Christmas twice, and I am still Standing

Tis the season where families gather, share in each others joys of a year coming to the end and finding graditude in what we have. Tell stories of adventures and mishaps, everything from Dad(aka Uncle Herb) slipping on a piece of paper on a roof and dislocating his shoulder, me shooting myself in the thigh with my nail gun in february and pulling the nail out with pliers and going back to work, tales from my 3 year anniversary in AA, Cassie growing so fast and learning a new game almost every week, to even tales told by Melissa about Ireland, Roberts adventures in a mixed martial arts tournament, and tales of Mom raising us kids. Lori on Christmas Eve prepared a gorgeous dinner at her new home in Saddlebrook. Her and Chris were the perfect hosts. They went the whole nine yards to make everyone comfortable and welcomed. Danielle and I played in the back yard with Cassie while dinner was being finalized. The extra special treat was a deep fried Turkey, it was really good. A big treat for everyone was watching dad eat with his shoulder still being sour. Danielle did more than hold her own this year at the table by throwing around some zingers people set themselves up for (you know who you are..lol). The whole time spent at Lori's was such a good time. Chris had to go in to work, but stopped in a few times when in the area as we opened gifts! Then on Christmas day, we went to Mom and Dads for another great dinner that Melissa cooked. It was a 10 pound prime rib, and cooked perfectly. The evening was a great mix of eating and playing. Melissa, Robert and myself showed Cassie how to dance like a Neuhaus, not well but enjoyable. The big kick for me this christmas was watching everyone dote over Cassie and noticing that the transition of who Santa Claus is is complete. When I was a child, Santa was a big fat guy with a white beard who rode around in a sled, to when I was a little older seeing that it was my parents, to when I was a young adult, santa was only symbol of the holiday spirit of giving and receiving, To this year, Christmas morning Santa Clause was staring back at me in the mirror and we both had a great big smile. I hope everyone had a great Christmas, we sure did! And our love goes out to everyone. Have a safe new year

Merry Christmas!

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, we did! We spent Christmas Eve at Chris and Lori,s new house, with Bob, Melissa, Charles, Danielle, Cassie, Granny and Melissa,s friend Matt. We had a great Turkey dinner, and opened our gifts. Of course we all had fun watching Cassie run around. This morning we got up had our coffee and went to Herb and Cindy,s to have a great breakfast with their family and do the gifts. Back home to Melissa's great Prime Rib dinner . We cleaned up and played with Cassie. Granny, Aunt Robin and Matt joined us for desert, coffee and more gifts. To end the Day we got to talk to Aunt April and her family. later on we talked to Kelly . We just had a great day ! Love to all Herb and Gail.

Merry Christmas!

It's been a wonderful day! Cathy's family and mom came to our house for dinner and we spent the afternoon unwrapping gifts, talking, laughing, eating too much, and enjoying each other's company. We were able to talk with Aunt Gail & Uncle Herb, Aunt Robin, Gramma, Melissa, Bobby, and Charlie; which added to the joy of the day.

We wish everyone a very merry Christmas!

April, Orlando, Cathy, PJ, Becky, Nyssa, and Cari
(and photographer Sandi!) 

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

40 Wonderful Years

We were married 40 years ago today. Dec. 11, 1965 . We have seen a lot of changes over the years. We have watched our 5 children grow from babies to Adults with there own lives now. We have seen good times, sad times and rough times , and kept right on going. We have a lot of family all over the place and love that everyone can keep in touch better now, and can share their lives with us . Here are some family photos from over the years. Couldn,t find the more recent ones, sorry! Love Herb and Gail

Tournament

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu No Gi Tournament

Double Elimination Brackets
Three Weight Divisions; Light Weight, Middle Weight, and Heavy Weight (i was in middle weight)
Each Match was 5 minutes long, Win by either Submission or Points

Match One: Catching Some Air Time. Win by Submission

Match Two: Moving a little too fast for the camera. Win by Submission

Match Three: Pic One; Big dude isn't he? Pic Two; The aftermath of me getting choked into unconsciousness. I probably should have tapped a second sooner. If you look closely you can see my eyes closed. Lost, due to unconsciousness

Match 4 (double elimination), Taking my frustrations out on my next opponent. Win by submission

Match 5; Rematch against my first opponent, went about the sameway match one went. Win by Submission

Match 6: (Yes thats 6 matches in one afternoon) After winning through the losers bracket I get to go against the guy who choked me out again. This match went alot better. The score was zero to zero until the last 30 seconds when the ref made a bad call, and i was too tired to argue. I was happy with second.

