Finding Joy in the Journey

Family Reunion-Summer 2010

2011-05-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

The Family Exploring Bridal Veil Falls

2010-10-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

July 12 2010 we took Michele and Mikes family to hike, really walk the bridal Veil
Falls path. It was a really hot day and the water at the falls was refreshingly cold.

Benji and Maia best buddies...

A little too daring for moms liking Benji climbed up the falls a way.

We had so much fun with Michele and Mike and family thanks for making the long trip from Oregon to Utah!

Cercet Lake Alta Utah Hike-more summer memories

2010-10-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

Aunt Michele, Hannah, and Ryelle give Baby James a bath before another day of hiking...

After all the preparations we packed up the 3 cars and headed out to Alta. Along the way...
Some one got lost, 40 mins south of where we were heading, and someone got a flat tire, and someone found a long lost love “rascal D” only to lose him again within 3 minutes along side the free way…. There were some short tempered, hungry, & hot people…Can you believe it after all that and a tow truck we still had a GREAT TIME in BEAUTIFUL ALTA!

My Mountain Climbers Benji and Hannah

Snow in July What a treat!

Of course we had to have a snow ball fight!

I think the Snow ball fight was a great release! Especially the cousins from Oregon coast have not seen snow in so long they were so excited.

Best Buddies looked for fish in Cercet Lake

"Peek a Boo"

Dan was so determined to get this crew up the mountain despite all the mess we had trying to get there. And Thank goodness he did We had a great time. Thanks Babe!

Gorgeous Mountian scenery...

Hiding in the Flowers

July 10-Fun Family Visits...Meet Baby Cal

2010-10-24T20:47:00.000-07:00

My sister Cortnie and Sesilie beauties-just hanging out

Sesilie was great with Cal.

The cousins catch the many grass hoppers that plague our yard that summer.

Uncle Joe and Luke meet baby Cal.

Dans Uncle Joe and Aunt Stephanie, Sam and Meg. Aunt Steph made the softest cuddly minky blanket for Baby Calvin with the perfect colors.

Just chatting after dinner, Michele, Mike, Charitie, Chelsie, Nana, and Hanah

My oldest sister Michele snuggling Baby James

Dan Jams with Nephew Noah...

Fun with the cousins on the swing set tower.

Hanaha, Maia, and Ryelle give Baby James loves...

This little piggy went to the market.

Uncle Mike Or "Uncle Bike" according to Ryelle.

One Month Monkey

2010-10-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

Our Baby Cal at one month.
Because we met at the zoo Cal has a zoo themed room. At placement Benji gave this same little huggey monkey(with Velcro hands) to Cassie at the hospital and told her "he can hug you back". We also have one for Steven and Benji has one he sleeps with as well.

Lovely little piggies!

And hes done with the photos :)

Benji and Neighbor friend Anson dressed up as superhero ninjas and road their bikes around our driveway. I LOVE their imaginations!

The girls wanted to join in the bike parade fun too. Summer fun filled days!

Babbling Cal-alittle current update

2010-10-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

So playing catch up with our summer life of photos has taken lots of time. My last post was of the 4th of July posted in October...So I wanted to sneak in a current look at our baby Cal at 4 months old 16lbs and 26inches.

Dad decided to slip Benji's sun glasses on Cal while I was ordering the ice cream for our Saturday after pumpkin land...

I think Cal is a little shocked by the eye wear...

Such a cute silly face!

Brotherly love!

Our Happy Baby!

Your first holliday

2010-10-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

We spent the next 2 days tuckered out

and then for the 4th of July, we packed up for your first road trip to visit some more family.

On your first road trip you met Uncle Casey dads brother, and 3 of his kids Bennet, Maya, and Porter. While we and grammie & Mal stayed at Dad's youngest brothers Uncle Robbie and Aunt Brisa house in Rexburg.

For the 4th of July we took a trip to Rexburgs sights...The Sand Dunes...And Got stuck in the Sand... Thanks Casey for sharing your pictures I kept Cal covered in the car the wind was just too sandy.

Rolled down to sand dunes...

Wiped sand out of every surface of our body's

Bennett

Porter

Stuffed our sandy selves at the BIG JUDS!

Maya and the BIG JUD BURGER!

Sitting in the shade at the Hot Springs...Benji had the great idea to make a fishing pole and hook some fish for after lunch snack.

Aunt Mals fiance Brice came to visit as well.

