CHRISTMAS LOVE

As Alexa is preparing to go to the store with Daddy, she left me with this:
Alexa: I love you big as the world with Daddy, Mommy!
Me: Oh, honey, I love you too!
Alexa: Honey Momma, I love you too! Bye Bye Mom, see you later, don't cry!

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS:

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR FULL OF GOD'S LOVE AND PERFECT BLESSINGS!

Sometimes You Just Have to Feel Sad

Ever have those days when you just need to be SAD?

Sad because this Christmas you have one less cousin
Sad because this Christmas there will bE A LITTLE boy without his father.
Sad because life isn't easy.. and it's not supposed to be, but you just need to be sad.
Sad because your friends just aren't always as you expect them to be. They are only human
Sad because you realize the things you are sad about could be A LOT WORSE.
Sad because others are suffering.

Although I am still THANKFUL and realize my life is full of GOD'S BLESSINGS. Today I just need some time to feel SAD.

YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY SPRINKLES!

The left side of the table... Aidan, Elijah and Autumn. Missing is Austin who is too cool and Brielyn (she got to eat a few but no decorating for her, next year she can)

The right side of the table.. Asher, Noah and Alexa

Catching a lick!

Couldn't be happier!

Don't you want to lick her cute little nose?

Aww.. cousins sharing!

MMMMmmm Frosting.

Noah's Final Artwork... I think his won for tallest!

Alexa's Finished Product

ANNUAL COUSIN'S SUGAR COOKIE DECORATING 2008

Every year we get the kids together to decorate sugar cookies. They started off the night in their nice clothes to take the annual Mimi and the kids picture, then they all changed into their cookie decorating clothes or jammies. It's amazing how many sprinkles and cans of frosting they can go through. I took a close up of Alexa's grand finale! Her cookies were about a foot high! The kids had a blast and watched Frosty the Snowman to top off the night... Well, actually Uncle Brent ended up on the couch by himself.. all the kids were coming back into the kitchen to eat fingers full of frosting or to add another dash of sprinkles.

ATSUKI- (aht-ski)

Us being silly!

One last sip!

Atsuki is one of those friends that every time you get together with her, you have so much fun just being GIRLS. We usually go shopping, or bake together. This time, we drank wine, ate dip and chips and drank some more wine and went to NAPLES to see Christmas lights then back home to watch Victorias Secret Fashion Show. WE HAD FUN!

Love you Atsuki!

SANTA CLAUS '08

THE ENTRANCE

HAWAIIAN REINDEER, I LOVE IT!

MIMI AND ALEXA WITH SANTA

ALEXA TELLING SANTA A SECRET.

LOOK AT SANTA TRYING TO PLAY PEEK A BOO WITH BRIE... UM, IT DIDN'T WORK

SANTA HANGIN' ON TIGHT TRYING NOT TO DROP BRIE! POOR THING.

Some of us liked Santa! Some of us didn't! Last year it was Alexa crying and Brie just laying there. This year Alexa was cheesing it up and Brielyn was giving Santa a run for his money. He said " Man, she's strong!"

We went to 2 malls to see 2 Santa's. The first was Cerritos Mall and it was pretty good but Main Place took the cake with the Santa's Beach House scene. It was adorable. Because we bought pictures they told us to snap a few of Alexa since she was lovin' Santa, no one was in line and they were having a conversation together! It was sweet.

Cheers to next year hopefully they'll both be smiling (It only took 2 years!)

.........or will there be another baby?

NOT!

Lynnae's Holiday Tips and Fav's

For A Bright Christmas:


Naples in Long Beach. Bundle up since it's near the ocean and gets chilly, also wear your sneakers, you'll do a lot of walking. The homes alone are breathtaking then you add some lights, a crisp night, some family and friends.. WAAAALLLA!

5028 Cumberland Street in Cypress- This was recommended by the Boultons. This house has lights that are in tune with a radio station. You tune into 91.7 and there you'll hear holiday music, a lawn full of decor and cool jumping multi colored lights to the tune of lots of songs.. just depends on how long you sit there! A DEFINITE MUST SEE

HOUSTON street in La Palma off of Walker Street- This is a cul de sac that is super decked out each year;each house has their own theme and decor, it's FUN. Turn off your headlights and drive through or park near and take a brisk walk. Also there's a house across the street on it's lonesome that decks out big time with a 9 foot Santa and lots of hand painted figurines.

For the Warm Fuzzies:

My favorite wine is MOSCATO D' ASTI 1917 IL CONTE D' ALEA.. You can find it at BevMo for $9.99 a bottle. If you like sweet dessert wines, THIS ONES FOR YOU!

If you are a non alcoholic kind of person try- Tastefully Simple English Toffee Mocha Drink Mix. All you need is hot water and a mug and your set for a rich drink.

The most fattening one and the only coffee I'll drink comes from your Best Friend STARBUCK'S. WHITE CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT MOCHA. I happen to have a certain way I ask for it.. are you ready? I don't like coffee taste mind you... okay, here it goes:

Hi, I'd like a Tall, Decaf, White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha please... and make that with only 1/2 shot. That way it tastes like candy. Oh and whipped cream on top please.. That'll be all. Did you get that?

For a Pretty Holiday Season:

Want the dramatic eye effect? Instead of taking a black liner to your bottom lids... Take a deep brown eyeshadow color and sweep from outer corner to inner corner (under bottom lashes). This will give you a rich color and dramatic effect without the hard/gothic look of using a black liner. Also by using a brush you'll get a swept effect instead of a definite line... WAY MORE ELEGANT.

