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You are here: Home / Books / An excerpt by Bops about Bops and Caroline

An excerpt by Bops about Bops and Caroline

September 20, 2017 ·

Today we have an excerpt read by my dad, also known as Bops. He decided before Caroline was born that his grandpa name would be Pops, but Caroline pronounced it as Bops when she was a little over a year old and so Bops it is. He is the best.

Also, this is a picture from about four years ago that is exhibit A of how much they favor each other.

There are still a few signed, first edition copies available for pre-order at Barnes & Noble (Did I mention I signed my name until my left hand fell off and I nearly died?) and they are currently 30% off which makes them just $16.07, plus they have exclusive bonus content and a bullet journal in the back. You can order one here. Once they are gone, they are gone forever so if you want a signed copy for yourself or to give as gifts, this is your chance.

And you can find the book trailer and all other buying options here.

If you pre-order, don’t forget to go enter your order number here to get all your pre-order bonuses, which include downloadable prints by Heather Gauthier, the amazing cover artist, five of my family recipes, the first three chapters of the book and the first video session of the Church of the Small things Bible study. (If you have pre-ordered and never got your link with all the stuff, please email me with your order number and let me know!)

Have a great Wednesday!

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  1. Katie

    September 20, 2017 at 9:21 am

    My 8 month old daughter, Charlotte, and I just said goodbye last night to my Mama and Daddy – we spent the weekend visiting them in Texas and had to fly back to Boston. This just made me a puddle of tears at my desk because a) goodbyes get harder the older I get, and b) I always thought that I was my Daddy’s best girl, but seeing how his eyes light up when he sees his granddaughter (and how SHE lights up when she sees him or hears his voice) proves that I have clearly been replaced. He has a new favorite gal and she is the light of his world, just like your Caroline is to her Bops. Such a sweet way to share an excerpt from this wonderful book.

  2. BarbaraV

    September 20, 2017 at 10:21 am

    I haven’t received my pre-order goodies. My order number is 4044615494. Thank you! Can hardly wait to read it!

  3. Amy Chiligiris

    September 20, 2017 at 10:30 am

    They are too cute together. I miss my dad and I wish my babies (now teens) had grown up with him to learn to play golf and hear all his corny jokes. She is a lucky girl to have her Mimi and Bops.

  4. Leigh

    September 20, 2017 at 10:48 am

    I loved getting to meet Bops a few years ago at a book signing. He’s obviously crazy about both Caroline and you! What a blessing that he’s nearby and involved in y’all’s life. Can’t wait for the book!

  5. Rachel

    September 20, 2017 at 11:38 am

    My FIL was also supposed to be Pops, but our 2 year old daughter lovingly calls him Pots. 🙂

  6. Jeanie H

    September 20, 2017 at 2:11 pm

    I have the email with the pre-order downloads but am wondering if they come in a different format for IPAD? I can seem to access them through Dropbox.

  7. Megan W

    September 20, 2017 at 3:44 pm

    Your dad is simply the cutest! Can’t wait to read more in your book!

  8. Brenda Keith

    September 20, 2017 at 4:16 pm

    I cannot wait to read your new book. Your writings just bring me joy. Love you girl??

  9. Sarah

    September 20, 2017 at 5:47 pm

    He is so cute! I am a huge fan of grandparents and am close to all of mine. I always love hearing about others grandparents. The stories about Bops in your books are always sweet. I’ve always thought you looked like him but it’s even more obvious when I see him in a video. He’s practically bursting with pride over the two of you.

  10. Kathy O'Rourke

    September 20, 2017 at 6:31 pm

    Melanie: Congrats on the new book and wow, I see your recognition is growing exponentially with your writing appearing in Country Living and other magazines. Your Dad and Caroline have both done a fabulous job of reading from your new book. You have a truly supportive family. And, can I also say that I love the green and white curtains in the background and those beautiful pillows. Wishing you continued success. I love your writing. It always gives me something to think about and makes me smile!

