One month

Amazing . . .

So I need to thank my friend, Sandy, for passing along this blog address. She posted the web address, saying it was something that everyone needed to read. That it would make you laugh and cry. I didn't really understand until I checked it out myself. Let me just say, this girl is amazing! Her faith and her family's testimony is so powerful. I know it probably sounds corny, but I really feel like God used her writings to remind me of the amazing gift it is to be a parent and the blessing of having healthy children. This isn't a new concept to me, but on days when things seem crazy and hectic, I need to be slowed down and reminded. I need those reminders of what should be priorities and what are just daily tasks. When I read through her blog yesterday, I found myself truly feeling blessed and overjoyed about my life.

Her sense of humor (which coincidentally, reminds me a lot of Sandy's), is hilarious, but it is incredible to read about her faith through such trying circumstances. If you have the opportunity, please check out the blog. Be prepared to spend a lot of time reading, because you will want to go back and catch up from the beginning!

http://www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com/

Trick or Treating at the zoo

Here are some updated pictures. We took Ella (chicken), cousin Owen (dragon) and Kinsley (pumpkin) to the Louisville zoo to trick or treat this week. As you can tell, the costumes got a little too warm for our 80 degree weather!:)

Introducing. . .

Kinsley Emerson Cordrey arrived at 8:10 am on September 17th. She is perfect and healthy! We were thrilled to be blessed with another little girl. When the Dr. said, "It's a little girl!", I instantly saw through my tears the tears in Ronnie's eyes too. He is so partial to girls now after being blessed with Ella. We came home on Friday and everyone is adjusting well. She is a great baby and Ella is a great big sister - just trying to figure out all the newness around her (I don't think that is a real word, but you get the point!) More pictures to follow, of course.

One praise report - in the hospital, Kinsley failed her right ear hearing screening 3 times. They referred us to another hospital for children with special needs for a final retest. I was already preparing myself for hearing loss, etc. We took her in yesterday and she passed - no concerns! That was definitely an answer to our prayers!

For mom . . .

Ella found my old clothes from when I was a little girl today while cleaning the baby's room. She thought playing dress up was great!

Working at home . . .

So I know I have some friends who read this blog who are also working moms at home. I say working moms because it truly is a full time job to be home. This isn't new information to me, but just a new understanding. I have been home with Ella in the past during the summer months, and know that being at home doesn't mean down time with magazines and sweet tea, lazily passing the hours! A friend recently told me that she thought being a mom at home is harder than working outside the home. On some days, I agree. It is an amazing blessing, but not one without its own challenges. I recently started reading a book called "The Mommy Diaries". It is full of short little stories from other moms. I find myself laughing, but also gaining new insight and understanding in different situations. It reminded me today that I am thankful I get to raise Ella and enjoy all the special moments instead of someone else or a daycare. So, the job isn't without its challenges, but the rewards far outweigh the difficult moments!

New House Pictures!

Foyer - down the steps

Playroom

Front view

Our bedroom

Our bathroom

Baby 's room - work in progress

Banister from upstairs to family room

Ella's new big girl room

The office

Our living room - eventually

Kitchen into the family room

with Mocha the tour guide

Outdoor deck and play area

We are getting settled! We still have some boxes to unpack and all the pictures to hang for the walls / curtains to hang / etc. Other than that, we are getting there! Wehad missed living in a neighborhood for sidewalk purposes, so that is nice to have those back for evening walks and things.