Our big boy is starting to show off…
Joy.
That’s the first word that comes to mind when I think of my family and our life together. In my mind’s eye I can see smiles ear to ear, the kind that show lots of pearly whites; and I can hear the laughter even when it’s not in the air around me. Now don’t get me wrong, things are never perfect in our home. We have our share of whining, crying, fighting and the likes…but even in what feel like the worst of times, joy is that blanket that wraps around us on those less than warm and fuzzy days.
Tomorrow, that beautiful old blanket again will be around us again. Or maybe I should say quilt…Sarah loves quilts. Tomorrow is Bowen’s heart catheterization, and we find out how good his heart function really is. We’re hoping and praying for good results, and we’re sincerely optimistic. However, we know there’s a chance that the news could be less than what we’re hoping for. If you would please say a prayer for our little man when you read this, we need it…he needs it.
We love the community we’ve found here, and are so grateful for every prayer and word of encouragement. Love you all, thanks for your support.
“The LORD is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.”
Psalm 28:7 (NLT)
Heather offers
July 9, 2012 at 12:08 am
Sending all our love and prayers to Bowen, and the rest of the hammitt clan… Praying for great results tomorrow!
susie michaud
July 9, 2012 at 1:06 am
Matt and Sarah, quite the coordinated little fellow! And he is so blonde now, just like his sisters and momma! Have been thinking about your family today and your little Bowie. Sending prayers for tomorrow. Glad I caught your post when I checked my email. Don’t know if I would have had time to comment tomorrow morning, cuz the kids are starting swimming lessons and it’s going to be a busy start to the day for the next couple of weeks!
“Joy is that blanket that wraps around us on those less than warm and fuzzy days.” I like that and am letting that sink in. It is easy for me to get too high of expectations and think that if things aren’t going perfect I can’t really have much joy. But the way you said that is like joy goes before you inspite of the situation and has you wrapped and covered no matter what. Honestly, it’s been a little difficult this week for me because my hubby is out east and I’ve found myself pouting about it. I have found little joyful moments in watching my kids and enjoying their company, but it didn’t occur to me that joy could still be wrapped around us all in our moments of imperfection and fighting and whining. That when things aren’t totally warm and fuzzy, joy doesn’t have to dart around a corner and hide until a mostly perfect atmosphere is back again. Thanks for that different perspective Matt!
I believe I mentioned awhile ago about Dennis having a project in Ohio really near you guys. I wish I could say when and if I can go with him and maybe get a chance to connect with you all, but his job schedule is so unpredictable. We had to cancel our wedding anniversary trip to Italy because their project in Germany conflicted with it. So, now we’re going to Germany instead and have to use one hotel reservation in Italy that we couldn’t cancel. I’m not complaining, cuz I’m just excited to get the chance to go to Europe for the first time! But that’s how crazy it can get! If I find anything out, I will let you know. I haven’t forgotten!
Praying for good results tomorrow and minimal discomfort for Bowen. And prayers too for the rest of Sarah’s pregnancy with your little fellow on the way. You are an awesome Brother and Sister and family in Christ to us! Dennis and Susie
Marti VanRavenswaay
July 9, 2012 at 5:11 am
New to your site. Praying for good results tomorrow. Love reading what you guys have to say about family and REAL life!!
Eddie Bennett
July 9, 2012 at 5:50 am
So thankful for the update, and you all continue to be in my thoughts and prayers, and I know God will be with you today as you go through this procedure! Will be waiting to here the GREAT news that the doctors will tell you after its all done!
God has brought Bowen & your family so far, and will continue to be with you each step of the way!
love & prayers, Ed
Jodi Jarchow
July 9, 2012 at 5:53 am
I will be praying for you all today!
Janyse Heidy
July 9, 2012 at 6:09 am
Samantha, Jonathon and I will be praying for you today, for that blanket of our Father’s strength to be wrapped around you and your family Matt. We cherish you and your family and know that God is empowering the surgeons and Bowen’s heart as I type this.
