What are the top-three things on your lifelong to-do list?

Real Simple asks their readers the best questions. I really liked reading the answers to this months question: "What are the top-tree things on your lifelong to-do list? In fact I thought I would ask you, my family and friends your "top-three". I'll go first

• Write a children's book some day (really so that I can read it to my kids at bed time).
• Create something so freakin' great, and sell it to everyone!
• Ride the train through Europe with the Hubby.

I can't wait to see what you all have on your top-three. I know there will be some surprises.

~Our little helper~

Degan learning how to use power tools. Helping Daddy water the grass

We have the cutest little boy. He wants to be involved in every little thing Daddy does. What ever chore Bobby sets out to tackle, there Degan is. Mowing the lawn, there's Degan. Building a shelf, there's Degan. Yesterday, Bobby was pulling weeds and watering the lawn. There was Degan, not 5 feet away, doing as Daddy was. Pulling weeds. He's such a cute little helper.

I need a designer eye...

I'm also excepting knock-offs ;-) I have this blank canvas before me, and wouldn't you know it... Creative block! I am loving greens, and yellows. Any ideas? All you creative divas out there... What do you think?

I have this huge space on this half wall. What do I do with it? I was going to get a cool large vase. This wall separates the living room from the dining room. What colors should I pair with my couch? I was thinking yellow. I have a red throw on in, but I've have had red in all of my houses in the past. I love this table. It's an antique. I want to eventually replace the chairs. For now I am happy with it though. I need to do something with the walls still. Maybe a cool jute rug. I am loving the kids bathroom. I think the dots work well for a co-ed bath. I still need a few more minor details. All in good time.

below: just another angle of the kiddo's bath.

I am slowly getting things done. one room at a time. On my way to work on the entry way. Buddha is lonely.

House Guests Wanted

Looking to get away? Look no further. We have found just the place for you to relax and enjoy life. Rates are reasonable, beds are comfy, entertainment is priceless! Come visit this "hidden spring". The "path" to a well deserved break. Enjoy fine dining. Be one with nature. Catch a show... Viewer discretion advised! ~also available: Pool, gym, and great company! Thanks Amelia, Carys, and Greyson for being our very first house guests. We loved having you, and can't wait to have you back. Your our platinum members ;-)

Welcome Home!

Here we are, in Round Rock, in our very own, very new home. We closed on Wednesday the 11th, and spent our very first night on the floor. LOL! Still I got one of the best nights sleep. I guess it doesn't matter where you lay your head, just as long as it's home. This is definitely our home! As Kathy would say... "Our happily ever after on earth." Buddha finally has a home now too! Now Bobby can rub his belly as he leaves the house. Here is my husband sitting on the floor, when he has a perfectly nice couch to sit on behind him. Lol. What a goof. I would post more pictures of the house, but it is still a work in progress. I will get some up soon.

Cream of Wheat

So Chloe, Kodi Lynn, Degan and I woke up this morning and had some cream of wheat for breakfast. Degan drank his from a cup and straw. He loved it. He ate about 2 servings. When Kodi Lynn was done with her bowl, Degan wanted to eat what little was left over (she had two servings as well). I tried to feed him but Mr. Independent had to do it all by himself. Beware though... The first video is about 3 min long.

Fun in the Sun

This weekend was so hot, but we managed to beat the heat all weekend. Friday the kids and I went down to the beach with my dad. They loved the sand. Not to crazy about the water though. Not to worry... They will learn to love the ocean as much as their parents do. They really don't have a choice. :-) Sat. was Syd's prom, so the first half of the day we spent around the house. After Syd left for her prom the kids and I went over to Letti's to swim in the pool. Kodi learned how to move along the pool wall, hand over hand. She thought she was so cool after learning how. It was Battle to get her out. She has no fear when it comes to water. I don't know if it is good or bad. Sunday, we went over to Grandma Bowlers for dinner, and relaxed in the air conditioning. Eating strawberry cake. Mmmmm! Deegers loved sitting in this hole. Kodi Lynn liked filling it up. It's hard to see, but Aunt Shannon made my little princess into a little mermaid. Mmmm sand and cookies! Looking good Sissy! She's wearing a Kathy original. Josh checking himself out in the mirror.

Susy Homemaker

I am so happy. I have been wanting to make an apron for so long now and I finally did it. Here is, my first one. Do you like it? I still have to add the pockets, but all in all, I really do love it. I can't wait to make another one. Kodi Lynn wants to wear it all the time. When she has it on she asks me if she can cook. Ha ha, how did she know what it was for? She's such a smarty! Ha ha... I needed a prop to make my Susy Homemaker outfit complete. Kodi playing mommy Pretty pearls on a pretty girl. So what she is doing here, is shaking her booty at me. Ha, she wanted to wiggle her bow. She cracks me up.

What a fun Weekend

Having the time of her life! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! This girl has No fear! Kodi and Degan wearing their cool shades on the way home.

Well this weekend sure has been memorable! Sat. Logan had his 4th birthday party at Jumping Jacks. Kodi Lynn had a blast! She was worn out by the end of the day. Thanks Logan for having such a great birthday! And of course Sunday was Mothers Day, which I spent with my two suddenly sick kids. They somehow got the 24 hour stomach bug, and threw up the entire night before. When morning came along the kids where better, a little clingy, but the best part of it was I had it when we all woke up. Happy Mothers Day to me.

