NDSS Time Square Video

Once again a photo of Ben has been chosen to be shown on the big Sony Screen in the heart of Times Square in New York City as part of the video that kicks off the National Buddy Walk.  It will be show on September 20th at about 9:00 am central time.  We are both humbled and honored for a photo of Ben's to be chosen again this year.  There were over 2000 photos entered and only 200 were chosen. 

This photo was taken at one of Ben's t-ball games and shows the pure joy that he displays whenever he is doing something he loves. Sports of any kind will usually bring out this expression or one of pure determination.  Way to go Ben!

One Proud Little Acolyte

Once again it took someone else to notice that Ben was ready to do something that  his peers were doing.

Let me explain.

We recently got a new interim minister at our church.  Every Sunday for the last year or so, after the service, Ben would get the candle lighters and go up to pretend to light the candles.  We would go up with him and keep him from smacking someone in the head with it.  But we did not think he was ready to light candles on his own.

So one Sunday after church our minister said to me "I noticed that Ben is interested in lighting the candles.  Can we put him in the Acolyte rotation?"  I said "Pastor, you do realize that our last church burned down?  I don't think I am ready to be responsible should that happen again".  She laughed and said let's give it  a try.  So we planned to add him to the rotation and send someone up with him just in case things did not go as planned.

The next week, it just happened that there were no other kids in church.  Here is the result.  You decided for yourself  if he was successful or not.  One thing I know for sure is, he was one happy and proud little acolyte that day. It was a win in my book!