Summer Madness

Candice and Jared reached 8 years of marriage this year. So far, so good. =) Candice stays at home this summer and keeps the schedule going. She is apart of Gabriella's therapy sessions as well as keeping Carter from summer boredom. Jared is doing well at work. KCI has given him some good work opportunities and keeps us under a roof. No complaints. =)

Superheroes to the rescue! Carter has continued his fascination with superheroes. He finished kindergarten this year with high scores and we hope he continues to enjoy learning. He is getting in some summer movie time. Carter is reading library books and keeping up with his educational duties this summer as well as enjoying some pool time when Daddy takes him. He turned 6 this year and lost his first two teeth. So much excitement! =)

Gabriella has been working with ABA therapists for a few months now. Although it seems like progress is slow and tedious, she really is making strides with them. For the summer she will have sessions for 6 days. when school starts back she will be in her same class as last year an d working with her therapists around that time. While she continues to learn more sounds, she is also learning sign language as another means of communications. This will be an ongoing process, but she continues to make good progress.

Holidays

 So, first of all, What is up with this weather? It is cold some weeks and others, it is back into the upper 60s. I took this pic of Gabriella in November on one of the warmer days. This is from the last rose bush I have that didn't die. =) 

Jared has had some changes at work. Recently his company was bought out by a larger company. He now works for KCI and will continue with the type of work he is currently doing. Hopefully this change is for the better and he will have a chance to grow in a larger company

This picture represents the only turkeys we saw at Thanksgiving this year. Thanks to terrible colds, we didn't make it to the Watkins family Thanksgiving weekend. We didn't even get to go to see any Medlins either. =(  If I hadn't been so sick myself, I would have attempted something special. However, Bojangles was all that was open that day. (Yuck!) We have all since been feeling a little better and hopefully will stay better through the real winter of January... (crossing my fingers)



This is a picture of the superhero Christmas tree that resides in Carter's room. Last year, Gabriella had it in her room, but it was Carter's turn. We thought we had tons of action figures to fill it up, but in actuality it is only full on the front side.lol One day I will try to put a small tree in everyone's rooms. They make such good night lights.

Carter is such a fun kid. He comes home from school with new jokes and stories about what is going on with him. He is enjoying school and the times he spends with his Daddy. Being around him helps take away all the crazy worries of adult life. Love this boy!
 Gabriella continues to grow and learn. She does well in preschool and can say a few words when she is in the mood to do so. Hopefully she will continue to develop and be able to speak more within the next year. She goes in January to be evaluated by the school system. We shall see what options we have for her for her continuing developments

Here we go again...

 Another year has flown by. I will try my hardest to keep this up, but no promises. We are still in Rock Hill, SC and make no plans to change that in the near future.

Jared is still working with TriplettKing and Associates. His department has moved to an office in Charlotte. So far, there hasn't been a huge problem with the commute. He continues to learn more songs on the guitar and enjoys playing games with it.

 Candice has been keeping busy being a stay at home mom. She has continued to help Gabriella in her developmental schedule. (Gabriella was diagnosed with Autism spectrum disorder this summer) While the kids schedules keep her busy, she still finds time to work on her plaster crafts(painting the houses) and reading. She has many hopes for future craft projects in the works.

 Carter is in 5 year old kindergarten this year. He has transitioned into the "big kids"school. So far he really enjoys the class. He especially likes art and gym classes. He has been into superheroes lately and right now he is all about Batman. He is reading on a higher grade level and likes to read superhero books. He also likes when his father plays video games and he can watch with him. We are trying to get him used to riding his bike more often so we can take the training wheels off.

Gabriella has been working with the states Babynet program since the spring. She will continue those therapy sessions until she turns three. We are hoping by next year we can get her into an ABA therapy preschool, but we shall see. She has started her two day preschool at the place where Carter went. So far it hasn't been too crazy and they let her color a lot, which she loves. She is still exploring new things, but is making more sounds now. We have high hopes for her speech getting better.

AYear Later...

