Just us Girls

2010-01-25T06:24:00.000-08:00

For anyone out there who hasn't heard....

www.theduffdialogue.blogspot.com

is our new home!

Hop on over and check it out! There are some PRECIOUS pictures of my new nephew!

I don't know which end is up?!?

2009-11-12T12:37:00.001-08:00

Hello All!

There is SO much going on with our lives lately! For those of you who haven't heard, or live under a rock, or something like that...I'M GETTING MARRIED IN 9 DAYS! I am absolutely marrying the love of my life; my best friend, who compliments my personality in so many ways. He is calm where I am not, laid back where I can be OCD, compassionate in ways that touch my heart, but black and white when I tend to be too grey. He is wonderful and I can't wait to be his wife! I will officially be Mrs. Jill Duff on November 21st. Anna Claire is SO excited and loves Brad and Shelby(his sweet daughter) so much! With that said, this is probably the last post of JUST US GIRLS. I will be launching our family blog very soon, so watch out for that! On our way out, in anticipation, I leave you with the newest musical video of Anna Claire...."I saw Mommy kissing Santa Clause."

Much Love,

From JUST US GIRLS

Anna Claire Sings AGAIN!

2009-05-28T04:18:00.000-07:00

I hope you enjoyed the last video, Meet Me in St. Louis. I did ask her to sing it for me and she added vibrato in for a great effect! I will post her "normal" version soon. But THIS video, she did not know I was filming. You see I purchased a little Flip camera and now she thinks I am just taking pictures of her. It is great! I think I might have a composer on my hands.

Enjoy an original by Anna Claire!

Anna Claire Sings - My 1st Blogger Video :)

2009-05-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th Birthday Anna Claire!

2009-05-11T19:24:00.000-07:00

Four years ago at this time I was getting ready to meet the love of my life.

I never knew what that really meant until I held her in my arms.

I had been through so much, it wasn't an easy time for me, but when I held her and looked into her eyes I knew that God was giving me my strength through her. She was my purpose.

She was my everything. I am not professing to be a perfect Mom, but I do know that I give her everything I've got...I delight in everything she says and does...

I learn from her everyday. She is strong and sweet...outgoing,

yet a Mama's girl...

funny, but also deep in thought...she will sing like no one is listening and laugh over the silliest of things...her vocabulary is amazing, she doesn't forget anything, she is bright and just truly a delight!

Most of all when I didn't feel like loving, or felt like no one loved me, I had her...my sweetest girl...who gave the greatest gift to me day after day.

She still gives me joy every day and I cannot believe the time has gone by so fast! People say that all the time! I never listened, but it is so true. Even though this toddler stage is over and there is a new chapter ahead...I can't wait! I am exited to see what she will do next. I am proud that I get to be there each step of the way!

MAY 11, 2009 - Today you are FOUR!

Anna Claire,

You make Mommy so proud! I cannot believe you are four. I enjoy everyday we have together and I cannot wait for this next year to see what else you can do! Your love for life and your family amaze me. Your knowledge of the Bible and interest in Jesus warm my heart. Your smile can light up a room and your humor can make me laugh every time! I am blessed to be your Mommy and to call you my daughter. Happy 4th birthday sweetheart! Thank you for the best four years of my life. Love,

Mommy

New Funny sayings...

2009-04-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

1.) Brushing Anna Claire's teeth and she began to sing

WOMANIZER...WOMANIZER...YOU'RE A WOMANIZER BABY!

Oh no! Not Brittany Spears!

Me: Anna Claire where did you hear that?

Anna Claire: Katlyn sang it to me today at school because it is on her Mom's IPod!

"Oh be careful little ears what you hear!"

2.) I have been battling Anna Claire lately on not speaking baby talk. Last night she asked me to read her a book in a very babyish voice. I asked her to stop. She did it again and this was our conversation...

Me: Anna Claire I told you not to do it again.

A.C.: Oh Mommy! That wasn't baby talk, that was Chinese!

Clever Anna Claire...very clever.

Excuse my lack of pictures. I now have a sinus infection and full blown bronchitis. OH how I love the Texas spring!

I hope you are all doing well!

Just to hold you over...

2009-03-25T04:01:00.000-07:00

I know...I know! It has been WAY too long! I am working on a re-cap post of the last couple of months that is LONG, so be ready! Until then here is a new picture of Anna Claire and how big she is getting. She is so beautiful, spunky and seriously makes me laugh everyday!

She will be four in May!!! I cannot believe it is true :)

A couple of new funny conversations...

A.C. (angry because she is having to obey and go to bed): Mommy, you quit salamandering me and obey! I DO NOT WANT TO GO TO BED!

***She learned the word salamander at the zoo last week. Wrong context, but funny!

A.C.: I am so tired of having to teach the three A's in my class. It is so hard! I have a lot of work to do and they don't listen. OH, BLESS THE LORD!

I need a little humor...

2009-02-17T17:36:00.000-08:00

It has been a hard few days. I have been dealing with several sad things dealing with people I love so much. That is, I think, the hardest part about being a Christian...loving God in the middle of the sad times. I want to ask "Why, Lord?" I know that everything God does is for a purpose and that he uses all things for good, but it doesn't take away the fact that it is hard. My sweet friend lost her Grandfather this morning, and yes, VERY HARD, but he lived a full and happy life, he is no longer in any pain, and is able to see his wife again and sit at the feet of his savior. My two friends that have lost sweet unborn babies, that is harder to deal with. Tonight I was looking at my Anna Claire while I was rocking her to sleep (I know I just can't stop) and I thanked God for my gift, in her. And I cried out to the Lord to please comfort my friends, show them your presence and let them know that in the midst of their pain you are still on your throne and love them.

What do you say?

How do you help them?

I am just at a loss...

On a much lighter opposite note, I know I need to update my blog SO bad, but I am creating one for a friend and working SO hard to make it just right, so soon I promise!

Her few new things that she said right when I needed a little humor...

1.) Me: How was your day with your friends Anna Claire?

A.C.: Great! We were all VERY, VERY drunk! (I am ashamed that I laughed a little. I really don't know where she got that! We had a conversation about why that isn't nice...)

2.) Me: Flicking on and off the lights...
A.C. Mommy you stop that! You are wasting LIGHTRICITY!!!

3.) Anna Claire was doing a little monologue for me, Brad, Mom and Dad. She named her characters Azul and Mariella and then says...
You are all such hoochies! (I know where this one came from...her favorite Judy Garland song "Meet Me in St. Louis" you should hear her sing it!)

I'll be back soon with more pictures and updates. Please pray for my friends...

TUTU Cute :)

2009-01-22T10:59:00.000-08:00

My friend from work, Janna, has this precious princess and she is turing one!

I gladly made her a ladybug tutu and wanted to share how it turned out!

Need one? I will make you one! It helps a lot that the model is absolutely PRECIOUS!

Thank you Janna and

Happy 1st Birthday - Julia Claire!

Please pray...

2009-01-21T15:56:00.001-08:00

Please pray for my sweetest, forever friend Becca!

We Cry Out

Father of life seated on Your throne of grace

It's only by Your mercy we are saved,

Lord You have said if we call upon your name

We and our families will be saved

So we cry out Your name

El Shaddai, God of Grace, Lord most high, Jesus Christ,

We rely on Your Grace Adonai, crowned in praise Lord most high, Jesus Christ

My Daughter...SO Patriotic!

2009-01-21T06:24:00.000-08:00

Back in the spring Anna Claire had watched enough T.V. with my Dad during the campaigning to hear Barack Obama's name over and over. She had asked a couple of people then, "Are you voting for "Rock-O-Mama?" Fast forward to last night and here is the conversation that unfolded during the Inauguration...

Nana: Anna Claire that man is our new President of the United States.

A.C.: What's his name?

Nana: Barack Obama

A.C.: Nooooo Nana! His human name?

Nana: (through much laughter) That is his human name

A.C.: No way! What is his human name?

Nana: Anna Claire my name is Trish, Mommy's name is Jill, your name is Anna Claire and his name is Barack.

A.C.: What does that mean!?!

We were cracking up! But despite this funny exchange I did enjoy watching all of the festivities on T.V., including Aretha Franklin's obnoxious hat! It was neat to experience as our nation came together for one purpose. Despite my political platform or preference, Barack Obama is our new president and I was in awe of watching the hope in the face of the African American culture as barriers were finally broken. What a beautiful night!

Vocabulary 101

2009-01-16T07:22:00.000-08:00

Anna Claire has a great vocabulary for a three year old, I mean in the way of knowing A LOT of words (not just a bragging Mom, I promise!).

However, she doesn't typically use them in the right context...

At school: "Mrs. Jamie, **** isn't EXPEDITING her mittens. That means she isn't matching up her letters right!" At home when dictating a birthday card message for one of my friends... "Happy Birthday, I like coloring on your phone I appreciate that. You are such a PERSONALITY and I know that."

WHAT?!?

And today...this actually did make sense...

Mrs. Karen (her teacher): Anna Claire, I like your shoes, they look like Dorothy. (they were ruby red)

Anna Claire: They are NOT like Dorothy's because she wears socks. My Mommy says I cannot wear socks with these kind because it will APPEAR DORKY.

YIKES! I guess maybe I did say that. Bad Mommy!!!

Laughter Lives...

2009-01-16T07:12:00.000-08:00

This post is part of "Laughter Lives! Tuesday" on the

Riggs Family Blog.

Check our their blog to read everyone else's

"Laughter Lives!" posts.

