Future musician?

Who would leave the house....

with a daughter as filthy as this? Apparently, I would. She was snotty, and covered in at least 50 calories left over from lunch, but of course still precious. It was unitentional, I did not recognize the blueberry, apricot, banana blend covering her shirt until she was propped up in front of me in the basket. She is always on the move at home, so I can never get a great look at her. I didn't care... no one is perfect, and other than the moment when Caroline practically heaved herself out of the basket, we had a great time meeting Andrea for some afternoon shopping at Marshalls.

Has it been a week....or two?

What a whirlwind week. I looked up from the stack of papers piled upon my table and thought, has it only been a week??? Surely not! Let me give you a run down of the highs ands lows...

HIGHS
1. Our TAKS scores.
2. Returning to work and to the people/students that I enjoy.
3. Running half a mile with Caroline. (Have you ever run with a stroller? It requires about five times the effort.) My triceps, biceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles were sore!
4. Two trips to McDonald's for sundaes, a few drives through Taco Bueno, a night at Mama's Pizza, and a great Mocha. Food can make my day!
5. Not spending half a months pay shopping everyday. (Although it was fun, and no it was not really half a months pay!)
6. Receiving my online order on my door...and everything fitting! MIRACULOUS!
7. Visiting Margaret and her adorable baby.
8. Kidd Kraddick returning from vacation.
9. Finishing the curtains to match my new bedspread.
10. Beautiful outdoor afternoons with my baby and Boomer.
LOWS
1. My brother going back to school.
2. Back to work.
3. Class Monday night and Thursday night.
4. Writing a paper.
5. TELPAS
6. Making and having to report a testing error regarding TELPAS.
7. Having my first crying fit, break down at work in five years. Yes, this was because of the previous low. It ended up being no big deal, and I gained great appreciation for kind and patient people that are stressed as well. (Our great testing dept.)
8. Dealing with irrational people.
9. Baby Stellan, praying....
10. Caroline's random night wakings.
11. Boomer eating all of my cookies.

Fridays feel so good. There is nothing like coming home to the two people who make my life so happy, fun, and full of love...

Ruth's Chris

The Snuggie. Justin's mom made this for Uncle Mark since he and Charlie have always "wanted" a Texas Snuggie and they do not sell them.

The kiddos...Karson, Charlie, Macie,and Caroline.

Macie and Caroline

Last night Justin's family and I went to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse for Uncle Mark's birthday. Justin could not go because he has been at a three day conference that is from 8-8! I have been a single parent for the past couple of days and I am sure thankful that I have a helpful husband around.
I was nervous about taking Caroline to a such a nice place, but I knew I would have plenty of help from Justin's mom and Granny. It turned out to be great because we were in a private room so it felt like we had the place to ourselves. The food was delicious and it was a fun night.

Busy as Bees

Caroline and I have been busy this spring break. We have tons of fun and I am dreading getting back into our daily routine. I feel I have had a little taste of how wonderful this summer is going to be with my sweet daughter.

Wednesday night I met Amber, one of my good friends for dinner. It was perfect patio weather and I loved talking and catching up. Thursday I went out to Dallas and met Shannon and Dayme for lunch and some shopping while my mom, dad, and Mark watched Caroline. Then I stayed at my mom's and visited with Mark!

Finally, today Caroline and I went back out to Southlake with my mom, aunt, and sister. It was a beautiful day and perfect for an outdoor stroll and shop!

More family, more fun!

Caroline with photogenic Macie!

All three!!

Granny is keeping Macie today so we ventured over to visit them. Macie is so sweet and helpful with Caroline. What would I do without family?

A sign of the times....

I saw this on the Today Show this morning and I had to go check out the full video. Simply amazing, this really moved me. So many have felt the pinch of this tough economy, many who are too young and should be enjoying their care free youth have transistioned into the role of supporting the family.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCeX--Tz1cc

St. Patrick's Day

Strolling around Southlake,
visiting with old friends, shopping at the mall,

walking around the neighborhood,

all with a sweet smile on her face....

What a great St. Patrick's Day!

Making the Rounds

Caroline terrorizing Lamb Chop. She loves dogs! She spent all the time at Carol's crawling after Lamby. Dancing!

Enjoying Grandma!

We are using the week off to visit family and friends. Today we visited my Aunt Carol and cousins Alyssa and Chase, and this afternoon Andrea Gilmore, Caroline and me went over to Grandma's house.

Happy Birthday Kelly

March 8th was baby Kelly's first birthday, so Regina had his birthday today at Town Park. I love that park! Regina did a great job of planning and everything was really cute. We all had a fun time. Happy Birthday Kelly!

Aunt Andrea

Not a great picture of Caroline, but Andrea looks great.

Aunt Andrea is in town and Caroline is really happy about it! Andrea always brings Caroline new outfits and spoils her with attention and love. Last night Grammy and Andrea kept Caroline while Justin and I had a night out. It was nice, but my separation anxiety is getting greater the older Caroline gets. I just kept thinking of her all night. I know Caroline had tons of fun partying with Grammy and Andrea at ALL hours of the night ;)

Rainy Day Outing

Where did my snacks go?

It rained here all week. One evening we crazily decided to venture out anyway for dinner. Caroline enjoyed every minute.

8 months old

Caroline is 8 months old today! It seems like yesterday I brought her home from the hospital. We are having so much fun with Caroline right now. She is hilarious and has such a fun personality. She is "talking" all the time and is curious about everything.

Grammy came over today and visited with Caroline, and brought Justin and me cookies! Fun times!

Working in the yard

Justin spent all Saturday working in the yard. Caroline and I got really tired of being inside, so we decided to step outside to help him. As you can see, Caroline is standing in some of the pictures. On Thursday, March 5th, Caroline began pulling up. We have also been busy baby proofing and moving her crib down!