MOVING ON

Well, the summer of 2010 has been one emotional whirlwind for Andy, Henry and I.

We are now in Iowa. We have moved back from Guadalajara, Mexico.

We are feeling sad and happy, sad to leave the only home Henry really has known, but to show him our HOME. Iowa.

I am thinking about renaming our blog SANCTUARY. It means a Safe Place, and that is what I strive to have for our Family. There is so much change in our lives, that I want Henry and Andy to know that our Home is their sanctuary. A place, that no matter where it is, is a Sanctuary. A place for them to be themselves.

Anyway, we are starting to raise money again for another stent of Missionary work, but we are not heading back to Mexico. We will be going to England to start an Engage in Missions program in the U.K. ( I will explain more about that in time

I also will be posting about our last days in MEXICO, and of all the great people that I think you should know).

I am SOOOOO Happy to be back.

Now here are some Meaningless Statistics about life from the Reed Perspective from these past few weeks.

Henry has about 4 of those little plane wing thingies they give you on Airlines, to add to his collection. I always smile and say.. Great, thanks so much....

We have moved 5 times in 3 different countries since we got married. ( Which, P.S., I read that this MOVING, is a stressful event times like 100, and moving between different countries, times that by 1000000...)

I now know how to call a Washing Machine Repair Man in 3 different countries. And, yes that is a Joy of all JOYS...

Moving in between different climates makes my skin go crazy.. You may call me by my real name which is Zitopia...

Corn tastes the best from Iowa..

I personally don't miss the Humidity from Iowa.

Life is going to be full of us traveling this beautiful state for the next 1.5 - 2 years.

My sister is living with us, and I am uber pumped about that. Especially since we are doing Missions again.

I love talking in English, but I take it upon myself to speak Spanish, every time I see a Hispanic person, which they may think is weird...

I have been becoming a Garage Sale Junkie.

I am feeling like I could easily gain around 100 pounds if I am not careful. I find myself eating bad food because I keep thinking I am not going to be able to have it for very long.. WRONG THINKING...

I love seeing my Family for longer than a week..

One last enjoyment, is a picture of Henry on the 4th of July.

That is about it for now.. Talk to you later Folks.

Greetings

Hello my name is Chelsea... Maybe you don't remember because it has been an eternity since I blogged last. I tried to blog the other day and spent an hour getting the most perfect blog for you all to read, that had tons of cute pictures...but... my silly husband was in charge of posting it, due to me having to leave the house. And needless to say something messed up and NO blog.So, here I am back and ready to update you 11 who read my blog:

First up: Henry's First Hair Cut and His First Lollipop, which was Yellow Flavor.

We got Henry's hair cut here inMexico at the cutest little place, called ZOO Kids. The lady did a

great job, super quick and super cheap. It was $5.00 to be exact. As you can see, his hair was getting quite long.

They even gave us a paper with Henry's hair inside a little pouch, the funniest part is that of all the hair they chose for the little pouch, the chose the hair that had food on it from his previous meal, NOT enough for anyone but his Mother to see!

This is a photo from our 5 Year Anniversary that we celebrated this last May 14th.

We went and had a great dinner, but our true gift to each other comes in the form of a

trip for us two only, to Seattle, Washington. We booked our tickets for ROCtober....:)

I am totally PSYCHED, right now we are working with tons of people from WA. They have told us tons of cool stuff to see, but the kicker for me is going to see the Sleepless in Seattle House.

Yes, BE JEALOUS!

Okay, in the mean time between the beginning of May and June 4th we had a ton of teams come down to work with Engage. So we have been staying quite busy.

But the next pictures come from the long awaited for 1st Birthday of sweet little boy named Henry. We flew home to celebrate Henry's first Birthday with his family. Just a side note, Henry has flown on 19 planes in his One year of LIfe... Is that Not CRAZY!! Oh, the life of a Missionary Kid.

I love this picture. He is the cutest One Year Old.

This picture just yells: Kiss Me.

Henry wearing his Party Hat.

