Enjoying M & M's

Sisterly love!

2011-07-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

Now that is some serious sisterly love!

Molly's Birth Story

2011-07-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

This is Molly Marie. She was born on April 18th at 9:30 ish in the morning. Here is her story!

MONDAY

We were told to be at the hospital at around 7:30 am. So, around 7:00 am, we start to load up the car with hospital bags, diaper bags, breast pumps, busy bag for Madison, and the family. Andy had already been up since about 5 am so he had starbucks in hand. It smelled SO good. I had not been able to eat or drink since midnight the night before since I was planning on a repeat c-section. I had a c-section with Madison because she was breech. Andy and I had decided that this little angel would be our last so while the doc was "in there", she was going to tie my tubes.

We arrive at the hospital right on time. Little was said in the car on the way to the hospital. Madison was sleepy, Andy was a wreck, and I was just trying to focus on the end result. For some reason, I was more nervous this time. Maybe it was because I knew what to expect, I don't know. I definitely had the fight or flight feeling going on. They take all 3 of us back to this small room with 2 beds in it. There was a lady next to me that was obviously prepped for surgery so at that point I assumed that I would go after her. They were slightly annoying but probably only because of my nerves.

The operating room nurse hands me my lovely hospital gown. I proudly put it on and hop my big 'ole pregnant behind up on the bed. WOW, was this really about to happen!?!? The nurse takes my vitals and of course my BP was slightly elevated. How could it not be? Seriously, I would like to meet the person whose BP is normal right before going into major surgery! She lays out my arm to start my IV. Now this is where the fun begins! I have terrible veins, terrible! I ALWAYS warn nurses that I have these terrible veins in case they aren't confident so they can get someone else. This nurse seemed confident so I let her have at it. BIG MISTAKE! Andy and Madison are watching her start my IV, I can't see it because she has my arm kind of down beside the bed. I am watching Andy and Madison's face, no biggie, right?!?! Well, their faces were kind of scary. Something went WAY WRONG! My vein blew up to the size of a dime, yes a dime! She pulled out the needle and blood started squirting everywhere, yes, I said squirting! I warned her, I really did, but this was a first! Needless to say, she put the IV in the other arm and was much more careful the 2nd time!

So we wait, and wait for what seems like forever. They finally take the annoying couple next to us in the operating room so we know that we will be next! Let's get this show on the road! I was ready to run out the door and down the street with the back of my gown wide open! Why in the world was I so nervous!?!? Andy takes Madison into the waiting room where my Mom, Andy's parents, and his sister were waiting. Keep in mind, I am checking on him often because I remember c-section #1. Lord loves his heart, he was a hot mess! So far, so good! He is holding up. We sit there fairly quiet, not saying much. I know what was going through my mind: I hope this sweet love sent from heaven is going to be okay, I hope that I am not too sore, I hope Andy doesn't throw up while we are in there, I hope Andy doesn't pass out, I hope that Madison adjusts okay, I hope that I have enough love for two kids, I wish my Daddy was here like he was for my first baby. All this was going through my head! I did not expect what happened next!

The annoying couple that was next to us earlier were finally finished and returned to the room for recovery so we knew that our time was drawing near. A couple of minutes passed and they came in and got me. Andy had to wait outside until they were finished with my spinal. So, I walk into a bright, cold room. They had music playing and the nurses were chatting. I tried to make small talk and seem pleasant. I was shaking. I told them it was because I was cold but it probably was a mixture of coldness and nerves. I scoot to the edge of the operating room table, cell phone in hand-yes, I took my cell phone into my c-section, and they start to feel around on my spine. Now, I assume that a spinal and epidural kind of feel the same way. I haven't had the pleasure of an epidural, just spinal block. They numb your skin with the first shot, then they shoot you again with the leg numbing stuff. It worked immediately. My feet finally felt warm. Now, when I had Madison, I could still move my legs. I was even able to get myself off of the operating room table, but not this time! I had some serious dead legs! So the nurse picked up my legs for me and strapped them down, put the big blue sheet up and brought big daddy in! Dr. Shuck comes in and here we go!

Now, I know that I keep saying "When I had Madison" but when I had Madison, it was quick-1 hour tops. Not this time. This is what I should have been worried about but it hadn't even crossed my mind to worry about the surgery itself. Andy is up by my head and we make small talk. I am quiet, he periodically asks "Are you okay" and I respond with a smile and "yeah, I'm fine". I am watching the clock. 15 minutes have gone by and still no baby, I don't even feel them in my abdomen yet (gross I know). The anesthesiologist is up by my head with an assistant and Andy is still sitting beside me. Alarms start to sound, BP dropped, happens with spinals, shoot me up with something and all is good, for now. 30 minutes has passes, still no baby. Alarms go off several times, they keep shooting me up with meds to bring my BP back up. I get the shakes, also common with spinals, kind of freaks Andy out but he knew to expect it this time. 45 minutes, 1 hour, no baby. Okay, I am kind of wondering what is going on. Everyone is kind of quiet but I am trying to stay calm. I wanted to jump off the table and yell "Come on people, get this baby out! I am ready to meet my baby!".

