Summer Days

I can't believe it has been 4 months since our last post. We have been super busy the last few months. I'll recap our news and what is going on.

First, Carter had his first birthday on April 21. We had his birthday party at our house on April 19. There was a great turnout from his family and friends. He wants to thank everybody for all of his wonderful presents. He says he's ready for his next birthday already.

Since our last post, Carter has learned to walk. He goes full speed where ever we let him. Sometimes he even wanders around aimlessly. He loves walking in the yard. If you don't watch him he will sneak over to Ms. Teresa's house next door.

Last week was a big week of change for us. Carter moved from his crib to a toddler bed. He really likes it because he can get in and out of it all by himself. Everytime either of us goes into his room, he follows and gets in the bed. He's soooo cute. On July 3, Jared finally traded in his Accord. We were sad to see it go, but it just wasn't a very good Daddy-mobile. We traded it in for a 2009 Subaru Forester in Camellia Red for Jared's Fathers Day gift. Jared likes it a lot, and it was worth the wait. It is unique in Rock Hill, since the nearest Subaru dealership is in Gastonia.

Carter and Candice love spending their days together. Being home with Carter is rewarding (and sometimes frustrating) for Candice. They get to do fun stuff like going to the pool, visiting relatives, and watching the same Sesame Street DVD's over and over. I think if Candice hears Cookie Monster singing "C is for Cookie, It's good enough for me" she will just snap.

Carter is becoming a toddler. He understands some of our requests. He always wants to help with whatever we are doing. He will help with pulling the laundry out of the dryer, unloading the dishwasher, and sweeping. Of course, his version of help is to hand you the clothes and dishes. He likes to drag the pots and pans all over the house. His current favorite is our wok.

Jared has been busy at work. Unfortunately, he's been working on proposal work. Hopefully, his company will land some of the work. It will mean job security for the next couple of years.

Candice is still at Stride Rite. She doesn't work as often as Jared wants her to, but loves spending her days with Carter. Not to mention she loves to spend Jared's hard earned money.

Jared is in the process of editing some of our home video, and we will post it ASAP so you can see what Carter has been up to.


Edmunds.com Review


Subaru Commercial

Birthdays, Haircuts, and More

Hey Everyone,

Sorry it has been so long since our last post. We have been pretty busy in the last month or so. Candice has quit Pier 1 and is now working 2-3 days a week at Stride Rite at Carolina Place Mall. She still gets to spend her days with her baby. She will tell you it is exhausting keeping up with Carter, but I know she loves it.

Candice had her birthday on March 3 (I won't tell you which birthday). We went to Grandma Medlin's house for lunch. It was delicious as usual.

Everyone remember that Carter's birthday is coming up on April 21. I can't believe that he is almost 1 year old already. It seems like only 3 months ago that we brought him home. Candice will be sending out invitations for his birthday party in the next couple of weeks.

Carter is becoming more independent every day. Candice tried to let him feed himself and a total mess ensued. He is starting to eat some table foods. His favorites are Goldfish and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. He is getting into everything. He has figured out how to open drawers, open cabinets, and climb up on things. In fact, he has figured out how to stand in his high chair. That about gave Candice a heart attack. I know every parent says it, but Carter is too clever for his own good.

We gave Carter his first haircut last night, and he HATED it. But, he does look much better. We used Jared's clippers to trim it up and, Carter was terrified. I will try and post a video later so you all can see it.

Are Blonds Really Dumb?

Sometimes you have to ask yourself these kind of questions. I present to you the evidence.


"Kellie Pickler on Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader"


"Miss Teen South Carolina Answers a Question"


"Jessica Simpson wants to know if tuna is a fish"


"Urban or Rural?"

Of course, all of this is in jest. Not all dumb people are blond.


"I guess it runs in the family"


"Even the police are not immune"

We hope everyone got a good laugh. Sometimes you just need to laugh a little

Reaching Goals

Today, Jared reached 2 of his fitness goals.

1. Finish a 2 mile run in 20 minutes. This was the fitness goal that seemed impossible when he started going to the gym in September 2007. He has improved from 1.85 miles in 30 minutes to 2 miles in 20 minutes.
   
2. Bench Press his body weight 10 times. This goal was achieved by a combination of getting stronger and losing weight. His strength has steadily improved from 140x10 to 235x10. His weight has decreased from 277 to 227.
   

He still has three more goals to reach.

1. Reduce weight to 215 lbs. They say the first 10 lbs and the last 10 lbs are the hardest to lose, but now that the holidays are over, he can get back on track. It has been difficult to find time to work out between Christmas and his birthday (January 19).
   
2. Do 10 pullups. This may be the hardest goal to achieve. Even at his most fit, 10 pullups were difficult. We will see his progress in the next several months.
3. Bench Press 300 lbs. This goal is more of a pride thing. At one time his bench press was near 400 lbs, but the years of slacking off have taken their toll. Without a trusty workout partner, it is difficult to push too hard.

It feels good to reach one's goals, and it feels good to let loved ones share in that joy.

We love you all, and hope to see you soon.

The First Posting

Welcome Friends and Family to the Medlin Family Blog. Candice, Carter and I will try to update this frequently to keep everyone posted on the (mis)adventures of our daily life. Unfortunately, we do not get to see everybody as frequently as we would like. We will be posting photos, videos (if we can get it figured out), and maybe some other interesting tidbits.

Today, Carter got his first pair of shoes. Of course, they had to be Stride Rite. He is cruising around now. It is so neat to see him pull himself up and walk up and down the couch. He is growing up so fast. It seems like just yesterday he was giving us his first smile.

Carter's teeth are also coming in. He already has two on the bottom, and is getting ready for four more on the top. Soon he will be able to eat unpuree'd food.

Candice is still looking for a new job. She has already discontinued her benefits, so she can leave Pier 1. Everyone please pray for her to find a job she likes.

Jared is still trying to get up early and go to the gym. Some mornings 4:30 is just TOO early. Otherwise he is still working at Triplett-King as a Project Engineer. Things are steady, but not busy.

So long for now, we look forward to seeing you all.


Sweet Carter O' Mine


Getting Shoes and Other Adventures

Recipe
Jared's Chili

Ingredients
1 Lb Ground Beef or Ground Turkey
2 14 oz. cans Del Monte Zesty Chili Diced Tomatoes
1 Medium Sweet Yellow Onion (Chopped)
2 Cloves Garlic (Minced)
1 16 oz. Can of Red Kidney Beans
8 oz. Can Tomato Sauce
3/4 Teaspoon Cumin
1 Tablespoon Chili Powder
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1/3 Cup Yellow Mustard
2 Tablespoons Cholula Hot Sauce

Instructions
1. Brown meat with onions and garlic
2. Drain meat and place in Crock Pot
3. Drain and rinse beans. Add to Crock Pot
4. Add all other ingredients and blend
5. Stew on medium heat for at least 1 hour