Marlee Wants To Have A New Years Eve Party

Marlee was only two (2) years old, but she listens to other people talking a lot. We have seen pictures of her listening to people at some cafe's that she and her family have gone too. By listening she learns a lot of things. Things that grownups may not always want her to hear. Marlee has been hearing a lot about New Years Eve lately. That meant that that New Years Eve was the very last day of the year. The next day was called New Years Day.
She heard people wishing people Happy New Years all the time when they were at home and at Marleewood. She thought to herself, "Why shouldn't every day be a happy one." At her age most days were happy. She was loved, she had friends and a big family. She was fed and she was warm. She had pretty and comfortable clothes. She had warm coats, and comfy jammies. She just couldn't understand the big deal.

Well, Marlee  decided to ask Stashia about New Years. Stashia was her very very best friend. She had been telling her secrets for a long time and since she was her very best friend she kept those secrets. Stashia was a Shar-Pei dog. She looked old because she had wrinkles. Her wrinkles made her look beautiful.
Grandma B still had not found out that those two actually had their own language. Stashia got Marlee through potty training, and also had warned her against dangerous ideas throughout her many adventures. Stashia was the kind of friend that everyone wants. So Marlee assumed that she would tell her all about New Years Eve.

Emma and
her Grandpa
cooking

Stashia was happy to explain to Marlee that at the end of the year people loved to celebrate at parties and get together's in their homes, or at a place called Time Square in New York City. That was far away, but a lot of people watched it on television. The reason they had parties was to count their blessings for the past year and to wish for even a better year that was coming up.
Marlee had gotten a new cell phone for Christmas. I was told that it was a private number so that she wouldn't be disturbed when she was eating or sleeping. That's a really good idea, isn't it?

Once again she asked her Grandma B about having a New Years Eve party. Once again, Grandma B said, "Sure. Get on your phone and call your friends. This will be fun. So Marlee did just that. When she called her friends every single one of them asked her what they could bring. To each one of her friends she said, "Anything that you would like to. But if you don't have anything to bring there will be plenty of food and drinks there at Marleewood. We are going to celebrate by having pizza and Christmas cupcakes and candy. Emma and her grandpa are going to use one of the kitchens to make stuff for the party I think.  Just like I promised we will watch videos that we like this time and do a lot of dancing. I'm going to take the Baby Shark Dance video so we can dance as long as we want to."
Grandma B heard Marlee
talking to her friends and silently groaned. That meant that the Baby Shark song would be playing, and probably Peppa Pig, and of course, Frozen. She smiled to herself and thought, "Maybe everyone will fall asleep and I can shut them off."
" A lot of grownups stay up really late and celebrate the New Year at midnight,  but we can celebrate the New Year any time of day we want to", Marlee told her friends. So let's meet about two o'clock in the afternoon. We are going to have so much fun."

Grandma B quickly called the Grandmas and some of Marlee's friends' parents and invited them all to Marleewood for the party. Once again they all thought it would be fun.
Marlee had heard another word she would have to ask Stashia about; resolutions.
She wondered why grownups talked about that word and often laughed. Hmm. Maybe when Marlee is older she will find out about New Years Resolutions.
We sure wish that Aunt Nat would be here for the party. She could take pictures of everyone that came. Those pictures would be such a great thing to have when they grew up wouldn't it?

Maggie And Her Friends Aren't Too Tired To See The Lights

Marlee and her friends had been working hard to sell the clearance things in the Holiday Shop. Do you remember why? There were two (2) reasons weren't there? They needed the money and they needed the space for Aunt Nat.
Everyone was sure talking about her. They couldn't figure out someone that took pictures but didn't like their picture taken. Oh well, that was fine as long as she took good pictures. They had decided to charge two (2) dollars for each picture. If people couldn't afford it, that was fine. Aunt Nat was a volunteer so they didn't have to pay her. However, they did have to pay for her materials. Hmm. Maybe they needed another way to raise some money. I think it was time for another meeting. That's exactly what happened. That day after they closed up the Holiday Shop they all went to the break room to have a snack and a drink. They had a wonderful surprise today. A lady had asked one of the grandmas if she could bake her daddy's special Scottish Shortbread in one of their kitchens. What do you think she said? Yes! Everyone likes cookies and these aren't very sweet so maybe folks can eat those that can't have much sugar.



