On the Road

(a little reminder of who we are...haha)

As you read this we are on the road...I think of that song "on the road again" well we are headed east to the mile high city (well just outside of that) we are headed to Parker, Co to visit our dear friends Dan & Jill.....so off we go. Packed, as best as we can....and all 5 of us...that's right Sally (our Lab) is coming with us. We calculated the distance in miles...and its about 1079 miles or so....and we then looked up the miles to Portland(we drove there in March) and surprisingly it is only 10 miles difference. So we are in for a very similar feeling ride (just more snow and weather on this trip). Well wish us luck, you know all of us in the same car for 2 days might just drive one of us to opt to sit on the luggage rack.....and pray for our travels to be safe...and that us So Cal folks can handle a little bit of cold...and we will post pics when we get back after new years so stay tuned.....

Wednesday

Its like finding waldo...can you spot her.....

All decked out ready for her debut as an angel......

recap of the festivities...

Brian with grandpa

Smooches!!!

Ok a normal shot of the two of us

The fam!!!! Is Abi smiling...a miracle!

Just the gals!!!

Grandma and Grandpa the hosts of the party!

The girls!!!

With the Big Man!!! Can't forget to meet with him...otherwise what would happen???

The night before the party....does anyone else remember those curlers!!!! This was the first time for them....it brought back lots of memories for me.

Christmas countdown...we feel the stress, the pressure to finish on time....and now I am done with all that and I can truly enjoy! I have finished all the shopping and crazy hunting for gifts and we have settled in to enjoy the rest of this week in PEACE!

Last Friday we went and looked at lights in PQ at Christmas Card Lane. The kids always look forward to light looking...

Sat we went up to Costa Mesa for my families annual Christmas party. We meet at a local hotel up there and gather to sing, celebrate and be merry together. Lots of fun! Again a tradition for my kids they love Christmas in the Hotel. This year we were blessed to be able to stay at the hotel overnight. The kids find that so magical. Funny how something so simple can be the best thing ever to these little people.

We spent the day enjoying the festivities....

Now as we start this week...we have plans to enjoy some baking with grandma and some time in front of the TV watching the old Christmas classics like It's a Wonderful Life and White Christmas.....I look forward to just being with the fam and having a festive week!!!

Annual Cookie Party

Our Christmas Tree

Well 2009 would not be complete without our annual cookie party....fun girlfriend time! We had a great time just hanging out with the gals and getting to chat. I love that we can all come together and just hang out....and of course that we all get to leave with so many yummy cookies. Brian looks forward to the cookie party every year....last night he told me this is becoming his favorite party for the Holiday season....he doesn't even get to come to the party he just loves all the treats that I bring home to him....So this year it was back at my place....it was cozy but I think it worked out perfect....My friend Jill moved to Colorado earlier this year so she could not be there with us...so Larissa came up with the idea to have a stand in.....so Jill was with us in a sense....so enjoy some of the pics....as Jill (similar concept as a Flat Stanley) made her way around the room.....

Laughing with Jill

Best Buds

Jill Enjoying the cookiesFriends!!!!

Jill with the galsBoth tables were full of cookies!Girlfriends!!!!

A little Behind

So it takes me awhile to catch up with everyone else....I have been told many times to read or watch the Twilight series...and I have always just said no I really dont think I will like them..you know vampires and all.....so I was told again last weekend to just read them! So I took home all 4 books and begun the Twilight Saga....well I am on book 3....can you believe that! I guess I like them no I LOVE THEM! I am loosing quality sleep over these books staying up till 3 am reading....I think I am just to in love with this series....I think Brian is just looking forward to me being done with them so I will be normal again!!!! can anyone relate?

How retailers rate?

I have been introduced to a new website, Standforchristmas.com, and I am excited to share it with you. This is a website that rates retailers on how they present Christmas and how Christmas friendly they are. We the shoppers can rate and review our shopping experiences. Then as we prepare to shop we can choose where to spend our dollars.....check it out see what you think.
When you look at these numbers they are as follows according to Christmas... Friendly, Negligent, Offensive. Take a look see what you think....

American Eagle Outfitters 33% 0% 67%
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Banana Republic 18% 0% 82%
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Barnes & Noble 18% 45% 36%
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Bass Pro Shops 93% 7% 0%
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Bed, Bath & Beyond 60% 33% 7%
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Best Buy 9% 16% 75%
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Borders 13% 38% 50%
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Crate and Barrel 40% 40% 20%
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Dick's Sporting Goods 33% 50% 17%
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Dillard's 75% 25% 0%
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Eddie Bauer 33% 50% 17%
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GAP 2% 17% 81%
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Home Depot 62% 33% 5%
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JCPenney 56% 40% 4%
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Kmart 81% 15% 4%
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Kohl's 61% 30% 9%
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L.L. Bean 55% 36% 9%
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Lands' End 93% 0% 7%
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Lane Bryant 0% 100% 0%
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Lowes 80% 10% 10%
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Macy's 41% 47% 12%
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Nordstrom 20% 60% 20%
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Old Navy 8% 29% 63%
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Pier 1 Imports 25% 50% 25%
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Sears, Roebuck and Co. 81% 10% 10%
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Target 79% 12% 9%
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Toys 'R' Us 13% 75% 13%
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Wal-Mart 64% 20% 16%
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Five on Friday

1. Count down to Turkey day....is on! My girls are loving counting down....
2. My coffee pot is officially on the fritz and we all know that is not allowed in this house....I am on the hunt for a new one....
3. Rumor is Target will have a 3.00 coffee pot next Friday....The question is can I make it till next Friday with just a not so good working coffee pot...????
4. I love to go out shopping before dawn on Black Friday(anyone else???)...so I am on the hunt for the deals this year!
5. Speaking of Black Friday I found this website...it helps you find all the ads and deals for retailers and all in one spot...I have found it very useful in devising a plan this year!!!