Mastokids - and Rare Disease Day Feb 28, 2010

As most of you know...I have been working with Mastokids for several years, since Audrey was diagnosed with pediatric mastocytosis when she was 4 months old. We have been very blessed that Audrey's condition has been mild, but we are EXTREMELY grateful for the support we've received over the years from other parents who have faced the same diagnosis with their children.

Last year, the National Organization of Rare Disorders (NORD) launched their first annual Rare Disease Day in the United States, and Mastokids joined them in support! We were helpful in getting Governor proclamation letters of, and letters to editors in hometown newspapers, and quite a few other media endeavors.

This year, we are continuing to support this day, by trying to spread awareness of mastocytosis. There are various ways we are trying to incorporate awareness for all rare diseases over the next few days!

Today's activity....

If you would like more information about Rare Disease Day, visit www.rarediseaseday.org, or you could find out more about pediatric mastocytosis at www.mastokids.org!

Thanks for your support over the years. Look for more posts to come in the next few days about ways we at Mastokids are getting involved and spreading awareness!

Marchin' in to 2010!

So...Christmas came and went, and here we are in the NEW YEAR!

And we've added a few new things to our house...So excited to finally have a dining room set, and was equally excited about unboxing my wedding china (which has been in my bedroom closet at my mom's for the past 10 years)!

The girls enjoyed their Christmas break, and have enjoyed watching movies and laying around!


And we've also been moving a little bit, too. We bought our family the Nintendo Wii after Christmas.

We've danced a jig with our friends....

And someone has been doing a little bowling....and I do say, a VERY GOOD job at that.

A perfect score, oh Yes...and by who, can you guess?

AND...without further ado...Madison's the Bowling Superstar for you!



And just as important as anything else,
we've been cheering on the New Orlean Saints!
We hope the Saints are
Marching in to 2010, with a big fat -
Superbowl WIN!!!

The Christmas Rules!

Madison just woke up...When I went to say good morning, the first thing she told me was,

"Uhm, When daddy gets up, we can all go sit somewhere, like on the couch, and I can go over the Christmas rules with you."

She then continues with her fingers in the air as she goes,

"1) One adult (and then as if that would confuse me, she clarifies - you or daddy) gets the video camera

2) Audrey cannot get up out of her bed all night, and

3) We both come to the parents room as soon as we get up in the morning!"

Boy...am I glad that is all straightened out! We are now ready for Christmas morning!

Are you ready?

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas

and reminding you that it is all about Christ!

This Christmas at the Pittman household it has seemed extra busy! Not sure why, but it has!

We've decorated gingerbread cookies!


We've had food and fellowship with friends!
Audrey and her friend Katelyn eating cookies at the reception following their Christmas program!

We've performed!

(or rather...just stood there like a deer in head lights)

We've been silly while someone was trying to get a picture!

And finally...we gave Mom something to work with!

It's been a little crazy around here, but we are just trying to enjoy and remember that we have our Lord and Savior, and our family and friends - and that is about all that really matters!

Hoping you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Love,

Amber

There's Snow Place Like Home!

As most of you know, we've moved...and we enjoyed a little bit of snow at our new house on the first weekend of December! Nothing like last year, but still - SNOW!

Since I had the camera out...thought we'd try to snap a few! (maybe, just maybe, get a good one for the Christmas card!) Didn't happen...stay tuned for those!And had a fun day at "Breakfast with Santa" at our church!

Trying to finish up the last week of school (and all the festivities it brings) before Christmas Break! And of course, looking forward to spending time with family over the holidays!

Love ya,

Amber

Happy 7th Birthday Madison!

Madison at 7 years old!

Madison at 7 days old!



Madison with 7 "hot dudes" starting at her on the beach!

Dear Madison,

I cannot believe that 7 years ago you were placed in my arms. A tiny little miracle that we loved before we even knew you existed. I will never forget the moment when the nurse came in and placed you in my arms. Pure delight! (Then after about 7 minutes...they quickly snatched you back and put you in the NICU because they had just gotten some very disturbing test results!) So...in the NICU you went and stayed for the next 7 days. I remember being very scared, but I just KNEW you were going to be just fine! And thankfully you were.

The last seven years have been so full and so fast! You are a sweet, kind-hearted, loving little girl, and I am so blessed that God chose me to be your Mother!

Hoping you have a wonderful birthday and a great year!

Love,

Mom

Okay...so we've been a little busy!

[Disclaimer...I've been having great difficulty trying to get these pictures to move where I want them to in this post...so you might have to do a little work to follow along!]

Our summertime came and went...

We've had snake sightings...inside the house (oh, yes...about 10pm at night when Grant was out of town...thankfully, the neighbor came and rescued me off of the coffee table!) and outside...

We've had tea parties....

and....

We finally went to Disney World!!!!

(Nope...you guessed it...this picture is not Disney World, but the first day of preschool for Audrey!)

We got new haircuts...

We had first day of school....1st grade for Madison / 3 yr preschool for Audrey

(See pictures above...since this thing is not cooperating with me!)

We've had Halloween!!

(Can't you see...look above!)

And we've had a house on the market...and a house that sold...and a NEW HOUSE! Finally!

So we've been a little busy...but are trying to catch up! Hope you all are doing well!

Love ya,

Amber and the family!