Anna Claire is getting really good at telling adults "NO". She sometimes decides to be sweet and says "NO THANKS", but at any rate we are working on it. We have been practicing appropriate responses to adults such as "Sure!", "I'd love to!", "Yes, Ma'am", etc. Last night I asked her to do different things like "pick up your shoes" or "don't throw your coat down" and her response wasn't "NO", but "WHY?". I explained to her that saying "WHY?" to an adult when they ask you something is just as rude as saying "NO". She had done it like five times, so I told her "Anna Claire, if you say "WHY?" again when Mommy asks you to do something I will put you in time out." A few minutes passed and I asked her to put her shoes on so we could meet my Mom for dinner and she said..."WHY?". All I did was look at her, you know in that way that your Moms looked at you growing up, and she responded with this...

"I wasn't saying the word "WHY?",

I was practicing my letters...

Y, Z, A, B, C."

and flashed me a HUGE sweet smile."

Oh, my, my...I am in for it folks! I need to remember this sweet smile when she is lying to me at fifteen.

More Christmas Bloggin' Coming Soon!

2009-01-08T18:33:00.000-08:00

Since I NEVER got around to it BEFORE Christmas...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! - From JUST US GIRLS

This was the MAJOR REASON that our Christmas was AWESOME.

Look who was home!!!

Anna Claire's Humor

2009-01-08T18:22:00.000-08:00

I have to publish these as posts (from my side bar) or I will forget them...

Our conversation at the Fall Festival on Halloween...

Me: Anna Claire, do you want to try the bungee jumping?

A.C.: NO!

Me: I know it looks a little scary, but it will be fun and like jumping on a trampoline.

A.C.: Okay, whoa! But not with THAT guy!

I was laughing SO hard. :)

Thankful...

2009-01-08T18:03:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite picture from Thanksgiving.

I know I am behind! I am SO thankful for her.

I will give thanks to the LORD according to His righteousness And will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. - Psalms 7:17

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

2008-12-11T06:18:00.001-08:00

The Christmas season is in full swing and I am about half way through with my shopping! Even though I started early, I am NOT as together as I would like to be this year, but I am working on it, right? I had every intention of posting a few Thanksgiving pics and Anna Claire's Santa picture by now, but I haven't made it to that either!

So...I decided to post a few odds n' ends...

1.) What are your kids asking for from SANTA? Anna Claire is asking for...

Bitty Baby Twins: the girl with "yellow" hair and the boy with brown, a double stroller and bunk-beds for them to sleep in.

Santa is apparently feeling generous this year!

2.) Do you think I can use the song "Santa Clause is Coming to town" as a discipline tool year round? It is REALLY working for me right now!

3.) Where did this precious baby go? Actually, I am LOVING age three! She is keeping me in stitches, daily!

3.) I have been very busy with school as usual, but I have taken time to reflect what this season really means to us as Christians. If it weren't for Christ's birth, there would be no such thing as salvation - WOW. I am so very grateful for this amazing, free gift that we have been given. If you haven't heard this sweet song by Faith Hill, I highly recommend listening to it(but I am a fan of hers). Anyway, I am downloading it tonight! More than anything I love the words, they are such a sweet reflection as to the gift we have been given.

Tis the Season'!

A Baby Changes Everything

By: Faith Hill

Teenage girl, much too young, Unprepared for what’s to come

A baby changes everything Not a ring on her hand, All her dreams and all her plans

A baby changes everything, A baby changes everything

The man she loves, she’s never touched

How will she keep his trust

A baby changes everything, A baby changes everything

And she cries, oh, she cries, Oh

She has to leave, go far away

Heaven knows she can’t stay

A baby changes everything She can feel it’s coming soon, There’s no place, there’s no room

A baby changes everything, A baby changes everything And she cries ………….And she cries …..Oh she cries ….

Shepherds all (Shepherds all) gather ’round (they gather ’round)

Up above the star shines down

A baby changes everything Choir of angels say, Glory to the newborn king

A baby changes everything, A baby changes everything

Everything, everything, everything

Hallelujah (Hallelujah)Hallelujah (Hallelujah)

My whole life is turned around, I was lost and now I’m found

A baby changes everything, A baby changes everything

New Conversations...

2008-12-01T06:25:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We did! Way too much food, but that is what it is all about, right? I have SO much to be thankful for and have a couple of fun pictures to post later, but for now here are two new conversations I had with Anna Claire over the weekend. #1 A.C. - (at Grapevine Mills Mall) Mommy, why are there so many shepherds at this place?! Me - Who are you talking about? A.C. - You know all the people with towels and cloffs (cloths) on their heads! (You know the people from India? :) ) WOW! We need to have a discussion about different cultures... #2 Tons and TONS of birds were flying overhead due to the drop in temperature... A.C. - What is their hurry? Me - Who, the birds? A.C. - Yes! They must have a meeting they are late for! I guess I might say I am running late a little too much! HMMMM... Have a great Monday!

Fall is almost over!

2008-11-19T09:29:00.001-08:00

It has been a great fall so far! I am having lots of fun with my girl, which is always great! She started her 3 year old preschool year like a champ and LOVES her new teachers, Mrs. Jamie and Mrs. Karen. They are so creative and everything a mother would want! As far as my school year goes, it has been great so far - challenging, but great! I moved to a third grade team with a lot of fantastic teachers on it! Our school also got a new principal who is AMAZING! We have been blessed by her leadership and for this I am so grateful.

In early October we attended our family reunion and got some quality time with lots of relatives, but were especially excited to see Uncle Matt and Aunt Lindsey!

Then we made our yearly visit to the local pumpkin patch and of course Anna Claire had a blast! It was the first COLD day this fall and she was shivering!!!

She pulled a wagon full of pumpkins...

...played with her dear friends...

...and posed for some forced fall-ish shots! :)

My Mom and I also took her to a Halloween pet costume contest at Pet Smart.

It was a bit ridiculous of course, but Anna Claire was in heaven.

Then we stopped by for some Halloween gear at Party City and I got a super shot of

Nana and Anna Claire!

Here is my precious Kitty all ready for a night of Halloween fun!!!

Daddy stopped by...

Posing with Mommy...

Then we attended the Fall Festival at our church as always and I was SO proud of my usually very leery and cautious "Claire-bear"! She tried the bungee jumping and jumped like a champ!

Here she is with the cutest ladybug (Ruby)

Here she is with our cousins...Dorothy(Saylor) and Island Barbie (Sutton)

...and then we wrapped up the night with a little trick-or-treating! It was so fun!

Check out "festive" Stella!!!

HAPPY FALL YA'LL!!!

Teaser...

2008-11-11T04:19:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures from the week of Halloween...More to come! :)

This is why...

2008-10-30T06:32:00.001-07:00

I haven't been blogging!!! I am sucked in like you wouldn't believe! I have never read this much in such a short time! I am on book three already. Seriously, check it out!

Book One :

Book Two:

Book Three:

Book Four:

Two funny things...

2008-10-30T06:25:00.000-07:00

I know! I need to post new pictures soon! I will...but in the mean time here are two funny things my girl has said this week. 1.) We were looking at her classmates' school pictures on the website provided and came across a little boy named Noah. A.C. - That's Noah. Mommy listen, it's not the Noah with the boat and ALL the animals, okay? It's just a boy named Noah. (What's the deal with Noah lately?!?) 2.) Anna Claire decided to play outside with our neighbor's daughter who is 12. I checked multiple times making sure she wasn't driving poor Hope crazy! Hope kept reassuring me that they were having fun and not to worry. I was enjoying this time making the rest of Anna Claire's costume. I finally went to drag her in and this is what she said to Hope (who I promise you Anna Claire thinks is her same age) A.C. - Hope, you are my BEST FRIEND! - and kissed her! Wow! She doesn't meet a stranger. She cracks me up everyday! I am so lucky to be her Mommy. :)

You listen to me!

2008-10-23T06:26:00.000-07:00

Anna Claire hasn't been sleeping well...so Mommy isn't sleeping well either. Her eyes also have constant black circles under them and she keeps clearing her throat, so off to the doctor we went! The whole way there I am telling her that we also have to get our flu vaccines while we are at the doctor. I told her she could have flumist (a nose spray that works the same) and that I would have a shot. I am not the smartest person in the world because when we got there they first diagnosed her with croup and then said that they were out of the magical, wonderful Flumist! YIKES! What do I do? Do I wait?...no I can't do that November is the deadline for the vaccine to be most effective! Okay, Jill...suck it up...you are the parent...SHE HAS TO HAVE THE SHOT! Here is what unfolded in that doctor's office... Me: Anna Claire, honey, they don't have any nose spray. You have to get a shot like Mommy. Anna Claire: (got up to SLAM the door and pointed her finger in my face) You listen to me right now (yelling at me through her tears) I AM NOT GETTING A SHOT! DO YOU HEAR ME? (seriously?) Me: Anna Claire, yes you are! Mommy will go first, it won't hurt that bad. I promise it will be over quick! Anna Claire: SCREAMING LIKE AN INFANT or WILD ANIMAL FOR SEVERAL MINUTES Me: OKAY! I will buy you a toy if you stop screaming! (I never bribe, but desperate times call for desperate measures-right?) Her screams turned to quiet sobs and even though it took me and the very patient nurse practitioner to hold her down, the shot was a success. We go to Walmart and she picks out her little toy and says this to me... Anna Claire: Oh Mommy, You are just really blessing my heart right now! Can we say... DRAMA QUEEN? :)

Santa who?

