HAPPY 2018

Wishing all our friends and family 

a very happy new year! 

May 2018 bring you many blessings!!

Happy New Year from the Pavones!

We made so many memories on our travels in 2017.

We are truly blessed and fortunate to be able to travel.

Mid-January took us to Nashville where we met great friends and visited the Jack Daniels Distillery, in nearby Lynchburg, as well as a 'behind the scenes' tour of the Jack Daniels Fire Brigade; met friends in Las Vegas; a Caribbean Cruise, in February, with Kathy and Stan (my sis and BiL); and a few RV trips, including trips to Pismo Beach, Buellton, Rincon County Beach, Newport Beach, Thanksgiving week at Del Mar Beach Resort on Camp Pendleton, and our annual trip to El Mirage, AZ, for the month of March for spring training.

When we returned from AZ, we picked up our new puppy, Bailey, a 14 week Brittany, at the San Diego Airport. She flew down from Idaho to become a member of our family. She's a year old now and a great addition to our family, although we will be glad when she stops digging and chewing things that aren't meant for dog (like drip lines, dog beds, paper or fabric scraps!). She is loving and playful, and helping to keep Sydney (now 13) young at heart!

In July, we took a trip of a lifetime cruising the rugged coastline of Norway with Kathy, Stan, and our good friends, the Lauries. It was a fantastic trip. The Norwegian landscapes and fjords are breathtaking and spectacular (my favorite fjord, Geirangerfjord, is pictured on the front of this card). Norway is one of the most beautiful places we've ever seen. It meant so much to walk on the land where our fathers' ancestors are from (although our cruise didn't take us to Skien, 

the actual town, of my dad's ancestors).

Our Christmas gift to our family was taking all 11 of us on a Caribbean Cruise, in mid-December. A wonderful time was had by all, especially the grandkids. They loved everything about the ship, Oasis of the Seas (one of three of the largest cruise ships on the seas): the food, the buffet, swimming in the ships' pools, the Carousel, kids' club activities and more. They also had fun going ashore and swimming or snorkeling in the clear turquoise waters at the beaches of Labadee and Cozumel. It brought us such joy to watch the excitement on our grandkids' faces on this great adventure. Guess we've spoiled them; they can't wait to go on another cruise!!

Sadly, we said goodbye to my mom, Hope (she had Alzheimer's), at the end of Sept., three months shy of her 90th birthday.  She will be missed by so many, and always remembered with love!

            We are thankful for our family, our health, and our friends.

                        Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy 2018!

Glimpses of Christmas

I love decorating for Christmas. Over the years I've collected quite a few decorations, and many have special meanings! Here's a few "Glimpses of Christmas" around the Pavone home.

These little Christmas trees are probably from the late 50's. They were always on display in my parents house, growing up. My mom gifted them to me in 2002.

This beautiful white Christmas tree was made by one of my mom's best friends, Dot, in the 60's. 

It was always one of my most favorite Christmas decorations so I was thrilled when 

my mom gifted it to me in 2002. Look closely and you will see it is made of all different shapes of macaroni noodles.

Hand drawn cherished Christmas Cards made by my dad, dating back to the first year he made them, 1976-2000, and the last year he made them, 2002. He made them for everyone in my family and my sister's family each year; they are treasured by us all!

I made these stockings for our first Christmas after we were married in 1978. 

They are so big it takes a lot of stuffers to fill them. 

I made this Christmas Tree Advent Calendar for our first Christmas in our first house, 1979.

 Individually wrapped candy canes count the days until Christmas Day. I made many more of these Advent Calendars for friends and family. I also made one for each of my kids' families. Our grankids love putting the candy canes in the calendar pockets.

Another of my first Christmas decorations for our first Christmas in our first house, 1979.

My mom made this Christmas bunny family for us in 1981, the year our daughter, Nicole was born!