I can tell that the time is getting near. I feel their hands inside my abdomen. I start to feel tugging and pulling. I look over and tell Andy, "They are about to get her out". We wait for what seems like 10 minutes but in all actuality it was probably only a couple of minutes. Finally I feel some relief in my stomach and she is out! Yeah, right, all is good, right!?!? They quickly show her to us! Many emotions start to flow. We both start to cry but she isn't. In fact, she was very blueish-purple. Now here I go again, when Madison was born, she was bright pink and screaming from the get-go. Her apgar scores were 9 and 10. Molly was silent. Andy and I look at each other and immediately start saying "breathe baby, breathe!". Again, it seemed like hours go by but she finally cries, just a little, but she cries. Oh, the joy! Thank you Jesus! I am pretty sure that my heart didn't beat during that time! Andy is able to see her and tells me that she is changing colors. The nurses call him over and I remind him to take pictures. She isn't crying but just hanging out over there, checking things out! Her first apgar was 6 and the second was 9. Boy, she had a rough start but all was well after that. The NICU nurses congratulate me and leave. Okay, so all that is left is tying my tubes and sewing me up. Shouldn't take long, right?!?! WRONG! It took them another hour or longer to fix me up. While I am laying there, relieved that my baby decided to breathe, I hear "Call down and get blood sent up for Amanda Carter". WHAT?!?! What's going on? Am I about to have a blood transfusion? Luckily, I didn't end up needing it but didn't realize that until afterwards. Finally, they are done! GREAT! Dr. Shuck and her OR assistant mention needing a general surgeon, really, why, what's up? I was too frazzled to ask details at that point! So, I am ready to have my baby. I am ready to breast feed her. They tell me that because my surgery took so long that my new baby has to go to the nursery to be checked out. I knew that I would probably miss out on the bath but wait, I hadn't even gotten a chance to feed her yet! I tell Andy to "follow that baby! Don't take your eyes off of her!" Now, his natural reaction is to stay with me but I shew him away, I was fine.

They wheel me back to the same "holding room" as before. Luckily, the annoying people had already been taken to their room and I had someone new in there. They were getting ready to go back. I was too tired to worry about them or what they were saying/doing. I tried to get some sleep, not sure that I did. Now, remember I told you that I took my cell phone into the OR with me? Well, it came in handy. Andy calls me and says "Della" (that is what he calls me sometimes). "They are getting ready to shoot her up with something!". I reassure him that it is just her first hep shot. He is freaking out and I am talking him off the ledge. While on the phone, I get an update of course. All seems well so far. I close my eyes again but not for long. RING, RING, it's Andy. Love his heart! He called to tell me that they were giving her a bottle but he started banging on the window telling them not to! Gotta love a guy that supports his wife's breast feeding wishes. She came to the window and told him that it was just water and they were checking to make sure all was well with her suck. He was in total protection mode, sticking up for me! I could have told them if her suck was good or not if they would just bring me my baby and let me nurse her! UGH!

Eventually, I get wheeled out of the recovery room. Started feeling kind of woozy, so the nurses grabbed a barf bag for me to hold. They wheel me left and right, up one hall and down another. Finally, room 5040. I am being wheeled in and uh-oh, barf! Okay, I expected to get a little sick, I did with Madison too! I call Andy-"Where is my baby?", waiting, waiting, waiting! BARF! Okay, I am fine, I think. Nurse comes in and I ask, "Where is my baby?". She assures me that they will go and check on her. BARF! Okay, this isn't cool! Finally, Andy calls back on the trusty old cell phone and says that they are on their way. In comes Madison, Andy, and baby Molly! Oh good, now I can finally breast feed her. It is 1:30-she has been in this world for 4 hours, let me feed that baby! BARF! This is not good!

Molly latches on well and nurses for about 10 minutes on each side. BARF! Oh, goodness, I am not feeling well. I then pass my sweet little love muffin to my sweet big love muffin!

Oh, the joy! I have been waiting to see this picture for many moons! This is wonderful! BARF! Yup, still sick! Andy's mom and sister then come in! I don't remember too much other than being sick. This should be passing. Someone gets me some ice chips. Maybe something in my stomach will help. Nope, BARF! This goes on for 12 hours. NOT GOOD! The visitors leave and it is just my little family of 4!

I had some visitors that evening, I don't remember much. I think I was in and out of sleep. Plus, I was so sick that I wasn't much of a host anyway!

My Mom came in around 8 that evening to stay with me and Madison and Andy went home. I think Andy called 10 times checking on me that evening. I stopped throwing up around midnight, after many drugs to try to stop it. I actually was feeling really good. Especially considering all that had happened that day! I asked the night nurse if they could take out my catheter because I wanted to get up. She checked my urine bag and it was brown. SERIOUSLY, can't a girl catch a break!?!? I started drinking more water, now that I could keep it down. They were afraid my kidneys were shutting down. Luckily, I was just a little dehydrated. After an hour or two, they freed me from my catheter and later my IV. I was up and moving around like nothing had happened-MUCH different from my surgery with Madison. I was so, so sore after Madison.

TUESDAY

Alright, I am feeling good! Let's go home!

Andy takes Madison to school and heads my way. Mom leaves shortly there after to get some rest. We had a couple of visitors, I had a shower, feeling great!

One of the pediatricians came to check out the babies. He came and talked with me and said "She looks good, has a good suck, especially after the rough start". That is when Andy and I started comparing notes from the previous day.

Molly choked a couple of times, freaked Andy out. Luckily, being a mom of 2 (did I just say that?), I was pretty aggressive with the booger sucker and she seemed fine. Andy went and picked up big sis from school and we spent more time as a family of 4. They left around 7 or 8 and Mom came and stayed with me again. I was ready to go home and kept asking the nurse about leaving on Wednesday. I didn't want to stay any longer than I needed to!

