Wednesday Thoughts: To my cousin Melissa

Melissa,
I know you probably won't see this blog until weeks from now. I'm sure that whole "having a baby" thing will probably trump reading my blog. I am sure you are spending this last night as a child-less couple celebrating. Actually, I can imagine it being more like one last freak out moment to make sure EVERYTHING is ready. I know that is going to be me. I know sleeping probably isn't easy. It's like that "night before Christmas" feeling..expect instead of bringing home that baby doll from Santa you are bringing home a real life human..that you have to feed, bathe, educate, and raise. AHH. That is scary. I'm sorry you probably have thought of all of that. Let's just say I'm glad it's you and not me at this time. But all of that aside, I'm not writing this blog for scare tactics I wanted to write in honor of this significant moment in your life.

Many of my childhood memories include you. Staying the night at meme and papa's house, playing hairdresser, playing Nintendo, jumping on the trampoline, wearing your hand me downs {until I outgrew everyone}.. all of those memories seem like just yesterday. {It also reminds me how much cooler your house was than mine - for no wonder I was always there!} I'm sure you don't remember this - but I remember making cookies with you and telling everyone we made them from "scraps" instead of from scratch.

Now you are going to be a mom..... You spent many years bossing me around and watching after me and there is no doubt in my mind that you will be one terrific mother.

I cannot wait to wrap my monkey arms around that sweet baby. Also, I'm ready to know that baby's stinkin' name!

I love you and Ben. I am so excited to watch you raise this sweet little girl and the memories associated with that.

Love, Your "little" cousin Jenn.

P.S. Little Baby Girl Jenkins, enjoy your beautifully organized closet - that was all me! Your mom was always cleaner than me when we were kids..so I had to prove I grew out of my messy phase!

Where I've Been Wednesday: Book Reviews

My dad has always said that I waste books. He may be correct, but I think he is just jealous that I'm a speed reader. I don't intend to read books in a matter of days..it just happens. In a matter of a few days though, laundry multiplies like bunnies, blogs don't get written {oops!} and sleep becomes less of a priority. So for now I'm on a book fast. It's for my own good. So here goes - my book reviews. You will see why I have to "Just say NO to reading" for awhile now.


So to keep in the theme of my weird blog schedule -- where have I been in the last two weeks?---Oh, in a good book .....or seven. 
I'm going to write this in SEVERAL posts - I think it will be easier in the long run. 

So if you are looking for a summer read or a summer reading list - here goes. I highly recommend any of them. Each of them very different so there's something for everyone!

Enjoy. Let me know if you read them - I'd love to hear your opinions! 

P.S. Come back Friday -- I've got a recipe to die for..one hint: it has to do with OREOS! ;) 

Where I've Been Wednesday: Home

I want to start this post with - I am still working on the layout/design of the blog. Obviously, I am not working very hard because its not really getting anywhere. Stay tuned for what I come up with. 

When I thought of this "Walk a Week in my Shoes" idea I really saw something different than what I'm going with today.


I planned on being much better at taking pictures of my feet and how these feet and wonderful shoes take my to fascinating places. While I did experience some great places last week- work, the dentist, a Mexican fiesta birthday party for a dear friend,  and then home..only one of those place stood out in my mind. 


Home.


I know I have written about my trips home many times before but those visits are such special moments for me.  How do my shoes represent a trip home? I'm not really sure. Although, I see two very important people who see those shoes as they step out of my car and run to meet me with anticipation. I will always cherish those hugs. (Gosh, makes me miss them so much as I write this) 


Little Sister loves playing dress-up. She doesn't realize that she looks just like me when I was her age. Although, her tiny feet hardly compare to my giant shoes, she wears them proudly. She doesn't realize there is a 20 year age gap between us. She looks at me like we are the same age. Like I'm her best friend..because that what sisters are! I never knew I wanted a sister until I met her for the first time..now I cannot imagine life without one. 


Littlest Brother is growing up so fast that he know could wear my shoes and they'd probably be too small. Wait, he is a boy. He has never worn high heels. (Well, that is the story he is sticking to anyways...until I remind his girlfriend someday when he is 16!!) 


Watching them together brings such joy to my heart. I know there will be a time when my visits are less frequent and I cherish each moment with them. We have a different sibling relationship than most brothers and sisters but I cannot imagine anything different. They have blessed our family so much. 


I hadn't intended to be so mushy. I apologize. I've been feeling a bit homesick and this is my thoughts on that. 


Anywho, I will stop bring a sap and post something more exciting tomorrow..er, hopefully.