A Christmas Story

December 25,2010

Liam along with his mommy and daddy was the first to arrive...the tree did not phase him this year. Jenn said it never messed with it or the ornaments or anything near or around it. That was the case at my house as well.

The first thing he got was his stocking and once he got a hold of teddy grahams all he wanted to do is eat. He did find a chat and count phone by leap frog in his stocking which ended up being his favorite,,,he didn't want to let go f it and wasn't that interested in any other presents. Before Liam and family left Hayden showed up with her mommy and daddy. Hayden was a little earlier than expected cause her mommy got of work early...yeah!!!

At first Hayden was a little reserved, didn't really wanna open presents and do the stocking, sh had to eat some BBQ first.
(above: Hayden and Liam)
Hayden's favorite present was the baby doll...this doll continually talks to the movement.
When I bought these dolls at Toys R Us I drove home with them chatting the whole way home...30 minutes...I was talking with my brother that evening and he got a kick out of it.
I didn't think they had a off button but Josh quickly found it.

With a little break in between this cute little face (Tayler)showed up at my door and leaped right to me.
Just love her pig tail hat her mommy made her.

and we can't forget this cutie...Colton with his stocking. He was ready to open presents but I said if I give you your stocking you need to take a good picture for me...and he did....wonder how long brides will work?

Tayler found her some teddy grahams too.

And this is Colton after no one else left in the house but him, Bailey and myself...this sweet boy wanted to stay and spend the night, didn't care about going home and playing with all his new toys he got from Christmas...just wanted to send the night at his Muggy's...I love it, for I know there will come a day when he's too busy to spend time with his ole' Muggy.

Love My Family!

Out Of The Mouths Of Babes

I just have to share the cutest story with you....let me set the stage...2 weeks ago I went to my friend Stacy's house for a baby shower for her daughter Tara that Stacy and her daughter Tressa were hosting...Colton, my 4 year old grandson went with me...he doesn't call me Grandma...my Grandma name from him is "Muggy"....

So....Christmas evening Tammy and family came over, Colton wanted to spend the night so spend the night he did...next day we were playing in the game room and out of nowhere he says....Muggy, I don't like it when people call you miss Robin, when we went to Te'a's house (what he calls Stacy) that big girl called you Miss Robin, I just want people to call you Muggy, Te'a didn't call you Miss Robin, she called you Muggy, I just want you to be Muggy not Miss Robin.

Now how sweet was that...it was either Tara or Tressa that called me Miss Robin, they have since they were little just as my kids call Stacy, Miss Stacy and Fonda, Miss Fonda etc....just something you grow up doing and then it sticks...

It's just so funny that 2 weeks later that is what was on his mind...Grand-babies are just the best!

Merry Christmas

Wishing You and Yours A Very Merry Christmas!

And as we share our day with presents and loved ones....remember....Jesus Is The Reason For The Season!

Mimosa Rose.....Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Yesterday was the official ribbon cutting for my store Mimosa Rose...I was gonna share pictures and stories but my friend Fonda did so, so beautifully on her blog page that if you click here at In Goode Time you'll be able to read all about it and see pictures....Thanks Fonda!!!! I'll have another update soon.

Ribbon Cutting

Farewll To The Beach

For some time I have been thinking about selling my beach house. Since I moved from the country to my new home (which I have been in now for a year) I haven't spent much time at the beach. Life seemed to be taking me in a new direction...one being opening the store "Mimosa Rose".

You know, the beach house came along in a point in my life where I needed it. My first nights sleep in the beach house was the first time I was able to sleep through the night since Todd's passing. It as a place where I found peace and didn't have to think of the past or what the future held.

It wasn't until I sold the country home that I realized it was that home I was escaping from to the beach. I wasn't ready when I bought the beach home to let go of the home that Todd and I shared, the place we were going to grow old at and drive around in our golf cart looking at the property. After moving into my new home I have come to realize that the beach home was just a transition.

I finally realized it was time to sell the beach home, it had served it's purpose, it was my place to escape when I wasn't ready to let go of the home Todd and I shared.....but finding the time to deal with it was becoming increasing hard with starting up the business and such....there was just no time.