  11. Sarah M

    September 21, 2017 at 5:49 am

    Awesome! Love him and this, and yes, they do favor each other!

  12. Lori

    September 21, 2017 at 7:39 am

    Wow! They are twins!!

  13. Heather

    September 21, 2017 at 7:45 am

    So sweet… I love these videos of your family. I cannot wait to read this book 🙂

  14. Kensey Gosch

    September 21, 2017 at 7:55 am

    This was sooooo sweet. And he sounds just like you (except in male version)!

  15. Sharla

    September 21, 2017 at 8:50 am

    There’s no doubt that God has blessed you with the most precious Dad (and Bops). I love how your family supports you! Can’t wait to read your book!

  16. Jessica

    September 21, 2017 at 12:07 pm

    Oh my goodness, if this wasn’t the sweetest thing ever!! Loved hearing from your dad

  17. Tammy

    September 21, 2017 at 1:07 pm

    I always thought Caroline looked like a perfect cross between you and P, but my word. They are so adorable together! And your Daddy is the BEST!

  18. Kristen Smith

    September 21, 2017 at 1:36 pm

    Your dad is so cute! His look at you or whoever that was in the corner at the end of his reading was the best!!!

  19. NANCY CONLEY

    September 21, 2017 at 11:16 pm

    I have absolutely LOVED all of your previous books! Loved, loved, loved them! I was wondering how much content of this new book might include biblical references, not because of the title necessarily, but because of the Bible Study that is offered in the bonus gifts if one preorders?

    • Big Mama

      September 22, 2017 at 8:09 am

      This one is pretty similar as far as the others when it comes to Biblical references. The Bible study just takes the theme of the book and goes deeper with Biblical content! Hope that helps!

  20. Sue King Speir

    September 27, 2017 at 9:24 pm

    I just now am seeing this! My heart melted to see how much your dad obviously loves you and Caroline! It reminds me of when Sophie once said her “heart was going to explode in glitter” she was so proud!

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Melanie ShankleMy name is Melanie and, in some strange twist of fate, I’m also known as Big Mama because I started this blog in July of 2006 when my daughter, Caroline, was not quite three years old and I was in the process of convincing her that BIG girls use the potty and BIG girls don’t have pacifiers, thus she thought BIG was the highest compliment in the land and began referring to me as BIG MAMA.Read More

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I’ll apologize in advance because the next few m I’ll apologize in advance because the next few months will have me awash in nostalgia as Caroline moves through the last of the firsts. ⁣
Tonight is the first high school soccer scrimmage of the season. The last first scrimmage. ⁣
And so I made her let me take a picture because she knows her mom is deep in my feelings as we round the corner of senior year. The fact that Perry jumped in was a bonus. ⁣
Also, she scored two goals. Go mules 💙⚽️💛
Look who’s officially a Fightin’ Texas Aggie. Look who’s officially a Fightin’ Texas Aggie. 👍🏻❤️⁣🎉
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As a parent, I don’t know if there’s anything better than watching your kid have a dream and then seeing them work hard to make that dream a reality. She’s wanted to be an Aggie from just about the day she was born. It took a lot of blood, sweat, tears and prayer but she did it. ⁣
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Number of times I will get tired of watching Carol Number of times I will get tired of watching Caroline play soccer? ZERO. It is my favorite. ⁣
Add in a huge Aggie win over Florida and it’s been a nice little day. ⁣
Yay for sports!! ⚽️💙👍🏻🏈
This little guy running through the bluebonnets wi This little guy running through the bluebonnets with the unfortunate bangs he cut himself is fifty years old today. ⁣Those bangs speak volumes about who he would become. He never does anything halfway. 
⁣
I am so grateful that boy grew into a man who loves God, loves his family and leads us with unwavering loyalty and love. In a year full of chaos and uncertainty, he remains steadfast, solid and full of opinions he is never afraid to express. I’m thankful for all of it. Except maybe some of the opinions. ⁣
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Happy 50th birthday, P! I love you. I’d say let’s grow old together except I think we already have. 😂❤️
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