Natalie turned 12...

Pictures from Natalie's Birthday

Natalie and her cousin, Shelby at

American Girl in Dallas

Trip to Dallas

Last Thursday Natalie and I left for a trip to Dallas, TX to visit the American Girl Store. Also, along for the ride was my sister, her 2 girls, my mom and Tim's mom. We made our first stop in Sulphur Springs, TX and spent the night. On Friday, we arrived in Dallas around 11 a.m. and the girls were dying to get to American Girl. They were all amazed and so excited. We let them just look around and take it all in that day. Natalie's 2 dolls, Kit and Kirsten did visit the beauty salon to have Kirsten's hair done and Kit's ears pierced. They looked around to get some ideas as to what to buy. We then back to the hotel to give them some time to swim. On Saturday morning, they were up bright and early and ready to go again. Natalie decided to buy a third doll with her birthday money. She bought Ruthie, Kit's best friend. Also, she got 2 outfits and 2 pairs of shoes. After this we had lunch in the American Girl Bistro. The waiters came out to sing happy birthday to all the girls and gave them a brownie. It was a lot of fun seeing Natalie enjoy something she has wanted for a long time. I figured my time was running short, since she will 13 next year. I will post some pictures later. If you have a girl, this is definetly the place to take them. I wish they had this when I was a young girl.

Science Fair update

Last Thursday, March 12th was our school science fair. Both of the kids had a project to do this year. Natalie chose to take 3 of the same plant, but water them differently (amount and when). Nathan chose to test whether or not graphite in a pencil was a conductor of electricity. They had to prepare their science boards with all the normal info - problem, hypothesis, photos, research, charts, conclusion, etc. And they did a great job. At the parent night last week, Natalie discovered that she placed 2nd overall for the 6th grade. Nathan however did not place this year and was devastated. He is the one that loves science and just knew he would place. This was a good lesson for him in how to lose graciously. It was still hard watching him being so disappointed. We are sure next year it will be an amazing project. Natalie will get to present her project to the Bauxite School Board in April and then go to the district science fair in Arkadelphia in May. She is excited, but was very shocked at how well she did.

Nat's seizure checkup...

Yesterday, Natalie had 2 doctor appointments - one with the pediatrician and one for a seizure checkup. Back in 2006 she was diagnosed with petit mal or absence seizures. We were able to take part in a study at Arkansas Children's Hospital that has provided all medical testing, meds until a year ago and regular appointments. Yesterday, she had an EEG performed to see if there is any seizure activity. Apparently, something showed as abnormal. This means we won't be able to start weaning her off the medicine. They usually start doing this when you are 2 years seizure free - her 2 years was November 2008. I have to say Natalie is a trooper and does whatever they ask her to do. I am glad that if this had to happen to one of my children, it was her. I am not sure her brother would be quite as accomodating. It was a good time for she and I just to talk and catch up with another. Not much you can do while you are hooked up to machine for an hour. She always enjoys eating in the hospital cafeteria and they do happen to have really good food. She also enjoyed the day off from school. We'll see today when she comes home with make-up work. I have encouraged her to go into a field in the healthcare industry and work with children. She knows a little of how it is to have tests done, blood taken, etc. She is very relaxed and trusting in these situations. Who knows what God has for her. All I know is I love her more and more everyday.

Natalie turning 12 and Misc

I can't believe my baby girl is growing up. Next Saturday, March 14th at 10:45 p.m. she will turn 12. Since my niece's birthday is in April, we have planned a surprise trip for the both of them. They are going to be so excited. Natalie keeps saying can you believe next year I will be 13. I think I might hide on that day. She is maturing into a lovely girl. We are still working on some things with her, but she is a preety sweet person. She loves younger children and can't wait to start babysitting and make money. There are so many things I would differently with her. I would enjoy her more, laugh more and just sit back and relax. I would have yelled less and been more patient. Actually that is my goal for this year, to be more patient and calm with her and yell less. I tend to get caught up in the moment and let myself get carried away. I love my kiddos and want to be more patient with them. I also want to be kinder to Tim, he needs it. He is so patient with me and puts up with a lot.

Science projects

I am so glad we are almost done with not 1, but 2 science fair projects. They are due on Tuesday and I am excited. We have been working on this since October. Natalie chose to take 3 of the same plant and give them different amounts of water. This was pretty easy for her, since she really is all that excited about science. Nathan of course, chose to build somethign. He took a battery, attached wires to it and used the inside of a pencil as a conductor. The light bulb would light up when the wires touched the graphite. These projects always turn in to parent projects. I will post pics later.