I wonder where she gets it from?

This is Anna Claire playing with her flashcards. Notice how they are all lined up. Notice how they are all facing the same direction.

This is Anna Claire drawing. Notice how all of the markers are lined up together. Notice how all of the crayons are lined up together.

If I was brave enough to take a picture of my closet you would see my clothes hanging according to short/long sleeve, then by color. Pants hang together. Skirts and dresses accordingly. And my shoes are kept in shoe boxes.

My cupboard is borderline the crazy husband from Sleeping With the Enemy, you know, where all everything is facing the same direction?

I love ziploc bags, any sort of container, box or bag. I love being organized.

In fact, I found this picture and my first thought was, "look at how pretty that is!"

So, with that being said, I think it is safe to say...in all likelihood, she gets it from me.

Counting #166-180

166. four consecutive hours of sleep
167. party planning
168. air conditioning
169. a non-eventful trip to the grocery store with both girls
170. friends who offer to help

171. books in the mail for Anna Claire
172. Molly's first smile
173. a husband who takes care of his family
174. handmade and homemade goodies from a friend
175. homemade lemon curd

176. Anna Claire's love of the outdoors
177. a safe trip for my sister and her family down to their new home (read about it here)
178. walks in the late afternoon
179. Anna Claire's imagination
180. Mike's ability to fix just about anything

A Few Random Things

1. Pinterest....there is nothing else to say. Except that it's addicting.

2. If you know the names Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield this might be of interest to you,  Sweet Valley Confidential.  Based on the reviews on amazon.com, it doesn't look like that great of a book, but it sure was nice to take a trip down memory lane in the middle of the Sam's Club last night.

3. It's hot.

4. I got my first smile from Molly yesterday. I'll remember it forever.

5. I'm sure you all know this, but Pioneer Woman's show on Food Network starts August 27th...I already have my DVR set.

6. Having just had a baby, this post is hilarious!

5. It's still hot.

8. My birthday was a couple of weeks ago and I'm still finding it ironic (or a friendly reminder) that the Living Social Deal of the Day was for Anti-Aging Therapy.

9. There is someone who owns a Smart Car here in our town. I laugh every time I see it.

10. Mike asked me if there were any songs I wanted downloaded onto his iPod. I told him the only songs I know right now are "the ABC song," "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt" and "The Wheels on the Bus." I don't get out much these days.

Have a great Friday. I hope it's cool where you are.

Cousins and Build-A-Bear

I mentioned in a previous post that my niece, Jessica, was going to be heading to Australia for school. Before leaving she was able to spend a few days with us in Nashville. It was the most fun we've had in a while!

Last week we all packed in the cars and drove her to the airport. 



Before goodbyes were said though, fun was had! My sister, aka "Sissy," treated Anna Claire to a Build-A-Bear experience. What was so fun is that when Jessica was little, I did the same thing for her! Here she is putting the heart inside the Bunny she chose to build.

After being stitched up, Bunny got a bath and her hair brushed.

Here she is ready to go home! Notice the bare feet with painted toes. The painted toes are courtesy of Jessica; the bare feet are courtesy of being 2.



We got in as much fun time that we could fit which included Jessica taking tons of pictures on her iPhone.

I love to watch these two together. They love each other so much!

Jessica, if you are reading this, we love you so much and are so proud of you! Remember the TimTams when you come home!

Counting #151-165

151. watching Tinkerbell with Anna Claire
152. sipping margaritas with a dear friend
153. 31 Ways to Pray for your Children
154. a big move for my sister and her family
155. new asics

156. the first limelights of the season blooming
157. baby fingers wrapped around my pinky finger
158. 3 am feedings in the rocking chair
159. a safe flight for my niece who is attending school in Australia
160. walks with my sister

161. wisdom and advice about marriage, relationships and parenting from my sister
162. the numbers on the scale going down
163. love and laughter between aunts and cousins
164. Build-A-Bear workshop
165. Mike's ipod

It's too quiet in here...

When Molly was still sleeping in the bassinet in our room, Anna Claire was always very quick to check on her and make sure she was okay. One afternoon, it was very quiet. I went in to check on Molly, this is what I found....

Anna Claire had taken it upon herself to put one of the toys in the bassinet with Molly. While Anna Claire was proud of herself for taking care of her sister, Molly could have cared less that there was a doll on her face.

Our Little Firecrackers

We had a great 4th of July--every year our church puts on a fireworks show for the community and this year was the first time we were in town to be able to attend. It was also the first time that Anna Claire has been old enough to sit still and watch. We were a bit nervous because she doesn't like super loud noises, but once she realized the fireworks were colorful, she really enjoyed the show. Molly didn't seem to mind at all considering she fell asleep half way through it.

The countdown has begun for this coming weekend to get here. In the 12 years I have lived in Nashville, there has never been a time when my entire family has been here all at once. This weekend, my parents, my sister, her husband, my niece and nephews will make their way down here to spend the week.

My niece, Jessica, is headed to Australia for school and fortunately, for us, the less expensive flights were out of Nashville, so we are all gathering here to spend time together before she leaves.  I am beyond excited! Plus, Molly's "Papa" and cousins have yet to meet her, so she is just as excited.

who's who?

 Is it just us (you can be honest), or do these girls look alike?