Upon our arrival home while I was admiring you baby Calvin James in your crib your brother was learning some cool new tricks. Teaching himself how to ride his bike!

Meet the Family & Birthfamily Calvin James!

2010-09-30T12:53:00.000-07:00

Look at how blessed to have so many people to love and welcome you to our Family Calvin James...

June 25 2010, Rounding out your first month, Calvin you had 14 visitors in 4 days...Grammie (Dad's Mom)Came to stay for the weekend with Uncle Robby, Aunt Brisa, Aunt Malory, Aunt Amanda & cousin Miles.

We had a ladies Lunch-in Baby Shower with family at the Olive Garden. Cousin Amy made these cute cookies. I am sad to report I forgot my camera at home so you do not have a record of all the families gifts and friendly faces. But Cousins Jamie A., Amy N., Liegh H., Judy E., Aunts Amanda, Malery, Paula, Grammie, Joined in the Celebration. Jamie passed on some cute little cow boy boots you will wear some day, Paula made you a pok-a-dot blanket, and the aunts gave you a gift card to target. Grammie sent you your awesome jogging stroller the Bumble Ride you take every where.

That after noon, You had your second visit from your birth father, Steven and your Birth-Grandmother Tonya. You were a good boy... slept sweetly in their arms and even let Steven Change a stinky ;) diaper while he was here.

The next day you had your birthmother Cassie (holding you) come to visit and have a family dinner along with the family that was staying with us for the week end. Of course we played games together after the dinner...

Aunt Chelsie and cousin Ryelle snuck in a visit too.

The next day...PaPa Lucki had a flight lay-over in SLC so we took some time to visit him and meet your mommies Dad

Phew you had a busy weekend! And were a great trooper snuggling everyone to Polish of your first month at home! We love you Calvin James!

Formidable Super Warriors

2010-09-14T10:07:00.001-07:00

I loved watching Benji and Nieghboor friend Anson play formidable super worriors together. I just had to get a few shots of them playing.

Love those Family Visits!

2010-09-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

My Sisters and cousin Sesilie came to visit New Baby James

Nana and Ryelle feed Baby James his bottle together.

Just Chilling Watching Wipe out together

Gettting the Last of the Water Melon

A Family Night I just wanted to share

2010-09-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

A while back, as I was praying and searching for all I could do in Adoption....I had been going to adoption groups and birth mother panels and was greatly touched by these women's experiences. I wrote a post about that but decided my feelings were too personal to put out there yet… I wanted to learn more from their perspective, on healing, and life after placement. I found and followed a few blogs from Birthmothers.
This one The Happiest Sad I don’t know her in person but I continue to go to her blog here and there. I found her blog helpful & I was really grateful for her post showing how to create the adoption button for my blog which I used last year. I have gained from her honesty in sharing her experience… Recently she shared about Last Sundays Sep 12 2010 CES FireSide for Young Adults from Elder Richard G. Scott. And that it shared a plug for adoption.

He said...for those parents unable to have children..."I am a witness that the Lord can guide such parents to spirits He would have in their home through the process of adoption. Later when those children are sealed in the temple by the authority of the holy priesthood, they are in every sense equivalent to children born to that couple in the covenant." Of Course I had to watch it!!!

I asked Dan to come watch this with me because it had a support for adoption. As Dan And I Watched it together he kept asking me...
"Who sent you this?

Was it ???

Or ???"
"No, “Its just something I found on a birthmoms blog for adoption…”
We were both surprised at how much the whole talk applied to lives we have been caring and praying for. And how it spoke clearly on things we have been discussing so much lately in our home.
I had to share. (Adoption Plug was very sweet and pure although very brief) I loved the comment on the most stupid thing you could do on a date! And about not fixing the washing machine but playing with his kids...
You can get the synopsis of the talk from the Church News Here It turned out to be an inspiring family home evening together. On the roles of the Mother, Father, Eternal Family, the love of children, Dating and to HAVE PEACE and HAPPINESS.

2 Weeks old-Cal 's first Nature Hike

2010-09-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

At two weeks old we were excited to take Cal Outdoors to explore nature together.

We drove up to the Alpine Loop.

Looking for a place to walk Baby Cal in our new Bumbleride stroller, we drove to the Cascade Springs where they have beautiful scenery along this little board walk around the springs. The only problem was the trails were not a long enough hike for Benji.

