Hannah Update

I am so excited to share with those of you who have been on your knees with us, that Hannah's bald spot is continuing to grow new hairs! Everyday the hairs are growing longer. I did some research on Alopecia Areata, and I read that can be caused by a stressful situation. About a week before I first noticed the spot, she had a really rough time with getting her blood drawn for allergy testing. I am really hoping that that is what caused this and that she has no other reoccurances in the future. I cannot express to you all how much I appreciate all your prayers about this and the other matters that are going on in my life lately! I am so blessed to have your friendships! Please continue for my family, as things seem to continue to get worse.

Adventure Island Fun

Josiah, the kids, and I joined the Winter family on an annual trip to Adventure Island yesterday. We had a great time!

Esther jumping off the cliffs

Lydia & Daddy

Hannah is doing awesome with her swimming and can now swim without the use of any floatation devices!




Hannah & Auntie Joy

Isaiah, Caleb, & Josiah

Lydia

Esther at Splash Attack...doesn't she look like a swimsuit model?

Lydia wearing out Grandpa Ken on the water slides.

After wearing out Grandpa, she proceded to wear out Aunt Grace too!

Grandma Sheila about to collapse after climbing all the steps up the water slide

After the water park closed, we went to a hole-in-wall (there are literally holes in walls) BBQ restraunt, where they actually serve bat. These are the boys bibs they brought out. Notice they are paper toilet seat covers.

All in all, it was a perfect day! I think everyone had a ton of fun and got a little sun burnt.

More Prayer Needed

Well, we are in need of prayer again, so I am sharing this to ask for you to be praying with us. Earlier this week, I noticed a small bald spot on the top of Hannah's head. I thought that maybe she had pulled her ponytail holder out and ripped out the hair, but it was very smooth so I wasn't really sure. I tried to cover it up for several days, hoping no one would ask me why she has a bald spot, since I really had no explanation. I am so blessed to have so many friends in the medical field and was able to ask Kyle, who is PA in a Dermatology office. She recognized it right away as Alopecia Areata. She said that it can spread and lead to full baldness if left untreated. The treatment would be a few injections in the affected area. I am really upset about this, especially since Hannah had such a hard time with passing out and vomitting after having her blood drawn last week. She is such a sweetie and I hate to have to put through that pain.

My plan for now is to wait a few weeks, and pray earnestly that the Lord would heal her without have to get the injections. Even this morning, just hours after I learned her diagnosis, I noticed a few new hairs growing in the bald spot. Please pray with us that the Lord will work a miracle and she will be healed. I truly believe He has the power! Thanks All!

Birthdays and Bowling!

Esther, Hannah, and I were able to join my in-laws for Caleb's 15th birthday this evening. We went to Beef O'Brady's for dinner and then bowling. It was Esther and Hannah's first time bowling and they had a blast. Esther got 3 spares by the end of the second game! Hannah was hilarious. One of the pins actually stopped her ball without falling down. It was so cute!

Hannah's "bunny in a heart" balloon
Esther's monkey in a tree balloon

Caleb & Isaiah and their wing dinner (that's all they had--wings)

Kenny (my nephew) playing the drums in the

back of his truck in the bowling alley parking lot

Caleb (birthday boy...a.k.a. Spearmint Billy)

Isaiah and his lovely bowling socks

Kenny bowling

Hannah's Swimming Lessons

Hannah has only had three swimming lessons and is coming along just "swimmingly" :) She loves being in the water and has no fear. We have the best instructor, Miss Marcia. She makes everything a game and makes Hannah love to be under the water!

Mother's Day Mayhem!

I feel like I look at everyone else's pictures and their kids are all smiling and looking at the camera. This is just a few pictures we tried to take after dinner on Mother's Day. I had a great day, though. I had to stay home from church with Lydia since she had a goopy nose, and then we went out to eat with my in-laws to Sonny's BBQ (which is one of my favorite places). After, it was home for Sunday afternoon naps!

Prom 2011

I believe that this year makes my hubby's and my 7th prom together. I believe that he has worn the same suit every time. I've really got to get him to spurge for a new suit! (He still looks amazingly hot, though!) We enjoyed a lovely evening with the Juniors and Seniors from his school. Special thanks to Auntie Joy for babysitting!

Who caught us kissing again?
My brother-in-law, Isaiah and his girlfriend, Peyton.

I voted us the best-looking old couple at the prom!

A Little Prayer Couldn't Hurt

Hello to all my friends and family,

As some you already know, my family has been experiencing some tumultuous times. Yesterday, I was informed that things have taken a turn for the worse. I would like to ask all you to please be praying for us as we travel the rough roads ahead. I am so thankful that I have the Lord's comfort during this difficult time, as it seems to be the only thing gives me hope and comfort right now. My new favorite song should be playing for you right now, so I hope that it will encourage you as well.