Benjamin can vacuum! ....and some other stuff too.

So Benjamin has been crazy messy lately. He LOVES a mess! Anything he has must come out of it's home and onto the floor/couch/him/everywhere. I should really let it go, but it's hard.....sometimes I feel like ALL I do is walk around and clean up gunky stuff.

I see a pattern though...this little mischievous behavior is magnified when I'm on the phone. :) This past week when I was on the phone, he was home from pre-school with a little cold and some nasty poo poo issues, so we decided to take it easy and hang out in front of the TV for the day. I made us some popcorn to enjoy. He gathered all the popcorn in his hands and threw it up in the air! I was on the phone with a photography client and didn't want to be rude, so I kindly encouraged him to stop, but didn't pull out the mommy voice in full force. So that was the day Benjamin learned to vacuum. That's at least one thing I feel like I kind of do well....he makes the mess....he cleans it up. Sorry, no pics I guess....blogger won't let me. :(

About a week ago, we had a crazy, messy morning! It all started with our cool orange jello that we made to celebrate fall. Benjamin ate it up...like a mad man! He scoured the bowl in seconds. I looked over and noticed he even had jello in his hair. Ok, so I decided he'd take a bath. I stripped his jello clothes and he made a beeline for the bathtub...peeing all the way. Pause. I won't say we have officially started potty-training but we talk about the potty nonstop. "Whenever you feel your pee-pee or poo-poo coming, we have to go to the potty, ok?" Um....all over the floor, yep. I put him in the tub and quickly mop the floor. Just as I finished my sweet mother-in-law called. I figured that would be no big deal, because Benjamin loves the bath, so he could just get a good soaking. I looked up at Ben and he was standing up, leaning out of the tub, swirling his foam paintbrush in the toilet. I yelled (yes yelled, even though I was only a few feet away) for him to get out of the toilet and sit down in the tub. Then he did the unthinkable, he put the paintbrush in his mouth. I know, gross. Apearently, to him, all water is equal. So I tried to wash him while he squirmed and screamed and eventually had to get off of the phone - I know Rick's mom thought I was insane, especially the way I talked to (or yelled at) her grandchild! As soon as he got out of the tub, he peed again....I obviously have some mad potty-training skills! So I got him dressed and got out the mop....again. :)

He is also refusing to sleep these days...don't quite know what all that is about, but in all the craziness, messiness, two-year-old fits, etc., I have clung to him and love him now more than ever.

A lot has happened around us lately that has made me put the small things in perspective. Susan, a 33-year-old mother of 3-year-old twins and youth minister's wife, also a Troy and CSC alum, passed away about a month ago during an out-patient routine brain surgery. She had a severe stroke during the procedure and came out with no brain activity. Hailey, a sweet 2-year-old friend of ours from Marietta is suffering with brain cancer. She endured 2 long years of treatment and was declared cancer-free but it has returned and spread and treatment is no longer an option, just keeping her comfortable. She will leave behind two of the bravest parents and 3 siblings.

These families are so burdened. I cannot imagine losing anyone so close to me. I've also had a hard time understanding "why." People say, "It's not meant for us to understand," but lately that hasn't been enough for me. We pray, we know God is powerful, I don't know why some people get to live and some people don't. I've have really been in turmoil over this since things happened with Susan.

Then recently, as crazy as it sounds, God started talking to me, or maybe I started listening. I listened to a sermon online from our prev. minister at EC. It was about how God is with us in the form of his spirit and it's our choice whether we doubt or trust. That really resonated with me. I know it's plain and simple, but if I'm honest, I really was a little bit mad at God I guess, and I didn't want to turn to Him. The next day I drove to Auburn to spend the day with Julia. We had an incredible time and Benjamin loved playing on the playground for hours while we caught up. On the way home, I passed a sign that said, "Lean not on your own understanding." It was interesting to me that the whole verse was not on the sign, but just the part I needed. Then next night, God gave it to me. One of the main verses in our small group was Isaiah 55:8-9. Wow!

