Communism Was Just A Red Herring

I ran to the library to pick up the sequels to a few books. Then I spent much of my time studying for my AT test in January, reading those books, rearranging my music, and playing Uno. Also lots of other games because such is the nature of our family. I did get to know Shennsley better, which has been a pleasure. She fits in well here. 

Good to be home with this crazy kid. 

Tuesday we visited the Grampster himself, sneaking some ice cream in, as per his request. Which he didn't remember. Apparently laughter really is the best medicine because soon after we got there, they were kicking him out for his stellar vitals. He wrecked Greg all day, made a loose commitment to give Derek everything he owns, and pretended to die several times. Love that guy. There are a few things that need to happen before he dies - it's a work in progress man, hold on.

Krempy himself.

I helped marginally with a monster project in the attic during which the Chin crawled around like a troll, Greg got hit in the head with a drill, and Derek worked his near-atrophied muscles. We met up with several other people to clean the church, but it seemed like we weren't wanted - especially since a lady came around replacing trash bags that we had literally just replaced.

Another game of Uno? Please??

Among the games we played (Uno being the most frequent), we pulled out a huge game of HeroScape. In an effort not to 'pull a Kevin', I went on the offense and rapidly got myself killed. Dad also busted out a sweet 8-player (minimum) submarine game. (Appropriate since we live in Groton, submarine capital of the world). Derek, Shan, Xander, and I were on a team and got walloped mainly by dad, their radio tech. But we crushed them in the last round, and so earned back some dignity. It was pretty fun.

What a gem. 

We crashed two of Trevor's basketball games, posters and all. We made up a small part of the crowd, but a large part of the noise. J Money was there, always a pleasure to run into him. Ledyard killed it the first game, and sucked it up the second. But it's aiight. We made sure THE HUTCH knew he was appreciated.

Sibling Bonding: Pulling each other's hai

Saturday I went on a run again before filming the majority of the trailer for our family's new hit TV show, "Son of a Witch". I'll keep you posted on that. It's basically a show about our normal lives, living with our mom, the witch. So, naturally, it's hilarious.

Coming soon to theaters near you...

It was Christmas Eve, so we made Derek and Shannon watch 'Doggy Poo', so they understood all our references to that terrible, terrible movie. And we each opened up a present. Moriah was especially cheerful. Trevor, the dog of the family, was not overly satisfied with his new chew toy.

T Sizzle with his dog toy. 

Christmas. It was a good year for Christmas spoils. Moriah has a new alarm clock and several coloring books. Trevor has a soccer net and some dog toys. Xander gave everyone a jar of fluff and got himself some snow pants that will fit him 12" and 200 lbs in the future. Greg got some shirts. Derek and Shannon are going to see "Cats" on Broadway. Isabelle got a free makeup lesson with Shennsley herself. Lavinia got some ugly petshops. Hannah got a large calendar and a fluffy blanket. Mom got some crazy heels from the Dadso. The Chin got a mug with funny pictures of himself and a bottle of Sunny D (his least favorite) disguised as normal OJ.

Rolls were thrown, fun was had.

And we all got to sit down together and watch Clue and skype Kevin. I mean Elder Hutchins. If you're wondering, he loves Jesus and the Hmong folk, and his mission. Send him an email at kevin.s.hutchins@myldsmail.net and give him some Christmas cheer.

What a cute little bugger. I mean...Elder.

And here's a nostalgic poem I wrote:

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through Hutchville

Every grubnug was stirring, not a mugworm was still.

Stockings flung 'neath the tree just like ten ugly socks

Burts bees chapstick for all, and a cereal box.

The older kids snuggled, all freezing downstairs

Interrupting Goosebumps with stories to share

While the middle kids schemed and plotted above

Unaware of the traps constructed with love. 

At half-past midnight, there arose quite the clatter

Most just laughed to themselves they hear the traps scatter

Away down the stairs, the kids creeped until - BASH!

They ran and got stuck on the hall's clear tape sash.

Distracted by windows of eight-feet tall snow,

Xander hit a trip wire, and Trevor screamed, NO!

When, what to their ogling eyes should fall down,

But every ball in the house, hitting them, then the ground.

There were more traps to be tried, but 'fore the eyes of the looters

The Chin spun in his chair, rolling from the computers. 

More rapid than eagles, his commands, they came

Then he muttered, "Sassafrass" and he called them by name!

"Now Hannah! Now, Xander! Now, Isabelle, Kev!

Back to bed, Moriah! Back to sleep you get, Trev!

To the top of the stairs! To the highest of floors!

Now dash away! Dash away! And not a single breath more!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, 

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top, the children, they begin

Climbing up to their rooms, and away from the Chin.

All then remained calm until six, when - Kaput.

Once again began the prancing of each little foot. 

This time from below, with nary a sound,

As up the stairs, the older kids raced in a bound.

All wrapped up in blankets, from their feet to their heads,

Muffling the noise as they came from their beds.

The four creaked open, leaving the cup tower in tact

They analyzed the route, before heading back.

Their eyes, how they twinkled as they signaled their plan,

Making sure that none of them could misunderstand.

Back down the stairs, still blankets in tow,

As to the garage they started to go. 

The three flew through the storage, as quick as a dove

Thinking only of sights that awaited above.

Up the secret back stairs, they started to scope

To see if this route would confirm all their hopes. 

Ensuring the house had its trickeries capped, 

The dad had left this entrance completely untrapped.

And so they had bypassed their noise-making doom

In preference of a more simple entry to the room.

They spoke not a word, but went straight to their chairs

Enjoying each other and the ambiance there.

They just sat there in silence, near the dimly-lit tree

Soaking in all the Christmas that filled them with glee.

Then down sprang the rest of the whole motley crew

Causing a scene with a shout and a hullaballoo.

Taking time to remember Christ before gifts would appear

The ultimate gift, to keep with us all year. 

The selfless sacrifice performed by the Son

That allows us to be clean, each and every one

His example that shines as a beacon so clear,

His love and comfort that dissipates fear.

May we emulate Him in service-filled days,

May we obey the Lord, and be more free with praise,

May we follow his Spirit, and be this world's lights.

Merry Christmas to all, and a wonderful night.