Anthony & Connie Lema's Wedding

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Greg and I attended the wedding of a good friend of mine, Connie Leamon & Anthony Lema. Connie and I go way back to my Miss America days. She was a local director back then and was a travel chaperon for me at different events. We always had a blast together and have some great memories (ie...locking Connie's keys in her jeep and being stranded, to name just one instance ;-) It was a beautiful ceremony complete with bagpipes and just a "little" wind...the Santa Ana's showed up...but the goal was accomplished none the less, and Connie is officially Mrs. Lema. I'm so happy for the two of them and wish them many wonderful years to come. What a great way for them to start 2008 (it was a New Year's Eve wedding). The reception was like a reunion for me, seeing so many dear faces from my pageant days...I captured just a handful in my slide show. It's always so good to catch up with my "extended" pageant family. Be sure to click on the very small arrow on the right hand side of the slide show for more pics. Enjoy!

Holiday Theme Winner

My parents have been decorating the outside of their house since I can remember and have won various awards for their decorations. This year they won the "Best Theme" award...you can see why. My father made all of the signs, he's so talented...I can't tell you how many people stop to take pictures of their home and ask where they bought the signs. Maybe some day I'll coerce him into making us some...one can hope ;-)

Chrismas Dinner 2007

Greg and I celebrated our fifth annual Christmas Dinner that we prepare for our family. Every year it's the same awaited menu of Prime Rib, Sage-Gratin potatoes, green beans, Grandma Van's famous pearled onions, onion tart with salad, and boysenberry, apple pie & ice cream to finish it off. Every one was well stuffed and had a wonderful time ending Christmas day this way. Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve with family

Typically, Bill, Dee & Family spend Christmas in Colorado but this year we had the chance to see them Christmas Eve before they left for Hawaii, for Billy's basketball tournament. We spent the evening at mom & dad's eating and exchanging gifts. Bill & Dee got us a sweet pair of sun glasses from Bill's new company SALT. We love em!

Camp Pendleton Christmas Party

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I had the opportunity to join Cypress Church in throwing a Christmas party for the Marines at Camp Pendleton. I was asked to kick start the event with the National Anthem, of which I am especially honored to sing for these types of events. I also had the opportunity to join in the Church's band and sing an array of songs from "Sweet Home Alabama" to "Silent Night". It was fun seeing they guys having a good time eating plates full of smoked turkey with all the sides, checking out the Corvettes that were brought for display, and taking part in some games we provided...and they were competitive as I'll get out...should I be surprised? ;-)
When there are 130$ gift cards at stake that certainly upped the ante. I judged a singing contest, and cheered them on in their Santa Sleigh race course. It was a wonderful afternoon and was a blessing to share the Christmas spirit with so many who won't get the chance to be with family during this time.

Knott's Berry Farm

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Every year since I can remeber (with the exception of a few misses) my family would go to Knott's Berry Farm for us to meet Santa and walk around the Christmas Craft fair and see either "A Christmas Carol" or "The Gift of the Magi". While I no longer go to sit on Santas lap, Christmas doesn't seem complete with out following the tradition of heading over to Knott's to see a production in the Bird Cage theater or walk around with family. Dad and I even went on Ghost Rider, a wooden rollercoaster that felt like our heads were going to be snapped off around each turn. We both got off the ride and reminded each other that we probably shouldn't be doing that kind of stuff at our ages ;-0

Another Cotillion Christmas...

Can't believe I'm already posting another Cotillion Christmas...seems not too long ago I wrote about last years party. As is typical with the Martines, they went all out and splurged on giving us gift certificates to Burke Williams Day Spa...along with a bottle of Champagne and glasses to boot. I'm looking forward to six yummy weeks off from work!! Although...I have a feeling it's going to be a filled six weeks of whatever I can possibly pack in...that's just how I am ;-)

Reliving the Glory Days

Greg and I attended his former High School's Baseball fund raising Banquet. It was fun to meet Greg's old coaches and players from his time at Millikan. Throughout the room they had different CIF games from different years being played and it was cute to watch Greg watching himself at age 17 ;-) He was quite the ball player...

Let the decorating begin

Ok, ok...so it's not exactly the weather for snow here, although it has been pretty dog gone cold (for So. Cal standards) The day after thanksgiving, Greg and I pulled out the lights and began to transform the outside of our home into its more festive self. Since these pictures were taken we've added even more...but you get the idea. And...no, the reason we are with out a lawn is not due to the severe drought conditions...we're still in the process of installing our sprinklers and seed. Happy Decorating!

Chinese Bible Missions Church of Los Angeles

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Last Sat. I had the opportunity to teach a four hour class to College students from 10 different campuses around Los Angeles (ie. USC, UCLA, Cal Poly Pomona). We started with dining manners and enjoyed a three course meal together. After that I spoke about proper dressing and explained the 7 different "dress codes". We wrapped it all up with an hour session on ball room dances. I taught them Cha Cha, Fox Trot, Swing & Waltz. Even though we were not even close to having even numbers of men & women (there were @ 45 men, 15 women)...it still worked and we all had a great time.