Flowers Family Fun

I'm Back

2011-01-22T20:46:00.004-06:00

It's been quite a year...or so. In the past I was able to take a break at work to post or I'd post right when I got home. That has not been a luxury of mine for quite some time now. I miss blogging. It was a therapy of sorts for me, and I enjoyed it so much. I am going to try my best to make time for it. I know you're thrilled :) to have me back.

So....I will do my best to quickly provide an update on the Fam. I am still working at the VA, but no longer in the capacity of social worker. I am working in Medical Administration Service and I am enjoying it, but it's got a much different flow than social work did and there's very little down time. Anthony is still working for JSI and is out of town during the week running jobs across the state. It's tough having him away from the family so we cherish our time with him on the weekends. During the week, I'm pretty much a single parent, and our poor house looks like a tornado went through it each week by Friday.

The kids are FABULOUS. They are so stinkin' funny that I wish I had a video camera following me to document their every move, especially the ones when I'm not there...which feels like all of the time now. I'm a little down in the mouth because I feel like there just aren't enough hours in the day to spend with my kiddos. I get off work at 5pm...to the school by 5:35 (if I'm lucky)....home by 6:15 or so. I'd like to get them in bed by 8:00. That gives me less than 2 hours with them each night. Pretty much sucks. There's no other word for it. I was telling...no, admitting, to a girl at work the other day that I get semi-excited when my children get sick because I FINALLY get to spend time with them. That's so sad :( I know this to shall pass, and I'm hoping and praying it passes sooner than later.

Can't end on this sour note, so here's some cute pics to make it up to you. As always, I covet your prayers. Much LOVE...Mandye.

New Pictures

2009-11-12T13:27:00.003-06:00

Kids+Copper+Jeep=STINKIN' CUTE

2009-10-13T14:49:00.002-05:00

My Bible Verse Today...God is AMAZING!

2009-10-09T08:29:00.002-05:00

He sends the Word we need, on time...all the time:

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 (New International Version)

Thank you, Jesus...

UPDATE

2009-10-08T16:19:00.003-05:00

The meeting/interview today was with VA Center Director about my job. Many of you know that I will lose my job as a social worker next week on Oct. 15. It's a long story, but basically I needed an upgraded license-one that says I can practice independently in MS-3 years from the day I was hired in Jackson. I am a licensed social worker and anywhere outside of the VA I could do the job I'm doing now with no problem, but the VA requires that I have my LCSW (License to practice independently). Well, I initiated the process later than I should have, thinking I'd make the deadline. I should have been able to, but then everything that could go wrong, has gone wrong. Now, here I am, three years later, with no LCSW. I have been applying for other VA jobs since the time I realized that I wasn't going to make my deadline, and I'm still waiting to hear back from ALL OF THEM! It's very frustrating. I keep wondering what went wrong. I run a HUGE program here at the VA. I'm constantly busy with my patients, who I LOVE. I do not regret that I let my 'job' get in the way of the 'obligations' associated with it. Meaning, I don't regret that I let my actual job and my care toward my patients get in the way of the time I should have spent bird-dogging this process of achieving licensure. Because if I'd have spent the time I needed to chasing the board of examiners...I'd not have been able to successfully manage my job and my caseload. I know this makes no sense, but it sure feels good to write it down.

So, I am now at the mercy of the VA. I pray that God will keep my tongue at bay (for we know what a wicked thing it can be!), my spirit gentle and open my eyes and ears and heart to hear what it is He's teaching me through this journey (other than don't procrastinate!).

I appreciate your prayers...

Mandye

Please Pray Today

2009-10-08T09:04:00.002-05:00

I have an interview in about 30 mintues. Please pray for me. Thanks!
Love,
Mandye

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-07T13:41:00.001-05:00

"Prettiest Bouquet Evah!"

2009-10-05T13:37:00.002-05:00

The girls are going to be flowers for Halloween this year and I'm SO EXCITED! I think I'm more excited than they are about their costumes. We got them at Children's Place and we had to try them on as soon as we got home. Of course!!! Carsen said "now we stand just stand here and someone will pick us!"
Prettiest flowers I've ever been given :)

LOVE THEM TO PIECES!!!

Little mirror imagesAnd yes, I will be framing this one. BIG COPY. I love Halloween. sigh.

Long Distance Friendships-Bridging the Gap With Technology!!!

2009-09-23T09:14:00.002-05:00

My bestie Jenn Holley lives in Nashville and it's difficult being that far away from a such a close friend. That said, it's even harder for our kiddos, who absolutely love each other. Even though they only see each other a few times a year, they always pick right up where they left off. Jenn and I have wanted for some time to setup a web-cam so they can talk to each other, so when GoogleChat added it's videochat option, we were pumped! It took a few days for both of us to get it working right, but the payoff was priceless. The look on Aiden and the girls' faces when Maddy popped up on their screen was awesome! When they chat they talk about school, tv, dress-up, make-believe stuff and always show each other their favorite toys. It's so cute! The most recent chat was for Maddy's actual birthday, September 3rd. I took some pictures so I could share the experience with you. Aiden is thrilled to see Maddy! Here's what they see. That's my kids sitting on barstools with my camera blocking their faces in the lower right-hand corner. So they can also see what Maddy's seeing in that little box, but they haven't quite figured that out yet.
Here Maddy is pointing to the girls and asking which is which. "You say your name and then YOU say YOUR name!"

Aiden is showing her his Woody Cowboy. Maddy has taken a new interest in Toy Story so Aiden is showing off a little here. This is the whole scene. Thankfully, if they're on the barstools it's pretty organized and there's no fighting for camera time. They can all be seen and heard at this angle. Trust me. I've tried a few ways, but this is the best.

Now the kids had no clue at this point, but we were already planning to go that weekend to Hernando to celebrate Maddy's 4th and Colbie's 1st birthdays. They were SO excited!!! We spend Labor Day weekend there. It was awesome. I'll post those pics in another post later.

Stella & Dot Tuesdays

2009-09-22T11:55:00.000-05:00

Stella & Dot Tuesdays: NEW Fall Specials Announced

2009-09-15T10:39:00.004-05:00

FALL SPECIALS that I want to pass along to my customers!
Purchase $50 and receive 50% off up to two of these fabulous fall items! You’ll love these best selling fall items, perfect for your everyday, go-to jewelry, at a special price just for Trunk Show guests! Beat the holiday rush and order these signature styles today.*

Book a Trunk Show< Join My Team >Order Online

*Offer not valid for previously purchased items, available for trunk show guests only. Discounted prices are valid only with a $50 retail party purchase through September 30, 2009. Up to 2 choices per customer. Good while supplies last. All purchases final. Not valid at discount prices for Hostess Rewards.

Signature Scroll Necklace: Regular price $44, Sale Price $22

This fabulous necklace features the signature Stella & Dot scroll pattern on a silver pendant with a tan cord. Cotton cord, 18" length, button closure. Pendant diameter, 1.25".

Love Script Necklace: Regular price $44, Sale price $22

Perfectly lovely sterling silver necklace. 16" length w/2 extender, lobster clasp. Pendant width 1.5".

Coin Pearl Necklace: Regular price $59, Sale price $29.50

Luscious freshwater pearls hand knotted with silk thread. Approximately 38” length,sterling silver hook closure. Perfect for layering.

Signature Crest Pendant: Regular price $29, Sale price $14.50

Attachable silver plated pendant slips on to your favorite chain. 1.25” l x 1” w. Shown on 30” sterling silver chain, sold separately.

Coin Pearl Bracelet: Regular price $128, Sale price $64

6 strands of gorgeous freshwater pearls. Stretchable bracelet adjusts for a universal fit. 2.5" - 3" inner diameter. Width on wrist, 3". A modern apporach to a classic look.

Stella & Dot TUESDAYS: Now about those trunk shows...

2009-09-01T09:54:00.004-05:00

It's September and I'm gearing up to schedule some Stella & Dot Trunk Shows! Kids are officially in school and it's time to focus on MOM and what she deserves. So how much work goes into a trunk show? VERY LITTLE! Trunk shows are VERY casual, come & go style parties that usually last about 2 hours. The hostess may or may not provide appetizers and/or drinks (of whatever you prefer), depending on their preference. The setup is painless...no big presentation AT ALL! There is no sit-down speech so you're not required to have tons of seating. You simply need an area with a table (dining or coffee) where guest can gather and try on jewelry, which I will provide, along with the decor. Guests come in and try on what they want, with me there to answer questions and assist in placing orders. So what do you do? Simple. Smile and reap the hostess benefits! If you have internet access (wifi makes it super easy) guests can order online right at your show. The jewels arrive within 2-3 days of ordering (some have even arrived overnight!). I try to keep it as casual and fun as possible which isn't hard because this is fun to me! My job is to PLAY in jewelry! What's not fun about that? And I love that I get to help my hostesses to get free and discounted jewelry! It's really a win-win situation.

Party FYI's:

-All orders placed at a party have a $5.95 flat fee shipping.

-50% of our Fall Catalog is UNDER $50! Great idea for Christmas and Birthday gifts!

-If you don't feel comfortable having a party at your house, contact me and I can work on alternate locations, such as restaurant parties or clubhouse parties.

SO...If you're interested in hosting a trunk show, I have the following dates available for September:

Thursday Sept 10th
Tuesday Sept 15th
Thursday Sept 17th
Tuesday Sept 22nd
Friday Sept 25th
Saturday Sept 26th

*If you have an alternate date, call me and we might can work something out, especially on weekends!

No time for a "at-home" trunk show? Have an E-Party! I will setup a party for you online & you will have a FULL MONTH to gather online sales toward your party! I can send you catalogs & order forms to pass around if you'd like OR customers can simply browse & order online!

I can't wait to party with you!

Party With Me*Join Stella's Steel Magnolias*Shop With Me

Fall in August?? I'll take it!

2009-08-28T09:31:00.004-05:00

Last Chance to Order for Mandye's Stella & Dot Jewelry LAUNCH SHOW

2009-08-25T10:54:00.001-05:00

Last Chance to Order for Mandye's Stella & Dot Jewelry LAUNCH SHOW

Shared via AddThis

Aiden's Karate Demonstration

2009-08-21T08:46:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I'm only 20 days late with these pics...Ha! Aiden had his very first Karate Demo on August 1st. He takes at the Res YMCA with Brandi & Drew's son, Brendon (one of Aiden's best buds!), and he LOVES it! He's actually sort of a Karate savant so far, from all I can tell. You should see him! His push ups are awesome and he can do jumping jacks better than me. He's learning discipline that is just so imperative at his age. He comes home so proud of himself. I think we've found a good activity that fits his personality. He's always been a little 'growny' for his age and Karate really seems to be great for him. He's not 'all over the place' like you'd expect a 4 y/o to be when asked to pay attention for an hour...he's very focused. I'm so very proud of him! We may have a black belt on our hands here in a few years!!!

He does so good with his push ups! Proud Mommy and Daddy!

2009-08-19T15:45:00.000-05:00

OK, so I want Tuesdays to be the days that I showcase Stella & Dot, but I didn't press publish yesterday so I'm a little late...whoops! SORRY!

Today I wanted to share that Jillian Harris, yes...THE BACHLORETTE, wore Stella & Dot many, many, many times throughout the season. It became a little game to spot the S&D on Jill! Turns out, she has a very good friend who is a stylist with S&D and Jill just LOVES the line! As a matter of fact, the Jill CZ Hoop Earrings (My Personal Favorite E/Rs that they have) were named after fair Jillian. Here they are:Jill CZ Hoop Earrings

E810S $74

Jasmine Filigree Earrings
E800G $59.00

And to match those beautiful earrings, there's the Jasmine Filigree Necklace, featured in Redbook magazine. A delicate, exotic beauty. Finely crafted of 14kt gold vermeil. 18" length with 2" extender.
Jasmine Filigree Necklace
N802G $64.00

Jill loves her turquoise! Above she's sporting the Turquoise Sea Drop Earrings: Sterling silver and turquoise. 2" length
E808 $29.00

Below, Jill is wearing the necklace that matches the Sea Drop Earrings, The Turquoise Sea Necklace. I have worn this one before, and I can attest that it feels awesome on...kind of like a little massage for your neck. It was nice.

Turquoise Sea Drop Necklace: Genuine turquoise, with sterling silver clasp. 19 1/2" length N625 $168.00

Jill also knows how to dress it up. Above, on an apparantly stressful evening (Wonder if this is when the hot guy came back and warned her about Wes...hmmmm), Jillian is wearing S&D's Countess Bangle.

Countess Bangle: Czech crystal, rhodium plated. 2.5" inner diameter on stretch cord
B820S $59.00

What matches that beautiful bracelet? S&D has some gorgeous Deco peices!!!Czech crystals with silver plated accents, 7.75" length with fold-over clasp.

Heirloom Deco Bracelet
B815S
$89.00

Glint Flower CZ Earrings : Sterling Silver with CZs. .50" diameter.
E815S
$39.00

NEXT WEEK: The Holiday Collection Preview-More Deco peices for the Holiday Season!

If YOU would like to book a Stella & Dot Trunk Show and get hostess rewards (free and half off jewels of your choice!), email me: MandyeFlowers@gmail.com

BE ON MY TEAM

BROWSE THE CATALOG ONLINE

GET A PAPER CATALOG

HOST A TRUNK SHOW

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-08-05T10:06:00.003-05:00

MY STELLA & DOT BUSINESS LAUNCH!!!

2009-08-03T14:16:00.002-05:00

This weekend is MY STELLA & DOT BUSINESS LAUNCH!!! I'm very excited about my new little side business and looking forward to the response from others. EVERYONE is invited to attend. It's this Saturday, August 8, 2009 @ my house from 1pm-3pm (Come & Go style). I am excited about getting certified as a stylist, and I must sell a certain amound to be able to do so. I have no doubts about the products...I adore everything I have from them so far! I hope to see you at my show so we can play in the jewels together :)

CAN'T MAKE IT TO THE PARTY??

