Anderson Family: May 21, 2011

IT WAS BABY J'S 3RD BIRTHDAY. Yes, it's taking me a bit to write about it, but we are a busy busy family. Jonathan, as always, wanted his first present and then through a fit the rest of time, not wanting to open the rest, until he realized there were toys and goodies to open :) We got him a lovely Buzz Lightyear cake too. He, and his brothers, will have a big birthday bash on July 9. Mommy's planning something special...at least I hope it all turns out. Can you say, cupcakes that look like cheeseburgers? LOL...yes, trying to be crafty.

Well, the day of Jonathan's birthday, we went to Mankato, Minnesota and joined Lasting Imprints in doing a heart walk. IT WAS AMAZING! We met so many wonderful heart families. We shed some tears with some angel families, and smiled and all the warriors running around crazy and giving their parents a run for their money :) Thomas was one of the older CHD Warriors there, another lady born in 1989 (I think I got that correct), was the only one older than him. Poor Baby J got a tad ill during the middle of it, but he still perked up once he got cake at the pool :) Before the Community Has Heart Heart Walk, Drew donated blood at the Red Cross blood drive and was in and out like a champ. I, Naomi, did the same, after the walk, and I thought I was a champ, until the bitter end when I almost passed out. Yeah, I'm a wimp, I guess. Regardless, they perked me up within a few minutes and I was on my way to getting mocked by my husband, who thinks he's SOOOOO funny...LOL. Regardless, we both did it. We gave back just a small portion for all the many people who have donated through the years and have saved our boys. We counted how many blood transfussions that Thomas and Jonathan have had, and it's close to 12-15 blood transfusions. IT'S ABOUT TIME WE GAVE BACK. Drew's done it before, but this was my first time.

(Photo by I.D. Photography)

Well, I must say it was a blessed day. All morning long, before the Heart Walk began, it rained and poured. Grandma Pauly, Daddy, Mommy and the boys stayed in the car a bit to keep the boys dry and warm. As we got ready for the walk, and had the umbrellas just right, and were ready to start, the clouds parted and sunlight came out and the rain was gone. I swear there were some wonderful angels watching over us. IT WAS AMAZING. The kids did ran a Dash, called Dashing for David in memory of a CHD Angel who was born on May 21, 2010. Jonathan and David will have a special connection with their birthdays. We were blessed to meet his family, and what an amazing family they are. There were so many together for support for one another.
Well, for now, I'll finish by saying, WE HAVE A 4TH GRADER...Thomas passed 3rd grade with all A's and B's. We also have a preschooler. I cannot believe Samuel will be going to school with Thomas Tuesday through Wednesday next year...eek. Dr. Brenner, the boys' pediatrician, thinks Jonathan would be ready for preschool too, but MOMMY IS NOT! LOL Thank you all for always being there for us. Thank you mom, Grandma Pauly, for joining us at our heart walk, and my sister, Aunty Amy, for meeting us in Mankato. Thank you EVERYONE for always being there with a hello, a gentle smile and a consoling hug through the years. We will continue to say Thank you for all the years to come. We are here and blessed because so many helped us to care for our children and make sure they continued to fight all the years...AND THEY STILL DO! God Bless you all!

Boys with their Beads of Courage...Counts every surgery, blood draw, echocardiogram, blood transfusion, clinic visit...EVERYTHING. Samuel got some beads for being the best brother ever also and always being such a good boy and very supportive as well.