Things have been busy this year for the family. Gabriella turned one recently. Carter has been attending preschool and speaking very well. He keeps us entertained constantly. Work has slowed down enough for Jared to join us in quite a few activities. We have been grateful for our time in Kansas City last year, but are glad to be home and closer to family. =)

The Land of Oz

Often times we find ourselves in a new place with lots to discover. As we are now in Kansas City area, there are several avenues in which we plan to explore. Carter's new favorite place is the apartment's putting green. He has his own set of clubs and likes to put all the golf balls in the same hole. He enjoys just being out and about around the complex. We have a playground, pool, billiards room and weight room available to us here. Our apartment has a one car garage and is very quiet. We would like to thank Adam M. for helping us move. We could not have done it without him.
Jared seems to be enjoying his new job despite the fact he has no one to talk football with- yet. He attends meetings several times a week which I am told is much better than sitting at a desk all day, everyday. He likes his co-workers that he talks to and is glad for the opportunity he was given.
Candice is doing well physically. As most of you know she heard the baby's heartbeat and is starting to feel better most days. Although she won't be employed while here, she keeps busy with Carter who is not attending preschool this year. (As some of you know, there is no preschool for under three years here unless they are potty trained.) So she has had a crash course in preschool 101 from the teachers in the family and now gives Carter learning activities at home.
Carter seems to have adjusted somewhat to our living arrangements. Although there are days of bad moods and whining fits, (typical for two-year olds) he generally has us still wrapped around his fingers. We are still looking into some playgroups for him to join. There are only a couple of smaller kids in the complex that he can play with.
We've gone to a couple of the places of interest in the Kansas City area. One area being the zoo. We have not developed those pictures yet since we used a disposable. It still seems as though the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia has more to offer than this zoo, but otherwise there was plenty to see. We traveled to the next town over to check out a place called Wonderscope. It sounded as though it was a Discovery Place type activity, but no where near that huge. It was a remodeled school house that had several rooms for Carter to play. It was a couple hours well spent, but do not forsee a repeat trip anytime soon. Another place we went is actually across the street from us. Its a farmstead with areas to pet the animals, park, playground and some historical facts and finds around. Its a great place for kids while the weather is still good.

We are all doing well and miss everyone. We look forward to seeing everyone for the holidays.

Summer Fun

So summer has arrived at House of Medlin. Carter has a little wading pool for the days Candice doesn't want to get wet at the neighborhood pool. He plays in it like he does his bath tub and hates to get out even though he gets cold. Carter won't be attending summer school, but Candice has her workbook of letters, numbers and sounds already in use. Carter has a worker named Stacy who comes to play and work with him once a week. Our goal is to get him to say words as soon as possible.
Jared had a great Father's Day recently. He was able to spend hours playing golf on his PS3. How relaxing it was for him and was greatly appreciative for his really cool "Dads Rock" t-shirt and new mousepad for work. As we have mentioned before, Jared's company has been expanding, but we managed recently to take a vacation.

We joined the Medlin clan recently on a trip to Myrtle Beach. We had a great time! Carter enjoyed the water and sand and time with his Grandpa Vic and Sherlyn and Grandma Sarah. He even hung out with his aunt and uncles some. It was great for Jared and Candice to have dinner together without Carter. We don't do that very often.
As you can see from this picture, Carter is trying to put on his own clothes. He loves his Mickey Mouse PJ's and fusses when he is dressed in the mornings. He doesn't seem to understand that !

Spring has sprung! New and exciting things have been going on with our family... Can't think of anything at the moment, but I know it has.lol. Just kidding!Carter has turned 2 years old. That is the biggest news, I suppose in our wonderfully not too exciting lives here at Chez Medlin. As you can see from the pics, it was beautiful day. The games were a hit , the cake was divine and the toy gifts are all over the house and yard now! I think Jared and I had more fun putting it together than anything.

Naturally Carter would have been just fine playing with balloons, but was having a blast with all the family and friends that came. Thanks you guys for making it a great day!I have started a tradition in which I photograph Carter in a shirt of Jared's. I want to do this every year and see the changes in growth. You can probably guess he isn't the most cooperative when it com

es to pictures. I took so many because he was crying at first, not wanting to wear the shirt. so I had to turn on My Friends Tigger and Pooh in order to distract enough to dry his tears. Next I had to wait for the funny parts to get a small smile or laugh. I tried all the tricks like asking him to show me his teeth. Boy, such an effort! I think I ended up with 50 or so different pictures. It was great!

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