Second Place: Me with my trophy. The trophy is a real mini samurai sword. Its prettcy cool, and I was happy with placing 2nd in this tournament. The guy that got first is a Purple Belt (i don't even have a belt) and is a professional fighter in the MMA Circuit (Mixed Martial Arts)

Free snow, take all you want!

Well we got quite a bit of snow as you can see, Charles has been shoveling for nearly 2 hours now, being he cant just do ours, he needs to shovel out a few of our neighbors as well (what a good citizen) and Cassie is in awe of all the white stuff outside, shes seen snow before but I think she was too little to remember... Just wanted to share a few pics of the white stuff for those of you who dont see it too often! Enjoy!

Ireland

Hello everone, although things have been hectic i have enjoyed my time reading the blog - i do miss everyone a great deal. I just got back from Ireland ( was there from november 18-28) and i had a wonderful time. I am in the process of making a blog of the trip and once i am done with it i'll give everyone the address of it. I went alone and I was just going to travel from various towns by bus and stay in youth hostels, but on my first day i met a wonderful person named Holly. She had a car and was going to the same places i was so I asked to tag aong. We also met Jen and Ben and the four of us had quite an adventure. They are from Australia so they don't celebrate thanksgiven but on that day Holly and I had stir fry and ben and jen had pasta. I told them how every year we would go around the table and say what we were thankful for so that is what i did and holly did as well. Then the next day was my birthday and they made a big deal out of it which made me feel real special. I got to pick the music for the day as we drove, then they wouldn't let me help with dinner or cleaning. Afterdinner they surprised me with a cake and then we went out for some drinks. I am looking forward to being home for christmas and i miss everyone... The next couple of weeks are going to fly because of finals -

LOVE you ALL

The Day After

Its the day after Thanksgiving, I am in the living watching another episode of Blues Clues as Cassie is finishing off a bottle. I am trying to keep the couch from escaping by planting myself within the soft cushions and I find myself reflecting on what a great day We had yesterday. I woke up at Five O'clock a.m. and went to the gym, after an hour workout, I came home and showered, and got dressed for hunting with the old man. I got to his place by Seven thirty, and his friends all got there at around Eight. So we left for manchester to do the walking through the woods with loaded guns thing. I felt great that I was invited, Its been a while since anyone realy trusted me with a gun, Ha Ha. I came home with three field dressed pheasants, One that I acually shot, and was ready for another shower. While I was getting dressed in the bathroom, I found out that Danielle's brother was here by him walking in on me. What a funny start to the afternoon. Danielle out did herself by serving and outstanding spread and Turkey. Her brother and his roommate were more eager than I was to dig in. We all ate to our fill and had a great time around the table telling stories, Family history and what we were all up to. Cassie had a great time running to and fro at a pace that would kill most marathon runners. We had dessert and coffee to ease the day to an end. The time we shared made me feel blessed to have the chance to have a new family of my own and to be able to reflect on my own childhood with a smile. Plus This year I have a great bonus, a second Thanksgiving at my parents house. This is why I was at the gym. I hope everyones Thanksgiving was a blessed one, and looking foward to a wonderful Christmas. Love you all.......Charles

Thanksgiving Memories

Bobby's comment to my Thanksgiving gathering post got me thinking about Thanksgivings past. I figure this would make a neat chapter in our family memoirs book. So how about if all of us post a memory or two on the blog about Thanksgiving I'll copy them and put them in the book.

My first memory I guess would have to be Orlando and I spending Thanksgiving with Aunt Robin's family. The tables set up in the dining room and living room and even on the porch to fit all of us. It seemed like wall to wall people and endless food. Every thing was always delicious. It was always a challenge to try to get Aunt Robin to sit down and relax. I was always amazed when it came time to do the dishes that there really are a gazillion dishes and Aunt Robin owns them all. But the thing that stands out the most is the love that filled the house.

My second memory is of Thanksgiving at Aunt Mickey's. Again it seemed like wall to wall people! Laughter filled the house along with love. At least once each year, Aunt Mickey's dog (Gator) would decide that he wanted me to pet him. So Gator (who weighs twice what I weigh, easily) would knock me over and then climb onto my lap so that I couldn't get up. I wouldn't be able to get him off me, but I never minded...I was usually to busy laughing at getting pinned by a dog. One year Uncle Dale put together an appetizer tray that looked like a turkey. It was great! We all took pictures, but didn't want to be the first one to take from the tray and ruin his hard work.

