Beautiful Christmas Music

Here is my new favorite Christmas video.  Mary, Did You Know?
They are called Pentatonix.  An awesome a capella group.

Who needs instruments when you are this talented!!!
Merry Christmas
With Love From Charlene

Family Nativity Night and Dinner

Merry Christmas our beloved family!!!!  

I am looking forward to the season; the Christmas cards, the special traditions, the yummy food and the family time. 

 

The last few years we have gathered those who can come to act out the nativity, narrated by Gramma and Grandpa. Come join if you can. Please shoot me a msg if you are so we are sure to have enough food :)  Bring some goodies if you are able.  We plan to have soup and homemade mac n cheese with buns as people arrive.

Monday December 1st 2014 @ 5:30pm (or when you can)

Gramma & Grandpa Hudkins Place

2013

  
2012

You totally want to come!!!! It is a great way to start the season.

Love Jenny

A Bridal Shower

Hey family! I just wanted to make sure EVERYONE was invited to Emma's bridal shower. 

Saturday, December 6, 2014 

7:00pm 

at the Stannix Home

The address and RSVP are on the invite below! Hope to see you all there!

Love,

Addie

SOME NEW FALL FAMILY PICS

Here are some family pictures taken on labour day long weekend by a talented friend of the girls in Fort Sask

The oldies & the littles

Cartwrights

Birds

Polischuks

 

The Originals

Guys!

Girls!

Miss Neely Jane at almost 17 months...
Can you tell she thought it was so much fun?

              This pose was called the "Grumpy Dad Face"!!!

Enjoy,
Charlene

Here is a little Mormon Tabernacle Choir for your enjoyment...

This is a great way to spend a half hour - hosted by Tom Brokaw.
Enjoy!
Auntie Charlene

Chocolate Making Time Again

 Anyone interested in making chocolates again this year?

Saturday November 8th

Gramma & Grandpa's House

Adults only (babes in arms)

Leave a msg here or be in touch with Gramma or Jenny if you plan to come :)

All Grown Up ;)

Hey everyone! It's your little cousin / niece / grandkid Emma! Here is some exciting news for you all.............I'M ENGAGED! Yep. Ryan popped the question at Elbow Falls on September 2nd and I decided that getting married to him wouldn't be so bad so I SAID YES ;) We also asked Grandpa if he would seal us in the Calgary temple and HE SAID YES! So that's pretty cool. We haven't finalized a date yet, but will be sure to keep you updated on everything! And of course, you know me, here are some pictures for you:

 

Love, Ryan Bass & Emma HUDKINS

(Just typing that last name out as much as possible. I'm going to miss it a little) 

 

 

 

Maybe I will type the whole story out for ya'll, or maybe start my own blog to do that. But long story short, this is the kinder surprise that the ring was in. And it was so crushed that I wanted to take a picture of it.. so I held it over top of the water fall and took one.. You can imagine the look on Ryan's face :$

Reunion Joy

I asked Grandpa what to say about the reunion, he said "it was fun!"  I asked him again, "was he serious?" and he said "it was great to see everyone, to have everyone together".


We are only sorry that so many had to work and were not able to make it. We feel that coming together like this is very important because knowing your roots and family stories helps to weather the storms in life.


We are really proud of each of you and are delighted that you enjoy getting together. You are always in our prayers!  It is our prayer that our family will always be cohesive and support each other in our various endeavors.


We are looking forward to seeing reunion pictures ON THE FAMILY BLOG please! login: hudkinsfamily pw: grandmagrandpa  We just don't do Facebook.


We love you all very much.
Love Gramma & Grandpa


PS Thank you to Charlene for organizing and to all who helped with children, meals, activities, projects, set up and clean up.

REUNION REMINDER...LAST ONE!

Arrive - Friday, August 1st any time after noon and breaking camp Monday, August 4th after noon.
Anyone without small children who could stay and help with clean up would be great...

Things to remember:

• campsites do not have any hookups - you will need your own light and water
• we are only supplying two meals daily so bring a cooler with extras for your family
• bring any outdoor and indoor games/activities you have
• donations for hygiene kits-still need small deoderants, dark socks & kleenexes
• most important - something for the snack/sharing table (home-made or store-bought)

DIRECTIONS:
On Yellowhead - Hwy 16 West take the Wabamun ramp exit #324 (approx 45 min. west of Edmonton) turn RIGHT going North 3.1 km to Twp 534 turn LEFT go 1.6 km to RR 42 turn RIGHT at the brown house go 2.4 km NORTH (you are on gravel now) and watch for the sign "Back to the Woods" on the right.
If you have any questions, Google Back to the Woods Alberta and see it all for yourself.