My very dear friend, Judie Provansal gave this treasured Christmas tree puzzle to me the year our daughters were in kindergarten together, 1986. Our daughters met taking dance lessons together, starting at age 3, and they are still friends today! Judie was a 5th grade teacher and I watched her daughter Emily during the year of kindergarten. I think of Judie with such love and am reminded how precious life is. Judie went to be with our Lord when my daughter and Emily were 11. Her two daughters, Emily and Nicole have grown into beautiful women of faith.

Another of my mom's cute handmade Christmas creations

 A new "Crazy Eights Table Runner" adorns my dining room table this year. 

(I finished quilting it before Thanksgiving.)

My newest Christmas decoration. For years I had a Santa cookie jar (in which we put doggie cookies not people cookies). The Santa was retired last year since it had a few too many chips.

A favorite of mine!

Merry Christmas!

We've Got the Travel Bug! Part I

From March to May, Arizona to Cancun to Fort Bragg, California

As much as I would like to stay up on my blogging, life just gets in the way.

Or, maybe it's the traveling!! We do love to travel!

We headed east to El Mirage, Arizona, for the month of March for Baseball Spring Training.

Once again, we stayed at the Pueblo El Mirage Resort. Family and friends joined us there. We went to many baseball games, 

played some golf 

(I made a couple of pars, otherwise my game consisted of a lot of practice hitting at each hole!),

and enjoyed beautiful sunsets over the desert. It was a wonderfully relaxing month.

We attended 2-3 baseball games each week. Our goal was to visit all the spring training baseball parks in the greater Phoenix area. We almost hit every one of them! (Next year we will!) Of course,
we went to several games at the Peoria Sports Complex, since it is the spring training home for the San Diego Padres (and the Seattle Mariners).

We also visited the newest "state of the art" baseball park, Salt River Fields (spring training home to the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies), where we saw one of the World Baseball Classic games, between Mexico and Italy.

Here's some more pictures from spring training!


The last week of April, we spent a relaxing week in Cancun. This time we stayed at THE Royal in Cancun, a gorgeous all-inclusive resort, not far from the resort we stayed at last year.

We stayed in a Royal Junior Suite with this spectacular oceanview (with a jacuzzi tub in it) and went to sleep each night to the soothing sound of the ocean waves.

 Dinner with friends (Nick and I, Marc and Nancee behind Andy and Cara!

 Cancun has become one of our favorite places to relax!
 More Cancun pictures here.


In mid-May, we headed to Fort Bragg on the rocky northern California coastline in our RV. On our drive north we stayed a night at the beautiful Jaxon Keys Winery thanks to our Harvest Hosts club.

We had a wonderful week of camping at the Pomo Campground, AB diving, campfires, and more with our bestest friends, Lynn and Rick.  Our daughters, Emily and Nicole and their families joined us once again.

It was so fun watching the little ones playing together, 

reminding the grandparents of days gone by when our children did the same. 

Love this new family tradition!

See more pictures of Ft Bragg here.

Merry Christmas!

                  Now that it’s December it’s time to recall the fun we shared in 2012!  It’s been a great year spent with family and friends, traveling and camping (RVing), and enjoying our retirement! We’ve really loved spending lots of time with our 4 grandkiddos.  Gigi turned 5 in May and the whole family joined her for her first visit to Disneyland. There is nothing sweeter than seeing Disneyland through the eyes of a child! Brody and Micah are 2 ½ and talking up a storm, while little Hallee is 18 months, climbing on everything and displaying some not so cute “terrible two” behaviors early!

                  We ventured to a new location and enjoyed a fantastic week, truly relaxing by the pool which was right next to the amazing teal-blue ocean waters of the Caribbean, at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun with great friends. We traveled back to Washington DC, in the early fall, and meandering through several Smithsonian Museums. We visited with friends at their “beach” house in beautiful Currituck, (near Outer Banks), North Carolina, and in Virginia. We took a day trip to the picturesque colonial settlement of Williamsburg. It amazes us how much there is to see back east and all the history there is to absorb. So we know we will be going back several more times in the future.

