Keeping up with Caroline

Cuisin'

2010-06-29T15:55:00.001-05:00

Grandpa took us on a week long cruise in June! We had such a great time and he really spoiled us. Derrick and I have taken several other cruises together. Always in the BOTTOM of the boat, with no windows. Grandpa took us in style! We had a grand suite, which was fabulous by itself, but it included VIP check in. Oh my goodness!!!! Just about the time Caroline assumed this position. We were whisked off to a room, given our sail and sign cards and ushered right past all of the lines and on to the boat! WOW! We are so SPOILED!

Our first stop was Montego Bay. I was not very impressed with Jamaica. Really most of what we saw was very dirty, but the beach was really pretty. The morning was beautiful and we were able to play on the beach for a couple of hours before heading back to the ship. We were about 3 steps from the boat when the bottom fell from the sky!

Caroline on the beach in Montego Bay

Derrick and Caroline in Montego Bay.

Our Ballerina

2010-06-29T15:47:00.000-05:00

Caroline took a week long ballet class in June. She had such a good time. Mrs. Kathleen was VERY patient!

Happy Birthday

2009-11-22T22:29:00.002-06:00

Hi Angel,

Happy Birthday. I can not believe you are 3 years old. It seems like only yesterday that Daddy and I were pulling our hair out trying to figure out what to do with you. Now you are all too happy to tell us exactly what you want.

We have had a really good day. Daddy brought us donuts this morning. We put 3 candles in your chocolate sprinkle donut and brought it to you in your room. Silly girl, you hid behind your curtains. You are developing quite a little personality, but you are shy when you are the center of attention. I know where that came from, and believe me I am praying that you outgrow that.

However, you are never afraid to show off when it is on your terms! This morning while we were getting ready for church you ran into our bedroom, looked at Daddy and I, said, "Look at my bum," and ran through the house naked as a jaybird....You are a fiesty one!

You did look beautiful at church this morning. You wore your black velvet jumper and your black patent shoes. You wanted to wear your "curls" (pearls) but we need to have them restrung. You looked every bit of 3 when you told me that you did not want to sit in church with Daddy and I, you wanted to play with your "fwiends." You are so independent and I am so proud of you.

After your nap today we met Trinity, Will, Christian and Kendall at the park so that you could roller skate with your new princess skates and eat birthday cake. You had a ball. You were so excited when I cut into your cake and it was a rainbow! You saw the layers last night before I iced it and you told me that you wanted "green cake." You ate the green layer and left the rest for me. You are so sure of yourself and what you want!

When we got home we sat on the couch to watch Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving. I made a big bowl of popcorn and sat down between you and Daddy. You got one bite of popcorn then reached over and put the whole big bowl over on the other side of you so that Daddy and I couldn't reach it. You are such a Turkey!

Tonight I layed in bed with you for a while. You have become quite the master at prolonging bedtime! Tonight after I left you called your daddy back in and asked him if I could come in to lay with you. When he said no, you asked if I would lay on the floor. When he said no, you asked if I would come hold you....you see where this is going. I finally did come in and lay down with you. You STILL were not asleep when I got up to leave and you climed up in my arms monkey style and asked if you could "love on [me] just a minute." Of course you could.

Caroline, I love you so much and I am so proud of you. I pray daily that God will give me the wisdom to guide you in the right direction with out diminishing your fiestiness. You are so special!

I love you to the moon and back my angel! Happy Birthday!

Mommy

Let Freedom RIng

2009-07-04T07:43:00.000-05:00

America

2009-07-03T07:24:00.000-05:00

A Few Notes

2009-06-30T09:51:00.002-05:00

I haven't updated much lately and wanted to write about a few of the funny things that Caroline is doing now.

This time last year I was very concerned that she wasn't talking enough...oh what a difference a year makes. Now she wakes up talking and she goes to bed screaming most nights. Most mornings I wake up to a very loud, "Mommy, R you?" If I don't answer quickly enough, or show up instantaneously at her door, she gets louder and louder. Then I climb in bed with her, and if I can catch her before she climbs out, we "wuggle."

A couple of weeks ago she started the funniest thing. She would ask, "Mommy, wha dat?" and when I answered her she would say, "Oh, ...". So, we were driving to the farm and she saw the corn in the fields. She said, "Mommy, wha dat?" I answered that it was corn and she said, "Oh, corn." So funny!

Her favorite TV show right now is Max and Ruby and as far as movies go, Tinkerbell has been replaced by "Cindelala" or "Cindalelly". She loves to play dress up and we have a TON of dresses and tutus and stuff like that. She runs around and asks, "Where my dress?" then she comes back with one of her zillion dresses. She usually has to try on 4 or 5 to see which one she wants. Then she wants her "birthday tiwawa" (tiara) like Ruby. She has told me several times that for her wedding she wants to paint her "toemails" and have "Air-wings." (earrings)

She has also gotten very dramatic! I am not really sure where she has learned about being scared, but she has it down perfectly....especially at bed time or when she is in trouble. She looks at me when I am tucking her in or getting on to her. Her lip sticks out and her eyes get big and she says, "I skeered." Then she quickly hides her face in my legs. Hilarious!!!

So things around here are pretty entertaining right now. I will say that when we hit two I thought other people were crazy. It was a piece of cake....Well, two and a half, not so much. So, Caroline is learning all about being a little girl and mommy is trying to find the fine line between good discipline and screaming, I mean stifiling her very big personality....

June Goals

2009-06-02T08:48:00.002-05:00

1. Storytime with Caroline weekly.

2. Swimming with Caroline weekly.

3. Gym 3x/week.

4. Finish painting kitchen cabinets.

5. Paint kitchen trim.

6. Clean and stain patio.

7. Sew cushions for patio furniture.

For Derrick

2009-05-08T11:16:00.002-05:00

1. Where did you meet?

We met at a place in College Station at a place called Hurricane Harry's

2. How long did you date before you were married?

We met in July 1997, were engaged in September 1998 and married April 1999.

3. How long have you been married?
We have been married 10 years on April 10!
4. What does he do that surprises you?

I am not sure that surprised is the right word, but Derrick is the best dad! I think it surprised him how much he could love a little girl!
5. What is your favorite feature of his?

His shoulders.