CLICK HERE (to MY site) and follow these 3 simple instructions!

1)Click on the "Find your hostess" link (Look at the upper right side for "Can't Make it to the Party?")

2)Enter your hostess' name-Mandye Flowers

3)Then click on the name "Mandye Flowers" and you are done and ready to browse! You can have your jewelry sent directly to your house if you order online!

HAVE FUN!

More Perdido Pics

2009-07-31T12:21:00.004-05:00

Loving some rolls at Lamberts!!!

Me & the girls @ Lamberts...waiting and waiting and waiting...

Aiden enjoying the pool

Daddy and Mommy moments!

TOP COUSIN PIC: My Sister Ashley, Me and My Cousin Anna

BOTTOM COUSIN PIC: Carsen, Tayler, Camden & Katie Banks

All the kids got tattoos at Lulu's!

Cam showing Mamaw something on her face.

Carsen snuggling with Mamaw...so sweet!

Carsen Jumping to Neener!

Aiden taking a break

Stella & Dot FALL LOOKBOOK (Catalog)

2009-07-27T13:58:00.000-05:00

http://www.stelladot.com/sites/mandyeflowers/dynamic?jspPage=lookbook/en_US/index.html

Stella & Dot

2009-07-16T15:12:00.007-05:00

I am proud to announce that I am now officially a Stella & Dot Sylist!!!

What does this mean?

Well....It means I get to throw awesome jewelry parties and help my friends get LOADS of free and discounted jewels, while earing some money on the side!!! What could be better than that?

Stella & Dot is a fabulous company that is new to Mississippi. I am about the 3rd person in the state to sign up as a stylist, from what I hear. I am VERY excited about it and I can't wait to get into your homes and show you how fantastic this jewelry is. It is super easy to buy from Stella & Dot-MUCH easier that any other 'home party' jewelry company that I've ever seen in the past. This is not 'ya mama's' company! It's fun, funky and unique and you will adore the style. You probably have already seen Stella & Dot on celebrities and in magazines without even knowing it. Take a look:

I LOVE Vintage jewelry so I am totally loving S&D's Vintage Lockets and their Happy Flowers collection. In fact, all of the Jewelry in S&D's line is modeled after vintage pieces from the designer's grandmothers' jewels. And what might those grandmothers' names be?? Why, Stella & Dot, of course!

I also ADORE their turquoise!

And I can't leave out the personalized pieces that you can make into your very own creation. S&D has a variety of bracelets, chains, leather and earrings that you can pair with their charm collection to create something of your own style.

So are you ready to party with me?? I'd love to have a trunk show with you and your friends to show you more of the collection. You can also check out my website and order directly from there anytime!

www.stelladot.com/mandyeflowers

And if you do choose to party with me, you earn your own free and discounted jewels! See below (with your magnifying glass...sorry so small!!) to find out more about what you earn.

So that's it! Just like any 'real' girl, I LOVE to play in jewelry. If you are interested in learning more about hosting a trunk show and earning jewels of your own, email me"

StellaDotFlowers@gmail.com

I am VERY excited, if you can't tell, about this endeavor and I covet your prayers as I journey into this little side business.

Thanks in advance!

Love,

Mandye

PS-On Special in July is our Martine Bib Necklace (pictured below-whip out that magnifying glass again!). It's $49.00 (reg. $88) with the purchase of $50 worth of jewelry. Email for more details!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-15T14:36:00.001-05:00

A Serious Case of the "Me, Too's"

2009-07-09T13:09:00.002-05:00

My girls have a serious case of the 'Me, Too's!' Let me explain. Camden hurt her finger and needed a bandaid. Carsen immediately said her finger hurt, too. This is just one example of MANY. It goes both ways, sometimes with Carsen wanting to what Cam has and sometimes visa versa. Tuesday when Anthony picked the girls up we had a note saying Carsen hurt her head and got an ice pack on it. I went on to read the explanation. It went something like this:
Another child hit their head and needed an ice pack. Carsen asked for one, too. I told her she didn't need one. They Carsen hit her head against the wall. I then gave her the ice pack for the bump on her head.

No words.

See what I'm dealing with here!!!

Then Camden didn't make it to the potty and had to change clothes. It was after naptime and she just didn't get there in time. Carsen told them she had also peepee'd on herself, so they proceded to change her clothes, as well. Then they noticed Carsen wasn't wet. When they asked her why she lied to them and said she was wet, she said she wanted to change clothes, too.

Again, no words.

Mostley Cam just wants what Carsen has as far as attention goes...to sit in mommy's lap, to sit in by so-and-so, to sit in a certain seat. But Carsen is taking this to a new level. They love her at school. They think she's hilarious. I am beginning to find it not so funny anymore. Do you think she's normal? I'm just not used to a kid like this! She's just in her own world. I ask Anthony, "Do you think she's going to be ok?" And I'm SERIOUS! He just shrugs,"I do not know." And I think he is as serious as I am. She's not autistic. She's too smart! And she's super sweet. She will hug and kiss you all day. But she's just...goofy! I'm not sure what I'm getting at, but I know she's a blessing no matter if she's normal or not. She's my little goofball, sent for comic relief.

I was rushing the kids around to get out the door, and then I can't find my phone. "What's the big idea, Mom?" I know it's her. "Where'd you put it? What's the big idea?" I couldn't find the phone for laughing at her. God love her. God love them all. So special in their own ways.

So you know from pics that we just got back from Perdido 2 weeks ago. While there, Camden was amazing! The girl is such a 'good time girl,' who is not afraid of ANYTHING and who loves water and the beach. My kind of girl! So by the end of the week both she and Aiden were swimming underwater and jumping in the pool on their own. Camden wanted to swim by herself with no floaties all week, but I was scared. Not her! Me! So when Aiden started going under by himself, she got a case of the 'Me, Too's' and started going under, too. They she actually started swimming before he did! I love that kid. She is SO brave. I have pictures of them jumping in, but not of the swimming. So fun!

Aiden started Karate last week on Thursday at the Rez Y. He LOVES it! He really impressed the teacher according to his Daddy. I wasn't there. I've decided that while Anthony and Aiden go to Karate on Thursdays, me and the girls will have girls night. In the Fall, they'll start dance at Beverly's School of Dance. I can't wait!!! So....tonight we will be going and visiting with KayKay and Mary Kellan in Richland so that I can help Katie with Baby Walker's nursery. Walker Clark Sartin will be here in less that a month!!! YAY! I can't wait! I love little baby boys! I will be on hand, taking pics of him!

Ok, must go work. Please continue to lift up my work situation. It's a tough burden on me and I continue to pray my way through it. I am patiently waiting on God to guide me through this one. Will let you know when that happens!

Oh! And as we pulled in from Perdido, there was Anthony in the driveway with our horse...I mean dog, Copper! He had DOUBLED in size. Carsen kept saying, "Copper's gotten BIGGER!" He is so cute...except when he pees on the floor. No so cute, then!

Love,
Mandye

Some Beach....Somewhere....

2009-06-23T09:06:00.002-05:00

PERDIDO BEACH TRIP 2009 part 1

My Cousin Drew and his mini me Bennett

Funny Carsen

Another beautiful Bennett picture

My sweet Aiden

Aiden and Carsen

Carsen Flowers, Queen of the Catch Phrase

2009-06-12T10:01:00.002-05:00

Do not be fooled. This is not the face of innocence.

My Carsen is a total trip, I tell you!

I have to preface this story with another story...

My cousin Drew is also a complete trip and always has been. All my life I watched my aunt Janet discipline her children and she always had trouble figuring out how to keep a straight face while getting onto Drew. It tickled those of us watching, because he was always (and still is) SO naturally funny. You cannot be in his prescence and not laugh, and I mean that in a good way. He's awesome. Anyway, here I am...years later, with a little Drew of my own in Carsen. I try and try to keep a straight face when getting onto her, but she is a character.

Her new thing is to come back at me, totally straight face, with some little growny catch phrase. For example, last night in the car she hit Camden. Well, Camden promptly swelled up, cried and told on her. Immediately I ask Carsen why she did it and she, completely straight faced (if not with a little bit of....what? sarcasm? I don't even know....but she knows) rattled of the following:

Carsen: I didn't mean to.

Me: What? What do you mean you didn't mean to? You hit her!

Carsen: I didn't mean to. It was an accident.

Me: Carsen, it's not an accident if you do it on purpose, Honey.

Carsen: But it's not my fault, Mom.

Me: Carsen, it is your fault if you hit someone on purpose.

Carsen: Well then I don't care. I just. don't. care."

It was perfectly articulate and her face was like an angel the whole time. And Camden & Aiden, at this point, are both looking at her with some sort of strange admiration.

At that point I lost it. Anthony had to take over and I just turned around and stiffled my laughter. It was like a game of how many excuses she could come up....and then the "I don't care," was just waaaaaaaay over the top. She's just repeating all the things she's hearing other kids (and adults!)say, whether they are appropriate to the situation or not. And it's her delivery that just gets you. I mean, she keeps that perfect, straight, angelic face while giving these obviously off-base reasons for what she did. The other day she didn't make it to the potty and when I asked her why she put on her straight face and said, "It was an accident. It's not my fault," then she hugged me and kissed my square on the lips before walking off and putting her panties in the dirty clothes and changing into new ones. I was speechless.

I've always said that she's going to be trouble. I have got to get a grip. SHE'S ONLY 3!!! Wow. Are we in for it in a few years or what???

New Copper Pics-9 weeks old!

2009-06-09T10:01:00.004-05:00

Here he is...hiding in the tall grass...He loves to pounce on it!

BOO! Aren't his eyes pretty?! They're light brown. I hope they stay that way.

Favorite past-time: Stalking

Here you can see the 'copper' patch on Copper's head. He's a pretty boy!

He has a great profile

Checkin' out the driveway

Getting those 'good boy' treats!

Taking a rest...note the scar on his hip. His mom did that to him during birth. It's not bad and will probably be very small as he gets very much bigger!

He has the sweetest face!

Close-up of the Scar! I think he might be the doggy version of Harry Potter :)

Funny Stories

2009-06-08T11:33:00.004-05:00

So it's been a while since I posted any stories about the kids. Of course there are some! I just have no brain power lately to compile them all. I'm hoping, as I type this, that some of them will come to me.

The first that I'm remembering (and you're warned that this might not translate as well without Aiden there to demostrate) is a story from the last time we went to the doctor. I was alone with all 3 children. It was a blast, even though they were sick, because they are soooooo funny. First of all, Carsenhad to tell everyone she saw that she was sick because the 'frew up,' at 'Nandos.' Translation....she threw up at Fernandos mexican restaurant....in DECEMBER! But she associates anytime she is sick with the time she up-chucked at Fernandos. I had to explain to everyone, including the doctor, that she was not acutally throwing up this visit.

Then, Aiden had to tell Dr. Edwards that it was the girls' birthday this month. (this was in May) Dr. Edwards was so sweet and played along.
"They have the same birthday?" Dr. Edwards asked Aiden.
"Yes. They do. They're twins." Aiden replied, very matter of fact, but slightly sarcastic.
"They're twins?" Dr. Edwards kept going, "Well, what does that mean?"
This was the best part.
Aiden took his hand and drew a circle in the air around his head as he said, "It means they have the same FACE!" I almost lost it. So. Funny.
Then Dr. E threw him for a loop and said, "Well you have the same face, too, so what does that mean? "
Aiden looked blank, and then said, "But I am 4 and my birthday is December 13. They are going to be 3 and their birthday is March 26." He was very confident in his answer. What a smart boy!

Ok, I promise more stories to come. I will do better!

Oh YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!! Toy Story 3 Trailer!

2009-06-05T12:57:00.000-05:00

Could not be more excited about this! Counting down the days!

Oh the Crazy Days of Summer...

2009-06-03T13:42:00.004-05:00

It's been a while since I posted, but in my defense...I've had a few things going on! Here's a recap.

1. We got a new puppy! On Thursday, May 22, 2009, we welcomed a 6 week old Bullmastiff pup to our household. Anthony and I drove after work to Carrolton, MS to pick him up. He's amazing and smart and the kids...well, they're getting used to him. They like him, but they don't like that the only way he knows to get their attention is with his mouth, whether by kisses (ok, slobery licks with his tongue) or nips with his little puppy teeth, which we are already breaking him of, thankfully. He loves to chase Camden and Carsen because their clothes end right at his eyeline, so he thinks they're playing with him when they run. It's pretty cute. Nothing dangerous...he is a puppy. But he's very smart and already pretty much house trained. We let the kids name him, and though I preferred Maddox or Steve (there's a story there), Aiden named him Copper James. Aiden's name is Aiden James, so he said Copper's middle name should be Copper James. Ant and I wanted to name him after Brendan Sartin, our best friend whose b'day was on the day we got Copper. We thought Copper Brendan was great, but Aiden insisted on Copper James. So here's our newest family member:

Copper James Flowers

2a. Anthony left to go on his Grand Canyon Hiking Adventure on May 24th. He was gone NINE DAYS. While he was gone we had many an adventure and, as you can imagine, so did he! More on that down the line.

3. The day Anthony left mom and dad's dog, our 14 y/o Cocker Spaniel, Daisy, went missing. She was there when I picked up the kids on Sunday and then we could not find her for two days afterward. Mom, Dad, Me and Ash were all worried sick because Daisy is very old and can't hear or see well anymore. Combined with the fact that she now stays outside because she can't hold her bladder anymore and was really messing up the house. She LOVES being outside and rarely wanders. It's never been an issue. Until now. Our Vet called and had gotten a call from someone who found a cocker spaniel in the road near my parents. She was alive, but not very alert. Daddy went to get her and took her to the vet immediately. She had been hit and her hip was dislocated very badly. They didn't want to do surgery because of the anesthesia and her age (not a good combo). They gave her pain meds (STRONG) and she is home now. She eats well and is now moving around just fine. She may have surgery later if needed, but is really doing well it seems for a dog her age. Pray for Daisy. We love her and she's been a good dog. I don't want her to suffer.

