10. Hey! There’s a gift!

9. Well, well, well …

8. Boy, if I had not recently shot up 4 sizes that would’ve fit.

7. This is perfect for wearing around the basement.

6. Gosh. I hope this never catches fire! It is fire season though. There are lots of unexplained fires.

5. If the dog buries it, I’ll be furious!

4. I love it — but I fear the jealousy it will inspire.

3. Sadly, tomorrow I enter the Federal Witness Protection Program.

2. To think — I got this the year I vowed to give all my gifts to charity.

And the Number One Thing to say about a Christmas gift you don’t like:

1. “I really don’t deserve this.”

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Hugs
4 tsp Kisses
2 cups Smiles
4 cups Love
1 cup Special Holiday Cheer
1/2 cup Peace on Earth
3 tsp Christmas Spirit
2 cups Goodwill Toward Man
1 Sprig of Mistletoe
1 medium-size bag of Christmas Snowflakes (the regular kind won’t do!)

Method:

Mix Hugs, Kisses, Smiles and Love until consistent.
Blend in Holiday Cheer, Peace on Earth, Christmas Spirit and the Good Will toward Men. Use the mixture to fill a large, warm heart, where it can be stored for a lifetime. (It never goes bad!)

Serve as desired under mistletoe, sprinkled liberally with special Christmas Snowflakes.

It is especially good when accompanied by Christmas Carols and family get-togethers.

Serve to one and all.

Author unknown

We are offering new homebuyers some gifts this holiday season. The “Holidays Are Here” promotion helps new homebuyers turn the dream of homeownership into reality.

“We’re making the holidays a lot brighter for new homebuyers,” said American West President Larry Canarelli. “American West is giving numerous gifts away this holiday season. For a limited time, we are giving homeowners the gift of upgraded flooring, closing costs, fully landscaped backyard, complete appliance package, 1 year home concierge package, granite countertops, dual master sinks, spa showers and radiant heat barrier roof sheathing.  As a company, our goal has always been to help make the dream of a new home come true for the families of Las Vegas and this holiday season, we are making it much easier for everyone.”

American West homeowners insist there’s an “American West difference” to their new homes and that it contributes to the enjoyment of their new home and neighborhood and that this “difference” is what sets American West apart from other
homebuilders.  According to Larry Canarelli, president of American West, in addition to our homeowners, many home shoppers are discovering that they can get more “bang for their buck” with the purchase of a new American West home.

“Home shoppers are continuing to discover that they can get more for their money when buying a brand-new home from American West,” Canarelli said. “Our newest communities represent a new generation of American West home designs. These
homes represent American West’s latest innovative design features which include unparalleled versatility and architecture; beautifully-appointed, upgraded, standard features; luxurious baths; and, of course, our signature gourmet
kitchens with center dining island. These homes are truly enchanting and a must-see.”

The difference in an American West neighborhood is unmistakable. The pride of ownership in the homes is overwhelming. “We’ve listened to our buyers and met their demands for the newest and best amenities offered in new homes,” Canarelli said.  “Incorporating our buyers’ needs and dreams into all of our homes… That’s the key to American West’s unprecedented success. We build to meet the needs of Las Vegas families.  We combine unmatched value, outstanding locations, our trademark homes, and the newest amenities to create an unparalleled new home package.”

American West is currently selling at 10 communities located throughout the Las Vegas valley. Home designs range from 1,216 to 4,770 square feet with prices starting as low as $178,500. The builder’s tradition of architectural excellence, quality construction, innovative floorplans, pool sized backyards and superior customer service is found at every community.

“Each American West community is a little different and appeals to different types of buyers. First-time home buyers, growing families, empty nesters and those seeking luxury residences are all discovering homes that meet their personal needs at American West neighborhoods,” Canarelli said.

“Today’s home buyers are seeking homes constructed by quality builders with established track records, who stand behind their homes. We are a privately owned business that has been building in the Las Vegas Valley since 1984 with thousands of
happy homeowners. American West is the only builder in the nation who has won the ACE Award for construction excellence twice. We look forward to providing quality homes to our homeowners and to exceeding their expectations,” he said.

American West sales centers are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For community directions and more information, please visit www.AmericanWestHomes.com or call (702) 308-1111.

American West is celebrating autumn with a Fall Festival in Coronado Ranch Saturday, October 15^th, at the grand opening of their newest community American West Brookfield. The Fall Festival will feature restaurants and businesses from the Coronado Ranch area, live music, food, activities for kids and dozens of raffle items from the numerous shops and restaurants. The American West Fall Festival will allow everyone to experience the wonders of Coronado Ranch – the jewel of the southwest.    

“American West is proud to be the creator of the Coronado Ranch community. We’ve been building quality homes here from the very beginning and are continuing to provide affordable luxury to homebuyers,” said American West President Larry Canarelli. “Hosting this festival in Coronado Ranch allows us to celebrate one of the valley’s most desirable communities and invite home shoppers to see first-hand the craftsmanship and unparalleled customer service offered by American West.” 

Visitors attending the Fall Festival can enjoy the music, food and fun from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The grand opening celebration for Brookfield will take place on both Saturday and Sunday. 

