Whip 'Em Out!

August is Breastfeeding Awareness month. And as a mom who breastfed both her babies, and as a RN who teaches breastfeeding classes twice a month, I know how important and beneficial breastfeeding is to both mom and baby.

The Bump published a great video, called "Whip 'Em Out", in honor of Breastfeeding Awareness month. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope that those of you that have breastfed, are breastfeeding, and those who plan to breastfeed future babies feel supported in your decision and confident in knowing that you are doing the best for you and your baby.

Rainbows

I was driving Ben to his doctor appointment today---which is always anxiety-laden due to the impending task of accessing his port---when this conversation took place:

Ben: "Hey Mom, did you know that rainbows are just a sign of God's promises?"

Me: (not really knowing how to respond because I am in shock at his quite random, but thoughtful, honest, and prophetic comment)
"Wow Ben, I have never heard that before, but I think you're right."
(smiling and heart melting)
--pause---"Do you see a rainbow out there?"

Ben: "No, but there are always rainbows somewhere, we just can't always see 'em."

Randy and I have made it a goal, as parents, to raise our children as Christians, know right from wrong, follow the "Golden Rule", etc. However we are constantly amazed at Ben's insight of what Christianity means, how God acts in his life, and how much he truly understands of God's undying love. Ben has had to endure more pain and suffering than a lot of children we know, and yet, even at such a young age he knows and believes that God has a promise for him. Sometimes as adults, we get so blinded by hardship---when life and work are harder than ever imagined---that God speaks to us (sometimes through a child), reminding us that we have to go looking for those rainbows, because "there are always rainbows somewhere, we just can't always see 'em".

Baseball Fan

Here is a video of Ben at the baseball game. It captured his excitement from the game. He loved every minute of it!

Ben's 1st Baseball game

We took Ben to his first baseball game this Saturday. The San Antonio Missions is an AA minor league team, related to the Padres. Ben was so excited to be at a "real" ballpark. He took his glove and really got into the game. He was cheering, yelling, clapping, and asking a ton of questions to his Daddy! We also took Randy's dad and step-mom, Earl and Linda, to the game. Everyone had a blast. It was so fun to watch the excitement of Ben's first experience. And the Missions won! 10-2 vs. Frisco!

(Again, sorry for the poor resolution of the pictures. The humidity fogged up the lens on my camera! That's south Texas for ya!)

Swim lessons

Logan and I have been taking swim classes together this summer---and loving it! Logan has proven he is quite the little fish. Here are some pictures of our most recent swim class. (Sorry for the poor resolution---the lighting in the swim area is horrible for pictures.)
Logan learning to "walk the wall" by himself. We sing the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" as we walks down the wall.

Logan loves going down the slide! He always signs for "more". :-)

Here he is learning to be comfortable floating on his back. He is very good at it!

Floating on his back...

Can you see my BIG smile? I LOVE my swim class!!!

The "After" Party!

So after the beautiful wedding/vow renewal celebration, we kept the Crippen boys (Jordan and Christian) over night. Ben thought it was so fun to have his friends spend the night in his room! (And then---oh my gosh!---they were there when he woke up too!) He was elated; honestly don't think there could have been a happier kid in the area. :-)

So after finally getting them to bed---around 11pm!---they all slept great. We took them to Krispy Kreme the next morning and while Randy and I cleaned up around the house the boys played the Wii.

And they played outside on the slip-n-slide, trampoline, sand box, and playground. They had a great time together.

And we finished the morning off by having a picnic lunch outside.

Randy and I had a great time with them all. The boys play so well together (minus a little whining from all of them when things don't go their way...). We look forward to the next sleep over! It was fun!

We hosted a...

We hosted a beautiful celebration for our dear friends on July 31st. Scott and Marisa Crippen renewed their marriage covenant and celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary with about 45 of their closest friends and family at our home. Scott and Marisa not only renewed their marriage covenant with each other, but made vows to their children as well. It was a thoughtful, romantic, loving ceremony for a thoughtful, loving family. Randy and I felt honored to serve as their hosts for their wonderful celebration.

Scott and Marisa decided to hold their renewal ceremony around our "century" tree. We have a beautiful oak tree that is at least 100 years old. It served as a perfect backdrop---and living testimony to the "roots" of a good relationship. Jordan, Scott, Marisa, and Christian Crippen

At the end of the ceremony, all of their friends and family encircled them with love and support.

The happy couple.

It was a beautiful day---and everyone enjoyed their party. We all look forward to see what the next 15 years holds for this beautiful family.