Mom of 3

TWINS BIRTHDAY PARTY!!! (Warning, Pic Overload)

2009-08-24T08:27:00.001-07:00

Ronald Matthew Dodd, one minute older than his sister. Matt weighed 6 lbs. at birth. Now he is weighing in about 24 lbs and will eat whatever you put in his mouth. He has 4 teeth. Loves to cuddle with his mommy. Loves to be outside. Is walking, but prefers to "army" crawl right now, because he can get there faster. He is his daddy made over. Nicknames: Bubba Tank, Tank, little bubba, Matt Matt.

Magdalene Faith Dodd, my baby girl! Maggie was born weighing 6.6 lbs. She now weighs about 17 lbs. She is a pretty picky eater and would prefer to eat what I'm having instead of her babyfood. She loves her mommy. She has no teeth yet, but we are hoping any day now the bottom front ones will break the skin. She can walk, but is still a little more comfortable crawling. She loves her bubbas. Nicknames: Mags, Squirrel, Peanut, Baby Girl, Sissy.

We celebrated the twins birthday yesterday. We had a house full of guests and had a great time. I had just forgotten what hard work a birthday party can be. I will be better prepared next year! :)

Mr. Alan Goudy brought the Harley for a snapshot!

Trying to make their picture is a hard job!

Blowing out the candle!

Oh man, a potty chair!

Ready for a nap!

Birthdays and Starting School

2009-08-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

We have had a busy week of celebrations.

Dad's birthday was on August 6th. We had a nice supper of steaks, potatoes and bread to celebrate. Dad is the rock of the family. He is the fixer, yard man, picture hanger, listener, there when you need him, advisor and so much more. I remember so many things that he has done for me and the family over the years. When he was driving a truck when we were small he would seem to always make important events. I remember being in the second grade and it was beauty pageant night. He pulled that 18-wheeler right on the curb at Ingomar School. Always the softball and baseball coach and most importantly always the supporter in whatever we endured. Thanks Dad for all you do and for being the man you are. Love you always!

Ms. Wanda birthday isn't until the 21st, but we celebrated a little early with a surprise birthday party. She was totally surprised. When she got to the fellowship hall for the "tupperware" party, she didn't want to get out of the car. It was such fun celebrating this milestone with her, family and friends.

And today, Kyle started the 10th grade! Where has the time gone? I remember his first day of kindergarten. I don't know who cried more, me or him. The first two weeks were awful, but we survived. Kyle is such a great kid. Don't get me wrong, he has his moments, but all in all, I couldn't ask for a better child. I hope he has a great year and makes great memories.

My Future Farmers!

2009-07-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

Allen went shopping yesterday and bought the kids some t-shirts. I think this is a hint of what might be to come.

The twins were 11 months old on Saturday. I just can't believe I am planning their 1st birthday party already. Time has truly flown by. Every day is a new experience and even though I am physically exhausted, I wouldn't take nothing for it. Maggie is standing alone and she is just about ready to take that first step. Matt is pulling up and walking along things, but not quite sure of standing by himself just yet. Matt has his two bottom front teeth and is trying so hard to cut some top ones. Maggie has none, but is really puffy on the bottom. Hopefully soon they will break the skin. They are into everything. Allen had forgot to close the gate on the stairs Sunday and Maggie was quite, I turned around and she was on the third step headed to visit Bubba upstairs. I thought I would have a heart attack. You can't leave them alone. And if they are quite, you better go looking!

Dog days of summer! Keeping cool.

Kyle will be going into the 10th grade. His voice is changing and he has the "peach fuzz" on his face. Pretty sure that he is shaving, but he won't own up to it. Boys are so secretive! He is anyway. Allen bought him a sharp Jeep and he just thinks he is soooo cool! He does look pretty cool driving it if I say so myself.

Mags getting a nap on her daddy.

I hope everyone has a blessed day! I have asked my readers, which are very few, before to pray for Stellen. Please be praying for him. He is back in the hospital and is not doing good again.

Gatlinburg 2009

2009-07-07T14:04:00.000-07:00

July 2, 2009 Wanda, Amanda, Mollie Grace, Kyle, Matt, Maggie and I rolled out at 3 o'clock a.m. for Gatlinburg.

Matt, Mags and Mollie

Matt just couldn't wait, so he got up with me at 2 a.m.!

We arrived in Gatlinburg about 1 o'clock and finally found our cabin. It was so nice. The Looney Bin was the name of it and I felt like I needed to be in the Looney Bin! Kids made the ride pretty good. The last hour was the worst. But we made it!

We went to the Hoot and Holler dinner show on Thursday night. It was good. It was something that we hadn't seen before.

On Friday we went into town and had a GREAT meal here

Hard Rock Cafe

We walked the streets and played some putt putt golf at "Cooters". Kyle wanted to go to the Bass Pro Shop so we did!

We went to the Black Bear Jamboree Dinner Show that night. It was great. Meal was great. We had been before, but this time it was a new show and it was wonderful.