The night went well. Let's pray for leaving tomorrow!

WEDNESDAY

Andy takes Madison to school and arrives to relieve Mom. Before leaving, she gets a call that her Mom is non-responsive in the nursing home and they are taking her to the hospital. Mom mentally prepares for a drive to Delaware. She was upset because she knew that I was relying on her to help me but Andy was able to stay and help me the rest of the week-and I recovered well and really didn't need much help at all!

The dreaded picture lady comes in! Oh gosh! Here I am, chomping at the bits, ready to leave, and she rolls that cart in to take pictures. I change Molly's clothes and the picture taking begins. They put the pictures on the screen with some really sappy music playing and the water works begin! I start sobbing! Sobbing, like shoulder shaking sobbing! I was a mess! I tell the lady it's a good cry but she leaves temporarily so I can get myself back together-it was THAT bad. Andy tells her "You people shouldn't be allowed to do this to a woman who just gave birth". That's my guy-always sticking up for me! Needless to say, we bought the package that was $100+ with the CD. Major rip off but I was in no shape to make any other decision!

OK, I haven't seen my doc since my surgery and I KNOW that I have to see one of them to release me from the hospital so I become the squeaky wheel! Every time that nurse came in, I asked. Finally one of the docs came and signed off! Let's go, right? Well, if you have ever been in the hospital, you know it isn't that easy! Andy leaves to pick up Madison and I pack up. We wait, and wait, and wait. Finally, we are leaving! Let's go home.

I think I asked Madison about 100 times if her sister was okay while riding home.

We made it home! Life is good! Molly is such a great baby and Madison is such a great big sister. Madison asks to hold Molly so I hand her to her on the bed and walk downstairs to talk to Andy for a second. This is what I walk upstairs too!

I woke Madison up and she said "I was just really tired Mom, so I made sure to hold her head really good and I laid down". I think that this is the most precious picture of all! That is some serious sister love!

At my check-up, I ask the doc what took so long during my surgery. She proceeded to tell me that I had scar tissue like a cancer patient. She had never seen so much scar tissue. She was surprised that I even got pregnant. She said she wasn't even able to remove my uterus from my abdomen and that all of my organs were cemented together. She then said that she is glad she tied my tubes because it isn't safe for me to have any more children and that if I ever need another surgery involving my abdomen, that they need to be prepared for some serious battle. She said that my scar tissue was the worst she had ever seen!

Hey when I do it, I do it right!

So, that's it! That is the birth story of Molly Marie!

I am truly grateful for the blessings that God has given me! I am amazed by his love everyday! Our family feels complete! Thank you God!

Introducing . . . (finally)

2011-07-27T17:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I am so way behind on blogging that I should probably just start over from scratch. So much has happened since my last blog 100 years ago-haha! My darling Madison not only turned the big 7 but also became a big sister-finally. She had been asking for a "sister baby" for years (she used to ask for a sister baby, not baby sister, when she was t-tiny). Our newest dear darling was born on April 18th. We named her Molly! She was born via c-section (just like her sister) and weighed 7lbs 3 oz, 19 1/2 inches long. She has a head full of brownish-red hair and a personality that is amazing.

I took the end of the school year off to be with my newest addition and am returning to work on August 1st-ugh, tears and snot will be flying that day! So much in our lives have changed over the past couple of months! I am determined to blog at least once a week! Surely I can do that, right!?!?

So, here it goes! Introducing . . .

Molly Marie Carter

Delicious Snacks

2010-07-17T17:23:00.000-07:00

Andy and I have been trying out some new recipes. Here they are for your viewing pleasure!

Vidalia Onion Dip

Please excuse the bottom left corner-I HAD to taste it right away! So here is the recipe . . .

2 cups of sweet onions chopped (but not fine)

1-2 cups of mayonaise (depending on how creamy you want it)

2 cups of shredded swiss cheese

Bake in the oven at 350 for 20 minutes (until it bubbles and browns).

Serve with your chips of choice!

Enjoy!

I also made Chess Squares for the first time. The guidance counselor at our school makes the bestest, yummiest, Chess Squares ever. Then, a facebook friend decided to make them and take them to the Roland McDonald House (her family has used the RMH and wanted to give back-ahhh!)

So here is the next yummy, goodness that I made tonight!

It's not a great picture but it is GREAT in my tummy! The recipe is SOO easy . . .

1 box of yellow cake mix

1 egg

1 stick of melted butter

Mix together and put in a 9x13 greased dish

THEN

1-8 oz of cream cheese

2 eggs

1 pound of powered sugar

Mix together and put it on top of the first mixture

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes

Yummy!

Please feel free to share your favorite recipes with me!

Little Carry-All

2010-07-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

Aren't these SO SO SO cute! I ordered one last month and received it the other day! LOVE IT! Let me know if you would like to place an order!

Mandy

mandycarters31@yahoo.com

Back to school

2010-07-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

Well, it is that time of year again, BACK TO SCHOOL. If you have a school aged child that will not eat the school food, I have a solution for you. This is the small thermal lunch tote. It retails for $12.50 and comes 4 different patterns. It can be monogrammed for an additional $6.00. There is also a larger thermal tote that retails for $14.00 and comes in 10 different patterns. I LOVE these totes. They are great for a variety of different activities, not just lunch. We have an extra that we keep snacks in in our pantry. I have heard of someone using them for their child's game system and games. Someone else keeps their GPS in it.

If you are interested in ordering one, please contact me.

Thanks and happy shopping!