Go out and find that DEEP CANDY RED COLOR for your fingers and toes. I'm sure you have a Christmas Party to go to. I wish I had a name handy to give you. When I find it I'll let you know. Last year I had the perfect one. Deep candy red with flecks of gold.. looked like a RUBY SLIPPER. LOVED IT. It was circulating throughout the whole nail shop. We were all passing it around.

Blush... I love Blush. Find yourself that color that makes you look like a Snow bunny. Pale nude or pink lips with some blush and your sunless skin will create the perfect Snow bunny look. Brush a little irridescent shadow on your upper lids and you're set for the perfect "Day Look"

For a Cheery Christmas-

When in the car.. tune into 103.5 or play your favorite Christmas CD. * I haven't found one yet, if you have recommendations, please leave a comment*

Catch the Original Television Christmas Classics- You can buy the set at Costco comes with "Santa Claus is Comin' To Town, Ruldolph The Red Nosed Reindeer and Frosty The Snowman. My kids love 'em they are old school cartoon DVD's.

Turn on your Christmas Lights, light a Yankee Candle Company Sparkling Cinnamon or Wood Wick 'Currant' candle and wash your hands with Bath and Body Twisted Peppermint or Candy Apple handwash.

A Word of Encouragement to My Family and Friends

HOPE

With all that is going on around me, with all that people are enduring, with all that are suffering, I give you this one word. Hang onto this with all that you have, all of your strength; for our Lord Jesus Christ has offered it to us to get through it ALL.

I Fell In Love With A Donkey

MY LOVE! I will be visiting him again soon.

Yep, it was Love at First Sight. As we were in the golf cart riding down the roads checking ou the scenery we came across this house that had 10 horses, 2 shetland ponies and a donkey right out front. The minute I laid eyes on the donkey, I WAS IN LOVE.

When I think of a donkey, I picture a mangy, wirey haired, grey, homeless, smelly, old ugly thing. This was anything but. The coloring was perfect. The hair was soft with a slight curl. The eyes looked like a precious moments doll. As I got closer to the white picket fence, it begged for attention. As the others grazed and did their own thing, the donkey continued to beg for strokes on it's beautiful coat. I WAS IN LOVE. I AM STILL IN LOVE. AND I TOLD MY HUSBAND I'M READY TO MOVE, SO WE TOO CAN HAVE A DONKEY.

So.... I don't know what the future holds people, but I AM IN LOVE WITH A DONKEY, and the thought of HAVING A DONKEY.

In Fact: Today I quickly typed in "Donkeys For Sale" in a google search and up came the perfect one... it was fate.... the header was KIDS DONKEY FREE SHIPPING $1,000. I begged but I'm not quite sure if it's going to happen just yet.

I'd post the ad but I know you are all dying to buy a donkey now and I definitely don't want anyone buying my donkey!

A LOT OF COWS AND A BULL!

The One and Only Bull. HE'S PRETTY BIG!

My dad, Chris and Alexa feeding the cows.

My dad feeding a BABY.. she doesn't even eat it yet, she was skiddish and would smell it but then back away. Later we saw her nursing on her momma. SHE'S A NEWBIE. Feelin' out what is yet to come of the rest of her life... EATING HAY.

She's not afraid one bit!

That's Alexa's precious hand feeding the cow.

What a cutie tongue! What beautiful coloring on this one.

Now that's a LONG tongue! Alexa was feeding this one. Notice the 3rd one in the background licking his tongue!

Umm, I hate to tell you but you have a big piece of food hanging out of your mouth

CUTENESS!

Chris' parents live in Apple Valley. Very close to their home is a dirt road that leads to a Ranch. On this ranch is lots of cows, a bull and lots of hay. It's a tradition. We never go up there without taking a walk or a golf cart ride to see the cows. The girls and I enjoy feeding them and seing new arrivals. We've gone up there twice in the past few weeks. Once to visit Papa and Grandma just because (without Daddy) and then for Thanksgiving with Daddy and we took Papa Dan (my Dad) to see the Ranch. Enjoy!

A PEEK INTO COUNTRY LIVIN'

Alexa was sooo happy with her new friend Shahar.

Brave Heart... Alexa waiving at us. She was AMAZINGLY NATURAL on the horse.

MY TWO COWGIRLS!

Brielyn's Turn.

Alexa brought Shahar some carrots... she did a good job. I love Cowboy Dan's hat, he's a true cowboy!

Alexa with another horse (don't remember it's name?)

Shahar saddled up and his 2 dogs

A friend of Chris' parents (Cowboy Dan) owns horses and lives a true Country Life. Alexa has been into horses lately and so when I decided to go up to Apple Valley for a visit, we set up a day where we could meet some horses and see some country livin'. We didn't realize what a treat we were in for. Dan has horses some chickens and a nubian goat. They have a gazillion acres and even have their own caretaker in a separate house that maintains the grounds for him. It was an awesome adventure. Dan had one horse saddled up when we got there, ready for the girls. They got to ride around. Alexa will tell you now... "IM A PRINCESS AND A COWGIRL!" I guess you can be both, right?

Okay, Okay.. the truth is I get more excited than the girls. I've lived in Orange County my whole life with the exception of LA County the first 6 years of my life.... So... I don't see much of this lifestyle at all. Any opportunity to touch animals, feed animals even just gaze at them, gets me EXCITED. I'm like a little girl all over again. It really doesn't take much to make me happy. I have a growing interest in Country Life. Every time we go to Chris' parents we take the girls to a ranch very near by (within walking distance) and feed the bulls/cows. I'll post pictures of that soon. This was an ADDED BONUS!