2008-10-20T06:18:00.000-07:00

Latest funny conversation... Anna Claire: Nana, who's that guy that comes down our chimney to bring us presents? Is it Noah? Nana: (laughing I am sure) No Anna Claire: Oh yeah! Santa Clause! Do you think we have been reading enough bible stories? HA!

So much work...

2008-10-17T07:59:00.001-07:00

Anna Claire is phasing out her nap! YIKES! It does make for an earlier bed time which is often helpful, but also around 5pm I have a very cranky girl on my hands at times. Here is the latest conversation with her teacher at school regarding this subject... Mrs. Karen: Anna Claire do you notice that you are the only one in our class not sleeping? Anna Claire: Yes, but I can't. Mrs. Karen: Why not? Anna Claire: (with a look of disgust) Well you know I have SO much work to do! My Mommy makes me clean up all my toys, eat supper and take baths! I am just working so hard. Boy I must be a mean Mommy...mean, mean mommy...

Ebay...

2008-09-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

...A bit addicted...

PINK-A-LICIOUS!!!

2008-09-25T19:02:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of this book? I LOVE it! Anna Claire especially is a fan and enjoys every bit of the girly-ness it brings. She now has the whole book memorized (literally) from cover to cover and adds great expression while "reading" it!

We loved this book SO much that while caring for two of Anna Claire's best friends, we had a PINKALICIOUS party. Thanks to Nana's creative brain and shopping efforts (this was right in the middle of setting up my classroom for school - the first time)

we had pink cupcakes and pink flowers,

pink plates and silverware at lunch, storytime, a pink craft and lots of GIRLY play time!

It was such a blast!!!

Maybe next we will have a PURPLELICIOUS party! :)

Some more great pictures of the girls...

Cousins...

2008-09-23T18:25:00.001-07:00

I LOVE my cousins! I have several, but these two are definitely more than just family to me! They are both older than me and we were not in the same stages of life for a long time, but the thing that has mostly brought us together is motherhood. They are both so wise and WONDERFUL mothers and I am thrilled to have them as cousins and friends.

Jodi is the mother of Anna Claire's "Nevada cousins", Jack and Julia.

She is my oldest cousin on my Mother's side. We are so proud of her husband Steve and his success with his business and even though they moved far away, we celebrate their successes and look forward to more visits. Their clan came to Texas this summer and we couldn't have been happier! We love catching up with them through Blog pictures, emails and phone calls, but to be together in person is the BEST! Anna Claire loves to pray for them at night and "check Jack and JuJu" on the computer.

When they came we planned a scavenger hunt filled with clues all over the house and each spot had a new clue and a new prize. Anna Claire, Jack and Julia were LOVING it!

Jack was fantastic at reading each one and the girls loved guessing and finding them! We also enjoyed swimming, playing on the play structure at church and just being together!

Not too long after the Connolly clan's visit we had a swim day with the Smith girls. Holly is one of my many cousins on my Dad's side and though I love her and her sisters, I have been able to be closer to her. Anna Claire LOVES spending time with her daughters Saylor and Sutton.

We had fun swimming at our house and not long after we had a fairy party at their house.

Anna Claire LOVED dipping the "fairy wands" (marshmallows) in chocolate. I think a little bit made it on the marshmallow. :)

Anna Claire LOVES Saylor and Sutton and now they get to see each other every week at Children's Day Out!

Fourth of July/60th Wedding Anniversary

2008-09-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

Since Fourth of July was almost 3 months ago, I decided I can finally blog about it :) We had a great time starting out with a festive pedicure...

We drove down to Fairlie, Texas to "the farm" to celebrate the fourth and my grandparents 60th wedding anniversary! Can you believe it?

60 YEARS! We all chipped in and bought them a windmill for their farm. They seemed to like it. Don't they look festive?

We were able to see a lot of family...

Eat some delicious food...

Play with our cousins :)

Dress up the dog...

...and the kids even put on a FANTASTIC Fourth of July show! I don't have a picture of "Miss America" (Julia), but she was stunning. Isn't Anna Claire crazy? She entertained us with many made up songs on the key board and Jack was an incredible announcer.

At the end of the night we set off our own fire works and danced in the yard with sparklers. Aside from Jack almost losing his hearing from a Black Cat, we had a wonderful time! I love summer :) I hope you all had a wonderful 4th with friends and family as well!

Dentist

2008-09-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

I finally took Anna Claire for her first dentist visit this summer. I have mentioned before that A.C. does the best if she is prepped with a book of some sort before a "major" event. So...ironically I won a book titled Going to the Dentist from an Usborne rep at school right before school let out. I began reading it to her and booked the appointment. She was precious! She LOVED the atmosphere and I told her I am glad because that is the LAST time Mommy will spend that amount of money on a dentist visit. None the less...she was brave and well behaved and told the dentist and ALL of the nurses that would listen...

"I don't need a shot in my mouth today thank you because I have eaten all of my "begetables"! She may be a LIAR, but at least she is cute, right? I did find out that the "gap" between her teeth is caused by skin growing there, but doesn't need to be clipped or anything and that braces (cha-ching) will fix that in several years. SO...until then we will be gazing at these precious chompers.

I think it adds excellent character, don't you? Don't worry I won't be saying that to her when she is getting ready for her prom! ;)

Did we even go to San Antonio?

2008-09-22T15:39:00.000-07:00

This trip feels like it was SO long ago! It was a fun 4 day trip to San Antonio with my fantastic parents and of course the princess. We have loved San Antonio for as long as I can remember with several trips down there over the years. My first time was when I was 3 and my Mom was expecting my sister. We took my cousin Jodi and I thought she was so cool. I would prove how cool she was, but she would kill me for the picture :) I also went to San Antonio in high school for drill team competitions and to watch Lindsey's as well. Needless to say it is a family favorite and here are some of the highlights.

MEXICAN MARKET - only here could you watch little kids dancing to "Grease Lightening" and have a HUGE crowd cheering them on. My child was among the many fans.

SEA WORLD:

Anna Claire LOVED Shamu! What kid doesn't?

But look at the amazement on her face...

and then her looking at me and saying "AWWWW!" Too cute!

She loved the aquarium and all it's beautiful colors. Fishy face!

I turned my flash off and got this cool shot...

Enjoying a very nutritious meal of ham, cheese and strawberries (that of course cost an arm and a leg!)

I think my parents began tiring at this point...

But Pop wasn't too tired to stand in a forever LONG line with Anna Claire to play in this "water park"!

This was Anna Claire's favorite part of the WHOLE day (besides Shamu)! It was an animal show with tons of trained animals (rescued pets) performing stunts and tricks. It was called Waggin' Tails! She was in awe and got to pet a cat at the end.

SALADO:

Our last stop was in Salado and we stayed a night at the Stage Coach Inn and ate at their glorious restaurant! Of course Mom and I squeezed in some Salado shopping. Here is the famous stage coach that I think my sister and I have several pictures by. The tradition continues...

Here we are on the ride home...chicken nuggets, french fries, DVD player...HEAVEN!

More fabulous sayings by Anna Claire

2008-09-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

I know...I know... to long to wait right? SORRY!!! Here are a couple of funnies from the last few weeks and be prepared for a mass of blogging coming your way! #1.) Anna Claire had petting zoo day at school last week. All my very "shy" child wanted to do was chase and chase the bunny. They told her to be careful picking it up, but she did it anyway. It proceeded to act like Thumper and "attack" my child's fair, baby soft skin leaving horrid scratches up and down both arms. Anna Claire throws down the bunny, looks at her teachers and says this, "Okay! I am DONE being a farm girl!" Anna Claire, silly girl! #2.) After many nights of a visitor in my bed (A.C.) from not feeling well, I picked her up early from school to take her home for a nap because she WON'T take one at school. She came home and slept 4 hours people! Well that threw her whole week of sleeping off whack even more. I got to school Thursday and was told she didn't nap, so here was our conversation. Me: We are going to eat a Chick-fil-a tonight and I will let you play, but we will be going straight to bed when we get home because you didn't nap today. A.C.: With and exasperated look on her face, "Who on earth told you that?!?" Me: (trying not to crack up) Nana did. A.C.: Okay, I am waiting for you to talk to me about it. #3.) This one is from a while back (and please don't think I am the worst parent in the world! A lot has skipped my memory since 1985 when I used to watch this particular movie ALL the time): Anna Claire LOVES music of all kinds, but especially musicals. She is fascinated with ANNIE so I let her watch it. I know people, it has harsh places in it, so I fast forwarded the VHS (it was mine) through the Carol Burnett drunk scenes and called it a day. Here is our conversation 2 weeks after she has watched it 3-4 times. As I am on my way out the door: A.C.: Bye Mommy! We don't say god d*** -it! Me: (as my Mom turns white) No Anna Claire we don't! Where did you hear that? A.C.: On Annie at the end when Rooster is chasing her. Me: Oh honey please don't ever say that again! (I exit) After a week of repeatedly saying "We don't say...." and then still saying it my Mom has a conversation about all the pretty words you can say with God's name and how it makes everyone sad to say ugly words like that, we haven't heard it again. Oh, I should also mention that I bought Annie on DVD to be able to select particular scenes and also Anna Claire can now sing you Meet Me in St. Louis from the Judy Garland musical better than Tomorrow :) and I feel like a better parent.