On Saturday we packed a picnic lunch and headed for Cades Cove. It is so nice and peaceful there. We finally found a table and had lunch then we played in the Little Pigeon River. Water was ice cold, but we loved it. We drove thru and saw turkeys, deer and bears. It was neat, it just took us forever. So as a reward to ourselves, we stopped at the store there and had us some delicious soft serve ice cream. We went back into town and had a good meal at Bubba Gumps. At 10 the fireworks show began and it was awesome. So proud to be an American!

Bears were playing in this area

This is a big buck! If Kyle would have just had a gun!! JK!

Sunday was shopping day. What an experience. Twins hate the stroller so we were all exhausted from totting them around. Matt especially. He is just a chunk!

Our trip was great. Weather was great.

Now I guess I better start planning the twins birthday party. It won't be long. This time last year I had been taken off work and was sitting and waiting on them to arrive. Now they are about to turn a year old! Where has the time gone.

I hope everyone had a great 4th!

Lesson Learned

2009-06-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

Never leave your 9 month old twins alone in the living room long enough to go get the laundry out of the dryer because.......

This.....

Plus this......

Equals this ........

Allen has a bad habit of leaving spit bottles and cup lying around. Mags just happen to get to this one. Needless to say, Mags wasn't too happy!

Have a great day!

Destin 2009

2009-06-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought, "Maybe this just wasn't meant to be?" Well, I have.

Back in February I asked mom and dad if they would go to Destin with me and the kids when Kyle got out of school. They said they would love too and Dad got online and found us a great place to stay. We decided that we would need to take two vehicles, you know, with the babies and all they require, it was gonna take two cars. Mom had just gotten a new car in February and I was on the look for one. Got mine in April. Then we waited for the weeks to pass. We were leaving on May 22. On Saturday, May 16, I called Mom that morning and asked her to come down to the house to help me get the house in order and get some of the babies stuff packed up and just help out in general. I was in the kitchen with Maggie, Allen had Matt outside. All the sudden the door swings open and Kyle has Matt and says Nana's had a wreck turning in our driveway. I got the kids and we rode to the end of the drive to see what the heck was going on. Her poor car. And how she loves that Ford Edge. The left front look terrible. I just knew it was totalled. The good thing was no one was hurt and a car can always be fixed or a new one bought. We got her back to the house and then we started talking about how she just didn't know what she would do without a car. How would we go on vacation? Dad said we will get a rental car or just go in my truck. Truck, how the heck we gonna haul all the stuff we need? Then he remember his friend had a luggage carrier. We could load it down and put it in the back. No problems. Things looking better for vacation!