4. Tuesday, May 26th, I got a Migraine. I haven't had one in SO LONG. I blamed it on Anthony being gone, me being alone with 3 WILD children, and worrying about Daisy. I should have known it was a sign of things to come. May 26th is also Carsen and Camden's birthday, so after I rested all afternoon in a dark room, I invited grandparents and family over to celebrate. I made the girls a cake with buttercream icing, Dora and a number 3 candle on top. We sang, did the cake thing and visited. It was fun. Until Carsen had her episode. She was rolling horizontally across the floor, showing out, when she bumped her head. I didn't hear it, but I was sitting very close to her. I didn't know what had happened, and I was actually watching it! I had no clue that she was hurting until I realized she was not breathing. I swept her up in my arms and began to blow in her face, noting that it was already blue. She was well beyond 15 seconds of breath holding at this point. I felt her stiffen in my arms and watched in horror as her eyes rolled back in her head and then quickly back forward, fixed and dialated-all the while me, my aunt Janet, my aunt Jennifer, Anna, and my mom are calling her name, clapping our hands, blowing in her face, patting her cheeks....nothing was working. I began to try to lay her down, which was hard to do with her stiff, so I held her close to me, which is when I felt the competing rhythms of our hearts...mine beating 100 miles an hour and hers slowing down to virutally no beat. I knew at that moment that I was going to have to perform CPR on my daughter. I finally got her to the ground and clapped one more time, loudly right in front of her eyes. At that moment, her eyes began to look around and she took a big breath in. She cried for a while, but didn't talk for about 15 minutes. We went to the ER because I was sufficiently freaked out. My child's heart had stopped, she was blue and her eyes were fixed and dialated. She looked dead. I thought I was going to lose her. In an hour, she seemed fine. My nerves were raw. I've never felt so scared in my life. We were pretty much walked through to the back at UMC when I said she'd hit her head and possibly had a seizure (which is what I was thinking at this point). They saw us, did a CT and consulted neurology. Carsen had to go potty, so I walked her to the bathroom. On our way back, they doc handed me our paperwork and said Carsen had a 'breath holding spell' and that she would be fine. I blinked. A what? I knew that Carsen had held her breath in the past when she hurt herself. She'd always scared me and we'd blow in her face and then she'd breathe. This never struck me as strange because I'd heard of kids doing that, but NEVER have I heard of one doing what Carsen did that night. Never. As the doctor tried to walk off I asked her who the neurologist was that they consulted. Mark Lee. THANK GOD! He is a friend of mine from work. I am the neurology social worker at the VA, so I know all the residents that work at UMC. I went home and emailed Mark. He called me the next day and we got Carsen all scheduled for further testing. I pray that Carsen is ok. I am fearful, but praying for God to take the fear away. My Dad and my best friend Katie Walker Sartin went to the ER with me since Anthony wasn't in town. I don't know what I would have done without them. My brain was not firing on all cylanders. Oh, and the CT scan was perfect, btw. No sign of anything strange.

2b. Anthony called miraculously on Wednesday and I lit into him with info on Carsen, though I had debated on whether to tell him at all. I didn't want to worry him, considering there's nothing he could do from the Grand Canyon. But that debate ended when I heard his voice. After I told him everything and he knew she was currently fine, I asked him how he was. He hesitated and my heart dropped. He was sick. He'd barely been on the trail a day when he began having dizzy spells and feeling awful. He broke away from his group and hiked out a different way so he could get to a resting point. Then he stayed in a hotel for the rest of the time. God Bless Him. I was devestated for him. And worried. He sounded so calm about Carsen. It worried me. And so calm about his condition, though he was short of breath and could barely walk ten steps before having to sit at times. He later told me that he had asked for his crew to call 911 on their GPS, but they didn't because he was in and out of lucidity and they didn't want him to be airlifted if he could make it somewhere safe. I have mixed feelings on their line of thinking but I'll keep that to myself. Anyway, Anthony sounded bad. I begged him to go to the doctor, but he said he didn't think they had one in this town. I found that very hard to beleive. In the next breath he told me they had a McDonalds and a Pizza Hut. Hello? What was wrong with him? SURE THEY HAD A DOCTOR. So I began to ask him simple questions. What is your birthday? He said that Chris (guy who hiked with him) had asked him that on the trail a lot. That worried me. What is Aiden's birthday? He got it. Who is the president? Smart answer, but got it. I called him several times again about going to the doctor. He did seem to sound better each time, but finally he told me he'd gone to see a doctor. PTL! Turns out his white count was high, so he probably had something infectious going on before he ever started on the trail. He also had altitude sickness and had heat exhaustion (not deprivation, as I posted earlier, lol! Anthony read this and called me quyickly to tell me that it was PLENTY hot there! Although, it did snow their last day there!!!) and was probably dehydrated, though he swears he was drinking a lot and peeing clear. I know, TMI, but relevant still. So Anthony rested in the hotel for two days and on Saturday he drove 5 hours to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. On Sunday, he met his crew and they stayed at a cabin that night. Monday they drove back to Phoenix and Tuesday morning he flew out. We picked him up yesterday and he looked good as new. He was a sight for sore eyes, and ears, and heads....so whatever was going on with him, he's better now. He brought us gifts, which was awesome, and we spent last night looking at pictures. It was fun!

So....to recap
Daisy is found and doing well, Carsen is scheduled for tests, and Anthony is HOME and well, PTL! Oh, and Copper is growing and adjusting to life with three kids. I tell him that it really is fun, and he looks at me with those puppy eyes, already knowing he has the upper hand because he will grow up WAY before they do! Fun days ahead!

Thanks to Neener and Nonna for their help with the kiddos and to Janet, Jennifer and Anna for keeping me sane and to the Sartins and my Dad for the ER visit. Wow was that a trip!

Pray for the Flowers Family!!!

Love,
Mandye

Wordless Wednesday (FOR BRITTANY ODOM :)

2009-05-20T13:46:00.004-05:00

Better profile comparisons of the girls....

2009-05-19T09:23:00.004-05:00

Carsen & Camden: Anthony informed me that the side view pic comparison wasn't good in the last post because Carsen's head was bowed. SO....I found this one. Here, I think you can better see how Carsen's nose is 'normal' and Cam's is 'up-turned.' Both are cute, but very different. Especially in person! What do you think? Do you see it or am I just 'the mom' who notices too much because they're mine :)

The Differences in Camden and Carsen

2009-05-18T09:28:00.008-05:00

Everyone always is asking me how to tell the girls' apart. I now feel I have enough pics showing differences that I can adequately tell you how I tell them apart. Now, honestly-and any mother of twins will tell you this-I just know them apart. I knew them in my womb and I was VERY anal about making sure that when they were born, Carsen was Carsen (as she was baby A on the right) and Camden was Camden (baby B on the left). This was hard, because they kept switching positions and the docs kept calling the wrong one A and B. SO, I named them and knew them by movement. I knew who was where the day they were born-the day when Camden made the suprise FIRST appearance and Carsen officially became the little sister, although she been in first position through the majority of the pregnancy. What can I say? Camden was born a drama-queen, God Love Her, so she had to be first! Anyway, here's how I tell them apart.

Camden & Carsen

Carsen & Camden: Carsen has thinner and lighter eyebrows (less hair) and her eyes are closer together and smaller than Camden's. Carsen's face is smaller and thinner and shaped more like a pear or football. Camden's face is much wider and her eyes are much bigger. Cam's head is shaped more like an apple or a basketball. Carsen's hair is shorter and thinner. Camden's hair is blonder, longer and thicker. Their hair does have the same texture, but Carsen's has some natural wave to it, especially around her face, while Camden's is board-straight.

Carsen & Camden: This is a great example of the difference in their hair. I fixed them both the same, but the humidity was very high so Carsen's (on the left) just kinked right on up. Camden's stayed straight. You can also see the difference in color here. Cam's is much blonder.

Camden has a distinct, up-turned nose like my sister's. It moves up and down when she talks. I love it-so cute! Carsen and Aiden have the same little button nose that I had as a child so they'll probably end up with my honker in the end. From the front you can't tell much difference in their noses, but the side-view is telling.

Camden & Carsen: Here's a great side comparison where you can see Cam's little up-turned nose. Carsen doesn't have an up-turned nose! So funny and cute!

Camden is also quite bigger than Carsen. She's a tiny bit taller, but she is much heavier-feeling. Now, the kicker is-there are only like 6 ounces different according to the scales. I called major BS on this at the doctor last time we were in, and they looked at me like I was a raving lunatic. I told them that my 'mommy-scale', which is me holding one in each arm at the same time, leans HEAVILY toward Camden being much larger. They still looked at me like I was insane. Don't get me wrong, Camden is not a 'heavy' child. She's not overweight by ANY stretch of the imagination. But she is larger than her sister by quite a bit. Those of us who know them well will vouch for that. I've not a clue what makes this difference not show on regular scales. You can look at them side by side and plainly see it.

Moving on now....

Camden & Carsen: Here you can see that Cam is taller and you can really see the difference in their faces. Cam has a rounder face with, what I call, 'apple' cheeks. I have these, too! The sunglasses just sit right there on top of them, lol! Carsen doesn't have high cheek bones. I think this feature will become especially more evident as they get older and will aid in helping folks tell them apart. Also, Camden has the 'Bridges' side-ways grin. She gets this from my Papaw Web, Mom's Daddy.

Now....Here's the question I get so often that I should write down an answer to pull out and read each time.

ARE THEY IDENTICAL?

Well, honestly....we don't know. I don't think they are identical and I'll tell you why. All my children look alike. And Anthony and I have very similar features, other than the fact that I am like 15 inches shorter than him and he's bald. We both have blue eyes, light skin, and blond hair. Anthony's hair is blond if he stays in the sun. Because he always kept it short, you never really saw this. I learned this when he lived on the coast and had hair because we were in the sun more than ever in our lives. He also has red hair in his goatee, along with some blond. I have some red heads in my family, too! The girls and Aiden look SO similar that he could be their triplet. He and Camden favor so much that I have always said they look more alike than she and Carsen, but then lately Aiden and Carsen are favoring more. I think that Cam and Carsen will start to grow their separare ways as they get bigger and taller. Their bodies are not shaped the same and they have different hair. They also have different allergies and Camden has WAY more moles than Aiden and Carsen. Carsen doesn't have any 'Sallies' as we call moles at my house, and Aiden has some, but Camden has MANY. Camden tans by simply looking at the sun, while Aiden and Carsen have to be out a few days consecutively before the paleness starts to fade (and they can thank me for that-sorry, Kids!). All my kids look SO MUCH ALIKE, but have their differences. If they had all three been born together, you'd be trying to tell me that they were all identical-which is impossible, by the way. Boy/Girl twins can't be identical. For the record, my girls were mono-chorionic and bi-amniotic with a shared placenta that appeared to have been fused together. For the layman, that means they each had separare amniotic sacs, but they ate from the same placenta, though it looked like their might have been two placentas at one time, but they fused together, which is VERY common in twin pregnancies, even with boy/girl twins, because of how vascular the placenta is. The outside bubble, or chorion, contained both twins together. If there had been two chorions, they would be 99% Fraternal, but there's still a chance they'd be identical even then. The only way we could be 100% sure is to do a DNA test, which I have been putting off because it's expensive and not necessary. I feel like eventually we will know based on their looks. I am VERY curious, but I can think of a million other things to spend $400 on other than an uncessesary medical test. If anyone wants to pony up for it, I'd probably insist you put that money in our Disney bank instead, because it's just not important to us to know right now. Maybe later if the girls start asking one day. Right now, they're just happy to call each other 'Sissy.' And I love that. SO, combined with their very different personalities (Camden is a major drama-mama and Carsen is a fun-loving silly girl) you now know how I tell them apart. :)

I will post later this week about their newly developing 'language' that Carsen has made up and Camden understands. Yes, it does exist! AH!

Love,

Mandye

PS-If anyone has any questions about the above post, please ask! I'd love to know if you agree with me or if this helps you to tell them apart now. For fun, I think I'll post some pics later this week and we can play NAME THAT TWIN!!!

Carsen

2009-05-17T21:10:00.005-05:00

Sometimes pictures capture a child so much better than words....

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-05-13T14:38:00.001-05:00

Prayer: Lord Give Rest and Peace to the Weary

2009-05-07T09:09:00.002-05:00

It has been such a dreary week for me. I know part of it is that I am coming down off an exciting weekend with my girls. We had their birthday party on Saturday and it was SO much fun! Then we had our good friends, The Rutledges from Gulfport ,spend the night with us. We had a blast and the kids are STILL asking when 'Rice' and 'Baby Copper' are coming back. (Their names are Bryce and Kyle...but the girls' refuse to call them that!). Well, the girls began running fever Saturday night, so Sunday we were in the After Hours Clinic with them. They had double ear infections and yucky coughs that required breathing treatments. Fun times. Then I learned that my 2nd cousin was found dead in his bedroom. He had a massive heart attack. Sweet man, who I didn't know well, but I am close to his brother. Later in the week my dear cousin Drew and his wife Brandie lost Brandie's grandfather after a freakishly quick battle with pneumonia. A very healthy older gentleman who had a wonderful quick wit and whose humor and goodness he passed on to his sweet daughters and granddaughter. He was a very special man. I had not known him long, but I grieve for his family because they lost such a great man, their rock. Then, in Hollywood-like fashion, Jackson's mayor Frank Melton had a massive cardiac incident just moments after the polls closed on Tuesday night. He lost the mayor's race and his life this week...and Jackson lost quite a character. No matter what he did in the past, Frank Melton always provided entertainment in his antics. He will be missed. Also, my life-long friend had major preventative surgery this week. Though she's doing fine and stable, she is in MAJOR pain. Her family and friends all feel so helpless. Tuesday night at Bunko we all joined hands and lifted our sweet friend up to Jesus, that he migth take away her pain and heal her. I still pray that prayer moment by moment and my heart is so heavy and burdened for her.