In one of the pools we counted over 22 trout swimming within our views.

Cal took to nature peacefully and slept the whole way.

I love finding bridges along trails. They are one of my most favorite things to find on a hike.

Cal and I would take Benji to the pool during the summer and watch him swim from the covered picnic shade area. This time we all crashed together on the chair after swimming. Love the Snuggles!

The Binkie decision was a tough one for baby Cal. Some days he would not take one

Other Days he preferred the avent ones Benji had preferred

Then we thought, oh maybe he just love his hands and will be a finger baby...

It wasn't till about a month latter when he finally settled on the hospital kind. Much to our dismay. Those little green silicone binkies called "soothie" can bounce more then tiger himself and you can not attach the cute little ribbon to clip on their shirt...So when they pop out of this mouth they just keep on bouncen.

He likes to have some Serious talks with Nanna

Just another wonderful Day 1 Week old +

2010-09-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

Sweet Sleeping Baby! I just want to reach down and kiss those cheeks-
9Days old

AJ Benji's good friend across the street always asks if he can hold Baby Cal. He will be a great Dad some day he loves Babies.

Benji my "Photographer" wanted to take some pics of Mom and Baby

He also inspected Baby Cal during his Tummy Time. 12 Days old

Best Brotherly love!

Benji's Big Trick & Puppy Tummy time?

2010-09-01T21:20:00.000-07:00

Nelly, seeing Cal on the floor for his tummy time, rolled up right next to him and rolled on her back looking for some tummy loves. It was so cute. Our Birth Mother Cassie's & her family -dog lovers-have a Yorkie named George and English Mastiff named Cookie.(if I remember right) They also have a friend who brings their Mastiff over often named Bowzer...

Dan Schools Benji in the arts of Bike Ridding.Lesson One did not Last Long...

Benji Decided lesson one was a lot of work and wanted his training wheels back on...(Turns out he surprised us a few days latter while I was inside with Baby Cal, Benji pulled his bike out on his own and figured it out solo! Now we have a pro bike rider who is itching to ride and "pop a wheelie" on his way to school.

Way to Go Benji We are so proud of you!!! You have amazing Determination to teach yourself how to ride your bike and so quickly!

My 3 Boys!

2010-09-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

He was also not impressed with his first shoe fitting ;)

I know its a lot of pics but my boys are so stinking cute! Here is the Unrestrained love and adoration of a MOTHER in LOVE With Her Boys!

Dan and Benji Just came home from Church and couldn't wait to snuggle and cuddle Baby James who stayed home with me...(And, Yes We use both names intermittently) So I grabbed the camera to capture their loves.

Nelly Is such a good natured friendly doggy. If Cal cries from his nap in the bedroom, She runs to the door and sits looking at me with concern in her eyes just to make sure I am going to come get him.

LOVE THESE BOYS!!!

Babies First Bath at Home June 10th

2010-09-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

Big Brother was a great assistant to bathing Cal.

He was not impressed with his first bath, although every bath since he has absolutely adored. He has definitely turned out to be our little water baby!

Family Visits June 9

2010-08-31T11:55:00.000-07:00

Dad and Baby Cal caught snuggle snoozing on our 2nd day home gets snatched by Aunt Chelsie

Adorable baby stretches!

Love the puckered lips So Cute!
He is sporting the snazzy blankie given to him at placement from Birth Mom Cassie.

Kisses from Cousin Ryelle. She Loves to hold "my baby James". She says as soon as she comes over "wheres my baby James? I want to hold My Baby James!!! "

Visits

2010-08-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

Well the Bliss of New Parenthood and slight sleep deprivation have snatched me away from my posting. I hope to sneak a few of our past loving moments from the last 2 and half months. Oh how much too fast these early months fly by...

Flowers from my boys for the New Mom!

I love this Picture of them the gaze is wonderful!

Steven (he said go ahead and use his name) and his mother came soon after we arrived home to visit Cal in his new home. He helped change a diaper, an out fit and gave snuggles on the couch. He wanted to know of we had performed the "Lion King Scene", as it had been too long from the last lion king viewing we weren't really sure what that was...he showed us...

First days with Baby Cal and the Nursery!

2010-06-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

Nana, Benji and Cal

Aunt Charitie, Nana and Cal

We have this same shot of Dan with Benji too. Love IT!!

Birth Mother, Grandmother, Dan and Cal.

Benji reading with Birth Nana K.

