A few more pictures

Frances has been enjoying days that she can just stay inside in her pj's and play with her animals. She really enjoys lining her "friends" up on the fireplace.

Frances also enjoyed getting out in the snow with her daddy to make a snowman. Mommy opted to stay in and take pictures through the window:)

Frances thought paint was for her hands. this picture was taken while talking on the phone to my mom. It was so Gramma JoJo could see what an "angel" Frances was being.

Birthday Bash

Well, Frances is three! I can't believe how fast it has all gone. We had a double birthday party yesterday with our friend Brayden who turned three on Friday. It was a good time for all despite the snow and ice outside. Brayden had a cake from the movie Cars and Frances had M&M's.

The kids had a great time playing and eating from 4:00 until 10:00! I can't belive she made it that long but believe me, we payed for it later! Let's just say that turning three did not miraculously make her sleep through the night! Or take away any crabbiness! She received many great gifts and we look forward to playing with them over the next couple of weeks while we are on vacation! Next it is off to see all the family for Christmas. December birthday's can be so confusing as Frances said "Santa brought me my birthday presents!" Hopefully we can get her straightened out!

Parenting advice

So I talked with my friend Lisa the other day. Just catching up as it had been awhile. She was sharing with me that her son is now in a big boy bed. I asked how she kept him in as we continue to struggle with Frances at bedtime. I wholly respect Lisa and think she is a great parent with wonderful strategies so was anxious for the answer. She said her son sleeps with numerous stuffed animals and was told that if he got out of bed she would take some away. He tried it once and was devastated. I was very skeptical I will admit. But as I said, I trust Lisa so I thought, why not try it. Frances LOVES her stuffed animals and usually has at least one in her bed. So last night I am putting her to bed and she wants all sorts of animals, I am thinking "yes! this is going to help me out!". Kisses and hugs, sing a song and good night. Well, I look down the hallway when I hear a little noise and what do I see? The monkey I played with when I was two is literally peeking out the door. No Frances, just the monkey. So I go and talk with Frances and tell her that she needs to stay in bed or I will take her animals. She doesn't even rush back to bed with fear like I think she should. So I say...do you want me to take your monkey away? She says "yes". I say do you really want me to take your monkey and put it up where you can't get it anymore? She says "yes". So I take it. Back in bed. In a minute or so she comes out again and I just go and take all her animals away. She doesn't care. Then daddy came home, went in and talked to her and she never came back out. What next Lisa?

P.S.
Mitch does not always have this power over her as she can be just as disobedient to him. He just got lucky:)

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