6. What is your favorite quality of his?

He is so introspective. Unlike me, he thinks before he speaks, and he is very supportive of anything that I want to do.
7. Does he have a nickname for you?

Not really.

8. What is his favorite color?
I would say blue is probably his favorite.

9. What is his favorite food?

Lasagna

10. What is his favorite sport?
Aggie football!

11. When and where was your first kiss?

At my house in College Station. It was a sneak attack. I think he was scared of me ;)

12. What are your favorite things to do as a couple?
We vacation great together. We love to look at houses, and find neighborhoods that we want to live in someday.

13. Do you have children?
1 Caroline

14. Does he have a hidden talent?
I'm not sure he would consider it a talent, but he is SO SMART!!!

15. How old is he?
33

16. Who said, "I love you" first?
He did, but only because I made him.

17. What is his favorite type of music?

Probably country or rock, but he listens to sports talk radio the most.

18. What do you admire most about him?

He loves God, he love Caroline and he loves me.

19. Do you think he will read this?

Maybe

20. What color are his eyes?
Blueish

Steppin' Out

2009-04-05T13:18:00.002-05:00

Kati called Thursday and said she needed a cake for a baby shower on Saturday and asked if I would make one....This is really the first one that I have made for anyone outside of the family. It turned out ok. I think I learn a little more with each one. This time I learned that chocolate icing does not lift off of pink icing, it stains....

Just Chillin'

2009-03-02T13:58:00.001-06:00

After a long day of playing, Caroline likes to unwind with her "cla-owns." She has become quite the arteest!
**Just in case you are wondering, yes, that is her potty in the second picture...she likes to keep it in front of the TV!?!?!?**

Sesame Street Live

2009-02-27T19:23:00.000-06:00

My sweet friend, Abbie, used to tour with Sesame Street Live. She was able to get Caroline and I ticket with she and Cali today. Oh, we has so much fun. We were able to have meet and greet with Baby Bear, Bert and the Count. Caroline was scared of the Count, but she LOVED Baby Bear. She watched the whole show without a peep and was devastated when it was over. It was so fun to watch her today. She is getting so big so fast! Thanks Abbie for a very memorable day!

50's Drive in Movie Day

2009-02-26T15:25:00.000-06:00

Caroline had Drive-in-Movie day at school today. She was so proud of her '57 Corvette that Daddy made! She was also very excited to wear her "tootle skirt." Her school is so great. They set up all of the cars in one room and had a big screen at the front. They watched Max and Ruby and had popcorn and Sprite! She had a ball!!!!

"Brush Teeth"

2009-02-26T15:22:00.000-06:00

New Backpack

2009-02-26T15:20:00.000-06:00

gg bought Caroline a new backpack because she was good at a doctor's appointment. She was SO proud of her "Dooora baapaak," that she had to wear it to school the next week. She pranced and posed like a pro!

Valentine's Day

2009-02-26T15:18:00.000-06:00

I've Been Busy Today

2008-11-20T00:31:00.000-06:00

Turkey cupcakes for Caroline's birthday party at school. This is the first time I have done anything like this. Not bad, but I think I will make some changes if I do them again.

For my Home Experience formal dinner.

Caroline has her Thanksgiving Feast at school tomorrow, and they are celebrating her birthday. Somehow between 9:30 and 10:00 I have to cook a pork loin and green beans for my group's formal dinner. I made the mashed potatoes tonight so all I have to do is warm them while the pork loin cooks tomorrow. I am not very good at timing things out so that everything is hot at the same time....I am PRAYING that it all comes together tomorrow. Christmas is going to be a cinch after this week!

Cowboys and Indians

2008-11-17T17:49:00.000-06:00

What's going on at your house tonight?

A New Room for a New Year

2008-11-16T19:32:00.003-06:00

I am not really sure where the time has gone. It seems like it was just yesterday that we were spending hours walking the floor with a newborn. Now she is in a big bed and has new digs! The bed still needs a little work. I will be on the hunt for new pillows and maybe another duvet cover? Not sure really... I made the bird pictures over the bed. The bed came from the farm, as did the pink table next to it. Wish I had good before pics!

Mom gave me the baby scale while I was pregnant.

I still need to do a little work here. I am going to have the lampshade covered, and I have another table that I am going to try by the chair. Derrick and I bought the rocking chair in Jefferson for our 3rd anniversary and the quilt is an old family one that was on my bed when I was little.

The happy camper sitting on her new bed. She went to sleep tonight like a dream!

Thanks for watching her this weekend, Doc and gg.

Prayers for Caroline

2008-11-07T08:53:00.003-06:00

I love Angie's blog. When I read her post this morning, I knew that this was something I want to do for Caroline this week.

Pumpkins!

2008-10-12T21:01:00.000-05:00

Giggles

2008-10-11T20:56:00.002-05:00

Caroline had a rough night. She woke up around midnight very out of sorts. We rocked for about 30 minutes and she was not asleep, then I tried to rub her back while she was in bed. Every time I stopped she grabbed my hand and put it back on her back to rub some more. By about 1 am I had had enough and was ready for some sleep. I brought her to bed with Derrick and I. She tossed and turned a little and then started playing with Derrick's face and saying "Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Daddy, Daddy." Derrick tried to put her in bed, no dice. Finally, I kicked Derrick out of bed so he could get some sleep in the guest bed. Around 3:30 she fell asleep. Thankfully she slept until about 8 this morning. When she woke, she sat straight up and looked me and said, "Mommy, where are we." So cute!

Well Hello Ms. Mandrell

2008-10-11T20:40:00.001-05:00

If Lovin' You is Wrong, I Don't Want to be Right

Ten Things I Love about You

2008-10-02T09:04:00.004-05:00

1. Your belly laugh
2. That you can order a "doke ee eye" (Coke easy ice) just like your dad
3. That you wake up in the morning ready for the day
4. Your sweet kisses
5. Your laugh when I kiss under your chin
6. That you ALWAYS want to get in your "dohlar" for a "wok"
7. That you love your bed and your nap mat. Bed time has gotten so easy again.
8. That you say "Yeah Jesus, WooHoo" after Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
9. That you recognize church and are so excited even when we pass the building. You want to "durch p-lay"
10. YOU!

Love you, Mommy

Fun on the Potty

2008-09-29T17:08:00.005-05:00

Caroline's Dad is getting a chance to add some content finally...

