Celebrating Benson LaVel Bradshaw

Today is my little nephew's first Birthday.  Although his life was short he had a tremendous impact on many lives.  He lived from February 25, 2014 to April 2, 2014.  Most of his life was spent in the hospital but he was granted a short time on earth to be home with his wonderful parents and loving older brothers.  

As a family we decided we wanted to do something to remember and honor Ben for his first Birthday.  We decided to start our first annual, "Benson Bradshaw Fundraiser."  Throughout the month of February the kids took on extra jobs around the house to earn money.  They were very diligent and were constantly asking for work!  

Ben spent most of his life in the hospital so we decided as a family to use our money to bless other children that are in the hospital.  I contacted our local Children's hospital and found out what items we can donate to help children.  

With cash in hand, the kids and I went to Walmart in search of the perfect gifts to bless children.

They each had their own money that they had earned so they had to figure out how much things cost and what they could afford to buy.  

I wish I could have truly captured the joy that they felt and the excitement in the air.  It was that feeling of true joy and service that I hope they will never forget. 

They were all so excited with what they bought.  The little kids especially love to sit and look at the presents that we are giving in honor of Ben's first Birthday.  

They picked out:

board books
coloring books
crayons
bubbles
weaving kits
dinosaur toys
toy cars
stickers
playdough

Happy Birthday Ben.  We love you.

Other posts about Benson:  A Christ Centered Easter

Christmas came early. . .

In October the kids came home to find red and green balloons.  Inside the balloons was a message that the kids had to unscramble.  They discovered that their Grandparents (Justin's parents) were taking the whole family to Disneyland for their Christmas gift!!! Christmas came early because we went to Disneyland over Thanksgiving! 

We spent the first day in California at the beach!  The kids loved it!  It was their first time!  When you live in the Midwest you don't have the opportunity to visit the beach very often! 

The next three days we spent at Disneyland and California Adventure.  It was so fun, and being with all the cousins made it even more magical!  

 It is our family tradition to start on "It's a Small World," so that everyone can go together.  I love to see the excitement of the little kids!  

Happy Memories, last forever! 

2014 MOM ADVENTURES, #3

Painting Party.  The simplest adventures are usually the most fun!  We cut some scrap wood and had so much fun painting it!  

2014 MOM ADVENTURE, #2

For our 2nd MOM ADVENTURE we went shopping at the outlet stores.  We wanted to go shopping to buy a new outfit for our sweet daughter who had surgery last week.  She picked out a cute new Maxi dress to wear home from the hospital.  We are happy to report that her surgery went amazingly well, and she had a quick recovery.

*We have found that the boys will shop with us if we alternate between girl stores and boy stores.  (i.e. GAP then Nike. . . )