happy thanksgiving

by popular demand...

photos from BSB at the Paladium

see's please

Karly spent the weekend training for her new holiday job - as a See's gal! History is surely bring made, as they have never before hired anyone under the age of 80. Karly is pretty sure this may be the best job ever. For starters, she and the other new trainees were taken by van to a training facility, where they were actually trained for the job for 2 full days. (Claire's and Yardage Town did not think training was necessary). The uniforms, as shown below, are way cool. Employees are encouraged to eat all of the chocolate they want. One of the other trainees is a "hot guy"... AND they pay $10/hr for all of this fun!

shelley's here! and some of her neighbors! (w/new photos)

Yesterday I picked up Shelley from the airport at noon, took her to see the new house, and then surprised her with a trip to Downey-Long Beach. Why? To attend a high school charity basketball game. Some of you, especially those in Westhaven, may recognize some of the players. One of them even sang the national anthem. Any guesses who?

paint, roof, and cabinets!

When we went to the house on Sunday, it appeared that construction was following some "Extreme Home Makeover" pace! They roofed, painted, and installed all the cabinets. Plus, it looks like they are doing a great job!

We ran into some new neighbors, and went through there homes, as well. It is fun to see how everyone does their options (or doesn't do options - bless their hearts)!


Neil actually went into the house, but always says it doesn't feel right. He is just sure we are doing something very wrong, illegal or dangerous. Come on-I save those activities for when he is nowhere around!

We love our new house!

designs by lulu

Karly has been nicknamed "Lulu de Volvo" by Grandma and Grandma Johnson, and I have shortened it to just "Lulu". It really suits her, especially when referring to her as a fashion designer!

A couple years ago, she asked if she could mess with my sewing machine. I said "sure" and hoped she didn't need any help, as I could barely thread the needle, let alone make something with it.
Well, it wasn't long before she was not only sewing like a pro, but designing and making up her own patterns. She had no classes and no help, just passion and a gift.

Here I proudly showcase some of "Lulu's Designs":
(Neils' fashions are courtesy of Target).







Lulu, I am so proud of you in so many ways! Love, Mom

paul & rosemary visit

Keith's parents, Paul and Rosemary, were here for a visit at the end of October. We had a great time, as usual. They got to see the apartment where we are living, and lovingly refer to as "camp"...

and our new house!

We went to lunch at Barbarella in LaJolla, where they do the best Halloween decor.

keeping our eyes on the prize

This is our house on November 9th. We really like to spend as much time away from "camp" (the apartment) as possible. If you've seen it, you know why. Each weekend we go up to the house to see the progress, visit Debbie and Christine in the sales office, and go thru the model.
Then we shop, go out to eat, see a movie, or whatever - anything to avoid going home! ha!