So one day I got a text from my beach neighbor saying...I know this is a long shot but have you thought about selling your beach house, I have a friend that is looking for a house. So I said yes, etc....long story short...I get a call one morning while getting dressed for work and it's my beach neighbor saying, we would like to buy your house, our friend can't afford it but we want it, this is what we want to pay, cash money, no inspection, as is....my response was "SOLD"...they had offered what I wanted. So before the end of year the beach house will be no longer.

This past Sunday Kelley and Stacy went with me and we took my personal belongings etc...so now the house is ready for it's new owners. I didn't fill sad when time to leave....it was time....there's to be said about timing.

So...we took Kelley home. Kelley was with me in my Yukon and Stacy was following behind in my truck. On the way to the beach we had met up with Kelley so I didn't have to detour to pick her up but I had planned to take her home on the way back. Kelley was my neighbor from the country home.

As I drove past my old home and into Kelley's drive way which was across the street, I got out of my truck and had a wave of emotion come over me that I had not expected. This was the first time I had seen my old home since I moved last October. My eyes swelled with tears ...I guess being reminded of what could of been got to me....something I had not expected....but I am happy where I am and I know the choices that were made where the right ones for me at those moments.

So...that's what is going on here with me...now to prepare for Christmas...Oh my!

November Birthdays

Happy Birthday Colton!

Colton turned 4 on November 5th...my, where has the time gone? Look at that sweet face....he's just precious!
Colton got to go to Sea World for his 4th Birthday so when he got back home he came over to get his presents from me....he was so cute when he got here...he took my hand and said...Muggy, you got presents for me?
Of course Muggy had presents for him.

Happy Birthday Hayden!
Hayden turned 2 on November 17th

I met Hayden and her family at Gringos to have a birthday dinner with Hayden and to give her, her birthday presents. Look how grown up she looks in her leggings and boots.

You know when you reach 2 sometimes going out to dinner can be a challenge.

It didn't take long for Hayden to become antsy so it was time to open presents.

Hayden loved her baby doll, after opening it she didn't want to open any more....she was happy.

Other November happenings...

Happy 1 year anniversary to Josh and Jessy

Happy Birthday to my Mom

Happy Birthday to my son in law Kyle

And if I forgot anyone...Happy To You Too!

A Day Of Thanksgiving

Since today is Thanksgiving, I thought my post today would be about Thanksgiving

and not the turkey kind. I am thankful for my beautiful children....blessed is an under statement.
They are my world. A love a Mother has for her Children does not decrease as they grow older it only deepens. I am so proud and thankful. I am thankful for the most beautiful grandchildren in the world. I could not imagine life without them.
There is no other feeling like it.

I am thankful for the friends in my life....but especially for...
Kelley, Fonda, Stacy and Teri.
All very different and each who bring something very special to my life.
My world would be so different without these special people in my life.
Not sure I would be able to survive without them in my world.
I am thankful for friends of my youth that I have reconnected with....sometimes moving backwards is a good thing.
I am thankful for extented family those still here and the times I had with those no longer with us but not forgotten.
I am thankful for my mother whom I wish were closer and for a my brother
whom I always didn't appreciate growing up but now appreciate and love more than I could say.
Though bitter sweet I am thankful for the time I was a wife. It's true what they say....
You don't realize what you got til it's gone.
I'm thankful for a new start in life.

I'm thankful that My God loves me unconditionally.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Dream Becomes A Reality

Yesterday was

Grand Opening

day for

Mimosa Rose

Thanks to Paul who took these pictures for us since we were busy with last minute preps before opening the doors....I must say, wasn't sure it was going to come together.

Jenn and I were at the store the night before trying to get ready...we ended up leaving at 4:15 in the morning, just time enough to get a couple hours sleep and get ready for The Grand Opening.

We had some bumps along the way but we were still able to open the doors.
One of our bumps was the counter area. We didn't have counter tops on until 6 days before opening. That's another contractor from hell story for a later time.
Anyway...Paul is finishing the work, painting and staining them for us...we got enough done to get open.

The store looks really nice with all the merchandise out in place but there is tons more that needs to be put out...some in the back room of the store, some at the storage unit and some still here at my house...just wasn't time to get it all out but every day for the next couple weeks the store will have a different looks as more merchandise is brought out to the floor and walls.

Love this section of the store

A section of our baby, tweens and teens section.

And some of our customers shopping and checking us out.