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,
As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Ok, I get it. It's like they say, "it's not meant for us to understand." I had to hear it from Him though. I kept reading and found the most beautiful scripture, I applied it to Hailey's life.

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
and do not return to it without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree,
and instead of the briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the Lord's renown, for an everlasting sign,
which will not be destroyed.

I don't remember a time when I have ever been so comforted by scripture and felt God's presence so close, even when I didn't agree with Him, or understand Him, I knew He was with me. We have technology to do more now, and I've come to expect things are going to be ok, but there are times, when sickness takes over. I've also learned that I have failed to praise God when He does heal, comfort and grant our requests. All makes me yearn more for heaven...no more of the yucky stuff.

I don't normally share like this on the blog, but maybe you are in need of comfort today too....

Blessings,

Lauren

Explorer day!

So yesterday was explorer day for us. We are two people that will drive each other crazy if we stay in the house too long. We decided to get out and explore. It was a perfect day. We went to the old golf course on campus and walked around, played in the dirt, collected leaves, twigs and acorns for a little craft. There's a pond on the course. Benjamin has always loved water...a fear of mine. Last year, he tried to dive in the pond in No. GA at a youth rally. The only way we got his mind off of it was leaving.

I prepped him on the procedures (the not running and jumping in the pond procedures) as we walked down the hill, but I was still a little concerned. He didn't jump in, or even try, guess he's getting it. He did, however, remember that the last pond we saw (in California), had turtles, or "tur-lels." So to him, every pond should have them. They may have some on the golf course, but we never saw them. Needless to say, he was a little disappointed. He just walked around staring at the pond asking, "Tur-lels, where are you?" Pretty sweet.

Last night we went and watched the band practice. I don't know what we'll do when football season is over. He is really going to miss the "and."

Uncle Brian is coming today! We are so excited. Benjamin has asked for him about 100 times since we told him he was coming.

Random fact: The Karate Kid is one of the best movies I've seen in a long, long time. A "must see" in my opinion.

Blessings today,

Meet Bobby....

Ok, it's been a week, time for a post! Meet Bobby, Benjamin's new friend! Rick brought him home a little something from the Brave's game Monday night. They did make the playoffs and he did get to go. They weren't there long, but did have a slight taste of postseason play.

Rick said we'll call him Bobby, for Bobby Cox of course. Benjamin caught on quick. He ran around all day talking about his new friend, Bobby. Out of the blue, he'd say "Want Bobby," and run to his room and fetch him off of the shelf.

Benjamin is home with me this week. His pre-school is on fall break. Although he is at home with me most of the time, normally, no breaks all week would freak me out, instead, I've resided to enjoy every minute of our time together. I've planned more structure to keep us both from going crazy. So far this week, we've made a pumpkin out of orange shapes, we've made jello in the shape of orange pumpkins, we've made orange rice crispy treats and the list goes on. Today we're going outside to get some colored leaves and twigs and find something fun to do with those. We've had a great time. I've decided not to be so uptight about everything this week. I've dealt with him better, his fits, and his times of joy when he just wants to tackle me and wrestle on the floor. I've started to just dismiss him to his room whenever he has a fit. He actually goes and that's his timeout. Before long he's saying, "Mooommmy? Where are you?" in the sweetest voice ever. He still doesn't get out until it's time though- I'm not that soft.



I've also been trying to clean the house this week...don't know why this week other than it was filthy! I was almost embarrassed to find that much dirt on our floors! I know one thing, I'm not mopping anymore. I don't mop as much as I should. Oddly enough, we don't have THAT many spills. Well, I mopped yesterday. I was so proud of my shiny floors! But...as soon as we got home from the grocery store, I realized we had a leaky milk carton....no biggie, I just wiped up the mess. Then, trying to make an empty pitcher for the milk, I spilt the tea everywhere! All over me, the floor, everything in the room had some tea on it. This morning, Benjamin pulled a gallon of pink lemonade off of the kitchen table, bursting the pitcher. So that's it...no more mopping for me...sorry.



