• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Big Mama

the big mama blog

  • Home
  • Meet Melanie
  • Blog
  • Speaking
  • Books
    • *New* On The Bright Side
    • *New* Piper and Mabel
    • Church of the Small Things
    • Nobody’s Cuter Than You
    • The Antelope in the Living Room
    • Sparkly Green Earrings
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Melanie Podcast

My wish for you

Doodle

After having a child free evening last night and getting to sleep in a little this morning, I am now paying for it because Caroline will not nap. I thought she had fallen asleep until I heard every book from her bookshelves being thrown on the floor. I went in to find books everywhere and she had torn another piece of her Wizard of Oz book. I said "Caroline, do not tear up your books." I guess Read More

You want me?

Doodle

Caroline had a bad dream the other night and woke up calling for me. I went into her room to rock her until she settled down. As I was rocking her I thought how amazing it is that my presence can calm all her fears. She immediately felt safe and protected. The irony is that I am a girl who slept in my mom's room for two weeks before I left for college because I saw Pet Semetary. No one would Read More

I wanted to go to the pool….

Doodle

Caroline didn't take a nap today so instead of the usual long day I had the excruciating long day. That's the one that comes complete with whiny, tired toddler who feels like the whole world is out to get her because she can't have a third popsicle. Lovely.I finally got her ready for bed and was tucking her in. She went through her usual "I need a drink of water, sing another song, rock Read More

Looking Ahead

Doodle, Seriously

Ever since I became a mother (and probably even before then) I have tried to picture myself at various stages of life. I wonder what I'll be like, if I'll feel the same way I do now and if everything I'm doing as a mother will be the best thing for my doodle. I look back on all the mistakes I made as a teenager and I want better for her. She is so strongwilled and I am constantly worrying if I Read More

A Sad Song

Doodle

Caroline decided yesterday evening that she wanted to spend the night with her Mimi and Bops. One phone call later (where she said "hurry mimi, it's gettin' too late) they had sped over and picked her up. It was so nice to have a free night and not have to get through the nightly beating which is getting her bathed and in her pajamas. Then when I went to pick her up this morning she threw a fit Read More

Goodbye Tomato

Doodle

Today was a pretty typical Saturday morning. P had to work so Caroline and I made cinnamon rolls. She doesn't really care about the roll, just wants to lick the icing out of the container. Who am I to judge? I'd eat a bowl of raw cookie dough every day if I could.I put her down for her nap around noon but she didn't sleep. I kept hearing these thuds and thunks but she seemed content so I let Read More

Birthday Club

Friends

I have a group of girlfriends that get together once a month for Birthday Club. We started it a year ago when went out for Gulley's birthday and decided a night of laughs and margaritas is something all of us mom's need everyday but we'll settle for once a month. Our husbands love to ask how we have a birthday to celebrate every month even though there are only six girls. I'm not sure why Read More

Tiny Dancer

Doodle

This morning Caroline had her first ballet class. Calling it ballet might be a stretch, but she did wear a little pink leotard, tights and the cutest ballet shoes you have ever seen. She was so proud as she marched and twirled around the mat. I think her favorite part was that each wall is a huge mirror so that she could look at herself from all angles. That child loves to watch herself do Read More

July 5, 2006

Doodle

We spent the holiday weekend in Key Allegro with some friends and I am still recovering. Caroline had an absolute ball! I can't get over how much easier she is to travel with than she was this time a year ago. However, I am still so tired from being away from home and having her off her normal routine.Today we were able to see my friend Tiffany from college and her 3 girls. They are such cute Read More

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 357
  • Go to page 358
  • Go to page 359

Primary Sidebar

Who is Melanie?

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

Sign up here!

Which is your pleasure?