About 20 minutes before we were to open there were already people outside peering in as we were messing with getting the register to work, getting our snacks out and drinks ready, cleaning up champagne that spilled everywhere.

As the 20 minutes started counting away I was reminded of the old Mervyn's commercials where shoppers were outside ready for the store to open....

OPEN....OPEN...OPEN....

Needless to say we had no idea the line went all the way down to the cleansers that was 3 store spaces from us.

Not sure what we expected that morning but that wasn't it but it was a wonderful surprise.

People seemed generally excited to have a store like this in the area and close to home.

Hopefully Mimosa Rose will be a success...so far we're off to a

GREAT

start!

If your in the area stop by and check us out.

Today I could of gone in and done some work but decided to rest instead, rest was something I needed...I've been falling asleep all day today and it has felt

WONDERFUL!

Happy Halloween

Today was I took Colton and Tammy to see Shrek...The Musical at The Hobby Center.

Colton came dressed in costume...after all today is

Halloween.

I will try and not make this a long post with words since I have so many photos to share. Above...Colton dressed as Woody from Toy Story and below with The Shrek sign.

Colton did pretty good during Shrek, there were parts that held his interest and parts that didn't but he made it through the whole thing. Hayden came over but refused to put her costume on...she was suppose to be a witch...as you can see by her face ...she's the boss...so after kicking and screaming and saying no over and over Josh and Jessy gave up.

But it didn't stop her from enjoying her goodies in her Halloween pumpkin I had for her.

Hayden allowed her mommy to put back on her regular clothes... that she would allow but not the costume.

Below is Josh, Hayden and Jessy

Then I went to Jenn's to see Liam before he was heading out to trick or treat and I found Curious George.

Isn't he the cutest little monkey you've ever seen?

Liam with his pumpkin I brought over for him...once he found the cookies he wanted nothing else to do with the pumpkin or it's belongings.

Liam as Curious George and Paul as The Keeper....

They are too cute!

And then my last trick or treater showed up on my door step and what a cute little Princess of Halloween

she is....Little Miss Tayler...Tammy made her tutu....so cute.

Tayler, Tammy and Colton

Colton loved all the goodies in his Halloween pumpkin

as did Tayler ....she loves the lollipop.

I loved being able to see my grand-babies all in the same day ....

It was nice to start the day off with a grandchild and end with a grandchild.

Love those babies.

Hope you had a Happy and Safe Halloween.
Boo!

Moving Day

Yesterday we started the move into the store. There is SO much to do that I hope we can get it all done in time. I thought we would but now starting to have some doubt. The delay in being able to get into the store has not helped any....and the store is still not completed...almost .... but it was nothing that would keep us from moving in but if they don't finish it will keep us from opening.

So yesterday Jenn and I picked up the U-Haul around 9:30. We started moving stuff from storage just a little after 10. We had filled that U-Haul up with nothing but merchandise . We had to get boxes out of the way before we could get to the furniture, boxes were in the way.

So...we went and unloaded all those boxes at the store and then we went to my house to load some furniture I had in my garage. There was one big piece that is really tall and really very heavy, it wouldn't fit in the pick up so the plan was to at least get that to the store before the U-Haul had to be returned. We got it, it was tough. Paul (my son in law) helped most of the day and his side kicks were me, Jenn (who's limited in what she can do since she is still recovering from knee surgery) and our new part time employee.

So, we loaded up all the furniture we could get and loaded up the pick up with boxes and headed back to the store. After we unloaded we stopped for lunch. Then the girls stayed at the store and did some stuff with the boxes while Paul and I took the U-haul back, then we went to storage and picked up some furniture. By that time Josh had gotten off work and met us at the storage unit to help load the furniture.

Once we got back to the store Jenn and Paul needed to leave to go and pick up Liam and let Howie (their dog) out who had been in all day. So Josh and I went back to my house and got the last of the furniture there and dropped off at the store and then made 2 more runs to storage to get the rest of the furniture there...boxes I can do by myself but furniture I can not...so that was my focus....furniture. After the last run I was tired and we called it a night...it was after all going on 8.

Today would be a good day to work but I have plans with Tammy and Colton today and then wanting to see all my grand-babies later to see them dressed in their Halloween costumes....so today is more family day than work day....tomorrow will be work day ALL DAY!!!!

