Riley and Lamby

Riley loves that mommy carries Madison

in her front pack and Riley also loves Lamby.

So Lamby gets carried in the front pack also.

This was a pre Christmas picture that I didn't have time to post.

Christmas was great so Christmas to follow soon.

Should we Bring Back Bonnets?

Again, Riley has made a fashion statement. I think

what she is saying is there aren't enough

hats in the world. Maybe we should also bring

back the Fedora. Eh?

These are a few of my Favorite Things --

What are your Christmas preferences?


Gift wrap or gift bags?

Gift Wrap because every year I get to pick my theme to color coordinate my packages. This year I have some beautiful black velvet, and gold, very festive.


Real or artificial tree?



I love the smell of real but the convenience and safety of artificial. In fact my favorite tree is my flocked artificial I put in my livingroom window.


When do you put up the tree?

I always say I will do it Thanksgiving weekend and it never gets done until the next weekend.


When do you take down the tree?

I also have been known to take it down Christmas evening.


Do you like eggnog?

I do with peach brandy -- but very fattening. Sean loves it!


Do you have a nativity scene?



I do and I love it. It was my grandmothers (my dads mom) and when she moved from Florida my dad brought it back for me. It's quite large and done in creams. I love it. (did I say that already)


Mail or e-mail Christmas cards?

Am I supposed to send Christmas cards? Maybe this year....maybe next year...


Favorite Christmas Movie?

I have soooooo many. The Bishops Wife, Meet me in St Louis (not Christmas but Judy Garland sings Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas and it is wonderful) and the Santa Claus (that answers all those questions you had about Santa when you were a kid).


Favorite Gift?



Last Christmas God saw fit to bless our family with Isabella Rose Vanderheiden, a true miracle.


When do you start shopping for Christmas?

Sometimes before but mostly after Thanksgiving, unlike my sister in law who shops all year and has it done by Easter.


Favorite things to eat during the holidays?



Delicious cakes and cookies. Or...these wonderful oatmeal, banana, chocolate chip poop muffins that my dear friend makes...hint...hint Kris!


Favorite Christmas Songs or Carols?

Mary did you know, Oh Holy Night, Carol of the Bells and Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas. I do like the old renditions but for more current artists: Josh, Michael Buble and Il Divo are a few of my favorites. If you want a good album try Vanessa Williams, she has a very pleasant one.

Angel or star on top of your tree?

Angel.


Open gifts Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

Christmas Eve, Santa brings jammies for everyone in the family and that is nice because we usually dress up on Christmas Eve and we end the evening ready for bed in our new jammies. All other gifts, Christmas morning.

Most annoying thing about the holiday season?

Commercialism.


Favorite ornament theme/color?

Varies every year. I love all my decorations so it is too hard to pick. Here are a few of my favorites.









Favorite Christmas Dinner?



Christmas Eve is usually Prime Rib or Mexican Food. Christmas morning is a brunch casserole that bakes while we open gifts. Christmas Day is make ahead dinner that I can pop in the oven and play with everyones toys throughout the day. On Christmas my jobs are done and I don't want to spend my time in the kitchen.


What do you want for Christmas?

Peace on Earth, Good Will towards Men or Diamonds.




Anyone else want to play along? Kristi - Sean - Diane - Joy - Katina - Tracy - lets get going girls and man

Cafe Latte Bebe

Riley and Bella having

some quality cousin time last weekend.

Bella and Riley actually enjoyed each other this visit,

that is until Bella got the flu and gave it to "everyone" else.

They had some fun bath time too. Even Madison joined in.

Check it out, Ay.

We had the best time with the girls in the bathtub. Even Madison got into the act.

At one point she made a face as if to say, "really, do I have to get in with them?"

Got Soap?

Bella and her mommy came to town

Straight off the Plane at Ontario airport.

They had a great flight.

Bella got in the car and immediatley fell asleep.

Sleeping angel

"Happiest Place on Earth"

On Friday I went to Disneyland with Peggy and Katina. We were anxious to see Disneyland decorated for Christmas and we were not disappointed.
This picture is from the Mark Twain Ferry.

If you look close I am kneeling next to a stone marking the 50th anniversary of Disneyland. It also has my dads name and birthday on it. He would get such a kick to know he had his name at Disneyland.

We went to see Billy Hill and the Hillbillies and who do you think we saw?

George W Bush, I think he is planning for retirement. He does have talent.

Disneyland was all about welcoming Santa. If you go check out cowboy roundup. They have real reindeer (all eight but no Rudolph). It is done like the old 50's Howdy Doody style for those old enough to remember. Very cute.

This is Peggy looking very smug with her friend Buzz Lightyear. Peggy is the "Second" best Star Commander in the force. I would be the "Best". Peggy and I had a 2 out of 3 match to see who Buzz should take on his next mission. I let Peggy win the second match so we could do the third. Unfortunately Peggy lost the third and Buzz and I will be going to Infinity and Beyond in the near future. Better luck next time Peggy ;)


We had so much fun (missed you though Patty, maybe next time) and we did everything we wanted to do. We saw the parade, the fireworks, and Peggy and Katina even got me to go on a Small World (which I probably haven't been on in 20 years) Thank you ladies for such a fun day.

She can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan ...........

Kristi is my hero. The girl has two

babies, works, does a cookie and cake business,and is always the

first in line to offer to help. You go girl.

The Reason for the Season

I recently joined an old and dear friend of mine for a gathering of
women in Christ. I have known Julie Fachner since 1989 and throughout
the years Julie has not changed in her commitment to God, her family, her friends
and helping others. Julie truly has a "Servant's Heart"

We began our evening with a lovely tea, hosted by Julie. 90 or so other women

also benefited from Julies hospitality. During our tea we were entertained

by to extremely talented violinists and later a gifted vocalist who sang "Mary did you know?" . My most favorite of Christmas songs.

This is Julie on the left pictured with her mother-in-law

The donation of the evening were hats, scarves, and gloves

to be distributed to families in need.

I was lucky enough to attend with four other
dear friends. Here are Debbie, Shelley and Peggy.



Here I am with Tammie and Julie. Julie's vision is to give as a group to people with need. Early next year the plan is to buy and fill backpacks for kids going back to school. This is a small thing to do but as Julie's heart grows who knows how many people will benefit. Thank you Julie for counting me as one of your friends.

Wise men (and women) still seek him.

With Christmas quickly approaching I have decided to Stop.

This year I am not going to get caught up in the chaos that comes

with the holidays but focus on the reason for the holiday instead.

Happy Birthday Stacy.

Today is my daughter Stacy's Birthday.
She will be coming to visit this week with her
daughter and husband and we will celebrate
Stacy's birthday as well as Isabella's who turned one on
November 25.

Memory of the day Stacy was born:
I woke up to waddle to the bathroom as usual - over 1 week overdue. Funny thing
happened on the way, my water broke so off to the hospital I went.
You were a bit stubborn to be born (shock) so they did a cesarean.
I didn't get to see you when you were born because of the cesarean but
they told me I had a beautiful baby girl and
I cried (not because you were a girl but because I was so happy)
On my way back to my room they handed you to me and
I saw just how beautiful you were. You looked up at me for the first time
and you were so small. It was love at
first sight.
Happy Birthday Stace - I love you.
Mom

Madison visited me at work this week

Madison was so intent on something. She

was smiling and cooing. What was she looking at?

Oh, it was her friends, Lamby, and Fi-Fi


It's nice to have such good friends.