So who else wants to share some memories?

Time To Gather For Thanksgiving....

Thanksgiving is just around the corner... 4 days to be exact. Time for families and friends to gather, eat and celebrate. We haven't been able to gather together around one table (ok a dozen tables in one home) for quite a few years. I thought it would be nice to catch everyone up on who would be gathering where and any special customs/traditions that have evolved over the years. Orlando, Nyssa and I will be going to Sandi's home for Thanksgiving this year. It's really nice since its only been the past 5 years that Sandi, Mom and I are able to gather together to celebrate. So who is gathering where? Who will be visiting? What special dishes are you looking forward to? (I can't wait for the pearl onions and stuffing! YUM!) I know that Becky will have the tables set as if royalty was coming. Becky is the perfect hostess...I think one day she will take over Martha's empire.
One of the traditions that we did when Aunt Mickey hosted Thanksgiving dinner and it was Aunt Mickey, Uncle Dale, Cheyenne & Amy, Ralph, Laurie and boys, Danny, David, Chris & Melissa, Sandi, Cari, PJ, Becky, Mom, Orlando, Nyssa and myself gathered, we would pick a name from a hat to give a Christmas ornament to.
So what is everyone's plans for this year?

Quick Tour of the Blogsite

We've had a couple new people join us here at the Family Gathering, and there's been a few site changes, so I thought I would post a quick tour of the site.

First of all, we've lost our tagboard. That was were we were leaving chatty "notes" for each other (like "anyone wanna talk in the chatroom tonight?"). The hosting site is no longer doing the tagboards. We still have our chatroom (which you get to by signing in at the bottom of the blogsite). The only problem is that we aren't going to know who is in the chatroom and when. I'm open to suggestions.

Along the right side of the blogsite are some links. We have our family tree, which "Colorado Herb" and Aunt Kay have agreed to keep up for us. YEAH Herb and Kay!

Herb is also keeping us informed of where everyone is located in the country. Check out the map. Also, if you're new here and haven't done so already, please let Herb know where you live so that he can add you to the map. Actually, everyone should check out the map and let Herb know if you notice anyone else missing from the map. Thanks!

There is also a family calendar, which lets us keep track of birthdays, anniversaries, and any other special days. Please let me know (by email please) if we're missing any dates.

Finally, there is a blogsite just for the kids (anyone 18 and under). We started this with the idea that the younger crowd could get to know each other before the reunion. Anyone wanting to become a member of that site, just email me for an invitation link. We just started a contest, so it's a good time to join.

If there is anything else you can think of to add to the site, just let me know. For example: Recently I saw a friend's online photo gallery and thought it was really great. If anyone is storing their pictures online and wants their site shared with the family, just send me the link.

harmonic convergence

harmonic convergence. This is what I am told my family is going through right now. The good news is that it is supposed to never happen again and that good luck is supposed to follow. I bought a new car 2 weeks ago. 2005. It was totaled in a wreck last week. both air bags deployed. The insurance company wants to give us half of what we paid for it! The good news is no one was hurt bad. Our 2 other cars are in the shop for unrelated illnesses. Kevin has been in chronic back pain for about 1 and 1/2 years now. We have tried everything. New mattresses, chiropractors,medication,muscle relaxers, physical therapy, etc. No avail. I took him to the orthopedic hospital yesterday and they are doing a bunch of tests but the first thing the dr. says after getting his history is"sounds like lukemia to me" Now, I doubt it but THANKS! Phillip got a ticket for skate boarding not to long ago. put him on probation because last year he was on probation for having medication on him in class so they desided he needed it again! So any way, he got caught trying to ditch last period { violation of probation} and put him in juvy! I am not dealing well with this! I told you about Codys school electing him as school ambassador, well after 2 meetings, we found out it will cost us $7500! So guess whos not going! I dont know how to work it but we will try. And then to top it all off, Sean is in the hospital. The week before halloween he went to visit his family in north carolina. His mom was given 2 months to live due to cancer and his dad is in the final stages of alzhiemers. He came back feeling like he had the stomach flu. I finally got him to go to urgent care sunday and they rushed him to the ER. They discoverd diverticulitis and suspect peritonitis. He had a surgical consult 2 days ago but they are keeping a wait and see attitude. Still running a temp and still in a lot of pain. Oh yea and its our anniversart today. Yea! Steven and Ford are still doing ok, knock on wood! Stop the world and let me off!! I believe we need a vacation. perhaps a family reunion sometime in july would work wonders!!!