Caroline has had a big week so far - she is taking way too many steps towards becoming a big girl for both her mom's and my taste. First, we went and bought Caroline a full sized mattress the other day. We may not pick it up for a few weeks, but just the fact that she will be in it soon is enough. When we had returned from the store, we figured it was time to get Caroline ready for her big girl bed, so we pulled one of the sides off her crib. Here is a picture of her during her first nap without the rails.

The day after her big girl nap, I decided to take Caroline to the bathroom to see how she liked sitting on the potty. She had just gone potty before sitting down, but I figured we could at least get her used to sitting on the potty for a little while. It started out a little rocky - she didn't want to stay on the potty without playing with the toilet paper. I finally figured out that bubbles were the perfect distraction (hopefully not too much of a distraction that she didn't realize she actually did go potty a couple times). Luckily, Mommy came in with the camera and not only did we get a nice picture of Caroline on the potty,
but Mommy also got a great video (coming soon to a blog near you).

Mommy and I think that Caroline had a case of the giggles , but she sure was loving her potty time! The only problem is mopping up the floor from all the bubbles after we are done. It is amazing how much fun I have with this little girl!

-Dad

Preschool!

2008-09-11T12:54:00.000-05:00

Tuesday was Caroline's first official day of preschool. She was NOT HAPPY! We are praying for a better day today.

Home Encounter Session #1

2008-09-11T12:52:00.000-05:00

Today was my first Home Encounter group for my church. I have such a neat group of ladies and we are very diverse. I am reminded everytime that I listen to Devi Titus teach how important our homes are.

He Must Really Love Me

2008-09-11T00:53:00.001-05:00

Before: Ugly $10 garage sale find that sat in the bedroom for 8 years untouched

During: A very nice looking $10 garge sale fine...My sweet husband has worked his tail off on this!

Two is Rearing its Ugly Head!

2008-09-11T00:47:00.000-05:00

This was the morning of preschool orientation...the day didn't get much better.

It is the best of times, it is the worst of times... Oh (almost) Two, you are the most wonderful age so far. You are also the most defiant, strong-willed and challenging yet. We have tried to tame you with time-out, but to little avail. You are a sneaky one. I am sure it was you, Two that compelled my precious child to look in my eyes while reaching into the candy jar that had already been the object of a conflict. Two, I am sure it was your hand that boldy put that candy corn in my darling's mouth as her dad and I said "no". Two, I am also sure that it was you that persuaded my little angel to utter, "Ummmmm, yummy!" as I was walking away from the time-out corner. Two, you are going to kill me!

Tourist in my own Home Town

2008-08-27T08:18:00.000-05:00

Derrick's aunt and soon to be uncle came to visit us back in July. It was really fun to take the time to do some of the things that we take for granted. We spent one day walking around one of the smaller towns around here and then spent one afternoon in the Stockyards. I had the brilliant idea that we would go watch a cattle drive...I believe that the term was used rather loosely to describe some longhorns who were very "over it" saunterning down the road led by some equally "over it" cowboys.

Waiting for the "Cattle Drive"

Real life tourists! Apparently this doesn't happen often in New Jersey!

So "over it"

But not over this! Thank you Joe T's for some wonderful atmosphere!

We've Been Busy

2008-08-26T09:04:00.000-05:00

Oh summer. There are no schedules, no set activities and long, HOT days. Here is a litte peek into some of the happenings of summer!

Impromtu swimming with Aunt J

Hours (and I do mean hours) of fun in a diaper box

Splashing in puddles (a rarity this summer)

and just flat out being silly!

Perhaps the Drought is Over

2008-08-21T13:42:00.002-05:00

I haven't posted in a while. A lot has been going on, but I haven't felt like I had much to say. I read this today and wanted to share it. Sometimes it is nice to know other people struggle with the same things you do!

Cute Pics

2008-06-23T21:49:00.000-05:00

Who Needs Disney when you have This Animal Kingdom

2008-06-23T21:47:00.000-05:00

Snake found by the side of the house

Spider in the Garage: Before

After

Ask and Ye Shall Receive

2008-06-23T21:44:00.001-05:00

I didn't really think we would be able to put the patio in (and by we, I mean Derrick). But, LOOK!!! We had the flagstone delivered on Saturday, and in two days Derrick was able to get all of the granite leveled and quite a few stones laid. Thanks for helping tonight, Dad!

**By the way, the gutters are clean now too. Just need to get the playhouse out.

Growing Up Is Hard To Do

2008-06-19T07:21:00.003-05:00

Well, we survived night number one with no paci. I have struggled with this. In some ways I would love to keep my baby as long as possible, but I know that the growing up has to happen eventually. As I sat listening to her cry last night I thought I would cry too. I knew what to do to make it all better, but I knew that waiting was the right thing to do.

I think that is how it is with us and God sometimes. He knows how to make it all better and I believe He really wants to make it better, but sometimes waiting is the right answer. Funny how parenting somehow brings these little insights into life with our Father.

Blessings Today!

Before and After

2008-06-17T19:59:00.005-05:00

BooMama is hosting a before and after. WooHoo!!!! An excuse to get my rear in gear! I think I will be working on two...oh yes, two different projects. Derrick's "office" is a terrible excuse for a room right now, and if it is not too cost prohibitive, I think the backyard is in for a MAJOR overhaul. So here are the goals

Derrick's Office
1. Completely clean out
2. reorganize closet
3. reorganize bookshelves
4. find some kind of desk/chair that he likes
5. Repaint?

Backyard
1. Clean gutters
2. Remove playhouse
3. Remove concrete
4. fix drainage problems

I don't think gutters are supposed to grow things?

What a mess!

This is just one corner of the office. Just imagine this all the way around!

Matthew McConaughey Has Nothing on Me

2008-06-16T21:39:00.002-05:00

It's Lonely Out Tonight

2008-06-14T23:47:00.002-05:00

Well...

Why does it always seem like it would be a good idea to send Derrick and Caroline away on the same weekend? I thought I was needing a little "Mommy Time." Derrick is bachelor partying this weekend and I REALLY needed to have a garage sale so that we could maybe see the floor of the garage sometime in the foreseeable future. Somehow a hot and sticky day + garage sale + toddler did not sound like a whole lot of fun. So I packed Caroline up and sent her to the farm for the weekend.

