Braeden's Birthday and an Open House

Last Saturday Dana and Kevin had an open house so all their friends and family could see their beautiful new home. It was a huge success, they had lots of visitors. It's been many years since Dana and Laci had their pictures taken with their cousins Jennifer and Julie. I think this is the first time they have all been in a picture with their daughters. Kailey, Courtney, Mackenzi, and Kelsea

After the open house was over Braeden's birthday party started. We had pizza and salad. Then Braeden got to open his gifts. Cake and ice cream soon followed.

The cake was a rocket. It's hard to believe he is going to be 5 years old tomorrow.

He's Back!

Yes, it's true! Bob's Big Boy is finally back in the city of West Covina. We had lunch there yesterday and it was yummy! We are so happy to have a Bob's so close to home.

Not a good day!

Oh yes, it started out really good. I was getting things done around here. I was on a roll, until it was time for my shower. The shower drain was draining a little slow so I called to Jerry to bring in the Zip It, it's a handy dandy little tool that pulls hair out of drains. WELL LET ME TELL YOU....I SHOULD BE BALD! The amount of hair I pulled up was seriously the size of a Guinna Pig, or maybe two of them. One got loose and clogged the drain! I was standing in muck water with a plunger for at least an hour trying to get that little sucker! NOPE! Tomorrow my favorite plumber will be making a housecall! Thank goodness we have our motorhome in the driveway, not only are we sleeping in it, we are showering in it as well!

Our house is upside down! And I don't mean the mortgage

Last week, Tuesday we were supposed to get new carpet in the bedrooms. We thought the installation would go so much more smoothly if we moved all the furniture to the garage, which we did. Then we removed all the old carpet and pad. Jerry installed new baseboards to match the rest of the house.We had done all the other rooms when we got hardwood floors last year. Last Monday is was pouring, like I said, Tuesday was to be the install day. Ken, the carpet guy called Monday night and canceled because of the rain! Well guess what...... we have NO FURNITURE! The bedrooms are empty! So what does one do in this situation? Luckily we have the motor home in the driveway! Again, we are camping out! Oh, and Tuesday's rain....a no show! It was a beautiful day! I guess it wasn't so bad after all, I got the baseboards painted and a fresh coat of paint on my bedroom too. The best part of this story is Tuesday, our new install day, is 2 days away

Merry Christmas!

This morning, by request, we ventured out to Fontana to see what Santa left the kids. First we went to Dana's house. We got to see what Santa left for them.... a skateboard, a scooter, and all the safety gear.
Braeden made sure to show us just how Santa came into their house...
Kelsea showed us how much of the carrots the reindeer ate.

Next we went to Laci's house to drop off her gift from last night (it wouldn't fit into her car with all the car seats) and to see what Santa brought Kenzi and the Bobo brothers...
The boys were playing with a squeaky toy Hurley got and rolling on the floor trying to use the same blankee to suck their thumbs.
Mackenzi was playing in her tent, with her flashlight and a tea set! She was also dancing with her My Size Barbie singing I Know You ( I think it's from Cinderella) Between the dog and Barbie, you almost can't see her.



Oh, and something random....this is what the storm blew onto our street today. It was right out front and across the street from our house. Yes, I know we are at least 40 miles away from the ocean! Yes, it is a Pelican, in West Covina! He was HUGE!

Semi-Wordless Wednesday, Because it's late Wednesday

Okay, maybe just a few words. We had a great time tonight. Dinner was oh so good, hot fudge sundae's were yummy, the presents were all so fun, we played cards while the kids watched Beauty and the Beast Enchanted Christmas. Auntie Laci got on the computer to track Santa...he was in Wisconsin! Braeden was super anxious to leave for home so he wouldn't miss him. So off we went to the kitchen and Nana loaded the kids up with carrots for the reindeer! My little sleepyheads were asleep before the got home, hopefully dreaming of just what Santa will be leaving under their tree!

Wordless Wednesday

Willy, Braeden, and Kelsea

Braeden and Kelsea had a sleepover last night, in the motorhome. We got all warm and cozy in the big bed (queen size), snacked on apples while watching Willy Wonka and the Choclate Factory . The movie was over and sleep soon followed. I had a somewhat restless night, again...it's a queen bed with kids that are very active sleepers great nights sleep , sleeping with two of my favorite kiddos. When the sun came up Kelsea declared "it's morning Nana!" Here's how the conversation went:
Kelsea: it's morning Nana
me: Kelsea, look at the clock and tell me what time it is
Kelsea: fordy one
me: no Kelsea, what is the fisrt number? 6 or7? What does it say?
Kelsea: it says "dood morning!"
You gotta love kids! So up we are watching Willy Wonka, again!

The Mountains, Elves, and Snowmen!

This weekend Jerry and I went to my parents house in the mountains. It was a fun weekend. I went through the garage to go outside.... Look what I found hiding over by the side of the garage. I think Santa must be somewhere in those mountains because I'm sure these were some of his elves playing possum. They were so very still.



We always get to relax, live life a little slower, we welcome the slower pace. Saturday morning it started to snow very lightly. It was so light you had to see the mini flakes falling because the melted before they hit the ground. For something to do we decided to go to the movies. We saw Australia. I thought it was a really good movie, especially since the critics didn't really give it good reviews! Afterwards we went to the local casino . We had dinner then donated a few dollars to the Indians...umm, OK I lost, but only $10.00! Gotta love those penny machines! When we got home after our day out it had hailed a little. The hail looks like DOTS, you know, that cute ice cream in the little balls?.... or those little styrofoam balls inside of cheap stuffed animals.
When we got up this morning the temperature was in the low 20's and the snow/hail was still there. Look what else I found this morning just before we left to come home.....



