Christmas in California

.....But first, Christmas in Canada.

I have been enjoying the antique stores in our area and have been looking for an old telephone table for this little nook. Ken surprised me with this before we left for California.

Believe it or not, the phone was in the antique store as well. Makes us feel a bit "antique" ourselves.

Ken and Katie and I got into LA late on the 19th. Lisa came in the next day and we had a wonderful few days in Sunny California.

One of our missions was to pick up Katie's car.

That's one happy girl!

Dinner with good friends Tom and Kari.

Dinner at Buca di Beppo's.

And Christmas time in Southern California would not be complete without a long walk on the beach

We got to Grass Valley on the 23rd and had a wonderful Christmas weekend with family.

Christmas morning

I must say.................beautiful!!!

I know, I know. I am their mother, but I just had to say it. Inside and out. We had so much fun being together. I tried to hold it together at the airport when we said good bye, but it was no use. I was flying back to Canada, Lisa to Portland and Ken and Katie were hitting the road for the long trek home in the car. It was an odd feeling to be going separate directions. I guess thats what happens when our kids become adults. We sure do enjoy the times we have together, and so thankful for God's many blessings.

I am home now.

Still listening to Christmas music.

Still have the tree lights on.

Still celebrating.

Hope you are too!

The last box

When we moved, I was determined to open and use or display the contents of each box. With the exception of old toys and keepsakes belonging to the girls, and some camping gear, I did pretty well. I do have some things set aside to embellish the family room when we get that renovated, (another "before and after" post to follow sometime this winter), and everything else is unpacked or gotten rid of.

Except for this box..............................

......................Fragile, but not eggs. I had a perfect spot at our other house for my Precious Moments collection, but in our new house it didn't seem to fit. My thought was to find a shelf that could house all the figurines and fit on the wall in my office. I found this shelf unit in a storage room at camp and rescued it for my cause.

Not quite right........................

............ A little better.

I have always loved shelves. Here are a few more in our home.

Some special nic nacs. Our wedding cake top, My Grandma Ewert's Bible (in German), and some pictures...............

Interesting that my Mom and I picked the same colors for our weddings.

The Blue and White

The all White. Martha Stewart can get away with it, I thought that I would give it a try with my dining areas yellow walls.

This shelf is above the door in the guest bedroom. Most of the things are Lisa's.

More of Lisa's things. I don't know what I will do when she wants to claim them. I guess I will just have to redecorate!!