Mandy

mandycarters31@yahoo.com

2009

2009-12-31T17:42:00.001-08:00

I am just so thankful for a healthy child. I can not find words to express my gratitude to God for what he has given me. Please read the link. This family has a 7 year old little boy who suffers from ALD. Please pray for him and his family.

www.teamgreene09.blogspot.com

Party Chicken

2009-10-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

8 Chicken Breasts

8+ pieces of bacon (depending on how much you like bacon)

1 can of cream of mushroom soup

1 cup of sour cream

*Wrap the bacon around the chicken breast

*In a separate bowl, combine the soup and sour cream

*Put the wrapped chicken in a greased baking dish

*Spoon the soup/sour cream mixture over the chicken

*Bake at 350 for 2 hours

I wrapped all the chicken but only cooked 1/2 of them. I put the other wrapped chicken breasts in a freezer bag. Then when I added the soup/sour cream mixture, I only added 1/2 and put the other half in the freezer bag on top of the chicken. If you know me, you know that I am all about OAMC (once a month cooking). I am a busy working woman, mother, and wife. In order for my family to eat home cooked meals, I must prepare them ahead of time!

Let me know what you think!

Meat Loaf

2009-10-07T14:55:00.000-07:00

If you have a FAVORITE meat loaf recipe, I am sure that it will freeze well. I used this one and added a little of tomato paste. I put mine into 4 small, aluminum, loaf pans. I cooked 2 loafs at a time (for some reason, they really shrunk during cooking), plus my family members are not big dinner eaters. It still did leave plenty for a leftover meal for lunch! Good luck and let me know how your OAMC (once a month cooking) is going!

Freezer Meat Loaf Recipe

3 pounds ground beef 

1/2 cup dry bread crumbs 

3-1/2 cups milk 

1 cup minced onion 

2 eggs 

2 tablespoons salt 

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 

1/4 tsp ground pepper

Combine all ingredients. Divide into two foil loaf pans (9"x5"x3"). Wrap, label and freeze.

On cooking day: Remove from freezer and unwrap 2 1/2 hours before cooking. Preheat oven to 350F, cooking for 2-1/2 hours. Shorten cooking time by removing from freezer in the morning, checking for doneness after one hour of cooking.

MINE DID NOT TAKE 2 1/2 HOURS OF COOKING SO KEEP AN EYE ON IT!

Another "Once a month cooking" recipe

2009-10-07T14:43:00.000-07:00

This is a great recipe to double or triple, freeze, and pull out at the last minute (that is what I did tonight). Yummy, yummy, delicious!

Chicken Quesadillas Freezer Recipe

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced 

1/2 tsp garlic powder 

1/2 tsp pepper 

1/2 green pepper, diced 

1 medium onion, chopped 

1 15-oz can diced tomatoes 

2 cloves garlic, minced 

8 flour tortillas

 2 cups Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese, grated

In large skillet, cook chicken with garlic powder and pepper until throroughly cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside. Next, simmer tomatoes, green peppers, onion and garlic, continuing to simmer until liquid is evaporated. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Using a small amount of olive oil, fry each side of tortillas in skillet, then place on a cookie sheet. Top four tortillas with 1/4 cup cheese, 1/4 of the chicken mixture, 1/4 of the tomato mixture, topping with 1/4 cup of cheese and second tortilla. Press gently and place in ziploc freezer bag or wrap for the freezer.

On cooking day: Preheat oven to 375F. Do not thaw! Simply place the quesadillas on the cookie sheet straight from the freezer, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is fully melted. Cut into wedges (pizza cutter works best) and serve with salsa, guacamole and/or sour cream.

Taco Soup

2009-09-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

Here is another YUMMY one a month cook it and freeze it recipe! Madison didn't care for it but she doesn't like anything tomato based so I wasn't surprised! I wish that I had frozen smaller portions (maybe one or two cups per baggie) so they would lay flat in the freezer instead of a big, fat, lumpy bag. Oh well, you live and you learn!

Let me know what you think!

TACO SOUP

2 lbs Ground Beef

1 medium Onion, chopped

1 teaspoon Salt

1/2 teaspoon Pepper

1 package Ranch Dressing Mix

15.5 ounces Canned Whole Kernel Corn

1 can (15.5oz) Canned Diced Tomatoes

1 can (15.5oz) Canned Ro-tel Tomatoes with Green Chilis

3 cans (15.5oz) Ranch Style Texas Beans

2 cups Water

Directions:

Brown ground beef and onion. Drain. Add meat and remaining ingredients to crockpot. Cook on low for 4 hours. Serve.

For added flavor serve over tortilla chips and offer sour cream and shredded cheese.

Servings:

Freezing Instructions:

After fully cooked, place soup in medium or large plastic ware or gallon size zipper freezer bags. Make sure to leave at least 1/4 inch space above the liquid as it does expand during freezing.

Frozen meal 1

2009-09-09T15:49:00.000-07:00

Cream Cheese Chicken

1 .7-ounce envelope Italian dressing mix 

1/2 cup butter 

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast

 1 10.75-ounce can cream of chicken soup 

1 8-ounce package cream cheese

Turn slow cooker on High. Place butter in bottom of slow cooker. When the butter has melted, add one envelope Italian dressing dry mix. Stir into butter until well mixed. Cut chicken breasts into 1" strips. Place in slow cooker and stir to coat with butter and dressing mix. Cover and cook on High for 2 hours. Remove chicken to plate to cool. Add cream of chicken soup and cream cheese. Stir to melt and mix well until smooth and creamy. Remove sauce from slow cooker and allow to cool. Place chicken and sauce into a gallon resealable freezer bag. Label. Freeze.