Proud Big Brother!

Everyone pitching in to help Cal COME HOME!

Welcome home Baby Cal! We have prayed for you for a very long time!

And So many friends and Family have prayed and joined in our joy that you have come home.

Our first meeting with your Birth Parents was at the Zoo. So we brought a little bit of the Zoo to your room to remind us of the happiness that started there together.

Our little Miracle!

2010-06-13T23:10:00.000-07:00

The story is beautifully sacred to my heart and I wish to capture the memories the best I can. And in time I will (its too much for one post) but for now and for all those loved ones emails, & phone calls requesting, for my 100th post I will share our amazing miracle that blessed our family...
Leaving out many precious details in between (For a public Blog) On May 20th 2010 we were invited to Temple Square by C* & S* and there they gave Benji a little monkey with a note that read...

To: Big Brother Benji

From: Baby!

She was due in 6 days!!!

Following a sacred experience shared in the hospital 2 weeks & 3 days latter on June 5th the sweetest baby boy was brought into this world with great effort on his mothers part. Including inducement for labor Friday night and ending with an urgent C-section Saturday morning. We shared precious memories with the birth family, testimonies, hugs and tears. On June 8th Tuesday; with no small sacrifice in many hearts. Baby Calvin James E. was placed into my arms and our
Family's years of Prayers were Answered.

I still can not write these

precious experiences (even watered down for our public blog) with out the overflowing of emotion. There is no possible way I can do this loving sacrifice justice with words. But I want to share the LOVE OF ADOPTION. The families involved are completely loving with Christ centered lives. We look forward to a healthy open adoption relationship in the years to come.

Our deepest love and appreciation to Our Heroes C* S* and Families & friends that loved and supported them.

Curious? Happy Birthday Benji!

2010-05-15T18:54:00.000-07:00

What happens when you get 8 kids together for a Birthday Party?

We see alot of monkeying around...Playing on the swing set, bouncing balls, reading Curious George plants a tree, followed by a Bug craft, and Planting a Pear tree in our Yard(yes this is exactly what Benji wanted for his birthday...He was bound and determined to plant his own tree for his birthday-our yards first tree.)

One Happy Boy to Get his Own Fruit Tree!

Everyone worked together shoveling dirt to plant our 1st tree...

Then each of the kids got to choose a seed to plant and take home in their own pot with their little bug label.

More monkeing around followed by our attempt to have the kids have a water balloon toss...

turns out 6 year olds don't have the coordination to work a balloon toss...

But a water balloon fight is always a winner!

Aunt Chelsie was the most soaked-Thanks Dan!

Banana Splits with their choice of toppings-Banana butterscotch Curious George Cake-

The Party's not over till the Pinata Busts!

Great Times Thanks Friends! Happy Birthday My Little Monkey Benji!

We have been spotted!

2010-03-27T12:13:00.000-07:00

As I have been attending families supporting adoption meetings for the last 2 years we have meet some good friends. I have grown in my understanding of the adoption world in more ways then one. I been blessed to see how others have been blessed with adoption and met with & learned from parties on both sides of the experience.

It is amazing the love that the birth mothers bring into the adoption circle. I have been truly blessed as I have heard their stories of sacrifice and love. Recently after meeting some great birth mothers at a group meeting they offered to spotlight our families hope to adopt. Click the previous link to visit the page.
Thanks Sisterhood of the maternity Pants!

Families Supporting Adoption Skate Night

2010-03-26T22:58:00.000-07:00

A while back we had a Fun Family Time at Families Supporting Adoption Skate Night! Let me say the skates did not stay on my feet that long. After a few times around the rink I decided my bones were worth more then the "fun" I was having trying not to break them. I did not fall I am happy to say but Dan was a bigger sport and stayed in the ring longer suffering only one fall :)

Benji Was quickest to take the skates off out of all of us. But he was thrilled because they allowed the kids to have scooter on the rink and with the neighbors scooter be borrowed he had a blast and did not want to leave when 9 pm came around :)

Thanks FSA!

Leprechauns & the Tooth Fairy

2010-03-21T23:21:00.000-07:00

Leprechaun coin....Benji made about 10 Leprechaun traps all through our house in hopes of catching the little green guy and making him tell where he hid his gold!

unfortunately the little bugger was not lured into the traps, & he
messed up our house, turned our milk and German oven pancakes green to show his tricky nature...

