Thanks everyone! Jasmine is really easy here, both star and pink. Pink jasmine is about ready to bloom. Star jasmine blooms more in May and June. The star would be great going up on the fence side because it is shadier there. I'll have to use that idea!

I would like to see more importance given to the front door with the side entry and garage I don't think it will be visable. I would change the living room to exterior entry doors or consider just one unless you have already considered furniture placement. I would change the kitchen/dining room to be more accessible but I'd keep in mind the sight lines with the island sink. It's not too far but I picture lugging dishes around that wall. Do your kids enter through the front door? (ie. bus riders/walkers) or will it be little used. I'd be tempted to swap the study and porch entry to open up the front door space. [Traditional Entry design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-entryway-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_741~s_2107) by Boston Architect SAVOIE Architecture [Traditional Exterior design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-exterior-home-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_736~s_2107) by Minneapolis General Contractor Stonewood, LLC [Eclectic Entry design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic-entryway-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_741~s_2104) by New York Architect Richard Bubnowski Design LLC [Traditional Entry design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-entryway-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_741~s_2107) by Portland Maine Architect Whitten Architects If both upstairs bedrooms are occupied (not a guest room) I'd move the door to the common wall so it's not as far for bedroom #3. If it's a guest room I'd keep as is:) Love the size of the kids play room!! Love the connection to the outside and patio. Upper level looks ready for fun! I would as gaonmymind mentioned seriously consider not having an open balcony unless your kids are older.

welcome, jfrorelo! I have a lot of clutter and a lot of dirt--just so's you know. I chuckled at the AA reference, and I agree, even though we don't need to apologize, sometimes those "this is my problem" statements really help to focus us. We really do try to cheer each other one--and encourage, applaud, etc. We've always got lots of ideas, and I think we get pretty good at explaining WHY our solutions work for us, so that might help other people decide if our solutions can adapt for them. You'll see lots of ways people tackle problems. I've been working on the car thing--I'm trying to train my kids (and me) that we NEVER leave anything in the car, not a single wrapper. I make them bring it w/ them in their pocket, or in whatever shopping we're bringing in (that's the best). I know someone else who makes it a point to empty out their car when they're getting gas. They're stopped, and waiting, so they scoop up any garbage, etc., and throw it out in the trash can that is usually nearby. And someone here once suggested taking a paper-towel tube and stuffing it w/ plastic grocery bags, and stashing it under the seat. Then, you can use that to corral stuff and bring it in from the car. Of course, you'll have to fill the tube up again now and then.. So, pick a specific problem if you'd like to, start a thread to get ideas, and plow right in. Or, just keep posting here.

Hi Sylvia! From one newbie to another. I am Wings, live in WET CA with my owner (Siamese cat). My son and DIL recently moved to FW and seem quite busy but happy. They have their first home and I'm looking forward to sending a few things for their yard. I'm also an avid antiquer and can spend many hours in the shops and estate sales. Lots of projects around here once I figure out how to use some of these tools. : ) Guess I'm "old" too.........LOL. Actually, age is relative. My greatest lesson, by far, has been learning tomorrow is not a promise. We need to do our best each day. Again.....welcome! Wings