Julie

Julie is my older sister and is such an incredible person. She is a natural born leader with a passionate personality. Currently, she works outside the home parttime, works in the home parttime (providing before and after school care for neighborhood kids), parents two wonderful kids, is a loving and devoted wife, President of the PTO, need I go on?!

She inspires me to be more self-confident and forgiving on one's mistakes. Julie is a true blessing in my life and I am honored to say she is my sister.

I scream you scream

We all scream for ICE CREAM! Baskin Robbins mint chocolate chip is my favorite. Short of spending $3 for a teeny tiny scoop I will go with Blue Bell (keep in mind I'm a Texas gal!) or Dreyer's Slow Churned (lower in fat but still all the flavor).

Hairspray

Of my many hair and beauty essentials hairspray ranks pretty high on the list. I do not leave the house unless my hair is "done" and the only way for that to happen is with a great hairspray. I like for the top of my hair to stay put while the rest has the volume and swish. I have used many brands over the years (anybody remember AquaNet?!) and am currently using Kenra Hold #25.

H is also for husband (so glad to have a good one!), hugs and happiness.

Grocery Store

I confess... I like going to the grocery store. (If you are new to my blog read here for my feelings on HEB.)

I do grocery shopping on average every 3 days. I prefer the ripest produce, softest bread and freshest meat. For a dinner on Thursday I will not buy the meat on Monday. Now that is not to say I do not have a weekly meal plan. I simply go back a couple of times a week for the food we will need. Plus, with a family of five (and a daily coming-and-going of little friends) we go through the snack food like nobody's business!

G is also for Gig' Em!, giggles and grace.

Friends

I don't know where I would be without my dear friends. I am someone who has a lot of acquaintances and a handful (or two!) of close friends. These would be ladies I could call in the middle of the night if I was stranded out on the highway and they would come help me.

Just recently I have received some much needed encouragement and kindness from several of my girlfriends. Their words and actions have shown me how I can be a better friend.

F is also for family, Facebook, and faithfulness.

Emma

My darling Emma. What can I tell you about this sweetheart that you don't already know?

Emma is such a delight. She receives praise from other parents and teachers for her wonderful disposition and willingness to go above and beyond what is asked of her.

Emma plays so well with her brother. She and Alex have been partners in crime from the get-go. She is usually easygoing and willing to play what she wants and what he wants. They are just the best little friends.

Emma has these amazingly beautiful blue eyes. They fit so well with her personality.

She is a tremendous joy to be the mother of.

Dad

D is for my dad, John Clifford Carr. He was a man who enjoyed life to the fullest. When I look at photo albums I am struck with how many pictures are of him just having a good time.
He loved having our family together at his house. He would sit in his big 'ole easy chair and when a grandkid would pass him he would reach out for their arm and pull the kid to him for hugs and kisses. The kids would tolerate it and then run off to play. What I wouldn't give for them to have that hug and kiss now.

I love you Dad.

Chocolate

Is there a more perfect food than chocolate? Milk chocolate is my favorite and is a perfect cheer me up, calm me down, or satisfy a sweet craving. And I am easy to please with the brand - just give me a Hershey's bar and I'm all set! Other ways to enjoy chocolate are mousse, fudge, chocolate cream pie, chocolate chip cookies, strawberrys dipped in chocolate, and ice cream.
Chocolate -- because it can't get you pregnant.

C is also for cast iron skillet, cookies, and concerts.

Beach

Rebekah on Ka'anapalli Beach, Maui July 2008

B is for beach

Give me white sand, the sound of the ocean waves and a cool breeze and I am in heaven.

B is also for beignets, BeautiControl, and babies

Alphabet Days

A is for Alex.

He is a little clown. Whether it's something he is doing or saying, he loves to make people laugh.

He freely and generously gives me hugs, kisses, cuddles, lap-sittings, and snuggles.

He asks the most insightful questions.

His love of all things Pokemon shows me his extraordinary talent at memorization.

He plays well with each of his sisters (which means most of the time he does what they want!)

He has a sweet and tender heart that shines most during his nighttime prayers.