I've been reading through Dobson's book called "The New Strong-Willed Child" (for the 2nd time). I think it's a great read for anyone with toddlers, b/c really to an extent isn't every toddler strong-willed? It has taught me a lot about how to shape Caroline's will while also protecting her spirit. Most important it's also been teaching me how to discipline that little stinker.


Dobson opens the book with a little dedication...this makes me smile everyime I read it:

"This book is affectionately dedicated to my own late mother, who was blessed with a brilliant understanding of children. She intuitively grasped the meaning of discipline and taught me many of the principles I've described on the following pages. And, of course, she did an incredible job raising me, as everyone can plainly see today. But I've always been puzzled by one troubling question: Why did my fearless mother become such a permissive pushover the moment we made her a grandmother?"

We love you Nana and Grammy!

syrup

On Saturday mornings Caroline likes to have a "special treat" breakfast, which typically consists of waffles, pancakes, or donuts. This morning I left her in the kitchen to eat her waffles and I returned to find the red syrup-filled plate smooshed to her face. She wanted to make sure that the left over syrup didn't go to waste. That's my girl!

how sweet these are

I love these white cotton sundresses from Strasburg Children.
.

This pink butterfly sleeve dress and blue sundress from Orient Expressed are just too cute.




Some other great sites for your little girl dresses are:
1. Kellys Kids
2. I also like Rosalina bishop dresses. They don't sell direct, but look up on ebay.

Since these dresses are so expensive, I try to buy ahead on seasons and ebay is also a great place to shop for these.

Do you think I can get Caroline to wear these when she's 16? :)

visit with nana and pops

Caroline's Nana and Pops came to visit for the weekend. Caroline loves her soccer ball that she got for Christmas so we let her kick it around at the park. Some of the many funny take aways from the weekend were:
1. Pops taught Caroline what the word "corny" means. She would say things like "Pops not handsome, Pops corny."
2. "Stop tickling me, I'm fragile."
Thanks for coming to visit Nana and Pops!

valentines party

Caroline had a little Valentine's Day party at school today. We enjoyed getting to eat lunch with her and help her decorate a cupcake. Looking back, I am so glad that we made the decision to put in her preschool. She has had more fun this year.

This is Caroline and one her best pals, Ruby. They go to church and preschool together.


I'm sure she'll be wired this afternoon!

interesting night

We got into bed at around 10pm (later than normal:). About 10 minutes later I heard a helicopter circling around outside. I normally wouldn't think anything of it, but after it circled around for 10 minutes my mind really started to wonder. Of course by this point, Keith is fast asleep. After I hear Keith go into a snore I then hear the loud speaker come on from the helicopter. My heart was racing and all I could think was that they're looking for a criminal. I think my first words to Keith was "get the gun." We're very prepared in our house. We did our best to make sure our neighbors were aware and to make sure their doors were locked. Then I notice Keith is already outside across the street at our neighbors house chatting about what might be going on.
We eventually found out from a neighborhood watch person that an Alzheimers man had gotten lost in our subdivision. It makes me feel good to know our police would go to that extent to find someone. My dear neighbor and friend, Margo, called me to say her husband said "Tell them she's over here." We laughed.

waco for the day

Keith is at the mens retreat this weekend with our church. I had decided in advance that Caroline and I needed to plan something so we wouldn't go crazy by ourselves at home. We packed up for the day and headed to Waco to visit Grammy and Grandad. We have several family members in Waco so it's always hard to see everyone. Memommie, Granna, Pawpaw if you are reading this we want to come visit soon. It was nice for Caroline to get some good quality time with Grammy and Grandad since she doesn't get to see them all to often.

Caroline gets a kick out of riding around on the dolly. It ended up being a little cooler outside this morning than I thought so she's wearing a shirt of Grammys, that became a dress on her. My little rag-a-muffin.

If you are wondering where I get my height...that's my dad. He's 6'7"

Potting plants with grandad

Next to the Chicken Oil Company in Bryan, the Coffee Station in Crawford has the second best burger. It's a famous little restaurant where Bush frequently visits. Needless to say, we headed there for dinner after a fun day outside. My mom would be so tickled if she ran into Bush one day. I bet he's really enjoying life on the ranch.