My girls are getting better, PTL. But there are 3 families who lost their loved ones this week and one family who is just helpless...unable to make the pain go away. I think I am carrying their burdens a little today. I often pray that God will allow me to do that if it will ease the hurt of those in the middle of the madness of the moment. Today I pray that God will give them all rest and peace in their losses and in their pain. Please join me and pray specifically for the following:

1. Pray for the family of Johnny Douglas, who died earlier this week of a heart attack. He was 52.
2. Pray for the family of Jerry Blakeney, who died Wednesday after a shockingly quick battle with pneumonia.
3. Pray for the family of Frank Melton, who died today after a massive coronary attack.
4. Please pray for my dear friend Heather who had major surgery this week and is in a lot of pain right now. Heather has 2 young children. Prognosis is good, but the pain is not controlled at this point. Please pray for Heather. She remains hospitalized at this time.
5. Please pray for me. I have some things going on at work right now that I will pray about detailing with you later. Please pray for God's Will in this situation and his guidance in helping me to decide what to do and how to handle things.
6. Please pray for continues healing in my household. Anthony also has the same 'crud' that the girls have, and Aiden is also coughing some. I appear to be the only one completely well. My mother also has infected ears, strep and the 'crud' so pray for healing for her as well. A wonderful Mother's Day present would be for my family to all feel better!

Thanks and God Bless!
Love,
Mandye

Aiden

2009-05-05T11:18:00.003-05:00

Carsen

2009-05-05T11:17:00.002-05:00

Camden

2009-05-05T11:15:00.000-05:00

Could It Be Today?

2009-04-30T09:34:00.004-05:00

I know I've posted this before, but it feels VERY appropriate lately and comes to my mind often. I felt I should share it again. Enjoy. :)

Love,

COULD IT BE TODAY?
By Max Lucado

You are in your car driving home.Thoughts wander to the game you want to see or meal you want to eat, when suddenly a sound unlike any you've ever heard fills the air. The sound is high above you.
A trumpet?
A choir?
A choir of trumpets?
You don't know, but you want to know.
So you pull over, get out of your car, and look up. As you do, you see you aren't the only curious one. The roadside has become a parking lot. Car doors are open, and people are staring at the sky. Shoppers are racing out of the grocery store. The Little League baseball game across the street has come to a halt. Players and parents are searching the clouds. And what they see, and what you see, has never before been seen.
As if the sky were a curtain, the drapes of the atmosphere part. A brilliant light spills onto the earth. There are no shadows. None. From whence came the light begins to tumble a river of color spiking crystals of every hue never seen and a million more never seen. Riding on the flow is an endless fleet of angels. They pass through the curtains one myriad at a time, until they occupy every square inch of the sky.
North. South. East. West.
Thousands of silvery wings rise and fall in unison, and over the sound of the trumpets, you can hear the cherubim and seraphim chanting, Holy, holy, holy. The final flank of angels is followed by twenty-four silver- bearded elders and a multitude of souls who join the angels in worship. Prensently the movement stops and the trumpets are silent, leaving only the triumphant triplet: Holy, holy, holy

Between each word is a pause. With each word, a profound reverence. You hear your voice join in the chorus. You don't know why you say the words, but you know you must. Suddenly, the heavens are quiet. All is quiet. The angels turn, you turn, the entire world turns and there He is.
Jesus.
Through waves of light you see the silhouetted figure of Christ the King. He is atop a great stallion, and the stallion is atop a billowing cloud. He opens his mouth, and you are surrounded by his declaration:
"I am the Alpha and the Omega."
The angels bow their heads. The elders remove their crowns. And before you is a Figure so consuming that you know, instantly you know: Nothing else matters.
Forget stock markets and school reports. Sales meetings and football games. Nothing is newsworthy. All that mattered, matters no more...for Christ has come.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-04-29T13:50:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the World BABY JACK!

2009-04-29T08:59:00.004-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS TREY & MELISSA!

WELCOME TO THE WORLD, BABY JACK!!!

Born 4/28/09 @ 4:58ish * 7lbs. 15oz. 20 1/2 " long

I have known Trey since 1st grade and he is one of my first and oldest friends. I have been privledged to get to know his awesome wife Melissa over the past year and now I can't wait to get to know their new baby boy, Jack. Isn't he a doll?? And look how great Mel looks....I'm so jealous!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-22T08:45:00.002-05:00

Aiden's New Haircut

2009-04-21T08:43:00.003-05:00

BEFORE:

AFTER:

He and Cam posed with the Web Camera!

He is such a cutie-pie BIG BOY now!!!

Thanks, Amy!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-15T13:46:00.003-05:00

FAVORITE SONG FRIDAY: EASTER EDITION

2009-04-10T08:50:00.002-05:00

I decided I would do an Easter Song Edition this week. There are so many great songs that capture the moment around Easter. Some are traditional and quite old, and some are new and upbeat.

Ray Boltz's "Watch the Lamb"
Dolly Parton's "He's Alive"
Sandy Patty's "Via Dolorosa"
Newsong's "Arise My Love"
Dallas Holm's "Rise Again"
Sandy Patty's "Was It A Moment Like This"
"Ten Thousand Angels"
"Rock of Ages"
The Cathedrals' "Then Came the Morning"
Hillsong's "Worthy is the Lamb"
The Florida Boys' "When He Was on the Cross"
The Greene's "They'll Never Crucify Him Again"

I'm sure there's SO MANY MORE, but off the top of my head, this is what I got. What are your favorite Easter songs? What touches your heart? Is your list similar to mine? SOUND OFF!!!

Wordless Wednesday/MORE PHOTOSHOP FUN!!

2009-04-08T07:08:00.002-05:00

I love photoshop...

2009-04-07T12:19:00.003-05:00

EDITED TO ADD: I fixed the comments problem. (Thanks, Heather!! And YES! I do remember you, lol!) So now, all you Flowers Family Friends/Fans who have been dying (hehe) to comment...knock yourself out!!! I LOVE TO READ THEM!!!
Isn't is beautiful?? Isn't she beautiful? Boy are we in trouble. I'm glad Aiden is so protective of his sisters and I'm sure we will allow him to go on and take Karate/Kung Fu/Tai Kwon Do or whatever else he wants to take so we'll be prepared for their dating years.

The Admirable Jack Black

2009-04-06T08:52:00.006-05:00

I am one who feels that when someone does something admirable, they should be commended. Today I am commending Mr. Jack Black. That's right, this guy:

Last Thursday night I was folding clothes in my bedroom and watching Entertainment Tonight when I caught a quick blurb about Jack Black being a guest on Yo Gabba Gabba on their new show on Friday. You know Yo Gabba Gabba, right? It's this generation's H.R. Pufnstuf, or so says my mom, claiming the name itself was just too clever not to mean something. I can't remember watching it, but I've talked to other moms who did and they agree that you definitely felt like you'd been puffin' some stuff after watching it! Anyway....Yo Gabba Gabba comes on Nick Jr. and Noggin and is just fabulous. I know other moms who HATE it, but I took a liking to it immediately and I love that my kids love it. But I'm a little quirky so that probably explains everything. I even had shirts made for my kids that said "My Name is _____ I like to Dance!" just like they say on the show. So when I glanced at the tv and saw Jack Black in complete DJ Lance garb, and immediatley knew this was a show we could not miss. Friday night the I sat down with Anthony and the kids and laughed my butt off at Jack Black as he visited the crack-tastic (Kiddie Crack, that is) world of Yo Gabba Gabba. It was priceless. Loved. It. Every crazy minute he was on the screen made me appreciate him more and more. Here's an article from People with a video to tickle your fancy and here's a video clip from ET. Here's what Black said in another article...he just cracks me up to pieces, "I'm hitting two birds with one stoner, as it were. Unfortunately, I'm looking pretty sweaty and greasy. Hopefully, it won't be too scary for the kids. But you know, Charlize Theron wasn't looking her best in Monster and it won her the Oscar. This episode is my Monster, basically.' I know his children (Sammy and Jack David) will one day look at their dad in awe, that he was able to visit with these guys:

And in true Jack Black form, he was SO uninhibited and animated. Nothing was too weird or quirky or off limits....and he probably went into the project saying, "If I can't end up in a suit like DJ Lance, I'm out." So...He was in.

He does everything to the extreme and when you're a kid...that's the ultimate in awesomeness. From the dancy dance to picking flowers with FooFa, my kids were completely enamored! They loved it! Aiden,Cam and Carsen now know him as "Jack Black" instead of just some random funny actor on the screen, which I think is awesome. Especially since we have this on our wii:

I mean, Jack Black runs with me each morning on Wii Fit. We're bff-workout buddies! (I also run with Willie Nelson, Snoop Dogg, Whoopie Goldberg, Winnie the Pooh, Dora the Explorer, Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien AND David Letterman...but that's another post.) In my opinion, this is what you should do when you have the celebrity status to do it...something that will impress and astound your children!!! I would do this ALL THE TIME if I had the money and celebrity. You'd NEVER see Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt dress up in an orange jumpsuit and go to Gabbaland! Way to go, Jack! So here are some additional screen shots I found to show you how great he was:

CLICK HERE FOR BEHIND THE SCENES WITH JACK BLACK ON YO GABBA GABBA!!!

FAVORITE SONG FRIDAY

2009-04-03T08:39:00.006-05:00

Join me, if you want, for FAVORITE SONG FRIDAY!!! I will let you know my FAVORITE SONG OF THE WEEK each Friday!!! Post the lyrics-Don't post the lyrics...it's up to you. I personally today will be posting the lyrics AND a picture because this song reminds me of this time in MY life...when I was dating my sweet husband :)

Always the Love Songs

by the Eli Young Band

Used to pull off highway 249

Had a cool little place

Where we'd go hide on friday a night

And get away from the city lights

Find a little wood and build a fire

Somebody'd always bring a couple guitars

And we'd take turns

Singing songs and watching it burn

We'd do rambling man,

Proud mary, an american band

We'd be singing at the top of our lungs

[Chorus]

It was always the love songs everytime

Made everybody feel something inside

With the fire down low

You held your girl real close

Made you wanna love the one you were with

Gave you the courage for that first kiss

It was the love songs

Always the love songs

There was always the line

Stuck in your head

That would sit in and wait

Wish you could have said

But you both knew

They were singing it right to you

It felt so good those times you had

The feeling of wanting somebody so bad

Made you weak in the heart

You couldn't take being apart

Honky-tonk drinkin songs

We could do them all night long

But the ones I remember most

[Chorus]

It was always the love songs everytime

Made everybody feel something inside

With the fire down low

You held your girl real close

Made you want to love the one you were with

Gave you the courage for that first kiss

It was the love songs

Always the love songs

We'd be singing at the top of our lungs

[Chorus]

It was always the love songs everytime

Made everybody feel something inside

With the fire down low yeah

You held your girl real close

Made you wanna love the one you were with

Gave you the courage for that first kiss

It was the love songs

Always the love songs

Share Your Momsense Thursday: ZOO FRIENDS

2009-04-02T15:52:00.002-05:00

I have to suggest that anyone with a family of 4 or more who plans to visit the Jackson Zoo more than once a year sign up to be a Friend of the Zoo. We went two weekends ago and realized that this is MUCHO more economical for our family of 5. We paid $45.00 (give or take...don't have the receipt right in front of me) and will get in free at our zoo for a year and will get in free or discounted heavily at like 100 or so other zoos around the country for the next year, including the Memphis Zoo (which ROCKS!) and the Birmingham Zoo. So, this week, my Momsense to you is to be a Zoo Friend! It's totally worth it, just for the playground if nothing else. Oh, and the Rhinos, which are BY FAR the coolest animals they have there other than the poor tigers who need a bigger cage. I also love the Chimps and could watch them all day. They're like their own little Soap Opera. Last time we were there they were reintroducing a female and the other girls wanted to beat the fool out of her. It was like WWF. Anway, join the Zoo. And then we'll all take a trip to Memphis to see the Polar Bears. :)

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2009-04-01T12:21:00.002-05:00

Working Late...

2009-03-31T15:58:00.003-05:00

Family Pic we set the timer to take....don't we sort of look like a little hippie family with my butt-cut hair and all...
Everyday when I pick Carsen up she either has a flower for me, or HAS to get me one. She is going to pick a flower if she sees it. If you want to slow her down, throw a flowerpot in front of her. It's a like flies to honey. She will be DRAWN to it! Love this kid...Miss her and my flower today.

Ant and Carsen

And and Camden

And...Last but not least...Ant and my boy Aiden.

Missing my family...

I'm going to get my work done now so I can go home to them :)

The WHOLE WORLD in His Hands

2009-03-30T20:36:00.002-05:00

Yuck...

