a test

Testing my new signature.

Thought for the Day

You cannot teach what you do not know;

You cannot lead where you will not go;

What you do not have you cannot give;

You cannot share a life you will not live.

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Our Events

It has been pretty quiet around here this week, but we've gotten quite a few things accomplished as we "stand by"...

• Benjamin had his first dental appointment - cleaning, flossing, xrays, flouride treatment - and did great. I can't believe how he is turning into such a big boy. We're doing a good job with his teeth, but found out we're supposed to be flossing too! Ooops.
• Ultrasound completed with good results - just verifying that my amniotic fluid level hadn't decreased to below normal levels(a problem I had with Benjamin). Baby boy passed his biophysical & is growing - an estimated 6 lbs when they took measurements last week.
• Benjamin started his fall semester of violin lessons & is happily progressing with the Twinkle variations. His group lessons on Saturdays begin in a few weeks.
• I had one restless night of very painful cramping & thought "this is it!!" - but they quit the next morning. A bit of a disappointment.
• Benjamin's scrapbooks are up to date!
• I made a big batch of homemade granola - there is just nothing at the store that compares.
• I'm relishing my daily naps and our "easy" schedule.

On the down side, my computer & the network are not getting along, so therefore I am using one of Russell's laptops for internet work.

A Perfect Summer Treat

We love this recipe...

Peach Smoothie

2 cups ice
2 peaches, pitted and cut into pieces
3/4 cup skim milk
1 container (7 ounces) plain 2% Greek yogurt
1/2 cup tangerine or orange juice
3 tablespoons honey

Directions:

In a blender, combine ice, peaches, milk, yogurt and juice. Place lid on blender and select mix or crush setting. Blend until smooth; while machine is on, pour in honey and blend an additional 30 seconds. Pour into glasses and serve.

Fresh Produce

Despite everything against it (ie the heat, drought & my pregnancy), our garden has continued to flourish this summer. I am simply amazed. Benjamin & Russell helped me harvest beans this weekend. We still have lots of tomatoes & peppers too.

Horsin' Around

This week Benjamin got to help his cousin Makenna feed some horses. We saw all sizes of horses from miniature ones to huge horses. What a fun treat for a little guy who loves horses.

Our fish

These pictures describe our swimming fun this summer - very independent & all smiles. Benjamin has gotten a bit braver about "dunking" once he has his swim goggles on. We love to relax in the pool in the evenings and it helps me sleep better at night too.

A special friend

Benjamin has become special friends with Westin this year. His face just lights up when he walks into meeting and sees Westin. It's hard to believe their year is over & soon they'll be heading off to preps. We will miss them.

Painting Projects

This week Benjamin enjoyed painting some pictures for his great grandparents. A local toy store had a "paint a train" project and that was a huge success. The wooden train car fits perfectly on his train tracks, so it is fun for him to have a very special train car.

Old News

Old news...trying to do anything we can to keep cool these days, helping our wonderful Daddy/husband celebrate his birthday last week, making & freezing meals to be used next month.

A huge bubble maker from Mason & Chase. They've been in Canada - enjoying a respite from this summer heat.

Benjamin loved the caramel apple pie & the birthday cake hat.

Russell & my cousin, Bryan, share the same birthday.
Thanks for all who sent cards! Benjamin enjoyed them just as much as Russell!