A Day Out With Thomas The Train

The Bunn and Patterson Families with Thomas the Train

(Yes, Carter is that child today...He did not want to take pictures. My mom reminded me I have several photos from when I was a child like the one above...paybacks, I guess)

Hunter and Carter all decked out in Thomas, ready for the big day

Big Girl is finally drinking from a cup...at times

Hunter and Carter showing off their tattoos

(Hunter - Percy and Carter - Percy and Diesel)

Natalie and Hinsely just chillin'

Natalie and Carter's sucker

(He did not like, but she loved it)

Carter and Thomas

(He could not figure out why Thomas was not talking)

Carter and Larry in front of a lego Thomas

Some good friends, the Pattersons (Chad, Danielle, Hunter (4 1/2 yrs old) and Hinsely (19 months old) of ours met us in Grapevine (outside of Dallas) after Natalie's appointments. We took the kids to, "A Day Out with Thomas the Train," on Saturday.

If you have kids that love Thomas, this is really neat. We know this might be our last year Carter loves Thomas, so we thought we should go and he had a great time. You get a 20 minute ride on Thomas, a bounce house, trains, story telling and much more.

Scottish Rite Hospital and Children's Medical Center

Well, we all went back out of town this past weekend, again. Luckly, this was our last trip for a while. The kids did not do as well in the car ride this time, but who can blame them after being back in the car again right after our spring break adventure.

Natalie had both Scottish Rite and Children's Medical Center doctor appointments on Friday. I know it made for a long day, but I thought this would be better than having to come back in a few weeks.

We started out at 9:30am at Scottish Rite. I know that God says not to worry, but I still have a hard time as a mother. I was terrifed her curve in her spine would be worse. The last thing I want my baby girl to have to go through after 3 open heart surgeries and at least one more in her future is a spinal fusion. At at an early age, you may even have to re-do the spinal surgery if they out grow it. Plus, we had to get Natalie to stand on her on for the xray, which I was not sure how that would go with a 20 month old.

Well, God eased all my fears and told me once again to trust in Him. Natalie did awesome with her xray, even after having to wait 30 minutes in the waiting room. She did cry, but did really good and we got the two xrays we needed.

We then went to meet the nurse, nurse practioner and the doctor. Natalie has 10 ribs on her left side and 12 on her right. She also has two hemivertebrae or vertebrae that is not completely developed on both sides, on the right side. The two heimvertebrae is causing her to have 30 degree curve in her spine. Fourteen months ago, she was measuring a 28 degree curve, but this was also lying down so it was not 100% accurate. Dr. Richards, says this is good, because it really did not change at all.

I have said before, Natalie is not a candidate for brace if ever needed. If her curve gets worse, the only option is a spinal fusion. Our goal or prayer is that first, the curve stays the same throughout her entire life, but if it does get worse, then to wait until at least age 10 years old. Most likely, Natalie will be pretty close to her height be then and will only need one spinal fusion. By me saying one, I mean they will only need to put the rods in once, but will still be able to lengthen them, but not have to replace them ever. If a child has a spinal fusion to early in life, they will out grow the rods and then, the rods will have to be replaced.

Natalie did awesome at Scottish Rite through all of this. Meanwhile, Larry took Carter outside to play on the playground until the doctor came in. We thought it was best to not keep two kids cooped up in a waiting room.

After Scottish Rite, we decided to head on over to Children's for Natalie's next appointment. We we early, so we just ate lunch there; they really do have good food.

Dr. Zellers was orginally not having clinic on Friday, but did us a favor and saw us, since we were in town...Thank you so much!

Dr. Zellers said Natalie looked great! We even had our first non-sedated echo and she did amazing; the other event I was terrifed of. I really did not want another sedated echo, because last time she threw up and lets just say it was aweful. I had her Minnie Mouse video and she just layed there and watched the video like a big girl. I love that little girl!

Natalie's echo looked great! We go back in 6 months for another check up. We did visit about her next surgery. Unless, Natalie's heart tells us otherwise, we are looking at next summer. They normally do not like to do surgery in the winter unless they have to, because of flu and rsv season and they like the child to be able to walk really good, because it helps the blood flow after surgery.

Again, Larry took Carter to see the trains and play while Natalie was having the echo. I can't image Natalie sitting still or Carter while they are in the room together; what a nightmare.

I must say, our day was full of doctors and hospitals and both kids did amazing! I am so proud of both my children, because no one wants to do that all day, especially a 4 year old and a 20 month old. Not to worry, they were both rewarded the next day...A Day Out with Thomas the Train! I will post about this in a few days with pictures, so check back.

Thanks again to all the wonderful staff at both Scottish Rite and Children's for two wonderful check ups and for all the continous prayers for Natalie and her health.

The Oliver's Life

I have mentioned this precious family over the past month. They were the family whose unborn son had an underdeveloped brain. I wanted to ask for your continous prayers over this family.

