Last Minute Gift Ideas!

So you are down to the last few gifts you need to buy and you haven't a clue as to what to get for someone? Country Roads may have just the answer for you! Vintage signs are such great gifts? Why, because they are unique, and different, and they are vintage! I thought you might like to see a few of the one of a kind advertising signs that are currently at Country Road right now for you!








I love giving gifts at Christmas that are different and unique! I enjoy putting "thought" into my gifts. And if these signs above don't tempt you stop by Country Roads to finish up your holiday shopping, you have to know we have about 10,000 square feet more of wonderful gifts just waiting for you to purchase! Happy Holidays!

The Smallest of Christmas Angels

I had a different post planned for this morning. As I was getting dressed for work, Bryce texted me and told me that his friend Matt's little girl died last night. Bryce and Matt have been bestfriends since junior high school. They have both gotten into trouble together many times. Bryce has always kind of stood up for Matt as there were times Matt wouldn't do the smartest of things. Like the time he picked a fight with three guys twice his size. Bryce went to Matt's rescue that time as he has done many times in the past. It's been wonderful these past few years to see both Bryce and Matt finally grow up!

Matt and his wife's baby was just a few months older than Bryce's little baby, Morgan. Funny how they both had girls so close in age. Sadly, Matt's daughter was born with muscular dystrophy and she wasn't expected to live past the age of two. That is a huge thing to handle for parents so young. The baby has been in the hospital the past few weeks and not doing well. And sadly, this little angel lost her life here last night.

I'm never quite sure of the "whys" when I hear these things. I know for my son it has to be very difficult especially since Morgan and Matt's little girls were so close in age. Two knuckleheaded boys, my son and Matt, grow up to be dad's and it's such wonderful thing to see.I think of Frank, Matt's own dad. As our boys grew up together Frank and I always talked and worked our way through the headaches that both Matt and Bryce had caused. And to watch our boys grow up to be dad's has been the best thing anyone could ask for.

This holiday season, please remember it isn't about the gifts, the malls, and all the other crazy things we put ourselves through. It is about the people in our lives, not the things. When Friday finally arrives, Christmas, please be grateful for those that you spend that time with. And as I get ready to go to work this morning, it will be with a heavy heart. I know there must have been a shortage of Christmas angels this year, and a very special little girl just became one!

Baby Jesus Is Missing!!

"The statues of Mary and Joseph hover over the empty space where the baby Jesus once rested in the Nativity scene in Plaza Park inside the Orange traffic circle" E.W. Fields, OC Register
Old Towne Orange is this awesome little Old Towne area. I've been down here almost years now at Country Roads! And even though we've got Chapman University here we still get a lot of "Andy of Mayberry" stuff that happens. So, as I write this blog post, please know I don't mean to offend anyone, but how can you not see the humor in the disappearance of the cement Baby Jesus? Brande and I laugh because it seems Baby Jesus gets stolen every so often. I remember one year when a drunk driver drove right through the middle of the nativity seen and wiped it out. I think the time has come for someone to donate a GPS tracking system for Baby Jesus! I really don't think stealing baby Jesus is exactly good karma for anyone! If you've seen Baby Jesus, please let the Orange PD know! Below is the article that the OC Register wrote about the disappearance of Baby Jesus.

Old Towne: Jesus is missing
December 18th, 2009, 3:52 pm · 45 Comments · posted by EUGENE W. FIELDS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A statue of baby Jesus was stolen from the Nativity scene in Plaza Park.

Mayor Carolyn Cavecche, who for more than 10 years has been part of the community group that sets up and takes down the scene depicting Christ’s birth, noticed the baby was missing.

“I was driving through the Plaza and out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a bare spot,” Cavecche said Friday. “We checked and, sure enough, there was a missing baby Jesus.”


The Nativity scene, in the park inside the traffic circle, consisted of a manger with statues of Mary and Joseph near the baby. Outside the manger are three wise men and two sheep. The mayor noticed Jesus was missing Wednesday afternoon.

The statue is approximately 30 inches long and 18 inches wide, weighing 10 pounds. It is valued at $400.

Sgt. Dan Adams said that wires securing baby Jesus were cut.

“You wonder what kind of person does this either as a prank or as a statement the week before Christmas,” the mayor said. “If this was just a prank, they can return it no-questions-asked to Orange Realty. We’d really like to get this one back.”

Realtor Dan Slater was one of the original volunteers to set up and take down the Nativity scene in 1999. Volunteers hope someone has a baby Jesus that can be used this year in the scene.

“It won’t be the same, but something is better than nothing,” Slater said.

Cavecche said all of the figures were special ordered from a company in Minnesota, and a replacement would not arrive in time this year.

This is the third time the statue of the infant Christ had to be replaced; it is the second time one was stolen.

“It was stolen in 2000,” the mayor said. “Our security system wasn’t as advanced and someone stole baby Jesus and we found him smashed in the downtown Plaza area.”