See you all there!!!
Auntie Charlene

BBQ Reception for Trisha and Nick

Trish Clarke & Nick Moran                                                                              A Barbeque Reception

Saturday, August 9,  2014

6:00 P.M. until the fire dies down

817 Blacklock Way

780-909-1616

Join us in a celebration of the marriage of Nick and Trish Moran which took place on May 19, 2014, in Las Vegas.  It will be an informal evening of games and a BBQ with lots of fun and laughter.  Bring your own chair to enjoy around the fire pit.

 

COUNTDOWN 'til FUN!!!

Hi Everyone!
Less than two weeks to  REUNION  TIME!  YAHOO!!
We do need a COUNT - to plan for food..
Please rsvp with numbers so we can grocery shop effectively.


3 ways to respond:
   1.  comment on this blogpost
   2.  email Charlene - hinkos@telus.net
   3.  text my cell - 780.881.4888
Please do not go to my facebook account as I do not do the face book thing...


Watch next week on the blog for a map to the reunion site.


Love, Charlene

the hinkos hangout

A big hello from the Hinko clan!!!!  We hit up WEM Water Park and thought we would share an updated picture.  The reunion is fast approaching and we can't wait to get together with you all.

Much Love

~ Hinko Family

for Gramma

I thought that this was rather interesting, especially how "what we see is affected by our memories, our feelings, and what we've seen before."

 Gramma we sure do love you!!!!!

HUGS ~ Jenny

HYGIENE KITS

I've had a couple of questions regarding what to buy/bring to put in the hygiene kits so here is a list, followed by what we already have...


1. SOAP (individually wrapped bars) - have 36 already
2. FACECLOTHS - have 32 - please bring pre-washed
3. TOOTHBRUSHES - individually wrapped - Who is willing to approach their dentist for a case?
4. TOOTHBRUSH COVERS - (to keep them clean and reusable)
5. TOOTHPASTE - have 26 so far
6. SHAMPOO - have 48 now.
7. DEODERANT - both mens and ladies - travel size please
8. COMBS (for the men) and/or BRUSHES (for the ladies) nice ones for cheap at loonie store
9. SOCKS - need both mens and ladies - not white please
10. TISSUE
11. GUM?


They will also take disposable razors and womens hygiene products, but hand those out separately.


Large ziploc baggies will be provided


Last time I believe we did about 40 and on very short notice.  I'm hoping for 60!


*Also, I haven't heard from anyone regarding the 4 motel-type units.  Please let me know a.s.a.p. or you may find yourself s.o.l.!!!


Auntie Charlene xo

Some LOVE for the Birds

Little Jacey Bird is currently in the Stollery and I want to gather a few 'happy thoughts' for Alyson, Jacey, Jon and Neely. Jacey is has been sick for two weeks so her doc admitted her to pump her with floods and figure stuff out, they will be there until at least early next week. Soooooooo please finish one/any/all of the sentences and leave a comment or send me a Facebook message! Nothing long, just short and sweet. I'm creating a paper chain for them to put in their hospital room. Thanks!!!

Jacey is....
Alyson is...
Jon is...
Neely is...
The Birds are...

Love Jenny

Nicholas&Trisha's Wedding Video

Hi Everyone!

For those who don't know, Nicholas and Trisha (Clarke) were married in May. Trisha asked if we would put a link on the blog to her wedding video in case anyone was interested. Click HERE to view it.

Love to all!

Countdown to Reunion Fun!

     Less than two months to reunion time.  Hope everyone has booked their time off for the long weekend of August 1-4th.  We will be at "Back to the Woods" again.  Thought it would be good to post a tentative schedule/menu to help us all to plan better!
     The biggest change this time with regards to food is that we will only be planning two meals a day as a group.  Some of us found we were in the kitchen most of the weekend and just finished cleaning up one meal only to start another.  So, I asked around our ward about how other families do reunion food and came up with the following:  We will be having "Brunch" at 10 am and "Supper" at 5 pm.  This means that you will have to bring your own lunch stuff and if you have small children who rise early or have diabetes (grampa) and can't wait, plan to bring some granola bars for breakfast.  We will see how this works this time...