Zane and Shawna welcomed their baby boy, Seton, two weeks ago. They were told their son might not even survive the birth and now he is two weeks old! Seton had an MRI done last week and was diagnosised with holoprosencephaly and lissencephaly.

They brought Seton home last night for the first time with a feeeding machine, suction machine, oxygen and nebulizer. He will need 24/7 care and home health care as well.

With this diagnosis they do not know how long Seton will be with them. Please pray that their time with Seton is blessed and precious. Pray for God's loving arms to be wrapped around this sweet family.

You can follow their blog at http://theoliverslife.blogspot.com

I will leave you with this verse, Zane posted on their latest blog:

Lamentations 3:12-25

"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The Lord ismy portion; therefore I will wait for him." The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him."

Spring Break Photos

Yea! We are out of the car and ready for Spring Break

Eight plus hours of bundled up energy being released

Fun in the flowers

Natalie was not to sure what to think

Carter was so proud of his bouquet he made

Texarkana is Twice As Nice

Oh, that is right, they are half in Texas and half in Arkansas

Back to Front: Gran, Caleb, Ashley, Zac, Kalei and Carter
(Natalie would not stand still long enough for the photo)

Okay, so we all know I left the flash drive in Texarkana. Here are a few pictures I had my mother-in-law send me. I will post more once I get the flash drive.

Spring Break aka Cousin's Week

I got this crazy idea that the kids and I would go to Texarkana for spring break this year. Larry's sisters and the kids were going to be there and I thought how much fun, plus other kids to entertain my kids, how perfect. The only problem...the drive.

We have not driven to Texarkana since having Natalie. Larry and I just shuddered at the thought of 8+ hours in the car with our two kids. But fun won out this time, so we sucked it up. The drive really was not that bad. Please do not think I am crazy enough to drive by myself with two kids. Larry drove with us and stayed a day and then flew out to do business elsewhere.

We got up early Sunday morning, the time changed was not helping us at all. We were on the road by 7:45am and by 8:10am, Carter asked for the first time, "Are we there yet?" Poor guy just did not realize how long he was going to be in the car. Every little town we drove into for the first two hours, Carter would ask, "Are we there yet?" We finally convinced him it was going to be a while and to stop asking that question. I had to admit, it was pretty funny every time he asked, plus Larry was getting a bit annoyed, which makes it better.

The kids did awesome in the car! We got to Texarkana right around 4pm. Carter knew we were going to Gran and Papa's house, but he did not know his cousins were going to be there. He was so excited! We spent the rest of the day playing outside, riding bikes and kicking the soccer ball around.

Monday was kind of yucky weather in Texarkana, so the big kids went to the movies, Natalie napped with Gran and Carter and I went to meet a friend at Chick-fil-a to play.

Tuesday was much nicer and warmer. Larry flew out that morning and the rest of us loaded up in the cars and headed to Larry's aunt and uncles, Chuck and Susi, for a few hours. Chuck and Susi live outside of Texarkana and raise sheep. Oh the kids had a ball chasing the sheep and running through the fields. When it was time to leave, Natalie fell asleep before we even pulled back on the main road. I left my flash drive in Texarkana with all the pictures, so I will have to post at a later date.

Tuesday was also Papa's birthday, so we had a birthday party that night for him. Carter again like all birthdays, did not understand why there was not a bounce house or games, but he was happy with cake and ice cream. He is so funny about birthdays still, he just does not understand why adults do not have fun parties like he did.

Wednesday, we got up and went to the park to play and have a picnic. The kids had a great time running around and feeding the ducks. Gran, Natalie and I stopped by a really good friend's house before heading home from the park. Judy is our prayer warrior, without her and her prayers, I do not know where we would be and if Natalie would be here with us today. Judy is an amazing spiritual person and very special to our family. We love you, Judy!

Wednesday afternoon the big kids went roller skating, while Natalie took and nap and Carter had quiet time. I can not image putting Carter on roller skates ever. He is such a boy, he would just plow into people I am sure.

Gran did a little search and rescue mission Wednesday afternoon as well. Zac lost his shoes Monday night. We spent forever looking for them and even offered a reward to the kids if they found them. Eventually, Wal-Mart won and we bought new shoes on Tuesday. Zac kept saying Natalie took the shoes. We look everywhere, we thought, except...the trash can outside. That is right Natalie threw Zac's shoes in the trash. Not only Zac's shoes, but Ashley's shoes and Carter's toy train. She saw a trash and thought it needed to be filled, I guess...sneaky, sneaky.

Papa and Carter had their special evening together at none other than Chucki Cheese. Carter loves that place and thinks it is his and Papa's special place. That is fine with me, just so long as I do not have to go. Thank you Papa for handling that for me!

