Uncle Doug

Most of the time my brother Jeff is in town for work, but this time it was my older brother Doug. (Lucky me, I get to see my other brother Greg this week too, but the kids don't so we'll keep that one quiet.)

Always a thrill.

Quick, post something new!!!

Well, most people laughed at our 1987 Camry. My parents used to gently ask us to park in the back of the house when we were there for a visit. Commuters in the slug line didn't jump for joy when they realized the door they were trying to open wasn't just locked, it was jammed. At one time only one of the four doors opened. I laugh at the mental image of my husband crawling out the passenger side door in his suit and briefcase.

But this car was the first car we bought.

We brought our kid's home from the hospital in this car.

I know, it's just a car.

Justin has a trusty mechanic that he always took the car to. The mechanic calmly put his hand on Justin's shoulder the last time we were there and quietly said in his broken English, "Sometimes you just have to know when to let go."

Two Faced

I was killing time and dorkin' around with pictures.

Thirty Something

Today's my birthday. It's been fun to see my kids get excited to give me small tokens of their love. My husband made me a cake and did the dishes...all of them. I spent some time with a few friends, went to IKEA and talked to some well wishers on the phone. The day was perfect. But on all my birthdays I always end up spending the day thinking about my childhood and the memories I have of my five brothers.

I'm one of the fortunate ones.

I had a great childhood filled more "ups" than "downs".

Starting here:

Me sitting on my brother Greg.

1984

Brian, Jeff, Greg, Doug, Jenny and Brad all cleaned up.

Me and Brad 1996.

Me and Doug at the Alamo 1994.

On my wedding day 1999.

I love these guys, these are good guys.

Picking Strawberries

Finding the good ones.

Not wanting to share with Mark.

My Alice

A beauty from the beginning, she's proven to be just as lovely on the inside.

Her eyes are bright, her smile is contagious and she's a joy to live with.

She's sweet.

She's thoughtful.

She's the best big sister a kid could ask for. She enjoys helping others and taking her little brother under her wing. I love her to the moon and back.