Three-head

2008-08-21T18:06:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! It has been CRAZY around here! I was asked on Monday of this week to move to third grade and have my room ready by last night because we had in-service all day today and Meet the Teacher is in the morning! I have been an emotional roller coaster, but overall I have remained very strong and positive. I will be teaching 20 third graders starting Monday and I truly am becoming excited because the new team I am working with is excellent! I have SO many blogs to do, but I am so busy because of this switch so, I pause only for this brief moment so that I won't forget this hysterical conversation with Anna Claire this morning. God has shown me his love through so many people this week. I have had a lot of help and encouragement and hearing these precious words out of my daughter's mouth got me through the day. Here was our conversation this morning.. A.C. - OUCH! I bumped my three head! Me - What honey? A.C. - I bumped my three head (rubbing her forehead) Me - Anna Claire it is called a forehead. A.C. - No Mommy! I am not four yet! Priceless!!!

Unforgettable Humor...

2008-08-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

Anna Claire has been CRANKY the last week and I knew this couldn't be right so I took her to the doctor and they decided to do a urine culture for various reasons. I explained to A.C. that she would need to urinate (pee-pee) in a cup. This is the conversation that occurred while she was half laughing/half crying...

A.C. - Excuse me but I cannot pee-pee in cups they are not for pee-pee! That is disgusting. Nurse - Okay sweetie how about I go and get you a little hat to pee-pee in? A.C. - Not a hat! You can't pee-pee in hats! That will mess up my hair. Oh no Mommy! Me - (after much coaxing and the sample had been given) Great job sweetie, now let's pour this in the cup and get out of here! A.C. - Oh my goodness why would they want to keep my pee-pee forever? That is gross. Tell them you will flush it.

Traumatic day...OVER!

Taking it all in...

2008-08-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

Do you remember a moment where you just sat back and thought "Wow! My life just may be falling in to place for the first time ever!" This summer has given me a chance to do that in more ways than one and it puts a huge SMILE on my face.

More posts coming soon of what all we have been up to! This has been a wonderful summer and I cannot believe that next week it is OVER. :(

I am kind of excited to return to a routine and welcome a new crop of second graders!

On a reading kick...

2008-07-12T10:20:00.001-07:00

I am not what I would call an avid reader. I do enjoy an US magazine and great devotional book weekly, but I am not a novel reader usually. I just finished reading a book about parenting as I mentioned a few posts ago, but if I had even known that the next book I read would impact me this much I would have read it first. I don't usually cry in books, movies yes, but because I am SO visual I have a hard time relating to book characters. There have been a few books in the past that have touched me and brought a few tears to my eyes The Scarlet Letter, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Notebook, The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood(I was a very hormonal teenager!) are a few. This book I am about to mention reached me on so many different levels. I could relate to all of the characters and feel what they felt. I cried and laughed and honestly sat amazed as I read this unbelievable true story. I closed the book after reading it in only two nights and literally worshipped in my room. I thanked God for the path that I have been on and prayed that he would inspire my heart as much as he had Debbie's. I prayed for Anna Claire that she would grow up longing to do kingdom work and serve others. I prayed for myself that I would not go one day thinking I could do things on my own power and that I would allow God to break through my many layers of hurt and sadness and show me what I am meant to do with my life. I encourage you to buy this book and read it today and pass it on to anyone that you think would benefit from it. I know I did and I won't be surprised if I read it again.

NEW LOOK!!!

2008-07-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to debut our new look! I have been on a waiting list for a long time, but I feel that it more than paid off! This makes blogging SO much more fun :) Thank you Jennisa and check out her other work at...

Humor...

2008-07-10T20:27:00.000-07:00

I have to post these or I will forget them later!

I picked Anna Claire up from her sitter's house and she said that she had been extra fussy that day and that she had thrown herself in the floor and said things like "I need new parents.", "I want a new family.", "It's just not fair", etc. I was totally freaked out and thought, okay, so maybe she needs play therapy, a counselor, could she be depressed?!?! I hadn't seen any signs of this before, but maybe she is crying out to someone else. Who knows! SO I sit down with her that evening and this is our conversation...

Me: Anna Claire, why did you say that you needed new parents today?

A.C.: Well, I may never leave this orphan home!

Miss "Padigan" (Hannigan) is so mean! I need a new family.

Me: Okay, maybe we shouldn't watch Annie so much!

Wow! The wonderful world of make-believe!

Have A New Kid By Friday

2008-07-10T20:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have been reading a million parenting books since Anna Claire was born, trying different approaches for the "strong willed child" the Lord has blessed me with, but nothing has touched me or appealed to me until I read this...

This book is changing my life and I haven't even completely put it into practice! I have read it cover to cover in two days and it is just what I need for my Anna Claire! It is a mix of tough love, love and logic and biblical principals all rolled into one. It has things that every parent should read, even if you don't agree with it or want to use it. Are there things I don't agree with about it? - Sure! But, the majority of what Dr. Leman says is quite great! I would love to meet this man...

... not only as a parent, but a teacher as well and thank him for keeping it real! I think I will REALLY appreciate this style even more when she is 15, but even so I am hooked.

Love...love...love it!

I can't wait to check out more of his books. :)

Buzz Around! Buzz Around!

2008-07-03T13:56:00.000-07:00

Here is the official recital post! Anna Claire has been taking a dance combo class that includes ballet, tap and tumbling at Pat Riddle Dance studio for the past year. She has loved almost every minute of it! :) She likes to do her own thing most of the time, but she is being exposed to it right? The recital was at the Irving Performing Arts center. The rehearsal was Saturday and the performance was Sunday. Mimi and PaPa Scherler came to

watch the dress rehearsal and Mommy, Pop and Nana came to the recital.

Our little bumble be did a great job and definitely was the cutest one on stage!

Way to go Anna Claire!

Both mornings started with curlers in her hair and boy she didn't like that part of it at all! She also became quite bored with me taking pictures.

She did LOVE the make-up and check out that lipstick! HA!

She had a little time for posing and BOSSING others - of course! :)

She even became a little shy. Oh my!

Anna Claire LOVED Mrs. Janie. We are most likely taking with her again next year. Such a patient teacher, yet firm and well hate to say it, but Anna Claire NEEDS firm. :)

She liked a lot of her fellow bumble bees. Aren't they precious???

To make this whole experience EXTRA special Anna Claire got a HUGE Tinkerbell balloon as a Congrats! She was so proud of it!

Blast From my Past!

2008-07-03T13:28:00.001-07:00

I really do not remember when I met Carolyn Jennings, but I knew from the beginning that I liked her. She has a magnetic personality and a love for life that is contagious. We were great buddies in elementary school and I loved visiting her house where her parents made me feel like I was one of their own. In middle school we still did crazy things together in the church youth group, drama, etc. In high school we seemed to run in different circles, but I always loved running into Carolyn because I knew that she was always the same!

Fastforward 10 years and we are now both mothers of beautiful little girls! We have gotten together for well over a year now celebrating our joy in motherhood, our differences, and enjoying a great new adult friendship! She lives in Austin with her great husband and I here in Grapevine, but whenever we can we grab the chance to get together and let our "chickens" play! :) So besides several dinners at Cheesecake Factory and play dates at her parents' house (including the best adult Easter egg hunt around) Anna Claire and I packed up our car and headed to Austin to visit our great friends!

Their home was so nice and inviting and we just had a blast! We had a "No Nonsense Day" party with cake and cupcakes, a book exchange and an enormous water slide! Even the Mommies went down the slide (no photos of that sorry!) after all of the guests had gone. The kids played and played and Carolyn and I even enjoyed some great late night chats while our babies were sleeping. It was a great trip and time with our friends and I hope their are many more wonderful memories to come! Love you Carolyn! :)

Well we're off!

2008-06-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

Too Much Doggy Fun!

We are headed today to San Antonio and Sea World for four days. I have many blogs to come, but thought I would leave a sneak peak :) Have a great weekend!!!

Mommy and A.C. at her Dance Recital

Passie Fairy

2008-06-25T22:02:00.000-07:00

Anna Claire has always been the type to wait until the last minute to do something and then when she makes her mind up to do it, she does it quickly and all the way! For example, she did this with holding her bottle. She wouldn't do it for the longest time! I would try and hold her hands, apologize to her teachers at C.D.O. about it because they had to hold and rock my 9 month old to get her to eat her bottle! Then one day I was apparently taking too long and she reached over and picked it up to get a drink and looked at me like "What? It's not that hard!" So it was no surprise to me that when 3 hit and I took the passies away that these other things occurred as well :) Of course some of these are things I have wanted her to do for about a year, give or take, but she did it all in her own timing!

1.) Passie free

2.) Completely potty trained

3.) Dresses herself

4.) Climbs up on everything

5.) Doesn't sit in a high chair

6.) Washes her own hands after going potty

7.) Doesn't wear a bib

8.) Can buckle her carseat

9.) Drinks out of a cup without a lid at dinner

Can we say overload??? But seriously within 2 weeks all of these things happened. It is crazy!

Anna Claire has always been

addicted to the passie!

I worried about how to take it away,

but figured out a great way for her!

So here's the scoop on the Passie Fairy - I have been telling her the story of the passie fairy since about January. I told her that she will put her passies in a basket, ask the fairy for something in return and the next morning she would get a prize in place of her passies. I told her the fairy takes the passies to the babies that need them. I have always prepped A.C. for things with books and stories, she responds so well, so surely this would be great right? She was down to using the passie only at nap and night time,

so I knew she would do great!

She whimpered and actually cried HARD when she knew it was the actual night.

I gave her "a few more sucks".