Friday, 1 August
     noonish - arrive and set up camp
     5-7 pm  - Supper:  Hot Dog Bar
     evening - visiting


Saturday, 2 August
     10 am - Pancake Breakfast - Brent & Rocky family
     morning - Family Tree Craft Activity
     afternoon - Preparedness Demo - Sylvia
                        lots of visiting and playing - softball anyone
     5 pm - Supper:  ham, potatoe casserole and beans
     evening - Family Meeting to discuss next reunion and figure out charges - bring money hunny!
                     games and fun


Sunday, 3 August
     10 am - Omelette in a Bag - Garth & Janene family
     morning - Devotional - Gramma & Grampa - Poland Pilgimege
     afternoon - Hygiene Kits for the Homeless
     5 pm - Supper:  Barbequed Hamburgers


Monday, 4 August
     10 am brunch - muffins, fruit and yogurt
      clean-up and break camp




Hope this helps - more to follow in a couple weeks.  Are you getting exited because I sure am!
Looking forward to seeing everyone...
Auntie Charlene
    
                      

The Hudkins surprise!

Hi there,
Reporting from Grande Prairie, Alberta. We have a huge announcement to make! Everyone listen up!
As you may have noticed from our last post, we have been patiently (sometimes impatiently) awaiting the arrival of a beautiful wee package and SHE arrived on May 27 at 12:52am surprising us all with her bright, blonde full head of hair, the fact that she is in fact a SHE, and coming in at a whopping 9lbs 7oz! She is doing well.  Peaceful, bright eyed little girl, and her Mommy and I are smitten and falling more and more in love each day.
Introducing: Lucienne Mackenzy Ann Hudkins!

About 5 minutes after she was born, Daddy's so in love.

Fresh baby Lucie.

Snuggles with Mommy.

Daddy, Baby Lucie and her cousins.

 

Cuddle time with Daddy.

Snuggles.

Snuggle with Ma-Ha

Lucie and Suzie's Mommy

Family Reunion Update

                                                                     

Just a reminder to start getting excited for the Hudkins 2014 Reunion!!! 

AUGUST 1ST Friday - 4TH Monday

Back to the Woods Camp

 We can arrive anytime after noon on Friday 1st of August and as we voted to have an extra day, we have it booked until Monday 4 August until 3 p.m. 

 Their rates are $325 per night which includes everything except the 4 motel type units.  If you need one of those, let me know.  (They are $25 per night if you bring your own bedding or $35 per night if you wish to use theirs)  

Bring a camper/tent if you can!

More info to follow regarding menu/activities.  

Really need volunteers willing to do final clean-up.  
Looking forward to seeing everyone! 

 

Love Auntie Charlene 

Granola Bars

GRANOLA BARS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13 pan, if squares are too thick for your liking can divide up recipe and cook in 2 - 9x13 pans.

4 cups oats (rolled or quick, or 2 cups of each)
2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 cup wheat germ or wheat bran or oat bran
1 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
1 1/2 cups raisins or chocolate chips or both
1 1/2 tsp salt

Make a well in the center and pour in the following;

1 cup honey or corn syrup
1 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs, beaten
1 Tblesp of vanilla
1/2 cup peanut butter (optional)

Mix well, you may need to use your hands. Pat the mixture into the prepared pan(s). Bake for 30-35 min until the bar begin to turn golden brown at the edges. Cool for 5 minutes then cut into bars while still warm.  Do not let them cool completely or they will be too hard to cut.

A friend gave me this recipe and it is super yummy!!! 

 She wraps each bar in parchment then tapes up and her kids take them to school.

They are almost like a square :)

Enjoy

~ Jenny

Jakeem's Grade 12 Celebration!

Brandon and Barb are pleased to announce 

the graduation of our son Jakeem Jackson from McNally HighSchool,

Class of 2014

Please join us in honouring and celebrating Jakeem's biggest achievement yet!

When: Saturday, June 7,2014 at 5:00 pm

Where: Buffet Royale- 3318 Gateway Blvd

Please RSVP via FaceBook orEmail: RSVPbhb@gmail.com  by June 2, 2014 with the number of guests!

Those's who are able to attend Jakeem's Grade 12 dinner celebration will need to pay for their own meals. 