I cried. What is wrong with me...sweet freedom for 48 hours and I cry? I have called my mom and dad three times to check on her today. I have been assured every time that she is fine (except for a skinned knee, her first) and having a wonderful time. I MISS MY SIDE KICK!

So in order to burn some of this restless energy, yesterday I painted a bathroom cabinet and bought new baskets. Today I have set up and taken down a garage sale, worked on the cabinet, made myself dinner, finished a book, taken a nap and started sugar cookies to take for Father's Day tomorrow. I am still to wound up to go to sleep. CRAZY!!!

Tomorrow I plan to go to church, finish the cabinet, bake and ice the sugar cookies all before 1:00. If I don't collapse from exhaustion, I should be able to kiss that little girl silly in about 13 hours. WooHoo!

18 Months

2008-05-23T19:07:00.005-05:00

I know I am a little late on this, but with all the yelling and screaming, Caroline was hardly able to convince me to get out of bed. Oh, I kid. Really though...I told my friend Amy that this was my favorite age. Caroline is charming and loving and funny and sweet and then came Thursday. I am really not sure what alien came and abducted my precious 17 month and 28 day daughter, but I would like to plead with them now to bring her back.

Obviously the last two days have been a bit trying. Caroline is charming and loving and funny and sweet, but oh the screaming that we have had the last two days. Well, not really screaming, but WHINING! Ick.

Nevertheless,

My sweet (but trying) Angel,

I am hardly able to believe that 18 short months ago Daddy and I had our first truly sleepless night. There have been MANY more since then, but I am happy to say we seem to have settled into a pretty good routine.

Most people are shocked to hear that you are usually in bed by 6:30 or 7:00 at the latest. The last two weeks or so we have not had to get up in the night with you much at all. I must say I never really expected to utter those words again. I never expected to get a full night's sleep again. But, just like with so many other things, the days are passing so quickly.

It is Saturday night now. I am sitting down to finish up this post before I head to bed. I really just want you to know that I love you. I love that you wake up every morning ready to meet the day. That you have a full sentence for me as soon as I open your door. I can not wait until I know what all of those words mean! I love that most mornings you tackle breakfast with gusto and that you cry when your Veggie Tales video is over.

You are saying a few recognizable words now. You usually say "yuck" or "ewww" when I change you diaper. You sort of say "please", "carrot", "Jesus", "Bible", E-YO (E-I-E-I-O), and"Mama" but only when referring to your Llama book. You have nailed "Uh-oh" and use it for anything whether you drop something or lob it across the room.

You are BUSY. You want to touch (and sometimes taste) everything. Last weekend we went to the farm and you played in you kiddie pool for the first time. You were fascinated, but kept getting out to check on everything else in the backyard.

You bring so much joy and laughter to my life. There are days when I wonder if we will all survive, but oh my word, I could still eat you up. I love you to the bottom of my feet, child and I will love you until the moment that I take my last breath. Please know that you are the greatest gift that I have ever been given.

I will close now with prayers for sweet sleep tonight my busy girl. I love you like wind loves blowing.

Mommy

**Just wanted to add the numbers! At your 18 month check up you were 26lbs (75%ile), 32 inches (70%ile)

Happy Birthday Kimber and Class 3

2008-05-23T00:00:00.002-05:00

Tuesday was class 3 of my Wilton Course 1 class. We learned figure piping and shell borders. I think the clowns are kind of silly, but the cake turned out pretty cute. So, Happy 28th Birthday to you, Kimber. I miss you bunches. Wish I was in LA to share a piece of cake with you. (When I saw the card that I sent you, I immediately thought of high school and lots of HOT trips in the convertible! Give the girls a kiss from me!)

First Trip to Aggieland

2008-05-21T16:07:00.001-05:00

We took Caroline to A&M this weekend on our way home from Houston. We weren't really planning on going, so I didn't pack her A&M shirt...bummer. Campus was closed for the week, so there was not a lot going on. The bookstore was closed and Fish Pond was empty. We did luck out and find water in the fountains behind the MSC. I think Caroline's love of the fountain is well documented! Needless to say she enjoyed herself! When the new wore off the fountain, we decided it was time for lunch. We usually head for Freebirds, but the allure of the Freddy burger and Tijuana fries was just too much. We enjoyed lunch at the Chicken. Caroline was enamoured with another boy there who was playing on the deer hunting video game. She kept walking toward him and posing with her hand on her hip (why did I not think to take video?). She did enjoy her first (and please Lord, last) dance on a table. Parents of the year here we come!!!

Fountain Love

Play that Funky Music White Girl

I can not believe I am posting this on the blog!

Wilton Course 1, Class 2

2008-05-13T22:39:00.000-05:00

Tonight was my second cake decorating class. We learned how to use the star tip to fill in and to make a tight zig zag. I had to bring my cake home to finish. The teacher said I was a perfectionist...who me? So, here is the finished product. The cake is not quite as smooth as I would like and my rainbow is a little wonky, but all in all not too bad for a first cake. The class is really fun. I think this is going to be so great for all of Caroline's birthdays.

What a Difference a Year Makes

2008-05-09T13:28:00.003-05:00

My, How Time Flies

2008-05-08T08:21:00.002-05:00

I think since Jake and Will were born, it has been so obvious to me that I don't have much of a baby anymore. Everyday Caroline looks and acts a little more grown up. I think my sweet baby has turned into a toddler right in front of me.

Jake and Caroline

Babies Babies Everywhere

2008-05-08T07:57:00.003-05:00

Well, I guess it is better late than never again. William Hawkins arrived on April 23. He was 8.1 pounds and 19.25 inches. Kati, Spencer, Kaylie and Will are all doing well. I couldn't figure out how to post my pictures of Spencer. I guess I need a Picasa tutorial. Caroline has been really good with both of the boys. She loves to touch their toes and pat their little heads.

Good Friends

2008-04-18T18:07:00.002-05:00

Derrick and I had our 9th anniversary last week. Our good friends Amy and Ryan offered to watch Caroline for us. Jack and Caroline had such a good time and Derrick and I had a sweet surprise when we got home! Thanks Guys!

2008-04-18T12:23:00.001-05:00

Sweet Girl

No Pictures Please!

Thanks for the sweater Granma!
(I can NOT believe she is so BIG)

And, I am done!