Three years ago, the entire Nativity scene was smashed by a drunken driver during a police pursuit. “The car hit it and just completely blew up the Nativity scene,” Cavecche said. “We were picking pieces up all over the streets and the Plaza. …

“We’ll have to try to make due this year,” Cavecche said. “If we don’t get this one back, we’ll have to try to order another piece.”

Last year, a menorah placed inside the traffic circle was stolen before the beginning of Hanukkah. The one there now was to be secured to a foundation to thwart thieves.

Slater said the fund for maintenance of the Nativity scene has $33 left in it. Anyone wishing to donate to the fund can send a check payable to Orange Nativity to the Orange Realty office, at 1537 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, Ca. 92866.

Police are asking anyone with information about the theft to call Detective Simone Mueller at 714-744-7578.
An update to the "Baby Jesus is Missing" theft. Riley came to work with us today and Brande and Riley walked down to the crime scene to check it out. And to Riley's disappointment, Baby Jesus was still missing. Hopefully someone just "borrowed" him and will return him soon!!

Why Did I Listen to Her?

I would do ANYTHING for this little girl. Look at that face, how could I not? And for my other little girl, Katie, I would probably do just about anything for her as well, as I did last night. Yesterday was Katie's birthday and she wanted to go to Disneyland because SoCal pass holders get "Disney Dollars" which I think is like $72. When we ended up parking on the top of the four story parking structure, I should have known better, why did I listen to her? After all, it's a week before Christmas and the last day for SoCal pass holders. Katie wanted to have her birthday dinner at the Blue Bayou and then we were off to "It's A Small World". You know, crowds don't bother me and I'm pretty patient, but it was totally crazy over there! Just to get in line, people walking in every direction was enough for me. If it wasn't for Riley, I would have left, but I'm glad I didn't. It was a long wait, and poor Riley was so tired. Look at her little eyes, they tell the story, as my eyes must have looked the same way. But once it was our turn to climb in the boat and celebrate "It's a Small World" decorated for the holidays, everything turns to magic. And there is nothing better than seeing and feeling that magic through the eyes of a child! I had to laugh as we neared the end of the ride. All that "Small World" singing even got to Riley a little bit as she covered her ears. Sometimes, even when you shouldn't listen to "her", the memories you take home with you make it all worthwhile!

Happy Birthday Katie!

Katie was born 28 years ago today! How did she get to be 28 so fast? When Katie was born, the Woman's Auxiliary Club at Long Beach Community Hospital sent the babies home in Christmas stockings. There was my new baby, "Katie Noel" next to our Christmas tree. And in "a blink of the eye" here we were for Katie's first birthday. That year seemed to have flown by! And once again, in the blink of an eye, Katie was two years old, and now our family had grown with the addition of her baby brother Bryce born in October right before Katie turned two. What was I thinking? And on this birthday, Katie became middle child. Not always the easiest place to be in a family, just ask her! And when I look back, all of those birthdays seemed to pick up speed as my little baby was becoming a little girl and more independent each day. My kids were always close, partly because they are close in age, and partly because we were and are truly a family. Katie's birthdays went from tricycles, to bicycles, to the teenage years and then a car. All, once again in a blink of the eye! Before my eyes, "Katie Baby" as we use to call her, is all grown up with a baby of her own! Oh, how I wish I could have slowed those years down and enjoyed them more. But the funny thing about life and aging is that as I get older, I enjoy and appreciate my kids even more these days as I watch them grow up and have babies of their own. So on this special day, I have lots of fond memories and am very thankful I still get to celebrate Katie's birthday with her today! Not everyone is as blessed as I am, and I never ever forget that. As I write this post I keep thinking about the song Zach Gill sings, "you watch'em grow, and then one day you let them go". I'm just happy mine didn't "go" too far! Happy Birthday Katie.

White Wednesday

The time is flying and Christmas is almost here. This "White Wednesday" I have gift suggestions for everyone. I don't know how many of you are like me, but I have a big flat screen tv in my family room and I hate looking at it. The rest of the house is filled with antique & vintage furniture and collectibles, and then there is the tv! This is an old built-in white cupboard that I sold this past Sunday. The girl that bought it is going to take out the shelves and put her tv in it. And what was super cool about this particular old built in is that the girl also wanted to store her wine collection in the cupboard that she was buying to hide the tv. When you open the left narrow cupboard door, it has the old wire shelves. They use to call them the "California Coolers" since they were built into the the old California bungalows and sat between the floors of the house. And what was really weird, an hour after the cupboard above sold, I had another couple come in looking for a cabinet or cupboard to hide their tv! They were looking at the one above to put their tv in. There was a little concern about the clear glass since you would still be able to see the tv. I suggested some old bark cloth as one way to get the tv hidden. They are thinking about this piece, and I swear, if my tv would fit it would have gone home with me! That is what I love best about the old white stuff, you can use it in your homes today, not just as a "collectible" but as a functional piece. I hope you all have a chance to stop by and visit Kathleen who is our gracious hostess of "White Wednesday". And as I always say, there are some wonder photos and blogs to go visit on her side bar. Happy Holidays to you all!!