Much love,
Janyse
Nancy
July 9, 2012 at 6:10 am
Hi Matt, Sarah, Claire, Emmie, and ” Precious Baby” Bowen,
I guess I will have to change baby to “little man,” but I love calling Bowen baby it’s the mother in me. I love it when I wake up and get online and hear from all of you first thing in the morning. I am so excited to hear that “our” little man is going to see the doctors tomorrow. Should we have doubt about his condition? By the looks of the pictures and see the energy flowing from “Precious Baby” Bowen, there is no doubt in my mind what the “power” of prayer can do.
For instance, the Colorado Springs fire, a week and a half ago, the fire wasn’t even contained. The greatest news I heard today, it is nearly out, 98% contained. It is a miracle within itself, why? Because, we prayed to our Sweet Heavenly Father, through Jesus our Savior showed mercy and we only begun to see the merciful power of Lord, the miracles that will follow are going to melt our hearts to tears.
Even from my own experience with going blind and gaining sight through prayer, I know that prayer is truly the greatest gift our Holy Father could ever give us, thank you Father.
Dear Sweet Holy Father, I pray to you this day, God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob, that your son, and “Precious Baby”, Bowen’s heart has been healed, I have no doubt in my mind and have so much joy because I know and believe that your miracles are flowing right to this beautiful family that loves you dearly who sing your praise day and night that you have given them the greatest gift they are waiting to hear that Bowen’s heart is beating strongly free of problems and has grown beautifully. Your hand’s, Lord, my King, are all over this, I believe, I believe, I believe that there is nothing but good news. I love you, my Sweet Heavenly Father, and I thank you, thank you, and thank you that you have given us another miracle and the doctors utter the words that Matt and Sarah long to hear. In Jesus’ name, Amen. xoxoxo
Respectfully,
Nancy
Karen Rader
July 9, 2012 at 7:22 am
Praying for good news and a healthy heart!
Connie Carlton
July 9, 2012 at 7:38 am
Bowen and your family have been on my daily prayer list since the early days of your blogs about him. It has been wonderful to watch his progress. Continued prayers that your optimism about him is correct and that he continues to grow and amaze you. The pictures are always great….he definitely looks like he’s doing all the things he should be at his age
Blessings to you all.
Jeri Lau
July 9, 2012 at 7:45 am
I have been praying for successful surgery and quick recovery since you requested prayers about this. I just came in from my morning prayers.
God’s continued blessings on Bowen and each of you
hugs AND kisses,
Krista Phillips
July 9, 2012 at 7:45 am
Love you all, and a ton of prayers going up for you guys today!!! *hugs* to Little-man Bowen! You’re gonna do AWESOME and show all them doctors how fantastic that half-little heart is doing!!! LOVE seeing your pictures! Someday you and Annabelle need to play together:-)
Nan Lowery
July 9, 2012 at 8:17 am
Such a precious sweet family you have, Matt and Sarah. Praying that God’s goodness and that blanket of joy will surround you tomorrow and that Bowen’s cath will have great results. Hoping that you are doing well Sarah, and also praying for your new little boy and good health for him. Blessings.
Brandi Gandy
July 9, 2012 at 8:57 am
Prayers heading your way! We go for a cath on July 17th. No matter how “small” the procedure, it is huge for our kids, isn’t it? I am having to fight the nerves hard. Praying that you guys have peace and that Bowen gets great results, recovers easily, and gets back to his bike before he knows it!
Riete
July 9, 2012 at 8:57 am
Oh my, look at that little man. He looks so good!
I’m praying that all will be well today and his heart will surprise everyone
Tera Farhat
July 9, 2012 at 9:09 am
Been thinking of you all night. Prayer has been said and with that a feeling of confidence. Bowen has defied many odds and God has the quilt pulled tight around your strong family today!
Paula
July 9, 2012 at 9:22 am
Many prayers for an easy cath and good results. We will be praying for all of you today.
