BEFORE & AFTER

3 years ago, our family room looked like this! Having bought our first home at the height of the housing boom in CA. meant one thing: accepting the fact that we would be buying a home that exhibits, shall we say, "third world charm!" Indeed it did, every square inch! Richard surprised me for our anniversary with a few touches to finally finish (almost) this room. The results are shocking, no? Just don't ever ask to use our bathroom should you come for a visit...

Worth Blogging

Now I really feel the spirit of Christmas and what is most important! Click to see (or copy & paste). This reminded me a little of when we flew out to see Richard half-way during his army training and Robinson was 2 and hadn't seen dad for 3 months and how excited he was!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#28076521

Lollipop, Lollipop, Oooh Lolli, Lolli, Lolli....POP!

These Girls Make Life.......SWEET!

Robinson's Birthday! Happy 11th!

Robinson is a special kid. He is always laughing and the getting the uncontrollable giggles. We will be eating, in the car, at church, or even school (according to this teacher) and something strikes him funny and he can't stop laughing. It's pretty contagious. Grandma says it's in the genes! He also LOVES Legos. While many of his friends are outgrowing toys, this kids plays with toys ALL day long. I had so much fun giving him him presents! Check out how I surprised him at the end. His excitement was too much fun.

A Time to Punish....and Perhaps a Time to Resist....

A Black Sharpie, an impulsive five-year-old, and her name proudly written 12 inches across the interior door of our brand new vehicle. Quite Honestly? I never want to erase it.....

ODE TO MOM (again!)

Don't miss the comment my mom left under "Happy Birthday Mom!" Did I mention how FUNNY she is????

Happy Birthday Mom!

What do I love most about my mom? There are not enough words...One of my favorite things is her laugh. She laughs easier and more often than any person I know. Her laughter lights up our family. She is the first one any of us want to call to share a day's adventure, story, or any delight. On the flip side, she is also the first one to call when discouraged. Her words make everything seem just fine. Yes....her children find her to be virtually faultless and her grandchildren adore her! The following quote is so befitting of my mom (but not to be taken literal, I can already read your mind's humor!).

"If the whole world were put into one scale, and my mother in the other, the whole world would kick the beam". ~Lord Langdale (Henry Bickersteth)