They all visited while they were waiting for the cookies to get done. They missed out on the cookie dough, but they didn't care. They could hardly wait for those cookies to get done.
Pretty soon Grandma Lu walked in the break room and said, "Well hi, Kathy, what are you making these young folks?

Whatever it is sure smells wonderful." The lady called Kathy laughed and said, "Hello yourself. They do, don't they? Do you want a cup of coffee?" What do you think Grandma Lu said? You are right she said, "I sure do. it's cold outside." Then she sat down with the children and asked, "What are you kids up to today?"
They couldn't wait to tell her that they were going for a ride to see the Christmas lights before people started taking them down. For one reason and another they hadn't gotten to see them yet.
Soon the cookies were done and cool enough to eat. Everyone told Kathy how good they were and that she could come back anytime and bake cookies. It just seemed like snacks were gone in a blink of an eye at Marleewood.
As soon as they were finished they got their coats and hats on and went for a ride with Grandma B to see the lights. Oh they were so pretty. They saw Emma and her mama too! How much fun you could have at Christmas time.

Soon it was time to go home. They were all ready to go home and get in their pajamas and settle down for the night. They all had worked hard during the day, but it was worth it. The things in the Holiday Shop were almost gone. As soon as they could they would call
Aunt Nat and tell her that she could get started as soon as she would like to.
This was so exciting, but how were they going to pay for her materials. They had to come up with an idea...

Grandma B Saves The Day!

Marlee and her friends and the Grandmas were busy busy getting the things in the Holiday Shop ready for the big sale. They all were hoping that the sale was going to be a big success because of the new Photography Studio that would be needing the space. The Holiday Shop would be back in business closer to Valentines Day. Charlie had convinced her friends that people would be ready to shop again by then.
There was so much to do. Marlee was busy cleaning up spills that had happened over the Christmas rush. She is always busy helping.

Boy, they still had lots and lots of things to sell. They decided that they would probably sell some things for half price. So if something cost two (2) dollars they would sell it for one (1) dollar. Most things were priced for two (2) dollars to  make it easy for the children to figure out.

Marlee was much better today so once again she was cleaning up a storm. She sure was curious about the new lady that was going to take pictures though. She just couldn't wait to meet her. Charlie liked her so that was good enough for her.

Soon the doors would be open for customers. Today Grandpa Mike and Shell were in the Daycare going through a photo album. They were going to take a turn watching the children while their parents shopped. Everyone likes pictures so they were going to tell the children about some of the pictures in the book.
Soon the doors were open. Because of everyone's hard work they were ready to go.They were all excited. But like most things what you want isn't necessarily what you get. There were no shoppers, but two (2) people wanting to return what they had gotten for Christmas. Oh no!
I don't think Charlie was ready for this. I don't think any of Marlee's friends had any idea that people would want to bring things back. Wow, look there was a girl that had gotten pelican slipper for Christmas. They were too small. She wanted her money back. She told Charlie she didn't even like pelicans!
When Charlie explained to her that they had a no return policy at Marleewood, the girl was not a bit happy. Well, Charlie had noticed that it looked like a dog had been chewing on those slippers. She was not about to take them back. It was time to get Grandma B. She was sure she could explain their policy to her.
Before she could even move a really tall guy came in and was upset because he had bought a pair of size Medium pajamas for his friend. He showed Charlie that they were huge! Also they were very short. He wanted his money back.
Oh boy, what was going to happen now? Soon Grandma B came into the Christmas Shop. She greeted the girl and the young man with a nice smile. And said, "What seems to be the trouble?" They both started talking at the same time. They wanted their money back. By the time Grandma B got done she had exchanged some of their Clearance Christmas half price slippers and pajamas for the unhappy customers to take home with them.
She made the customers happy and did Marleewood a favor also. Good job, Grandma B! Grandma B saved the day. Just one more thing that Marlee and her friends have had to learn along the way; compromise. (give a little and take a little). They have had to do that before, but they had forgotten. Lessons continue to happen as we grow older.

Soon after the upset customers left with smiles on their faces, folks did come in and purchased a lot of things from the Holiday Shop. Charlie and Marlee were very happy. They decided to go to the break room to decide what they were going to do the next day.
They decided to continue the sale, but they had heard a lot about how beautiful the Christmas lights were this year. They asked the Grandmas if they could go tomorrow.  They wanted to see them before people took them down. They said they sure could and Grandma B said that she would drive.

Charlie Announces No Return Policy At Marleewood!

