Matt and I just got back from a great trip to Orlando. The MKC board had some meetings there and I got to tag along to enjoy the awesome sunshine. Mae Mae Julie was gracious enough to come to Hutchinson and watch Addi for us while we enjoyed some much needed time together!
Mae Mae and Addi got along great and I think wore each other out!!
Orlando was fun to visit. Matt had not been to Orlando since he was a child and I had never been so it was a good experiecnce. In our time there we visited all four Disney theme parks and took an airboat ride on lake/swamp. We had a great guide! It was neat to see the landscape and we even got to see some bald eagles and aligators! Aligators were all sizes from 13 ft to 2 ft. We even managed to see some of Matt's favorite SNAKES!! He said that if the snack was coming in, HE was going out!! We had to tease him at every opportunity.
In the mornings while Matt was at meetings, I managed to catch in some rays and sneeked in a little bit of shopping! Great outlet malls!
Florida was a great place to dine on some YUMMY seafood!! The first night we got to sit outside by a pong with a water fountain! AWESOME!! Don't get that in Kansas very often! Each night our bellies were full of shrimp, lobster, crab claws or grouper. It was fun for everyone to get a different meal and get to sample some of everyones! We even managed some midwest raised beef the last night! Matt's grandpa and my dad would be proud!
The next couple of weeks are going to prove busy for us. We are headed to Vanderbilt for a checkup with Addi's neurosurgeon. A trip to Childrens Mercy to the spinal defect clinic and a trip to VEGAS with a group of our friends! Gamie Kim will be watching Addi for us as we head out west! I know they will have fun together.
We have switched Addi's neurosurgeon back to Dr. Tulipan; the surgeon that did Addi's shunt and fetal surgurey. We just really felt that we is the best fit for us. We know that God will provide as the increased monetary need arises with plane fares, hotels, and rental cars. We just want to give Addi the best care we can!
Children's Mercy still provides us with our pedi. urologist (who studied at Vanderbilt). Who we really like! Isn't God good?!?!?!
As far as Vegas...watch out! I know that it will be a great time had by all! We are going to catch George Strait and Reba in concert as well.

Just thought I would share these. God brought these verses to my attention knowing what was in my heart with leaving Addi.

Psalm 91:14-15, "'Because he loves me,' says the LORD, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation'"

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

Wow!!!! Where did 2009 go? Hard to believe how fast it went as some of you already know that. When I think back to 2009 all I can think about it how truly BLESSED we are!! God has put me exactly where I want to be! Althought I never had 'planned' it this way. All those times, me planning and plotting where I wanted to be and what I wanted to do or be...God already knew what his plans for me were. To tell the truth boy am I glad. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else than where I am now. Wife to an awesome husband who is kind, generous, and giving! He works so hard so that I can be a stay-at-home mom to our 'blue-eyed angel' as I call her! Addi is such a treasure and never a moment goes by that I don't praise God for her. I could have never imagined a child like her! She has a laughter and smile that just fills your soul! You can't help but laugh with her when she laughs. Thank you Father, for trusting us to be her earthly parents! It is only by Gods grace and mercy that we are so blessed!!!
Addi is doing wonderful!! She is pulling up to standing, cruising around furniture by herself, and walking in her walk with a little assistance. Her vocabulary has just take off by leaps and bounds, she know many animals now and recognizes them with the proper animal noises and repeats many other words now. She has such a tender heart giving out kisses for no apparent reason other than to just say I love you. She actually puckers up for kisses, it is the cutest thing!
She is fascinated right now with books! She can't get enough. She will sit for 45 minutes while we read books. Of course she has to have her own book in her hands to hold. Addi has gotten very independent, as she also likes to have her own fork and feed herself as well. She loves music! All kinds and does her best to dance to the rythm even after the music has stopped. She is pretty funny, when she sits at the table to eat, she will just bust out humming and dancing in her chair. I have to get it on video some time, but I am always too busy watching and laughing inside.
Matt has managed to stay busy with farming, still! He does truly love every minute of it!! He has picked up more custom cutting acres for next year and is already looking forward to wheat harvest this summer.
I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for checking up on us through the blog. I am going to try to post every week, my New Year's resolution!

Love to all, may you all have a blessed 2010!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ansleymclaurin

The above link is for a 2 1/2 year old little from Nashville, TN. She was diagnosed with cancer all over her body early December of 2009. The faith that her family has is tremdous. Her blog tells her story and the walk that God has chosen for them. The father has been the one writing the blog and what strength and faith he has. His words are so refreshing and speak such truth even through what they are going through. They are true encouragement for me to be better about having faith and reminding me how I need to be in my walk with God.
Please visit their blog and keep them in your prayers!!!!