My oldest and youngest...

It's hard to believe I'm the mom of a teenager even if he has only been 13 for two weeks. Today I had the joy of watching him be big brother to his baby sister. I just had to share.

Wine and Conversation

This was a gorgeous day in Granger. Beautiful clear skies, about 65-70 degrees with our tulip bulbs and day lilies peeking through the ground. I wish our lives reflected the serenity around us. Because frankly...today sucked. More bad news. We just can't seem to get enough of it. It's one of those days when, even though I "know" that there is a God and He is ordering our steps, I "feel" as if my prayers are falling on deaf ears and no one is listening or cares.

On another note, however, we had a fun evening with Callie and Tony. We had a fabulous dinner at "Yesterdays" in Granger with wonderful Merlot and red meat topped off with a rich, decadent dessert.

Callie and me (we honestly didn't plan on the whole "matching" thing!)

The boys (that's my Larry on the left and Callie's Tony...or Chef Tony, as we lovingly refer to him...on the right)

Me and the guy I married (and I'd do it again!)

San Diego Friends in Town!

Ok...not posting much. We spent a couple days doing a bazillion loads of laundry and cleaning the house getting ready for company. Then last night, some of our very favorite people in the whole world flew in from San Diego! They are here till Tuesday (hey...sounds like the name of a popular 80's band...Aimee Mann, I love you!). Today we visited our local beloved coffee house (shout out to Bella Vita) with the Escobedo's and took the kids to a movie. Oh...and I had a much needed highlighting session with Callie (who used to do my hair in San Diego)...love my new streaks!!! We let the girls buy temporary hot pink color and put a few streaks in their hair. Good girl time. Tonight we're relaxing with a couple beers and letting the kids play. I've posted a photo of Emma (our 8 yr old) teaching Gracie (our friends' 5 yr old) how to do Sudoku!

Ok...time to get serious...

I have been thoroughly inspired! Jen Zug, if you're reading, you have inspired me to be more regular about blogging as well as writing. So...if any of you out there care about what's up in at the Baldwin Bungalow or in this crazy, messed up mind of mine...here it is. My blog. Check back or subscribe and we'll see if this is one of those things that my ADD mind can actually follow through on!

Facts of Life

I went to a conference called "Hearts At Home" last weekend. Some good practical stuff...especially in the parenting arena. Picked up a system called PEGS to implement a chore system. I really like it because it covers all the learning styles...it is a check list, visual, tactile, postive reinforcer. The kids are begging me to start NOW. There is a lot of pre-work as a parent, figuring out which chores, how to do each one, expectations and rewards but I think it will be worth it. Once again, I am praying that my good intentions will overide my ADD!



Also, for those who love celebrity sitings...
Here is an awful picture of me with...yep...Blair from Facts of Life!