Blessing of the Animals

2008-04-18T12:12:00.000-05:00

We joined some friends for the blessing of the animals at a local ranch. Caroline had a great time playing on the grounds, but she didn't have much to do with the blessing or the animals. Hello two....here we come!

This and That

2008-04-18T11:57:00.002-05:00

Hanging out on the couch

Working with Dad

Not sure why she is sitting in her bowl?

I don't even know what to say about this one!

Jake

2008-04-18T11:55:00.000-05:00

Better late than never right? Here are some pictures of Jake just after he was born.

Updates, Cheers and Jeers

2008-04-05T22:24:00.004-05:00

Update:

I just read my friend's update on her caring bridge site. Jordan seems to be doing a little better day by day. The website for updates is www.caringbridge.com/visit/jordanflint. I know they appreciate all the prayers they can get.

Cheers:

Baby Jake is here. He was delivered by c-section at 11:00 this morning and weighed 7lbs 8 oz. Mom and baby are doing well. Jake will be spending the night in the NICU to help him with his breathing and eating. He was with Julie and Brian quite a bit this afternoon, but seemed to be struggling a little this evening. They were talking like he may just be in over night for a little closer monitoring. Julie is doing well. She has not been up and about yet because of some of her medication, but was enthusiastically asking about a milkshake when we left.

Cheers to all of the sweet doctors and nurses that have been taking care of Julie and Jake.

Jeers:

Jeers to the meanie that broke into Derrick's car and stole stuff while we were visiting the hospital!

Prayers Needed

2008-03-30T21:17:00.002-05:00

Please pray for my friend Jodie. Her 3 year old daughter, Jordan, was diagnosed with Leukemia on Thursday. They are making decisions very quickly and Jordan started chemo today. Pray for mountains of peace and most importantly, complete healing. Thanks!

Baby Jake

2008-03-26T19:11:00.003-05:00

Well, the arrival of the babies is coming quickly. Julie went to the doctor today because her blood pressure was rising. She was sent to the hospital for some testing and is now on bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy. Looks like Mr. Jake will be making his appearance long about the 37 week mark. Fun stuff. I think the reality of bed rest hasn't really hit Julie yet, but she is sure excited about the shortened pregnancy!

Happy Easter from the Family

2008-03-22T20:04:00.002-05:00

We took Caroline to the Arboretum in Dallas today. She was so busy!!! We had to park in the remote parking and shuttle to the Arboretum. Apparently Dallas Blooms is a big deal around here. She made friends on the bus and laughed and giggled while I sang "The Wheels on the Bus." When we got to the park Derrick and I let her out of her stroller and she was off. Keeping up with Caroline is becoming a more and more appropriate title. We took a ton of cute pictures, but Derrick and I decided we really need to invest in a new camera. The pictures were OK, but they should have been so much better....could also be user error...nahh.

Caroline had a great time looking at the flowers and the fountains. She is so intrigued by water falls and fountains, but she HATES to have her hair washed or step in the shower...weird. In addition to all of the fun with the flowers and the fountains and the Easter Bunny, she had her first root beer float. Derrick and I hardly had any. She can be a greedy little thing!

We have lots of other fun stuff happening right now too. Today is her 16 month "birthday." It seems like she has really had a "learning spurt," is there such a thing? We went to have lunch with my Granny this week. Caroline started mimicking the hand motions for The Itsy Bitsy Spider. gg spent the night on Tuesday and Caroline started learning This Little Light of Mine. She is a hoot. She will cover my finger and hold her breath waiting for when we hide it under a bushel. Then she gets really excited to blow, Don't let the devil "whoo" it out. Funny stuff in Caroline's house. Appropriately, she is also working on Jesus Loves Me. So far she says,"Yeh chee bi buh." Precious.

For all you Aggies out there we are also working on the Whoop. She'll be ready for yell practice and football season this year! Watch out Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2028.

Hope everyone has enjoyed the beginning of Easter weekend. He is risen and we are blessed!

Happy Easter from Caroline

2008-03-21T21:36:00.000-05:00

The First Easter

2008-03-21T21:24:00.003-05:00

Click here to hear a great sermon.

http://www.gatewaypeople.com/index.php?action=res_podcast

Happy Easter!

Snow Day

2008-03-19T21:04:00.000-05:00

It took a while to remember to post these. Thanks Kelli for reminding me. These were from our snow storm a couple of weeks ago.

An Afternoon with the Guys

2008-03-09T20:26:00.000-05:00

The Museum

2008-03-04T11:18:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was so rainy that Derrick took the afternoon off and we took Caroline to the museum. It is under construction right now, so there isn't much to see, but she had fun in the kids exhibit.

Rolling the ball

Pulling up to the ATM

Playing with paper fliers

Grocery shopping

Date Night with Jack

2008-03-04T11:12:00.000-06:00

Rainy Days

2008-03-04T08:30:00.003-06:00

I was thinking that a good list of rainy day activities could be a lifesaver! Here's what I have come up with. Please leave any ideas that you have in the comments!

1.Visit a museum or aquarium
2. Make an indoor obstacle course
3. Make puppets and put on a puppet show
4. Bake cookies
5. Have a "film festival"
6. Set up an indoor picnic
7. Have pajama day - Breakfast in bed, books and movies in bed
8. Indoor camping - roast hot dogs and make smores in the fireplace
9. Play board games
10. Make a music or exercise video
11. Help the kids redecorate their rooms
12. Have an indoor treasure hunt
13. Make a card or picture for a relative or friend
14. Have a "photo shoot"
15. Do puzzles
16. Make a family newsletter
17. Finger paint
18. Draw in shaving cream
19. Pull out the craft box and let the kids invent
20. Draw pictures
21. Have tea party
22. Plan a theme party and invite a few friends over
23. Go to the library
24. Visit a neighbor, and elderly friend, the nursing home
25. Go ice skating
26. Practice the piano
27. Make paper dolls
28. Make a felt board and tell a story
29. Make bean or pasta mosaics
30. Make a diorama about a book that you like
31. Make sock puppets.
32. Make a scrapbook page
33. Play in the rain/puddles
34. Sit in the rocker on the porch and watch the rain or read books
35. Make a life size outline of your child and let them decorate it
36. Go to a movie
37. Play cards
38. Play 20 questions
39. Do science experiments
40. Make a volcano
41. Make a slide show on the computer
42. Make baseball cards for your favorite storybook characters
43. Make a gingerbread house
44. Color in coloring books
45. Make a bookmark
46. Make a popcorn garland
47. Make a paper chain to countdown to a special event
48. Read a chapter book - Record yourself reading it
49. Go to the local bounce house
50. Bake bread from scratch
51. Ride the merry-go-round at the mall
52. Go bowling
53. Paint your own pottery
54. Go to the local children's theater

Dear Caroline,

2008-02-29T12:53:00.005-06:00

I turned around this morning and realized that I don't have a baby anymore. I don't know where the last 15 months have gone, but you have gone from being a teeny tiny baby to being such an independent and happy toddler. You are the light of your Daddy's and My life. We love you so much.

