We're Back!!

It's been a long and short (at the same time) 12-13 days but we are all back, happy, healthy, safe, and different!! We have grown in many ways including trust of our Heavenly Father (for taking care of us!!), trust of each other (me with Ryan to be a great dad and take excellent care of the boys :), and many other ways. I have learned the value of "getting away" and refreshing...seeing my boys, my family, my mommy life in a whole new, fresh, and great perspectivie upon arriving home. I am ready to conquer...to be the best wife, mommy, friend, etc. etc. that I can be. I thought I was going to show up at camp, inspire about 100 high school aged kids for 10 days, get in my car, and then drive home. Well...that happened (from what I gather from the kids ;)...but I ALSO was so inspired by them!! They grew tremendously in shedding their fear of image, growing tremendously in personal/life skills (how they treat others, communication, parent process), and stepping out of their comfort zones and into their learning zones to grow all around (academically, personally, and physically)....it was a great experience..One I am so blessed to have had....I thank the Lord for orchestrating our lives/jobs so that I could go while Ryan had the boys...amazing. Here are some pics (SOOC) b/c I am proofing the three sessions I had inbetween staff training and camp. Also Today is BENJAMIN'S BIRHTDAY!!! Happy Birthday little Benjamin...we are are so thankful that God has blessed our family with you. You are so lively, outgoing, eager, happy, and wonderful. I am so enjoying your snuggles and kisses, and love watching you grow and explore the world around you. We love you Benjamin!!! Happy First Birthday today at 2:37 p.m.!!! Love always ~ R :)


Benjamin at dinner before I left...so handsome!!!

Here's little B at Grandma and Grandpa Sieb's. RYan and the boys spent most of the time I was away playing on the farm and in....the tractor of course!!!!

"Here Grandpa Gene, let me help you. : "Shadow's hungry too!!" Green beans are actually part of his diet to lose some of that doggy weight!

"Hi there!! I just learned that sticking my tongue is fun!! Ha Ha!!"

Caleb feeding Aunt Linda and Uncle Phil's goats :) He truly is our little farm boy!

Here is Caleb feeding their horse, Cassie. He really likes Cassie and even named his stuffed horse (who used to be Chloe) Cassie in honor of his new favorite horse! :)

Here's me and two other of my team (Jen and Josh) going through our "surprise" with the campers for their parents at graduation. FUN!!!

Ryan brought the boys all the way up from back home for graduation. It was utterly amazing to see them after 12 days...I couldn't get enough kisses or hugs. Caleb couldn't hardly believe it was actually me and asked "are you my mommy??" when I came up to their stroller. I have THE BEST, most loving, supportive, caring, amazing husband in the whole world. I thank the Lord for him daily....THank you Lord and thank you Ryan for this chance in a mommy lifetime!!

Benjamin this morning walking the sunroom...sorry it's so dark, I'll try to fix and repost.

Benjamin grew by leaps and bounds as I was away. He learned how to get down the stairs (backwards), use a fork, he started blowing (and making sound) on this recorder this morning, walking very quickly, and so much more!! He also cut two more teeth (which would explain the hunger strike that poor Ryan had to endure while I was away)....wow!! So much happens in 12 days for an 11 month old!!! Who is ONE YEAR OLD today!!! Until next time!! Love!! ~R