Categories

Events Books The Big Boo Cast Diary Fashion Friday

The Latest on Instagram

The fish we caught today were all bigger than my h The fish we caught today were all bigger than my hat and, frankly, that’s hard to do.
A few nights ago, Perry told me to come look at th A few nights ago, Perry told me to come look at the sky just as the sun had set. This picture doesn’t do it justice, but we couldn’t believe how bright Venus and Jupiter were next to the moon in the dusky pink-blue sky. In full disclosure, we didn’t know which planets they were until I went inside and googled it because we are amateur astronomers at best. ⁣
⁣
Anyway, I took a quick photo because I wanted to capture it. And over the last several days, I keep thinking about those planets and how God spoke them into existence. We live in a culture that often wants to make God smaller in an effort to make him more palatable or relatable, but I find lately that I am most comforted by his magnitude and his holiness. When I look at this photo it’s a tangible reminder that he holds all things together even when there are days it feels like things are falling apart. ⁣
⁣
When we pray for peace, we’re praying to the one who placed the stars in the sky and knows them by name. When we search for wisdom, we’re looking to the one who sees all things. When we need joy, we’re asking the one who created laughter. When we face circumstances that seem impossible, we’re calling on the one whose robe fills the throne room of heaven. When we have a battle ahead of us, we have a rider called Faithful and True who fights for us. ⁣
⁣
So lift your head and remember that the keeper of the stars doesn’t overlook a single detail of your life. It’s in his hands, right next to Venus and Jupiter. ✨
Mabel believes patrolling the fence line is her fu Mabel believes patrolling the fence line is her full time job. And she takes it seriously. 🐾💕
🌟🤠𝗙𝗥𝗔𝗨𝗟𝗘𝗜𝗡 𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗧𝗦 𝗚𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗬🤠🌟⁣
⁣🌟COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED AND A WINNER WAS SELECTED🌟
Y’all. Rodeo Season is indeed a thing and if you want to do it right, you are going to need some fabulous boots. I’m so excited to partner with the girls @frauleinboots to giveaway the following to one lucky winner:⁣
⁣
✨ one pair of Fraulein boots (winner’s choice)⁣
✨ a Fraulein t-shirt⁣
✨ a Fraulein bandana⁣
✨ a Fraulein rope hat⁣
⁣
🌟Here’s how you enter for a chance to win:⁣
1. Follow @melanieshankle and @frauleinboots 
2. Like this post⁣
3. Tag a friend in the comments (one per comment) Every comment counts as a separate entry. ⁣
⁣
Giveaway closes at noon central time on Friday 2/10/23 and ONE winner will be selected at random using a computer generator. Winner will be notified through DM and announced in stories. ⁣
⁣
𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗟𝗨𝗖𝗞! 🌟🤠
Had the best time last night speaking at the @fede Had the best time last night speaking at the @federationtexasaggiemoms dinner. So grateful for all they do for Texas A&M students. ⁣
⁣
There’s not much better than being in a room full of Aggies. Thanks and Gig’em. 👍🏻❤️
2022 was a year of seeing so much of God’s goodn 2022 was a year of seeing so much of God’s goodness. Like most years, there were highs and lows, but also so much joy and laughter with the people I love the most. 💕⁣
⁣
We’re ready for you, 2023! 🎉🥂⁣
⁣
“Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.⁣
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord.⁣
With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16: 5-8

The Latest on Twitter

Melanie Shankle @bigmama ·

Well, that was anti-climatic.

Reply on Twitter 1612659662435803139 Retweet on Twitter 1612659662435803139 1 Like on Twitter 1612659662435803139 43 Twitter 1612659662435803139
Melanie Shankle @bigmama ·

Wow, Georgia! What a comeback!!

Reply on Twitter 1609414435394965506 Retweet on Twitter 1609414435394965506 Like on Twitter 1609414435394965506 48 Twitter 1609414435394965506

Follow on Twitter

 



 

 

 

 

 



 

Footer

Stay Up to Date

Which is your pleasure?

  • About Me
  • Speaking
  • Blog
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 · Website by Wordpress Barista

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

cokesbury-buttonfc-buttonlifewayMardelTyndale DirectBAMWalmartiTunes

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

iTunes

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

lifewayMardelBAM

Select an online retailer below.

Book Retailers
Book RetailersBook RetailersBook RetailersBook RetailersBook Retailers

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

cokesbury-buttonfc-buttonlifewayMardelTyndale DirectBAMWalmart

Order Yours Today!

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

cokesbury-buttonfc-buttonlifewayMardelTyndale DirectBAMWalmart

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.

Book Retailers

Book RetailersBook RetailersBook RetailersBook RetailersBook Retailers

Order Yours Today!

Select an online retailer below.