To serve: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Heat until piping hot and bubbly. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or hot buttered noodles.

I pre cooked my wide egg noodles, mixed them with the good stuff and froze it. I wish I had frozen it in the baking dish but I didn't and it was still great!

Let me know if you like it!

Mandy

It's all good until you fall into the pond

2009-05-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

Well, over my 8 years of teaching, we often visit Chattanooga Nature Center for a wonderful field trip! We usually only go when the kiddos are in 2nd grade. We actually get into the pond (up to your knees) and catch "critters". The students identify all the animals and learn SO MUCH! Well, I was up to my knees and my shoe was stuck in the mud. As I was trying to find and retrieve my shoe, I slipped. Yes, I slipped and did not recover! I tried, oh I tried so hard but was unsuccessful. I was up to my chest in COLD, muddy water. Keep in mind, it was 9:30 in the morning and was probably only about 55-60 degrees. BURRR!

That all being said, it was a wonderful field trip! All of the kids were so well behaved and learned so much. I was cold and wet until 4:30. When I got home, I jumped right in the shower. I was still covered in pond slim and smelled a little.

I am glad that I was able to leave 2nd grade with a BANG!

Why do people raise their hands in church?

2009-02-22T15:56:00.000-08:00

While at church this morning, Madison leaned over to me and asked "Mommy, why do people raise their hands in church?". I told her that when people feel happy about Jesus and God, that they raise their hands. Madison told me that I could raise my hand because church makes me happy. I told her, yes church makes me very happy (but of course I could raise my hands b/c I was holding her). I could tell that she was thinking about what I said. While we were singing our praise and worship music, she raised her little hand while she sang. It darn near broke my heart. Tears were streaming down my face! Madison didn't think anything about it b/c I often become very emotional during service and cry almost every time. She knows that they are happy tears b/c Mommy loves church. My dear, sweet Madison! She is an AMAZING child!

Baby in the bed

2009-01-13T18:48:00.000-08:00

So right now, my time that I allow for blogging, facebook, myspace, email and such is being interrupted by a 35 pound 4 year old monkey face. Yes, Madison is in bed next to me. I don't even think that she is asleep yet. She gets clingy when she is not feeling well. I think that she is cutting her 6 year molars. But come on peeps, she is only 4 for crying out loud. I am hopeful that when she FINALLY does fall asleep, Andy or I can carry her back to her bed. Hopefully!

Oh well. Tomorrow is another day.

Have a restful night!

Mandy

Reflections

2008-12-31T08:35:00.000-08:00

So, we are about to say "so long" to 2008 and "hello" to 2009. As I sit here and reflect back on 2008, I am not sure if I accomplished much. In fact, I really can't think of any major accomplishment I made in 2008. I just kind of floated on through 2008. I mean, don't get me wrong, I was an involved parent who taught her daughter many life lessons and supported and loved her. I was a supportive wife who listened to her husband and loved him no matter what. I was a teacher who was patient enough not to give up even when I felt like taking my purse and walking out the door. I am not saying that those things aren't important. I know they are. I know that I am a good mother, wife, and teacher. I know that my actions everyday make a difference in someone's life BUT I can't pinpoint one major life changing thing in 2008. That is kinda a bummer!

I have a feeling that 2009 will be different!

Happy New Year!

December 26th

2008-12-27T16:30:00.000-08:00

Today would have been my daddy's 61st birthday. My daddy passed away August 4th 2005. Sometimes it feels like just a dream and I find myself almost picking up the phone to give him a call. The visions of my daddy before he passed are fading which is a good thing. He only weighed about 60 pounds, was completely jaundice, and blind. My mother was by his side almost every moment in the weeks before he passed. I was almost in denial. I thought "He always pulls through" or "He will outlive us all" but I was wrong. I only saw him one time before he passed. I went up there and told him that it was okay to let go. Two days later, he did. Mom said that before he passed, he took a big, deep breath and smiled from ear to ear. When mom called me, I took off up to her house. The ambulance had already taken him. It was a very weird feeling at my mom's house. It still is at times.

My memories of my daddy are beginning to be those of before he was so sick. You know, they funny memories. Like the time we had a bon fire on his birthday. It was very cold and he had some of his drinking buddies over. Daddy was very very drunk. He fell down and one of the labs started to have his way with daddy. Yes, the dog was humping him. Andy and I were laughing so hard that tears were running down our faces. Everyone was laughing so hard that no one was able to get up and help him. Jake just had to "finish" with daddy. Those memories are ones that keep me from crying during the holidays!

Of course, I have regrets. I think anyone does that has lost a family member. I wish that I spent more time with him. I wish that I had called him just one more time. I wish that he had held Madison more often. I wish that I hadn't been so judgemental about his drinking and working because who am I to judge.

I love my daddy. I wish that he could see and appreciate how cool Madison is.

Call your daddy's and tell them you love them. You never know when there won't be another chance!

Psalms 134

2008-12-15T15:49:00.000-08:00

Psalm 139 (NIV)

It is so important to have the word of God hidden in our hearts. Here is a plan to memorize Psalms 134 in 18 days. I got the idea from Angie (a wonderful blogger that I came across). I am going to give it my best shot. I was never great at memorizing my bible verses.

