Brothers

My boys love hats...

Bradey's B'day

Today we celebrated Bradey's 7th Birthday (early).  His birthday is just days after we arrive in Italy when we will be facing many changes, adjustments, and jet lag! We decided to have a party for him prior to leaving Texas...this was Bradey's first Birthday Party.  We invited all his friends from the neighborhood and church to join us for a playtime at the park near our house.  Bradey always asks for donuts on his birthday, so we did brunch snacks--donut holes, fruit, yogurt tubes, and juice boxes.  The kids all dressed up in their favorite costumes.  We all had a blast!  It was simple but so much fun for the kids.  We even did balloon animals! We had a HUGE turnout (30 kids, 18 adults), so the park was a perfect place! It was 75 degrees and sunny today too!

                                       Bradey entered the party in style!

                           We had about 5 "Spidey" suits at the park today.

 Mr. Tim B. was the designated tire swing pusher...the kids lined up for a ride!

                                                          Lots of Moms!

              The girls goin' for a ride. (Mason got this car for his 1st birthday!)  :0)

                                          The Transformer Twins!

                                      Bradey and one of his best buds!

                                        The "boys" shootin' some hoops!

We are moving...really!

Yes, we really are moving to Europe!  This big move to Italy has hovered on the horizon for some time now.  We run into people at the store that often say, "you guys are still here???" or "when ARE you guys moving?"   Just when we thought our dates were "for sure," they would change again. But it is finally happening!   Everything is finally in order with our military orders, our passports and visas, our medical clearance, etc.  Some of our stuff has already been sent on ahead to Aviano and should get there about the time we do...we hope anyway!  Our vehicle has been shipped already also and is literally on a "slow boat to China...uh...Italy!"  The movers come this Monday for the bulk of our stuff.  We are running a little crazy these days trying to make sure we have everything in order for the packers.  The political scene in Libya has added some new factors into this for us also, as Aviano is a hub for the NATO troops right now.   We will leave the country in just under 3 weeks.  We so appreciate your prayers as we embark on this big adventure!  I will keep you posted as we prepare to leave!

Squeaky!

A friend of mine gave me a bag of "hand-me-downs" from her boys for Mac.  These adorable shoes were in the bag and I love them...so does Mac!

 

Bradey Update

I thought I would give you all an update on Bradey.  He is doing really well!  We are so thankful for all the prayers that have been made on his behalf.  The last couple months have been crazy and often times have felt like a roller coaster ride!  Many of you have asked for some specifics about what led up to his surgery in November, so here is a brief synopsis.  In October we took Bradey to a Pediatric Orthopedist in Dallas because of ongoing leg pain and weakness that no one could find a diagnosis for here in town.  The Dr. there couldn't believe how tight Bradey's tendons were and the way that they were pulling his feet and legs out of alignment. He ordered an MRI that showed that Bradey had a brain disorder called Chiari 1 Malformation. (pronounced Kee- are-ee) The cerebellum of Bradey's brain is not completely housed within the skull but protrudes out of the base to the level of his first vertebrae.  We were then sent to a pediatric neurosurgeon in Oklahoma City.  That Dr. further reviewed Bradey's films and discovered that Bradey had a "tethered spinal chord."  He told us that a tethered chord is commonly seen in people with Chiari and scheduled him for a "de-tethering" surgery two weeks later.  He believed that the leg contractures and headaches that Bradey was suffering would be alleviated some with this surgery.  On November 16th, Bradey had surgery.  It was hard to watch him in pain but he was such a trooper!  He had to remain completely flat for 3 days to prevent a spinal fluid leak, and then was released from the hospital 5 days after the procedure.  His recovery was a bit bumpy as many of you know.  He came down with Strep and then a spinal fluid leak.  He had to remain completely flat on his back again for days.  After his leak sealed back up, Bradey got Strep again and then Influenza B.  His immune system was shot!  He was on physical restrictions for 8 weeks--he was only allowed to walk.  No running, hard play, throwing, climbing, etc... He was so excited to finally start feeling better and be able to resume his normal kid activities!  Bradey had lost weight and grown quite weak from the whole ordeal so we are so glad to see our feisty, busy little boy back!  It has been a long road, but we have seen God's provision for us over and over again.   Thank you all for your prayers.  Below are some pictures of Bradey.  He loves to show people his scar! He's so silly!

Bradey waiting to be taken back to surgery

                                               The Scar! He is so proud of it! 

            He's Back!  So good to have Bradey feeling better and back to his crazy self!

                     In the middle of January, Bradey got baptized! We were so excited.

Some Pictures!

Mac with his new bear, "Billy."  Granny makes each of the grandkids their own bear.  Each bear has parts of it's "sibling bears" incorporated into it.  These are cherished by all the grandkids!

  The boys with their bears!

                               The 8 oldest cousins with their bears. ( Jan 2011)

                                          Valentine's Day Cake Making

                                         A heart-shaped Boston Cream Pie

                                         Mac's favorite place--In the tub!

That's What I Get For Braggin'!

So...I was bragging to my sister the other day that it was 70 degrees here in Texas.  The kids and I went to the park, they rode bikes, and played outside.  It was great!  She called me a brat...I chuckled...It's cold where she lives!  Then...yesterday it snowed! Serves me right I guess.  Well, despite the fact that it was 15 degrees outside, it was beautiful!  Reminded me of home...New England.  The boys bundled up and went outside.  Yup, I went too.  We didn't last real long.  Everyone is still getting over colds and such...but who could resist a snow fight in Texas???  We built a "snow crocodile!"  I'm sure the snow will be gone soon and the boys will be out in t-shirts...Hey, that's Texas weather for ya!