More Christmas Week

I went by Marla's house tonight. She had been up to Dad's and said to come and get the goodies that Dad and Judy sent. So I picked up this:

They had sent jams, jellies, green beans, corn and stewed tomatoes. I was really happy to get them because home canned green beans are right up there next to chocolate.

Well then Marla brought out this wonderful Christmas gift from Shana and Kristi. I almost cried and am totally blown away by their talents.

And inside this beautiful box was this:

It's hard to see just how much they put into this project from these pictures but there are 4 packages of wonderful cards for holidays, birthdays, blank and miscellanious.

And on the bottom of the pile was this wonderful book- with a page for each month with family birthdays and special days and promise of updated calendars and holders for cards for the occasion. It was beautiful and I love all of it. I guess I really do owe my nieces each a quilt.

Hmm....

The new sewing room is almost finished (pictures are coming) and my fingers are just itching to get back to the sewing machine.

Merry Christmas Everyone

Well this day is almost over. We have enjoyed friends and family, as well as a peaceful afternoon. Oh, can't forget the ham...ham was served for a luncheon at work yesterday, went to the Lewis Compound for Christmas Eve dinner..ham and then Nikki and I prepared a wonderful, you guessed it!...ham dinner here at home. You will never guess what I am taking to work for lunch tomorrow!

All of the meals were wonderful, especially the ones I enjoyed with family. I even had a call from Mat today. He is in Arkansas with his other Vernon family and having a great time. Keep your fingers crossed, there may be work for them soon.

We had our traditional breakfast of crepes, egg cassarole and Shawn made the best "fatties" in his smokers earlier this week for us. If you have never had one of these treasures before, you must try them sometime. They are made from sausage and wrapped inside are all kinds of wonderful things-cheese, scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, chili, and wonderful spices, all smoked together. What a treat. It's Christmas so I don't have to worry about cholesterol. Right!

The kids loved the gift cards I gave them. It makes shopping so much easier-especially for teens. Movie money and Barnes & Noble, the best of both worlds. I also got copies of "The Last Lecture" for the 3 oldest because I think it has such a strong message about working towards goals, dreams and learning.

We went to see a movie today. My darling daughters decided I needed to see this-http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/bedtimestories/ . It was very funny but now I remember why I don't go to movies much.

We have a wonderful tradition in our family started many years ago by Mom. She started making a homemade ornament for every member of the family. As Mom got older, she decided to let us take over. We have shared some wonderful ornaments and look forward to continuing the tradition for many generations. This year Lisa made ornaments similar to one of Mom's first one and put a sweet tag on each of them to remind us of Mom and what she started. This little crocheted stocking was also one of her first ornaments as well as the beaded icicle below. Thanks Mom for a wonderful tradition.

It's back to work tomorrow and then a couple of days off next week. I may try to go up to Vernon if the weather holds off for a day or two. Actually one of the best things about the holiday weeks is the lack of traffic. Hip, Hip, Hooray!

Logann's Birthday

You have a Birthday, Shout Hooray! You are 18 years old today and I still think of you as that little 5 year old in the photos.

We'll celebrate tonight! I cannot believe the time has gone this fast and that soon you will be "on your own". We love you.

Ish Correction

The genuis and resident authority just explained to me that I posted the wrong image for the So American species. Sorry about that.

This is the Ishkabibble.

Ishkabibbles-background and documentation

Ishkabibbles (as referred to in my previous post) are the creatures that now have found refuge in the valleys of the cattle guards. The ones that I am most familiar with dwell in the mountain ranges of northeastern Arizona, the White Mountains. Because our family has been very careful to protect the species, I would venture to say that we probably have the highest population of these creatures on any on the several Nicoll-Naegle properties.

As stated in the carefully documented research provided recently by Kevin Nicoll, (doctorate in crap folklore, tasteful, tactful and dedicated artist of the strange things he sees in the shadows of his mind) posted here, we are not sure where our conservatory had its beginnings. Was it 1st, second or third generation (of AZ Ranchers) that taught us the careful rules of protecting these precious beings? We will never know, but it is what it is.

You will notice that due to the fact that I now live closer to the border (again-thanks for reminding me of that, Marla) than most of the family, I use the true South American spelling of the is creatures name.

I do wonder though if the new and glorious president-elect (with all of his heaven-sent, glorified and annointed powers) would consider helping our plight by placing these wonderful creatures that guard our cattleguards on the endangered species list.

You decide. Just remember though, every ishkabibble you save from extinction helps put a star in you crown. Mom must have a full crown because she is the one that taught us how to do it.

We've Moved!

Kicking and screaming all the way, it is just about completed.

Shawn has worked so hard to move all of us. I admire him so much and appreciate everything he does. He is always willing to help his family and friends when they need anything done and because of his work schedule, he's available more than a lot of men. He is one of those special men that don't come along too often-kind of a renaissance (hope I spelled that right) man. And I am especially greatful for the kind and loving way he treats my daughter.

In fact, I am really a blessed woman because I actually have 2 wonderful sons-in-law. Kelly and his brother and dad came out to our new house last week and created a wonderful sewing room for me. Lisa brought her kids out and painted the room for me and an extra hand for moving. I really appreciate this wonderful gift from Kelly and his family. The new room really big but have no fear--I will run out of room soon.

Oh, and a special thank you to Kelly's mom, Pat for the carpeting. It is perfect for this room.

Did I mention that I am the luckiest mother-in-law/mother/grandmother in the world.

So other than the little issue of adding 25 miles a day to my commute, moving to QC hasn't been too bad. Oh, the other good thing-I have the downstairs bedroom. NO MORE STAIRS!

As soon as I get things sorted a little more, I will post some pictures of the new house, new sewing room and oh yeah-another good thing about being way out here is the wonderful views of the sky. It's almost like being at the ranch because there are no street lights in our neighborhood.

So if you are ever out here, be sure to stop by. It's the 3rd house on the right.

For now though, I will try to determine if the ishcabibbles around here are Northern or Southern.

Congratulations DD2

Yes, that is rain on the windshield in the Valley! Yes, that is DD2 driving!

For those of you close to my family, you will understand what a wonderful event this is. DD2 got her license to operate a vehicle yesterday! We are all very happy for her and for me, her patient and loving husband, her sister and anyone else that has been there for her over the past 22 years (since she turned the legal age to drive.)

Why did it take so long you ask? Well, by the time she turned 16, there was one vehicle and 3 drivers in our family. It was easier for her to just be the passenger. Then she married wonderful husband that continued to be her driver and patiently wait while she did her shopping and errands. I guess you could say we enabled her to continue to be the passenger.

In the next 2 weeks, we will be moving to QC and that means she will have to be able to drive as no one will be availble to do it for her. It is DD2's time. She did it and I am very proud of her. Now she has to learn how to read maps and the big test....the CANYON!