Henry eating his Cowboy Cake that his Aunt Melissa made for him. He was a fan!

Henry opening his presents with his pals.

Henry chessin it up!

Cute Cowboy cake made by Melissa.

We bought Jones Soda with Henry's picture on it and a nice saying to remember his 1st Birthday.

Henry wore a Cowboy shirt that had a number 1 on it and it came with the cutest hat, I tried all week to get him to like the hat, but he would only wear it for a couple of seconds and then rip it off.

All in all we had a great day, all of our family and friends came to help us celebrate our sweet baby who turned ONE. Time has flown by, we showed everyone the video that they made for us in Mexico when he was born, and I just sort of teared up. This year has been the fastest of my life. I am so proud to be Henry's mom. He is the best little boy, he is playful and cuddly. He has the cutest laugh and the best Smile. He has the prettiest Blue eyes, and Blond Hair. I can't wait for his Next Birthday. He is the biggest Blessing. I am so thankful to God for my sweet little Man.

Until Next Time

Sunday Morning

Mark 6:30-31

30The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

Being Honest

Today I feel like being quite honest on how I am feeling this night.
*** Disclamor*** I don't feel like this always but on this day, like many others who have walked in the same shoes as I, I am feeling D
O
W
N....

So let me tell you why, I MISS MY FAMILY.
We are nearing the 3 year mark that we have a been a way from our family, and quite frankly I am ready for a little mother & daughter time, father & daughter time, sister & sister time, brother & sister time, Aunt & nephew time, Mother-in-law & daughter time, Father-in-law & daughter time, pretty much everybody in my family & Chelsea time..... If you get my drift, and I mean longer than a week as well...

And, maybe you think.. Don't complain Chelsea, you signed up to be a missionary.. And don't complain Chelsea a lot of missionaries have life a lot harder then you, you are just in Mexico..And yes, that is all true, but I miss my family a lot, and Mexico feels a lot farther away from my simple Iowa. And seriously I miss my family and simple Iowa and just being with family on a normal day, uneventful and not some grand occasion..

But, the truth is yes, I am a Missionary. And yes, we sort of signed up to do it, but also we, as in, ANdy and I gave our hearts and lives to God, we said whatever you want for us..And we truly believe for right now in our lives this is what HE want for us.. I have battled through in my head, why ME?? Why was I called to LEAVE my family, when GOD knows how much I LOVE them and really just want to be with them..
Why wasn't the person Called who hates there family, or the one who doesn't mind being away from there family??? Why ME?

Well, i have come to the conclusion that GOD's call on peoples lives is not a cattle call, and that deep deep down inside of me, I was made to do this, even if it is hard and sad. It is the cross I carry..and that is not even a good analogy, because it may feel like a cross some days, but will never compare to the Cross of Christ.

And most days I am glad that I am here, and I see life as a blessing. I am blessed beyond belief with a Handsome little boy who is Healthy and Smart and super LOVING..
I am blessed with a great Husband who loves me when I am difficle (difficult).
I have a GREAT family, who comes and sees us and loves on us, to heal the wounds of being far away..
I have a great Missionary Family here, who love Andy and I and believe in us...

I actually think writing this blog so far has been theraputic.. Maybe this is why people journal???

Now, since I have lived out of the country for the last 3 years let me tell you a couple things I am excited to be THANKFUL for in the next couple of months, when we come back home to Iowa... Maybe this is the Positive spin on complaining..HA HA, or a way to help all of you out there to learn to be thankful for all you have..
And these are things that God has taught me you can live with out.. And that truly is a good lesson, we all should learn.

