A day in the life...

Yesterday we were pleasantly surprised by the announcement that the Tehachapi Unified School District was calling a snow day. The first sign of bad weather has my kids doing the ancient snow day dance so they won't have to go to school the next day. After checking the website and confirming the snow day, we decided to try to be productive and get a few "to do's" out of the way. So I packed up the kids and shot out the door. First stop was in Arvin to try to get a "walk in" appt. for Kyle to get his drivers license. Since he has had his permit for some time now and he has some experience driving on the freeway I thought I would let him drive and "warm up" for his test.

Madisann was having a panic attack. She did not want to be in the car and just knew that we would all die. At one point she even threatened to get out of the car at a stoplight if I let him drive on the freeway. She didn't and we made it just fine.



Along the way, I was reminded of how beautiful the drive down the mountain is this time of year. We had a mix of green rolling hills with snow capped mountains in the background. Gorgeous.



This is a picture of the Hart Flat area with Bear Valley Mountains in the background.





On Hwy 58 overlooking Caliente

Since I had quickly pulled out my camera for a shot of the mountains I decided to take more pictures. I had no idea that it would be such a trip down memory lane.

 





This is the backside of the mountain that Scott made me climb on May 4th, 1991



This is my favorite part of the drive down to Bakersfield. When I was little, my grandmother would always comment on how beautiful this meadow was and how she would like to build a house right in the middle of it. To me it looks like God hand planted all of the beautiful oak trees. This  last year I have added another memory of this serene meadow to my bank. I lost my friend Lisa to a horrible disease. At her memorial, many shared stories of how she would drive with them and show them her favorite tree. It was one of these in Gods meadow. I can't help but think of her as I drive by no matter what time of year it is. I know she is picnicking with Jesus under a much bigger and prettier tree.

As we turned at the Arvin cutoff, we wrapped around the front side of this mountain. 20 years ago, Scott and I hiked up to the top. If you look real hard you will see a tiny tree at the top. I was sitting under that tree in utter exhaustion when I looked up to him kneeling in front of me with a smile on his face. He told me that he wished he could have taken me to the top of the world but this would have to suffice. He pulled a ring out of his pocket and asked me to marry him. It was so sweet. Of course I said "YES".




This is a picture of the right side of the road (opposite of the "engagement" mountain). It is the new Bakersfield National Cemetery.  A couple of years ago one of our school mates Jason George passed away while serving our country. He was the first lost soldier to really hit home for me.  Amazing how real war can get when it has the name and the face of someone you know. 



Jason was the very first person buried in the cemetery. Now less than two years later there are hundreds of headstones.







This is during the military ceremony where the soldiers pay respect to the fallen.
Thank you Jason George for serving and fighting my freedom.

Every time I pass by the cemetery, they are adding new areas.  This is the new addition since I have last seen it. My dad and mom have decided that this is where they would like to be buried. Today seeing it in such a beautiful light, I don't think there would be a more perfect place.

As we continued down towards Arvin, the green grass, blue skies, and white clouds were breathtaking. Here are just a few random shots I took.

As we drove through the gorgeous scenery, I couldn't help but be in awe of God. My two beautiful babies teenagers in the car with me as we were surrounded by such incredible views. That could only be from the hand of God. AMAZING!

Oh,  Kyle wasn't able to get his license. They don't take walk ins. That is ok. It will just make for a fun post later. Enjoy your day and don't forget to see Gods beauty all around you.









Downtown Tehachapi~ The Quaint

 While taking pictures of the antique store yesterday, I turned around and snapped a few shots of the rest of downtown (Tehachapi Blvd). For those of you who have not been in the area in a while, you might notice some big changes. I also added a couple of nostalgic photos as well. Enjoy!


This is the store that I am standing next to. It is just left of Kelcy's Restaurant

  

This is the famous Kelcy's sign as seen in the Ford commercial. If you click the picture it will enlarge and you can see the old Burger Spot sign in the background.



 

The caboose that sits outside a renovated apple packing shed that now houses Kohnens Bakery, Hodads Surf Shack (clothing store) and The Lost Box (a gift and jewelry store)



Directly across the street from where I was standing is the Renovated Train Depot which burned down a couple of years ago. They were able to save one wall. Because of that ,it is still a historical site. Some of you might remember this building as the run down shack at the four way light.  All of us teenagers parked in front of it on Friday and Saturday nights in the 80's. Now the parking lot is gone, as is the old four way blinking light. Oh the memories!!!



looking East on Tehachapi Blvd.
See, no more four way light. Just a four way stop.

The old water towers facelift.

The City of Tehachapi has really done a wonderful job with the downtown area. I used to drive down Tehachapi Blvd. thinking that I hated the old signs and buildings. Now I look at the same signs with a different eye. When the  buildings become refreshed, and the surroundings are cleaned up and new, the old junk signs become quaint and nostalgic. I still think that I am more of a city girl and long to live in a place where everyone doesn't know your name (and dirty laundry) but for now, I get to live in...