2009-03-30T11:35:00.002-05:00

Well, I must admit it outloud. I've gained FIFTEEN POUNDS since Dec. 20, 2008. I mark that date because it was Ashley's wedding and I ate SO MUCH CAKE that I started a trend. Then we had lots of stress and life changes (Aiden's mystery illness=Mono+Flu(2)+Moving out of the house with mom and dad+Ash moving three hours away+2 little girls who have no memory of a 'home' other than Neener and Papaw's house=MAJOR LUNACY). So I ate, and I ate, and I ate...do you see a trend? So now I'm disgusted and I am starting over again. I am not going back to get more adipex, though I wish I did have some. I have decided I need to prove to myself that I can do this on my own. So....this morning I woke up at 5:15AM and worked out. Those who know me well know that this is a BIG DEAL because I'm a slave to sleep. But you know what? I feel SO good! I am working toward being in enough shape to go on a hiking trip with Anthony. I think this would literally MAKE HIS LIFE. So, if I get in shape and invest in one of these babies, I'll be all set! So, I'm asking for encouragement. Please pray for me to stay focused and motivated. This morning, I stretched for 10 mintues and then did Wii Fit for 48 minutes (I know this because it told me so!). I was astounded to see that my Wii Fit age for today was 22!!! I mean, I should stop now, right? WRONG! I have been 72, 56, 46, and 44 before, so who knows how it comes up with the age. I will continue to press forward toward my goal and I will try and update you on it at least weekly. Unless I do bad and they you won't hear from me because I'll be embarrassed! J/K

Oh, and the kids are WONDERFUL. We had a fun weekend and I will try and add some pictures later.

Love,
Mandye

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANTHONY!!!

2009-03-26T09:58:00.005-05:00

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY, ANT!!!

I LOVE YOU!

You are the BEST Daddy and Husband and I am blessed to have you in my life!

Here's to another great 30 years and another after that (with rocking chairs, of course)!

MWA!!!

Ant and Aiden running on the beach

Me and Anthony soaked to the bone on our Honeymoon in Disney World-the happiest place on earth!

Anthony in his Jeep: pre-babies and pre-fixing it up!

Me and Anthony at Grad Night his senior year (that's 1997!)

This was our VERY FIRST picture together in March of 1997.
My very favorite picture of him...you can see the happiness in his eyes :)

Our graduation cake at Mamaw Bridges house-Me from MC and he from MSU!
Our very first family picture with Brodyman-March 2003

Our picture together in my senior portrait shoot-Sept 2007.

My favorite picture from our wedding day....the best day of my life!

Please Continue to Pray

2009-03-25T13:25:00.001-05:00

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the Plans I have for you, declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, Plans to give you a hope and a future!!

PLEASE PRAY FOR STELLAN

http://prayingformckmuffin.blogspot.com/

PLEASE PRAY FOR STELLAN!!!

2009-03-24T11:08:00.004-05:00

Friends, I come to you now asking you to please lift up MckMama and her little miracle, Stellan. Stellan's heart rate is extremely high right now and has been since Sunday. This is a very serious condition called SVT (google it). He's hospitalized and has a team of doc's doing everything medically possible to stabilize him, but he's not stabilizing. The meds are making him very agitated, manic even, and he's not eating. If you remember Stellan and know his miraculous story, he was the baby who while in utero was give a death sentance. But, PTL, when Stellan was born they could find NOTHING wrong with him!!! God is good, and He knows Stellan and knew him in his mother's womb. Many have been touched by Stellan already. Please pray for Stellan to be healed again, and for his super strong parents and siblings who love him so. MckMama calls him her McMuffin, so pray for her little McMuffin now, please.

Ever Wonder...

2009-03-17T14:56:00.004-05:00

Ever wonder what Aiden would look like as a girl?

Here's Aiden at 4:

Here's my at 4, holding my sister.

I think he's WAY cuter! His eyes are all Anthony...though they're gray/green like mine. But I definitely think we favor...LOTS. Cam still looks more like me than any of my kids. I scanned a lot more of me and Anthony as kids that I'll post soon!

PS-Isn't Ash adorable in this picture? And do you not LOVE my tapered haircut?? I am SO joking. Mom is dying for me to cut the girls' hair like this, lol! Um...no.

Making Memories: MS Gulf Coast 2009

2009-03-16T12:04:00.006-05:00

So we went to the MS Gulf Coast to visit our friends and go to a birthday party the weekend of March 7-8. Yes, it was time change weekend and we are still suffering from being worn out that weekend. We went down on Sunday morning EARLY and were in Orange Grove (North Gulfport) by 11:00am for the Bryce's party. YAY! The kids had a blast and then we ate lunch at O'Charley's with friends before heading down hwy 90, which is one of our traditions when we go to the Coast. We MUST drive 90 and we must go to Bay St. Louis, which is our favorite Coast town. It was RAVAGED during Katrina and though I know it will one day come back strong...it will never be the same. The charm is still there, though, so I have high hopes for the little town by the Bay of St. Louis. So, we stopped at the beach and walked around a bit and before I knew it, Aiden and Camden were out in the Bay. Anthony and I just shrugged and let them play. They LOVED it. Carsen isn't a water person so she stayed sand-bound and pretended to be a crab and built sand castles. It was fun! Then we went hwy 90 back to hwy 49 to head home and while going through Pass Christian I wanted to drive by an old park we used to frequent with Brody when he was little and we were living in Long Beach. Well, Katrina did damage to this beautiful park, which was once filled with azalea bushes, but thanks to ABC's Robin Roberts, the new park is FABULOUS! The kids took notice immediately so we had to stop. This was at 5:30pm new time...4:30pm old time. We didn't leave town until 7:00pm. We got home around 11, I think. I honestly was asleep. Anyway, I took LOTS of pictures and here's what I have gotten around to so far. Enjoy! More to come...

JOY

2009-03-10T12:05:00.003-05:00

Well....don't hold your breath, but it looks like we're all finally WELL at my house!! WOOHOO! Aiden has mainly been the sick one, with the girls fighting colds and me & Anthony fighting headaches off and on (darn pollen).

Aiden had the flu last week and was super sick with high fever, but now you'd never know it. He's perfectly fine! PTL! After missing school for a whole week, Aiden was remarkably excited to go back yesterday. When Anthony picked him up Aiden said that he had a really good day and couldn't wait to go back tomorrow! This is a blessing because Aiden normally would rather be anywhere than at school. Once he's there he's fine, but if he can get out of going, he will. I can't say anything because I was this way, too. Anyway, turns out Aiden loved that the kids missed him last week. They really made him feel special and that's just so awesome. I am so glad that we've been blessed by Park Place Christian Academy. Aiden is learning so many life lessons there.

Camden, some of you may remember, fell two weeks ago, busted her ear and got a nasty bruise on the top cartiledge part of her ear. I didn't know at the time, but a bruise on the cartlidge can cause what's commonly known as "Boxer's Ear" or "Cauliflower Ear" because the blood blocks the oxygen flow and kills the cartlidge. Cam and I traveled to 2 different plastic surgeons to make sure she wasn't about to become "the twin with the bad ear." I mean, I want people to be able to tell them apart, but not because Cam's ear is messed up. So....we ended up at Dr. Jepeth Cole's office and he was WONDERFUL! He saw her and felt around and was concerned, but waited 48 hours (you have a 72 hour window) before making a judgement call about surgery. When we saw him again on Thursday she looked lots better and got a clear bill of health. He also got to meet Carsen then, too, and finally fully grasped that Camden could not be known as the the "one with the bad ear." I'm happy to report, both sets of ears are still beautiful and Camden's bruise has healed. YAY!

Carsen has really been just so funny lately. She's got her own little way of doing things. While Cam is impulsive, Carsen is more of a planner. You can look at her and see the wheels turning, complete with smirk. Then.....she's off! Whether it's to dig in the bathroom cabinets for powder so she can put it on the floor and clean (I have no clue where she gets it), or getting the Desitin and using it to feed her doll with a spoon from the kitchen (I swear I do watch my children...I DO!) or coloring her name all over her bathroom cabinet, she's very passionate and usually quite apologetic after the fact. "I'm vewy sowwy Mom. I cullud all over my bafroom. It was an assident. I dinnit mean to. Sowwy Mom. Sowwy." She looks so sincere, like overly sincere, that it's comical. I have to fight laughter at all times with her. She is a joy. Oh! The other day, I was asking (for the one hundreth time) if she liked her new class at school (they moved up to young 3's). She looked at me with a straight face-no smile or emotion- and said the following,"Yes, I like my new class. Yes, I like my new class. Why you always askin' me that? I like my new class. You gone ask me that again? I. Like. My. New. Class. And my name is CARSEN." I stood there dumbfounded-blinking like an idiot. She obviously is tired of my pointless "Mommy" questions and I immediatley realized that I ask her what her name is A LOT! And it's not that I don't know it, I just like to hear her say it. I thought that she'd be at least 13 before the attitude came. Wrong. So what did I do? I laughed! Then, she cracked up and laughed, too, and then grabbed my face in her hands and said, "I love you, Mommy!" I am so blessed.

Tonight is my Southern Living at Home Open House for all my friends. I am excited because it's a chance to show off my house and to check out Southern Living, which is my new addiction. I LOVE IT!!! I didn't sent invitations in the mail but I did send emails, texts and facebook event invitations to those who I could get in touch with. SO If I didn't talk to you and you want to come, call me! Everyone is invited. I'll give you my address when you call!

Ok, I hope you have a day blessed with JOY as wonderful as mine has been already today.

Love,

Mandye

GUESS WHO? Answers!

2009-03-02T14:50:00.003-06:00

Well, it's me. No one guessed, but I'm sure they were thinking it...right? So who looks like me? Well, I personally think Camden and I are the most alike, though when Aiden was 2 he looked like me a lot, too. Still does for that matter. Now Carsen, she looks like her Daddy and I have the pics to prove it. I'll show you while I'm home this week with Aiden. He has the flu so be praying for him and that the rest of us don't get it.

(above) Cam(above) Me(above) She's also a COMPLETE drama queen just like me and you can totally tell in this pic!

GUESS WHO?

2009-03-01T14:07:00.002-06:00

Share Your MOMSENSE Thursday!

2009-02-26T13:10:00.007-06:00

I'm going to dedicate each Thursday to sharing someone/something new with fellow moms. I am going to encourage other blogging moms to do the same!

Today I'd like to share the Gaither's Homecoming Kids with you. I grew up listening to Southern Gospel Music in church and singing it at home. My kids now are learning some of the same fun songs I learned as a child through Gaither's Homecoming Kids. They especially have enjoyed the DVD below, which is the Sing-Along DVD. Yes, the kids look straight out of 1990, but my kids LOVE IT! You can buy these products online and at Lifeway or any other Christian Bookstore, and I'm sure they'll be available at the Gaither's Homecoming Concert in Jackson on March 21st. We're going and taking Aiden because he LOVES "Papaw Music" as he calls it.

Can't wait to see if anyone else takes on my challenge of making Thursdays, "Share Your Momsense Thursday." Feel free to use my graphic!!!

Love,

Mandye

Wordless Wednesday!!!

2009-02-25T10:55:00.004-06:00

Please Pray for Lauren and Josh

2009-02-23T10:43:00.001-06:00

http://laurensblog.greenfamily.net/

They lost the last of their quads last night and are in serious need of prayer. I don't know them, but feel connected to them through the brotherhood of a Heavenly Father. Please lift them up to Jesus right now as their hearts are terribly broken.

Thank you!

It's a Miracle

2009-02-21T20:14:00.005-06:00

For those who, like me, grew up with the Gaither Homecoming Kids music, you might recognize this tune my kids are singing,"It's a Miracle." I put the camera down where they wouldn't know I was recording because then they'd ham it up or stop singing. Pay careful attention toward the end to Cam (sitting closest to Aiden) as she belts out, " it's a miracle" in bass! It's hilarious! I love how they play off each other...can't wait to see what God's future holds for these three! It's going to be SO much fun!!! Pay no attention to the frumpy, nearly 30 y/o who makes a cameo. She's a has-been!

The Holleys,oh how we love them...

2009-02-16T18:59:00.005-06:00

Jenn Holley, my bff from college, and her family came into town from Nashville for Sunday and Monday. In case you forgot, Aiden and Jenn's daughter, Maddy, are completely smitten with each other and have been without our encouragement their whole short little lives. Colbie Marie, their new daughter, is a complete doll and I want to keep her here forever. Here's Colbie having some 'tummy time.'

BOOM....head plant. Cue the screaming...

Micah Holley

The boys chilling in the living room

Bye Maddy!

Carsen setup her ponies for Colbie

She was SO proud!

The Holleys

Slumber Party in Aiden's Room. Aiden,Camden and Maddy slept on the aero bed in Aiden's Room. They LOVED it!

Me and Cam loving some Colbie!

Colbie Marie

Thank God for Two

2009-02-11T15:06:00.005-06:00

*Just an FYI -Many of you know I wrote a Lullaby for Aiden before he was born and that I have been very frustrated with myself because I haven't been able to write something for my girls. It's not that I haven't wanted to; I have!! I've tried MANY times, and I would get something started and it wouldn't be right, so I'd put it away for later. I can't tell you how many times I've done this! And as a writer, you just know when you're gonna be able to make something good and when it's going to sound forced. It's the same way when you know you need to write a paper for school and you absolutely know the material like the back of your hand, but the words just don't flow. It doesn't mesh and won't come together and you're picturing visions of a BIG RED 'F' on your paper, filled with those vicious highlighted mistakes marked from your teacher. Then all of the sudden the heavens open up and the angels sing and it all comes together perfeclty and you JUST KNOW you're gonna get that 'A.' Well, I finally feel like I'm gonna get my 'A.' Now that it's written, I realize that it's even more special to me because I am writing based on my knowledge of them and my personal relationship and experiences with them. Does that make sense? I hope so! In the future, you will see it framed in their room, just like "Lullaby for Aiden," is framed in his. :) So now, without further adieu, here's, "Thank God for Two," written especially for my sweet girls', Camden and Carsen, by their Mommy.

Thank God for Two

"Did you see that? There's two of them there!"

"What? What? Show me!! Where?"

And then two sets of arms, legs, feet…

Two hearts in tune, though mine skipped a beat.