You have spent most of the winter fighting off a cold or an ear infection, but it hasn't slowed you down too much. When we went for your well check this week you were 23 lbs and almost 31 inches. How can that be? You are talking up a storm these days. For the most part, I have no idea what you are saying, but you are getting pretty good at parroting what I say too. You say Ma ma (finally), Da da, Doc, ga ga (gg), cheese, dat (that), dis (this), dawee (doggy) and baa (bath). You can make a cow sound, an elephant sound, roar like a lion and say eeow for the kitten.

You understand a lot. When I ask you a question, lots of times you say "Yeah!!!" A couple of times lately when I said night-night, you took my finger and your lovey and walked to your bed. You are a hoot.

I took you to sign up for preschool yesterday. I was so ambivalent. When I saw you walk in and start playing with the toys and when I saw your big eyes looking at all of the action, I knew it was the right thing to do. I think you will feel like such a big girl in the fall.

I hear you screaming in your room now, so I guess you aren't going to take your nap yet. I better go and rescue you.

I love you sweet girl,

Mommy

Mom and Dad's Night Away

2008-02-25T21:05:00.000-06:00

Caroline spent her first night at the farm without us this weekend. Looks like she had a ball. After the first several hours of feeling like a large part of my body was missing, I was able to enjoy my time with Derrick too! Thankfully all the troops were in place to corral my very precious (busy) daughter. Thanks gg, Doc, Aunt Julie, Uncle Brian, Aunt Kati, Uncle Spencer and Kaylie. We love you!

The Caroline size tractor

The Doc size tractor

I am guessing this is around 6:30 a.m.

Fountains

2008-02-21T07:58:00.000-06:00

Caroline has developed a real love for fountains. When we pass by she points and flails her arms. We always run by to play at the end of a shopping trip. What an easy reward. We used it for a photo op yesterday.

***I know this one is blurry. She started running toward me as soon as I got ready to take the picture. I couldn't delete it because she was so happy***

Hi Doc

2008-02-14T16:12:00.000-06:00

She doesn't really match, but she was so cute I couldn't resist.

Who could ask for anything more?

2008-02-14T12:30:00.000-06:00

Cinderella in the sick ward

2008-02-14T12:28:00.000-06:00

Oh my goodness, we have been busy and SICK!! I think we have been to see the doctor at least every two weeks since Christmas. I am so ready for pretty weather and a well baby. In the mean time we have kept busy. Despite all of the "help," my house is still a disaster!

Dusting

Cooking

Sweeping

A Day at the Races

2008-02-14T12:23:00.000-06:00

Doc and Caroline

Doc in his car

And he's off

Bubbles in the Bath

2008-02-14T12:20:00.000-06:00

First Hair Cut

2007-12-19T19:20:00.001-06:00

Derrick and I took Caroline for her first hair cut on Saturday. She was a CHAMP! No crying, no fidgeting. I hope they are all this easy. Thanks Kimberly!

A Special Life

2007-12-19T18:52:00.000-06:00

My Mema passed away last Tuesday. It has taken me the week to really think about and process what an amazing woman she was.

She was raised by her grandfather and three aunts after her parents both died in the flu epidemic in 1919. She was less than a year old. She earned a degree in education and was teaching in Bryan, Texas when she met my grandfather. She loved my grandfather dearly, but he died suddenly when my dad was only three. In a time when it was pretty unusual, she was a single mother to two very young boys.

I imagine that Mema's life was marked by great love and great loss. During her funeral, the preacher read Proverbs 31. I had never thought about it before, but it was a fitting tribute to the life my grandmother led. She was truly to be admired.

Mema suffered a stroke when I was a sophomore in college. She has lived the last 11 years in an assisted living facility. She was still very mentally aware, but was unable to speak well or use her hands. She lived with great frustration daily. I am so thankful that she is now happy and whole and reunited with Tommy in Heaven.

I will miss you Mema, but you have taught me so much. I love you!

Lights

2007-12-11T10:24:00.000-06:00

This is the first year I have ever had Christmas lights. I am so excited, and they look beautiful. Thanks Derrick!

What a Day

2007-12-04T19:19:00.000-06:00

Babies and the Zoo

2007-12-03T15:23:00.001-06:00

Aunt Julie had her ultrasound on Saturday. It's a BOY!!!!! That means in May there will be two little boys (Kati and Spencer are also having a boy) and Caroline running around the farm (maybe the boys won't be running yet). What a happy Mother's Day!!

On Sunday we went to a birthday party at the zoo. Caroline seemed to really enjoy walking around and seeing all of the people and animals.

One

2007-11-22T05:19:00.000-06:00

My Sweet Angel,

I can not believe that this day is here. I have looked forward to it and dreaded it almost equally. It is funny to me that the days that bring me the most joy are also so bittersweet.

You are so big. I am sitting and writing this as I am waiting for your first cinnamon roll to finish cooking so that Daddy and I can wake you and sing "Happy Birthday." Another first of many to come.

We had your first birthday party last weekend. You were on a nap strike for three days and I was really wondering how it was going to go. You were such a trooper. You played and had your picture taken and enjoyed your first hayride. You tore into your little cake. I think it is safe to say that you are my child and LOVE icing.

I can not believe all of the changes that this year has brought. You came to us as a tiny baby; so dependent. You never slept and you cried a lot. Daddy and I caught up on MANY TV shows that we had never watched before. In a year you have become independent and sassy, and finally a good sleeper (except for the occasional nap). You talk all of the time. We have no idea what you are saying, but you are holding conversations with lots of purpose and inflection. It is a hoot. We all just nod and go along with whatever it is that you say. You have a couple of "real" words. You call everyone "daddy", you stand at the back door and say "daw-ee", sometimes you look at me and shake your head and say "neh-neh-neh."