Item 1. AIR CONDITIONING, not much more I need to say about this.. Just be grateful you have it, and know that many live without, and may be a little sweaty and stinky...
2. A DISH WASHER,, handwashing bottles is not the greatest, but I do have water and a sink,
so I am grateful.
3. CARPET, poor Henry has little calluses on his knees from crawling on pure tile, we have rugs, but obviously they can't be everywhere:(
4. Water that comes out of the shower head like NORMAL, ours has been on the fritz since we moved here.. I have learned that just having water is a blessing, but when you are paying to have a good shower that is more than a drizzle, then it gets a little annoying.
5. Space between you and your neighbor, don't take it for granted!
6. The enjoyment of not being the MINORITY, just remember the next time you Stare at someone who looks different, know that they feel your eyes, and are probably feeling a little out of place.
7. The pleasure of conversing in your native tongue, don't take it for granted.. Because it truly is one of life's pleasures being able to say exactly what you want.
8. Pudding, any flavor will do.. Pudding all together they do not sell here in Mexico.. Why you ask? I haven't a clue, I thought pudding was a world wide yummy dessert, but I guess not.
9. Traffic, I say this hoping you don't live in New York City or Las Angeles or somewhere like this. I am from Des Moines, Iowa, and had only known this kind of traffic before we left the country..And boy am I ready for people to follow the rules and there to just be normal traffic..
10. Lastly is your FAMILY, I know a lot of families have issues, but what is new. Families have had issues since the FIRST Family.. And mine is certainly in that mix, but due to us being gone for the last 3 years, I take family time as a SERIOUS PRIORITY.. I plan on planting flowers with my mother next spring, and going out for coffee with my sissy's-in-law as much as I can..
I plan on going on 1000 dates with my husband and just DROPPING Henry off at each of his Grandma's and Grandpa's Houses and smiling as I wave good-bye..
I plan on taking some sort of cake class with my sister and some sort of exercise class to balance out the cake class as well.. :)
I plan on hanging out in Newton, Ia.. Clearlake, Ia... Altoona, Ia.. And just chatting with my sweet grandmas and grandpa.
I plan on going to Farmers Markets with my Parents on Saturdays, going to I-Cubs games with my family.
I plan on going to play groups with my high school friends who also have babies.
I plan on taking a sibling dinner with my sister and brother every Month.
I plan on doing lots, and I am thankful that God has taught me that each and every moment with your family is precious and few!

11 things to know about my 11 month old.

Guess what we are getting geared up for around here....


But before this day comes.
Let me tell you 11 things you might not know about my 11 month old.

1. He has 6 teeth, and has a chessy grin sometimes.

2. He loves cottage cheese and probably eats a pint a week.

3. He loves to play, I think his motto in life is Play Hard and Sleep Hard.

4. He has been swimming about every other day of this his 11 Month, don't be jealous for too long, because it is due to the 95 degree weather and NO AIR CONDITIONING.. So, the pool in our little neighborhood is a BLESSING,almost a REQUIREMENT...

5. This is how many time-outs he has been for HiTTing... Mommy is not a Fan, and Henry is really NOT a fan of time-outs.

6. This is how many times a Day I get open end kisses from my sweet boy.

7. One of his favorite things to watch is Mickey Mouse Club House.. He smiles every time it is on.. It is so precious.

8. He is a crawling Machine, and he speed crawls when he is getting into something he is not supposed too. Henry is getting close to walking as well.

9. He sleeps with a COWBOY blankie, that his Aunt Becky made for him. He loves it.

10. He has been wearing Tank- Tops recently due to the Hot weather, and they show his Defined Triceps and Biceps... PRetty Sure, i did NOT have this as a baby. Also, I found his first freckle. It is located on the side of his tummy. Very cute.

11. 11x 1,100,000,000,, is how many times I am thankful that he is Here in my life, and how thankful I am that God blessed me to be his Momma...

5 Years and counting

These are some weird pictures of Andy and I. But I am on the other computer. So, this was all I could find..

Anyway,, Just wanted to let the World know that today is my 5 year Anniversary!!!

Time has flown by, and I am so glad to know and be the wife of Andy Reed. He is the best Husband, Dad and Friend I could know.

Lucky ME!!!

BABIES - Official Trailer [HD]

I am unfortunately going to miss this movie when it first comes out in the USA, but I will be home soon enough to see it. Doesn't it look really interesting?

