Shoes!

Well, I think I might have made a mistake going shoe-less all summer for Maddy.  It's not really necessary to wear them (or socks for that matter) in this weather.  So I broke out her hot pink converse high tops the other day and she practically had a fit when I put them on.  I think part of that is that they don't fit well b/c her foot is so fat.   Anyway, she was fascinated with them the whole time they were on.  We also bought her 2 more pairs of shoes for fall/winter at Target. They are adorable little shoes, I love them! They really do have the cutest stuff there.  Anyway, here are some pics of Maddy in her shoes, hopefully we won't have a hard time when we go home tomorrow b/c she will have to wear socks and shoes when it's 39 degrees on Monday morning! Yikes.  I think the coldest it's been here is like 68. Keith's parents were here this past week and we had a great time with them.  They took me out to a nice dinner for my birthday :)  I'm going to have to get some more pics from my mother in law b/c mine didn't turn out to well.  All for now, and I'm totally excited that I'll be in my beloved mountains in 35 hrs. yay!

Wordless Wednesday

My baby sister turns 17 today!

I remember a certain night in October 17 years ago when I was waiting anxiously to receive a phone call from the hospital.  Mom and Dad had promised me they would call 

me first to tell me what the new baby was.  Around 7:30pm the call came and I remember standing on the time-out chair in the kitchen when Mom broke the news to me: "It's a girl"! I really can't tell you the elation that washed over my soon to be 9 year old self.  I ran down the hall in our house and began jumping on all the beds with joy.  I finally had a sister.  I have to say that because of our age difference I have definitely been mini-mom most of her life (sorry about that Jo).  However, I am totally enjoying this new grown up side to Jo and our friendship that has been growing for some time.  

I have spent the last few weeks sending Jo 17 cards, each containing one reason why I love her. I'd thought in her honor I'd share them with the blogging world too! 

1) She can always make me laugh or smile 

2) She is super talented (musically, taking pictures, etc.)

3) She is affectionate (who in our family isn't?)

4) She's growing up and impressing me every day with who she is becoming

5) She understands all the inside jokes from our childhood. I won't mention the one including a certain brother in a robe b/c he might kill me.  No one but us thinks it's funny anyway! haha.

6) She is a fabulous aunt to Maddy!

7) She's honest.  If you ask her what she thinks, she'll tell you. 

8) She laughs at the same things I do and we are both way too easily entertained

9) Wherever we go, whatever we do, we'll always go through it together

10) She is responsible

11) She spared me from having three brothers (no offense Al & Jeff, love you both a lot, but I wouldn't trade my Jo Jo for ANYTHING)

12) She's loves Jesus and maintains integrity

13) She is beautiful, inside and out!

14) She is committed to work in school, sports, piano, church, etc. 

15) She is one of my best friends

16) She cares about our family.  It's a testament to our parents (and the Lord) that we all actually like spending time with each other.  We always have a good time!

And,

17) She is the best sister in the world! And she's mine :)

Jo I'll love you always, Jenn

Look I'm Sitting Up!

Maddy had her 6 month dr. appointment yesterday.  She weighed in at 17 lbs. 13 oz. and 26.25 inches long.  She's getting big :)  It's amazing to see how much they grow in the first year! She's rolling over and learning to sit up! Keith put these wrist rattles on her and she was trying her hardest to get them off.  It was so funny!