Christmas Past, Way Past!!

One of my favorite things to pull out each and every Christmas is all the old Santa photos. I have the ones taken when I was a little kid, all the way up to this years photo of Riley with Santa at Disneyland. As you might guess, the first photo was of me. And now my sister, who is three years younger than me, began to appear in "my" Santa photos! No matter how many Christmas' pass, there is just something magical about kids, Christmas and Santa Claus! It is my favorite time of the year!

Steppin' Up Our Game

While many other small businesses this past year have sat and whined, "business isn't what it use to be", Country Roads has just worked harder at steppin up our game! We don't believe in "negativity"! I know that I wouldn't enjoy shopping in a store that was filled with negative vibes. Our Country Roads family stays focused on the positive. I should warn you though, that you might also be exposed to a lot of laughter when you come in the door, as we enjoy laughing. But through the laughter, we always try to greet you. Also, you may be exposed to occasional screams, like this past Saturday when Bryce checked the rat trap. Apparently some poor rat had been "smashed" in the trap. And you all know what happens when the "boys" show the "girls" the dead rodent. In this case, it was Katie's loud screeches. The joys of working with your family. On a serious note, all of our customers really do matter to us. If you don't have customer service, in my opinion, then you don't have a business. We all need to know we are appreciated, especially in business! And our customers mean the world to us, they truly are the best. Please know how much myself, my kids, and my Country Roads family appreciate all of you that visit us at the store, or visit us on this blog. You are all wonderful people. And we hope you have a great holiday season. In case you are wondering, that awesome vintage "Santa sign" above is for sale! The the photos above are pictures of "my boy Bryce's" displays from his spaces here at Country Roads! And yes, all of that great stuff is for sale too. Happy holidays and please know as 2010 rolls around, we will still be working hard on steppin up our game!!

Touched By An Angel

A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog post called Thanksgiving Thoughts about my friend Cheryl. And if the link doesn't work sense I'm "linked challenged" you may just have to go back to the post on 11/24/09. That day I just sat down and wrote from my heart because I was sincerely heartbroken by everything that Cheryl and her husband Dan were going through. I wrote the post because I needed to get those feelings out. I never realized that an actual angel would touch us all in such a special way!! I received this email this morning from my friend Cheryl.

Dear Sue,
Thanks to Debra Oliver it helped me return to visit Dan in a very depressing convalescent home in Santa Ana, named St. Edna's. He looks ok. Lost about 30 pounds. In 38 years never saw him so thin. Not a good way to lose weight. Sent Debra a beautiful thank you card and told her how much we appreciated the money and prayers. Being touched by this angel was fantastic and I believe in the goodness and heartfelt caring of people in this country. Dan should be released early next year. He is very sad and weepy and loved seeing our daughter, Vanessa and our 2 grandkids: Hayley and Jason. The home was not far from his storage space where we put some of his stuff so it can be brought to him by his business partner. We dropped by Country Roads on Friday afternoon and picked up the tags. Wanted to say "hi" and showed Carol and Yessy picture of Dan. Whenever I return, I hope to drop by to see all you wonderful folks . Have a Merry Christmas from our family to yours.
Thankfully and warmly,
Cheryl
Debra and Cheryl have never met, yet they touched each others hearts in a way that neither of them will ever forget. Debra had read the Thanksgiving blog post and her and her husband reached out to Cheryl and her family after reading it and sent them a very generous check. They both touched my heart as well, just as Cheryl & Dan had touched me so much that I needed to write that blog post. If you want to see how Debra became an angel, go here . There are so many good people in this world of ours. I think sometimes these people get overlooked because of all the other stuff the daily news focuses on! Enough of Tiger already! I wish there would be a news channel that just ran positive and good stories each day. When my kids were young, I helped them "learn and care" about others. The other day Riley and I were going to the grocery store and the Salvation Army's little red bucket was hanging there. I had given her some dollars to put in the bucket and tried to explain to her how this money would help others. She dropped the money in the bucket, and looked up at me with those big blue eyes, and smiled and said, "this will help some other people that need help, right Gramma"? Start growing those angel wings on your little ones now, and they just may grow-up to be Debra Oliver!

The Simplicity of Christmas

Yesterday as I ran around trying to finish up my Christmas shopping I picked up a few poinsettia plants while I was out. I love their beautiful red color. A couple of pieces of the plants had broken off on my journey home. I picked them up, and went inside my house. I pulled out an old, simple pewter vase I have and stuck them in it. As I looked at the flowers, it reminded me of how much the "simple" things mean in our lives, especially during the holiday season. My favorite holiday decorations in my home are the "simple" ones that have so much meaning to me. Each year, I display my kids hand prints that they made when they were small in pre-school for Christmas gifts. It fills my heart with happiness and love. The simple stuff. This year is especially a good time to remember the meaning of the simplicity of Christmas!
"A truly great man never puts away the simplicity of a child"
Chinese Proverb