New Additions

Don't ask me why I'm blogging when it's midnight and I will be awake in five hours (plus the surgery I had this morning). But, I'm just too giddy to sleep yet. There are two babies (besides my own!) who have stolen my heart this week. In March, there will be three when Mark's sister has her precious baby girl...but we'll blog about her when we're a little closer!!

For now, I have two upcoming arrivals that I anticipate GREATLY! The first....my sweet sister, Cortni, who is at the hospital as I type tonight, hopefully getting very good rest before a big day tomorrow. At some point tomorrow, I will officially be an aunt for the first time! She is scheduled for an early morning induction, hopefully leading to an easy labor and delivery of Braden Henry Henke. This baby boy is already outgrowing his uteran home, so he will be coming to see us two weeks early, at a hefty weight of almost 9 pounds!! (according to today's sonogram). What is most exciting for me is that I get to be a part of the entire labor process with Cortni and Adam. I am so honored to be able to share this life-changing day with them, and impart what little wisdom I have from my own experience. (We'll see how far that gets her!! I didn't birth any 9 pounder!!!)

So, tonight I am prayerful and anxious for tomorrow to come. To love another child as much as my own, and to watch my sister and brother-in-law become parents for the first time...well, it just makes me absolutely giddy.....

And, of course, to continue my giddiness, is Mia Jing Maulsby. Eight months old, and more beautiful than words can describe, this precious angel is an answered prayer "in the making" for over four years. Chad and Amy became parents this week, and will be home from China as a family of three a week from tomorrow. (Check out their blog for the most adorable pictures you've ever seen....http://www.ourmia.blogspot.com).

So, I wait in great anticipation for these new babies to be home with their mommies and daddies....and look forward to the joy I will have in being a part of their lives as "Aunt Chelsea".

Home Again, Home Again...

(Before you begin, this is another long one...I'll warn ya now.)

We're back! And, what a fun Thanksgiving vacation for our family! This year, we went to visit Pops and Grandma in Hawaii, which is always such a fun break from the normal Thanksgiving holiday! Any week that includes tropical weather, beach trips, sno cones (called "shave ice" in Hawaii), boat rides, and more food than I could begin to list in a blog, is a GREAT WEEK!! We even snuck in two days of outlet shopping too! Plus, a traditional Thanksgiving feast in a not-so-traditional place---the oceanarium restaurant in Waikiki.
The only bummer of the entire trip was the yucky stomach virus that all of us had the pleasure of receiving within two hours of each other. The only one NOT sick was Kendyll...poor girl. She was really starting to wonder how she was going to make it with noone to take her anywhere or play anything. But, we managed. And, once that little bug leaves, it's amazing how easily I can scarf down food again!! The night after "The Sickness", we had a family outing to Benihana....enough said.
It was a wonderful trip and another great visit with Mark's parents. They are such gracious hosts who always think of us first. They love their granddaughters so much and it is so fun to watch the four of them together! We all got spoiled rotten, and we loved every minute of it!

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So, once again, I have been gone from posting for weeks....this is such a pattern with me. I just can't break it. While I was away, I missed a very important blog that I saw on every friend's page...the "I am Thankful for" list. So, here is mine. Just a little late.

1. My health and the health of my family....not just my husband and children, but also our parents, siblings, siblings-in-law, grandparents, great-grandparents. This is a blessing that is easy to take for granted. (For example, the last time I posted, I was waiting to get results from some tests that would basically determine if I was going to be able to have more children or not. Praise the Lord for the results! It looks like after one more surgery (this Wednesday) Mark and I will be once again blessed to have that option, if it is the Lord's will. Through this health scare, I have learned so much---most of all I've learned how much MORE thankful I should be for the health I have.)

2. My husband. (I'm trying not to make each number a paragraph, but it's too hard.) Mark is absolutely the ONE that God knew fit me best. I didn't even know I could love this deeply. We could not be more opposite if we tried, but together, we make everything work better. He is the most amazing, selfless, caring person I have ever known, and sometimes I just stare at him and wonder how this all happened to me.

3. My children. Again, a long one, I'm afraid. And, again, I do a lot of staring and wondering about why I get to be their mommy. How do I sum up how wonderfully blessed I am for my two beautiful girls who make me smile all the way to my core every single day? They bless our lives with a richness I would have never imagined before they were here. And, I can't wait to watch what is ahead for each of them.

4. My family. By this I mean, my parents, my sisters, and my brothers-in-law. We have a huge family and I honestly don't even know how to describe this one. My parents, although the road they've been down has been hard at times, have taught me more lessons and continue to support me in more ways than I would have ever known back when I was sixteen and thought I knew it all. They never stop telling me how proud they are of me and Mark and our girls. And, always make sure I know how much they love me. They would do anything for any of us and that is priceless. And, my sisters....what do I even say? All three of them are the best friends my mom always told me they would be (back when I was sixteen and they drove me insane...) and much, much more. Not a day goes by where I don't talk to at least one of them (usually two or more!) and we literally share everything in life together.