Monday came and went with no trouble. 4 days til we leave for some R & R. Tuesday no troubles. Maggie had a little runny nose, but was fine. 3 days. Wednesday I had to go to Aberdeen for some bankruptcy training. Dreading it with a passion, but had to do it. When you go to the Federal Building in Aberdeen you can't take your cell phone in. I told Ms. Wanda if she needed me she would have to call the Federal Building and ask for me. I checked on the kids at lunch and all was good. Maggie just didn't feel real good, but a cold can make you feel lousey anyway. I got out of class at 3:30 and headed for the car. 1 more day til vacation!! I got my cell phone out and I had a missed call from Ms. Wanda. I called her back and she said "Missy, I think you might want to take Maggie to the doctor." I said, "Doctor?" What's going on?" She said, Maggie just isn't breathing real good. So here I am, 3:30 in the afternoon an hour and a half from Ingomar. I get to Ms. Wanda's about 4:45. I had called the pedi office on my way home and talked to the nurse and they couldn't see her until Thursday morning. I thought, this is just great!! When I got to Ms. Wanda's and saw how bad Maggie really was I knew we couldn't wait til morning. I called nurse back and she said just take her to the ER. I HATE THE ER. WAIT AND WAIT! But mom and I loaded her up and off we went. Got to ER and they took us right back. Doc came right on in and looked at her and said, "We are going to do an x-ray, swab her nose, do a breathing treatment and be prepared to stay the night, looks like she has bronchitis." STAY THE NIGHT? Ok, if we have too. They started an IV in her little foot. Drew some blood, etc. Whatever, just getting her to feeling better. She and I had a long night in the hospital. IV blew in her foot about 2 o'clock. And for those of you that know me, know I hate needles and I also hate to see my kids hurt. The nurse came in and said, "We are going to have to take her and restart the IV." So they took her, and I paced, brushed my teeth, ate some nabs, paced, and paced some more. Freaking out pretty much. They brought her back and the nurse said she did really well. Good, because her momma didn't! Doctor came around about 10 and told us we could go home with oral meds and breathing treatments. Great. I said, "Ok, we are to leave in the morning for Destin, should we or shouldn't we." He said, "I think it will be fine, just give her the meds and breathing treatments." DESTIN HERE WE COME! Friday morning at 5 a.m. we rolled out. Me waiting on that first cup of coffee to get me going since I was running on much stress and little sleep. We made it to Mederian about 8 o'clock to have breakfast. Feed the kids, gave Maggie a breathing treatment and off we went. We got to Destin about 3. And guess what, it was raining. Cats and Dogs Rain. Who the heck wants to go to the beach when it's raining. I did, I needed to get away. Got to the condo. Very nice complex. Dad and I went to check in and we saved a hundred dollars. Yeah, a little extra cash. Found the condo, unloaded in the rain, and then everyone was ready for some supper! We went to the Crab Trap. Had a wonderful meal. Saturday morning we got up to more rain. It slacked a little and I told mom that I was getting a shower and we would go to Target and Dad was taking the boys, Kyle and Dillan Speck, to the Bass Pro Shop. Got to Target raining a little, let mom and twins out at the door, parked the car, ran to the door and the dang bottom fell out, lighting, thunder the whole works. I told mom I just didn't think it was meant for us to be here. Finally about lunch time the sun was trying to shine. We had lunch and rode along the beach front. It was beautiful. Then the rain came again. We all went to supper at Jim and Nick's BBQ. It was new and the service was bad. Matt was not a happier camper, so needless to say supper wasn't too pleasant. Sunday morning raining just a little, Maggie not feeling very well and by this time I have the crud. So we all had a little breakfast and went back to bed. So nice. Nothing you really have to do. Just rest. Rain gave way to some sun and we enjoyed the pool and golf course. Had a nice supper at Landry's. Good food! Probably the best meal I had while we were there. Monday morning sun was shining. Great, we are going to the beach. Dad wasn't too crazy about taking the babies to the beach, so he said, "Missy you take the boys and mom and I will keep the twins here." Good deal. So with book in hand, tanning lotion, sunglasses and camera Kyle, Dillan and me headed to the beach. I just love it at the beach. So peaceful. So relaxing. No stress. No troubles. Stayed a couple of hours and then headed back to the pool. Supper was at the Back Porch. Another good meal. Tuesday was our last day. Needed to make the most of it. We took the twins to the beach. Dad said, "Only for a few minutes. They will blister before we know it." I rubbed them down with sunscreen, and off we went. Twins weren't too crazy about the sun nor the sand. We all stayed about an hour and decided the pool would be better. Had a great day of swimming and chilling. Kyle had supper pick and we ate at Fudpuckers. Pretty good. Not the best. Wednesday morning we packed up and headed home. Had a great trip after thinking that we would never make it to the beach. Now we are looking forward to next year. I think the twins will be just the right age for digging in some sand!

Poor baby girl.

Beautiful

Fun in the sun!

Matt and Nana chillin.

Swimming just wore them out!

Bubba helping out with little bubba.

Part of the Family

Big and Nana with their 3 favorite grandkids!

Me and the kiddos!

Matt

Mags

Mags telling Matt the plan!

The devil tempts us in so many ways. Makes us wonder why things happen to us. But as mom says, "Missy you don't need prozac, just hand it to the Lord and He will take care of things." HE took care of getting me and my family to the beach safely, allowing us to have a wonderful time, and bringing us home safely. God is good.

Catching up

2009-05-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been a while, but things have been pretty busy.

This is Jackson, my other child.

We start em young.

Dad, let me drive.

I think I can handle this.

A couple of Saturdays ago we worked really hard in the yard getting mulch out. I am so thankful that I have a personal "Gardner" in the family. Thanks dad and Kyle for all the help and mom for helping watch the children.

And then yesterday was Mother's Day. I had a great day. Matt woke up early and he and I had our time together. Then Mags woke up and the fun began. I cooked breakfast and we all sat at the table and ate together. This rarely happens. The kids had me a really pretty card with some money. And I needed that. Then it was off to church. We had lunch with my mom and dad and spent the afternoon with them and then we headed to Ms. Wanda's (mother-in-law) to spend time with her and supper. It was a great day. I thank God for my precious children.

Bath time. First time we tried this. Dad was in our way and we had no other choice. Water was everywhere!

Teenagers!

Much better! My three little angels!

Just a few little notes:

Mom: Thank you for who you are! I love you so much. You are not just my mom, but my best friend. You are my shoulder to cry on. You are listening ears for me to let my feelings out. We just take it one day at a time and you still convince me I don't need that prozac, even tho I think I do. Thanks for all you do for me and my family and for loving me. Words cannot express how grateful I am to call you my mother. You have always been so caring, hardworking, patient, & loving and I appreciate all you have done to raise our family through the years. You have done a wonderful job. I love you... Happy Mother's Day, Your daughter.

Ms. Wanda: Thank you for all you do. Thank you for making me a part of your family. Thank you for taking care of my kids everyday so I can work and not worry about them. Thank you for all your help with Matt and Maggie...I truly appreciate it! I love you...Happy Mother's Day,
Your daughter-in-law.

I hope everyone has a great week. We are counting down the last few days of school.

Miss High Maintenance

2009-04-22T11:29:00.001-07:00

But isn't she just the cutest little thing!