Benjamin has a toy with plastic mail. He saw it this morning and could not wait till the mail carrier came. There was not doubt in my mind that he said, "when mail umming?" 300 times. Luckily, she came soon. :)

Benjamin is talking sooo much. He learns everything so quickly and we just laugh at the funny things that come out of his mouth. He's already got a little slang... He says, "Ere's a ball up in ere!" Part of that is natural...he doesn't pronounce the first letter of many words, but the other part, um... maybe the South. :) We'll have to work on that one.

Here's one of our recent conversations:

Me: "Benjamin, go take your crayons to your room."

B: "No."

Me: "Benjamin, you know not to tell Mommy 'no.' Go take your crayons to your room."

B: "Mama's turn."

So, he did end up taking them, but I couldn't help but laugh.

We are super excited about our weekend! We're having a scavenger hunt Friday night with the students, then Saturday is a game day. We love those around here. Also means we get to go watch the band rehearse Thurs. night - Benjamin's favorite thing to do!

Hope you find a great way to spend your weekend too...the weather is perfect right now!

The toddler with multiple personalities....

Ok, I'm really joking. I know he doesn't have multiple personalities, but he sure can flip the switch quick! He's two, I get it. He's figuring out who he is and getting more independent (which I will surely appreciate when he can put that poo poo in the potty!), but like any two-year-old, the kid has issues with authority. He did the coolest, sweetest thing last night. He is learning about Moses at pre-school. Yesterday, they colored a picture of baby Moses and made him a basket and even a little blankie out of felt. We got in the car when I picked him up and talked all about baby Moses in the basket, or "ah-ket." Last night, at our small group with college students (while Benjamin was supposed to be asleep but being the social butterfly he is, decided he wasn't going to since we had people over), Moses came up in our discussion. I asked Benjamin what he knew about Moses. He said, "baby soses in a ah-ket." At that moment, I was so proud. He was officially a genius and the coolest kid ever! I know he has much still to learn about being a child of God, but learning His word is where we learn about the character of our Father.

All that being said, he can also be a devilish little rascal. I hope one day I'm thankful for his "determination," because he has used it in a Godly way. His little independent self gets so set on what he's doing, and gets pretty angry when things don't go his way. He can throw such a tantrum, you're convinced he's possessed by demons. I know it is only a season (thanks Shaunna for always reminding me of this), and that it will pass.

It makes me stay in constant prayer that we are doing things the right way, or as close as we can, as parents. It's a BIG responsibility....knowing that we will be the most influential people in his life. Knowing that he will take on many of our characteristics, good and bad. It's scary...so I pray. I'm going to also fill my pockets with scripture to help me during those tantrums.

Here are some pics of Benjamin in the shower...you know, a little something to embarrass him with when he's sixteen. That's what he gets for throwing those tantrums. ;)

Have a blessed day,

It's October!

I'm usually not this anxious for fall, but I'm ready to get outside and enjoy it without feeling we are going to pass out from the heat. Something about the fall just makes me thankful, the weather, the leaves turning and falling, it's just nice.

So I have to share what happened in the car on the way home the other day, but first I have to catch you up a little. Before we go to bed, we have a few moments of family time. We try to read some, but that sometimes ends up with us reading and Benjamin running around the room. He's a bit restless. We then have a prayer that we start and Benjamin says who and what he is thankful for. Then we say, "and thank you for Jesus," which is followed by a loud Benjamin "AMEN!" Then he gets in the bed. Soooo, in the car, I heard Benjamin in the back seat saying "Ank oooo Daddy, ank oooo Mama, ank oooo Daddy, ank oooo Mama." He was saying a prayer! I know he doesn't understand all that completely, but I'm so thankful for his sweet little heart.