Marlee wasn't feeling so hot this morning so she asked Charlie to take charge of the meeting today. Charlie was glad to do that. She secretly had lots of things to announce.
The first thing on the list was that there would not be any returns from things that were purchased at the Holiday Shop.
Charlie announced this new policy at the meeting shortly after the Christmas break. She called it a Zero Return Policy; no returns for anyone at all. That was that as far as Charlie was concerned. She told the group at the meeting that since she had been in charge of the books that they had made a little money, but just barely enough to order more things for Valentines Day. That was her reason for  no returns. Charlie also said that would include everyone even family and friends. She was sorry, but that was just the way it had to be.
 She also announced that there would be a new Shop at Marleewood. She was going to close the Holiday Shop until it was close to Valentines Day. She was going to have a huge sale to sell as many things as possible. She had ordered too many slippers and pajamas and needed to sell them as fast as possible. Marlee had also ordered too much of the Holiday and Christmas decorations. The sale was going to start tomorrow.
Everyone thought that was a really good idea. Big stores do that too.
 But Charlie was the only person that knew her plans for a new shop. They all started asking questions. Even Marlee didn't know what was going on. They wanted to know what they should do with the empty space.
Charlie grinned and said that she had gotten in touch with a lady who called herself Aunt Nat. She was a photographer. She wasn't like anyone she had ever known before, but she really liked her. She made her laugh because she liked fast cars and so did a lot of  Marlee's friends.
Well, of course, there were lots of questions for Charlie. Where did you meet her, how do you know she will like to work at Marleewood for free, and most of all does she like kids.
Charlie was liking this. It was fun to have all the answers. She was dressed to the 9's (Charlie learned that expression from Grandma Lu)
this morning in her brand new Christmas outfit.
Charlie had signed on to Marleewood as a bookkeeper and had gradually taken over the shops as they opened and closed, making a profit along the way. She also had taken a tight rein on the spending which also helped what she called "the bottom line." Of course, the small town donations made Marleewood a wonderful small town business for everyone.

Charlie
Christmas 2018

They thought that a Photography Studio would be a wonderful idea. They knew even at their young age that pictures were so important. They made memories come alive in people's minds. Plus she thought that they could charge a small fee and make a little money at the same time.
Charlie explained that Aunt Nat was a friend of Grandma Lu's. She remembered something so funny that Charlie started laughing. She said, "Yes, she's a photographer, but doesn't like to have her picture taken. But she said as soon as the Holiday Shop is closed she will bring her equipment and start taking photos that people might like to have."
Everyone asked how she knew that she was good at taking pictures. This is what Charlie showed her friends.
I think that she is a good one.

Marleewood Has After Hours Party!

Marleewood seems to be having some issues with the small town newspaper lately. Yesterday's headlines were about cookie samplers and dogs wanting the law enforced against Christmas sweaters and doggie tennies.
Today's headlines were a bit naughty saying that Marleewood was having an after hours party. Well, they were! A pajama party for goodness sake's.
Marlee saw the headlines on her tablet. She was not a happy camper. She complained to Grandma B about it.
"B" just grinned and said, "Aww, don't worry about it. Maybe they just want an invitation." Marlee agreed so they got busy and made out a list of people to invite. It was going to be a real party!
Marlee and the Grandmas had thought it would be great fun for everyone to put on their brand new Christmas jammies and new blankets or quilts if they have them and bring them to Marleewood.
Grandma B came up with a menu of cookies and candy and hot chocolate. Sounds like a good party to me!
The invitations told folks to R.S.V.P. That means let us know if you are coming so that we have enough cookies and hot chocolate.
They didn't get any answers just knocks on the door. Children and folks were arriving with their new Christmas jammies on. How fun!
The first to arrive were Ryan, Andy, and Julia.

Then Kanyon and his parents arrived. Kanyon wanted to show off his new Christmas hat too!
Another knock at the door! There was CoraLynn. She was wearing her Christmas jammies and a Santa hat. How fun. It was nice that she could come. She could help with the smaller children and the Grandmas too. Welcome, CoraLynn.
Oh look, here are Liam, Addalynn and Brooklyn. Liam looks like he is ready to party! What a great party this is turning out to be.
Oh good, here is a Grandma already for a fun party. She brought Puddles with a Christmas sweater on. Oh dear, I hope she wasn't part of the Christmas sweater protest. Right behind her was Charlie's nanny  with a stocking cap on and Moses in a winter coat. The news reporter hadn't heard any complaints from Moses so he must not be in the canine protest that Daisy started.
Kayslyn and her mama were snuggled under one of the sitting room trees. Kayslyn all cute in her new pink jammies.