I think tomorrow I will go and rent the smaller U-Haul and load up all the boxes that are in my garage and in storage and get it over with at once instead of making multiple trips in the pick up.

And then Monday night I need to start loading up what is going to Sugar Plum, we start setting up Tuesday afternoon...as if there isn't enough to do...Oh well...welcome to my world...lol...guess I need to keep that U-Haul through Tuesday.

Check back tonight or tomorrow for an update of my day with the grand-babies....I have a feeling after tonight it might be awhile until I post again but I will try not to let too much time pass.

You can keep up with Mimosa Rose on our facebook page...Grand Opening is scheduled for November 13...Hope to see you there.

And Life Continues...

It's been a couple weeks since I last posted...sorry...life has just been crazy.

The store is still not open. I've been dealing with the build out phase and fingers crossed it will be over soon. It looks like I may be able to start moving furniture and merchandise into the store on Saturday. Today they were getting ready to do the floors which is one of the big items left.

We are still waiting for the A/C to be finished ....which is a long story that just pisses me off to think about...but fingers crossed it will be finished in a few days. It's nothing to keep us from setting up. If the electrician showed up today then we can have the alarm ready....can't move merchandise in without that.

Tomorrow I will go by the store again and see if Saturday will be moving day....it was suppose to be last weekend and then it was suppose to be Wednesday so we will see if Saturday is the lucky day.

My advise to anyone opening any business that you need to lease space....make sure you know your contractors very well or find a place that is already ready to move in, build out sucks.

I have also decided to sell my beach house. It has served it's purpose. When I bought it I think it's exactly what I needed at the time. Todd had been gone for 6 months, I needed a place that was just mine. While I was there I didn't have a care in the world. It was a place I didn't mind being alone. I actually enjoyed my time alone there sitting on the deck. It was a place where I had no thoughts of the past or the further. It was also the place where I finally had a full nights sleep since he had been gone. Well, I have seen that after moving out of my country home we shared into this home (which has been a year now) it was that country home I needed to be out of. At the time I wasn't ready to let go so that's where the beach house came in....but now in this home it was a new start a place where I wasn't constantly reminded of the loss. Since being in this home I have barely made it to the beach so I figure it's time to say good-bye. If I want to spend time at the beach then it's time to take a vacation.

The grand-babies are all doing well and just as beautiful as ever. I have no pictures to share this post but I will the beginning of the week after I get pictures of the babies in their Halloween costumes....I can't tell you who they will be...it's a surprise and if you already know...SHHHHHHHH....don't spoil it for those who don't.

We had a cool front come in last night and the weather has been wonderful...hopefully it will stick around awhile....especially if Saturday is moving day.

Okay...so you have the scoop...time to go....The Apprentice is about to start and I can't miss The Donald...Until next time....
"It Is What It Is"

Tayler and Liam's Day of Fun

Yesterday I watched Tayler while Tammy went to a school to do her teaching observations.

My plan was to go by Jenn's and get her so we could go to the bank...as that was the only thing on the agenda.

Instead I got a crazy idea to go shopping for all the babies and figured this was a good time as I also wanted to get shoes and having Tayler with me made that easy.....Ya think?

Here's our story.

Tayler in the truck ready to go and and pick up her cousin Liam.

( I know...she's a doll ) We arrived and got Liam (Jenn joined us)... I know I'm not ready to take 2, 16 months
out on my own.
In their little heads they are saying, come on Grams lets go have some fun. First stop was the bank...they had keys to keep them some what occupied...at first Tayler had mine but it wasn't soon after that Liam wanted mine cause he saw buttons...so he took mine and for a good while you could here my truck outside beeping from the doors being locked and unlocked....finally those had to be taken away.

Then Jenn saw donut holes....so she gave one each to the babies.
Liam gobbled his down all at once while Tayler was nibbling on hers...Liam had to have a second and even a third...he loved donut holes. Tayler never did finish all of hers.
Then it was off to Katy Mills mall.
First stop was food court since neither baby really ate their breakfast
we figured they would be ready for lunch.
I sat with the babies while Jenn went to Burger King to get them chicken nuggets.
She got back and I sat with the babies while she went to get us something thinking the babies would be fine since they had food to occupy them....Ummm...Not the case.