But he was kind in the end and left a little gold candy and a fun fortune clover to make up for his naughtiness...Benji is a "happy successful" boy!

the adventure did not end with our morning. Benji went to Gymnastics and then to school where I was able to help the little kindergartners find clues "Lucky the Leprechaun" left all through their school and led them to a pot of his gold!

Benji is the little green guy on the left.

He was even lucky enough to find one of the treasures and clues hidden in the library...The blarney stones for each kid!

Games played after the pot o gold was discovered.

When Benji was asked what he would do with the money if he found the pot O gold...He said he would buy infinity toys...

I have always loved St. Patricks Day. I am so glad we get to celebrate it with Benji every year. These are the great moments as parents!

The Next Day Benji Got his FIRST visit from the TOOTH FAIRY! He pulled it out all by himself!

Before he lost his tooth sometime last week We talked about the tooth fairy and that they sometimes leave money under your pillow in exchange for your lost tooth. Benji enthralled in the idea said, If she leaves $ 10.00 I would give (counting on his hands) $8 to you to adopt a baby, and then I would use $2 to buy me a toy! (he is so stinking sweet!)

We are so proud of him ... :( our little boy is growing up. Sigh :(

Just monkey’n around

2010-03-04T21:33:00.000-08:00

Happy 106 Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Just another fun couple of Babysitting Days!

Chloe wasn't so sure about the glasses!

I love kids...They always make me smile!

We had so much fun with cousin Ryelle, aka dragon, friend Anna aka crocodile, and Benji monkey'n around the other day!

I watch James one day a week while Benji is at school so it was great fun to have Anson come and play this day... Anson the dragon wanted to slay the monkey.

Slightly crass...But made us Laugh!

2010-02-18T20:16:00.000-08:00

Imagine our Surprise when we opened up the bag of cookies intended for Benjis Valentines and found...LOOK CLOSE....

"Happy F*%ts Day"!

Benji got a big hoot out of it too..For the next week he would say "Happy F*%ts Day!!!"and Giggle up a storm!

Our special Valentines day Family Night Dinner... followed by a special candle lit chocolate molten lava cake dessert for my mom, 4 sister, niece Ryelle and my sweet hearts Dan & Benji.

LOVE YOU!

Puppy Love-Nelly- We Love you!

(Benji took about 5 photos of Nelly on V-day)

Did I mention my latest project. I finally got the black antic table I wanted...After many coats of paint, and lacquer. I love it!

Polar Express Pajama Day

2010-02-12T21:26:00.000-08:00

I was completly impressed by his little trian it was so precisly assembled With out any smears of frostine. It was exactly like the example. I should have taken a pic of the table of trains & frostine coverd table so you could see the frostine globs and you would get what I ment.

Craft time, making Christmas ornaments to take home and put on our tree. Benji is sitting next to his good budy Jaxton.

(This is another Back post to 2009)

I was so glad I could come to Polar Express Pajama Day in Benji's class. It was so much fun to see the kids all excited to come in their P'J's !!! And to see their favorite ones. What made it even more special, was the night before, my mom came to help me finish sewing the buttons on Benji's new snowman PJ's. If you look at his letter to Santa he asked for some very specific things. One was snowman pajamas with 5 buttons! Having never taken such an undertaking in sewing before I found myself a little behind the night before polar express PJ day at school... I called my mom up for help. She was happy to come(THANKS MOM!) and together we finished (at 2 in the morning!) his adorable little snowman PJ's with 5 buttons! I also made matching PJ bottoms for Dan and Myself. I have a picture of Dan's I'll show you in a bit. Nelly's went to the unfinnished pile the pattern all cutt out.

Did I ever tell you how great a family I have?

2010-01-27T20:38:00.000-08:00

Nanna Snugs-Grandparents Day in Kindergarten

Grandparents hug...All grandkids together!

Surprise Cortnie Happy Birthday!

Best friend cousins Ryelle and Benji

Fishing with Poppy

Hiking with the fam

Zion National Park Angels Landing Angela, Charitie Dan & Benji What an incredible hike!

Home made apple sauce for my homemade bread, with apples hand picked with Nanna & my sisters for family night!

Lots of pool time! i think this pic is hilarious!

Out door games with Dad and Benji

Going to Relief Society Conference in the Conference Center with my Sisters Cortnie & Chelsie and good friend Kristen.

Alpine Slides with the fam Benji is hitching a ride up.

