, but also because it represents a place where we can shut off negative outside influences and focus on each other.

Of course there is so much more. Being a mom again at this time in my life. People often tell me they couldn't or wouldn't ever do something like that. And I see them look at me with pity in their eyes. Oh, if they only knew what this is like for us! I can't express the joy that we have because of a baby.

Having a missionary son serving right now is a blessing and an experience we really appreciate. Even though it's a first (for him and for us!) to have one of ours away from home, we know this is where he is meant to be. Who can say what his influence may be for others?

Talents and gifts -- mine, Todd's, our children's. I hope and pray we can build on what we've been given. I love the quote from Erma Bombeck:

"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything You gave me.'

Our health, our community, snow in winter, sun in summer, brilliant fall colors and beautiful spring flowers. Hot water. Oh my goodness, there have been dozens of times that I have stood in the shower, thankful for the hot water that comes pouring down!!!

Technology and the amazing things that are possible now, that have never in history been possible. Good books. Great photography that captures moments. Nice people.

I hope you get a chance to think about all you are blessed with, and have a very happy Thanksgiving Day!!

Potluck Pride

So last Friday was a ward (church) dinner -- a potluck. I have to convince and almost drag Todd to ward potlucks, because it seems like every time, the same thing happens: he comes away feeling hungry still, and very dissatisfied with the choices. Although it might sound like he's picky--he's not: I'm the picky one! And in reality, there's a lot of truth to what he says. I was left wondering a number of things -- and it's not the first time I've thought this.....

• Why is it that people seem to not bring main dishes, and instead bring desserts? Even when they were "assigned" main dishes by virtue of their last name. I guess that would be a modified potluck, but it makes sense to try for some balance in the meal.
• Do these people REALLY eat like this? Or did they only bring the cheap food because it's for church? I'm not asking for lobster and steak, just something a little beyond beans and rice.
• Does no one believe in salt, seasoning, or flavor? It seems like we're getting the lunch special from the old folks' home: Bland, bland, bland. Yawn.
• Am I the only one who feels this way?
• Why do some seem to think that bringing a small bowl of bean salad is an appropriate size of dish for sharing in a large group?
• Also, especially when I was working full time, why do I feel slighted when I make a homemade "something" and someone else with less demands on their time than I -- picks up the cheapest 50-pack of cookies from the grocery store to bring for their contribution? It's like The Singles Ward when he brings KFC chicken to the "Break the Fast" activity. Except KFC Chicken actually tastes good.
• Why is it that the less affluent families in the ward attend, but the elite seem to tend to stay away? (I know that answer to that one!)
• Is it actually SO bad that even many of the less affluent families stay away.... maybe they're thinking they'll actually fare better at home.

I can understand that some people bring what they do because they're looking for the easy way out. But doesn't anyone take any pride in their potluck dishes? It seems like people used to care about it and were almost competitive about the food they brought. To me, one of the ways to tell how well I cooked was if there were any leftovers to take home. If there was still food in my Pyrex dish, then I obviously didn't do well enough. [I have my own personal competition barometer! ]

On that note, there have been two times that I really felt like my dish was a potluck success.

1. I once went to pick up my empty dish from the table, when I found a retired schoolteacher waiting there, watching to see who claimed the empty dish. She wanted my recipe for an upcoming family reunion, and wanted it bady enough to stake out the food table!
2. Once we showed up late to a potluck soup dinner. I had stretched the "soup" directive to include stew, which I'd made in our Dutch Oven in the oven at home. We brought it, covered, into the hall and had to make room for it on the table. I was thinking our stew wouldn't get finished because everyone had already come through the line for a first helping. One brother was coming for seconds after a less-than-filling first try. He said to me, "I don't know what you have in there, but I want some of it!" That night one large family ate most of our stew. The mom later told me her children had all wanted it because the kids recognized it and preferred it.
   

So, unfortunately, our ward's activity was a bit poorly attended. It's possible that part of the reason the attendance was down last week is because there was no entertainment provided. Sure, it's nice to be able to visit and socialize with others, but sometimes it's also nice to have "dinner and a show". Plus, if you have something scheduled for entertainment, then at least you're guaranteed that the participants will be there, thus increasing overall attendance, right?

Soooo...... my job right now is the Relief Society (ladies) Activities. I'm tossing around in my head an idea for a RS activity in January or so, and calling it, "Potluck Pride". I'd like to offer a crafty section where the ladies can use glass etching cream to etch their last names on the bottom of their own casserole dishes. (No more unclaimed dishes!!) And then to also have a food part, where recipes are discussed and demonstrated of appropriate and appealing and delicious casseroles and other main dish and/or salad options. Desserts are fun too, but apparently we don't have a problem there. (Other than that 50-pack of storebought cookies!)

My worry is that someone will be offended that I didn't like what they brought to a potluck dinner!!!

15 Years Ago....

With just one exception, Fall is the season for birthdays at the Haven, so we have another birth day entry. It is possible to be speedy and late at the same time. Alyssa is our one and only child who arrived late. But she was also the quickest, from start to finish. And today, she is 15 years old!

Her original due date was November 1. I sweated and fretted over that one, because I was worried she'd be a Halloween baby. Once we made it past the 31st, I relaxed and then she took her time, and came a week late.