Easter 2009

2009-04-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics from Easter. As you will notice, Kyle isn't in any of the pics, because you know, he is a teenager, he did stay out with his dad at a cow sale until 2 a.m. and had to get up at 6:30 a.m. for church, and did I mention he IS A TEENAGER! URG!

We had a nice Easter weekend. I was off on Good Friday and enjoyed my day with the twins. They are just changing so much and doing so many things. They are everywhere in their walkers and they are finding things they can put their hands on and touch. The plants usually get their hands spatted, because I refuse to rearrange the house just because they are now mobile, but it really doesn't faze them and they will go back to get one more tug on it. They are just sooo sweet.

Also here are a few snapshots of the twins. Maggie is the leader of the pack! If she and Matt are on the bed or flooring playing and she sees something she wants and Matt is in the way she will just climb over him and he just lays there and lets her. I can see her getting him in a lot of trouble one day. I am constantly telling her to leave him alone. I wonder how many times I will say that in years to come.

We are on the countdown now for school to be out and vacation. Did I say vacation? DESTIN here we come! I didn't get to do a vacation last year because of the pregnancy I was afraid to get too far from home. We take a vacation every year and I missed it so much last year. So we are really looking forward to some time relaxing and chilling with the kids on the beach. Mom and Dad are going with us and Kyle is taking his friend Dillen. And no, Allen isn't going. He never goes, but that's okay. As a child we took vacations every year and I wanted to make that a thing with my kids also. We have such wonderful memories of trips and still talk about them and I wanted the same thing for my kiddos.

These are pics of Matt and Maggie after a long day on Saturday. We got home around 9:30 p.m. and they were two hours pasted their bed time. They usually sleep like this every night. Must be a twin thing!

I hope everyone has a blessed day and Happy Late Easter to all!

7 months and Pray for Stellan!

2009-03-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

The twins are 7 months old today. It seems that I waited forever for them to get here and now 7 months has already passed.

Enjoying the sunshine the the "limo"

Mom and I shopped on Saturday and we got them crocs, church sandals and tennis shoes. They are sooo cute!! Old Navy had all their baby clothes for 5 bucks!! What a deal! I racked up on clothes for Matt. Had to get Maggie a few things too, but she is pretty well taken care of with things Mollie Grace hands down.

Allen turned 37 on Monday. We had a little birthday celebration on Saturday night. Food was good, band was great, some of the folks there were a little different, but all in all, we had a great time.

Dad getting down on the "dance floor"!

Kyle can officially drive. He got his permit. He was so excited. Wanted to borrow my car and when I told him the only way he could do that was if I was with him, he changed his mind. For those of you that don't know, Kyle has been driving since he was about 6 years old. He is a very good driver. He just doesn't understand that he is not officially a licensed driver. He thinks he should be able to go where he wants with no one with him. We have been letting him drive to school since it's so close and so much easier for me, he tends to drive over to the store to work and to visit the grandparents. It's hard for me to believe that he only has 8 more weeks of school left and then I will have a 10th grader. I can remember the day he started to kindergarten. We both cried and cried. Dee Thompson was his teacher and she was so good to him. She would call me to let me know he was fine and not to worry about him. Now I don't think he needs me as much, but he is still my baby. First born. And there is just something about those first born children. He has really stepped up and helped when it comes to housework, taking care of babies, etc. He can aggravate the heck of you sometimes, but you gotta love him.

I would like to ask all of you to be in prayer for sweet little Stellan. I have a button on the left side of my blog that you can go to and read. His mother was told that he had a heart condition in the womb and would not make it. She chose to go thru with the pregnancy and Stellan was born at full term and with a healthy heart. Over the weekend Stellan got to feeling bad and MckMama took him to the ER. He was admitted to the Children's Hospital with SVT, the heart condition he had in the womb. PLEASE pray for Stellan and his family.

Little Road Trip

2009-03-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

Saturday, March 7, 2009, Dad, Mom, the Twins and I went to Eupora to visit my great-aunt and uncle and my cousin and her family. Matt and Maggie were great riders. My great-aunt Rudell, I call her Mamaw Rudell, turned 80 on March 12. When Shane and I were small we would go to Eupora for a week in the summer and stay with them. We always had a blast and have great memories of those days.

I wish we all lived a little closer so we could visit more often. Here are a few pics of our time together.

Mamaw Rudell and Uncle Paul

Mary Lee, Matt, just a cutie pie, and Phillip

Matt, a tired little fella, and his Big

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We took the kids to the doctor last Wednesday for shots:

Matt: 19.0 lbs.

Maggie: 15.2 lbs.

They are growing by leaps and bounds! Maggie is starting to crawl and keeps us busy. Matt will roll over on his belly, but hasn't started getting up on his hands and knees yet. He thinks we should just carry him to where he needs to go. They both have been sick with the crud, but maybe we are on the downhill slope and will feel better in a day or two.

Maggie's toes polished for the first time! We just need some warm weather so we can go barefoot or wear some sandles!

Maggie not getting her way! "I don't like this car, hold me and HOLD ME NOW!"

