Thank you!

Thank you Kim for my birthday gift. I love it. It is even more special because it is personalized!

Our New Objective

Ever since I stopped nursing Luke at 13 months he has sucked his tongue. Initially, we thought it was so cute. I guess we still do or rather we don't even take notice of it anymore. I even have a family Christmas picture (where he was upset) and his 18 month old picture with him sucking on it. If you notice, he has his blanket in every one of these pictures! He usually sucks it when he is tired, in trouble, etc.....but, ONLY if he has his blanket in hand. He does also do it when he is near a baby. Odd. Like if he goes up to rub their head, or help them walk or something. This was very clear when Kai was born!

Now it is time to end this habit! Since he isn't even conscious of when he does it, the dentist said that is our first objective. So, if you happen to see Luke sucking his tongue tell him to put it away! Once he realizes what he is doing, he can then make a choice to not do it. Once that is done the hope is that he will no longer do it in his sleep. We will begin this process.....cross our fingers!

Why did this happen?

My dishwasher's "motherboard" is on the kinks! It flashes and reverts every time to 2 minutes! Ugh! I hate doing dishes. Even worse it stinks when you have to take the dirty dishes out of the dishwasher! Irene has no sympathy for me, but I bet other gal pals do! ha ha. On the negative side I broke a bowl, but on the positive side I recruited a very happy helper! And....the dishes are done. For today at least. For this very hour at least. Let's hope the repair man returns my call this morning!

Easter Bunny 2010

Our Birthday With The Smith Family & Some Great Friends

This past Sunday my family got together to celebrate mine and Carey's birthday. Unbeknown to me Bill had invited my friend Irene, Kim, and Ali over as well. It was such a nice surprise to see everyone and their families for our celebration! My mom made lunch for everyone while Ali brought the cake, Kim the drinks, and Irene ice cream with toppings. It was so kind and thoughtful of everyone. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

My Birthday With The Salinas Side Of The Family

Thanks to my sister-in-law Jean I had a little get together on Saturday evening for my birthday. She, Bradley, Matthew, my brother-in-law Libor and his wife Lyn, and my in-laws were all there along with us. We were planning on going out, but staying in with the 4 little ones seemed easiest! We had a great time. The boys were thrilled because Uncle Lib had brought with him the latest Chipmunk movie! Thank you Jean for remembering my favorite cake, my gift, and for just thinking of me! Thanks Lib & Lyn for my gift too! I can't wait to go shopping!

Us Attending Bradley's T-Ball Game

2010 Backyard Updates

So here is a half-way look at our backyard changes. We did not know that there would be grass down when we got home today. It was such a cool surprise! Bill has lots more to do with things like moving the pool equipment, building a custom shed, getting rid of the old junk, putting up malibu lights ect. He just told me that he will be busy for many many weeks to come. Oh please Easter Bunny will you bring my boys a playset with swings, a slide, and a little clubhouse???

Here is our backyard in 2004. It looks fine to me!

Another shot from 2004. That was when we had the block wall put

around the entire perimeter of the house.

The stucco wall was one of the things we wanted gone.

We hated the slope and depth of the planter. It only grew the ivy in certain spots

and it was approx. 6 feet from the stucco wall to the brick wall.

We ended up looking at a lot of dirt most of the time.

Demo begins and the dirt is leaving.....

We gained like 4 1/2 to 5 feet of grass on the side and the top of this area!

Trenching for the new block wall.

Don't mind the shed in EVERY picture. Bill said it will be gone this weekend.

He wants to build a new one!

Ta-Da! What we came home to today!

Bill did a great job designing this. He was awesome.

I just gave a nod every once in awhile!

It is our neighbor's Sal's business.....he did a great job if anyone every needs him.

Now the planter is only 2 feet from the brick wall to the mini brick wall and it is level.

No more dirt to look at and no more slope!

Secret Spot

As many of you know, I am a bit of a control freak and certainly a clean freak. I do try to teach my kiddos to pick up after themselves and they know we don't leave our house "a mess." I pretty much call everything junk thus Luke tends to use the term even when not appropriate! The other day when we were on a walk he told me that the people on the corner need to get rid of their junk (a broken down car on the side of their house!) Anyway, a couple of days ago I asked Luke to go grab his sweatshirt and he said it was under his bed. I said, No, No, No.........when I went to inspect I found his Leapster there too! And the other small pile of stuff pictured below. I was going to make him take it out, but in the end I thought what's the harm. So.....last night we went to Disneyland and Bill caved in a bought him some mini light stick thing. I asked him where it was this morning when we were in the car and he said it was in his SECRET SPOT. Of course! Why didn't I think of that?

Eryn's 19th Birthday

Cousins Lauren & Luke

Sisters

Auntie Eryn and Lukie

Don't mind the dirt or whatever made it onto Kai's face before a picture was snapped! :0)

Uncle Carey, Auntie Kelly, and cousin Lauren with Luke

The oldest of the bunch - my nephew Austin with me

Daddy moving in our picture! :0)

Mom & Dad

I can't believe my twin Carey & I will be 35 this week! Ugh! I think we kind of look alike!