Happy Birthday to Melissa

Happy 24th Birthday to Melissa Ann Hanson...

If you don't know Melissa is my sister and I just wanted to wish her a happy birthday.. And let you all know some fun facts about her:

1. Melissa is very Artsy and Smartsy we have always thought she should get a job at Hallmark Cards in Kansas City.. They would beg for her talent. She once drew a picture of her and I as little children. Which I treasure. ;)

2. Melissa was Homecoming Queen in HighSchool. Not that this really matters, but I say it because she is such a LOVELY person.. Both on the inside and out. And is LOVED by many.. And has made such a huge difference in so many lives...

3.Melissa loves Cake, Sparkles, James Taylor, Mystery Books, Candles, Almond Flavored Things, Her Familiy, Lucy, Soo-Ling, Poudyfus, Lucky, Hillsong, Babies, Oldies, Painted Toe-nails, The Rock, Marachino Cherries, The Lord...

And I Love Her, and Miss her so on this her 24th Birthday.....

xoxox

My Sweeties

Ok, This blog should be two blogs, but I am making it one, because I am busy and lazy all at the same time.

First off, here are my sweeties..
Look at how big Henry is getting.
He is just sittin with his Dad.







okay, look how cute this one. Cute is not even the right word. Adorable is this picture. It shows how much Henry loves his dad and how happy I am that Henry has such a great Dad.....

And I LOVE This One. I just Love it.. Their are really NO words for how much I love them.

This is the next chapter of this blog.

This little boy's name is Jose. Let me tell you his story. He is 3 months old, and he was found living under a CAR with his brother and sister and mother. He is really underweight and has a lot of muscle issues.

He now lives in a orphanage, this orphanage we go and visit like once every week. There are about 60 kids in this orphanage and we just go and play with them and hang out. There are 2 babies. Jose and Angel. Angel was found in a dumpster at 15 days old. Every kid has a really sad story just like that. Pretty much rips your heart out... Anyway, I brought some of Henry's clothes that never fit him and gave some to Jose..

I will keep you updated on the orphanage.

These are just some Pretty Purple Trees.

I thought I would show you.

Lastly some Easter Pictures. Very late, but here never the less...

Henry going for his Easter basket and Easter Toy. He recieved a toy dump truck and crawled right to it.

A picture of the Easter Basket and his dump truck.

Getting Ready for the Easter Bunny

We are getting ready for Easter here at the Reed House hold.

Festivites have started with the annual coloring of eggs with Andy and I and Henry participating.

The winner was judged by the Hanson Clan, and was announced to be Andy... Which was a complete bummer, because his winning egg was a copy of my AWESOME Egg...If you look closely at the egg picture, my AWESOME EGG is the dark purple egg with the really cool white bunny. Andy won by copying my bunny idea and drawing a bunny egg as well. CHEATER!!! Henry picked 3 different colors and that is the color we put on his egg for him:)

We are getting ready to wear our Pastel Easter Egg color clothing to church, all picked out by Momma... And then we are getting ready to eat some good Easter Food at the Engage House...

We have been watching the Red Letter Day Series from www.lifechurch.tv and it has been good to prepare our hearts for Easter. Check it out for some good messages about Jesus last words on the cross.

Lastly I had to put up these pictures of the cutest baby in the world. Mr. Henry Hanson Reed.

Hope you all have a happy Easter.

Mexican Baby Food 101

Foods Number One: Chayotes, Ejotes, Calabacitas

Foods Number 2: Manzana con Avena & Peras

Food Number Three: Arroz con Leche

Foods Number Four: Verduras con Pavo & Arroz

Foods Number Five: Zanahorias

Well this blog has been coming down the pipe for awhile now. Which just means, been sitting in my brain and now that I have some "FREE" time, a.k.a. Henry is asleep, I thought I would give you some good ole Mexican Baby Food translations.

These are some of the baby foods, my baby loves.... with the exception of one. Lets see how well you listened in Spanish Class.