1 O LORD, you have searched me and you know me

2You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways

4 Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD

5 You hem me in-behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea

10 Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"

12 Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your words are wonderful, I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth

16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with you

19 If only you would slay the wicked, O God! Away from me, you blood thirty men!

20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD, and abhor those who rise up against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts

24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

SCHEDULE:

Day 1: Verse 1 and 2

Day 2: Verse 3 and 4

Day 3: Review and Catch-up

Day 4: Verse 5 and 6

Day 5: Verse 7 and 8

Day 6: Review and Catch-up

Day 7: Verse 9 and 10

Day 8: Verse 11 and 12

Day 9: Review and Catch-up

Day 10: Verse 13 and 14

Day 11: Verse 15 and 16

Day 12: Review and Catch-up

Day 13: Verse 17 and 18

Day 14: Verse 19 and 20

Day 15: Review and Catch-up

Day 16: Verse 21 and 22

Day 17: Verse 23 and 24

Day 18: Review and Catch-up

Good luck! Let me know how it is working for you!

Mandy

The Holidays

2008-11-30T18:36:00.000-08:00

I am so thankful for so many things. I am thankful that Jesus sacrificed himself for little old me. I am thankful for my amazing family and friends who make me laugh and smile EVERYDAY. I am thankful for my home, my job, and my life in general.

Today, we visited our friends church. There youngest daughter was being dedicated and we didn't want to miss it. Satan had other plans. First, I did not have a good night sleep AT ALL. Then, Madison woke up and was completely CRANKY. Nothing was good, everything was bad, yucky morning for Madison. Then when leaving, it was such a gross and nasty day. I was determined not to let him take control of time to worship in the house of the Lord. Needless to say, we made it. It is actually the church that is in the community in which I teach so I knew most of the people there. There preacher is actually the brother of my preacher. It is amazing how similarly they preach. I also have his daughter in my classroom and have for 2 years so I know them very well.

The dedication was beautiful and we were able to go to lunch together after the service. All 20 of us! Madison wouldn't let anyone eat until she prayed, which is hard to do when you have 20 people eating at a buffet.

When we came home, we put up the Christmas tree, decorated the hall and dining room, and put lights on the front porch. Madison is SO excited about Christmas this year. I think that she is truly understanding the reason behind the season as well as the Santa, good girl/bad girl. She TOTALLY ROCKS!

I pray that you all have a fantastic holiday season. Please remember that it is so much more than presents (although that is fun). Be kind to people, even the ones that cut in front of you when driving. It is so easy to be "on edge" during this time of the year. Just take a deep breath and smile.

Lots of love to all!

~~Mandy

4. Get Madison back into her bed.

2008-11-23T13:03:00.000-08:00

Well, it only took 7 night lights and a "Build-a-Bear" but we successfully got Madison back into her bed. Last night, Andy tucked her in while she was watching Shirley Temple (one of her favorites). I layed down for a couple of minutes when I heard the pitter patter of 4 year old feet down the hallway. I thought, here we go. She came in and said, "Mommy, I am tired". So I told her to turn her TV off and I would come in and tuck her in. She did as I asked and there were no problems. She came back into my room at 7:30 am. I told her to climb up in bed with me. She told me she wasn't tired but ended up sleeping until about 10:00.

Andy and I had her small TV on her changing table and her armoir in the other part of her room (her room is the room that I had as a child . . . it is two bedrooms with an opening between). We moved the changing table out and the armoir in. We took out her small TV and brought up her TV that Santa brought her last year (it had been hooked up in the play room). I pray that tonight goes as smoothly as last night!

She is such a big girl!

If we have another baby, it's room will the the attached second bedroom (to Madison's). We will just put in french doors or something. Madison thought that was a good idea. She said, "That way, when the baby wakes up, I can go take care of it and I will let you sleep". I asked her how she was going to feed the baby and she responded with "A spoon". Well DUH! I explained that Mommy would need to feed it with "Mommy Milk" but there would of course be times when she could help.

I just hope that we will be able to have another baby. We tried 2 summers ago with no success. Maybe we will give it another try this coming summer. Andy and I just want to be in a good place financally. We have some friends that are having babies and are just not in a good place. Andy and I know what needs to happen before we start thinking baby. I just pray for the strength to accomplish what needs to happen so we can try to have another child.

Either way, I am blessed with Madison. She is the light of my life. I pray that if it is the lord's will, we will bel blessed with a second child. I am handing it over the Him. That is a hard thing to do, I am a total control freak!

This turned into a crazy blog. Sorry!

Yeah! Madison slept in her own bed!

List update

2008-11-02T06:30:00.000-08:00

32. Wear jewelry to work everyday.

I used to be really aware of wearing jewelry everyday but got out of the swing of things for a couple of weeks. Now I am back on track. Jewelry EVERYDAY!

83. Have a good cry with a good friend.

Work has been kind of crazy recently. It all got to me and I started crying to Lauren. She is such a GREAT friend. LOVE HER!

Candy or Potato

2008-11-01T16:03:00.000-07:00

Madison really enjoyed trick-or-treating this year! This was the first year we actually visited the neighbors houses instead of just family and friends. Madison was dressed like a ladybug and Nana came down too!

The last house we visited, the lady came to the door with 2 baskets. One was filled with candy, and the other was filled with potatoes. She asked Madison which one she wanted, and she looked at the woman, and then she looked at Daddy. She of course chose the candy but laughed all the way down the sidewalk saying "that lady had potatoes"

Is the grass greener on the other side?