Babies went crazy...throwing food and playing with it and wanting out of their high chairs and wanting to throw whatever they could get their hands on....I was like...where is Jenn, this is getting too much...it seemed like she was gone for 30 minutes....I stood up looking for her and couldn't see her anywhere...Surely she didn't leave me with 2, 16 month olds or did she?

Below is what our table are looked liked when we left...we did clean off the table some...but somehow this picture doesn't give the ground justice...it was worse in person.

Then we went to get the shopping strollers and a shopping we went...Carter's was our destination and with coupon in hand. We must not of been the only one with the same idea...Carter's was packed and most every adult had a stroller and the isles are small so it was interesting trying to get through...and babies reaching up, grabbing clothes and pulling them off the hangers...lol...Jenn eventually picked Liam up and was carrying him and pushing a cart.
Once it was time to check out Tayler was pulling all the gift bags they had on the shelve around the counter...my thought was...why would you put that there when a child can pull at it.

Anyway, we had fun and what seemed like 2 hours in Carter's it was time to go.
We hit Stride Rite for shows and then we were off...time to go...after all the day was gone and Tammy was gonna be out of school in 15 minutes.

Below are Liam and Tayler in their mall strollers while I went to take most packages to the truck and to pull the truck up to get the other packages and the babies.

Thanks Grams for taking us shopping...we had a fun day...it's almost 3 and we have had no nap yet!
But it didn't take long for this little guy to pass out once we started moving.
Isn't he just sweet...

And Miss Tayler tired and in ready position to fall asleep never did.

Dropped Tayler off at home so she could get some sleep, dropped Jenn and Liam off and then headed back to Tammy's to give her the car seat and all the goodies I got for Colton and Tayler and Tayler was in rare form playing with Colton whom she had not seen all day.

It was a very good and full day. makes me wonder sometimes how my Grandmother use to take me and 3 of my other cousins out to have pictures taken and it was just her.
Bless her heart...but she was a remarkable one of a kind Grandmother.

Love them Grand-babies!

Me against The Wasp(s)

This afternoon I got ready to ;eave the house and I notice some wasp on the wood of the house above the the garage...I counted like 32.

So on my way home I stopped at Ace Hardware and bought 7 cans of wasp killer.

When I got back home they were no longer there, or that is what they wanted you to think.

So I got out a can a sprayed up in the crack between the brick and the wood.

Nothing...and then a minute later...some fell to the ground and some flew away...then nothing and then repeat, some fell to the ground and some flew away...so I sprayed some more and then again...some fell to the ground and some flew away...this went on for 30 minutes and 5 cans later. I didn't take pictures right away but here on the ground are about 16 of them...there were more but it looks like they moved a little and then really died cause I have about 10 scattered along the drive.
I may need to call in reinforcement...I'm a little nervous at what kind of home may be hiding from public few.

Sugar Plum Market

It's getting close....don't forget to make plans to come out and see Mimosa Rose at this years Sugar Plum Market....you'll get a small preview of items the store will be selling plus some neat Christmas decorations and gifts.

You can get more information by visiting us at

www.mimosarose.wordpress.com

or by finding Mimosa Rose on facebook...sorry right now I haven't figured out how to link to facebook from this blog.

Make sure you sign up so you can get updates and make sure you become a friend of Mimosa Rose on facebook.

Harris Family Reunion

Today I attended

The Harris Family Reunion.

Todd (my late husband) was 1 of 6 children...today there is only 1 of those 6 still around...so today we rejoiced being around family but sadden that those we love are no longer with us.

There were tons more Harris' at the reunion but above is just our immediate Harris family, with just a few missing that could not attend and whom we all missed.

Below here I am with 2 of my sweet gran-babies...Liam and Hayden...it's funny how much they look a like in this picture...maybe it's cause they have the same look, I don't know...but sweet little babies.
And here they are again...I may have to blow this one up...it's hard to get 2 babies together looking good and smiling ...not sure Liam has a smile but he's looking pretty darn cute.

Then here's Jenn, Paul and Liam

and Jessy, Hayden and Josh

I know...I'm missing pictures of Tammy and her family, they had something else going on today and could not attend...they were missed...but no worries, I'll be seeing those babies real soon so you'll get a chance to see more pictures.

This about sums up my weekend...tomorrow...work...Uggg!!!!