4. My friends. Now, that sounds so "cliche" to say it like that. But, I have the best friends in the world....and it is amazing the different roads that lead to each one. Some live nearby and I see them four times a week, and then some live far away (like San Antonio and Amarillo and Memphis and Cookeville!!!), some give me their listening ear, some give me their spiritual knowledge, and others give me their humor and smiles. Each one blesses my life so differently and so completely. I don't know where I would be without them all.

5. My church. I don't know how the world makes it without a church home. We have been at PC for seven years now, and the people I know and experiences I have had through this amazing family has blessed my life beyond belief. I look forward to watching these same people and experiences mold and shape my precious children, as we and all of our church friends grow older together....

6. My faith and my God. This one shouldn't be #6....and it is definitely not placed in "order of importance". I am so thankful that I am blessed with a relationship with my Creator, despite who I am and what I've done. I feel so grateful for the way He cares for me, provides for me, and guides me each and every day. I literally feel Him around me in so many ways, and there is just no way to be thankful enough for that blessing and comfort. He is the reason for that I have a list....

7. Okay, this is too hard. There is no end to this list thing!!! So, here are a few other random thanksgivings for the little things in life.....

Mark's wonderful family and the way they love and support us. My niece and nephew who are still "baking" who will join our family soon! Bedtime Prayers with our children. Baby Mia who is finally united with her parents and my dear friends Chad and Amy in China this week. Tivo for all those reality shows that I can't get un-hooked from. Cold Weather...fireplaces, spice candles, warm sweaters, the works. CGGW....what has happened to us, girls? Mexican food, anywhere, anytime. Sunshine School and my precious ever-growing group of three year olds. Movie Dates. Popcorn (sometimes goes with the movie date...but most of the time, just a late night snack). Mark's Job and the security and support it gives our family. Mark's company car, and the free gas it gives our family. Finding surprise money in my messy purse (happened today...) Road Trips, even with our kids...something is exciting about packing all I need in the back of an Explorer and getting out of Dallas. Hawaii (it's on my mind, can you tell?) Nichole Nordeman, and the way her songs touch the core of my faith. Our home. Christmas decorating. Ann Taylor Loft. "Oh's" Cereal. Blogging and this new-found addiction I have to my friend's personal reality shows. Blue Bell Cookies 'n Cream. "Miss Rose", a blessing of home-cleanliness that started when I was sewing non-stop for my business--I'm thankful that my husband has let me keep her as "my friend" every two weeks (this happened today also...). Forgiveness. Answered Prayers. My children's belly laughs, especially when done at the same time because of each other. My life and the fullness that each day brings.

I am Blessed!

Well, I haven't blogged in almost two weeks, for a few reasons. But, the main reason is because I haven't even known what to say! A lot has happened in two weeks, and God has been teaching me many things, many of which are too long to type (or make you read!). But, the most important lesson I've learned is that I am blessed. Blessed beyond belief!! Blessed with wonderful people in my life who take care of me when I can't take care of myself, who lift me up in prayer, who encourage me with notes, phone calls, and hugs, and who never stop reminding me that God is the Ultimate Healer and Provider.

Over a week ago, I had surgery that was expected and "routine", but that took longer to heal from than I had anticipated. Throughout the week, I was pretty much laid up in bed while my sweet, sweet husband took care of everything and everyone. During this time, I had many different friends and even some of Mark's co-workers who took care of dinners for us every night. I had my family who was taking care of my kids, and calling to check on us continually throughout each day of my recovery. My sweet friends at Sunshine School took care of my class while I was out, and left me nothing to worry about. And, over and over, I was shown love and encouragement from so many friends...

Now, we are faced with another surgery because of an unresolved issue from the last surgery....and once again, the way you have all surrounded me and supported me is simply undescribable. I am so blessed by each of you who are still taking care of me! Thank you so much for your ability to do and say just the right things that keep me positive and peaceful!

Most of all, I am blessed by my immediate family----my husband and children. This has been such a time of "connection" for us, and I thank God for that blessing amidst all of this. Very soon, I plan to copy my blogging friends who have dedicated a blog to their husbands...such a great idea and my husband should definitely be praised for his hard work and dedication to our family. Especially when he is Daddy, Mommy, Nurse, Doctor, House Cleaner, Errand Runner, Employee, Employer, Friend, etc. etc all at the same time!

And, my girls...what joy they bring! Carlie is funnier than ever and keeps me thinking about happy things. Every time I'm with her, I'm smiling. Kendyll is the sweetest three-year-old and amazes me daily by what she is learning and becoming. She said a prayer of healing for me last night that melted my heart. Completely on her own, without suggestion or request from her parents. Pure sweetness and evidence that God speaks to us through our children.

So, I know that's not much of an update, but that is about all the news around here. For those of you with prayer requests much bigger than mine right now (you know who you are!), we are praying hard for healing and answered prayers for each of you. We are more certain now than ever that God hears those pleas from His children and is our ultimate Provider of all that we need.

Sweet Little Carlie

Well, we made it through surgery today! Little Carlie got tubes put in her ears this morning and although it was fast and easy, it is always a good thing to have your daughter OUT of the operating room! She did great! And, we are now on hour number THREE of her nap since we've been home! (There are some really good things about anesthesia!!! Can they make it in a mini-pill on days you need your kids to take good naps??)