2008-10-19T16:17:00.000-07:00

Andy and I were watching "Trading Spouses" this evening. I jokingly said to Andy "Would you want to trade me to see if the grass was greener on the other side?" All of the sudden, Madison said "It is green back here. Let me check the front!" Come to find out, she was checking to see if the grass was greener on the other side. She is too much!

Parents should be required to obtain a license before having children

2008-10-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

Madison, Mom, and I went to Pigeon Forge this weekend. We had a fantastic time and were blessed enough to be able to visit lots of wonderful places. The hotel we stayed in was off the strip and back in a very nice, quiet little area. We had a kitchen and a balcony. There were 3 pools outside and a pool and a hot tub inside. Of course, we had to visit the inside pool each night before bedtime. Mom watched while Madison and I swam.

Madison was so excited because she was able to touch in the 3 ft area. For those of you who don't know, Madison doesn't like to get her hair wet. When I say doesn't like it, I really mean HATES it. She stresses about her hair "not looking pretty" and worries that I might not have hair gel for her. She is such a girly girl.

On the second night, there were more people at the pool than the night before. There was a large group of young teenagers who were in and out of the pools. They must have been having a birthday party or something because there were balloons. Their parents were there and they were just typical young kids. There was also a group that consisted of 3 young girls (around the age of 4 or 5) who were wearing swimmies/floaties. They were there with their mother and 3 other adults (I don't think that they were related).

I guess that the mother left the pool area, and one of the other adults got in the hot tub. That left 2 adults (who obviously were not related to the girls) to watch the 3 kids. Madison and I were swimming in the deeper end of the pool when I heard a splash. I looked over and saw that one of the girls had jumped into the 4 ft end without her floatie on. One of the adults left and came over to the edge of the pool and sat down to take his shoes off. The other adult stayed seated and didn't make any attempt to get up. The girl was under water and struggling. She could not swim and was OBVIOUSLY in big trouble. Madison had her floatie on so I reluctantly left her by the steps in the deep end and began to swim toward the little girl. Madison climbed out of the pool and went to Nana. I reached the little girl, grabbed her, handed her to the man who was still taking off his shoes. The little girl began to vomit but thank you Jesus, she was okay. The little girl went and sat with the woman who was still sitting on the bench. The man went to clean the vomit off of his arm.

Finally, the mother came back and acted like it was not big deal. I was in such shock that a mother, like myself, would not be more upset. You would have to pick me up off of the ground. But I guess that is the difference between me and that woman. First of all, my daughter would not be swimming in a pool without me~especially if she didn't know how to swim. Second of all, I would not leave my non~swimming daughter in a pool without a floatie with someone who would be more worried about their shoes than my daughter.

I might be known as over protective. That is fine. I wear that badge proudly. I know that my daughter will always be safe, and that is okay with me.

And as if that wasn't enough. The next day, we went to Dollywood. The first thing we did was to tour Dolly's tour bus. Of course, there was a line so we waited patiently. It is amazing to me how patient Madison is. Of course she asked how much longer but she didn't act up. Two sets of people behind us was a family. There was a mother, father, and 3 kids (boy about 10, girl about 4, and a boy about 3). It was very chilly (about 45 degrees) and the girl was in shorts, a tee shirt, and sandals. The girl was acting up. Something about not getting something that she wanted. The mother and father were actually arguing with the 4 year old girl. They were screaming at her and she was screaming back. I kept asking myself, at what point will the parents realize that they are arguing with a 4 year old. They are the parents, end the conversation! Kids will act up~that is part of having kids. I was so stressed after parting ways with the crazy people. Just when I thought that we were free from the crazy people, we ran into them again just as we were leaving the park. The family was leaving one area and going to another when I realized that they were missing a family member~the little girl. They were almost out of sight when I saw the little girl. They had left her and didn't even realize it (or maybe they did). She saw them and ran screaming toward them, they never even turned around. I watched to make sure that she reunited with her family.

Oh my gosh! Are you kidding me? I don't even let Madison out of my sight in places like that. How can people like that have 3 kids when someone like me would love to have more kids but ponders whether or not we can afford another child. Someone like me wants to make sure that the second child would have the same opportunities as the first child. Someone like me wants to make sure that it is the "right time" (if there is such a thing). Someone like me think, rethinks, and over thinks EVERYTHING! But you know what, someone like me has a four year old that is a well rounded, confident, and loved child that will be a productive member of our society. I guess that is enough said.

Update on my 101 list

2008-10-05T13:28:00.000-07:00

So, I have accomplished a couple of items off of my 101 list.

12. Keep my car clean.

Madison and I cleaned the car up on Saturday. We went to the car wash (which is one of Madison's favorite activities to do) and vacuumed it out. She is such my "little helper"!

34. Have a girls night at least once a month.

Saturday evening, my bestest girl friends from work and I all took our kids over to Ginny's house. We ate chinese food, watched The Notebook, and had s'mores in the backyard. Madison and I didn't get home until 12:45 am. It was worth it though!

66. Blog at least once per week.

So far, so good!

Growing Pains

2008-09-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

So, Madison and I were awake from 3:00 am until 5:30 am. My baby was having growing pains, again. I never had growing pains, so I am unable to sympathize/understand what she is experiencing. She will go through a spurt where she experiences them often and then won't have any symptoms for months. Finally, after a banana, tylenol, water, and a heating pad, she went back to sleep. Needless to say, we both slept until 11:30 this morning~and missed church. Let's hope that tonight is a better night for my long legged, growing baby cakes!