Cheryl Otfinoski
July 9, 2012 at 9:27 am
We’ll be praying for Bowen…my daughter Megan (7, HLHS) is having her catheterization at Children’s Hospital Boston on Wednesday, so we’re in the same mode! It looks like he’s doing great; we enjoy reading the updates. God Bless!
Mallory Fields
July 9, 2012 at 9:36 am
Bowen looks so good and he is so cute! I know God and the Mott staff will do all they can to make Bowens surgery go successfuly wonderful. I will say a prayer for you all and I know that if I can make it through four open heart surgeries so can Bowen. Michigan knows what their doing just trust in them. May you all recover safe and sound and know God is working a miracle in Bowen just like he did me.
Maria aka Rockermom
July 9, 2012 at 10:16 am
awww, he is so adorable! praying everyday! Looking forward to the good report. Much love and blessings go out for the entire Hammitt family!
Case Family
July 9, 2012 at 10:16 am
Our prayers and thoughts are with you all during Bowen’s heart cath today. We pray for God’s peace to be upon you and for His guidance upon the doctors. It brings back memories of when Miranda went through her first heart cath. With God’s Love. Tod, Lorie, Brittany, & Miranda
Jessica Scranton
July 9, 2012 at 10:34 am
Good Morning Hammitt Clan!
What wonderful pictures of a strong and mighty boy! Praying, and believing, that all will go just perfect for Bowen during his heart cath! May you feel all the love and support sent your way today, and everyday! Much love to you all!
Judy Fussell
July 9, 2012 at 10:41 am
I pray for Bowen daily and I’ve all ready had my morning prayer time – so done all ready! But now that I have a more specific need I’ll double up and pray again! Can’t hurt right? Stay strong and know that so many are praying for your special little guy! He’s like a part of our family.
Much love and prayers,
The Fussell Family
St. Peters, MO
The Lavina Family
July 9, 2012 at 10:55 am
Good morning! Saw this at 4:30am California time and immediately started praying! I couldn’t see the pictures from my phone at that point but I just logged on from my computer and OMG! He is NOT a baby anymore! It’s amazing to see how much he has changed from even the last post…so much fun : ). He is not letting anything slow him down, is he? Love it!
Our family thanks your family for keeping us updated. More prayers going up and will wait patiently to hear the results.
Much love and blessings in His Name,
Carmelo, Dana, Claudia and Ethan
The Lavina Family
July 9, 2012 at 10:57 am
P.S.-Would love to see some pregnancy pics of Sarah : )
sylvia
July 9, 2012 at 10:56 am
my continued prayers are with you all! God will continue to perfect that which is His.
Robin
July 9, 2012 at 10:56 am
Praying for you today that all goes well and that he is doing great. Keep us posted, we are anxiously awaiting the good news….
God Bless
Delia
July 9, 2012 at 11:15 am
Keeping Bowen in prayer that God will wrap his arms around him and that the surgery will
be easy and that Bowen will not feel too much pain. Please keep us posted when the surgery
is done. God Bless
Kari
July 9, 2012 at 11:27 am
Will be praying
Lisa
July 9, 2012 at 11:46 am
He is growing up to be such an adorable little guy! I love getting your emails and hearing about your family and faith. Praying for great news!! God is good =)
Mary
July 9, 2012 at 11:58 am
Sending prayers up for all of you. Bowen is getting to be quite the little man. His smile is totally adorable. Keep the faith and know that God is walking through this with you.
Wendy
July 9, 2012 at 12:13 pm
Saying prayers for Bowen and your family. He looks so good and healthy! *hugs*
JULIE
July 9, 2012 at 12:26 pm
PRAYING THAT EVERYTHING WILL BE GOOD WITH LITTLE BOWEN. HE IS GROWING SO AND SUCH A HANDSOME LITTLE MAN…
Andrino Family
July 9, 2012 at 12:42 pm
Praying for you all and especially Bowen.