Tehachapi ~ the Quaint.

Something Old, Something New

Something old, Something new!!! No, I am not referring to a wedding although I do love weddings. I have spent the last few days running back and forth to the antique mall here in Tehachapi. I have just recently gotten into dealing antiques. They seem to go hand and hand with decorating and design work. I have always had a special place in my heart for old things (mostly old houses and old people) because they hold the key to so much history. So, as of this year I am an official dealer. Woo Hoo.

I have two spaces in the store called Mountain Antiques on Tehachapi Blvd.

I have spent a few hours a day for the last 3 days rearranging and redecorating my spaces. I decided to do the window space in Cottage/ Shabby Chic.

My other space is more of a mix of styles but a little darker in color.

I am having a lot of fun antique hunting and selling. I mix a little old with a little new. I love all things beautiful even if it is old.

Next time you have a few extra minutes, stop in and take a look. Even if you don't collect antiques, the shop has a lot of fun pieces to look at.

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

I am so excited to be doing display work for a wonderful store here in Tehachapi. Country Cottage is located in the log cabin right behind the drive through dairy in Old Towne. It truly is a hidden jewel. It has been open for business for over 10 years.

You all know how much I love decorating and home decor so this is a match made in heaven. I get to touch and play with all the beautiful items as they come in. Here are some of my most recent displays.

Spring / Easter display
*click on pictures for closer view*



closer view



closer view

cutie bunny



Bunny pulling a basket of eggs



This egg dish comes with the blue salt and pepper birds in middle



Cottage room display



Brand new black, silver, and zebra display

closer look

tuscan room display

more tuscan displays

Brand new bench and more tuscan display

I hope you enjoy the pictures and if you ever have time to stop in to Country Collections tell them that Stefani sent you!!!

You'll always be my best friend, you know too much.

Like many, Scott and I are blessed with so many wonderful friends. God has given them to us in abundance. We cherish every one of these friendships. Some are fairly new in the stages of friendship and some we have had longer than we can remember. Nevertheless, we are blessed indeed.

The purpose for this post today is to celebrate the special friendship my husband Scott has with his best friend in the world Troy. The guys have been friends for decades. They were friends in high school (maybe even before that) and roomed together in an apartment in college. Leslie and I have heard many stories about these days. In fact we have heard many in repetition. We just smile and laugh along like we haven't heard them 50 times already.

Their bond is almost closer than brothers. They have their own language and can laugh the exact same laugh by just a mere glance at each other. I love watching them together. They can make fun out of just about any mundane situation. Most of the time it is usually at my or Leslie's expense but it is always in good fun.

Today they are working together on a project here at my house. Like usual, just the slight mention of an idea has the other instantly committing to help. Scott mentioned that he wanted some dirt moved so he can park a trailer next to his workshop. This morning at 8 a.m. they were on the tractor playing in the dirt. I had to run out with my camera and take pictures for my scrapbook. Here is the project in process.

Scott has the hard job hehe

 "The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with friendship."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Distinguished Young Women of Tehachapi (aka jr miss)

Today was our second practice for DYW. I have 21 girls participating in the program. They are so much fun and have an abundance of energy. I don't remember having a group that has bonded this fast. They have already learned both dances for fitness and they still had energy to throw an impromptu dance party in the parking lot at lunch. Oh to be young. Today they presented their talents for the very first time. A lot of nerves but there was just as much love given by their peers when they were finished. 2011 DYW's have proven to be a very talented group of girls already. I will keep you updated on future practice happenings and our fundraisers we have planned. We are going to have a great season.

In the Jr Miss spirit,
Stefani

Parents

This weekend was wonderful. My parents took a short break in their travels to come home and visit and take care of a few appts. and odds and ends. My kids loved having them here staying with us. Kyle didn't even blink when I told him he would be on the couch for two nights. The house was full of family and fun. I cleared my schedule so I could spend as much time with them as possible and if you know me that is a huge feat in itself. My mom is an early riser so we woke up to her cleaning the kitchen and making french toast for my kids. I wish this was a permanent thing :) As they left I got the usual father daughter lectures on what needs to be taken care of. My dad wouldn't be my dad without them. They decided in September that they would be giving their jeep to Kyle (my 16 year old son). They can't take two cars with them so they thought it would go to good use with Kyle. He is excited about practicing in it before he goes to take his drivers test which should be early next month. What a blessing my parents have been to us and our kids. I can only hope to be able to pass on the love and support they have given me all my life. We will miss them terribly in the next few months. The next few days the house will be quiet without them. *tears*

See you in May Mom and Dad. We love you!