101 Things in 1001 days

2008-09-27T17:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my long time friend Jaime, I am going to try to improve my life by completing 101 things in 1001 days. When I complete something, I will update you. Alright, here goes nothing . . .

1. Loose 40 pounds

2. Have another baby (see #1)

3. Keep the laundry kept up

4. Get Madison back into her bed again

5. Go up to my Mom's house more often

6. Receive a check from Thirty-One every month

7. Keep my house presentable at all times

8. Eat out only on the weekend or special occasions

9. Try a new recipe each month

10. Limit my sweet intake to every other day =(

11. Take a walk each evening after dinner~weather permitting

12. Keep my car clean, inside and out

13. Paint my family room

14. Take the wallpaper off the dining room walls

15. Paint the dining room

16. Paint my bedroom

17. Paint my bathroom

18. Give my dog a bath at least once a month

19. Take Madison to a UT game

20. Get family pictures done at least once a year

21. Get Madison a wooden swing set

22. Make my backyard a place where all the kids want to hang out

23. Have a nice flower bed

24. Have my own garden in the backyard

25. Go on a family camping trip

26. Organize my downstairs hall closet

27. Organize my downstairs bathroom closet

28. Organize my upstairs hall closet

29. Organize my bathroom closet

30. Organize my spare bedroom closet

31. Finish Madison's bathroom

32. Wear jewelry to work everyday

33. Wash my face EVERY NIGHT before bed

34. Have a girls night once per month

35. Help Andy repaint the front door

36. Help Andy Polly the front door after it is painted

37. Organize Andy's files in the office

38. Instill a weekly family tradition (or at least bi-weekly)

39. Help Andy paint the house

40. Only drink cokes on the weekend

41. Take Madison to the Knoxville Zoo

42. Take Madison to the Atlanta Aquarium

43. Read a book to/with Madison everyday

44. Catch up with my scrap booking (no more than one year behind)

45. Have a yard sale at least two times per year

46. Open a saving account that we don't dip into

47. Finally preserve my wedding dress

48. Get Madison into swimming lessons

49. Get Madison into dance lessons

50. Read a book each month

51. Get my brows waxed every month (or as needed)

52. Read the Bible from cover to cover

53. Get my Masters in Education

54. Have my whole family join the gym

55. Get invisalign for myself

56. Do the MS walk-a-thon in honor of my mother-in-law

57. Do something to support Lupus research in honor of my mother

58. Get another tattoo~one that has a deep purpose/meaning

59. Mow the yard~with Andy's assistance

60. Get a tool box of my very own

61. Organize my closet

62. Take my dog for a walk daily~weather permitting

63. Plan more play dates for Madison

64. Get rid of all my clothes and shoes that I don't want/can't wear anymore

65. Volunteer at the local food kitchen

66. Blog at least once per week

67. Write Thank You notes

68. Rejoin the choir at church

69. Have only 1 junk drawer per room

70. Go roller skating with Madison

71. Take Andy to a Titan game

72. Reorganize the built ins in the family room

73. Go on a date with Andy once a month

74. Spend less time on the internet at home

75. Rewatch the entire series of LOST

76. Throw a surprise party for a family member or friend

77. Take Madison ice skating

78. Get a massage~from a professional

79. Have a consultation w/ plastic surgeon (after kids) about breast reduction & tummy tuck.

80. Vacuum the carpets 2 times per week

81. Replace the ceiling fan in my bedroom

82. Watch Gone With The Wind

83. Have a good cry with a good friend

84. Teach Madison to tie her shoes

85. Teach Madison to ride a 2 wheel bicycle

86. Take the family to Ketner's Mill fall celebration

87. Take the family on a train ride

88. Swim with dolphins

89. Hang up clean laundry instead of living out of hampers

90. Drop 2 sizes

91. When buying appliances, buy energy efficient

92. Have the chimney cleaned

93. Have a mommy/daughter lunch on the Southern Belle

94. Ride on the Chattanooga Ducks

95. Go to a UTC football game

96. Go to a UTC basketball game

97. Buy a Wii

98. Paint my toe nails every other week

99. Separate colors and whites when doing laundry

100. Use my china once a year

101. Complete this list in 1001 days

It's just hair!

2008-09-27T16:19:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, I cut my hair. I had not had a hair cut for nearly 2 years. I was able to donate it again. It always feels so good to do it. This time, I was able to cut 8 inches off, last time only 6. I think that I might keep it short for a while. It is so hard to grow it out but I feel guilty for feeling that way. It is the least that I can do for someone suffering with cancer but I might give myself a break for about a year. Madison went with me. Tisha (my hairdresser) let Madison cut one section of my hair. She thought that was "cool". At first, Madison didn't like my hair but now she really likes it. She even decided that she would like to be a hairdresser when she grows up. She also want so to be a teacher, a pilot, a doctor, and an explorer (thank you Dora!). Watch out world, here she comes!

New to Blogging!

2008-09-18T15:44:00.000-07:00

So, I am inspired by my long time friend Jaime to begin my blogging adventure. She doesn't have anymore hours in the day than I do and she still finds the time to share her "goings on" with others. SO I will give it a try. I will try to post an update on what the Carters are doing weekly. . . but we will see!

All is well in Chattanooga. We are all doing well. Andy received a promotion at work about 6 weeks ago. Madison and I started school August 1st. She entered K4 (new teacher, new room) and adjusted quickly. I am teaching 2nd grade this year and am buiser than ever. I sometimes forget to go to the bathroom because I am so busy.

Thanks for stopping by. Please leave me a comment!

The Carters