We put out the letter that she dictated to me and her basket of the passies we now had left.

She woke up and was oh so happy with her new "Ipod" - yes ladies and gentlemen my three year old asked for an Ipod. It was really just and inexpensive MP3 player, but it is all the same to her! She cried for the passie for about 3 nights and all is good!

Dora, Dora, Dora the EXPLORER!!!

2008-06-25T21:35:00.001-07:00

Anna Claire turned 3 on May 11th and we had her birthday party the day before at the Tree House ( a climbing Mc Donalds like play place) at our church. It was a lot of fun with all of her friends, way too many presents and of course too much sugar! On this day she received a picnic table for our back porch from my parents. She was so excited and can't wait to have her guests eat on it with her!

We also celebrated her birthday the next day with my parents at the "Rainbow" Cafe (aka - Rainforest Cafe') complete with balloon animals and a hot fudge sundae! Anna Claire LOVES this place, so why wouldn't we go there for her birthday lunch? Oh, did I also mention that it was also Mother's day? HA! My Mom is such a trooper. After we ate, we let her ride her all time favorite (another post in itself) THE CAROUSEL!!! She was beyond thrilled.

She also had a little class party at C.D.O complete with sprinkle cookies and another party with her Daddy, Uncle Kale, Mimi and PaPa at a fun place called Going Bonkers. This girl knows how to milk it for all it is worth! I still cannot believe she is three.

Get in here quick!

2008-06-25T21:30:00.000-07:00

Anna Claire: Mommy! Get in here quick, you won't believe this! Me: Anna Claire just come here please! A.C. (walking towards me holding her belly): I can't believe this Mommy! My belly is pumping! It is really pumping. Oh my gosh! Me: (laughing) Oh, guess what that is your heart beating. A.C. : My heart is in my belly? That is freaking me out!

Dogs!

2008-06-02T21:58:00.001-07:00

Well it is no secret that Anna Claire loves animals! The child has made almost weekly visits to PetCo since she was an infant with her Nana. She treats it just like a "mini zoo". It is great, FREE, entertainment! We have had some exciting times with a particular type of animal lately...DOGS!

1.)Anna Claire had a blast with Stella, my parents' dog, in her red wagon! 2.)My new niece is the precious Shipoo puppy... LOLA BURTON 3.)My Mom, Anna Claire and I rescued, so we thought, an old, very sad looking dog on the side of the highway. I know, I know probably not very safe or sanitary, but we have bleeding hearts what can we say? She named this dog and "nursed" it until it's owner came to pick it up. My favorite name this dog ended up with was...TONSIL. Then we had a conversation about why ulcer and tonsil are not real pretty names for something. :)

As I say goodbye...

2008-06-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

So, I rarely post a personal post about myself and they almost always involve around Anna Claire, but, this is just a little blurb about me. You know that it is a CRAZY time of year for teachers, we are all wrapping up all of our paper work, sending home artwork and supplies and frantically trying to cram in every tidbit of information we may have forgotten to teach them. I am taking a step back this year and letting these kids have some fun! I have always taught kindergarten before this year, but this year I had second graders. For those of you who don't know Second graders = PURE JOY to me! I have LOVED my class this year. They are fantastically smart, funny and SO well behaved. I am really going to miss them. I feel like my "Favorite Quote of the moment" is what I learned from these kids this year and that is the kind of teacher I always want to be. Only 3 more work days before the Summer

and then more blogs to come people!

Easter Week 2008

2008-06-02T21:27:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter week. It seems like so long ago, but it was very fun. We spent time the weekend before at Nanny and Pappy's farm which is always a great time of relaxing, great food and conversation. Anna Claire adores all the animals and we had fun on a tractor ride. At the farm we colored Easter eggs together. Anna Claire also had an Easter egg hunt with her friends at school that week. Over the weekend it was very chilly! I had to sing for the Good Friday service, Saturday night service and two services on Sunday morning - busy! On Sunday, after Anna Claire's nap the Easter bunny came and she also had a solo egg hunt in the front yard. She loved having no competition! HA! The next weekend we had a belated Easter celebration with our friends Carolyn, Ella Grace and Lila Rose. There was an adult egg hunt as well! Did I win one of the fun lotto tickets or prize eggs? NO - of course not :) Here is a slide show of all of our fun Easter times.

Atlanta?

2008-06-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

Who cares that it was in JANUARY, right??? My sweet sister and her husband have even been here since then, but I can't get my act together. We had the best time at their apartment in Atlanta, GA for a weekend of fun! We enjoyed lounging around their apartment, visiting the Dwarf house (first Chick-fil-A restaurant), seeing where Uncle Matt works from the outside, going to the FANTASTIC World Aquarium, shopping and just enjoying spending time together. We love and miss them so much, but we now have a SUPER place to visit. Matt and Lindsey just bought their first home together, so CONGRATULATIONS you two. We can't wait to see it! We love you :)

And We are FINALLY Back!!!

2008-05-11T21:01:00.000-07:00

No excuses, jut life that has gotten in the way! I am way behind on blogging and I am ready to catch up. Coming your way soon... *Atlanta trip *My new niece *Easter *Spring fun *The Zoo *Dora birthday party *3 year old day at the mall and much, much more! Love you all!!!

Happy Birthday Lovey!

2008-05-11T20:25:00.000-07:00

Anna Claire - I knew I would love you from the moment I found out I was having a baby! I fell even more in love with you when I found out you were a girl and I gave you a name: Anna Claire Scherler. My love grew even more when I felt you move for the first time and realized that you were going to be feisty! There are no words to describe the moment I laid eyes on you.

You were all red and had a little "cone head", but I didn't care. You were mine, you were perfect. Your little eyes locked into mine and I knew we would be the best of friends.

Before I knew it you were one with an ever growing vocabulary and intense love for life. You would go to anyone with open arms and a huge grin. I knew then that you would love music and love nature. You continued to grow into a two year old with a lot of personality and definitely your own mind!

And now today, May 11, 2008 you are three. I just do not know where the time went. Here are a few reasons why I love you...

* You take everything at your own pace (like potty training) :) * You love nature and everything in it (except your new extreme fear of bugs) * You give the sweetest hugs and kisses and when I pick you up you pat me on the back * You smile the cheesiest smile for the camera and the sweetest smile every other time. * You love kittens more than any other child I know. Your high pitched baby talk towards them is priceless. * You love your family and act as if no time goes by anytime you see them. * I love the way you draw out the word "WOW" when you say it * You are so spunky and keep me on my toes. * You love to color and do anything involving art * You love tiny things and never have tried to swallow them even though someone might report me to CPS if they saw how little your favorite toys were. * You love to tell jokes and though they make no sense, your giggle makes them hilarious * You tell me everyday how much you love me * You pray so sweetly to Jesus and always thank Him for your friends. * You sing and dance to every song and try to memorize it after listening once. * Your strong, beautiful voice belts out songs like "Tomorrow", "This Little Light of Mine", and any theme from any show or movie, without a care in the world especially in a store. * Your made up words like "samber" and "condit" are hysterical and add to any boring conversation. * Your insight and conversations with me are amazing for your age. * Your delight in the small things is refreshing I love you and cannot wait to spend this three year old year with you exploring and learning and making even more memories together. You are the most wonderful daughter and I am so blessed to have you in my life. Happy Birthday sweet "Clairebear"! Love - Mommy

Drive-In Movie Day!

2008-02-04T06:11:00.000-08:00

This day is one of my favorite theme days at Anna Claire's Children's Day Out program. The kids and their parents design a little cardboard car for the kids to sit in while watching a movie projected on the wall, while eating popcorn and drinking a drink. Everyone goes all out with the cars and the 50's attire. It is just precious. Anna Claire has worn a poodle skirt every year, but this was her first year to have a car. It was of course ridiculously girly and extremely gawdy, but what else do you do to a cardboard car?!?

PJ Party with Our Cousins!

2008-02-04T06:06:00.000-08:00

My cousin Holly had a great idea to get our girls together to have a "late night" snack and a video in our PJ's! It was so fun. We had bunny biscuits, carrots with sprinkles, fruit kabobs on curly straws and matching PJ's from Holly! The food was courtesy of Nana the great! It was a fun time playing and watching a dancing Barbie video. We will definately have to do it again!

Precious words...

2008-01-09T04:27:00.000-08:00

Quick stories... 1.) Anna Claire: I wish Jesus could have supper with us. Me: Well Anna Claire me too, but he is always here. Nana: You know what Anna Claire, Jesus lives in your heart so he is always with you! Anna Claire: (with a puzzled look) I didn't know Jesus lived in my chest!?!? 2.) Anna Claire: Nana was Jesus Mary's lovey? Nana: Yes he was Anna Claire. Anna Claire: Was Jesus Joseph's lovey? Nana: Yes Anna Claire: Oh, 'cause I am my Mommy's lovey. :) These are those conversations that every parent prays will begin. She is becoming quite the inquisitive one! It warms my heart. And then there are these :) 3.) "Mommy what is Jesus' last name?""Christ? I guess."Later that day..."Mommy his last name isn't Christ.""Well, what is it?""Jesus Ruggers Cross!"I'm guessing this from the Old Rugged Cross, but who knows! HA!

Where does the time go?

2007-12-29T20:27:00.001-08:00

Okay, I'm getting all sentimental and weepy...time to go to bed!

A baby, a bike and roller skates!