Maggie first ponytail! I love it.

Maggie's new walker! She is on the move. We better all watch out!

Matt and his cute Jeep walker.

Matt playing with his Bubba's tractors.

Two precious little ones growing up so quickly before my eyes!!

Have a great day!

COME RIDE WITH ME!

2009-02-20T09:38:00.001-08:00

Alan Goudy bought the twins Harley outfits while on a motorcycle ride as a shower gift. This week we dressed them and took them and had some pics made. Matt was a little ham! He might enjoy riding one day!

When can we go riding?

Safety first!

Have a great weekend!

Valentine's Day

2009-02-17T10:28:00.000-08:00

Jon Dodd and Amanda Jones were united in marriage on Saturday, February 14, 2009. We wish them best wishes!

Kyle was a groomsman and I might add he was the best looking!! Little partial there! Here are a few pics of the kids in their getups for the day.

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We took the kids last week for a weigh in:

Matt is 18.4 lbs.

Maggie 14.2 lbs.

They are both teething. It will be so nice when those little devils (teeth) decide to break the skin and maybe everyone will feel better around our house.

We still don't sleep much and somedays I don't know how I get to where I'm suppose to be. You ever wonder "How did I get here?" That's me!

Sunday morning was a real chore. Maggie hadn't slept two hours all night and would only be held, of course by me. It was time to get ready for church so she had to scream while I was trying to get everyone dress and out the door. Got to church, ON TIME for once, and was sitting there thinking okay we made it! The preacher asked for any praises and I wanted to say, "We are all present and accounted for, if you only knew how hard it was you would be thankful!" Ever have days like that???

Enough of my ramblings for the day, hope everyone has a great week!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2009-02-12T09:35:00.001-08:00

BIG LOVIN

Today is Mom's birthday! She is not only my mom, but my best friend. Always there when you need her. Always ready to lend a hand.

Mom you are the greatest! Thanks for all you do! Happy Birthday! We love you!

Happy Birthday Sweet Mollie Grace

2009-02-12T09:17:00.000-08:00

This should have been posted on the 10th, but I couldn't seem to remember my camera!

Mollie Grace Sheffield turned 3 years old today. In her short lifetime she has wrapped us all around her finger and we seem to do whatever she wants.

This year she decided she would have her birthday party at our house (I, Me-Me, Bubba, Matt and Maggie). So we let her, of course. We all had a great time and she really enjoyed.

Waiting on the cake

Hurry and finishing singing so I can blow out the candle

Her new duds!

The present she really, really needed!

I love this sweet girl, even though she does boss me around!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOLLIE GRACE, MOLLIE, GG, PEANUT!!!

Happy Birthday Kyle!

2009-02-04T08:22:00.001-08:00

Fifteen years ago today after a long day and night of trying to bring the child into this world, James Kyle Dodd was born. This morning at 4:50 a.m. Kyle turned 15!! So hard to believe. He has brought such joy to my life. I don't know what I would do without him. He is all boy! Doesn't think momma knows alot and some times we can really butt heads, I think that's probably because we are alot alike!

Now he can officially get his driving permit!! Don't know why he needs it, but on Friday I guess his Dad will take him to take the test. Sure hope he passes!! We have told him he needs to study the book, but he doesn't see the need because he has been driving for so long. We will see what happens.

We celebrated Sunday night with Ms. Wanda, Amanda, Chris and Mollie Grace with steak. Tonight we are celebrating with Mom, Dad, Shane and Mandy and Dad will be cooking Kyle's favorite meal of deer tenderloin, cream potatoes, homemade biscuits and gravy.

Happy Birthday Kyle! Love you lots!

Birthday Kisses from sissy.

New Pictures

2009-01-27T11:23:00.001-08:00

January 30, 2008 we found out we were having twins. How life has changed. The twins are now five months old. I can't believe it. Time has just flown by. They are so much fun and a lot of hard work. Dad and I put their highchairs up on Saturday. Here's a few pictures.

Aren't they sweet!

Mom, I love these sweet potatoes!

YUMMY YUMMY TO MY TUMMY!! GIVE ME MORE!!

Top Ten

2009-01-13T14:32:00.001-08:00

Top ten things that seem to be on the back burner or never get done since the twins have arrived. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE THE TWINS!!! Life has just changed so much for me

1. Bed seems to never get made. I hate that. Nothing like getting in a messy bed. The covers are never right!

2. Shaving my legs! I'm ashamed to say I can't remember the last time I shaved. I was getting out of the shower this morning and realized the hair on my legs is as long as the hair on my head!! GOT TO GET THIS DONE!

3. Cleaning the house. Had a little breakdown over this problem. Thanks Kim for coming to the rescue!!

4. Going to the bathroom is an act of congress. Last nights conversation: ME: Kyle could you please hold Maggie while I go to the bathroom. KYLE: Is it going to take 30 mintues because I'm ready to go to bed! ME: Just never mind!

5. It now takes an hour and a half to get everyone ready to go somewhere and when you get there you wonder if it was worth all the trouble.