You crawl everywhere, fast. I think you are days away from taking your first steps. You will let go of whatever you are holding on to and stand for a minute, but when you realize what you have done, you sit. You "cruise" around the coffee table, the couch, your toy basket... You have started singing songs to yourself when you are tired or bored. They are precious.

You have become quite the entertainer. gg has a turkey that sings Deck the Halls. You love it and bob your head along with it. You put your hand on your head when we do "5 Little Monkeys." You wave bye like a beauty queen...sometimes I think you are doing it when you are ready to go...pretty smart.

All in all this has been the most wonderful year of my life. You are my joy and my heart. I love you so much sweet girl.

Happy Birthday,
Mama

First Birthday Party

2007-11-20T21:38:00.000-06:00

We had a great time at Caroline's party on Saturday. The weather was perfect and all of the kids (and parents) had a fun time. Thanks Doc and gg for letting us use the farm. It was perfect!

I will email photos to everyone soon.

Our Angel

2007-10-31T19:46:00.000-05:00

Blogger is being finicky tonight and won't let me upload all of the pictures that I wanted to. I will try again tomorrow. Here is Caroline in her costume. Hope you all had a very happy day!

Jailhouse Rock

2007-10-02T08:52:00.000-05:00

This is a real live policeman giving my mom a real life ticket. I really don't even know what else to say.

Thank you, Thank you very much...

***Edit***He is available for parties. Let me know if you would like his information!

Please Pray

2007-09-26T18:10:00.000-05:00

Sweet Copeland has gone home. Please continue to pray for the Farley's as they go through what I would imagine to be the hardest days yet. http://conorbootheandgirls.blogspot.com.

Heavy Heart

2007-09-19T20:11:00.000-05:00

I am sitting here tonight with a heavy heart. Just by chance I ran across the blog of an acquaintance from many years ago. Not really even an acquaintance, a family member of some friends of ours. She and her family are in the midst of terrible heartache, as they savor the short time they have been given with the newest member of their family.

I found the sight yesterday and it has not been far from my thoughts today. I pray even as I sit here that our precious Father brings them comfort in these dark days and the ability to find comfort and joy in the moments they are allowed with their daughter. I also pray that the Lord protects their fragile hearts, but allows them to remember each sweet minute they are granted with Copeland.

As my own precious miracle sleeps in the other room, I am reminded of the goodness and faithfulness of our God. Blessings.

WHOOP!

2007-09-08T19:02:00.000-05:00

Not sure that this was worthy of a WHOOP from days of old, but Whoop nonetheless!

Gig 'Em Ags!

Play Group

2007-08-30T09:56:00.000-05:00

We had a fun time at lunch on Wednesday. We got several of the babies together for a play date. I think I have the bully child....At some time or another I think she made each of the boys cry. Sorry girls. We are absolutely going to work on playing nicely with others!!!!

Caroline and Mom

Carson, Amy, Grant, Allison and Bryce

Carson just chillin'

Laura and Christian

More Pictures

2007-08-29T20:51:00.000-05:00

I love toast!

A little soccer practice with Dad.

I am getting so big!

Let me outta here....

Pictures

2007-08-29T20:46:00.000-05:00

I haven't been very good about adding pictures lately so here are a bunch!

Hanging out under the Jumparoo

Breakfast time

Going for a ride

Nap time long overdue!

9 months

2007-08-29T20:00:00.001-05:00

Caroline,

I have not posted this yet, because I think I have been a little reluctant to even acknowledge the fact that you are 9 whole months old. I can not believe it. It seems like it was just yesterday when Daddy and I were looking at your sweet face on an ultrasound monitor. Now you are here and let me tell you, you are larger than life.

Lately you have absolutely blossomed. You talk all of the time. I am sure that you are having the best conversation with me, but I am completely stumped. You are so animated and emphatic about everything that you "say." You can say a lot of syllables now, but your favorite is "da da." I try to get you to say my name (since I am the one hauling you around all of the time), but to no avail....Da Da Da.....

You crawl everywhere you want to go and you are hearing the "uh-oh" song a lot. You really enjoy getting in to all of the things that are off limits! You have one tooth. It isn't really up yet, but it is poking through little by little. You are almost completely on formula and solid food now. At your 9 month Drs. appointment you weighed 19 pounds and 12 ounces and you are 28 inches long.

A typical day goes like this.

6:30ish you wake up and get in bed with Daddy and me for your first course. We usually play for 30 minutes or so before we get up for breakfast.

7:00 Breakfast. Most mornings you have baby cereal and some toast, or toast and half a banana.

7:30 I put you in your jumparoo to watch your Praise Baby video. YOU LOVE IT! You jump like crazy and squeal at all of the babies.

8:15 ish we play for a little while on the floor. You aren't all that interested in your toys yet. Mostly you are just on the go. You crawl from the living room to the guest room to my bedroom, just to see what is going on.

9:00 Nap time

10- 12 we usually run errands or get ready for a play date with all of your boys.

12:00 lunch. You usually eat baby food at lunch, but I have started giving you grilled cheese or cut up chicken. You really like it when we go out to lunch with friends and you can eat off of my plate. Your favorite so far is guacamole.

2:00 nap

4:00-6:00 Play time. Daddy is usually pretty close to finished for the day by now. We usually all play together or sometimes he will take over so I can have a little time.

6:00 Dinner.

7:00 Whew! Bed time.

Our days are such a whirlwind, and it is all going by so fast. I love you so much sweet girl.

Mommy

My New Slice (and bake) of Heaven

2007-08-12T19:44:00.000-05:00

Derrick and I had nothing to do yesterday afternoon and decided that it would be fun to take a little drive. We ended up at JD's Chippery in Dallas. Oh my goodness....I have NEVER had such fabulous cookies, and I do consider myself a cookie connoisseur. If you are ever in the SMU area, I highly recommend a stop!

