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?