A Sister Like That

This is an homage to one of my favorite tear-jerker Christmas stories: A Brother Like That. In fact, my own sister and I were crying over this very story today in the midst of hormonal rages. Can you believe our parents thought we should talk LESS?

It's not Christmas and my sister didn't buy me a car, but she did send me 2 fantastic packages for my birthday and I love them.

Package one contained some of her winter clothes. Since she's 7 months pregnant and won't be needing them this winter, I get to wear them. It works out great since I was pregnant last winter and didn't buy any new clothes, so fun new-to-me clothes for me!

Package two was full of little gifts to open every day until my birthday. Some of them are silly little gifts like medical face masks (a la swine flu), Halloween sprinkles, movies, drink mixes, and snap bracelets (awesomest trend of my childhood), but a lot of them have proven to be more than useful. For instance:

1. Mentos -- perfect for bribing children while taking pictures.

Can you spot the mento? In an attempt to get a picture of the 4 (since I'm pretty sure all 6 of us will not all be together and awake to take a picture any time in the near future) and check "Order Christmas Cards" off my list, I tried to get all of them to sit still for pictures on Saturday. They're not professional, and they certainly didn't sit still, but perfection is over-rated and I love that you can REALLY see their personalities.

2. Measuring Spoons (and cups) -- I don't know where my spoons are disappearing to, but I had 2 sets and both disappeared. Then I bought ANOTHER set last month. Gone. Someone (I'm guessing a BLONDE someone) has been doing who knows what with them, but I certainly threatened them if these new cute blue ones disappeared. Perfect for measuring ingredients for treats for your sister and neighbors. Like Paula Deen's Double Chocolate Gooey Butter Cake.
It was ridiculously delicious. I still have some. Please stop by and eat a piece so it will not all end up on my butt.

3. Bump-Its -- Ellie has been OBSESSED with Bump-Its, so imagine her delight when we opened our "Hollywood Bump-It" in the package. She begs to wear one every.single.day.
Like when taking pictures.
Or for the Primary Program on Sunday (I was so worried Nate would fidget the entire time and instead he fell asleep by the end).

4. Smooth Away -- While Kathleen was in the As Seen on TV aisle of the store, she picked up *my* TV commercial obsession. I had even told Dustin a few weeks before that I hoped those showed up in my stocking.

Now you're probably all jealous and wishing YOU had a sister like that, but remember to take a cue from the story and BE a sister like that. Love you Scuttlebutt!!

And also because my boys are so handsome and to appease the Grandparents:
(Luke's shirt is a gift from my sister too -- why does she spoil me?)