We've had a pretty relaxing weekend....filled with sports of all kinds. Friday we decided to get out of the house and go watch some soccer. I have never been to a Troy soccer game and Benjamin loves "occer ball" so I thought it would be fun. No drama, except for when a kid tried to attack him and steal his ball. I always take a ball to keep him entertained. Guess I need to take a few for other kids too. So far, Benjamin does pretty good. He's not real big on sharing but doesn't flip out and whale on the kid who takes his things. That is sooo difficult to teach this age. Share. But then again I guess we don't really like to do it either. We're working on it.

We had one of my favorites (breakfast for supper) and then went to watch the Troy volleyball team. We did a super fun birthday party Saturday for Benjamin's buddy, Grayson, then watched football with some friends. And now we are watching the Braves today. I'm praying they can pull out a win today, or I'm going to have to skip town for a few days. :) Today is it for the Braves. All season (162 games) boils down to this game today. They win - playoffs, they lose - seasons over. I know, who cares? It's pretty serious in this household. It gets intense, so we'll see how it all shakes out.

Back to the party, it was a blast. Benjamin got to ride a horse. A huge horse! My big boy looked so tiny riding up there. It was the first time. He wasn't so sure at first, but after a few steps was saying "Giddy-up." So I kind of thought... these were the cutest ever.

Our life lately...

is crazy as usual. Let's see, since August... I really do try to post more, but it seems like when I have time to post, there's nothing going on and when I actually have something to write about, I have no time. Funny.

The most significant thing that's happened in the last month is that we now have a 2-year-old. Ummm, I'm not so sure I like how those three little words roll off of my tongue. I'm sure you know what I mean. The 2-year-olds are usually the ones kicking and screaming or being dragged out of something somewhere. Over night that sweet little angel-resembling child turns into a fire-breathing dragon. He now thinks he has a better idea....about everything. It doesn't matter what we as parents suggest/insist/demand, it's a bad idea. I'm learning very quickly I've got to stick to my guns. Other than that, being two is great. No, really, it is. I love hearing him talk and sing. He has the deepest little voice. He likes to sing Twinkle, Barney, ABC's, some Wiggles songs, Jesus Loves Me, I've got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy. He is getting used to his pre-school, learning lots and enjoying the special days when he gets to take his teddy bear. He is really doing well with his colors, too. He's got yellow and purple down. (Maybe we should have gone to LSU?) He, like his daddy, loves the Braves. He even told them "night, Braves," the other day.

Benjamin got his first REAL haircut. I have trimmed it, but he really hasn't had it cut. He did great! He got a little ant-sy towards the end, but was quite the trooper.

We had Benjamin's birthday party on labor day (fitting since that's the day he was born) and it was a blast! We had a pretty small gathering of family and friends. Since we are in Troy, some of my family and friends were able to come up for the day. We had a vintage train party at the pioneer museum in town - they have an old locomotive and a small train (decorated lawn mower) for the kids to ride. It was a little thrown together, but turned out to be an enjoyable day.

O, I have put up some photos from our vacation this summer in California. They are on my photography website. The password is: cochran

We are loving living in a college town. We enjoy getting to hear our students play the trumpet, going to watch volleyball and football games. I'll be honest, the tailgating at a busy intersection is a little stressful for my paranoid self, but it's great hanging out with friends and catching up with those we don't get to see often. Benjamin had a blast at the first home game. He didn't want to miss a moment. In this pic, he's wide eye-ed and drumming with the band. It was a surreal experience for us as well. This was our first football game since we had moved back to Troy. Something about it just feels like home. This is where we fell in love with our Creator all over again and decided to devote ourselves to ministry, where we had the time of our lives and where we met and began our journey together. And for some reason, we realized this at a football game. It was such a sense of joy and pride to take Benjamin and although right now, it means nothing more than loud cheering, fireworks and the band playing, maybe one day hearing those sounds will bring back memories for him as well.


We are also loving our students! Things are going really well with the campus ministry. We have AMAZING students and are really enjoying getting to know them and sharing in their lives. They are so good with Benjamin and understanding when he doesn't return the favor. We went on a rafting retreat at the end of August that was an absolute blast. Great times, great bonding and great memories! We are also getting closer to building our new CSC! We hope to be tearing this one down in the next couple of months. Bitter sweet.