2007-12-29T20:13:00.001-08:00

This is all sweet Anna Claire has asked for, for Christmas, since the beginning of November: a baby (color changing daily), a bike and roller skates. What two year old asks for roller skates?!? But Santa doesn't disappoint right? And I did take her "skating" this summer so maybe that is where the idea spurred from? Anyway, this year was the best by far as far as her age and excitement toward Christmas go! She was so into the spirit of it all! We have been singing all of the carols, reading a Christmas story every night and I even let her decorate a little tree in her room. She LOVES all of the AMAZING lights and decorations everywhere we go. She looks out the window of the car and says "Wow" and "Amazing!" at every display. Every Christmas in the past I would feel beat down by the hustle and bustle, list of "to-do's and by all of grumpy people, but not this year with my sweet Anna Claire and her positive outlook! She is truly my greatest gift. So, here is a little slide show of her Christmas morning. We hope yours was just as wonderful!

Candlelight Service

2007-12-29T19:32:00.000-08:00

Almost every Christmas Eve since I can remember, my family attended the Memorial Baptist Church Candlelight service. This year we had two services and I was asked to sing in both so, Anna Claire sat with my parents during the first service. I looked out to see this adorable face sitting next to two of her dearest friend's, Kindal and Katlyn, and waiving her glo-stick proudly. That's right...a glo-stick...in lew of a candle. (I was relieved because I had been burned in a very embarrassing moment as a child by a candle in front of a lot of people. Another story for another day.) Anyway, it was a creative idea and it reminded me of a Star Wars battle scene with all of the little kids waiving there mini light sabers back and forth! HA! Here are some precious pictures afterwards of Anna Claire and friends.

New Look Part Two

2007-12-29T09:28:00.001-08:00

The new look is courtesy of

Shabby Princess Designs

(well of course for a small fee)

New Look!

2007-12-28T22:24:00.000-08:00

I decided since the new year is just around the corner, we needed a fresh look for our blog. What do you think? It will be this design through February :) More posts and Christmas photos coming very soon!

Love to you all - Jill and Anna Claire

What a week!

2007-12-20T09:44:00.000-08:00

We have had a marathon week as I am sure you have too! On Thursday the 13th - I was sick with an upper respiratory infection and stayed home from school, and learned that my sweet Mamaw passed away. Friday the 14th - I stayed home with my family, wrapped presents and continued to try to get well, and Matt and Lindsey flew in around 9pm. Saturday morning the 15th - we woke up, had breakfast, opened Christmas presents, ate some more, checked out our stockings, got dressed, picked up a birthday cake, headed to El Fenix, celebrated my Mom's 50th birthday with friends and family, went to Starbucks with Aunt Paula, Mom and Lindsey. Sunday - wake up, pack, take family Christmas card picture, load the car, head to Burkburnett,Texas, check in hotel, get dressed, go to the funeral home, 8pm - eat dinner and then go to sleep. Sunday - wake up, get dressed, go to funeral, eat lunch, drive home, get dressed, say bye to Matt and Lindsey, head to DBU for a grad school info session! On Tuesday - back to a class who has had a substitute for 3 days. If you have ever taught you know how tragic that is! So after school I took Anna Claire to the doctor for a horrible cough and was told to take her to x-ray for pneumonia. It wasn't, just an upper respiratory like me! Christmas party with my team, with my kids at school, CDO, etc. All in one week! WHEW! We are tired!! Nanny and Pappy's here we come :) Food, fun, family and RELAXATION.

Santa 2007

2007-12-20T05:03:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from Anna Claire!

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2007-12-13T19:53:00.000-08:00

This is our first professional photo together ever! I can't believe that. It turned out pretty great I think considering Anna Claire was NUTS! She was hopping all over me and I couldn't believe we were able to get anything good.

We love you all and hope that your season is Merry and Bright!

Let the Christmas fun Begin!

2007-11-30T16:29:00.000-08:00

We (my Mom and I) took Anna Claire to the Grapevine Christmas parade downtown last night. She loved watching all of the floats, choirs, dancers and bands. It was a great experience for her and I hope to do it every year. :) I know...I know...no anti-passie comments please!

The Many Faces of Anna Claire

2007-11-27T19:56:00.001-08:00

One thing that makes a two year old so intriguing is there many moods and the amazing ability to change them so quickly! I love my sweet "Claire-bear's" face more than anything and found this collection of photos to be quite hilarious! I hope you think so too!

Hug Your Daddy...

2007-11-06T04:13:00.000-08:00

I didn't really know her in high school all that well...we were acquaintances...she was precious...a cheerleader...a PAL...a WONDERFUL person and well liked by everyone! Everyone wanted to date her, be her friend, and have just a piece of the happiness she seemed to possess. Not only was Hannah Webber an amazing person and light for Christ, but she had this fairytale like family. 3 sisters and one brother, all with Bible names :), a Mom and Dad that seemed to be the most supportive parents at all of the games and events. Her Dad was a Chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers. He was also very active with Athletes in Action alongside his wife. He also spoke to us for our Baccalaureate before graduation. John Webber passed away last week and it made me realize that I am not in this protected bubble where that could not happen to my parents.

http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?id=FDD79E03-FA37-DDE3-40F0ED075BC45326

We are not guaranteed one more minute, hour or day. Christ came so that we may have life more abundantly and I would definitely say that John Webber lived his life to honor Christ and spread his message to others. Do I do that? Do I tell the people that I care about the most how much I love them and how much God loves them? If my Dad were to pass away today, would he know that I love him more than anything and I that I am so proud of the example he sets as well? It leaves a lot to think about...go hug your Daddy and tell those around you how much Christ loves them!

Pumpkin Day!

2007-11-06T04:08:00.000-08:00

We had so much fun on Halloween! Anna Claire was a beautiful butterfly and really loved all the glitter. Here are a couple of pictures and more will be added soon! What did you do on Halloween???

Anna Claire's first REAL haircut!!!

2007-10-05T21:20:00.001-07:00

My Mom has always trimmed Anna Claire's hair, and has really done a FABULOUS job!

However, I was beginning to realize that her hair was becoming an issue for me daily! I was constantly gripping that it was too scraggly (is that a word?), tangled, mullet-ish, fuzzy, and just plain - OUT OF CONTROL! I didn't want it to be an issue anymore and it wasn't really growing, so I decided to take her to Sweet and Sassy to have her first REAL haircut! She LOVED it! She watched Toy Story and got glitter spray in her hair when it was over, and a glitter star on her face and a flower sucker! She was in heaven, and on top of that the haircut was PRECIOUS!!!

We had a GREAT Summer!!!

2007-10-05T20:49:00.001-07:00

First Day of Dance...

2007-10-05T20:22:00.001-07:00

I picked Anna Claire up from Mrs. Heather's house to find a very excited ballerina! We went for the first class and met 6 other 2-3 year olds for a toe tappin', tip toe dancin' good time! She however was INSANE!!! All over the place, not listening to Mrs. Janie, running from me (it is a Mommy and Me class), gazing at herself in the mirrors, hanging off of the bars, etc. I thought "Oh dear Lord what have I done?!?!?" I found out later, she had had NO NAP!!! So when I finally got to a camera after the dance class was over, here was the photo shoot :) We are enjoying the class now, and LOVE Mrs. Janie! I will have happy dance pics very soon!

Because I am LAZY......

2007-10-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

Why haven't I blogged? It just falls last on my list!!!! Lesson plans, check...pack lunches, check...Anna Claire clothes laid out, check...my clothes laid out, check...pack her school bag and mine, check...read stories, check...say prayers, check...Mommy shower, check...BLOG or go to SLEEP...go to sleep always wins! I am sorry ya'll, I will try to be better.

Love you all!

Where have we been?!?!

2007-08-24T19:51:00.000-07:00

TEACHER + AUGUST = ENOUGH SAID!!!

More posts coming soon!!!! Love you all!

Her Big Girl Room Completed...

2007-07-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

Before we moved here with my parents, Anna Claire had an adorable room. It was pink and black with a French Poodle/Paris theme...I LOVED it! When we moved here I wanted something fresh and new and one of Anna Claire's first words was "butter-by" (butterfly) so we went with a pastel/butterfly/flower theme.

We found a quilt in the back of Marshalls that was a close look to Pottery Barn for way less! After the quilt and a couple of other decorations, the decorating came to a halt and was never complete.

My Mom bought Anna Claire some more items to decorate her room for her birthday and I purchased a fun butterfly mobile from Pier 1 Kids. It was coming together...Until I took the crib down.

I realized that there was going to be a huge empty space and that Anna Claire really didn't have anything fun to play in her room, besides reading books. So, I told Anna Claire that since we gave her crib to a baby that needed it, she gets to choose a play kitchen for her room. We went to Toys R Us that day and brought one home. SHE LOVES IT! She cooks for "Grandma" and sick "Grandpa" all the time. I don't know who these people are, but she is having fun. I also purchased a few cube organization units from Target and a little table and chairs. I think it has finally come together!

Is she still an infant?!?

2007-07-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

I had probably the worst night that I have had sleep wise since Anna Claire was an infant!!! She has transitioned very well to her "big girl crib" for almost two weeks now, but yesterday morning it happened...she knows she can climb down off of the bed!!! She came in my room at least 6 times between 10 pm and 2 am. I finally spanked her and she said "I was just worried about you Mommy!". Oh good grief that breaks my heart! She fell asleep at 2am and so did I and then at 6am I heard a soft sucking sound (her pacifier) and realized she was back. So instead of spanking again and standing my ground, what did the weak parent do??? Put her back in bed with me to sleep until 8:30am! Wonderful parenting Jill. Oh well! I will do better tonight. :)

Our lovely visitor...

