G is for Girl!

We have a new neice (and cousin!)

Morgan Jean was born today, September 30, 2008
We can't wait to meet Ryan & Jeannie's new addition to their family.

Goodbye Babyhood, Hello Childhood

We saw Benjamin's pediatrian today. His stats were: 30.6 lbs (25th percentile) & 39" tall (75th percentile). He answered all the doctor's questions & wasn't shy one bit. It was cute to hear Benjamin tell the dr all about his birthday party.

Warning from the doctor's info sheet on 3yr growth milestones: "The 3 year old will ask more questions than a district attorney. Nothing is sacred and some questions will throw you for a loop!"

Funny things Benjamin has said this week -
*I'm ready to go soccerballing!
*You have trash in your cup. (referring to the loose tea floating in my cup while my hot tea was steeping)
*When I see Grandpa Larry we will go snowing (Yes, we are already talking about our trip to MT at Thanksgiving - we are excited!

Benjamin is 3!

We had birthday celebrations all weekend long here. Fun play time with kids his age on Friday afternoon. I had fun making monkey cupcakes for the party. On Saturday after work day at the convention grounds, we celebrated again at a nearby park. Benjamin has been asking for a "Dalmatian doggie" cake for a long time, so this was my attempt at a very simple one. I'll admit - it tastes better than it looks. Here is the fabulous recipe for Sprite Cake. Thank you, Shauna, for sharing it!

Happy Birthday to our special Benjamin! How can you be 3 already? Life with you is so very fun, hilarious, & at the same time sobering. You watch us constantly & we are very aware of our influence on your little life. Everyday you learn new things, repeat what we say & tell us stories. You have a good imagination & you are learning to be our helper. We are so thankful for you.

Almost...

THREE (in 1 week)!

Benjamin is very excited to tell you that he'll soon be "free"

We had a prebirthday celebration with cousin Damion & family last week.

Cousins

Cousins at Uncle Delbert's funeral on Friday, September 5th:

Claire, Sydney, Abigail, Leah, Tristan, Benjamin

Cousins at Convention (Rogers, AR): Adam, Damion & Benjamin

Cousins at Mom & Dad's house singing hymns: Makenna, Benjamin & Damion

St Louis Zoo

With an hour to spare before we picked up Amy, Ryan & Damion at the airport (on our way to IL for Uncle Delbert's funeral), we stopped at the St. Louis Zoo. We were practically the only visitors (yes, it was raining) but it was free & a fun stop to make.

Sorrow's Work

This was shared this with us some time ago. It has meant a lot to me in light of recent experiences that have touched our lives.

Sorrow's Work

• There are things that come through the gates of tribulation.
• There are traits of character which seem to find no other mode of entrance into life -- such as gentleness, sympathy, & strength. Though we may desire a life of tranquility and joy, it still remains true that few of us whould choose for our most valued friend one who has never suffered.
• The eyes that have not known tears lack genuine tenderness.
• The heart that has never been torn with anguish and loss has never sounded its own depths, and cannot measure those of another. Every life grows strong through strom and conflict, if it ever grows strong at all. And however sweet by nature we may be, we find it uncomplete and unsatisfying if it has never known the softening, hallowing of grief. There are dark pages in our lives where we would gladly have changed the story if we could. There are wounds that still ache, and losses that even yet are heard to bear. But however we feel about the sorrow, there are few of us who would be willing to give up all that it has brought and taught us--or to be just where we were before it touched us. There are profound gains that come only through sorrow's gate.