Buffet pricing includes soft drinks, tea, coffee, all-you-can-eat, and desserts!

Prices:

Adults: $30 plus GST

5- 12 years old: $12.65 plus GST

4 years and under: $6.90 plus GST

2 years and under are free if they do not eat

Bridal Shower

Hi soon-to-be family! 

I wanted to thank everyone who was able to make it out to my bridal shower on Saturday. I was overwhelmed with gifts! Everyone was so generous. It has made my kitchen cupboards full and helped out a lot this week in the kitchen. 

The pizza stone was amazing for the crust. I didn't realize it would make that much of a difference!

The glasses were a fantastic change from mugs everyday. It made me feel like I've actually graduated from student life.

These knives cut like a dream. Prettiest mango I've ever cut!

Thank you for the spices and the jars. The colors look so pretty on display. And we experimented with lemon dill sauce this week. Yum!

I've always been timid to experiment with breads but I used the company's coming bread book and these turned out great!

Thank you all for helping Arland and I get set up. I'm excited to use all of the gifts we were given.  I'm grateful to be marrying into such a wonderful family. Thanks for all the love and support. 

Naomi

CONVERSION STORY

Thanx for the idea Uncle Brent!  Mom & Dad, consider yourself pencilled in for Sunday morning devotional at the reunion this summer. 


Don't forget everyone that it is Reunion Year this summer. 
Don't make any other plans for the long weekend in the middle of the summer!


Two talks that were favorites of mine were Pres. Uchdorf this morning speaking about how gratitude should be part of our very disposition.  It is not just for "things".  Therefore, we can still be grateful even when we are suffering under heavey burdens or going through trials.  Also, Elder Christofferson this afternoon reiterated about how the Lord's justice and mercy will make any injustices, injuries, disabilities, and abuses right through the atonement.  I loved both of these messages!


Auntie Charlene xo

Sunday Afternoon Session

President Boyd K. Packer:   Most things of great worth come only through fasting, prayer and the holy spirit.  An eternal truth: "God loves us. we are his children. He is our Father".  Of all the names he could be known by, he chose FATHER.

Elder William R. Walker: It would benefit your family if we shared our Conversion Story with our family (children/grandchildren).  I especially liked this idea and would like to see us do this at our Family Reunion this year as the Testimony meeting.  Therefore, Charlene could we do this?

Elder L. Tom Perry:  Talked about the Eternal Nature of the Family.  A team of horses must know who is in charge. The LORD is in charge. He knows best. An obedient horse is part of a strong team. Be ready to receive the gentle tug of the Spirit. James 3:3. We must be ready to entirely change our course when the Master gives us a gentle tug. see the 3rd article of faith. He (Elder Perry) challenges us to be faithful through obedience. Obedience is a choice. It is the spiritual bit in our mouth.

Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge:  Opposition, criticism and antagonism are companions to the TRUTH. There will always be a force to oppose it. There will always be an effort to deceive, derail, oppose and frustrate the PLAN of LIFE. The FAMILY is the pattern of heaven.

Elder Michael John U. Teh: The world has a lot to offer. It is critical to learn when we have enough (possessions/money etc). Do we fail to see the folly of our pursuit of those things that are trivial.
The most important things to pursue:  1. The Christlike attributes of Faith, Hope and Charity-become like a little child.  2. Strengthen Family Relations.  3. Service to others.  4. Understand the doctrine of Christ.

Elder Markus A. Aidukaitis: The internet has a lot to offer us. Satan wants to distract us by getting us to wade through garbage (on the internet). ONE SHOULD NOT ROAM THROUGH GARBAGE. Seek for knowledge out of the best books by study and faith. We can find truth by experimenting upon the word itself. God will reveal truth to those who seek it.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson:  The disciples became eyewitnesses of the resurrection of Christ. Because he was resurrected, he had to be a GOD.  An atheist telling a friend upon seeing his late wife "It is she but it is not she. What is the difference if it is not the soul".

President Thomas S. Monson: May we resolve to do better than in the past. May we follow his example. May we constantly nourish our testimonies.



Love to all,

Uncle Brent

Sunday Morning Session

Hey Family! I just wanted to respond to Grandma's invitation and share my thoughts on this session of General Conference. So here is the play by play of things that stood out to me!

