Cruisin through Naples

There's an area in Long Beach called Naples that goes off the hook every year with homes that decorate up the hilt. We spent the evening with our friends Meredith & Horacio and their little guy walking the canals and enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Time to deck the Halls

The day after thanksgiving I was so excited to put up the lights because this year we have a little one that I knew would be excited to see them. Greg pulled out the numerous Christmas boxes stashed away in the garage and G and I made sugar cookies and hot chocolate with tiny marshmallows. We pumped some Christmas tunes and watched as Daddy Greg decked the house. Did I mention...I absolutely love Christmas!!

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

Make a photobook - it's easy!

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

Make a postcard - it's easy!

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 ;-)

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!

Christmas Breakfast with the Gonzales'

As is tradition, we spend Christmas morning with Greg's moms side of the family. It's usually been held at Uncle Steve and Aunt Darcie's place which has a wonderful view of San Pedro. Tamales, eggs, sausage, tortillas, & mexican bread is just a taste of all that's served up. We enjoyed catching up with the aunties and uncles and seeing Grandpa Gonzales. Unfortunately, it never seems to be enough time to visit because we rush off to our home to prepare our annual Christmas dinner we put on for both parent sides. Too bad Christmas day can't last longer than 24 hours. I'm already looking forward to next year!

Friends, Food and Fun

This past Sat. we enjoyed a fun evening with our friends. Tami and Jeevan threw a feast of a Christmas party. The little over acheiver made roast beef, ham and duck! Not to mention all types of side dishes to accompany the tasty vitals. Greg and Izzy played a game of chess, the gals dished on the sofa and a good time was had by all. It especially became hysterical watching Tami & Jeevan's award winning performances as James Brown and Gloria Estefan from a cruise they took this past summer. Tami you're house was beautiful and the food was superb, boy we're glad we know you guys :-)

A Cotillion Christmas

Thurs. Dec 14th was the last night of work for Cotillion until we start up again at the end of January. As per tradition, we held a Christmas party after work and were spoiled by an array of goodies from co-workers and Mr. & Mrs. Martine. The big hit of the party - the famed Burke Williams Day Spa gift certificates. They sure know how to build loyalty in their staff :-) In addition to that, Mrs. Martine put together tower boxes filled with goodies from Mrs. Fields as well as movie passes. In the background of the pics you can see a portion of the elaborate decorations we put up and tear down each evening of work. Yes, the swag garland is ours too! I must say, I am very blessed to work with such fun people and such a generous company. It's wonderful to be able to say I love what I do.

That's what it's all about

Today I was able to spend the morning with 100 children from the Bellflower School district. These children were nominated by their teachers to be a part of a Christmas wish shopping spree. The Bellflower Lion's club puts this event on yearly and it's held at the local K-mart. Each child first meets Santa and has their picture taken w/ him and then gets a 25$ gift certificate to purchase whatever they would like. I had the opportunity to meet each child while they were in line waiting to meet Santa. The little girls were so excited to be able to put the crown on and the boys just wanted to know if it was real :-) What really got me were some of the comments made by children as to what they wanted for Christmas. One young boy told Santa all he wanted was a family. That hit me straight to the core, to think a child is not asking for all the materialistic things they could have but just wanting to be a part of a family unit. That gave me confirmation that I need to continue advocating for these children who so desperately need loving homes. It also made me appreciate my own family. I've so often taken for granted my family and the stability and love I've had all my life. It was a good reminder that as we approach Christmas day, it's not the "stuff" or all the parties or the decorations that make this day important. It's celebrating the birth of our Savior, who came in human form as a tiny child to save us from a world where there is so much brokeness.