Anyway, I just wanted to share with those who knew we were going in today, that she is home and happy in her crib. And, we hopefully have much happier and healthier days ahead!

Oh, and the funniest part of today....

I am just continually entertained by the personality differences in my two children. When Kendyll had her tubes put in three years ago, she pretty much fell asleep on me as soon as they gave her the "loopy" nose spray. And, even when she wasn't asleep yet, she just wanted to cuddle and rock. This was not the case with Carlie.

You see, Carlie is an "all thrills" kind of girl. She loves spinning around until she's dizzy. She loves her allergy medicine being put up her nose. She even loves the little blue "snorter", as we call it, from the hospital to clear out her snot. And, I wouldn't be surprised if she has a little brain injury from the amount of time she spends shaking her head "no" until her eyes jiggle in her head. So, she thoroughly enjoyed the nose spray, although the nurse told me everyone hates it, and she was really loving the feeling of being "loopy" too!! After she got the nose spray, I got all ready to cuddle and rock (from my previous experience with Ear Infection Queen #1). The blanket was in place, her passy was in hand, and I even wore a soft shirt so she could snuggle up close. No....none of that happened. She, instead, wanted to feel the "high".

I finally decided to read for a while until she got sleepy. I was reading a book about ducks as she was sitting in my lap, and she started saying "cack, cack" (quack, quack) and then she just started laughing hysterically. She thought it was the funniest book she'd ever read. Then, she found that it was really fun to lean her head backwards off the back of my arm and say "Hiiiiiiiiiii" in a high voice and wave upside down. I was laughing so hard at how much she loved this feeling! (And, I am also a little afraid that she might be a substance abuser someday if we're not careful!)

But, after a fun morning, we are home and the house is quiet. Thank you to so many of you who called to check on her or sent sweet emails for us. It means so much!

Halloween Weekend...

Well, there is just too much to post about our last few days....so, I'll try to keep it short and sweet! We've been very busy this weekend, but with mostly fun things. Since our entire family has been sick for over a week, and we had a busy October already, we had not been able to do as much fall fun as I would have liked. So, crazy mommy decided to fit it all into one weekend instead!!

In three days time, we attended two fall carnivals, Halloween preschool parties, and the pumpkin patch, carved pumpkins at home, got Halloween decorations for our yard, made pumpkin bread and pumpkin pancakes, and trick-or-treated!! So, I think we are officially Halloweened out now!

Here are a few highlights from each of our girls:

Kendyll, also known as "Dorothy"had such a fun Halloween this year...the best we've had so far! She was so into all the fun things about the holiday, including decorating the house and carving pumpkins! Kendyll and Mark made a kitty cat pumpkin that was very impressive and she drew her own jack-o-lantern face on the others (Daddy carved the rest all alone because she had lost interest!)

For the actual Halloween night, Kendyll was much more into giving out candy at our house than going to other's houses, so we did that for most of the evening. Every time someone came to the door she would say "Oh, wow. You look great tonight!" Or, "What a pretty little fairy!" or even "Tell me about your cute costume!!" (all in her funny grown-up voice) It was so funny and Mark and I got a kick out of how old she thought she was because she was the one handing out the candy!

It was a fun few days and Kendyll has loved being Dorothy (she was the cutest little thing with her freckles and red shoes). Of course, she's already planning next year and has decided that she either wants to be Alice in Wonderland or Mary Poppins (her two backup choices this year!). She has prayed for Halloween in every prayer thanking God for "Halloween with an H"....too funny.

Kendyll at our church carnival and at the Flower Mound pumpkin patch with Snow White!

And, then there was Carlie.....

Check out those "rolled eyes"!! She is saying "Mom, what is so fun about this anyway? TAKE ME HOME!!!"

Carlie, also known as the "Not-so-Cowardly Lion" did not have the same experience as her sister! She was not so into all the carnivals and pumpkin patch activities we did. I think she would have preferred to stay at home and do nothing halloween-ish at all! But, she was a trooper and stuck with it for a while.

She HATED the pumpkin patch and did not understand the point of looking at pumpkins. I got two pictures of her from the entire morning and none of the girls together because Carlie would have nothing to do with it. Now, her grandpas will appreciate this....the reason she didn't want to do anything else is because we bought popcorn right when we got there. She was done with anything else at that point. She could not get enough POPCORN! She was shoveling it in and probably ate half of the bag! So, that was her favorite part of Halloween.

For the dressing-up portion of Halloween, she preferred the costume without the head portion! We got maybe one picture of her with it on. But, she looked pretty cute without it too (although she was called "he" the whole time!) She played a little bit at the carnival at church and then went inside for a nap for the rest of it. She went to three houses for trick-or-treating and was done with that too. Too tired and in too much pain from ear infections, I guess. So, Carlie and Mommy went home while Daddy and Kendyll finished up the block.

Overall, I think Carlie is glad to see Halloween go, and she will hopefully be more enthused next year!!

Overall, a fun halloween year for us....now I'm off to rest a little after all the fun and festivities!