"I can do ALL things through Christ who stregthens me." Philippians 4:13...........Reid's first day of Kindergarten

Oh my... so I survived Reid's first day of Kindergarten... but not by much. He did GREAT!! A few tears at first with worry that mom wouldn't be there to pick him up from school... but after millions of promises to be there in the pick up line first.... he was content. Then I lost it 10 steps from the the van... a blubbering mess!! I just CAN NOT believe where the time has gone. I remember so well when it was just Reid and I .... the cuddles on the couch watching the latest Barney cartoons ... the garage sales together ( he is my bargain shopper)... the lunch dates in the park .... the first time that he looked at me and told me "I Love You".... and now... he's gone into the BIG world of school!!

You know they say that everything that you learn..... the basics of life... you learn the first 5 years of you life. I know without a shadow of doubt that Reid loves Jesus... he loves his family dearly.... and he YES... he LOVES his momma!! I'm SO proud of this young man... and believe with ALL of my heart that he will succeed at ALL that he puts his mind to!!!

More pics of grandmas and grandpas... :0)

 The boys new favorite toy... grandma's ipad.

 Emmy Kate and NaNa

 Grandpa Rex teaching the boys how to hammer properly. :0)

 Grandma Attebery and Emmy.... 99 years difference!!

More photos from our trip back home... action packed!  :0)

Sweet friendship...

 Yes... Gavin was present... just didn't want to be part of pictures... :0)

While in Trenton... I had the opportunity to visit my dear friend Laura and her family. Laura was my roomate at MNU where we hit it off right away. It has been 6 long years since I've seen Laura... but we just picked up where we left off.... including the 6 kiddos that we have!! :0)  Oh how blessed I am to have such an amazing sister in Christ... no matter the miles... no matter the years... we will forever be FRIENDS!! :0)

Trenton visit

The boys had the opportunity to stay with their grandparents for a whole week and then Nathan, Emmy and I joined at the end of the week. The boys had an amazing time with each set of grandparents and made many... many memories!! We also had the chance to take Reid and Gavin to their first Royals baseball game at Kauffman stadium... and somehow the Royals angel found us and sent someone to give us FREE $200 tickets!!! We had amazing seats 11 rows behind 3rd base!!! It was an AWESOME time... can't stop smiling about it!!

VBS 2011

Love... Love.... Love VBS week!! There's nothing like children getting excited to learn about Jesus!!!

The Hannahs!!!

Oh how blessed we are to know the Hannah family!! We developed a friendship 6 years ago when we lived in Girard, IL... and were looking for a church family. God has developed this friendship into "family". Very few people in my life have called me over to their house to eat leftovers and to play boardgames.... my 2 loves in life!! :)  That is when I knew we were destined to be friends FOREVER!! We wish we lived closer to each other... but look forward to each time we are able to be together!!

*Somehow... I never got a picture of Mike and Traci on our visit... but these are their BEAUTIFUL girls....

Stefanie, Julia, Audrey and Rebekah

Love you guys!!!

Bengtson vacation 2011

This year we chose Kentucky Lake for our little vacay destination. We had a great time at the "resort" fishing, riding on paddleboats, go carts, swimming, mini golf and our favorite the HUGE jumping pillow!!! Our cabin was a little less than desirable ... but we managed. :0)  Wish I had more pics to post... but mommy forgot to charge the camera batteries.... Ooops!! Nontheless... we made some amazing memories!!!

4th of JULY!!!!

This was the first 4th of July that we have celebrated here in SEMO... and boy did we have a blast!! Complete with fireworks with the Bengtson boys , BBQ with some dear friends, root beer floats with church friends and a very short yet BEAUTIFUL firework show in Jackson. Whew.... were we tired at the end of the day... but felt very blessed all wrapped up together!!!