Ok. I found the snow/hail on the back of the truck and fashioned this little guy , isn't he so cute?


Dad and Kackie, thanks for the weekend. We had a great time! Oh... and as we drove away I think I saw that little guy waving bye and saying don't you cry, I'll be back again someday!

Flashback Friday

This picture was taken at Mom's house on Christmas Eve. Some big guy, kinda looked like brother Tom under all that red I think his name is Santa or something like that, made a stop to see Braeden! He was in awe!
This one is of Grammy Gram, Braeden, and Kelsea dresses in their Christmas jammies.
So we are now going over the Grapevine and through Fresno... To Daddy's and Kackie's house we go...See ya next week.

Hungry Hungry Hippos Doggies

Today Dana and the kids came into town. She went to the kitchen to fix the kids lunch. Our dogs get put on lock down when kids are here because they are ferocious and like to eat small children it's easier and they don't fight over dropped food from the kids. Our dogs are hungry all the time. They have been in some pretty good fights over food. They eat two times a day, am and pm, and any snack they can talk anyone out of throughout the day. Still, they think they are starving!
Some time later I went in the kitchen to find this....While Dana was getting lunch for the kids she left the pantry door open and the hungry fur children of mine decided to explore. Hmmm, I guess flour is considered good food. They tried to deny it but there was too much incriminating evidence. Look at those mug shots!

Wordless Wednesday

Flashback Friday

We were having a 1st birthday party at our house for my nephew Tyler. My brothers John and Tom were posing for a picture with their babies, Kaitlin and Tyler. When I saw them I yelled "wait, let me get my baby too". This picture shows just how far apart our babies are in age! Oh, and don't I wish I was that size again.....ahmm, I mean they were that size again!

Wordless Wednesday

The Elf on the Shelf

Last night I was going through my daily bloghopping and saw the sweetest story ever for Christmas. Angie, over at Bring the Rain was talking about family traditions and told about her family and their tradition. I love love love the idea! Here's the scoop on The Elf on the Shelf. The elf is a scout for Santa. He is adopted by a family. Once he has been adopted and has a name, he has magical powers. He arrives every year just after Thanksgiving and stays until Christmas Eve. He watches his adopted kids and reports back to Santa every night at the North Pole. Then he flies back before the children wake in the morning, hiding in a new spot, and the kids have to find where his new hiding place is.
So early this morning I went on an Internet mission. My goal was to find two of these, one for Dana's kids and one for Laci's kids.

I quickly found out this was going to be tough. I called all the local book stores, from the big chain stores to the little local children's book stores. There wasn't one to be found. I really wanted to find one that I could pick up today. I did find you could bid/buy at EBay but I wanted to know that they were in my hands, and I could deliver them to the girls today. Persistence paid off! I found them at a Borders Bookstore!!!! Whoo Hoo! .......in SAN DIEGO????? OK, being the giving person.....um, more like....gotmymindset.....gottahaveit....kindofgirl I am, off I went. So, 4 1/2 hours and 225 miles later I had both boxes delivered to the girls! I hope the kids like the tradition and their "Elf"

Out of the Shed!

I stayed focused today. I got all the Christmas stuff out of the shed and into the house. The tree is even finished! I have a good start on my Christmas shopping and life is good!

Giving Thanks and Flashback Friday

This year it was Dana's turn to host Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful time with our family. Dinner was delish! Stephanie set up her studio and was taking pictures of the kids, it looked like she got some great shots. A big THANK YOU to Dana and Kevin for having us all in your home for a very nice day!
With that being said....while I was looking for FBF pictures, there were too many to choose from. So today, with the Christmas season approaching, you get several! The first picture is of me and my brothers, Tom and Mike, 1960 I think. Picture# 2 is my Mom and the girls, 1980. Picture # 3 is Dana and Laci, 1983? Picture #4 is Jerry, Dana, and Laci as Santa,early 90's. The last picture is in the mid 90's. Let the shopping begin! Merry Christmas to all!

A fall day at the park...

Is this not the cutest thing today? Sometimes they are just too cute and actually like each other. We were at a park taking pictures and got lots of good shots. I really liked this one!

 

Simply Stunning Sunday

Today was a great day. We were just lazy this morning. Then we decided to drive to the river for a turnaround trip.

We stopped at our favorite place for brunch.

Stopped again in Palm Desert for a little shopping. Palm Desert was in the mid 80's and oh so nice. Then drove on to the river for a VERY short visit. We wanted to check things out, make sure everything was okay there. We haven't been in 6 or more weeks, can't remember exactly how long it's been.
So, brother John's place is good..... ours is good.

The river was beautiful!
We checked the batteries, closed the slide out for the winter, just in case it rains a lot. Then we made our way back home. What a nice way to spend a lazy Sunday!

Flashback Friday

Since we were in Hawaii last week, and I didn't think to scan this before we left, it's a week late. This is an original of our wedding invitation.
November 11, 1978

Here we are 30 years later!
November 6,2008

Home sweet home

Vacations, little get aways, just being away from home is such a treat. What could be better? The anticipation of getting to sleep in your OWN bed with your OWN pillow! We had a great time in Maui. The island is beautiful, the water... breathtaking, quality time with my parents, and the natives, so very nice. It is really nice to be home though. Even if I am dreaming of our next trip to the island! Here are a few more pictures of our trip.