Tammi T. (mom of an HLHS boy)
July 9, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Love the pics of Bowen. He is starting to show some of his daring … just like a boy!
We will be praying for Bowen during his heart cath, as well as for you and the docs & other medical staff. We look forward to hearing the outcome.
Gabriele
July 9, 2012 at 1:19 pm
Praying right now….
Gabi
Amber Vincent
July 9, 2012 at 1:24 pm
Praying for good news, an easy procedure, and peace for you and Sarah as you wait. My husband and I are expecting our first child Aug 14th. He has been diagnosed with Pulmonary Atresia with tetrology of Fallot. Reading you blog has continually been uplifting as we anxiously await the arival of our little boy.
Pam
July 9, 2012 at 1:27 pm
I know what you are going through. Will be praying for you all.
Mireya Vasquez
July 9, 2012 at 2:09 pm
I am praying for all of you! To God be the glory for what he has done, is doing and will continue to do in Bowen’s life and your entire family!
Bridget
July 9, 2012 at 5:12 pm
Matt and Sarah,
All of you, and especially that precious Bowen, will be in our prayers today and always. Praying he has a speedy recovery and a heart that is functioning perfectly
Bless you all!
Micah Peacock
July 9, 2012 at 5:45 pm
Growing up! What a sweetie. Bunches of prayers!
Micah
Myrna
July 9, 2012 at 6:06 pm
There have been so many prayers going up for you today.
My mom tells me quite often that God knows what He has planned and that He will do it in His own time. Now, I know that might not be exactly what any of us want to hear; HOWEVER, He is perfect–as is His plan. He has given you a beautiful blessing and He will take care of him. He loves us all that much!
I truly hope with all my heart that Bowen had good results today.
Judy P
July 9, 2012 at 7:07 pm
What a cute cute little boy you guys have. My prayer is for a good result (and am expecting this).
We love you all!!
Kelly Enright
July 9, 2012 at 7:56 pm
I just heard that things went well with Bowen’s cardiac cath. Praise God! Now onto next year’s surgery!!
Stephanie Dalman
July 9, 2012 at 8:10 pm
Praying for Bowen tomorrow and your whole family. Praying for God’s peace that passes all understanding. And comfort for Bowen as he has to get this done!
Romy
July 9, 2012 at 10:48 pm
Many prayers sent your way! Our God is a BIG God! His will be done! Such a little dare devil you got there!! Such an amazing blessing you all have been! Hugs! <3
Janet Inman
July 9, 2012 at 10:56 pm
I can’t believe how grown up Bowen is. Standing on his bike seat. He looks like he must be ALL boy! I pray the heart cath comes back showing his little heart is strong and is showing 100%. May He continue to bless and keep you in the palm of His hand.
Janet
COLE’S Prayer Team
Terri Reed
July 10, 2012 at 12:49 am
One of the things I always pray for Bowen is that he will have a healthy, happy, faith filled Godly life, and have a great testimony to share about all of this to the glory of God. I pray he will live a long life, and be able to do things like other kids, and that this heart problem will be totally healed.
Thank you for sharing all of this. I have learned a lot of wisdom from the things Jesus teaches you, that you share with us. Your whole family is beautiful, and I pray all of God’s best for each one of you, and together.
It’s funny to love a little boy you have never met, but that’s what has happened to me, and so many others. Thank you again for sharing your world with us.
I love hearing “Lead Me” on KLOVE, and always pray when I hear it.
Blessings!
Terri
Jean M
July 10, 2012 at 7:51 am
Wow Bowen’s looks have really changed. He’s so adorable and getting so big. I prayed for him yesterday and saw Matt’s tweet today that all turned out well with the tests. So glad to hear!
Jenn
July 10, 2012 at 8:21 am
I’m so glad to hear the cath went well. We can never get enough good news about our heart babies!
Tammi T. (Mom to an HLHS boy)
July 10, 2012 at 1:54 pm
I second that!
