I was at a friend’s baby shower this past Saturday and was once again reminded how blessed I am as a mom. My dear friend is pregnant with her second baby girl, and we are all so excited. We were going around sharing stories and thoughts with her and I found myself amazed as I thought about how huge a gift it is to have these two little girls.

What I shared with the group happened on Friday while Molé was napping and BQ and I were hanging out. I asked if she wanted to look at some videos from when she was a baby and she was really excited. But, the minute I pushed play she asked, “What about Molé?” We then changed the video for Molé’s birth video (it’s not too graphic, I promise!!!) and BQ was enthralled. She kept pointing at the screen, talking about “her baby,” and loving every minute of it. She could not even fathom why she would ever want to look at pictures or video of life before her sister’s arrival. If there was ever a big sister who loved her little sister it is my BQ. There is not a picture of the two of them where she is not gazing, hugging, or simply loving this little one. I had never dreamed that she would embrace her in such a way, and I am so grateful.

My joke is that it is partly due to my brainwashing campaign. It began before Molé was born and continues to this day. I am constantly telling the girls, “Your sister is your best friend,” and so on and so on. And I have no regrets. For them to love and respect each other is so important. This is not to say that they aren’t NORMAL sisters- they argue, they fight over toys, and the push each others’ buttons all the time. But, at the end of the day, when I tuck them in and close the door, there is nothing but giggling the night away. I love it. And I am so thankful. I pray that they will only grow closer as they grow older and that regardless of where life will lead them, they will always find a safe place in each other.

First off, I am all about good smells. Unscented candles…what? Only recently do I understand why someone would choose unscented lotion, as my skin has started to freak out a bit to certain types. But, overall, I am a girl who loves things that smell good. When it comes to cleaning products, there is no exception.

Since many of us have kids, or pets even, we are usually looking for household products that aren’t toxic or harmful to small creatures that tend to crawl along the floor or eat old Cheerios off the ground. (I totally meant pets only, NOT). These days we are really lucky to have lots of options for cleaning products that are safe for us and our environment. I’ve tried lots, many I’ve liked, but I am totally addicted now to the Seventh Generation Ruby Grapefruit and Herb Natural Glass and Surface Cleaner. Smells AMAZING and cleans really well. I actually haven’t even tried it on glass, since I don’t have much in my house. But, I’m sure it rocks on that as well. Another great thing about this cleaner, and Seventh Generation products in general, is that if you sign up on their website, you can print off coupons. They have five posted at a time and you can print each one twice. They switch out the coupons periodically too, so by the time you need another one you can usually find one.

At any rate, I’m hooked. Have any of your tried it? Leave a comment if so and tell me what you think! Happy cleaning (if that’s possible).

Ladies and gents, it’s back. That’s right, the list of things that I’m loving these days. So, get ready. And, make sure to make your own list!!

1. Friends. After living here for two years I finally feel like I have developed some deep, real friendships. Such a blessing.

2. BQ’s love and enthusiasm for preschool

3. My husband’s almost normal work schedule in September

4. Chatting with far away friends on the phone

5. Hot beverages

6. Cool air and cozy sweatshirts

7. The freedom of having choices

8. My sheets (jersey, $19 and A-MAZ-ING)

9. Molé’s giggles

10. Watching BQ play Legos with her daddy (not sure who enjoys it more)

11. Lattes with pretty hearts on top

12. A sister in law who sends fun lotion in the mail for no reason

13. A brother who sends his nieces cute shirts and the Mr. Potato Head family for no reason

14. A mom who clips coupons for me each week, for 8 years plus (she ROCKS)!

15. Texting

16. How my sweet husband seems to get more and more handsome everyday (it’s NO lie. he is a hottie)

17. Seeing BQ take initiative in caring for the needs of others

18. Candles that smell good

19. Tissues and a good nose spray

20. The return of good shows in the fall

21. Fall pretty much in general

22. A smaller, lighter diaper bag as the girls get older

23. No AC and no heat

24. Goodnight kisses

25. Fresh, hot coffee in the morning

That’s what I got right now, how about you? I’d love to hear.