Sunday, July 28, 2013

You'll Run

For my darling McKay.
Love, Mom

You'll Run

Did you see, My Son, the tear in my eye, did you see, my son, the tear
When you said, "I'll go to school very soon" and I said, "Oh yes, very soon, my dear."
"You'll wear a cast when you go to school", though my voice was nonchalant,
Your reply confirmed what my heart fears, "But Mom, how will I run?!"

You'll run, My Son, every day of your life,
You'll run, My Son, from your chair.
Though for a time, your feet will be still,
You'll run a race beyond compare.

You'll choose each day which path will be yours,
You'll choose the voices you heed.
You'll run each day as you face your fears.
You'll run to God in need.

You'll run as you learn and sense and grow,
And your pain, your strife will teach you to know,
What it is to long for what you can't reach.
Empathy is a lesson experience must teach.

So you'll run, My Son, even from a wheelchair,
As your heart begins to grow,
You'll run, My Son, though the stillness confines,
You'll run as you come to know-

That your Heavenly Father is there, My Son,
Your Heavenly Father is there.
And someday very soon you'll run again
With strength that was not there,
Until you sat for a while, My Son,
In the classroom of a chair.

Though I long to see you run, My Son,
Though I long to see you free,
I know that God who watches o'r us each day,
Doesn't leave it up to me.

For He knows, My Son, that to be all we can
To become just like His Son,
He knows my Son, to become like Him,
Sometimes we must sit when we'd rather run.


Sunday, July 21, 2013

Safety Town

This summer McKay and his cousin Bo attended Safety Town, a great program through our city where children are taught how to be safe in all different kinds of circumstances. McKay LOVED it! He keeps asking when he can go back.
Each day he would come home talking about the activities. "Mom, today we crawled through a window and there was smoke everywhere!" "Mom, today we met a real police man". "Mom, today we put our fingerprints on paper and if someone steals me I'm going to touch everything in the car so that the police will find me again." "Mom, when I grow up I want to be a forest ranger. They are the coolest!" 
What a ham!

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Hair

Me: I'm going to do my hair real quick.
McKay: But dad, I thought you were bald!

It's good to have a subtle reminder now and then :-)

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Benson's 3rd Birthday

This year we celebrated Benson's birthday in Pirate Style! Benson loves to watch Jake and the Neverland Pirates so it was no surprise that he requested a "Jake" birthday party. 
Each little party attendee received the invitation above which was rolled up and placed in a bottle like a true treasure map. 
Benson's cousin Boots reportedly carried the map and bottle around the house all week talking about the treasure he'd find at Benson's birthday!

As they arrived, each pirate received a pirate hat and were led on a treasure hunt to find the rest of the pirate booty.

 
Look out, Me Harties, it's a fearsome crew!
Showing their best pirate faces.

And their birthday faces (except for McKay who apparently was still showing his pirate face.)

Benson leading the band of pirates on the pirate relay race.

After walking the plank, each pirate had to bounce on the tramp and launch water cannons at Captain Hook.

Nothing like some Pirate Pizza after a treasure hunt! Especially when it's enjoyed with Nana and cousin Isi.

Never fear, Captain Benson is here!

Benson and Boots with their loot.

Yo ho mateys away

After the pirate relay race in which the pirates walked the plank, launched water cannons at Captain Hook then hoisted the pirate flag, they were sent on a true treasure hunt. After solving riddles and clues the pirates were led to their treasure!
Once all the work was finished, the pirates adjurned into the house for some Jake Cake. 

Looks like someone's been sampling too much of the birthday punch!

Captain Benson and his telescope!

And what did he get for his birthday?
A Jake pirate ship! He was thrilled!