Need to post pictures but......

I am currently getting everyone packed and meals cooked to head down to South Padres Island for the weekend.. We are looking SO forward to our weekend!! We leave bright and early Thursday morning (6am) and will be home on Sunday evening.. We have this GREAT condo that we are staying in that is right on the beach... 3 bedroom and 2 baths, full kitchen and the necessities!! Plus there is a pool at the condo as well as a hot tub and tennis courts!! CAN'T WAIT!!

I promise to post pictures from Emma's first boy/girl party and Padres pictures when we get home!! Hope everyone has a great rest of the week and weekend!!

12 years ago today......

.....My life changed in ways I never thought possible.....

.....I became a mom for the very first time.....

.....True, pure, unconditional love was defined.....

.....Selfishness went out the window.....

......This little being became the most important thing in my world....

......I finally understood all of my mother's fears and worries.....

.....I fell in love and new that it would last my lifetime.....

It is hard to believe that my precious baby girl is 12 today.. It is hard to believe that she will be a teen in just one year... It is hard to believe that in just 6 very short years she could be moving out and starting her own life.......one that I will possibly not be a daily part of.... Oh the fear and worry that comes with that realization.......but also excitement, joy and hope for the wonderful future she has ahead of her.. I love my little "Emma" more than words could ever express properly!!

Happy Birthday Emma!!
Your beauty leaves me breathless!!
Your intelligence amazes me!!
Your wisdom humbles me!!
Your smile melts my heart!!
I love you!!

Proof that I did attend a slumber party in February...

My sister's Birthday cake...












Me and my mommy












Crazy FUN girls!!












Group shot













Leslie and Leigh Ann

We're back from Austin.....

and boy did we have a GREAT time!! The drive down was quick and mostly traffic free.. The hotel was beyond my expectations.. 6th street is really different during the day.. In all of my visits to Austin, I have only been on 6th street @ night when it is crowded and full of fun....During the day is really different.....not much going on, not too crowded but still a lot of watching to do.... Our dinner was magnificent......a $49 steak....mouthwatering... BIG HEAD TODD.....yes, I was in heaven...they sounded perfect.....the atmosphere was perfect...weather was perfect......security - not so perfect...(they let me in with my camera, but once I started shooting - possibly in a not so hidden way- they took it away and made me delete all of my shots... BOOOOO)...oh well, I met Todd (lead singer) after the concert and got a picture with just him.....hubby loved the band and is a new fan for life.. Just two shots from the weekend.......one that didn't get deleted and one that was worth all the ones that had to be deleted!!!

3 more days.......and counting

We have officially 3 more days until the hubby and I head down to Austin, Texas... We are both SOOOO excited for our little mini-trip... First on the agenda is to check into the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Austin (gorgeous hotel).. We are then going to toodle around the area for a little while... We have dinner reservations at Finn & Porter (steak, seafood & sushi) which is inside the hotel.. Next it is off to see this wonderful band

(Photo courtesy of: Big Head Todd )

This band is from Colorado and I grew up in high school LOVING their music.. I have never seen them in concert, but have it on good authority that they are amazing. I know a ton of their music so I WILL be singing along throughout the show!! Can't wait..

On Sunday we plan on sleeping in a little and then hopefully meeting up with some friends for breakfast/brunch/lunch before we have to head back to the DFW area to pick up kiddos. It is a short trip, but we are so happy to be getting away just for a little bit. This was/is my hubby's b-day present so we will also be celebrating that!! Hope everyone has fun plans for the weekend!!

My Brother Dog....

This has been a tough week!! Bear (my brother dog) had to be put down.. Bear was the best dog EVER!! He loved to chase squirrels, open presents, eat treats, but most of all he LOVED his parents.. He would get SO depressed when his daddy would leave on trips! Bear will forever be in our hearts and memories!! And he will forever protect my parents backyard from squirrels :o) Rest In Peace my dear brother dog!!

A day late, but not a dollar short ...

Yesterday was my WONDERFUL hubby's 31st birthday!! I would like everyone to know just how fortunate I feel to be able to share my life with Bob!! He is such an understanding, loving, affectionate, attentive and adoring husband. Not a day goes by that he doesn't tell me and show me how much he loves me, I am so thankful for that. He is a great father and a great step-father. It takes a special person to step into the life of a child.......even more to love that child as if they were their own!! Bob is that special person for our blended family. I love my husband with all of my heart and look forward to the next 50+ years (God willing) together!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB!!! You are truly loved and adored!!