6. Can't go to Wal-Mart. Thanks for all the helpers that watch the kids so I can get the necessities! And I have learned that you don't have to go to Wal-Mart with makeup on. Just getting there is enough!

7. No more sleeping all night and most of all no sleeping in!!!

8. If supper gets cooked, it's something quick and most of the time it doesn't get cooked so you find what you want or do without!

9. No more of that reading before bed. I think I have started 3 books and read maybe one page of each!

10. Memory!!! For some reason I can't seem to remember anything. I get to work some morning and think, did I brush my teeth, did I put deorterent on!

Top ten things that makes all the above ok:

1-10: LOVIN ON MY SWEET BABIES!!!

Okay enough of that, I haven't blogged since Christmas. We had a GREAT Christmas! It just seemed to pass so quickly. Matt and Maggie didn't seem real interested at all. Kyle was up at 4 a.m. and the twins were up, this is a usual feeding time for them, so we got to see what Santa left. Kyle was all excited because he had gotten everything he asked for and more and the twins just wanted their bottles. This year will be much better for them. Allen says they will give me a run of my money with all the decorations! I can't wait.

Customized Oakley sunglasses, alright!!!

Our new cars!!

Santa with his first tractor that bubba got him

Ms. Clause

The New Year was spent with Mom and Dad eating and home by 10 in the bed. Sorry, I slept the New Year in. Sleeping is precious time.

Oh, I almost forgot, Shane asked Mandy to marry him on Christmas Eve Eve. She got a Van Atkins diamond!!! It is beautiful.

Matt and Maggie had their 4 month check up last Friday. Matt weighed in at 16. 4 and Maggie weighed in at 13.2. Matt has a hemangioma on his second toe on the right foot that has to be fixed. Dr. Scott prefers we go to Little Rock to have this done and I have called to arrange this. Please be praying for Matt and for us. It's rough making decisions like this when they are so small. I just hate to see them hurt. I can't stand for them to even get their shots, much less something like this.

Saturday will be my 35th birthday. I have been so richly blessed in my 35 years. God is good!!

Oh, and I almost forgot, MY OLDEST SON MADE THE HONOR ROLL!!!!!!!!!YIPPEEEE!!!

Christmas!!!

2008-12-22T12:46:00.000-08:00

As Christmas approaches I find myself not prepared and stressing every time I think of having to run out to get something. Don't get me wrong, I love this time of year! I'm like a little kid. I for some reason just don't have the patiences to shop like I used to. Thank goodness for the internet!!!!

Santa's on his way!

Thanks Mrs. Lori for the hair bows!!

The twins will turn four months old on Christmas Day. They are changing so much. We are excited to celebrate their first Christmas.

Kyle surprised Mollie Grace with her Christmas present early Saturday. He gave her a 5 month old donkey and she LOVES IT!!! She named it Bubba after her Bubba (Kyle)! She is so funny. It was pouring down rain and she asked her daddy if she could ride in the trailer with her Bubba!!

Patiently awaiting the arrival of her gift!

Thank you Bubba!

Saturday night I was able to have a girls night out to celebrate my best friend Lana's 40th birthday!!! What a blast!! It is so nice to be able to get out with a bunch of girls. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LANA!

Great bunch of ladies!

Here's wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

How hard can it be?

2008-12-02T12:37:00.000-08:00

As you can all tell by the posted picture, it is very difficult to take pictures of 3 month olds and a honoree 14 year old. I had this image in my head for the great Christmas card picture and guess what, IT DIDN'T HAPPEN!! I will just try again next year.

Here are a few new pictures

"Mom please stop making my picture"

Twins are 3 months old!!!!

2008-11-25T08:07:00.001-08:00

Where has the time gone? It seems like we waited forever for them to get here and now they are 3 months old!!! Matt is growing by leaps and bounds. He is getting so big. He would love to roll over and he has the sweetest little grin you have ever seen. He is not far from laughing out loud. He made his first trip to the store with his dad last night and from what I hear he was a good boy. Maggie is so petite. And spoiled rotten. She loves to be held and loved on. There is no doubt she will rule the roost one day.

Mom's family got together for Thanksgiving last Saturday. It was nice to see everyone. We don't see them very often. My cousin Mica is expecting her first child in June. She is doing well. We wish her best of luck!!!

Kyle killed his first deer of the season on Saturday.

Our families are coming to the house on Thursday for Thanksgiving lunch. It is wonderful that we can all come together. I have so much to do and little time to do it. I am never prepared to have folks at the house. I can never seem to get the house clean at one time. I WONDER WHY!!

I am looking forward to being off a few days. I hope to get my Christmas trees up on Thursday. I love decorating for the holidays. My favorite time of year. Mom and I are going shopping in Memphis on Friday!!! I love the hussel and bussel of Black Friday! I hope to finish up my shopping.