                  During 2012, we used our RV even more. We went to Spring Training in Arizona for a month and attended our first Good Sam Rally held at the Phoenix Raceway (never seen so many RV’s in one location-literally 1000’s)!!  We spent several weekends at Newport Dunes RV Resort, to visit with Alex, Angelina and Micah who live nearby. We ventured to northern California for our now annual week of camping in Fort Bragg for Abalone Diving with our longtime camping buddies, Lynn & Rick. This year Nicole and David and kids joined us; it was a great week of camping reminiscent of all the years our families have camped together (although a few of our kids couldn’t make it)! Summer vacation took us back to Bend Oregon (such a beautiful area) where we attended the Annual Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show. Great show, although we didn’t get the chance to see all the quilts because it was rained out for the first time in its 37 year history! We spent time in Redding with Lynn & Rick, (Lynn and I got to do some quilting while the boys went fishing) before a week of camping at Lake Almanor, meeting up with more camping friends. We spent a quiet weekend in our RV at KQ Ranch in Julian late fall before our Annual Thanksgiving week of camping at San Elijo State Beach....And did I mention we got a new diesel pusher in the Spring! It’s got 4 slides, a roomier layout, more power and better storage!

                  Nick has traveled quite a bit to Sacramento this past year and stays very busy now that he is working with the State Fire Marshal’s office on fire training curriculum. He’s also traveled to Northern California and Tucson with several other retired fire professionals for fire teaching and advising. It’s his way of giving back to the fire profession to which he dedicated his life’s work.

                  I attended several quilt retreats this year with my friend Lynn (for a couple of retreats our hubbies joined us for the weekend and we RVed at Flying Flags RV Resort).  I made many quilts for gifts and charity this year -my way of giving back!

                  Nicole, David and 3 kids moved in with us in September because the owners wanted their house back.  3 weeks turned into 3 months, but they moved this past weekend into their “new” condo. They are very excited to be first time“homeowners” and to have freshly painted the walls!

                  Alex started a new t-shirt design business and has his own online store (http://fiftyfivesouth.storenvy.com/). Check it out--he's got some "awesome" designs. But the best news of all is that Micah’s “only child” status “expires” next June when we will welcome a new Pavone into the family!!

                  Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.  

                                    May you richly be blessed by God in the coming new year.

                                                      Love & Joy,
                                                      Karen & Nick

Thankfulness, My Personal Challenge

This November I joined with others doing the Personal Challenge of posting a Thankful Thought each day! 

November 1 - I'm thankful for God's Grace.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."
Ephesians 2:8

November 2 - I'm thankful for my loving family. They are so dear to my heart!

November 3 -  I'm thankful for my loving husband who has always provided for me and our family.

November 4 - I am thankful for each new day and the hope I have because of my God!

November 5 - I'm thankful for my friends, near and far. They are so dear to me.

November 6 - I am so thankful for the freedoms I have as an American. I am especially thankful to all those who serve in the military, have served or even gave their lives to protect our freedom! No matter who wins today's election I know God is in control.

November 7 - I'm thankful for our home and the food in our fridge

November 8 -  I am thankful to be "retired" and to have the means and ability to travel, especially with family and friends! We love to go camping in our RV, fly to new cities/countries, and cruise!!!

November 9 - I am so blessed and thankful for my cute, beautiful, adorable grand babies. Each day with them is more special than the last. They bring so much joy to my life, more than words can say. I love you Gigi, Brody, Micah and Hallee, and #5 due next June!!!!!

November 10 - I am thankful that I have the time and resources to attend retreats where I can do what I love: sew and quilt!! I thank God for this talent and enjoy making quilts for others, family and friends.

November 11 - I am thankful for the warmth inside my cozy motorhome, wrapped in a warm quilt when it's 45 degrees outside, and spending time with friends!!

November 12 - Veteran's Day - Today especially, I am thankful for and I honor those who have served, are serving, and those who will choose to serve to protect America! Hats off to you all! Thank you for your selfless service!