Foods Number One: Chayotes, Calabacitas, Ejotes: These are Squash, More Squash type stuff, Greenbeans.. I thought we should start with these because these are Henry's all time fav's. He LOVES Veggies... You can pretty much feed him these at every meal and he will love it.

Foods Number Two: Manzana con Avena & Peras.... This is Apples with Oats, and Pears.. Henry is fan of both baby food, he has to be in the right mood though...

Food Number Three: Arroz con Leche.... Otherwise known as Rice with Milk... A very Mexican Dessert. Well guess what? Henry is NOT a fan of this baby food, which is weird to me that it is even offered? My peditrician told me that I could start giving Henry beans and rice any time I wanted.. I thought beans...umm. Big NO.. But, they are soft and easy to gum, I still have not offered, I think it is the American Iowan in me, saying not yet.....

Foods Number Four: Verduras con Pavo y Arroz: Translation: Vegetables with Turkey and Rice. I think this is like Turkey and Mashed Potatoes the Mexican Equivilant, Henry is a fan most days.

Lastly Foods Number Five: Zanahorias.... Carrots.. Pretty much a standard in the baby diet around the world. Henry is a fan, and Heck So Am I.... I am thinking the next time I need to whip together a Carrot Cake, use the baby food....

Untill Later.... Adios

Before and After

Afters:

Befores:

I am just writing a quick blog about sweet little Henry..

I just got done reading the blog of a high-school friend who lost one of her sweet babies to SIDS.

Here is a link to her blog...http://sisteroflikeangels.blogspot.com.

This blog is completely inspiring to me in so many ways on this night:

First off, it makes me want to squeeze and hug my baby so tight.. Not let go ever...

Secondly, it makes me RELAX.. I get so uptight with his schedule and sleeping and every little thing and seriously I need to take a Chill Pill every now and then...

Thirdly it makes me thankful for every breath and every day, they are GIFTS... Treasure the moments with your family.....

Lastly, it inspires my relationship with the Lord... He is our Rock and Steadfast Help in whatever times of Trouble...

So, I titled this blog: Before and After, obviously you can see the "Before" pictures of Henry, the day he was born. When he would sleep endlessly in his boppy, and look at his sweet brown hair. Now "After" pictures are now, he is 9 months old, and on the loose... TIME is flying before my eyes.. I am glad that I can still remember so clearly, but I want to keep remembering..

So at 9 months:

Henry hates getting his diaper changed, he flips over almost immediately to crawl and get away.

Henry loves Veggies... especially carrots and squash.. Not to interested in fruits. Loves crackers..

Henry's hair is starting to curl at the bottom and by the ears.

Henry loves people and kids.

People come up to me on a daily basis and say how Cute my baby is and that he has the prettiest eyes.. Maybe that is because he looks a lot different than Mexican babies, but I think it is because you are the cutest baby...

Henry loves touching plants...

Henry pushe HIMSELF down the slide, momma and daddy are close to catch you, but you push off by your self.. Henry has no FEAR..

Henry is saying Momma and Dadda and BA BA and Bye Bye.... At least we think you are..

We love you Henry Roo.....

Going Green with Grandma's

Well we have been quite busy being with Grandma's.. Which Henry loves to do... He told me that he loves Me and Andy the most and then his Grandma's and Grandpa's next best. :)

Also Henry made some cute St. Patty's day decorations for his grandparents. I drew the amazing clover and he put his little green fingerprints inside for the clover part. Aren't they cute!

And we are getting ready for the Cubs season in this house. My mom told me that Ryne Sandberg (yes, I spelled it correct) is coming to be the manager of the I-Cubs, which surprisingly my husband did not mention to me. Probably because I don't really care.:) But the cool part is that my mom's friend from work somehow knows them and told my parents that they could come out to eat with them when they move to Des Moines. Well, to say the least, I know my Dad is Super Excited and possibly when we come home we could meet them too. Andy informed us all that Ryne Sandberg was one of his all time favorite players.. Little known Andy fact. He still has saved all his baseball cards as a little boy, and his Home-Run Ball..

Well that is all for us for now...