Addie and Sophia and too cute in their new pj's and outfit, aren't they?



Everyone had the option of water, hot chocolate or milk. They could have cookies too. There were lots of cookies left over from Christmas. Besides that, Sawyer and his grandma were out in the kitchen putting together a gingerbread house. I seem to hear some grumbling out there. I hope all is well. Sawyer looks pleased with it. Oh what a lot of snacks for the party!
Everyone was all snuggled up with their snacks and blankets and fuzzy warm pajamas. There was soft giggling and whispering and even some jokes being told. All of a sudden a horrible crash sounded from the back living room. Oh my goodness! Look there is Addison's grandpa sitting in a big blue kayak surrounded with Christmas wrapping paper. It was all over the place. Well he is just sitting there grinning  like he was sitting in a lake or river. Trudy is sitting in someone's lap grinning too, just like little dogs do. She agrees with Bella. Just let those humans have their fun once a year.
 I think Marlee and her friends love all the excitement. Before the big blue kayak added some party fun the party was a little too quiet for them
Some  had their hearts set on The Little Shark video. It didn't get watched and neither did Peppa Pig. I know that their mamas just love those too. That's okay, next time Marlee has a party she will be sure to play those videos first thing.
Talk to you soon.

Extra Extra Read All About It!

The small town newspaper headlines are all about Marleewood today.
 It is the day after Christmas and everything is a mess. The dogs are barking and totally upset with the empty boxes and trash. The grownups are laughing and telling old Christmas stories.
 A little girl is trying to read a story from her new book but no one is listening.
The small town newspaper says that Santa has lost weight because someone ate his cookie before he arrived. If you look closely their is proof that Miss Marlee was the cookie
sneaker tester. (Big grin)
The Big Headline in the "Small Town News" was that Marlee wasn't the only one who might have grabbed a sample of those good Christmas cookies. Harleigh's cookies have been sampled too!
Oh dear, how will that old elf keep his schedule  next Christmas Eve? Santa has to gain back some of his weight somehow or he and his reindeer will be ahead of schedule. That just won't do.
The headlines were not kind to the cookie samplers at all.






Lower on the front page of the newspaper it said that the local dogs were staging a protest against reindeer antlers, Christmas sweaters and Christmas wrapping.

All  dogs want is just a little bit of explanation as to why humans can make a mess, but when they get into the trash in the kitchen it is a disaster. Sadie, for instance, got into trouble for getting into the trash. Her "mom" told her not to ever do that again! "Well, she puts stuff in there why shouldn't she be able to take stuff out?" one news reporter was told. Besides that, she didn't take all of her food out of that can. Humans shouldn't waste stuff, you know.
Then Finn is totally upset, that same lady put reindeer antlers on him. Good grief, no respectable dog should be made to wear these, Merry Christmas..Not!! Maggie knew his pain because one year Grandma Lu did that to her too. Terrible disrespect.
Maggie wanted to get in the empty boxes, but Bandit was totally scared of the rustling of the Christmas paper and ran and hid under the bed. He told the special news reporter that he would rather stay under the bed than celebrate with all those noisy humans.
Diode and Max were wise old dogs. They had seen this human madness for years and had forgiven their humans for their silliness.
But Stax was not so forgiving. He saw no sense in this Elf Hat business at all.
Bella came along and tried to calm everyone down. "You know what, I agree with Max and Diode. Just let them have their fun it will soon be over."






Then there was poor Daisy. Daisy loved her human girl, but she kept changing her outfit. There should be a law! She had me all dressed in pink the other day. Pink hat, pink harness, pink sweater, and horrible pink high top tennis shoes. My girl called them "cute tennies."
 She spoke to the reporter about the Canine  Ugly Sweater Dress Code and said that she wanted it enforced once and for all. The reporter said that she would look into it. Secretly Daisy didn't hold out much hope.



The Small Town News reporter thought maybe she should talk to Grandma B about the grumbling dogs and Daisy's protest. So she went to Marleewood and knocked on the door. Grandma B opened the door and said, "Hello there, what can I do for you?" The reporter knew then and there that Daisy and her friends would be wearing Christmas sweaters year after year. Sorry, Daisy. Pink really is your color.
The small town newspaper was a special edition. The news is continued in tomorrow's story.