November 13 - I am thankful for the joy I have in the Lord, no matter the circumstances or situations of life. He can calm my heart and spirit if I turn to Him.
"Joy is in the Lord … in His nearness, His perfect love that casts out fear." 1 John 4:18

November 14 - I am thankful for a spontaneous night at the movies with my hubby!! We spent the evening with "Bond, James Bond!"

November 15 - I am thankful for hugs from the little peeps in my life! This morning Gigi knocked on my bedroom door to kiss and hug me goodbye before she left for school. Hallee came walking down the hall and gave me the biggest full body hug around my legs! Words just can't describe how those hugs warm my heart and make it sing!!

November 16 - I'm thankful for quiet moments in the morning, which seem to be rare these days with 3 lil ones living in our house with us!

November 17 - I'm thankful for the beautiful clouds and blue skies above us today!

November 18 - I'm thankful for wonderful family traditions like a week of camping (aka RVing) at the beach for Thanksgiving week. I'm especially thankful for an awesome beach front campsite, the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore, and the views of the Pacific Ocean that are so soothing and relaxing. Thank you Lord for this special family time!

November 19 - 34 years ago today I married my best friend Nick! I'm so thankful for the best husband with whom I've shared my life. He is more special to me and our family than words can express! Here's to many more years together as we walk in this life! I love you, Nick! I'm ever so thankful for all the memories we've shared and will share! Happy Anniversary to us!

November 20 - I'm thankful for another beautiful day at the beach, just sitting, relaxing, doing a little knitting while listening to the ocean waves rolling in and rolling out! Doesn't get much better than this!

November 21 - I'm thankful for beautiful sunsets at the beach!

November 22 - Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Today I am so thankful for all our blessings from God: for family and friends, near and far, for our health, for a beautiful sunny day at the beach, for the feast we will have this afternoon, for all our grand kiddos with us today! We truly have so much for which to be thankful! Praying God will fill your Thanksgiving this year with the warmth of His love... the blessing of His care.
"Let us come to Him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to Him." Psalm 95:2 

November 23 -  I'm thankful for the "energy" and smiles of 4 little people in my life! I love watching them all interact! They add fun to the day! 

November 24 - I'm thankful for another beautiful sunny day at the beach, listening to the sounds of the ocean! So peaceful and relaxing !

November 25 - "Lord, whether I am in the limelight or shadows, whether I am active or quiet, 
                            whether I am being enlarged or reduced, whether I have much or little, I am content 
                            and thankful because I have You."  by Roy Lessin

November 26 - I'm thankful for a husband who enjoys to cook, especially since it's not my favorite thing to do!! He's a great cook and likes to try new recipes! Thanks Nick!

November 27 - I'm thankful for little "hi's" from the littlest Bennett, when she escapes the blockade and surprises Papa and I in our bedroom, while we were selecting clothes for him to take on his trip to Tucson!!!

November 28 - I am thankful that there is always something good in every day, even though the day may not seem to be good!!

November 29 - I'm so thankful the Lord has healed Dan (our daughter's F-I-L). In Oct of this year, he had stem cells transplant (from one of his 4 sisters, Jo). He was diagnosed with Chronic myelogenous leukemia CML in Oct.2011. This week he found out that his recent test of his bone marrow shows it is completely negative for the Philadelphia Chromosome (that bad one, which is CML)! Thank you GOD!!

This November I have thought (a lot) about what I am thankful for each day, and I have come to realize it is something I should do everyday. I'm praying for a more grateful heart, especially as the celebration of Jesus's birth quickly approaches. So today, the last day of November, I am thankful God loves me even when my heart isn't as grateful as it should be. I have so many blessings in my life, and I am truly thankful for each and every one of them. I will praise God from whom all blessings flow!

At a time when all the things we're grateful for turn our hearts to God, may the harvest of His peace and love abide in your home and bless your life. May the Lord bless you, and keep you. Numbers 6:24