I can't help but feel troubled today for our friend, Tony, and his young twins, Jonah and Claire. He has lost his wife and they have lost their mother. Susan Griffies passed away today after a stroke during a brain procedure yesterday. She was 33 and a light to all and will be missed by many.

Hope you all are doing well. Thanks for stopping in and checking on us.
Love,

hello...it's me.

Hi. It has been a while. It has been a BUSY but great summer. In July, I photographed 3 weddings, Rick went on 2 trips (one with youth and one with college) AND we spent a week in California. No wonder I'm tired. During that time I was still trying to help out at collegedale, but they found a great person for the job and she is already whipping the place into shape. Me & Benjamin can really do some damage. :) Not that we spent an insane amount of time up there, but it's been strange to be back home with no where to go. I've enjoyed the time with Benjamin though. He's starting pre-school next week which is bitter sweet for me. I'll love the "me" time, but I'll be so excited when I get to pick him up everyday.

So if you want to see what I've been up to photography-wise, you can check that out here:

laurencochranphotography

I have been so excited to be so busy. Photography is my passion. That's what got us out to California too. I have a connection through a co-worker from Marietta and she flew me out to Malibu for her daughter's wedding. Since Benjamin's flight would be free as well, we decided to make it a family trip. Well, that and Rick said I wasn't going to Malibu without him. I'm so glad we did. We haven't done anything like that in such a long time. We hung out in Malibu, went to the beach, toured LA and Hollywood, and spent a couple days in San Diego too. That's where we had the most fun...we took Benjamin to the zoo. It was worth the whole trip to me. Benjamin loved it and learned so much in just a day.

He is getting so smart these days. It just shocks me how I can sit down with him and talk about something. He never even acknowledges my presence and somehow later finds me and repeats what I taught him. For example, he knows that apple starts with A. He doesn't know that alligator starts with A, just apple. :) Also, every thing that looks like a letter is "A, apple."

I also love to hear him talk. He picks up on things we say (even the not so correct way of speaking). He's getting more and more independent, not as much in what he does for himself but what he wants to do. It's sort of teenager-ish. Sometimes it seems like he hates my ideas, just because they are mine. It's just a phase though and it too shall pass. He is alot like Rick - laid back and for that I am thankful. He'll be the perfect balance for some lucky high-strung girl someday - just like daddy.

Rick is busy busy busy these days. Even getting a little stressed at times, which is not just rare, but unheard of for him. We are getting super pumped about the start of school this next week and he wants it to be great. We want to reach as many people as possible because we know how this ministry changed us, and that it can do the same for others.

On a side note, don't know how many people actually read this blog, but this precious girl need prayers. Hailey Trainer, from Marietta, GA, was diagnosed in Sept. 2008 with AT/RT brain cancer. She, along with her beautiful family, has fought for 2 years a battle that not many could even imagine. All seemed to be going well and she was making tremendous progress, but a new tumor was spotted in her last MRI. Please pray for strength and comfort for her and her family and that Hailey can continue to shine and show the world how amazing she is. You can read her story here.

Be blessed,

the month of JUNE

Wow! So, don't look at the date of my last post....it's definitely been a MONTH. I was doing so good for a while there, updating about once a week, but we got so busy, and I haven't made the time.

It's been a good month though. I have so enjoyed having my husband back. He was in Africa on a mission trip for 2 weeks. It felt like 2 months. The second week he was gone, we went traveling to visit with family and friends. We had a great time in Mobile. We went to the beach at Dauphin Island with Granna & Uncle Brian. Benjamin had a the best time playing in the sand!

We hung out with Kelly in her classroom, visited with the grandmothers and with Aunt Barbara.

We also went to Marietta for a few days to catch up with friends there and to be in Atlanta when Rick returned. We got to spend time with so many great friends out at dinner, watching Lost and painting pottery.