All my life I'd waited for you,

And for the first time, I thanked God for Two.

Two sets of eyes; bright, shiny and blue,

Two sets of ears to hear my lullaby tune.

You breathe in harmony, taking my breath away.

And 'Little Darlins', your Daddy was smitten that day.

36 weeks we waited for you,

And as we held you both, I thanked God for Two.

Two sets of hands folded tightly in prayer

"God our Father," in unison, while holding Daddy Bear.

And then it's "Snug as a Bug in a Rug," twice,

With Lots of "I love you's" before we turn out the lights.

"Mommy, will you snuggle with me?" "Me, too??"

And as I take turns snuggling, I thank God for Two.

The back door slams, then laughter fills the room,

As my two giggly girls file in from school.

There are uniforms to be washed; oh yes, two of each!

Not to mention dresses for the dance next week.

Crazy, busy, glorious Days of Youth,

And as I see those smiling faces, I thank God for Two.

Two tassels flip from one side to another,

As we watch from a distance, you both stand together.

Caps in the air, a new chapter begins.

Unsure of the future, you say bye to friends.

An exciting new journey awaits both of you,

And with tears in my eyes, I thank God for Two.

Two beautiful girls, both precious and loved;

You've been blessed with a built-in best friend from above.

As you grew strong inside of me, I felt peace,

Knowing you'd always have each other to lean on for strength.

So, My Sweet Girls, no matter what this world brings to you,

Take care of each other and THANK GOD FOR TWO.

Love,

Mommy

Feb 2009

No Hiding in the Stove and other funny stories

2009-02-10T13:03:00.002-06:00

So Aiden is a funny kid, without really meaning to be, which I think has to be a gift, right? He and Carsen and Anthony could go on a comedy tour and Me and Cam would unload their equiptment, because we just don't have the gift. Anyway, the other day the kids were playing and I was cleaning and Anthony was in and out doing things. All of the sudden Anthony calls out to me and asks where Carsen is. Well, because I am the mom and I can keep up with all three kids while loading the dishwasher, talking on the phone and looking up something online simultaneously, I call out to him that the kids are playing hide and seek, so she's probably hiding. I hang up my call, close my laptop and load my last dish, while calling for Carsen, who still is not coming out. "Carsen, come out come out whereever you are! Where's Carsen hiding? I think she's gone for good!" I call out playfully to her. Then, out of the silence I hear the sweetest, "Hear I am!" that has ever been uttered. "I'm right here, Mommy! I'm ok!" Carsen popped out from around the corner of our bedroom and we all cheered. So I asked her where she had been hiding and she showed me a little Carsen sized spot in my closet. I took that moment to explain to the kids the house rules of hiding. "You can hide anywhere but in the washer, dryer or fridge...and absolutely no going outdoors to hide. If I call you to come out, you better make it quick, understand?" I expected a trio of yes mams, but instead Aiden pipes up and says, " And we never, ever, ever, ever should hide in the stove, right mom? That would be bad. Real bad." I stood in silence for a second because it kept me from laughing in his face...his beautiful, serious, 'I'm helping you, Mommy, so my sisters won't get cooked alive' face. "That's exactly right, Aiden." I managed before practically running in the office to tell Anthony what was said. Cracked. Me. Up. Totally out of the blue, I tell you. But he's right....no hiding in the stove.

So my other funny story is about C&C. Yesterday I was off work but still had to get the girls to school. I got Cam dressed in her cute skirt and shirt with her big girl panties, but Carsen still wanted to snuggle in the bed so I went and got dressed and then came back to get her clothes on. Now the back story is we have been trying HARD all weekend to get the girls' potty trained. We wore panties all weekend, and probably went through 10 pair at least. Not because they pottied in them all, but because they are girls and they changed panties a million times because they wanted 'Tinkerbell instead of Ariel," and I allowed it because I'm just proud they want to wear panties. We were pretty stern with them when they had accidents, not only because I know they are smart enough to be trained but because we're tired of being TOLD by them when they pee and poop. If they can tell me, they can go their little bottoms to the potty! So, back to yesterday. When I went back into their room (somewhere in the midst of me changing I heard them SLAM their bedroom door, so I hurried) they were not in their room but I could hear them whispering like little elves. As I turned toward their bathroom, the light from their potty room acted as a spotlight for Carsen in her pj's with a big bundle of toilet paper as she scrubbed at a puddle on the floor. Meanwhile, here's Camden standing very near the puddle with the saddest face you've ever seen in your life. Broke. My. Heart. I knew exactly what had happened before I even asked. Camden had an accident, and sweet Carsen was helping her out by cleaning it up. Precious. But, because I'm the mom and the 'bad cop' in potty training, I had to ask what happened. As soon as I asked, Cam burst into tears and Carsen said, "I heppin' Sissy keen up so she won't get in twouble." Broke. What was left of my. Heart. I scooped up Cam and told her it was ok, that we all have accidents sometimes (visions of running to the bathroom, 7 months pregnant with the girls and not making it danced through my head!), dried those sweet little tears and changed her into new clothes. Then I hugged Carsen and told her she was a great sister, which she promptly agreed with me on. That kid is hilarious!

Ok, must go now. When I find my camera battery charger, I will take more pics and post them of my FABULOUS house!!!

LOVE TO ALL!
Me

Katie Banks

2009-01-27T14:25:00.005-06:00

"K-k-k-katie, beautiful Katie,

You're the only g-g-g-girl that I adore,

When the m-moon shines

Over the cowshed

I'll be w-w-w-waiting at the kitchen door."

This is sweet Katie Christine Banks, my 1st cousin-miraculous child to my mom's sister and my aunt Jennifer and her husband Dean Banks. She is 1 in a million, I tell you. Katie was born at 26 weeks gestation and weighed a little over 1 lb. at birth. Fun fact is that Katie's birthday is almost exactly one year to the date that my cousin Tammy (Jennifer and Mom's neice, daughter to their sister Judy) gave birth to sweet Tayler Brianna Appleton at 24 weeks gestastion. God knows who to bless with the miracles, doesn't he! We have a family full of them!!! More on Tayler later, because this post belongs to Katie Danks, as my girls call her.

So Katie started 4y/o kindergarden this year, which was quite an adjustment for her being that she has been inside most of her life. As a premie, it was highly suggested that she not go out around others much until she was 3 years old, especially in the winter because premies can easily get RSV. So our Katie started school this year and it's been so fun to watch the changes in her. She' definitely become a social butterfly, not that she was ever shy. If you know her, you know this fact is true. The kid wakes up with her mouth open and never shuts it until her eyes close at night. She gets this from her mommy. Katie loves her family, something she also gets from her mommy. She especially loves her aunts, Joan, Janet and Melynda. This story is about my mom, and it is laugh out loud funny I kid you not.

This weekend my Mamaw Bridges, Mom, Aunt Janet Evans, Anna Phillips, Jennifer Banks, Katie Banks, Drew Evans, Brandi Evans, Brendon Vail (Drew's stepson) and Bennett Evans all came over and kept me company while Anthony was hiking. I have a great support system, don't I?? I sat in my new kitchen and looked at my family, with tears in my eyes, as my kids ran around playing with their cousins and running in and out of the arms of their grandmothers, aunts and cousins for hugs and kisses and it hit me-this is it. This is why I moved home: FAMILY. I want my kids to know their family. Enmeshed and overprotective and dysfunctional and loving and WONDERFUL FAMILY!!! We had a great weekend!

So on Sunday afternoon Mom and her sisters, along with Katie, left to go take Mamaw back to Prentiss. On the way, Mom stopped by her house and changed into some comfy grey yoga pants and a pink MSU sweatshirt. Well, on the way to Prentiss (and I just wish you could have seen mom tell this...it's pricesless), Katie just out of the blue turns to my mom and says, "Joan, you look like you should be on the pink team on The Biggest Loser!" And at that very moment Mom started planning her next diet. My Aunt Janet cackled for an hour (as did I when she told me!) and my Aunt Jennifer, her mom, was caught between mortification and hilarity-not sure whether to laugh out loud or take up for Katie. I think she did both!!! "Well, the Biggest Loser is the only show she watches, Y'all!" Luckily, Momma has a great sense of humor and thought it was funny. I'm sure it bothered her more than she likes to let on, because I know my mom. She's so self-conscious! Mom-you do NOT look like you need to be on the Biggest Loser-I promise! Mom's actually worked really hard to lose weight and looked great at Ashley's wedding. She's only recently let herself start eating solid food again because she was on the 'shake diet' from Baptist. Kids really do say the darndest things!

The song lyrics at the top-that's what Katie learned in music at school. She is so smart and creative. She and Aiden have the most fun together playing make believe. I love that kid! Katie Danks, you are welcome in our house anytime, Kiddo!

And to all my family-you are welcome anytime, too! Thanks for showing up last weekend. It was a great surprise and I will always cherish the memories of the first weekend my house was full of family and truly became a home! I love you!

Love,

Mandye

PS-If you are thinking...gee that child looks familiar. Where do I know her from? Well, she looks just like someone else whose picture is on here all the time: CARSEN! Here's Katie at Carsen's age and some pics of Carsen that I think look especially like Katie Danks. I'm sure you can tell who's who. Carsen's always looked just like Katie in the face, though Katie had more hair that both my girls when she was born and continues to have beautiful hair to this day :) Camden looks just like another blond haired girl whose picture is also featured on this blog...just twenty nine years younger :) I'll try and scan some pics so you can see how earily alike Cam and I look. It's pretty weird at times for me.

THE FIRST WEEK in PICTURES

2009-01-21T13:07:00.001-06:00

Moving In

2009-01-18T20:29:00.002-06:00

So we moved in this weekend and I'm w/o internet except at work and at mom's. LOVE MY HOUSE!!! PICS TO COME!!!

PTL, HE'S PERFECT!!!

2009-01-14T13:27:00.003-06:00

100% A-OK! No heart problems and labs are looking good!!! Still unsure if it was Kawasaki Disease, but if so....it's miraculous that his heart is ok, PRAISE GOD! It's possible he had an adenovirus compounded by mono, but they didn't do lab work for mono so we don't know for sure. And there's no way I'm putting him through being stuck again to test for mono, when we wouldn't be doing anything different anyway, other than let him heal in God's time. He has been MUCH better this week, almost normal! Praise God for healing Aiden!!! Thanks to all those who have kept us in your prayers during this scary time. We have felt them. The difference in his behavior and physical appearance since I first started posting about his condition on here and asking for prayer has been nothing short of miraculous....almost overnight. God is Good....All the Time.

Love,
Mandye

House Pics

2009-01-13T22:40:00.001-06:00

Update on Aiden's Condition

2009-01-12T09:41:00.004-06:00

I just wanted to give you an update on what's going on with my boy. Because Aiden is not yet back to baseline as far as his behavior and energy level, I called last week and asked that his chart be reviewed again because I was convinced we missed something. I also reviewed all his symptoms with them.

Aiden had fever for over 12 days
Aiden had a red, swollen throat and lymph nodes
Aiden had a rash similar to that with Scarlett Fever
Aiden had red eyes like you would if you had pink eye, but with no discharge
Aiden had the 'strawberry' tongue-super red with white coating
Aiden had itchy (possibly swollen) feet
Aiden was photo phobic-the bright light hurt his eyes
Aiden had major nausea and vomiting with stomach pain
Aiden's rash peeled as it started to go away, especially in the 'hot spots' and on his fingertips
Aiden had horribly dry lips that you just couldn't keep chap stick on enough-peeling and flaking off

Aiden was diagnosed with Strep without passing a strep test EVER during the whole illness, mainly because he had been on a prophylactic antibiotic that week before his illness due to Carsen having Strep. So, when Aiden went back in with a rash, it was thought that the strep 'broke through' the antibiotic and had become Scarlett Fever, even though he had a negative strep test. The doctors felt that the antibiotic in his system 'threw off' the strep culture test. This didn't make sense to me, but I'm not a doctor. We put him on Biaxin, which didn't work at all. The next day (Christmas Eve) Aiden went back in and got a rocephin shot. It didn't work either. Then, after 12 days and STILL running fever with a poor peeling bottom, Aiden was finally put on a 4th antibiotic for strep when he STILL had not passed a strep test. We were puzzled at the course of things, but remained hopeful. When his fever finally broke and the last of the rash left his little cheeks, I was SO relieved. As I saw some life come back into my little boy, he still complained of stomach ache and had low-grade temps. I just didn't have a peace about his condition-hence-calling for the chart review. I sincerely hoped to be told we were over-reacting. Needless to say, that didn't happen. Friday afternoon I got the call and after discussing Aiden's case, she said, "I'm going to say something and I don't want you to freak out: Kawasaki's. You've heard of it right?". Of course I had. It's been all over the news linked to Jett Travolta's death. But I wasn't shocked. To be honest, before I even called the doctor for the chart review, Anthony and I had already googled Aiden's symptoms and the result really frightened us both. Literally, the first thing that popped up was Kawasaki Disease-NOT Scarlett Fever. I'd never heard of it (NOTE-we first googled this before John Travolta's son died and Kawasaki Disease was brought to the forefront in the news) so we read it together, and mutually agreed that there was no way Aiden had this disease. Actually, Aiden had clinical signs pointing to this disease, but the diagnosis was missed and not even mentioned during our multiple office visits over the holidays. AND if it was Kawasaki Disease, it wasn't caught in time to get intravenous treatment (it was supposed to be administered within the first 5 days), so it's possible that Aiden's heart, specifically the coronary arteries, were affected. One of the scary things about this illness is that if untreated, it can cause aneurysms to form in the coronary arteries and other major arteries in the body. Our doctor contacted the pediatric infectious disease fellow and immediately ordered extensive blood work, which had drawn this weekend. She also ordered an echocardiogram this week to determine if there was any cardiovascular damage.