2007-07-19T06:12:00.000-07:00

I have posted before on how Anna Claire LOVES being outside! I am learning to love it, and I do appreciate the need for rain, but I absolutely HATE this weather we have been having! Not only does it spoil the outside summer fun, but all of the damp ground around us is causing my favorite creatures to breed at a rapid rate...MOSQUITOES! I can be sitting in a group of people and not one person will get a bite at all, but I will be slapping myself like a crazy person and end up with at least 10! Unfortunately Anna Claire has inherited the mosquitoes' love and look what happened to her... From 10? 5? NO! 1 mosquito! And this worst part is it was in the house! I saw it before her nap and tried to catch it, but then I couldn't see it anymore. When she woke up she didn't have any bites! I sat her down at her table for a snack and sat in the living room while she ate it. When I came back to clean her up this is what her leg looked like! Oh my goodness! I counted and she had 15 bites! How is that possible? Needless to say I have felt the need to explain to everyone I see that she doesn't have a disease, but that it is from mosquito bites. Then they ask me if I ever use OFF? What?!? That is my daily summer perfume :) I just didn't know I had to spray my child down in the HOUSE!!!

Her actual 2nd Birthday...

2007-07-19T05:56:00.000-07:00

Anna Claire though her birthday lasted for 2 weeks because we celebrated several different ways! We had the big party with her friends early so Aunt Lindsey and Uncle Matt could attend and she had a little party at her Mimi and Papa's house -

planting flowers and all!

On May 11th, her actual birthday, she celebrated in her classroom at school,

posed for a few shots with Mommy

and went to Chik-fil-a with her Dad. She loves that place!

She still sings happy birthday to herself on a regular basis and thinks any large gathering is a party for her. I love that about her. Who doesn't love a good party!!??

Anna Claire's 2nd Birthday Party - Strawberry STYLE!

2007-07-12T22:59:00.001-07:00

A couple of months ago...We had such a great time at Anna Claire's 2nd birthday party! It was at our house and she chose a Strawberry Shortcake theme, whom she learned to adore from cousin JULIA :)! We had about 7 kids under the age of 4 over for playing, coloring, tattoos, cake and ice cream! WOW! It was so much fun for her and she was quite thrilled that it was an event that revolved around her. After the party Anna Claire received a battery operated car from me that was handed down from a co-workers daughter! It is in excellent condition and Anna Claire LOVED it! I can't believe it has been two years since she was born! I have never had so much fun in my life! Enjoy the pictures - FINALLY!

Big Girl...crib?

2007-07-12T22:09:00.000-07:00

Well I've done it! I have let go and allowed Anna Claire to accomplish another very "grown up" milestone. For most people moving your child to a "big girl bed" from their crib is not a big deal. For me it was letting go of my "baby". I have to get over this. I mean it is ridiculous! I know she will always be my baby, but she is growing everyday becoming a very independent toddler. Sure she likes to snuggle and talk in this weird new baby talk and say

"I'm a wittle baby!" but it's not the same.

I remember the snugly, pink little bundle I used to lay in the crib at night...precious.

But as they say "out of the mouths of babes!"...I was tucking her in on her first night without her crib and she said "Mommy, where did my crib go?" I thought Oh no! I traumatized her because I removed it while she was at her Dad's for the weekend. "Well sweetheart we had to give it to another baby who needs it because you are a big girl now." "OK, thank you for my big girl crib!" Yes! Okay I can cope! This is not a "big girl bed" but a " big girl crib"! How sad that I am relying on my toddler's coping skills to deal with this myself.

Needless to say, the first night went very well and she only woke up 2 times, I think just to check and see what was going on! I however woke up, well let's see, at 3 AM I lost count. Paranoid?!? Not me! Just being safe ;) She woke up very proud of herself and I was proud of her too! We are now on night #4 and she has only fallen out once...on a pillow of course! HA!

Charlie is an Eagle Scout!!!

2007-07-05T21:01:00.001-07:00

A couple of months ago, I attended an Eagle Scout ceremony for my cousin Charlie. He is my only boy first cousin on my Mother's side. Growing up I wasn't sure how well I knew him, but over the past several years I have learned this...he is loyal, determined, well liked by his peers, smart, musically talented, a great: son, brother, cousin, and grandson, he has a great sense of humor, he likes games ( and to win!), he has a calm and quiet spirit, is great with children, he works so hard at everything he does and most of all he finished one of the most prestigious honors in America - his Eagle Scout badge! Sitting through his ceremony I heard amazing statistics about how past Eagle Scouts have gone on to do amazing things in their lives and I know Charlie will as well. He has worked very hard and deserves this amazing honor. He is headed off to Texas Tech in the fall as a freshman and I couldn't be more proud for him. We love you Charles! :)

Where has the time gone...

2007-07-05T20:04:00.000-07:00

It has been too long! I know...I know...I have so many blogs to catch you up on and pictures to post. We are REALLY tired of this rainy weather and running out of fun "summer" things to do in it. I will be posting more this weekend and I hope you are all doing well.

Love - Jill and Anna Claire

My Baby is Two...

2007-05-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Sweet Anna Claire!

We are still alive...

2007-05-08T04:19:00.000-07:00

I am honestly not quite sure where the time has gone!?!! We have been fine, busy, but fine. There will be a day when I will finally blog again. :) As for now, know that I am storing the entries in my head and preparing for great things! Hope you all are doing well.

"Straw-ba-ba-ba-berry!"

2007-04-10T20:52:00.000-07:00

Could she be more excited?!?

Our new found love for Strawberry Shortcake, really happened when we visited the Connolly's back in January. Julia (one year older than Anna Claire) had several dolls and a DVD that Anna Claire adored. Now we are over the top for the movies, dolls, books, etc. I have already joined in her excitement by buying a couple of dolls, DVD's and books. Well this week, we hit the jackpot! I work with some wonderful ladies, many of whom have young children. The librarian has a daughter who is five and has decided it is no longer cool to play with Strawberry Shortcake. So...she passed her dolls and books on to Anna Claire! I thought it would be a couple of the long haired dolls, that honestly don't resemble the DVD's or books, but NO! Dolls that are no longer for sale that look just like the books and movies. Anna Claire's eyes were twinkling with excitement and her imagination instantly ran wild when she saw the tub full of the characters she has grown to love. Now all she needs is JuJu here to play with her! :)

Easter 2007...

2007-04-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

Digging in her Easter basket and LOVING the colored eggs!

Enjoying time with family and of course eating great food!

Even Stella got into the Easter spirit! :)

We hope you had a relaxing and wonderfully reflective Easter!

(P.S. Aunt Lindsey better post the "egg hunt" pictures from her camera on her Blog!)

Beautiful Day...

2007-04-08T20:02:00.000-07:00

Even though it was forty degrees on this holiday, it was such a wonderful day! My sweet girl is feeling almost 100% and we had a wonderful weekend. More blogs to come on Easter, etc. now that we are all well. We hope you all had an EGG-cellent day! :)

Who's got a weird virus????

2007-04-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

ANNA CLAIRE! It hit Monday night coupled with huge odd sores in her mouth and a high fever. Hand-foot-and-mouth? Thrush? Nope! Some weird name I have never heard of. We were told it is extremely contagious, so no egg hunt at CDO. Anna Claire has been miserable. She would hardly eat or drink anything and oh my goodness her mouth looks painful. I think I have totalled 12 hours of sleep in 3 nights and I feel like I am in that "new mommy" fog again. Poor baby though. I really hated to leave her at all this week, but fortunately for my class I only had to miss only one day due to my wonderfully awesome, extremely flexible, almost as good as mommy - parents! What an exhausting week! We hope you all have a wonderful, relaxing Easter as we reflect on the greatest gift we have been given through Christ.

Love,

Jill and Anna Claire

The Recliner...

2007-03-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

One evening Anna Claire, Nana, Pop and I ran in Wal Mart really quick. I ran to one section of the store to pick up a few things and Anna Claire went in the other direction with my Mom and Dad. When I turned the corner to find them by the registers, what was in their cart, but a little brown recliner for my very LOVED (spoiled) child. :) Anna Claire loves her chair, but still prefers to steal my Dad's. Here she is soaking in a little "educational" television.

More Springtime and Easter Bunny...

2007-03-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

Anna Claire was re-assuring me throughout the line that the Easter Bunny was just pretend and that she was not scared! This was about shot 20 or so when she finally smiled. Since I was so sick over Spring Break and didn't get to post any new messages or pictures, I have also included a couple of St. Patrick's Day photos.

"Okay Anna Claire! Mommy gets it! You are DONE taking pictures!" :)

Spring is here!

2007-03-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

I tried and tried to get some good pictures at this little botanical garden area we have in Grapevine and I looked at my camera and didn't think that I was able to get any good shots! I ran into a girl I work with and her sister offered to take a couple. These are the ones she took. I will post more from my camera along with a cheesy Easter Bunny picture. :) Happy Spring!

I love my sister!

