Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to you! We hope that you and your family had a wonderful Christmas, and your stocking was overflowing!

We had a great Holiday spent with family in Odessa and in Angel Fire. Caroline definitely understood the whole "gift thing," and just wanted to open gift after gift...whether it was her's or not. As usual, she got everything a little girl could want...and then some. Needless to say, our house looks like a toy box that exploded.

Here are some of our favorite pictures from Christmas.

Santa CAME!

Oohhh...the square fits here!

I love my pony!

Big girl in her "Big girl" chair

Having a tea party with Daddy

Feeding her babies

After Christmas, we went to be with Mimi & Grandy in Angel Fire. Caroline had a blast sledding...she has no fear! It was very cold while we were there--negative 10 degrees!

On Sunday before the New Year, we went on a sleigh ride...it was NOT a good experience. It was a beautiful day, but the wind was so biting that we spent the entire ride hiding under blankets, and unable to enjoy the scenery! We will have to try it again another time.

Santa also came to Angel Fire for Caroline, and out of all the things she got she loved her dancing cow. "It's ladies night...and the feelin's right--oh what a night!" Here is a picture of her dancing with Maribell.

I tried a little something different, making a scrapbook with some pictures of Caroline playing in the snow--hope you enjoy!

Make a scrapbook - it's easy!

It's Official...

Josh is a licensed Professional Engineer for the state of Texas!

With great excitement, we found out this morning that Josh PASSED his PE Exam.

Thank you for all your prayers on his behalf. We are thrilled, and he is relieved...as you can imagine. What an incredible Christmas present!

Tis' the Season

I cannot believe that Christmas is less than a week away! I hope everyone is enjoying this time of year, and not feeling overwhelmed--HA!

This month has been crazy since I last blogged. We have had an out of town wedding, Holiday parties, and preparing to be gone through the New Year.

Caroline has a PINK Christmas tree this year, and she had a blast helping Mommy decorate it! Each time she sees it lit up she says: "Oooo" and runs to it.



Last week, we took Caroline to see Santa. We did not know how she would act. Last year, since she was only 5 months old, she had no clue about him...but, this year was completely different! She would have NOTHING to do with him. She had a death grip on Josh. I sat next to him myself, and tried to get her to sit with me...NO WAY! Maybe next year.

Also, last weekend was LeBus Christmas in Longview. Caroline was into the gift opening, as well as everyone else's gifts, rather than her own. I anticipate an exciting Christmas with her this year! We also took her to see the lights at SantaLand outside of Tyler. She was hanging out of the car to see them. It was such fun!

Here a few pics of "Miss Priss" in her Christmas dress. Enjoy!





I am not going to have all the pictures I want to post ready, but I promise to get them up soon.

Hope all of you have a wonderful and safe Christmas, and a wonderful New Year! Stay tuned for pictures!

Love,
Amy, Josh & Caroline

Give Thanks...

Most, if not all the time, I have used this blog to share news about Caroline, and what you all want--pictures! Don't worry...I am not going to get carried away and start writing my intermost thoughts here...and some days, those would only be a few!

But, as we celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow with our families, I wanted to briefly reflect on the things I truly have to be thankful for (in no particular order):

1. Our family and friends who love us unconditionally, and have been our support in everything.





2. A precious baby girl who is healthy. And, might I add...with quite a personality!



3. A wonderful husband who I COMPLETELY take for granted--
I love you, Josh!


4. More blessings that can be counted...


5. To live in the best country in the world!

6. A job that I love and allows me to be a mom, wife, and a better person.

7. A church home where we have made precious friends.


8. Last, but never least...the salvation and hope for eternal life through our Savior Jesus Christ!

I hope that all of you have a great day on Thanksgiving, and are able to reflect on how very blessed we are. Thank YOU for being a part of our lives, and may you be blessed always!

Surgery

We had Caroline's second set of tubes in this morning, as well as her adenoids removed. This time was not as easy as the first. She definitely knew what was going on, and did not appreciate strangers poking and prodding on her.

When they placed the pulse monitor on her toe, she went nuts! Even when she had received her "happy juice," she was trying to lift her limp leg to get it off. It was too cute. Such a mind of her own...wonder where she gets that?!

She was in surgery almost 45 minutes this time because she had to be completely put to sleep. It was hard to not see her for over an hour. She was kept in recovery for a bit because of the anesthesia.

Overall, Caroline did great in surgery. I pray that this will be the last time we have to go through this. She will have to have these tubes removed in a couple of years, and with her adenoids gone, it should alleviate some of the infection she has had.

A BIG Weekend

We had a large weekend with family in town. Saturday night we went to Edelweiss for LeighAnn's 24th Birthday. It is a German restuarant with polka music and dancing.
Needless to say...Caroline had a blast! She was dancing in the middle of an entire circle of people! Josh says she is her mother's child. Do you think?




Dancing with Cousin Alex & Daddy











Yesterday, we had a grand time at the Zoo with Cousins Rebecca & Haven. For the first time, Caroline really responded to the animals, especially the monkeys!


Three musketeers in the back on the way to the zoo!




Caroline with the Chimp

SO, I didn't get Halloween pictures up...

OK--I know I said that I would get Halloween pictures of Caroline up...and it is now the second week of November!? I do have an excuse...

Here are few of my favorites.






Things have really been crazy the past two weeks. We had our 15 month appointment, and learned that our tubes have fallen out! We are now going through ear infections, antibiotics, sleepless nights...it is really frustrating!

Today, we visited the pediatric ENT, and sure enough, we are scheduled for our 2nd set of tubes next Thursday. We will also be having our adenoides removed at the same time. Although we have been through this before, its never easy to know your child has to have surgery. Please remember Caroline (and me for my nerves) next week in your prayers! Just pray that this procedure will put an end to Caroline's ear troubles--for good.

Last weekend, we went home to Longview for Laura Gardner's engagement party. She is a childhood friend that I have stayed close to over the years. She will be getting married next month. It was good to go home, and see lots of people I have not seen in awhile. Unfortunately, we came home to some bad news. Our friends, The Edwards, had their son, Jonathan, last Saturday. He had been diagnosed with Trisomy 18--an almost, always fatal genetic disorder. He was stillborn, and his funeral is in the morning. Please remember this family in your prayers, especially in the days to come, as their family goes home & they try to go back to life as "normal" as they can. They do have two little girls, as well.

You can read their blog at jonathanjarededwards.blogspot.com Their faith through this entire ordeal has been such a testiment to me and all those that read it.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and may we remember all the things we have to be thankful for!