Rockin Around the Christmas Tree

One thing that is kind of nice when your family is so close by is that you have spontaneous get togethers. Take last night for example. I don't have the patience to decorate the Christmas tree. I remember being a little kid and having to hang those icicles that came in a box on our tree. When my folks would turn their back, I would take a handful of that shiny mess and just throw it on the tree! Yes, I was not a good child! Bryce, on the other hand, is very patient when it comes to not only decorating the Christmas tree, but decorating in general. Uncle Bryce is also very patient with Riley, who adores him!Bryce and Riley are ready to begin!
Sadly Morgan was only able to "point & direct" this year, but wait till next year.
The decorating continues and their was no crying with my grandbabies, no arguing with my big babies!!"We did a good job Uncle Bryce".As you can tell, Morgan wasn't all that excited trying on Katie's hat!
"You did a good job Daddy" and yes, it was one of "those" nights that make me very grateful for my family!

White Wednesday

This "White Wednesday" once again finds me at my store, Country Roads! Below are just a few pictures of the many I could have posted. It is absolutely awesome to go to "work" and be surrounded by all of these beautiful things that change daily!! Be sure to stop by and visit Kathleen where you will find many, many other great "White Wednesday" photos!





I sincerely hope each of you are enjoying the holiday season. Hard to believe Christmas will be hear in just a little over two weeks! Happy Holidays to you all!

Alameda & My Boy Bryce

This past week-end, Bryce was solo at the Alameda Flea Market. Tim & Lisa decided not to go because of the chance of rain. Bryce, being young, ventured up North on his own, and actually did well. Ever since Bryce was a little boy, he has had, let's call it "an adventurous spirit". So, a little rain or snow was not going to keep him away! Kind of a funny story about his drive to Alameda. Apparently some woman was following him, then motioning for him to pull off the freeway. I'm guessing Bryce probably thought he was losing something out of the back of his truck. Nope, the lady wanted to buy something off the truck and he made a quick $400, and got back on the road! It never did rain, but was pretty cold, and Bryce ended up having a good day in spite of the cold weather. Thankfully, he spent the night at the half way point of the trip home. And even though I told him not to take the Grapevine tjat next morning, but to cut over to the 101 freeway because there was a chance of snow and ice on the Grapevine, Bryce took the Grapevine anyway and got through right before they shut the highway down. It's not always easy being Bryce's mom, but it's not boring either, and "My Boy Bryce" is certainly a daily adventure for me!! But wouldn't trade him for anything!

Country Roads December Eye Candy

It's a cold rainy day here today. So, for those of you that enjoy this weather, I thought I would share some of our holiday displays and other merchandise that is currently on display at Country Roads. Hope you enjoy the pictures, and of course if you see anything you are interested in you can e-mail me or call the store at 714.532.3041!! Hope you all are enjoying this holiday season as much as I am! Take care.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Christmas Trees & Fighter Jets!

Awhile back, Tim had been up in central CA, and was able to collect a bunch of driftwood, which isn't that common like it use to be on our beaches. He told me he was going to make a Christmas tree out of it, and I knew without a doubt it would be awesome. And when I saw it today, it was totally awesome! Tim's imagination never stops working. If you listen to him talk, you can "see" the wheels turning in his head. What a great Christmas tree and a piece of art to have in your home. It sold today and the people were like me, they loved it. Today was a cold, cold day for SoCal. I dug out my Uggs and when I got to work, inside was only 61 degrees! After a busy day at work, I just wanted to go home and get warm. Katie talked me into going with her, Vinnie and Riley to buy our Christmas trees. And when I got there, I was glad I had gone. A small lot, great prices on the trees, I got one for my house, and bought one for Brande for her apartment, as you can see as Riley poses with the tree in my kitchen.I've always had Christmas tree each Christmas. I love the smell, the "Christmas tree experience", yes that sounds corny but I do love this time of year. Usually my tree is a bit taller, but this one worked out just fine! So, after Riley, Katie, and Vinnie leave, I hear this REALLY loud jet getting louder and louder to the point of being scary! Justine comes out of her room and asks, "what was that". I told her I thought it was one of those fighter jets that sometimes fly out of Los Alamitos Air Base. We had gone outside to look when the second one approached. Low, straight over the house and SO loud that we seriously had to put fingers in our ears! I'm kind of a geek when it comes to planes, the C-17's, and all that. So, after the fear left my body and I watched that jet fly so fast over our heads, it truly was awesome! You know, I've always known I think a bit "different" than others, maybe that's why I enjoy life. It doesn't take a lot to make me happy. And today, with Christmas trees and fighter jets, it truly was a good day!

Morgan Time

Morgan and I spent the day together this past Thursday. Usually its not just her and I for that long of a time because someone else is usually home. It was nice to have a day with her. Morgan is just learning to sit up, or I should say has been sitting up, but is mastering the skill of that a bit better. Morgan is pretty easy about the other side of sitting up, as in falling down. Maybe she is just use to it? I love when I call Morgan's name and she just lights up like a Christmas tree. Look at that smile! I'm not a big fan on having my picture taken, but this one was taken when I didn't know it until I saw the flash, thanks Bryce! Babies grow so fast, and I am always grateful that I have little Morgan and Riley in my life daily. I couldn't imagine it any other way.

A Day Off

So, today is "my" day off. No little grandbabies to take care of, don't have to go to the store, it is my day off. And how am I spending it, CLEANING! For some reason it doesn't feel like my day off. Maybe if I clean good and fast I can catch a late afternoon movie. I do have to admit though, during the "cleaning process", I hate it. But when it's ALL done, I do feel better, I think? Hope you are having a nicer day off than I am!

IPhone Lessons

This is Morgan, almost six months old now. Not sure where the time goes these days? Her mommy, Justine, is on her iphone all the time as is Riley's mommy, Katie. Last night Riley decided to teach Morgan all about using the iphone, which I must say, Riley is very good at!



Morgan decided she was just as happy with her book! Make me wonder what will cell phones be like when "my girls" are teenagers, or will there even be cell phones with today's technology? For now, I'll just enjoy the simple moments like last night, I always treasure those the most!

White Wednesday

For this "White Wednesday" I was thinking of sharing some holiday, wintery, whites. There is a chill in the air and it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!







I hope this "White Wednesday" finds everyone warm, happy, and at peace. I love this time of year, something special about it. Be sure to go visit Kathleen who hosts "White Wednesdays" for everyone. And again, if you have some time look at some of the great blogs she has listed to visit for "White Wednesday", they are amazing! Happy Holidays.

We're Almost There!

YES!! we made it! Here it is, December 1st,2009 which means we only have 31 days left of this year!! And I'm sure there are a few of you out there that will raise your hand and say, "yes this year hasn't quite been a picnic in the park"! But even in trying times, and I've had my share as I'm sure everyone else has as well, it's wonderful for me to be able to remember the great things about this year. And there have been many. I have a new grandbaby Morgan, Riley turned three in August, my family is all healthy and have a roof over our heads, wonderful friends, and a great business that I love with great customers, so I'm not complaining. I'm just looking forward to a fresh start, meaning January 1st, 2010, bring it on!!And what else will happen in about 31 days from today? It's time for Country Roads biggest & best sale of the year, "I'd Rather Shop Than Watch Football Sale"! On January 1st, for six hours only, from 10am to 4pm, Country Roads will have a huge, big ass sale! If you have shopped this sale before, you know what I'm talking about, it's awesome. make sure there is gas in the car. . . or saddle up the mule with some extra empty bags. . . it will be a happy, joyous day for all! Help us kick out 09 and bring in a wonderful brand new beginning with 2010!