Mini golf with the fam...Aunt Brisa, Uncle Robbie, Angela, Poppy, Dan and Benji,

Come on join us for some snuggle time and movie watching!

Benji's "hockey mini golf"

Poppa Lucki and Benji at discovery land.

100 and counting Family reunion!

Rock climbing with any one who wanted to try...cousins, aunts, grandparents and all!

Family out door games

Easter Celebrations
at our Utah cousins home.

Birthday party for cousin Ryelle at our house. I enjoy making birthday cakes Ryelle had a go fish party this year. She had her own mini cake too.

Dinner time with Angela's family.Thanksgiving

Hanging with my Bro's families. Game time.

Celebrating Grammy and Poppy's home coming from their mission presidency in Peru!

One big happy family in the back yard of Dans parents house.

It came to my attention that I have fallen behind on my blogging. I have been trying to catch up with some of the fun stuff we did in 2009.I have been slipping in back posts here and there...But... we had so many good times its taking a long time! I wanted to share some of the best family times we shared here as I continue to slip in the full updates as I go. So this post is a teaser of some of the great times we have had with our family in 2009.

Welcome to Family Home Evening

2010-01-25T20:58:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Family Home Evening Yeahhhhh!

As a family we have loved a tradition for Monday night Family Home Evening. When we are gathered and sitting down together we shout out "Welcome to Family Home Evening" and after we shout together "YEAHHHHH !!!! We wave our hands up in the air ... aka Jazz Hands.

This has been our family night tradition for nearly 8 years. Benji wanted to put his own spin on it. Last week on hearing Dad was going on a business trip he wanted to do something special. So he made noise makers (out of recycling on his own) for each of us and as we were shouting Yeahhhhhhhhh!!!! On his direction we shook our noise makers with vigor..

Muddy Mud Pit & Mr Crabby Patty

2010-01-14T21:28:00.000-08:00

Last October....The family went for a nice walk...When the boys left the trail and wondered down to the receding river, mom was not in exploring shoes so I left the boys to trail blaze on their own. This is what I welcomed back home...They were covered head to toe in mucky river mud and Benji discovered a new friend. Mr. Crabby Patty the Crawdad he just had to bring home!
(Note Yes I know Benjis pants are down, the mud was cold and he was anxious to get in the bath.)

After the big clean up (hosing out all the clothes before they hit the washing machine) and a complete scientific examination of the crawdad (yes Benji is a science enthusiast & we learned more then we needed to know about crayfish) we all got in the car and drove back to the river to send Mr. Crabby Patty home and set him FREE...

Rocking Chair

2010-01-11T22:25:00.000-08:00

I started reading a book to the kids during our babysitting swap...and the next thing I knew I could no longer hold the book to turn the pages. All 3 kids piled on my lap with their snugly friend of choice. It was great. This is definitely one of my most favorite things as a mom. I love to sit in a rocking chair with a little one to snuggle up too, and read songs or sing or just talk. I just never had 3 great kids+ their friends at the same time! What a blessing. Thank you Ryelle, Benji and Anna You made my day!

Christmas Wishes

2009-12-08T20:51:00.000-08:00

Benji could see some one so interesting through the crowds

We got together with some good friends and saw Santa come to town!!!

Benji had already wrote Santa a letter and hooked it to his stocking so Santa could see it when he came...So he was able to let Santa know what he wished for.

He gave many ideas to Santa because Santa would know which ones would be the best gift for him.

The magic of Christmas...

Autumn Gratitude

2009-11-27T20:54:00.000-08:00

Benji and Ryelle take ring side seats & hand out pointers on carving the Bird

The anticipation...

Silly Sisterly Love.... It has been so fun to have Nanna and my 3 of my sisters move closer to us this fall. Here Charitie, Cortnie and Chelsie get goofy together before dinner. We hosted Thanksgiving for the 5th time in our marriage. It definitely gets easier the more you host. Thanks Familiy I love you all!

Families Supporting Adoption

2009-11-26T13:15:00.000-08:00

Another great family supporting Adoption activity we went to in November was a free day at Boondocks. There were posters of waiting children through Utah Foster Care along the walls of the party room. We had free chili, milk or juice and donuts balloons, tokens for the games and free rides. The kids had a blast. It was fun to see how many families were gathered together who have been blessed in some way by adoption. Benji brought his friend A.J. and collected lots of tickets for their free prize at the end. What a blast. This is definitely one of Benjis favorite family activities. We went last year for his birthday and a few times after but never for free. Thanks Boondocks and Wendy's Daves Foundation For Adoption Props to you!

