Cheri' Smith, Realtor Prudential Gary Greene

I'm getting quite a few calls from people wandering when and where the fireworks will be going off in Tomball for the 4th this year. Here's what I know....

From 11am to 3pm on Saturday there will be some fun things to do in the Target parking lot off 2920/249. I heard it includes some bouncy things and water balloons and things the kids will enjoy.

Then come back at dusk with your lawn chairs and set them up in one of the parking lots near Lowe's.

Personally I prefer the old Kroger parking lot which still has the Cinema. Park right in the middle for the best views.

HAve a safe, fun, happy 4th of July!!!

Many young ladies are planning their weddings for the 2009 season. We just recently had the Bridal Extravaganza in Houston in fact. It's been over 10 years since I was a bride but it's hard not to get in the spirit of a wedding especially since my little brother will be getting married in 2009.

With that in mind we are searching for a venue and I realized how hard that can be. Lucky for us we have a sister in law that has over 10 years experience as a Wedding Planner who has just started Bella Serra Weddings and Events in Austin.

http://www.bellaseraweddings.com/index.html

After seeing her own wedding last December I can honestly say I have never seen a more elegant and beautiful wedding. She had a 'million dollar' wedding on a budget most people wouldn't be able to buy a car for.

So, if you are planning a wedding or event in Austin, give JaNae a call at 512-699-0388.

You won't regret it.

That is me on the right!

It's that time of year again when we all start making lists, checking them twice and brave the crowds to find that perfect gift for our loved ones. The media says we aren't spending enough. They say we are keeping our money under our mattress because of the economic issues. Well I was at the mall over the weekend and to that I say HOGWASH! There were more people out this year than any other if you ask me. Were they spending money or just looking? I don't have the answer to that but I know the stores were crowded but mostly pleasant and courteous unlike other years when I wasn't feeling the Christmas spirit.

Perhaps the economy is reminding us of what is important. That would be a good thing. It seems to many have forgotten.

Christmas is supposed to remind us of God's gift to us. It's supposed to remind us of Christ's ultimate gift of his life. He gave his life which was free of sin to make up for us and our sinful ways because otherwise there'd be no hope for most of us. How amazing is that!?!

When you are out in the crowds, keep in mind the true reason for the season. You might not find that perfect gift. It might have been sold out already. It might be over your budget. But what is really important is that we give of ourselves. Volunteer your time. It will go further than a new pair of gloves or house-shoes ever could.

Also keep in mind that in order to help the economy, we have to keep businesses, well.... IN BUSINESS. Try and purchase gifts at stores whose merchandise is made in the USA. Buying a bunch of stuff made in China, helps China. Buying things made in the USA, helps the USA. No, I am not anti-Walmart. I do a lot of shopping there myself, but I understand the effect of buying nothing but imported goods on our economy and for the sake of our country I am here to remind you to purchase goods that will help keep America thriving or help it to become a thriving rather than floundering nation again. We consumers can accomplish more in one month than congress can in 12 months if we just support local businesses!

My two favorite places to shop during the holidays are Old Town Spring in Spring Texas and The antique district of Tomball. It just feels like Christmas as you walk through the shops full of goods and smell the pine candles and cinnamon potpourri and are reminded of the Christmases past as you browse the antiques and homemade items as well as the new items available. It's like stepping into another time. A time when gas prices weren't in the headlines and electronics weren't at the top on everyone's lists. It just makes you warm and fuzzy inside! Much better than linoleum tiles and long check out lines at the big box stores.

So Remember, BUY LOCAL. It's helpful to the environment to buy local because it saves gas. Buying an antique is even greener because it's recycling. So spend a dollar or two, but do it wisely with the economy and environment in mind.

I wish all of my fellow Active Rainers a Very Merry Christmas!! May your hearts be full of gladness and joy and may there be a twinkle in your eye as well as on your tree.

Ok, so it won't be real snow but the Lonestar College in Tomball is having it's annual Winter Wonderland December 4th beginning at 5:30pm. There will be snow, gingerbread, coffee, pictures with Santa ($5), a train ride, live music, and lots of fun for the children. Most of the activities are free. So bundle up the kids and come on out!

Winter Wonderland
December 4

Ring in the holiday season with Lone Star College-Tomball's Winter Wonderland.

The entire community is invited to this holiday
celebration on Thursday, December 4.

Offerings include

• Musical entertainment
• Games for children
• Refreshments
• Pictures with Santa
• Train rides
• Real Snow

Children of all ages can enjoy two playgrounds of snow located near the Beckendorf Conference Center. The snow opens at 5:30 p.m. and closes promptly at 8 p.m.

Entertainment starts at 6 p.m. in the Beckendorf Conference Center and features the Lone Star College-Tomball Jazz ensemble, choir, and faculty and staff chorus.

Lone Star College-Tomball student organizations have planned plenty of fun activities for children including a Christmas craft area and other games. There will also be a kiddie train and balloons by Noodles the clown.

Pictures with Santa will be from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Black Box Theater in the East Building. Pictures are $5 each. Proceeds benefit the Lone Star College-Tomball Scholarship Fund. Also, Santa's elves will be collecting presents For Santa's special deliveries. Guests are invited to bring donations of labeled wrapped and unwrapped personal items and toiletries for Santa's visits to area senior citizen's facilities and/or toys for his visits to children in local hospitals. Please mark packages either adult or child and specify gender.

Cookies, wassail, coffee, and ginger bread cake will be served throughout the evening in the Beckendorf Conference Center at no charge. Hot dogs and soft drinks will be available for a small charge.

There is no admission and all children's games and activities are free. For information, please call 281.351.3300 or 281.357.3608.

Tomball once again retreats back in time to it's German heritage in our annual German Christmas Market. It's a can't be missed event with fun for all ages. There will be music, food, fireworks, lots of items for sale and lots of fun. It's December 13th and starts at 10am. You won't need directions to the festivities. Just follow the signs and people once you get to Tomball. Parking is free.