a sweet place to rest

For a while I thought that I would move Molly to a big-girl bed by her 2nd birthday. I already have the antique bed that was mine in college, and have planned to move her soon. However, I've decided to wait. I don't think there is a child who loves his/her bed any more than Molly does. It is her little sanctuary. Often times when she is sad, she asks for "blankie,monkey, lambie, night-night" even when I know she isn't tired. The girl sleeps an average of 16 hours a day, which is actually quite necessary due to the CRAZY amount of energy she uses during her awake hours. So, for now, the crib is staying put. Why mess with a good thing.

Style Your Sole

I was given such a fun and unique opportunity to represent local artists and paint some shoes on Saturday. Sachi, a clothing store in East Memphis, hosted an event that supported the TOMS One for One movement which provides shoes for children in Africa. For each pair of shoes bought, one is donated to a child in need. The cool thing about TOMS is that they are simple canvas shoes, which makes them perfect to paint! Kids, teenagers, and adults flooded the store Satuday and had the chance to either paint their own shoes, or have one of the four local artist paint a design for them. It was so fun to paint all afternoon and see so many people get excited about their designs and new shoes. Unfortunately I didn't get any pictures of my favorite ones. I brought 2 home to finish because we ran out of time, and took a few pictures. I am definitely picking up a pair of TOMS for Molly tomorrow, and will post some pictures of the shoes I paint for her.

Sum, Sum, Summertime

Our water plans were changed a bit today. Some friends were planning on going to the Collierville Sprinkler park to play, but with 2 little babies, we decided they needed a place to stay cool in the heat. So, we spent a fun morning at the Hill's house. The older 3 spent their time playing in the sprinklers, blowing bubbles, and eating pizza.

Pretty much a little Heaven on Earth for Molly.

I love watching these two since I know this is about how old Molly and Graham will be next summer. They are so sweet to each other.

Preston has started walking! Such a big boy!

Molly was quite enthralled with this little toy. Bubbles, Bubbles, Everywhere!

I'm thinking LL wasn't as impressed as the older 3.

We decided this will probably be a weekly event!!

After the Storm

Our backyard got hit hard by one of the storms this year. We have been spending the last 3 years updating the inside of our house, but have really done very little to the outside, other than screening in our back porch. So, in some ways it is great that the damage happened because it has spurred us along to get a lot of work done outside in time for this great summer weather. Here are a few before pictures. Hope we have some after pictures in a few weeks!

Fallen tree, knocked down fence, cracked concrete, and torn pool liner. A MESS!!!

We have now broken up the decking in order to start the pool repairs.

Here's our messy porch. We are looking forward to sprucing it up with some new plants and painting the table and chairs a fun color.

Canale Farms- a Kid's Dream

Memorial Day Weekend was kicked off with our church-wide picnic at Canale Farms on Saturday. What a neat place to spend the day! We were a bit nervous since it was right during naptime, but we had a fabulous time doing many fun things with our friends...

• Great BBQ
• Boat Rides
• Pony Rides (which Molly was way too freaked out about once we got up close)
• Inflatable slides and jump houses
• Basketball games
• Wagon rides
• Playgrounds
• unlimited snowcones, and more...

See ya in the Fall

It's hard to believe that I recently completed my 7th year teaching at PDS. As usual, the last day of school began with graduation, followed by the annual faculty luncheon at the University Club. This luncheon always signifies that Summer has officially begun!

On a sad note, Molly and Graham had to say goodbye to two of their teachers from the PDS nursery. Mrs. Sam and Mrs. Lydia. We will miss them next year, but are excited about their new positions teaching Kindergarten (which means we will still see them a lot!). Here are a few pictures from our last morning before summer break.

Leia, Lee, Molly, and Wesley

Mrs. Sam and Molly (wish I had gotten one with Mrs. Lydia)

Molly playing dress-up with the ballerina skirt.

Tug-proof suits.

Molly and I spent a fun hour or so in the pool on Tuesday afternoon. Swimming lessons start Saturday, and I thought it would be a good idea to get her in the pool before then. We are members at Lifetime Fitness in Collierville, and one of the perks is that I can put Graham in the Nursery and can take Molly swimming, or even grab a snack or an early dinner for her.

However, during our pool time, I was completely preoccupied with my bathing suit. With an almost 2 year old who likes to climb, it is VERY important to have a well fitting, modest bathing suit (for me). So today while Molly was in MDO, I went shopping.

If anyone is looking for a cute, comfortable, and modest bathing suit, you must go to Sears @ Wolfchase. They have a great selection of Lands End bathing suits. I also decided to embrace my 30's. I made a purchase I never thought I'd make at such a young age...one of them even has a skirt (and I think it's really cute)!

But, I figured with 2 little monkeys for kids, comfort and decency is of utmost importance!

Check it out!