DWTS Two Bits

Could someone please trip Samantha Harris on Dancing With the Stars? Was ABC REALLY that hard up for a Dancing With the Stars host? I mean c'mon. Her dresses are pretty. There. I said something nice. But, I can't stand her. She's anything BUT charming and is so awkward. I vote her off. Join me anyone?

Thank heavens Kim Kardashian got the axe! She was like concrete. Poor Mark danced his heart out and she looked like a wilted mess. Don't get me wrong-- she's beautiful. BUT she was a joke. Let's hope Cloris is next. A little too much old woman cleavage for my taste.

One person I'm rooting for is Misty May-Treanor. Everyone knows she is an amazing volleyball player, but how many of you have MET her? (Carrie inserts raised hand here) The summer after my freshman year in high school, our volleyball team traveled down to Long Beach, CA for volleyball camp. Misty May was there (she had just been named as the national player of the year as a setter) and I mustered up the courage to ask her if my friend/teammate, Kristen Child, could get our picture taken with her. And we did! She was really nice and of course amazing to watch in demos. As for dancing, I think she's holding her own thus far. She could beat anyone down with that bicep of hers.

Ruby Ruby Ruby Ruby

Ruby's pretty pink paisley (whoa alliteration) dress from Aunt Lexie. Pre-church photo shoot before her dress got slobbered on, spit up on, peed or pooped on.

This is one of Ruby's new fall outfits. Holy spandex.

Holla at your girl

This is my beautiful big sister, Melinda. We shared a bedroom when I was little. She was a good sport to put up with my kicking the covers off. When she was in high school I loved watching her play basketball and volleyball. She is 6'1" and I always wanted to be tall like her. Basically I wanted to be just like her in every way. I love how we are great friends and age doesn't matter anymore. And I especially owe her my life lately for being my on-call Mommy Mentor. She knows everything about kids and being a mom.

Full Name: Melinda Giles Higbee
Nicknames: Mel, Lewinda, Doc, Rinda, 'Linda
Inseam: 36"
Obsessions: Twilight Series, Harry Potter, Project Runway, sewing, power tools, girly movies

33 Reasons why I love you:

1. You are hilarious
2. Your laugh
3. Your ability to adapt to change and crazy circumstances
4. You are strong
5. You are confident
6. Your very specific digital watch
7. You have beautiful naturally blond hair
8. You are so stinkin' smart
9. You are an amazing mom
10. You are wise
11. We can talk on the phone for 2 hours like nothing
12. After talking on the phone for 2 hours we still say "bye" like 5 times because we end up talking about something else
13. You were the first person I told I was getting married
14. You flew out to UT by yourself for a weekend to help me plan my wedding
15. You introduced me to H&M
16. You have awesome long legs
17. You stick up for yourself
18. Your piano skills
19. You play a mean game of racquetball
20. You are even more obsessed with Project Runway than I am
21. You still answer your phone even when it's the 4th time I've called you that week.
22. You are on my side
23. You have the most embarrassing stories ever known to mankind
24. You are an amazing seamstress
25. You flew out to UT all by yourself from NY for a weekend just to attend my baby shower and have some girl time
26. You let me come and stay at your house and even have a "Carrie" bathroom
27. We can talk about anything and everything
28. We brainstorm our 4th of July outfits every year starting in early spring
29. You have all the answers to all my new mommy questions
30. You always have awesome shoes
31. You don't think you're crafty but you are
32. You are able to completely focus on something and tune everything else out around you
33.You are a blast

Happy Birthday Mel! I love you so much! You are the world's best sister.

6 Months Old!

Ruby turned 6 months on Tuesday! I can't believe how fast she has grown. Poor girl has had a cold this week so we've just been taking it easy. I walked in her room to get her up from her nap. "Happy 6 month birthday!" I chimed. I could tell she was starting to feel a little better when she flashed some smiles (notice her first tooth?).

Then back to consuming large amounts of flannel blankie.

...oh--looks like one more smile.

Ruby is in a ridiculously fun stage right now. She smiles, giggles, screams (happy ones), rolls over, etc. She LOVES LOVES LOVES going for walks. Here is a classic shot of her just soaking in the outdoors homey style.

I seriously can't believe that 6 months ago we were blessed with such a fun, happy, beautiful baby. Time has definitely flown by! We are so happy to have her in our family.

Ruby vs Rice Cereal

Ruby meets rice cereal. She nearly choked. It was hilarious.

Not so bad this time...

Gagging.

Feeling more in control of the gagging reflex.

She made it. Rice cereal all gone.

Introducing #12

Introducing Giles grandchild #12.

Baby Caroline.

Daughter of the eldest Giles, Brian, and his lovely wife Christine.

Born Sunday, September 7, 2008

7 lbs
18 inches

Proud Big Sister Sarah. She has been so excited for her baby sister.
You can see the love and adoration in her face. Priceless.

"SHHHH...," Sarah says.

CONGRATULATIONS! She is beautiful. We hope she brings much happiness into your home!

Labor Day Picnic

For Labor Day we decided to do a little picnic at a park nearby. I wish I could say that I whipped up some mean sandwiches and goodies and put them in a cute little hamper like in "Oklahoma," but we just went to Subway and then took it to the park, spread out a blanket and ate. You can see the fun Ruby had with the chip bag when we were done. Ruby loved just laying there and feeling the breeze on her face and looking up at the tree leaves blowing.

Ruby and Mama had fun in the swing.
Me apparently saying "Oooooooo"
(and look at my blue shoes. aren't they cute?)

Ruby loving the leaves...

...and loving her some Daddy!