With Alys, by the time the third contraction hit, I knew we were going in to the hospital right away. So I felt I should at least call the hospital, to warn them we were coming, and give them a chance to get ready for us. The conversation went like this:

OB Nurse: "Labor and Delivery."

Me: "Hi, my name is Marilyn Huffaker. My doctor is Doctor N. I'm in labor, and I'm on my way down." (I was all for getting straight to the point.)

Labor nurses do NOT like you telling them that you're coming in. It takes away all their authority. They want to be the one telling YOU when to come in. That's what they're used to, and don't mess with the system. So, Labor Nurse on the Phone now gets a little huffy with me.

Nurse: [sounding nasally] "Is this your first baby, Mrs. Huffaker?"

Me: "No, it's my THIRD."

Nurse reluctantly tells me to go ahead and come in. Um, I don't think she understood me. I'm COMING in NOW. It was a statement, not a question.

We recruited our neighbor to stay with the boys, since I didn't think Todd's parents could be there as soon. I recall she came over with full makeup on, at one in the morning!

When we arrived at the hospital, they put us in a room, took some information, and then checked me. (I was at an 8.)

Labor Nurse now announces, "Ohhh! We're going to have a baby!"

Like it's some sort of news. Umm..... isn't that what I said?

So Alyssa arrived after only an hour and 20 minutes of labor. They call this, "precipitous labor," and they were sure to make a note of it on my chart for future reference. Now, the other thing you need to know, is that after having 2 boys, I was ready to have a girl. We hadn't found out the sex on the baby (the first 4 were all surprises to us), but I really, really wanted a girl. Todd knew this, but he didn't want me to be disappointed if the baby happened to be a boy. In fact, at the time in the Huffaker family, out of 8 children born, SEVEN had been boys. The track record was not in my favor. So Todd talked me into believing this child would be a boy, too.

So convinced was I, that when the doctor announced, "It's a girl!", I was confused and said, "It's what?" And for the next few days, I called her, "Buddy", because I didn't know what term of endearment to call a little girl. That wore off quickly though, and I dressed her in all manner of ruffles and ribbons and lace and sparkles and fluff..... and had a blast!

Today, our Alyssa has grown into a gorgeous, talented young woman, who is just as comfortable in a dress and high heels as she is sliding into home plate (and taking out the catcher) while getting covered in dust. She's the child that continually achieves more than I had ever dreamed of myself, and sets high goals for herself to improve even more. Yes, she is 5' 11"+, and yes, she has naturally curly hair. I love that she embraces her height and doesn't slouch or go around in ballet flats trying to wish it away. While the hair is straightened in this photo, she also can work with her curls to create a mass of beautiful hair that makes the rest of us straight-haired people green with envy. She is musically talented, and will often sit down to the piano to practice things she wants to play, although it has been years since she's taken a piano lesson -- reminds me of ME at that age!

So, Happy Birthday, Alyssa!! We sure love you!

A Ghoul's Night Out!

Halloween is another wonderful example of how Emma is keeping us young. It's pretty hard to grow old and cynical when we have her around! It's also pretty hard to keep her out of the pumpkin guts, too! The kids enjoy the annual pumpkin carving ritual:The older kids can all gut and carve their own pumpkins unassisted, which makes Todd's life easier than it was when the kids were all little. Alyssa and Darcie smile as they clean out their pumpkins, ... but what are they really thinking?

Cameron and Alyssa are both using pumpkins out of the garden, the only two that survived the dying plant. Cameron's pumpkin is the largest one -- Emma looks impressed.

Todd carved Emma's pumpkin, as well as his own. After carving, he lighted them and took this picture for the full effect. From left to right: Cameron's, Emma's, Todd's, Darcie's, and Alyssa's. I chose to paint mine this year, and it wasn't done until the last possible moment. Boy, there's nothing like procrastination.

As for costumes, let me just say that I enjoy the fun of seeing the kids all dressed up for Halloween. Our kids have never chosen to be really creepy, scary or evil things, so it's like one big costume party for us. After age 12, we cut off trick-or-treating for them, because we feel it should be a children's activity. Sometimes they still choose to dress up, which is fine. Alyssa got double duty out of a Snow White costume, which she also used for Spirit Week at school.

Emma is the only one under 12, so we've still got plenty of years of dress-up to come. I didn't want her to be the usual, boring pumpkin, cow, puppy, bumblebee or other typical baby costume. When I found her flower costume, I knew I wanted it. After it arrived, I wished it had been wired or otherwise stiffened in the petals, as they kept flopping. Then I wasn't too worried about it because she wouldn't wear the headpiece. For nothing. I kept thinking she would go as a stem.

But, after I put it on her and then showed her her reflection in a mirror and told her how pretty she was..... well, she wore those petals all through the trunk or treat, plus later to Grandma & Grandpa's party!!! What a typical girl!!

Em also loved her treat bucket, was surprised when people put things in it, and would not let go of it for anything! I kept thinking it was getting heavy for her, but she wouldn't let go of the handle until we were almost completely done! Smart girl. Now if she can only keep her candy out of the hands of all the bigger people in the house!