Faith boyce
July 12, 2012 at 9:43 am
I third that!
Robin
July 10, 2012 at 9:29 am
How is Bowen doing? Please provide an update. Thanks.
Emily
July 10, 2012 at 10:01 am
I am reading this late, but I am also optimistic and am praying that the results come back GREAT!!!
Handsome Bowen is getting so big. What a cutie! I can’t wait to hear the next update. Also, is there any way we can get an update on Sarah and maybe a picture of her(maybe with the kids)? 
Faith Boyce
July 10, 2012 at 3:20 pm
I have been praying for the whole Hammit family ever since before Bowen was born. It is so encouraging to see the story of his life progress! It seems like such a miracle to see little Bowen getting so BIG!!!! May the Lord keep and bless you all!
Ruth
July 10, 2012 at 4:29 pm
Matt and Sarah,
I have been praying for you all and that the heart cath. would go by swiftly! Bowen keeps on getting cuter every day!
God Bless,
Ruth
Deanna
July 10, 2012 at 10:42 pm
We’re praying on this southern end of I-75 (we’re in a suburb of Dayton) for Bowen, the doctors, and your entire family as tomorrow approaches. Blessings, The Murphy Family
Angie
July 11, 2012 at 2:28 am
Glad to hear things went well. “All of Me” brought my heart back to life a few months go after a devastation. Thank you for letting God speak through you.
Cathy
July 11, 2012 at 11:29 am
Giving thanks the result was favorable…..God is GOOD, ALL the time!!!
Jessica T.
July 11, 2012 at 3:03 pm
So hoping everything went good!
I love you two’s blog because you describe things so well, a person feels like their there.
Praying for you all!!!
Jessica T.
July 11, 2012 at 3:04 pm
Oh and Sarah praying for you, because raising three kids I’m sure isn’t easy plus all the other things going on and being pregnant, praying your getting the rest and the energy and that baby number 4 is looking healthy and “happy”!
Cheryl Ann
July 15, 2012 at 7:13 am
Dear Matt, Sarah, Claire, Emmie, and Bowen,
It is always good to be able to open the email and see a note for you all. I am very thankful that Bowen’s heart is healthy and strong enough to do the what may be the last open heart surgery Bowen will need. And Sarah and Matt, congrats for another baby boy on the way, I’m sure Bowen will show him how it’s done in the family. He is so handsome, and the girls are just as beautiful. God does turn our broken into beautiful moments and this my brother and sister in the LORD is one of those broken into beautiful moments. God bless you all and keep ministering to all the other broken to bring beautiful to their lives. Love you guy. Give the girls and Bowen a hug and kiss from Grapeville, PA.
types of eye surgery
July 27, 2012 at 3:45 am
Believe in GOD.Everything will be fine.Lets hope for the best.I have bookmark your site.Waiting for the good news.
Janette S. OBrien
July 31, 2012 at 2:20 am
I am new to your site, and you brought tears to my eyes just reading about you and your family. I will be praying for Bowen and your family tomorrow, praying that God keeps his hand on you as he has in the past. You can be strong for Bowen with the Grace of our Lord. May God Bless you and keep you safe from harm.
chad bird
August 1, 2012 at 11:45 pm
man…sorry to hear about the bus…glad you crazy heads are safe! man that boy is growing! just wanted to drop a line and say we continue to pray for you guys and that special little man of yours!
be good brother!
Sarah L
August 13, 2012 at 4:14 pm
Your family is always in my prayers.
Donald
November 4, 2012 at 7:01 am
I’ll b prayin for u………….. Surely Jesus will answrd r prayer.
jerry clark
January 30, 2013 at 1:38 am
Thank you for being Gods vessel that you are. You alls music is a testimony of your lives i love it. So thankful you share it with us. Beautiful family by the way, may the Lord continue to bless you indeed.
Thanks again for being a light into the world, praying for you all:)