Benjamin always has his moments, especially if there is a missed nap involved, but he has been the sweetest kid lately. He's been so lovey and just enjoying life. He had swimming lessons for a week and a half, which he loved. I couldn't even say the word swimming without him running through the house looking for a swimmy diaper and swimsuit. He still brings them to me and says "simmeeeng."


He started lessons like this:


then to this:


finally:


I guess that's another thing that has been so cute about him lately. He's been talking and I love his rendition on our English language. I just love his little child voice too. He melts me when he says "nite niiiiite" and "ah - u" (i love you).

Grandmama & Granddaddy came to visit for a few days. We had a great time with them and a great father's day.

2 great Dads -


the best daddy ever -


I'm so thankful for Rick. Not only have I found a wonderful husband, but also an amazing father to our child.


Last week was vbs at collegedale and he loved every minute of it. I tried to peek in on his class a few times just to watch. I saw him at the game station, pick up the bowling ball pin, pass the bowling ball to the teacher and stand in position to bat the ball. We all laughed.

He has picked up on some of the motions from the songs and will just sing and move his arms "hack, hack, hack cuts my saw all day" (noah's ark).

We went to the Brave's game on Saturday and although it was a long day, it was lots of fun. He loves baseball right now, but then again he does see it on TV every night.


We are really enjoying our new house, still trying to get rid of those ugly brown cardboard boxes, but we'll get there one day. I'm planting a few things too...I'll try to post some pictures of those too.

As if I didn't think we were busy enough, I was looking at my calendar the other day to plan a photography session and we have no empty weekends for about 2 - 3 months. I have 3 weddings in July, including one in Malibu, California, so things are really going to get crazy around here.

We are going to Tennessee this weekend to see, well all kind of folks really, Rick's parents, grandparents, his cousin and family and Dana and the kids. I'm excited for Benjamin to spend time with his cousins. I know he'll really enjoy playing with them.

So there's an update and lots of randomness. I'll try not to be such a stranger.

Be blessed,

Look at my little productive self.....

Ok, so I can't totally claim all the productivity around here! My mom is MAINLY the reason I have gotten so much done. Rick is in Africa. He's been gone for what seems like forever but only about 4 days. He's in Malawi on a mission trip, and as much as I miss him, I'm pretty jealous too! We have always done that trip together before in the past and it's where we got engaged, so it's tough to hang back here on the home front. I miss those precious little ones of Mtendere village and still think a piece of my heart is in Africa.

I have talked to Rick a couple of times and they are doing well. They made it there without their luggage which had to be tough, but they got it a couple days later.

About my productivity....to preface, when we moved it was at the end of the semester when everything was CRAZY, so we just threw everything in the garage until we could get to it. Well, I'm just now getting to it, but am I ever! I am so excited to let go of some things that I have been holding onto forever...unneccessarily. It feels so good. Mom and I have gone through everything, tossed out alot, put up signs for our sale, put things on craigslist to sale, and just cleaned. I have donated, and will probably be doing more of that after the sale. Don't get me wrong, there's still plenty to do....I've got pictures to edit, paperwork to sort, a table to finish, grout to seal....and the list goes on, but we're getting there.

So on the health front, Benjamin and I have fallen apart since Rick left...ok, not really, but I guess him leaving just makes us sick! :) Benjamin has a double ear infection...kudos to mom for catching that one. So he'll be on an antibiotic and have nasty poop for the next couple of weeks. I woke up yesterday with no voice, but nothing else was really bothering me. My throat started hurting last night and now I've got all kind of junk. Nothing terrible though...could be worse...and it hasn't stopped me from getting things done. I really want our house to look great when Rick gets back home. Especially since I already told him he wouldn't recognize it when he got back. ;)