Brookfield at Coronado Ranch is American West’s newest neighborhood. It represents a new generation of American West home designs and features five two-story and split level floor plans ranging from 1,608 to 2,995 square feet and starting at just $197,500.  All homes include the high quality standard features for which American West is known, including granite countertops, gourmet kitchens with Whirlpool® appliances, spacious kitchen dining islands, Marblestone® natural stone tub/shower and vanity tops and an NV Energy Plus rating. NV Energy Plus certified homes use less energy than ENERGY STAR® rated homes. 

Coronado Ranch is one of Las Vegas’ fastest growing and most popular communities. It offers incredible convenience located just near the 215 Beltway; minutes from recreational activities; nearby state-of-the-art schools; and seconds from numerous shopping and dining.  

The sales office and models are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To visit American West Brookfield, take 215 Beltway and exit south on Rainbow. Turn east (left) on Shelbourne. Brookfield is on the left side of the street. For more information on American West Brookfield, visit americanwesthomes.com or call (702) 853-4584.

We are thrilled to be celebrating our 27 years of homebuilding. When Larry Canarelli, American West President and Owner, dreamed of being able to build beautiful homes for the families of Las Vegas, he could never imagine that the future of that dream would bring over 15,000 homeowners, 71 communities and 27 years of doing what he loves to do – building homes. 

As a small boy, Larry use to walk the beautiful homes where he lived and dream that one day his family could live in one. Growing up, he realized that his vision grew to providing homes for families just like his own. Twenty-seven years later, he watches that dream come true everyday while more and more families move into a new American West home. 

As a local, family owned company, we take great pride in the homes we build and the communities that have helped shape the growth of Las Vegas. American West is the only local homebuilder who can proclaim that they have been building homes in Las Vegas for the past 27 years. Las Vegas is our home and we love being a part of this amazing community and contributing to the local economy.

American West has always believed in the importance of family. We realize that our homeowner’s new home is a reflection of their family’s personality and values and so it’s with a sense of commitment, honor and pride that we build every American West home. Our homeowners understand that there is an “American West difference” that contributes to the enjoyment of their new home and neighborhood. This “difference” is what sets us apart from other homebuilders. As a local homebuilder, Larry personally puts his name on every home American West builds. Everyone involved in American West gets the thrill and understanding of knowing that we get to make the dream of homeownership come true for the families of Las Vegas. Our greatest thrill as a company is knowing how pleased our homeowners are with their new homes and that they have a place to raise their family and a home they’re proud to show their friends and relatives.   

Today’s home buyers are seeking new homes constructed by quality builders with established track records, who stand behind their homes. Every American West home is known for its quality construction, abundance of included features, pool-sized backyards and superior customer service. We stand apart from everyone else with our quality, value, superior construction and innovative features located in our large variety of new home designs. Our homes are in the best neighborhoods, with great schools, parks, golf courses and shopping right at your doorstep. Every American West community is a little different and appeals to different types of buyers. First-time buyers, growing families, empty nesters and those seeking luxury residences are all discovering homes that meet their personal needs at American West’s neighborhoods. 

As a builder, we understand that purchasing a new home is one of the biggest investments that anyone will make it their lifetime. When you buy a home built by American West, you can take comfort in knowing that you’ve bought from the Number One Builder in America – American West, America’s best. 

Message from Larry Canarelli, “To our homeowners, employees, subcontractors, friends and family – I want to thank you for being a part of American West’s continued success. You have helped make dreams come true everyday and that includes my own. Your continued support and dedication has helped to make American West what it is today – Southern Nevada’s #1 Homebuilder. I look forward to the future and to welcoming many more families into the American West family of homeowners. Here’s to the next 27 years of homebuilding excellence!”

You’re never too young to start learning about life, or too old to stop.

            Here are some words of wisdom from people of all ages that nearly everyone can relate to:

• I’ve learned that our dog doesn’t want to eat my broccoli either. (Age 7)
• If you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up. (Age 14)
• I’ve learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice. (Age 24)
• If someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it. (Age 30)
• The greater a person’s sense of guilt, the greater his of her need to cast blame on others. (Age 46)
• I’ve learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone. (Age 50).
• Regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die. (Age 53).
• You shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. (Age 64)
• I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision. (Age 66)
• I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one. (Age 82)
• I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn. (Age 92)

Here are some secrets of contented living that most dogs follow – and more humans need to: 

• Never pass up the chance to go for a ride.
• Always greet your loved one enthusiastically, even if they’ve been gone for only five minutes.
• Sometimes obedience is the best strategy.
• Carve out your niche – and let others know when they’ve invaded your space.
• Find time to run, chase things, and play every day.
• Eat with gusto!
• Be dependably loyal no matter what.
• Take frequent naps.
• Take time to stretch before getting up from your naps.
• Don’t bite when a growl will send the message.
• When someone’s having a bad day, stay close, be quite, and nozzle them now and then.
• When it’s hot, drink a lot of water and sleep in the shade.
• Enjoy long, rambling walks.
• Don’t take scoldings personally – you’ll forget them soon enough.
• When you’re happy, show it.