I promise to post some updated pics of the kids soon. Can never remember to bring my camera.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

Doctor's Visit

2008-11-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

Took the kids yesterday for their first round of shots. Patty Spencer gave them the shots. She did a great job and the kids only screamed for a minute. Myself being terrified of a needle had to let mom hold them. Sorry, I've always hated a needle! Matt weighed in at 12.11 lbs and Maggie weighed 10.6. Dr. Scott said they looked great! They have been pretty fussy since, but we are putting the motrin to them and hopefuly by the afternoon today they will feel better.

I'm having all the kids pictures made tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully everyone will coroperate.

Dad and Kyle heading down to the deer camp tonight for a deer meat cooking. Kyle is getting excited about hunting season. He bought him a new gun a few months ago and is anxious to use it. Maybe he will get a BIG one this year!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Election Day

2008-11-05T11:57:00.000-08:00

Went to the polls and voted yesterday. Stood in line for 10 minutes. I have never had to wait to vote. I will have to say I'm worried about where this Nation is going to go. I hope and pray that Obama will stand behind the things he has promised. There is one thing about it, we can't worry, we just have to trust that the Good Lord will take care of things. Please continue to pray for our Nation.

Mollie Grace

2008-11-03T09:24:00.001-08:00

Mollie Grace (left) and her friend Alexis

As most of you know Mollie Grace is our one and only sweet niece. She has been spoiled rotten since the day she came into our lives.

She is full of questions and sometimes can ask more than you can answer. I took her to Wal-Mart with me on Saturday. She would say "Me-Me what's that?" I would answer and she would say "Why?"I would say "Cause." She would say "Cause why?" and so on. It is so much fun to be with her. She is so innocent.

I bought her a beautiful red dress for her Halloween happy. Friday morning she looked at it and said, "I not like it." I said, "Mollie Grace why not." She said, "I not like it Me-Me." So anyway she wears it to church yesterday and looks so sweet in it and on the way home from church I said, "Who brought you that pretty red dress?" And she looks at me with those sweet big blue eyes and says, "You did silly." And she told me she liked it. You never know with that girl!

Took the kids from church to see Disney on Ice yesterday. It was great. When I was a kid mom always took us to see things like that. Now that I'm older I still enjoy it just as much. Twins did really well. I figured we would be give out having to hold them the whole time, but they slept for the first half of the show and enjoyed the second half. The lights entertained them.

Had Shane's birthday supper last night at mom and dad's. It's always good to have the family together.

This new time is really messing me up. At 7:30 I was ready for bed, needless to say the kids were ready to stay awake for a while.

Allen and I had a date night on Friday night. Had a great time and a good night of much needed sleep. Thanks mom and dad for babysitting! We will let you do it again some time!

Matt and his Big resting.

Hope everyone has a good week. The twins get their shots on Thursday. Will update everyone on their weights, etc.

Halloween

2008-10-31T12:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!

Shane holding Matt.

Today is Shane's birthday. He is 29. He is such a special person to me. He is more like my child than my brother. After serving 8 years in the Marine Corp. and living in California he finally decided it was time to come home. Even though we still don't see him everyday, we know he is here with us. I know I get on his nerves telling him what he needs to do and how he needs to do it, but most of the time we get along great. I say that he was born on Halloween and has been a devil ever since!

Today is the twins FIRST HALLOWEEN. No we are not going trick or treating! Too much trouble. Kyle hated trick or treating. He hated everyting about it custom, candy, etc. So I guess one good thing about not going is I won't end up eating all the candy!!

Here's a pic of the twins in their Baby's 1st Halloween outfits.
They look real happy don't they!

Hope everyone has a great weekend and remember don't eat too much candy, it's bad for your teeth!!!

Thankfulness!

2008-10-23T10:27:00.000-07:00

I received the following in an email today. I thought it was pretty good.

As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin.

I went shopping on Sunday in Memphis. On the way up we were talking about things we were thankful for. We were all thankful for our family, of course. But I as I drove and thought about the question, "What are you thankful for?" I realized that I am thankful for so much. The Lord has blessed me tremendously!!

With the twins I prayed so hard that He would keep them healthy. "Just let them weigh 5lbs Lord so we can all come home together." "Just let them make it til 36 weeks so their lungs will be developed." And on and on. Praying. The wonderful thing of praying. It's hard sometimes to be patient and wait on the Lord, but you just have to put it in his hands and let him deal with it.

I'm the worrier of the family. Shane, my brother, is the free spirited child. He lives for the day. I'm always worried about tomorrow. Kyle doesn't even have his drivers' license yet, even though he drives, and I'm worried about the first time he goes out by himself!!

A good thing happened today, Allen was in Tupelo and we got to have lunch together!! For some of you reading this you are probably thinking, "big deal", but for Allen and I that is a big deal. It's hard for us to find time for one another these days.

