Homecoming 2009

October 2, 2009...What a fun night! CVC Homecoming, and our family got to celebrate Benji being the prince for the sophomore class! The whole thing came as such a surprise, that I confess that the reaction from the prince's parents was....well, hysterical laughter! (I know, I know...we are soooo supportive!) In our defense, our official announcement came in the form of a text message from Benji saying, "Hey, I'm a prince..." in the middle of a school day. No more communication until late that night because he had a meet after school. The whole homecoming week was a great experience for Benji, because you won't find a kid who loves his friends and his school more! Lots of fun, and so fun for all of us. As a mom, I couldn't help but thank God for what a difference a new school year can make. Just over 10 months ago, they were wheeling him away for yet ANOTHER brain surgery, and 7 1/2 months ago, he was up at Stanford having his heart surgery. God is merciful, and we are so grateful for Benji...not because he was homecoming prince, but for his life, and his attitude, and especially for his heart and the way he loves life!

Here is Benji with his proud parents and with his lovely princess, Miss Julianna Leyendekker.

Benji with some of his friends....

...and his very proud little sister, Emilee

Happy 10th Birthday Nattles!!

How can it be? Wasn't it September 23, 1999 like, yesterday? It sure seems like it, but apparently it's now 2009, and my cute little red-headed girl is now 10 years old. I must confess that I get sentimental on all of my kids' birthday, and complain about how fast the time is going, but NATALIE...TEN? It really can't be. She is my one that has stayed my baby the longest, and loves to cuddle the most. She also lives to please people and give the best hugs around. My fear with this whole turning 10 thing is that she's just one step closer to being a teenager, and one step closer to, (GASP), maybe not wanting to be with me every second! Is that possible? Of course not! I'll just bury that horrible thought, and assume that she is going to want to be my baby forever.

This birthday couldn't have been worse for Miss Nat if it tried. We were so prepared (and for those that know me well, that is not always the case!) The cupcakes were baked, frosted, and decorated, and I was packing the last of them up last night to be ready to take into class this morning when I heard the "MOOOMMMMYYYYY" wail that all of us mommies know and dread. I knew exactly where my feet would take me...right to the bathroom in time to notice the ALMOST 10 year old getting sick...EVERYWHERE! Oh well...the cupcakes would last another day!:( Natalie spent September 23, 2009 on the floor all day, barely talking or even moving. Poor baby!! The silver lining is that I think it has passed, and we're off to school tomorrow getting to extend the celebration by a day. Happy Birthday Natalie!! I knew there was a reason we chose Joy as your middle name...you bring tremendous joy to our family! I love you!!