Fashionista

2007-08-08T20:05:00.000-05:00

I hope Caroline learns to love the Fall as much as I do. Long about this time each year I start pining for the first brisk morning. I love to go to the stores and see all of the harvest themed decorations and the rich warm colors. It makes me want to bake and drink coffee and curl up with a book while I burn my favorite Brandied Apple Jack candle. I live in the wrong place for this love affair I have for all things fallish. In Texas we seem to go from hot, sultry summer to icy, arctic blasts with very little in between. Yet, every year I have a conversation with my mom about putting my fall wreath up in mid August. I almost always wait until September 1.

Being a mom has added a whole new dimension to my love of Fall. Caroline and I took a few laps around the mall the other morning. Truly I meant to run into a few stores and walk around "window shopping" the rest of the time. By the time we left I had already spent WAY more than my new stay at home mom salary should allow. I could not stop myself. The baby clothes beckoned and ya'll do you know how cute fall baby clothes are? Pink camo and leopard print tights...need I say more?

I have now obsessively searched ebay for all of the cutest fall dresses. My watch list is a MILE LONG. I really don't think I can stop and I think there may be a need for an intervention. I just want someone to promise me that when they lock me away someone will still look after Caroline's fashion needs! gg, what do you say...promise?

Eight Months and a Week

2007-07-31T15:29:00.001-05:00

Dear Caroline,

I can not believe that you are eight months old. What an eight months it has been. It seems that overnight you have gone from an infant who was really cute, but couldn't respond to a wonderfully interactive and precious baby. I love you so much.

I knew the minute I found out that you were coming that my life would never be the same again. I was so right, and this is so much better. Every morning when I bring you into the "big bed" I thank God for my miracle (okay, so somedays I groan as I thank God). You are absolutely so much more than I could have asked for or imagined.

When we first brought you home, I would look at you with tears streaming from my eyes and wonder out loud that you would never be as small as you were that day. Probably a little bit post partum...no? I was so sure that the newborn phase would be the best. Yet, everyday has been better than the last!

Now I look at you with those big eyes and that toothless grin and I marvel at the beauty that you are and what you have added to my life. I no longer look at you and feel sadness for what we will be leaving behind. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but even as I cherish today, I look forward to all of the firsts that we will share.

What a blessing you are in my life!

I love you,
Mommy

Daddy, look what I can do...

2007-07-31T15:21:00.000-05:00

Man Eater Part II

2007-07-31T15:20:00.000-05:00

Our friends Amy and Jack came over for dinner Monday night. Caroline seems to be a bit aggressive for Jack. Caroline was so excited that she would crawl over to him get right in his face and scream. She really just wants all the friends she can get. Maybe we are going to have to have a few lessons in playing hard to get!!!

Mommy, I am not sure about this girl!

Mommy!!!

She's A Man Eater...

2007-07-31T15:05:00.000-05:00

Sunday we went to our monthly get together with my mom's group. We have such a good time watching the babies (and the husbands) play. Caroline is no longer the only girl in the group, but she seems to be catching at least one of the boy's eyes! We love you Christian.

Helloooo Baby...

How you doin?

I will kiss your feet

and I will let you...

***Edit*** Obviously I did not check the blog to see that Derrick had already added these pictures. Clearly, we share a brain :)

Caption This...

2007-07-31T14:34:00.001-05:00

Amy and I went to July's Mother's Club Dinner. During which, Caroline - being the social butterfly that she is - decided to talk with Christian.

Though he wasn't sure of what to do at first, he started to warm up to Caroline...

But, Christian warmed up a little too much.

And Caroline decided she had had enough...

But Christian would not be deterred and started to get a little too aggressive for Caroline's taste.

We are not sure what to expect at the next Mother's Club Dinner - but we will be watching him... :)

p.s. Obviously we aren't worried about this yet - especially because we are planning to enroll Caroline in karate next week.

p.p.s. Amy had nothing to do with this post.

Her First Crawl

2007-07-30T12:42:00.000-05:00

This is out of order - the video was taken the day after she started crawling, but I have been getting many requests for the video. Hopefully this works...

Just a Swingin'

2007-07-29T11:39:00.000-05:00

Oh So Busy....

2007-07-26T13:08:00.000-05:00

Well, a lot has been going on here in Caroline's house...

We are FINALLY mobile. Never one to do things half way, Caroline is crawling, pulling up and sitting totally on her own now. I am afraid that life may never be the same again...

In addition to all of this new found freedom, we also had a very important wedding to attend. Congratulations Aunt Julie and Uncle Brian. We love you. Pictures coming soon.

Happy Anniversary!

2007-07-12T07:42:00.000-05:00

Not sure how I missed it Tuesday, but Happy 10th Anniversary of our first date! I love you!

Home Again Home Again Jiggity Jog!

2007-07-09T21:59:00.000-05:00

Whew! That should catch me up for a while. We are all home safe and sound and Caroline is sleeping soundly. She took a two and a half hour nap this morning when we got home from the airport. So, I pray that she continues to sleep soundly and that she has sweet dreams in her very own bed in her very pink room! Goodnight!

Friends Forever!

2007-07-09T21:57:00.000-05:00

I am sure that in some yearbook somewhere one of us has written "best friends forever". It kind of feels like that. Janice and I had a great visit. We decided it has been six years since we have seen each other, and I am sure that we have not talked in the last two. I feel so blessed to have a friendship like yours. I love that we can just pick up where we left off.

Seeing Family

2007-07-09T21:41:00.000-05:00

The purpose of our trip was to celebrate Caroline's great-grandfather's 90th birthday. Grandpa had not met Caroline before and had not seen Derrick in many years. He was so excited to see everyone. Loretta did a great job of keeping our visit a surprise. Granma, Granpa and Aunt Lisa and Russ also met us in Albuquerque for the visit. We had such a great time. The weather was great!!!

Caroline and Aunt Lisa

Caroline and Granma

Daddy and Caroline

Four Generations

Off We Go, Into the Wild Blue Yonder

2007-07-09T21:25:00.000-05:00

What an adventure traveling with an infant is....interesting? After Derrick and I both got up around 4:30 a.m. we began to get everything ready to set out on our first trip with Caroline. Good thing we couldn't sleep, she decided to get up at 5:00. After loading what felt like everything we own into the car, we were off to the airport a full 2 hours before our flight. Thanks Derrick!! Caroline was so good on the plane. She looked out the window or played with the kids behind us nearly the entire flight. Thank you Lord that Derrick flies often enough that we were able to ride first class. What a lucky girl!!!