2007-03-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

I love my sister so much! It didn't start out that way. I really wanted her to stay at the hospital when she was born. We had our very severe "sisterly moments" over the years and I honestly found her annoying until one day I looked at her and realized "Hey! She's not that bad." :) She has become one of my very best friends. You know the quote "We don't get to chose our family, but we get to choose our friends." While that is true, if she wasn't my sister, I would still choose her as my friend because she is an amazing person. She is so genuine and she gives amazing advice. Sometimes I feel like she is the older sister. I have learned so much from her! She is intelligent and giving and works hard at everything she does. She makes me stay fashionable and won't let me be a "frumpy teacher" HA! She is so much fun and makes me laugh. Anna Claire LOVES "Winzie" and has her wrapped around her little finger. I write this now because she is getting married in less than 3 months and then moving to Atlanta, Georgia after the honeymoon. I have been in denial about the move, but I know it is going to happen. It has just recently "sunk in" and although I am already missing her like crazy and kicking and screaming on the inside, I could NOT be more proud of her. She is going to be an amazing wife and Matt is VERY lucky. :) I love you Lindsey Beth!

"Down on Grandpa's Farm there is a ..."

2007-03-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

We love visiting Nanny and Pappy's farm in Fairlie, Texas. I have so many memories from various visits over the years. There is no place like it. Everyone just moves at such a relaxed pace-it is a breath of fresh air considering the insane pace we move in week to week! It is probably the most comforting place I have ever been. It smells like my Nanny's cooking and looking out on the land my Pappy has worked on longer than my lifetime gives me a great sense of pride. Where else can you eat three amazing meals regardless if you are hungry or not, catch up with family, sleep in then wake up to a homemade breakfast waiting for you and look out the window to a country "postcard scene"? It is so special and has always been somewhat magical to me and now Anna Claire loves it just as much! She loves watching the cows, dogs and cats and the attention she gets from Nanny and Pappy and of course the tractor ride is a major bonus. :) How fortunate I am to watch my daughter play with her Great-Grandparents! I cherish every moment. "We wub you Nanny and Pappy!"

"Hi Dere!"

2007-03-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

Anna Claire was sitting on Lindsey's bed and stood up and screamed "OH! OH! Mommy it's me! Hewoh Anna Claire! I found you! Dere you are! See you water (later)!" And then continued on to talk about shopping at WalMart, singing a verse of itsy bitsy spider and then playing peek-a-boo with herself! Oh what fun to be "not quite two" as I like to call it. :)

Understanding Humor...

2007-03-06T20:39:00.000-08:00

Humor is such a big part of my life and a HUGE stress reliever on a daily basis. It may be something I read or see on T.V. or hear on the radio, but my biggest sources of humor come from the children I teach who are five and six and my soon to be 2 year old! I was taking a shower, leaving Anna Claire to play contently with her Little People. I didn't hear a sound and then "BOO!" I jumped about a foot. Anna Claire just laughed and laughed, "I scare you Mommy!" She is trying to joke with me! I almost cried. She has definitely transitioned to a toddler and is no longer a baby. My heart ached for a tiny moment as I am sure all mothers do, and then I instantly felt joy and excitement to see what will be ahead.

Fuffwies...

2007-03-06T20:24:00.000-08:00

What is it??? Well "fuffwies" is a name Anna Claire affectionately calls a handful of batting that came out of a stuffed animal. She has quite the imagination. She sings to it, carries it around, asked me to read a story to it and loves to say "Where fuffwies go?!" She is enjoying this cheap "toy" and I am asking why we have a closet full of toys that actually cost money! Oh well, the early childhood educator in me is saying press on with your wonderful imagination sweet girl. :)

Elmo LIVE!!!

2007-02-26T20:26:00.000-08:00

As part of Anna Claire's Christmas present, I bought her tickets to see Elmo LIVE at the NOKIA theatre in Grand Prairie. Although she already loved Elmo and all of the Sesame Street gang, I have been reading her many books with the characters and recording Sesame Street episodes to get her really excited. I told her all along that we were going to see Elmo LIVE and she says, "Yes! Eh-mo WIVE!".

I am not brave enough to take her on my own just yet, or torture my family with more kids music, so I asked my dearest friend in the world, whom Anna Claire adores, to go with us! Becca agreed of course she would go! :) I am so glad she did! With a foyer full of gift stands, concessions, screaming children, $10 balloons, and a running, crazy excited Anna Claire, I needed help! Anna Claire was bouncing off the walls, not really knowing what "Eh-mo WIVE!" meant, until...the characters were on the stage and the singing and dancing began! She was loving every moment of it! Except to eat popcorn, crawl on Becca, dancing, clapping, and trying to take the ladies drink behind us, she sat the whole time! She also said "Grover WIVE, Big Bert and Ernie WIVE, Mommy WIVE, Becca WIVE, Anna Cwaire WIVE" as well! She had a BLAST and we owe a big thanks to Becca.

Our cousin Saylor's 3rd birthday party was right before Elmo LIVE, so we got to celebrate with her first. What a day! Happy Birthday Saylor!

My Child Loves the Outdoors!

2007-02-26T20:10:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me well knows that I can't stand to be hot and well, while I love God's beauty in nature, I am not for being out in the midst of it much. :) However, I am changing my mind though through Anna Claire's love for it. She loves the park, the sky, the trees, "skicks", well you get my drift! There have been several gorgeous days lately and I have taken her to the park several of them. My mom also tries to take her outside as often as possible. She loves this one particular tree in our front yard and likes to be a "bird" and sit in her tree and say "ta-weet, ta-weet". She decided that while she was outside playing "Dah-wee" should "sweep" in the "weaves". My favorite outside moment in the last few days however is when I saw my bossy self in her face. We went to the "big park" a great public park close to our house and a boy named Brandon was not obeying his mother. His mother yelled "Brandon!" and then Anna Claire yelled even louder "Brandon!" then she yelled at the mother "No yeh-wing!" I was embarrassed, but of course had to laugh a little inside. All of this to say, I am sure we will enjoy many more days outside in God's beauty and I hope you are able to enjoy it too!

Sweetest Valentine

2007-02-26T19:37:00.000-08:00

I know...it has been almost 2 weeks since my last Blog...too long! But instead of making excuses, here are a few blogs that have been in my head for a while. Valentines Day has always been fun for me..."prizes" from my parents, flowers, chocolates, cards from past relationships, but none compared to my sweetest Valentine these last two years...Anna Claire. She has started within the last week answering "I wub you, Mommy." instead of just "Wub you" when you tell her that you love her. It melts me every time. We hope you all had a great Valentines Day!

"Ste-wah" My Best Friend

2007-02-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

Stella is my parents' dog and has ALWAYS amused Anna Claire. She has laughed and smiled at her scruffy face from day one! She loves her now more than ever and even calls her "best-fwiend" (so cute!), but I am unsure if it is really love or the fact that Anna Claire can get away with murder where she's concerned?! She "pats" her very hard and pulls her fur and legs and Stella just sits there with an occasional lick, but NEVER barks or growls or bites. She is so even tempered with Anna Claire, which is funny because if you have ever met Stella, you know that she is truly a crazy dog! HA! Anna Claire loves bossing Stella and tonight was one of my favorite lines I have heard come out of her mouth thus far..."Ste-wah! Stop wickin' your weg!" (stop licking your leg) :) I swear I saw Stella roll her eyes! HA!

"Goo-Goo, Gaa-Gaa's"

2007-02-10T18:37:00.000-08:00

Anna Claire loves her "baf" time! She loves to splash, swim and honestly dive, in that small space! We can't stop her because she became fearless this past Summer in the pool. :) She loves to wash Dora's hair and put her in time out and discuss the events of the day with her, but above all else she loves the "Goo-Goo, Gaa-Gaa's"! What is that? Well they are Dora's baby twin brother and sister. We have a story that talks about the babies and they say "Goo-Goo, Gaa-Gaa" and Anna Claire finds them hilarious...so they became known as the "baby bruh-ders" or "goo-goo, gaa-gaas". Tonight they were in time out for biting...wonder what tomorrow will be!?!?

The True Meaning of "Blessed"

2007-02-10T18:23:00.000-08:00

You know you've heard them "Well BLESS her heart", "That was such a BLESSING", etc. All the sayings that incorporate a form of a word we often take for granted...BLESSED. I have been one of those people to take many blessings for granted, until I have a few moments to look back and reflect and notice the many that God has given me. The largest blessings I receive are the obvious things to most people: my health, my child, my job, etc. Those are all indeed blessings, but if you look a little deeper into my everyday life you will see two people that are my true meaning of being and feeling "Blessed". These two sacrifice, by choice, daily, to help Anna Claire and I. They are my amazing parents, or "Nana and Pop" if you are asking Anna Claire. Did you know that my Dad switched his work schedule to go in late on Tuesdays and Thursdays so that he can take Anna Claire to Children's Day Out? Did you also know that the "princess" doesn't have to wake up until she pleases on the other days and Nana gets her ready and takes her to the babysitter and Mommy goes to work with a peace of mind that she is given the best care possible? They will watch her, play with her, change her, feed her, anytime they can - just to help me out. These are just a few examples of how they give of themselves at every turn, just trying to make Anna Claire and I feel loved and supported - And we do, every day! Now obviously there will be a time in the future that Anna Claire and I will venture out and live on our own again, but until then I will not let a day go by that I take the support we have for granted. I want them to know just how "Blessed" we truly feel!

"You kiddin me?"

2007-02-05T18:19:00.000-08:00

My conversation with Anna Claire while she was in the bath tub last night... "Anna Claire sit on your bottom so Mommy can wash your hair please." "No Mommy!" "Anna Claire, I am not asking, sit down." "No Mommy. You kiddin'me? Asking!" I tried so hard not to laugh! Where did she learn that "you kiddin' me" line?! Kids truly do say the craziest things!