I still cannot believe we recently celebrated Ben's third birthday! Oh what a birthday it was, and boy what a year his last year was! Ben grew up right before our eyes- his imagination, his vocabulary, and his story-telling all blossomed. He has become such a wonderful little boy.

We had such a great time at his party! The weather was perfect; the catering was yummy (wink, wink!); the gifts were fantastic. And everyone that could make it made the day even more special. Thank you to all who could come.

In the few months since my last article, we have continued taking Ben to The Home Depot's kids workshops (he has built a train bank, a bird feeder, a race car, and more!). We had a wonderful visit with Myk while he was in town for a few days. He was able to soak up some rays and relax in between sight-seeing, playing with Ben, and visiting with John, Marli, and Robert. Some of the girls came over for ladies' night here at the house, complete with a wonderful dinner, a great game, and fantastic conversation. Nathan surprised Ben and I with a unique Valentine's Day (a delicious lunch and an afternoon of hiking out in Bandera, complete with flowers!). We attended our church's sock hop; we helped a co-worker of Nathan's celebrate her Mardi Gras-themed birthday; Mom and I took Ben to Chuck-E-Cheese's on the day of his birthday; we enjoyed the Ag Center's Chuck Wagon Cook-Off.

"I am more than happy; I am joyful. I am more than healthy; I am whole. I am more than alive; I am radiant. I am more than successful; I am free. I am more than caring; I am loving. I am more than tranquil; I am peaceful. I am more than interested; I am involved. I am more than adequate; I am triumphant. I am more than fortunate; I am prosperous. I am more than human; I am a child of the universe." --William Arthur Moore