- Deiter F Uchtdorf shared about gratitude by mentioning that we should look for ways to be grateful while going through our trials. We shouldn't have gratitude for simply things, but should live a spirit of gratitude continually.

-From Russell Ballards talk I was able to recognize the need to continue to study Preach My Gospel again regularly. I hope that we can all have the opportunity to develop an understanding of the doctrines and principles that are contained within that inspired book.

-In a comparison to preparing for an Olympic four minute competition, Elder Gary Stevenson expressed the importance of using the short time that we have in this life to prepare for eternity. He mentioned that we will reflect on our experiences forever after this life and that the atonement can make up for imperfections in our performance here. I was inspired to recognize the importance of my choices and the effect that they will have in the long run as this life is so short and only lived once.

-Elder Bednar shared with us that obligations and responsibilities should provide spiritual traction to our life through an analogy of a 4 wheel drive pick up truck and a load of fire wood. Through that experience I was able to recognize the importance of covenants and commitments and how help me progress and grow.

-Finally president Monson spoke about compassion and expressed the fact that those around us are real people and should be treated as such through our desire to serve them and the demonstration of genuine Christ like love. He also mentioned that blame keeps wounds open and forgiveness heals. I am thankful for his example and I am more inspired to treat those around me with a love and respect that they deserve.


I am grateful for the prophets and thank you Grandma for sharing your insight.  I hope you all had the opportunity to view some of these sessions and if you haven't yet, they are posted online.

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch?lang=eng&cid=HPTU040114644

Love you all! Thanks for being awesome!

-Arland

Saturday PM Session

Just a few thoughts from the PM Session


*  The only one we can have faith in is The Lord Jesus Christ.
-  Is your faith tied to man or to God?
*  Prayers of faith will help us with daily decisions.


*  Even if everyone is doing it - wrong is never right.
*  Those who face their fears with faith have courage as well.
*  Companion to love is trust.
*  Your testimony of Jesus Christ is a powerful tool.
*  We best serve our Father in Heaven by righteously serving others.  Jesus was our example.
*  To rationalize disobedience does not image God's laws.
*  Do what is right let the consequence follow.
*  Do not lose sight of the Lord's way.
*  The words and purposes of God cannot be frustrated
*  The Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us to treat all people with love and respect even if we disagree.
*  There exists today, a great need for respect. 
*  Families could hold a family tree gathering  (What a fun idea to get together and tell stories about our parents, grandparents and greats and to share pictures) 


Note:  I hope you enjoyed these little thoughts.  Please add more.  Tomorrow we will have a house full of people.  Would  someone else or even a few  of you please share your thoughts on the blog?


Love you,
Gramma

Saturday A.M. Conference Hi-Lites

I decided that I would just jot down some short highlights and things we were asked to do while listening to the conference talks.  Here are some of the things I gleaned from the talks this morning:


*  Live true to the faith.  It is worth it to live the gospel.
*  Defend the faith with courtesy and courage
*  Christ-like love is the greatest need we have on this planet.
*  We all have the opportunity of blessing the lives of others as we share their burden with love and kindness - meeting the needs of someone else.
*  Pornography is vile and evil.  Handheld devices are a major problem.  Counsel with your children with love and understanding.
-  Make a family plan.
-  The Savior has paid the price for our sins.  We must kneel and pray.
*  As the world slips away to the Lord's love of chastity.  We do not.
*  Stand in holy places.  Be not moved.
*  Don't let the whirlwinds of life drag you down.
*  You hold in your hands the happiness of more people than you can imagine.
*  Young children are often more sensitive to the Spirit than we realize. 
*  We have faith, hope and charity to guide us.
And finally:
LET THE LORD BE THE LEADER OF YOUR FAMILY!


Some things I gleaned - Do you have more to add?


We sure love you all.
Gramma & Grampa   

FREE GAS ANYONE?

Don't know what most of you would do for free gas, but these guys really cooked with the karaoke!!!
This five minute video is hilarious...
Auntie Charlene xo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ZNM0ENUCO5I

Bridal Shower

Hey Family! As you all know, Arland and Naomi's big day is approaching in a few months. There will be a bridal shower for her on SATURDAY, APRIL 12 at 6:30PM at the Stannix home. They are registered at Bed Bath and Beyond and Crate and Barrel. If you have any questions leave a comment or call either my Mom or I. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Love, 

Addie