52:37:Cheer

Claire is the most adorable Tiger fan of all time.  There comes a moment in every parent's life when they share something with their child that they enjoy or enjoyed once, and nothing is more thrilling than watching that joy through new eyes.  Claire loves Mizzou everything.  The football game was such a hit, even at 10:30 at night she was awake, fighting sleep, cheering, and high-fiving.  People came from all over our section for a Claire high-five.  She didn't cry, throw a tantrum, fuss, or ever look bored.  We took her to the Tiger Team Store and bought her a Truman while we were there, too, for a reward.  We just couldn't believe the awesome behavior, and I can't get enough of her true love for something I truly love--Mizzou.  I see this picture and I feel a flash forward to watching her go off there (God-willing) to be a student herself.  My little girl is growing up so fast--but what a beautiful, funny, adorably sweet girl she is becoming. 

52:36:Choose

We have a new pet!  His name is Minefishy and he's all Claire's!  She likes to take her meals sitting next to him (since we have him in the kitchen right now).  She likes to give him very gentle hugs and likes to tell him to eat.  Claire picked him herself out of a collection of fish.  We were very smart to pick only the cheapest bettas for review, as we didn't want to land with the most expensive and exotic fish there... for replacement purposes... if necessary (sorry, Minefishy).  But Minefishy is doing just fine in his new surroundings.  He seems to enjoy Claire's taps and hugs and his fishy flakes.  It was just the cutest thing letting Claire get a pet.  She had the happiest expression and was so excited to get him home and put him in his new house. 

Week in Review (High Five Post)

I'm way late.  It's Sunday.  I even had pictures, too.  I just thought I didn't do enough and then I was all "bummer I've been so busy" on Friday... well, here it is.  Last week:

Well, you knew I was going to the Mizzou game, rain or no rain.  Dad was in Tennessee riding awesome Runes at the Rune rally, so we invited our OTHER Matt to the game in his place.  Here we are pre-tailgate, sporting our rain gear, since it rained and rained.  We also win parents of the year awards for NOT taking our kids with us.

photobomb courtesy of the Other Matt

The game was awesome, even if it was raining.  The new field looks amazing.  I was hoping for the awesome new uniforms, but these uniforms looked sharp enough.

And our new Big Mo!  I have a feeling they need to find something bigger to pull Big Mo.  Folks in our section are joking Budweiser needs to get involved and give us a Clydesdale to pull that thing.  New Big Mo does not get around Faurot Field nearly as fast as Old Big Mo. 

Claire got a new friend!  Other Matt has a daughter named Clare (weird?) who just got a fish.  Our Claire is obsessed with fish and turtles and birds, so we thought about possibly getting her a pet, too.  Well, I didn't want the noise of a bird (yet), we weren't going to buy a turtle that will outlive us, so we went with a Betta.  He's still alive, too.  This is some kind of record for my ability to keep fish alive.

Starbucks.  You and I are going to get a lot closer.  When September first rolled around, I got real excited seeing as the pumpkin spice latte also comes out in September.  So September first I ran (not walked, ran) into our local Barnes and Noble Starbucks cafe for my drink.  Just to find out they wouldn't have it until the fourth.  So I went back on the fourth and got one.  Then I went back on the fifth for another one.  In justification, I went to do some grading, too.  So it wasn't all for the coffee.  Let's face it, it was all for the coffee.

So that's my week!  Lots of Mizzou, I suppose, but that's what happens during football season.  I'm pretending right now I don't know what happens at the Georgia game.  Fingers crossed I'll hit my head and forget.

52:35:Vacuum

Claire helped me all summer on my cleaning.  It's only natural we got her some cleaning toys.  Surprisingly, this thing picks up hair.  So she definitely helps on our cleaning now.  She even has the skills to push it back and forth in a pattern.  I can't wait until she can handle the real vacuum.  That's the day I never pick up a vacuum again until she's living in a dorm room.  ;)  Such a cutie, who am I kidding?  I'll have her come home on the weekends to vacuum still.  Just to see that smile. 

52.34.Dress-up

Claire is obsessed with all things adult.  She loves my jewelry, scarves, purses, and shoes.  She also can put our shoes on now.  She really tries with hers, but she just got a new pair of tennis shoes and they're still a little hard to get all the way on.  Here is Claire modeling my old ballet flats.  She does like to wear my heels too, though! 

She's really too cute. If she's allowed, she will wear my shoes for long extended periods of time.  Kind of gross, but I suppose there are worse places for her feet to be.  Besides, it's just so stinkin' cute that she has to copy us all the time.  She even puts my shoes on me when I'm not getting ready fast enough for her liking.  It's especially nice when she's doing this and even gets them on the correct feet.  

High Five for... Saturday?

My bad.  I just haven't taken many pictures this week--I was too busy enjoying myself!  I had lots of plans, too.  I think I'll just save those gems for next week's post (which will be on time, because I WILL have five pictures).

Also, please look over there ---> and vote for Mogwai!  I'm hoping he wins.  Voting just opened.  I don't even know what they win.  I just think he deserves it.  He was adopted from the JC Animal shelter in February 2010 and we just love him so much.  He deserves the world after all he's been through. 

1.  Claire's new look.  She loves taking off her shirt and trying to put it back on herself.  Unfortunately, more times than not, we find her in this exact state of undress.  Stuck in her shirt/shrug and running around the living room.  Someone was taking their shirt off on tv (Channing Tatum?) and she followed suit.  

 2.  Mizzou Weekend!  Since I'm updating late (but before the game) I can spread the Mizzou goodness over two posts.  Claire took a Mizzou bath this morning and got out all her tigers and Tiger apparel.  She's not going with us to the game thanks to the rain... but WE are going.  Oh yes.  Because a little rain never kept a true Tiger at home on opening weekend!

 3.  Hello, Kitty!  Claire has been into guitars lately.  Thank goodness we already got her one.  We are praying (no seriously, praying) that she's right handed like the good 90% of the world... as she's coloring with both hands and eating with her left hand... we are a little worried. But no doubt this girl has skills.  She can even use a pick.

4.  Monte Cristo?  This is Matt's dinner.  It's a burger, deep fried wheatberry toast, raspberry glaze, and powdered sugar.  I couldn't help but take a picture of this beast.  I ate a boring chicken wrap (I'm sorry, but it was NOT boring to me, those things are like my crack), but I had to applaud his willingness to try the special.  And I really really wanted to eat the toast off of this. 

5.  Tony Stewart, my hero.  I love my race car driver because back in the old days, he used to fight and let it all hang out.  He used to be a "good ol' boy" and not censor his anger.  I like a man that will pick up a helmet and use it.  So... I had to appreciate (love, cherish, watched the video like ten times) this flashback to old Tony.  And his aim... who can hurl a helmet with that kind of aim and force?  Tony Stewart, that's who.

Make sure you're reading Lauren @ From My Grey Desk and Kate @ The Small Things Blog!  They're just my bloggin' divas.  I wish I could have such luck and sophistication!