Please pray for Aiden and for our family. We're faithful that God is good, but still anxious to get answers. I am struggling, but trying to have faith that God protected Aiden during this illness and that he will fully recover. And actually, this morning Aiden seemed more like himself than he has in months. I hope this is a sign!

UPDATE-Just got the call that the echo is tomorrow (Tuesday) at 9am at University. PRAY for us, please!

Love,
Mandye

CLOSING TODAY ON MY HOUSE!!!

2009-01-08T09:24:00.002-06:00

Just thought I'd put that out there :)

Planning on moving a few things in this weekend and next week, and then moving us in next weekend when I have a long weekend due to the holiday.

PICTURES COMING SOON!!!

As for me and Anthony, we are celebrating at Outback tonight!!

WOOHOO!

Somebody's a BIG GIRL!!!

2009-01-07T15:21:00.002-06:00

Carsen went to school in BIG GIRL PANTIES today!! WHOOHOO!!! I called at 10:30 and so far no accidents! That's great news, huh? Now pray that Cam decides she wants to be like sissy. We mights just have a pull-up free new house yet!!!

UPDATE 3:35-Carsen had an accident this afternoon but overall has done well today!! They said she did great this morning. Isn't that wonderful?? YAY!

GUESS WHAT??

2009-01-05T20:16:00.001-06:00

http://kennyandashley.blogspot.com/

Ask and it shall be given unto you-hehe! Thanks,Tashy! Can't wait to see what you're doing up there :)
Love you!

Tashy Needs a Blog

2009-01-05T12:24:00.003-06:00

My sister is married and now lives 3 hours away. We went from sharing a house to her living 3 HOURS AWAY! I cannot take this. I must have updates and see pictures. So...I am publically requesting that Ashley Self Stubblefield start a blog about small town life in Amory. I jokingly call her and Kenny Small Town Celebrities because they opened an Anytime Fitness there in Amory and now everyone in town knows them. I think it's great. I love small town life, but Ash reallllly loves it. Dare I say, she was born for it. God has prepared her heart to live in small town, very rural Mississippi. It takes a special person to be able to do this. I personally could probably get used to it, but I prefer to live within reasonable driving distance of the nearest mall. I've never lived more than 15 minutes away from a mall and my mall-dar (radar in a mall) is spot on, just ask Anthony. It's amazing that I can't find my way around Jackson after living here for nearly 30 years, but drop me in a random mall and I can find the GAP, Vicky's Secrets and a Kirlands' in 5 minutes flat, (ok, sometimes 10 if I have my kids with me as distraction). Anywho, point being...Ash will be perfect in Amory and Kenny is blessed to have such an adorable and sweet girl to help him run his gym. Did I mention she's also beautiful and has a great body? She's like a walking advertisement for Anytime Fitness! Heck, they both are. This just adds to the reason why she needs a blog!!! COME ON, TASHY! SHARE YOUR BEAUTIFULNESS WITH THE WORLD!!! :) I love ya, sis! MISS YOU! Now start a dang blog already!

Three Things....

2009-01-03T00:31:00.002-06:00

1. My Aiden is acting much better but looks like he's aged so much since he's been sick. We're on our fourth antibiotic. FOURTH! (Omnicef, Biaxin, Rocephin, now something called Suprax) Still running low-grade temp, especially around 10-11am and 6pm, which is typical, and when it goes up to 101 he slows a bit and you can tell he's still feels yuck. He SO wants to feel better. It's sad. Tonight we curled up on the couch together and watched Kung Fu Panda and he told me that he thinks he feels so bad because he 'did too much' today, "but I just want to feel better so fast and it's hard to rest when you want to feel better" he added to me. So mature so young. I just hugged him tighter and held on to God's promises. He's preparing this one to move mountains, I tell you.

2. Carsen is a hoot. She 'frew up' in the car this morning so I kept her home and took her in to see the doc. Carsen 'frows up' a lot more than the average child, and sometimes even when she's not super sick, so she's hard to guage. She didn't have strep, thank heavens, but still has a river of snot flowing out of her. I chose to go with the doc and not do antibiotics because I feel they're SO over prescribed and possibly why Aiden's in the shape he's in now (the kids' had more antibiotcs at 4 than Anthony has in his lifetime...I kid you not!). We are dosing the Mucinex and she's feeling a lot better and back to her normal, delightfully feisty self. So Camden came home from school and Aiden came home from Nonna's and they're all playing. My dad had Cam at the computer with him and I had Carsen about 10 feet away from them when dad asked Cam how Carsen is feeling. She replied to him that 'Sissy is better now.' I barely heard this but Carsen's sharp ears did not take well to her sister's diagnosis. "I AM NOT BETTER! I STILL SICK!!!!" came bursting out of Carsen like she was the exorcist! I had to literally turn my head to keep from spitting my drink on her. It was hilarious. I guess Aiden's been getting so much attention, be it not all positive mind you, from his illness that Carsen thought it was her turn to milk it for all its worth. Lol! Gotta love my little Carsen Rouge. "Mommy, I luuuuuuhssh you...You be my best fwiend?" Totally worth it. I enjoyed my day with Carsen, sick or not. The kids never leaves you guessing, that's for sure.

3. And Finally....Camden. She came in from school SO happy and joyful, as always, with hugs for everyone and kisses for those of us who are named Mommy. Then, as she rounded the corner and saw my dad (they have a special bond, mind you...he thinks we don't know this, but I can tell), I saw Camden see him. Her eyes lit up and his lit up. It's special. "Papaw! You gotture haircut! I LIKE IT! " I looked back and forth to the two of them, and his eyes got even brighter, "Thanks, shoooog!" (as in sugar, and said in that way that only Daddy can say it). He reached down and scooped her up for hug. That's when I noticed that Daddy had gotten a haircut, and Camden was the first and only person to notice. Daddy looked at me with a look that only confirmed their special bond. Oh yes, let it never be disputed that the kid LOVES her Papaw. It's special. He's very special. I know, see, because I loved him first. He's my Daddy and my babies are SO blessed to have him in their life. I pray daily that God allows him to stay in their life for as long as possible. He's a keeper.

I know I said three things, and I'm stopping, but first....I need to add this for the sake of sanity, as my blog is therapeutic to me at times. Now, I'm not going to write a huge update on our house or tell you sobs stories about mine and Anthony's anxiety over if we will indeed close on the 8th next week and keep our 5% interest rate that we have been SO blessed with because that would be torture for any reader. I'm just going to ask that you pray for the following three things:
1. My family- We need a home. It's time.
2. The men and women working on our home. Pray that God divinely has a hand in their scheduling so that everything will fall into place.
3. Our builder as he returns from his vacation to Colorodo that he took the week before we are supposed to close. (Pray that one which ever way you read it & I'll just leave it at that, because I know I'm in the flesh at this point and I'm personally praying for me to find some Grace and learn something from My Lord while I'm being patient and for Anthony to keep his hands in his pocket and to chose words that are uplifting and not degrading-though tempting as that might be. )

Love,
Me

Just So You Know...

2008-12-29T18:36:00.002-06:00

Wii is dangerous...specifically the bowling, which I am CHAMPION at in our house. Last night, somehow, I pulled a muscle in my rear while bowling. Yes, my gluteus maximus. Now, today, I've done my best to walk without a limp to save myself the agony of having to explain how I injured my butt playing bowling on Wii. I mean who really admits to that? Well, I guess I do now. Anyway, I'm recovering and following my own advice in staying away from Wii for a few days...if I can manage it. It's a bit adictive. And I was realllllly looking forward to a tournament with Aiden. Oh well...maybe in three days!

Yoga with the girls

2008-12-28T08:43:00.002-06:00

So I'm a closet yoga fan. I've been doing it for years and really don't even use a video of anything anymore because I get annoyed by all the 'namaste' of it all...I just like the way it makes you feel to be really limber and streched out. It's great before bedtime. In the past few months, the girls have finally started paying attention to Mommy's 'essersize.'

She's got pretty good form, eh?

Santa, Oh Santa...He Cometh and The Loot is Plentiful at the Self/Flowers' House

2008-12-27T09:34:00.009-06:00

On Christmas Eve, everyone got to open 1 gift.

Cam, Aiden and Carsen all got a Movie. The girls' both got Barbie movies and Aiden got Kung Fun Panda!

Neener got a NEW Pipka Santa!Papaw got a new MICROWAVE from the Flowers' Family, since we have sufficiently worn their old one out during our two year stay with them!A Big, Wide View of the LOOT!
Camden's

Barbie Car #1

Barbie Car # 2

Carsen's

Mommy and Daddy's....I mean the Family's Wii ROCK BAND setup!!!
Aiden's

Aiden's Tonka Mat

Girl's Tinker Bell Dress-Up Trunk

More for Aiden

MSU Mr. Potato Head!

Ah, the Hulk action figure he asked Santa for!

My favorite gift for the girls'! They both got Doll Cradles with 'Snug as a Bug in a Rug' on the side, which is what we always say when we tuck them in each night. I hope they take care of these and pass them down to their girls. I broke the spindles on mine when I was little and it got thrown away :(

Personalized Dolly Blanket, Bedding, and Diaper Bags handmade by my dear cousin Judy Bridges in Prentiss, MS. I am SO proud of these and the girls' LOVED them! She put their names on ALL of it! It's just beautiful and the handiwork is so lovingly done. I am just amazed!

Aiden made it up first, even through his fever and sickness! He got a good adrenaline rush that pepped him up in anticipation for the loot! Here if you look close, you can see how red his back is. He's not hot...that's the Scarlet Fever rash. It's all over him in this picture, but you can only see his poor little back. He was up at 4am with high fever so we shed the shirt considering it was only about 60 degrees out, if that low.
And here his sisters, barely awake, are taking it all in!

Carsen notices her bed (which, if you'll look closely, actualy says 'SUNG as a bug in a rug' and prompted a 11am call to PBK on Christmas Eve to complain. They are sening a corrected one!)
Carsen LOVING the Barbie, which she asked Santa for, BTW!

Carsen checking out her Tink stuff

Neener and Papaw helping Cam get into her Barbie car!

Aiden checking out his Imaginext Jungle setup (IMAGINEXT may just be the best thing in YEARS for little boys his age. VERY user friendly and imagination building. LOVE THEM!)

Carsen taking her baby it's bottle

Aiden opening his MegaBloks Spiderman/Thor set. I got this from Amazon to match the Spiderman/Wolverine set I got from Ross last year. He LOVES these!

Aiden loving the cowboy outfit he got (LOVE the sales on Halloween costumes after Halloween-great gift ideas!)

And finally, the biggest kid enjoying his new game! He has gotten really good at rocking out to RockBand. Seriously, Wii has been the most fun! And the kids LOVE Wii Sports. Aiden legitimately has beated Anthony at bowling at least one. The kid has skills!

We kept reminding the kids that they got these toys for Jesus' birthday, and they kept referring to baby Jesus's birthday party all week, so I think they get it for now. Next year, I'm hoping they're all old enough to take it to another level and possible go to a shelter and give toys to children in need. I want them to understand how blessed we are as early as possible. It's very important to me that they are involved in community service and giving to others. I can't wait to volunteer with them one day! How do you inforce the idea of giving to others to your children? Please share!

We love you and hope Santa was good to you and yours! I encourage all my sisters in blog to share their Santa Experience as well as any answers to the question above. Oh! And thanks for your prayers for Aiden! His fever broke the morning after my post!!! GOD IS SOOOOO GOOD! I also prayed my mom's broken cd player into working yesterday, but that's another post :)

Love,

Mandye

Merry Christmas, Please Pray for Aiden

2008-12-25T22:20:00.005-06:00

First off, Merry Christmas!

Update on the house: We have not closed yet. We will not be moved in by New Years. We hope to close right after New Years. We Hope. Did I mention that WE HOPE. More on that soon.

The wedding was BEAUTIFUL! Ashley and Kenny had a wonderful day surrounded by family and friends before heading to a nightmare start of a honeymoon. They flew Jackson to Atlanta, Atlanta to Jamaica and Jamaica to Antigua-set to arrive in Antigua on Sunday night. Well, when they arrived in Atlanta they were told that their Delta flight was having communications errors, or something like that that sounds equally fishy and scary, so they were delayed. When they arrived in Jamaica, they had missed their Antigua connection. The folks at the desk basically told them they were on their own to re-book and get a hotel. This was totally wrong on them because it was Delta's fault. Luckily, after lots of calls and prayers, they were finally able to get to Antigua TUESDAY NIGHT! They are flying back in tomorrow night. They almost decided to call it quits and come home on Monday. I was ready for them to. My sister said their hotel didn't have phones in the rooms. I am just glad they're alive and well....That said, I am looking forward to hearing about the adventure tomorrow night!

Now onto Christmas...We had NO PLANS on Christmas Eve, which actually worked out perfect because Aiden was very sick. His first doctor visit was on Tuesday and they said that though his strep culture was negative, they still felt like he had strep. He was throwing up, running high fever, had a rash all over his chest and felt awful. I had to work so Anthony and mom took him in. I didn't think it was strep because Carsen had it the week before and all three kids were put on antibiotics for preventative measures. So much for that...Omnicef obviously doesn't cover strep for Aiden. So, they put him on Biaxin (Clindamiacyn sp?) and after three doses by Wednesday at 10am he was worse still, so I took him back and we got a Rocephin (sp?) shot. I hated it for him because they are SO painful, but I just knew it would make him feel better. And it did seem to make him feel better and give him an energy burst, but the poor baby is still eating nothing, gagging from wanting to throw up and running high fever and the rash has spread. When his fever is down, he plays and has fun, but still generally feels bad all the time. They called in phenergan for nausea and I just gave him some tonight because he feels the need to throw up, but there's nothing on his stomach. He's drinking really good, like a little fish, or else we're probably be needing a drip. I just don't know at what point to stop worrying about him. He's just not getting better. I may take him back tomorrow for another blood count to make sure his white count is going down. If not...I'm headed for Batson. Something just doesn't feel right here. The rash is just pitiful...I mean it's just ugly and awful on m beautiful little boy. I hate to see him in pain. Please pray he's ok. I know I'm probably over reacting, but I've never had one sick for this long before with fever this high. I'd appreciate your prayers and mommy support! Christmas Day Santa came with lots of loot and Aiden and the girls were very happy. I have pictures that I'll post later. Anthony took the girls to his granny's for lunch and then I took them to my mamaw's for dinner. Aiden did not get to go, but, in his words, "I don't feel much like going anywhere today." He's such a little man. He's been a trooper. Pray. Just please pray.