Another day at Disney

Marcy and I took the kids to Disneyland on Tuesday. I wanted to take them to see the new Play House Disney show. I am so glad we did. It was so cute, and the girls really loved it. After we were done we went to see the Bugs Life show, and then off to get their faces painted. Oh and did I mention that Kodi Lynn rode the Toon Town roller coaster? Well she did. It was soooo funny. I sat behind her and Delaney, because you can only sit two to a row. I thought they would be terrified with out me, but they were so cute they held on to each other. They were laughing so hard that I could actually hear them over the roller coaster. That night Kodi Lynn was telling Syd and Nan about her ride, and she told them she held Laney so that she wouldn't fall out. I thought that was so cute. She really does love her little friend. We have plans to go again next week.

Kodi Lynn getting Ariel painted on her face Laney patiently waiting for her Tinkerbell This is pretty much all Degan did all day. He was so good. Best Buddies! How cute are they! I have never seen a baby happier than this one!

We had such a great day. Who wants to come next week?

I can't believe I did that!!!

So I was formating all of my pictures from this past week with Bobby, (To share with all of you, of course.) and I some how deleted them from the computer, and my CAMERA! I can't believe it! I am sooooo sad. What a bad day. First to take my husband to the airport, and then to lose all of the pictures of him and the kids. If anyone has pictures from this past week, will you send me copys? What bad luck! Urrrrrgghhhh! >: {

<3 <3 How Romantic <3 <3

So I planned a date for Bobby and I last night. I wanted to have a "Real Date"! It's been so long since we were able to just be alone. I made reservations at the Hyatt Regency Beachfront Hotel in Huntington Beach. We were married there New Years Eve, 2004. Knowing how much we both love Huntington Beach, I thought it would be nice to go back. We stayed in the one of the Courtyard rooms (we had the same view in 2004). The rooms are beautiful. We ate Dinner there in the room (Miguel's at Bobby's request). After we ate, we then put on the robes that they have for you, and sat on the balcony to enjoy the view. We could here the wind and waves, and smell the ocean, which is my favorite smell in the whole world! It was so nice to have Bobby all to myself, and spend quality time with him. With no distractions... t.v., kids, etc. When we woke up this morning we went to the best place by the beach for breakfast. The Sugar Shack! Yummy. I had their signature omelet, and Bobby had their egg, cheese, and avocado burrito. It was the perfect date. Now we are home with our kids and family, and enjoying just being together.

The Hyatt. We didn't have this view, but ours was nice too. This room looks a lot like ours (different color scheme) The bed had 9 pillows on it! Not kidding. Under the 3 you see in this picture, there were 6 regular pillows. Ha it totally reminded me of Cheaper by the Dozen. When the mom orders up 12 pillows from room service. The Sugar Shack on Main St. It's always that busy. The pier. I miss this place so much. I have some of my best memories with Bobby at this beach. We want to move back here some day.

He is Here!

Finally he is here! Bobby got in to LAX last night after 8. I met him at the gate. I was so excited to see him, that I had butterflies until I saw his face. No wife should have to be away from her husband that long. Unfortunately he will be leaving on the 5th. So we need to make the most of it. Can't wait to get started.

Only one left!

I'm sooooooooooo sad. There is only one more dance before Syd graduates. I know what everyone is thinking. Why are you sad? Shouldn't Syd be sad? I'm sad because I won't be able to do this any more. I love doing her hair for all of her dances. I love that she trusts me. Hopefully my nieces will need my services. Paigee? Only 3 more years until your in 8th grade dance.

Soldier What?

OK I think she gets her rhythm from her daddy. Ha watch her shake it for her favorite audience... Her!

Never to young!

MMMM... Don't you love the strawberry in her mouth. Can you see the heart?

So today, Kodi Lynn tried all day to show me what a big girls she is! She has to do it all by herself these days. It's so funny. Today Nan came into the kitchen and found Kodi on a chair washing the dishes. This is what I here:

Nan- "Oh Kodi I'll help you do that when I am all done." (she was on the computer,)

Kodi- "It's ok, the water is cold. It's ok Nan!" (Picture her holding up a finger to Nan, with sass.)

So of course I had to get a picture of it. Hey, I guess I should start a chore chart for her. It's never to early to start doing chores... Right? Later that evening she came and showed me her beautiful make over. "I look pretty Mommy, like Ariel! My "big" little girl.

Little reasons I love birthdays!

I love birthdays. Buying my kids gifts, and having special memories with them. I love the little things... Watching them get so excited about tearing off paper, or eating only the frosting of their birthday cake. One of my favorite parts about birthdays, is the card we get in the mail from my Aunt Dianna. She always makes these cute homemade birthday cards. This one is just so cute. I have been getting similar cards all my life from her, and my Grandma Cherry. I must get this trait from my Dad. He has kept all of his, and most of mine and Shannon's. Thanks Aunt Dianna for the GRRRRREAT card!

house updates

More shots from today

Degan still lovin' those sprinklers Frankenstein Yummy Not a fan of my cupcakes At least he is.