Benjamin has shocked me this week. I have decided to invest more in him. He is such a sponge right now and I feel like I am holding him back by not exposing him to more. I thought we would start with letters. We take a letter for a whole week and write it on his board, listen to how it sounds and talk about it all week. We grab items that start with that letter and collect them in a bucket. We eat foods (when available) that start with the letter. I know he won't get it all, but I think it's all about exposing him to more. We've started with letters, but he seems to be telling me to go in a different direction...so maybe we'll do both. We were in his room the other day and he was playing with blocks. He picked up a yellow block and I told him what color it was. I also grabbed other things around that were the same color. Then I told him to find something yellow. He reached right in his basket and grabbed another YELLOW block! I really thought kids couldn't understand colors yet...it's a hard concept...a little abstract I think. I was impressed but kind of wrote it off until we were in shoe station looking for some crocs and he found the yellow ones and said YELLOW! Then I was blown away! So I've got to get on it. He gets stuff so I've got to give it to him. So one color down...a few more to go.

So I know most of you won't give a flip about reading this post, but Rick can read it when he gets back and be proud of "his babies" as he calls us. Well, I'm going to get to work.

Have a great weekend!

The most disgusting thing ever....and a few other updates

So, I'm pretty sure the most disgusting thing ever happened last night! I've learned that lots of disgusting things happen with kids around. They just don't know what they're doing sometimes. I'll have to warn you, if you don't have kids, you will not understand this and might not want any after this story. If you do have kids, you will laugh and probably think of something equally as gross that has happened in your family. :) Here we go: We had made a simple, but most delicious supper - grilled hamburgers and grilled corn on the cob with some fresh strawberries for dessert. We are in the process of painting our table (that we got at Christmas by the way) so we were eating in the living room. I don't even know how to lead into this next part, but Benjamin brought me a tiny little piece of his "hamburger" and I put it on my plate. It wasn't until he brought me another piece that I realized it wasn't hamburger! Yep, it was the other brown stuff. He was reaching in his diaper and pulling out his poop!!! I know! I still can't believe it as I type. What was grosser (might have made that word up) was that I was putting it on my plate! So after I got over the disgust, it was funny. Rick thought it was hilarious and said I had to put this on the blog. I'm thinking it's time to potty train!

Well, there's a lot to update here. It's been an exciting couple of weeks. Things are settling down...a little since the college spring semester is over, but we won't be able to rest long - Rick leaves for Malawi, Africa, in less than a week. We are shopping for all of his supplies, trying to get the house in order and working out our schedule for when he's gone.

We've been getting ALOT of family time lately as we've been carpooling everwhere! Rick's car was hit in the church building parking lot last week. The back wheel was bent inward so he hasn't been able to drive it. The most frustrating part of this is that the person who jumped the curb, drove down the hill (I'm assuming out of control since it was a rainy day) and ran into his car, just left. No note, no "sorry I hit your car," nothing. Just a messed up car. Through this though, I've seen he's a better person than I am, not that I ever doubted. He was hardly bothered by it when it happened. He went back inside and started working again. I was a little more frustrated. It did start to get to him later in the week when he couldn't get around as easily, then he did a wed. night lesson on Phil. 2:14 - do everything w/o complaining. The estimates on the car weren't good. It will cost more to fix it than it's worth, and we're not ready for a car note at the moment. We took it just to see what it would cost to get it driving again and I guess we're going to try to knock out the dents. I know it won't look great, but that's all we can do for now.

On a better note, I had the best mother's day ever! Ok, it was only my second one, but it was still wonderful. Rick cooked us a big breakfast and we scrambled around like we always do on Sunday mornings, but the afternoon, sigh, was perfect. We made sandwiches and somewhat homemade cookies and had a picnic on the quad on campus. It was the most beautiful, perfect day. Benjamin loved running around and chasing birds, squirrels and anything else. We walked around campus and checked out all the new building projects. There was nowhere to be, nothing to do, just enjoy each other. It was a great day.

I thought the weekend was going to be rough after we figured out on Friday that Benjamin had pink eye. The doc called in some drops and he was fine after the third time we put them in. He's done great with the drops too. It's definitely a 2-man job, but he's been good.

I have some pics from the weekend. I'll post them soon. :)
Have a great week everybody!