Twins are doing great. Sleeping pretty good. We were up at 4 this morning ready to play, so it has been a long day for me. I called to check on them and they were napping. Oh to have a nap!! Matt is growing, getting so big. He was the little runt and now he has filled out so much. He is up to taking 5 ozs of milk and just sucks the bottom out of the bottle. Little Maggie is so petite. She is taking 4 ozs. of milk and it takes her forever. Maybe she will be laid back and not up tight like her mother. They are pretty much on the same schedule with eating and sleeping. It can get pretty hairy sometimes, but we are adjusting.

Enough rambling for the day! Have a Great Day!!

About the Dodd's

2008-10-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

Allen and I married on August 14, 1993. James Kyle Dodd was born on February 4, 1994. We lived in a single wide trailer for several years. Allen's grandmother passed away and we purchased her house and lived there until November 2005. We built our first house, and yes, our marriage survived it, and yes, I got pregnant. Had a miscarriage in December. I was 8 weeks pregnant and that was the hardest thing I had ever been through in my life. At the time I was reading the book "A Purpose Driven Life" and one day I was doing my daily reading and it was about all things happen for a reason. A peace came over me and I understand now that we weren't suppose to have that baby. To this day when I think about it I still cry.

Allen's parents always loved our house. They told us if we ever got ready to build again that they wanted first choice at buying it. In 2007 we decided to build again, never thought that would happen. So the in-laws bought our house and we started the building process in April 2007. Moved in the end of August 2007.

September 1, 2007, my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and myself had a yard sale. Had a great day of fellowship and actually made a little fun money! About 8 o'clock that night I was home by myself and Ms. Wanda called with concern in her voice. She couldn't find my father-in-law, Ronald. I called Allen and my dad to come and help us. Mr. Ronald had an accident on the four-wheeler in front of their house and passed away. It was all like a dream. Nothing seemed right. He had just got to move to the house of his dreams. He was working outside doing things he wanted to do. To this day nothing seems right about his passing, but we know that God has a plan and he makes no mistakes.

One Friday night in December Kyle and I spent the night with Ms. Wanda. She and I had gotten up pretty early on Saturday and we were eating our breakfast, having coffee and talking about life. We had been talking about Mr. Ronald and I was telling her how I was happy with Kyle, but that I was sad because he would be the only child and when we were all gone he would have nobody.

Come January I knew something wasn't right. I was scared to do a pregnancy test. I put it off and put it off. I was sitting here at work and I called my best friend Renee and told her to come down to the office. She came running to hold my hand. I did test and sure enough I WAS PREGNANT. I called Allen and told him the test was positive. We couldn't believe it. I then called my mom and she was OVERJOYED by the news. I then called and made the doctors appointment to confirm. I was a nervous wreck. I worried and worried. Allen kept telling me not to worry that all would be fine, but I couldn't help it.

My doctor's appointment was on January 30, 2008. I was terrified to go. I just knew something was wrong. Mom went with me. I had told them the history of the miscarriage, so they wanted to do a sonogram. Mom and I walked into the room for the sonogram and I actually thought I was going to loose it. I was lying on this table waiting for them to tell me there was no heartbeat. Mom being a nurse and working OB for many years was watching the screen as the girl was doing the sonogram. Ashley, the stonographer, wasn't say anything. Finally, mom said, "Is that our baby?" Ashley said, "Let me look at one more thing." My heart sank. Finally Ashley said, "Actually, these are your two babies. You are having twins!!!" I started crying. I was five and a half weeks pregnant and we got to hear the strongest little heartbeats.

Had a good pregnancy up until 24 weeks. Blood pressure starting going up and I began to swell. My doctor wanted to take me off work, but I begged him not too.

At 26 weeks I began spotting. Went to hospital, all was well. Went to the doc at 27 weeks and he said no more work. I begged, he said "NO MORE WORK." I knew I needed to do whatever to take care of my babies and myself. So I went to the house and was under house arrest. Hated every minute of it, but whatever it took to get these babies to 36 weeks I was gonna do it.

At 35 weeks blood pressure was still out of control. I was misrable!! Doc put me in hospital on Monday, August 18, 2008 and he felt like we would have babies on Tuesday. Tuesday morning doc came around and said my blood pressure was better and he was sending me home on complete bedrest for another week and we would have babies on August 25.

On August 25, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. Ronald Matthew Dodd (Matt) came into this world weighing in at 6 lbs and at 1:19 p.m. Magdalene Faith Dodd (Maggie) came into this world weighing in at 6.6 lbs. They were perfect!! Matt is named after Allen, Mr. Ronald (granddad), my dad (Big) and my brother Shane. They are all Ronald's. Maggie is named after my Mamaw, whom I miss dearly.

So to make a long story short, the Dodd household has changed so much. We do a lot of rocking, feeding and changing diapers now. So many people have asked me if we planned this or if I was taking meds to get pregnant. NO we didn't plan and NO I was not on meds. All I can say is that the Lord had a bigger plan for my family. And I am so proud that I am a MOM OF 3!

Giving it a Shot!!

2008-10-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

I have been asked by several people to do this. I'm not very good at putting my feelings or thoughts on paper, but I enjoy reading so many blogs, that I thought, "What the heck, I'll give it a try." So please, bare with me.