Our new windows!

So the windows on our 1949 house are in very sad shape. The panes are extremely thin and, in fact, the window in our bedroom was broken. The only thing holding it together was a pice of tape. The straw that finally broke the camel's back was when we discovered that it was 56 degrees in Sarah's room! We checked to see about having the windows installed as we didn't know how Ryan would find the time to do them himself (he already works two jobs!) The cost - $3200. Sigh... So we called our VERY dear friend Ray who works at Dixieline in the doors and windows department. Well, Ray assured us that WE (meaning he and possibly friends) could install these windows and save a bunch o' money doing it ourselves. Also, there is a tax credit for windows installed by December 31st. So after being deeply blessed by Ray and our dear friends Jim and Jeff, we set out to replace the windows on a cold and potentially rainy Saturday. To say we were a bit nervous would be an understatement!

A glimpse of the old....

And the demolition begins!

I think Ryan REALLY enjoyed this part! :-)

The new windows await...

Our expert foreman Ray leading Ryan on what to do next!

The old window out..

And getting ready for the new....

Hoping these are small enough pieces for the trash collector!

Jim, Jeff and Ray positioning in the new window.

Sarah's room sans window. And yes, those clouds look ominous!

Yikes! Better hurry!

Sarah's new window is in!

And we have FOUR new windows! And how long did this take? Days? Hours? Only 3 hours for all of them! We could not have had a better experience and we could not ask for better friends!! Thank you guys for all your help! Oh and by the way, can we do this again early next year? We have four more windows and then we'll be done! I promise bagels!!

Christmas Decorations 2010

We know Christmas is coming when the Grinch descends upon the Old Globe Theatre in beautiful Balboa Park!

This sight used to scare the heck out of Sarah! She always knew he was just around the corner!

Santa and his reindeer getting ready to fly!

While I wish this picture had turned out better, it was still a lovely vision of a huge Christmas tree at the Otay Ranch Shopping Center with the full moon shining behind it!

Back at home, we have the bears awaiting their Christmas feast!

I ADORE penguins! I have a whole display of them at Christmastime!

And what is decorating without a bit of help from the fine folks at Starbucks?

These fellows greet all that drive down our street!

I so love these yard ornaments!

And our shining Christmas trees....

Mr. Polar Bear was our very first lawn display that we bought.

Every morning we need to help dear Santa up as he has a tendency to sleep through the day if you let him. Once he's up though, he's ready to wave "hi" to everyone!

Did I mention that I LOVE penguins???

And dear Frosty always has a smile on his face!

A little festive greenery on our porch.

And the view from the porch of the bears and their feast.

Teddy, what do you see?

Why it's a train comin' round the tree!

He's fascinated with it!

This is perhaps the only "Black Friday" item we have ever bought. We saw it in the Home Depot ad one year and I told Ryan he HAD TO get it first thing on Black Friday. Luckily he got one of the last ones and we've enjoyed it ever since.

Oh Mister Innocent...

Ruh Roh! I see a train derailment!

Norah is waiting for the train too!

This ornament was our angel on our tree when I was a little girl.

A bit fuzzy on the focus but this is what it looks like outside our picture window.

Several years ago, a very dear friend gave me a TON of Boyds Bear ornaments, so much so that I could have my very own Boyds Bear Christmas tree. It has brought me such joy ever since!

And Teddy likes the tree too!

This year, Yankee Candle had the most adorable line of mouse Christmas candle toppers!

All of our ornaments on our tree are unique, often times from places we've visited or special moments in our lives. They may not all match but their all very special to us.

Our Boyds Nativity scene

See, even on a sunny day, these guys are ready to bring a smile to people's faces.

This is one of my favorite bears - I know, I know I have a LOT of favorite bears! This one is a Starbucks Bearista from several years ago. We also have a special blanket from Disneyland last year.

The line for Santa gets longer every year!