Thursday, Larry's sisters took off shortly after 9am and we stayed until about 12:30pm. After the first crew left, we had a friend of our come over to play for about an hour. They have a little boy who is Carter age and little girl who is about a month younger than Natalie. Everyone had a ball playing together.

The kids and I got on the road around 12:30 to head to Dallas. Do not think for one minute I would be driving home by myself, oh no. Larry met us in Dallas and we spent Thursday night in Dallas and Friday morning Natalie had her ENT follow up from her ear tubes surgery.

The kids and start off on the drive and Natalie immediately fell asleep. I thought this was going to be a short 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive. We were not even 20 minutes outside of Texarkana when we came to a complete stand still for 45 minutes. You heard that right people. I was just praying Carter was not going to tell him he need to go potty. When we finally got through throw , Natalie woke up. I am sure Carter talking super loud had nothing to do with it. A total of 4 hours, two pit stops and Carter talking (I really mean talking) the whole way, we picked Larry up from the airport.

My brother, Holly and the kids drove into Addison where we were staying to hang out for the night. We had dinner and then the kids played together. We had a lot of fun and it was really cool getting to go from one set of cousins to the next, Carter loved it!

Natalie ENT appointment went great! She is hearing a whole lot better. I have never set through one of those hearing tests before, what a cool way to do it. Natalie is hearing the soft sounds, but not 100% sure where they are coming from. They said this can be common after not hearing for a while. Her brain still has to get use to the tubes and the 2 good ears. We go back in 6 months for another check up. Natalie does have a sinus infection, however. We got medication for that and I hope that clears up her congestion and cough.

We had a great spring break or Cousins Week! Carter has been asking none stop when are we going to see everyone again and can they come over to play this afternoon. We are still working on the fact they do not live here and can't just come for the afternoon. He misses his cousin's to say the least.

Since, I so nicely left my flash drive in Texarkana with all the pictures, I will see if someone can email me a couple of cute ones and post later this week.

Blessings

I wanted to give everyone an updated on my prayer requests from last week...

Banks had is VSD surgery yesterday and did amazing! The hole was about the size of a quarter and to think, his little heart was not much bigger than that. God is so good! Please continue to pray for his recovery and healing.

The Oliver's had their precious baby boy, Seton today. He is stable, but his condition is severe. This was the sweet family whose son's brain was not fully developed. Seton is in NICU now and breathing completely on his own, however he is not swallowing right now, so please pray for that. Seton's head is also a small and they are not certain what that means. Please pray for God's guidance on the doctors and for Seton to continue to grow and develop.

One extra blessing I wanted to mention. I am not sure if you all remember Cohen from this past summer. Cohen had a heart condition and after several days of fighting for his life, he went on to be Jesus. Well, his mother just posted on her blog, that she is pregnant again...with twins!

I know Cohen is in Heaven right now smiling down on his mommy and daddy and his new brothers and/or sisters. Please pray for a healthy pregnancy for Megan and for the babies she is carrying.

As far as my family, we are good just a little snotty. I hope everyone has a great spring break and safe travel for anyone traveling.

Isaiah 43:2-3

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through fire, the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior"

Adventures of a Super Mom

I wanted to first say thank you to everyone for your prayers and concerns this past week on Natalie's health. She is so much better and her coloring is almost back to normal for her, which is a pinkish-blue tint.

We have spring fever bad in this family. The 70 to 80 degree weather has been awesome! We have spent every afternoon outside as long as possible. If Amarillo could only get a little rain, we would be perfect, but we are happy with no wind and warm weather for now.

Adventures of a Super Mom is a group of women "running together towards Jesus, training children to know the goodness of God." They know that motherhood is not all peaches and ice cream, but they also believe that God has designed it to be one of the most joyous and life giving things you will ever do. They invite you to join them as they journey together with Christ to raise children who wildly love Him and as we find absolute fulfillment along the way.

http://www.adventuresofasupermom.com/

Adventures of a Super Mom are friends of mine who started this blog and let me tell you, it is amazing! I would like to encourage you all to take a look at it. These women are truly women after God's own Heart.

I do have a few small prayer requests...

Remember the sweet family I mentioned a week or so ago, whose unborn son's brain is not fully developing? All of their test results from the amnio have come back negative, which is a huge blessing! The baby's brain has developed a little bit more, but is still not were it should be measuring week wise. They are scheduled to be induced this next Wednesday. Please keep them in your prayers as they welcome their son into world. Please continue to pray for God's healing on their son and for His arms to wrapped around this sweet family during this time.

I have another friend whose son, Banks, will be undergoing VSD (ventricle septal defect) surgery on the 8th in Dallas. Please pray for the surgical team during this procedure and for Banks and his family. You never want to see your baby going through those double doors for any type of surgery, but heart surgery seem so overwhelming. Please pray for God's comfort for the family during this time before the surgery, during the surgery and the recovery stage.

John 8:12

Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life"