Josiah Clark Warrior-Benson

I cannot believe Josiah is 8 months old now!

Travis, I wish you were here to enjoy all of the excitement! It's just not the same without you, son. We all miss you so much!

I wonder who posed him with the football? He's always so curious about everything. I love those big dark eyes. Don't they melt your heart? Trav, his mommy and daddy are going to make sure he loves the word "ball" as much as you did, for sure!

JOSIAH CHECKED TO MAKE SURE GRANDPA PUT THE BABY DOLL CRIB TOGETHER CORRECTLY. HE WAS SO INTERESTED IN THE CRIB, ESPECIALLY HOW THE KNOBS ON THE TOP TASTED!!

I don't often get many pictures of Josiah, but Tasha recently shared some with me. I wanted him to get the same amount of attention on my blog as Lydia. Since you have not seen my other grandbaby recently, here are a few precious photos of Josiah Clark!

Love to everyone.
Karen

Week of Celebrations

Loved the cake but was not crazy about the hat!

She knew just what to do with her new blanket!

Posing with grand-

parents is a must!

Jeni and her mom had made everything look beautiful and the cupcakes were delicious!

Lydia is one year old. Her birthday was Sunday and Jeni and Necon had a large group of loved ones there to share in the excitement. This past year of beginnings with Lydia and Josiah has gone so quickly. She was walking all around and saying words. Josiah was crawling and pulling up on Lydia's doll bed. It was fun to watch the two of them and enjoy their discoveries. I wanted to share some pictures from that day, but I'm giving Jeni a disc with all of the photos from our camera so you may see more on her blog later. Necon was making pictures and I don't have any photos of him. Grandpa was putting together the doll's bed and Papa Chief was quietly taking in the action on the sidelines. Sorry I missed you guys.

This coming weekend Josh Porter is getting married! I remember when he was born and 4 year old Travis was so fascinated with him and his tiny toes and fingers. Josh has grown into a Godly man and I am certain he is following the path that God has prepared for him. I have no doubt that he and Kati will be happy and will flourish in God's continuing care with the support of such a loving family. Love to everyone.

Karen

I Survived!

The first full week of school was very exhausting with way too many meetings. The students begin this coming Monday. I got to see many of them last night at our Meet & Greet which lasted until 6:30. It was a full day yesterday preparing for their arrival. I'm sure once things get rolling that it will be a little easier. Sandra, my fellow counselor, and I have a plan for the first month and a long range plan made for the rest of the year. It's really nice to begin the year with someone to help. The last two years I wasn't that lucky.

Beverly changed jobs this week. She's moved from McClellan High School to Dunbar Middle School. She's very excited about working with the 6-8 graders. I'm glad she was able to get moved before the students began.

We haven't been out to check on the new house this week much. We did have another couple look at our present home. Randy's getting a little nervous about it selling soon enough. This is a prayer request. Please pray that our home will sell so that when the other house is ready in September we'll not have 2 house payments. I keep telling him that God is taking care of it. I hope all of you are doing well. Keep in touch. Love to everyone.

Karen

Jess' Mom Update

Yesterday I received a message from Jess that her mom had a set-back and was returned to the hospital. Fortunately, today I received another message stating that she had some fluid on her left lung and would be returned to the rehabilitation center after the fluid was cleared. I know that Jess was relieved.

This Thursday Randy and I have earned the privilege of having a pizza dinner with our guest speaker, Tim Marks, along with some other distributors. We're very excited to be able to visit with one of the top leaders in our business and gain some tips on continuing to improve our own record. Team has been a great support to us and we've met many supportive, compassionate people in this organization. We feel fortunate that God has lead us to this group. It would be even more amazing if some of you would also choose to be involved so our group could continue to benefit from the association with leaders. We're anxious for Thursday to get here and hope to see some of you at the Embassy Suites on Chenal at 7:30. Make every effort to be there.

When we last saw our new home, the sheet rock was on the walls and the sidewalk and patio had been poured. It's beginning to look more like the finished product. We were given the date of September 26th for completion, but it's looking like it should be sooner. Maybe I'm just being optimistic. Pray for our present home to sell in time for us to move. We are trusting that God will make this happen at the right time. Love to you all.

Karen

Latest News

Pop and his girl!

As of Saturday, August 2, 2008, I hit the 2.5 miles mark. It is wonderful that all of you are encouraging me. The Mona-vie has given me energy to do so much more than I was ever able to do before. My knees and hips are not hurting when I walk which was always the case in the past.

If you haven't been able to send a card to Jess' mom yet. Look back on Friday, August 1st to get her address. She's adjusting to the rehabilitation and is still paralyzed from her abdomen down. I know she'd appreciate any messages of support. Jess is her only family.
I helped with registration at school this week on Tues. and Wed., but tomorrow I begin my regular routine. I've had a productive summer. I've read some good books. I thought I'd share the titles with all of you. Maybe you'll be interested in reading one.

The Difference Maker by John C. Maxwell
The Speed of Trust by Stephen M. R. Covey
Created for a Purpose by Darlene Sala
Season of Life by Jeffrey Marx
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Positive Impact by George S. Reid & Charlie Jones
The Words That Inspired the Dreams by Caron Loveless
The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict -The Arbinger Institute
The books of Philippians, 2 Corinthians, Ephesians & Romans
The new house is coming along. They have put in the insulation and begun putting up the sheet rock. The last date we were given was September 26, 2008. Our house has not sold, but we have lowered the price recently so maybe it will sell soon.
I have some new pics from our dinner with the Warriors this week. Notice the table in the picture with Lydia. I've had the table since I was 3 or 4 years old. We had it refinished and added a couple of chairs that were similar to mine when I was a child. Lydia is watching over it until we get in the new house. It will be there for the kids to enjoy.
Love to everyone. Keep in touch.
Karen

Jess' Mom was Moved Today

I was really glad to hear that Jess' mom was moved to rehab today. That sounds good to me. Jess seemed really tired in her message. Please pray for her and also her mom's continued improvement. If you want to send her a card the address is: Lee Sullivan, Sierra Providence Physical Rehabilitation Hospital, 1740 Curie Drive, El Paso, TX 79902.
I got to have lunch today with Laura Gentry and supper with Beverly. It was a very enjoyable day. I miss Randy, though. I hope his tournament in St. Louis will be over soon. He said that the muscle in his leg was bothering him and that his season is over when he gets home. Tomorrow will be more walking and reading, I suppose. Love you all.
Karen

New Record

I've been walking since the end of June each day. I reached a new distance yesterday! 2.2 miles!!!!!!!!! I was so excited to get over the 2 mile mark. I know many of you runners are probably getting a good laugh over my excitement. Go ahead. Someday you'll be 56. Hopefully, you'll never allow yourself to get as out of shape as I've done. Travis was a good role model for me. I'd get so tickled watching him run on the treadmill when the weather was unbearable outside. When he would run, the whole house would shake! (literally) Sometimes he'd get distracted by the t.v. and get tripped up. That was a REAL SIGHT! I'm feeling his presence with me while I'm working to increase my distance. What's so funny to me is that I've never heard myself say before, "I need a sweat band for my head." I have always hated to sweat!!

Thanks to everyone for your prayers for Jess' mom and family. Lee has moved to a regular room at the hospital and is off of oxygen. She'll be moved to a rehab in a few days. That's wonderful progress. Love to you all.

Karen