Rock On!

I had no idea how fun this could be! Donovan's been dying to go over and play with his Padrinos' guitar. So we did! ... and the drums and a tiny bit of singing too! Nina Kristie put on Band Hero and Rock Band and showed us how much fun can be had. Bianca showed us why she'll never be the next American Idol, while the rest of us took turns playing instruments. Of course, the guitar was the favorite.

Sydney was hilarious... pausing the concert to get the right wardrobe. Apparently we didn't make enough money for the good stuff, but there was plenty of pink attire at the thrift store, thank goodness. The look was complete and we were on with the show. Sing it sister!!

Thanks for having us over to rock out with you all. We can't wait to do it again!

A Cozy Christmas

The presents under our tree weren't nearly as abundant as years past, but the kids are enjoying the stuff they did get. Santa picked out some favorites. We spent Christmas Eve at Rudy's parents and had Christmas Day dinner here in our home. It was cozy. We want to thank all of our family for the gifts the kids received. It was pretty chaotic opening gifts in a flurry. THEY don't even know what they received from who.

My best presents, my kids.

You want me to sit between them???

Cousin Alex spent the night. Don't they look like they're having fun?

BBBBBaby, It's CHILLY outside!

Yes, chilly. I think Donovan picked that word up from his Dad. "Mom, I need a jacket.... It's CHILL-WEE outside!" he'd say. So everytime I try to use the word "cold", he has to correct me... it's not cold, it's chill-wee.

On one of those non-school days before Christmas last week, the kids were.... well... needing to get out of the house. We bundled up and went to the park for some cold playtime.

Swinging in the sun... still cold.

Dominic takes a break to empty out his shoe.

Devin, all smiles as usual.

Donovan's lips are taking a beating during this dryness.

With the holidays approaching once again, it seems at times we can never get caught up to where we want to be. Although this past year has been rough with a few bumps setting us back, I am truly thankful to have a roof over our heads and warmth in our home. I am blessed with an awesome family nearby and can't be thankful enough for my 3 Wild Ones....

Merry Christmas to All!

Thanks Mom for capturing these faces!

Goodbye to a Good Friend

Tilly's Sir Frederic
4/23/96 ~ 12/12/09

May you rest in peace, dear Fred. We miss you so much already!

A Playdate in Pajamas...

What is more perfect than a cozy, warm home and a coffee mug filled with coffee???

Answer: A playdate in a cozy, warm home IN PAJAMAS and a HUGE coffee mug filled with coffee AND PUMPKIN SPICE CREAMER!!! Oh yeah!!!

Thanks to Cousin Luke and his mom for having us over this past week to test out the birthday gifts and allowing us to invade your home for a couple hours.

It's come to this...

Furlough Fridays, pay cuts and one-income households seem to be the norm for us Californians. Grandma always said, "Nothing goes to waste in this house!"

Andrew and Luke

Happy Birthday to two Fantastic Boys!

Life is Good....

.... on Baskin Robbins' $1 Scoop Tuesdays!