I'll keep you posted!

Love,

Mandye

Jakob Thomas Isaacson

2008-12-23T11:14:00.004-06:00

Please pray for Jakob Thomas Isaacson's family throughout the holidays. His mommy and daddy thought they'd have Christmas with their new baby...I can't imagine. Please remember them in your prayers. I don't know them, but when I came across their story, I felt led to share it with others.

Love,
Mandye

Tashy Self Stubblefield

2008-12-22T21:15:00.002-06:00

This is my sister's wedding. I don't have my own pictures because I lost my camera but I stole these from my friends on facebook :)

View Album

Get your own

My Camden

2008-12-18T10:44:00.002-06:00

Camden-As promised MONTHS ago!!! I didn't forget, it just took a while for her. She's a complex gal, I tell you! :)

Yes, my Camden is a momma's girl. This once independent child now has switched personalities with her needy sister (who, coincidentally is now a daddy's girl) and can always be recognized by her lizard tongue, which she loves to use to lick odd things, and her use of the word "wonchu," as in, "MOMMY, I WONCHU!" She loves all things chocolate, just like her mommy, and also has a penchant for stickers. She can often be found removing stickers from places that don't need the stickers removed, like tags in stores and labels from any of everything you can think of, including medicine bottles (hello? Why does she have these anyway??) and canned food (which makes it quite difficult to tell what in the world it us without opening it!). And if a toy comes with cute little stickers on it, I give her 10 seconds to discover and dismantle those bad boys. Yep…they're coming off, whether you tell her no or not. Which leads me to my sweet girl's other issue: She has an impulse control problem. If you tell her not to touch something, not to sit on something, and especially not to lick something…you can just about bet that it's going to happen anyway. You can seriously see her brain working, trying so hard not to do whatever it is you've forbidden her to do, but she just can't help it. She's GOT TO DO IT! She wants to be good, this you can tell from the angelic expression on her face and the pride when she actually does resist the temptation, which is rare. It almost makes you feel sorry for her, because who hasn't been there, ya know? I mean which of us has not gone back for one last bite, though we don't need it?? For the most part, it's pretty funny to watch and easy to correct her on, but I fear that one day it's going to be a major calamity when she's about to touch fire or some other equally dangerous surface and I can't get to her fast enough. So we're working on her impulse control one step at a time. If anyone has a 12 step program for toddlers, I'm up for recommendations. Speaking of steps, and all other things balance related....

Yes, this is a picture of Camden falling out of the swing. I didn't plan it, I swear. I actually wanted a pic of all my kids swinging, but poor Cam's luck was no good. My poor little girl. I mean, she can be walking across the room and fall without even tripping over anything but her two feet so I should have known it'd be her to fall out of the swing. She was fine, by the way. She brushed herself off and got right back in, only to fall again before calling it quits. That's my little Grace! Camden is just so funny to listen to and watch. She started out life on the quiet side, always sitting back and taking it all in while Carsen and Aiden have always been more demanding. Well, she's making up for lost time now, which is great if you ask me. She's found her voice and she's finally started taking up for herself. Personally, I'm proud of her. It took my 24 years to find my voice. When I had Aiden, I became ferocious, like a lioness. Ha! Now don't get me wrong, Cam's still very quiet at times, but she's much more outgoing now and is quite often the loudest kid in the room! Never in a million years would I have pegged her for the loud one. Oh well. I love suprises and these kids just keep them coming everyday! Now it was no surprise to me that Camden it TOTALLY a little mommy. The other day I heard her telling "Its-A-Boy" (her infamous doll) that he needed to get in his bed and close his eyes and GO TO SLEEP! I wonder where she's heard that before? She's also pretty bossy to the other kids. If I'm getting onto Aiden or Carsen, Cam is right there behind me pointing her finger at the them and echoing my every word. You have no idea how hard it is to keep a straight face while trying to discipline a child with a 2 y/o standing there parroting your every word. It's pretty hilarious at times. Here's some of my favorite Cam M'Dam (as I call her sometimes) pics:

Camden after dressing herself in several things from the laudry basket that I was trying to fold. This won her the title, "Laundry Basket Queen!"
Tuckered out after last year's attempt at a Christmas Card photo shoot. So darn cute and snuggly!

Mid-Meltdown! My emotional girl! I can just hear "Mommy, I WONCHU!"

My pretty princess. She loves dress-up and can often be found with her crown on her head. :)

I love you, My Sweet Camden. You are my special princess and you own a third of my heart....

Love,

Mommy

THE BLOG FROG

2008-12-14T20:37:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to take a sec to plug a great new blogospheric product: http://www.theblogfrog.com/
You probably already noticed my very cool widget to the right siting who visits my blog. This awesome addition came from BlogFrog. Rustin, the creator, is very cool and user-friendly. If you have any problems or questions concerning the site, Rustin will be the one who takes care of you. Blogfrog is also a great way to connect with your friends from high school, church, college or just around your neighborhood, not to mention your friends and family, by using their seach engine. It works in your favor if you recommend your friends because you end up linked to lots of other fun blogs that you didn't know existed! Check it out! :) Tell him Mandye sent ya!!!

Wordless Wednesday: Caption This

2008-12-10T09:34:00.003-06:00

Carsen Loves Hot Wheels

2008-12-09T21:22:00.002-06:00

Carsen has way more fun with Aiden's new hot wheels set than he does. The yell you here is not Aiden, it's HER! It's so funny! She loves it!

A Few Pics to Tide You Over

2008-12-08T22:42:00.004-06:00

We close on the house on Dec. 23 and Ashley's wedding is the 20th!!! Not to mention I've got Joint Commission Survey at work this week (for those in the medical field, pray me up cause you know my pain!). Anywho...not much time to blog. Please forgive my absence and enjoy my silly kids. Aiden will be FOUR this weekend, so that's bittersweet. Love that he's big, hate that his feet almost drag the ground when I hold him. My poor babies with the short mommy! He's also finally got the stomach bug that we've all passed around, so pray for him. He was the last to get it! The girls are great! I've got a primo story about Carsen, a tampon and a microphone, but that will have to wait. Must. Get. Rest. Now.

I'll try and post house pics when I can at night.

Love to all!!!

-Mandye

Coming Along Now...HOUSE UPDATE

2008-11-30T17:28:00.000-06:00

Please Pray for Our Little Family...

2008-11-12T10:12:00.003-06:00

We lost Brody, our English Bulldog, sometime early this morning. The vet thinks he had a reaction to something, not sure what. Anthony and I were both off yesterday and took care of lots of house stuff, as well as took Aiden to see Madagascar 2. We got a call from my sis at 3pm saying Brody wasn't doing good, very lethargic, moaning, barely walking...didn't sound good. We got home and Anthony quickly took him to the Vet, who actually got him stable with a drip and decadron, then asked that we let him stay the night for bloodwork. At 6pm we learned he was snoring and resting good. At 7:30 the Vet went back and checked on him and he ate a little. This morning when they went in, he was gone. He was our firstborn so to speak and our hearts are broken. The kids don't know yet, and I'm not sure how we will choose to explain the absence of 'Brody the Bulldog,' especially to Aiden who just started affectionately calling Brody 'Biddy' like Anthony does. They've never known a Brody-less life, and I feel like I haven't either. I am sick that we didn't give him more attention in the last months as we've been so focused on this house and our own lives. I know some days I didn't even speak to him. Go home and hug your babies and your fur-babies. You never know how long your life will be blessed with them...

.....

2008-11-06T09:10:00.002-06:00

Ok, so first I recommend you read this. I second that emotion, if you know what I mean. So now, the moment you've all been waiting for. Here goes....

I, Mandye Self Flowers, do solemnly swear to never discuss politics again on this blog unless it is about an issue that directly affects my family.

Seriously...I do!

Don't laugh at me, I'm being serious! Can't you tell?? Ok, you there laughing...you stop!!! I'm trying to be serious here!

;-)

Prayer for McCain and Palin and their families

2008-11-04T10:23:00.003-06:00

Got this today from a dear friend. I don't know who wrote this, but it's very beautiful and appropriate for today. Please join me in prayer.

Father, in the name of Jesus, we come to You right now asking for a miracle
in this election. Lord, we lift up to You right now Senator John McCain and
Governor Sarah Palin. Lord, we ask that You would just wrap Your arms
around them and their families at this critical time. Father, we ask for
miracle upon miracle in this election. We know that only You can turn the
tide of evil in this election. Father, as we await the final days of the
election, we ask in complete faith that You would allow the truth to be
known across this land.

Lord, we ask for forgiveness for putting You last...Father, please heal our
land and homes, allow us to have another chance to love You the way you
should be loved. Lord, we ask specifically for John and Sarah's health,
wisdom, words, actions and their campaign staff. Lord, we lift them all up
to You now. Father, we also specifically ask for the voters in many states
who are battleground states. Lord, please convict the hearts of voters in
Florida, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, North Dakota, Virginia,
Nevada and Colorado.

Father we beg for every electoral vote. Lord, we lift all of our needs up
to You now. In the name of Jesus we claim victory in Your name. Lord, we
pray for Your will to be done in a mighty way...we know that this election
can and will glorify You! Father, place the man you would have to lead our
country in a Christian way on November 4. We love You, Lord. We await Your
holy miracles...

In Jesus' Name we pray,

Amen

Slideshow of Our House 11/1/08

2008-11-01T18:08:00.001-05:00

There is No One Like Our God

2008-10-31T14:22:00.004-05:00

Just heard this song on K-LOVE and it spoke to my heart. No matter what the outcome on election day, no matter how scared we are over what might happen, He is still Lord. The Lord says in Isaiah,

"For I am the Lord you God who upholds your right hand, who says to you, Do not fear, I will help you."

Isaiah 41:13

He also brings us the hope of salvation and eternal life with him in Heaven, where no man can slander God's name or remove his commandments. David reminds us in Psalm 27,

"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God himself lives in that city; it cannot be destroyed."

Psalm 27:1-3

Listen to these words and pray for guidance, no matter what the outcome on Tuesday. God is STILL the God od this City, the Lord of this Nation...There is No One Like OUR GOD!

The God of This City

by Chris Tomlin

You're the God of this city

You're the King of these people

You're Lord Of this nation

You are

You're hope for the hopeless

You're light in the darkness

You're peace to the restless

You are

There is no one like our God

The greater things have yet to come

And greater things are still to be done in this city

The greater things have yet to come

The greater things are still to be done in this city

There is no one like our God

PRAISE GOD!

2008-10-30T13:49:00.002-05:00

Join me in praising God with McMama, one of my Really Good Reads, who was given horrible news while pregnant that her son would be stillborn due to a heart condition. Well, God is SOOOOOOO good! Stellan was born this week and NOTHING AT ALL could be found wrong with that baby's heart. It's a great story, and she is a great writer! Take a look!

2008-10-29T14:16:00.002-05:00

EDITED TO ADD: I did not write this, as many have asked. :) I wish I had!!!

'Twas the night before elections

And all through the town

Tempers were flaring

Emotions all up and down!

I, in my bathrobe

With a cat in my lap,

Had cut off the TV

Tired of political crap.

When all of a sudden

There arose such a noise,

I peered out my window;

Saw Obama and his boys

They had come for my wallet,

They wanted my pay,

To give to the others

Who worked not a day!

He snatched up my money

And quick as a wink

Jumped back on his bandwagon

As I gagged from the stink.

He then rallied his henchmen

Who were pulling his cart.

I could tell they were out

To tear my country apart!

" On Fannie, on Freddie,

On Biden and Ayers!

On Acorn, On Pelosi"

He screamed at the pairs!"

They took off for his cause

And as he flew out of sight

I heard him laugh at the nation

Who wouldn't stand up and fight!

So I leave you to think

On this one final note-

IF YOU DONT WANT SOCIALISM

GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!

Oscar and Gunther

2008-10-29T10:26:00.002-05:00

I'd like to introduce you to two new members of our family, Oscar and Gunther. They are Lots to Love Babies and we got them at Walmart for $4.99. I was shopping Sunday and saw them and decided the girls needed them. SO CUTE! Little fat babies are just adorable, and these are SO well done. They're completely plastic/vinyl and can go in the tub or dirt or food or where ever and be washed off. They're only about 8" tall, if that, so they're not bulky baby dolls. The girls LOVE THEM! When we get new dolls, I always suggest some crazy name, like Bertha or Eunice or Elroy or Lester for them, and then they kids laugh at me and give them a normal name. Well this time, I suggested Gunther to Carsen and she loved it! Then Cam and I came up with Oscar to go with Gunther. It's pretty funny hearing Carsen say, "This is my baby Guhnta!" and Camden say, "And this is my baby Oscah!" I just had to share our new babies because the cute factor on these is WAY HIGH! They were in their own little display at Walmart and each had on a diaper and a little hooded towel. They all have different faces, some with teeth and some without and they're posable-for $4.99!!! ADORABLE!!! Check them out:

Oscar

Gunther

Got this online, didn't take pics at Walmart!

This is actually what Gunther looks like!!!