Hey Everyone

I have a very dry sense of humor, my humor is how I handle life on lifes terms. Without it, my life would be hard to handle. I will not make any apologies for who I am, nevertheless it has been brought to my attention that my comments can be taken as insulting and even mean hearted. This was not my intention. My comments are made in jest and good humor. I hold all my siblings in high regard and have great respect for them all. I am very happy with myself, and the life that I have, I just poke fun at anything I find amusing. In short, my comments are to be taken with a grain of salt and never take what I say to heart.


p. s. I am very proud that I am a roofer, I poke fun at myself as well....

Look how big shes getting

Heres our darling girl, at Moms & Pops house, she just got over her first ear infection (with a fever of 103) But it never slowed her down (okay just a little bit for one day!) I just wanted to show her off!

Family Reunion

Well I am noticing a trend about the family reunion plans. The trend being that someone needs to step forward and take charge of the plans. With that being said shall we take any nominations? I nominate Aunt Gail and Uncle Herb since they have all that free time to go to the beach and what not. Sandi and all of the Southern Neuhaus Crew shouldn't be burdened with any of the planning due to the obvious reasons that they kind of have alot to deal with at the moment. Myself would like too but don'th ave the resources or the time. I know Melissa is in the same boat as myself. And Lori is busy with her house and she just got done planning a huge event.
Any seconds to the nominations of Aunt Gail and Uncle Herb?

Wilma

Hello April, Sandi , Cathy, and the Alspach families hope you are OK. We watched the news and it sounded like Port St Lucia and the rest of Florida got hit pretty hard. Please let us know how you all are.

Beach bums

I,m going to try this again. This is the 3rd year our friends got us to the beach. Herb loves the picture of him in the wave, he has a yellow belly board. The other one is a closer one of Herb for those who can't see him in the waves. LOL

Family Reunion up date necessary!

Hey everyone Do you realize how fast the time is going? July will be here before we know it. We really need to get organized on the reunion. So first things first - Where are we having it? I suggest North Carolina. How about if we take suggustions until Oct 28th on where to go? After that we start serious planning. Add ideas suggestions and comments to this post. Speak up now or you are stuck with what we do.

Cassie

This is Cassie. I tried to get her on the other post.

At the Beach

This is Uncle Herb or Dad at the beach Labor Day. He loves to ride the waves in. Only got to the beach 3 times. I just had my stitches out on my hand so just took pictures. Thats it for now.

Hot/Chili Anniversary Celebration

Cathy, Orlando, and Nyssa joined Mom, me (Sandi) and Ryan at the St. Lucie County Chili Cookoff yesterday to celebrate Cathy & Orlando's 21st anniversary. We had a wonderful time, and I thought I would share some of the highlights:


Cathy & Orlando

Even after 21 years of marriage, they're still rolling around in the hay together!








Early in the day, Cathy was "arrested" and jailed. I'm not sure what the exact charges were, but I believe it had something to do with not cleaning her room since Mom was the one who had her arrested.

Cathy had to stay in jail until she could raise the appropriate bail. Orlando did offer twice the bail amount -- but only if the sheriff would keep her!










Once Cathy was released from jail, Orlando spent the rest of the day in hiding from the law -- especially when we learned that the sheriff passed along Orlando's offer to Cathy!









The kids (Nyssa, Ryan, and of course Cathy) jumped around a bit. The bungee jump was a lot of fun -- but none of them managed to do a flip. Maybe next time.




















At the end of the day, we rode away in true chili-country style -- in a hay wagon.

Ryan (my new son) and Nyssa

Mom (aka April)

kellys family

i think i figured it out!
except i just lost Fords picture! this 1st picture is me, sean and steven. I didnt realize i didnt have more family pics.

this is cody

this is a pic of phillip and ford last year

this is phillip with his new friends while on vacation

this is about a year and a half ago.

me and sean on vacation a few months ago.

kevin {before he cut his hair} and mia

Ford last year

Ford again

Me,Tracey and Aunt Leslie at Traceys graduation in august