Family Supporting Adoption Walk

2009-11-15T22:04:00.000-08:00

November is National Adoption month. To celebrate and bring awareness as a family we spent the Saturday at a Walk for Families Supporting Adoption. We met up with some friends and my 16 year old Sister Charitie & had a good time.

Adoptive families walked with signs stating who they were walking for a birth mom or child. Birthmothers & supporters were there too with signs as we walked around the park. After the walk the kids really enjoyed running after the orange candy shot out of a candy cannon. Then there was a drawing and we actually won two free meals to Cafe Rio one of our fave Utah Restaurants. It's so good!! Dans Favorite is the sweet pork salad smothered burrito or salad, mine is the veggie salad with black beans & house dressing.

Cannon Shooting Candy for the kids.

After the walk we were happy to find the leaves piled up so high we were able to indulge in one of our Fall family traditions of playing in the leaves together.

Benji was very excited to disappear in the leaves.

The feud begins...Game on Dad!

Benji -No leaves in my eyes!

Dan & Benji Decide to sneak up & get mom...

I love the Autumn leaves!

Twister

2009-11-14T13:55:00.000-08:00

As a family we love to play games one new game played in our home this year was

Twister. Its pretty funny to watch Benji to try and reach the colored dots. We played it for family night one Monday per Benjamin's request.

Happy Birthday To Us!

2009-11-04T22:00:00.000-08:00

Dans hot dancing moves!

I found cousin Ryelle a giant Winni the Pooh Bear..She is a huge fan and was instantly taken with him.

Having the Same Birthday in a marriage proposes interesting situations.

Who's Day is it really...

Who does the dishes?

Who cleans the house?

Who chooses what we do to celebrate?

Who arranges the celebrations?

Who make the cake?

My favorite advantage is there is only one cake and one set of candles so I am only as old as Dan.

As to the answer I will let you decide. I can tell you this year a good friend Karen brought us the giant cupcake for our birthday. Because last year she caught me making a double layer homemade German Chocolate cake on my birthday... And she said that should not happen again! Thanks Karen!

Trick or Treat 3 bags full!

2009-11-01T19:48:00.000-08:00

Trick or Treat, Trick or Treat 3 Bags Full!!

Creeping and rolling on the grass like a real spider!

Aunt Deva Chelsie and Cousin Kitty Ryelle

The Trick or treaters

We had a fun filled Halloween!

Friday I took Benji to school all dressed up and stopped over to check out the kindergarten class before the School Halloween parade. I was hopping I could sneak in to help with the class or just be a part of it. His teacher is so nice she let me tag along and help out with the parade. The little kindergartners were easily turned around when they were parading through the classrooms so I stood at the doors and helped guide the wondering costumed cuties.

Cookie Decorating

The Sweetest Kindergarten Teacher Cat in the Hat & Spooky Spider

Then Benji played Halloween Bingo, decorated pumpkin cookie, and a played pictionary games. We packed ourselves in the car and headed off to Dads Halloween Office Trick or Treat party.

Here there was a major hold up as the office guys told him to take as many and what ever he liked...the choices the choices...

Note Benji is well aware that Mom and Dad are terrified of spiders-Dad more then mom-So when he saw this costumes he was thrilled to be the one thing he knew both of us had a phobia of. He would not be talked out of it-though Dad tried his best!

The Fam

Unfortunately Dad was detained on our arrival with a good thing –getting closer to closing a deal- So I blindly lead Benji around the office decorated mazes a Halloween fun. Here he timidly gathered his 1^st bag of candy. We met up with Dad snuck a photo and raced to the ward Trunk or Treat. Here we froze for 1 hour with friends outside while Benji got his 2^nd bag of candy.

The Freeze yourself out Trunk or Treat. Nana the tiger, Aunt Mahkalie the beautiful, Charitie the Cutest nerd, Kristen the Devil, Me the witch, Aunt Chelsie with Kitty Ryelle, Dracula AJ, Spooky Spider Benji, and Pumpkin Nelly(yes we dressed our dog). note she loved it no complaints! Really!

The next day Halloween we recouped (Mom was under the weather with a sinus and ear infection for the last 2 days) Then buoyed up, costumed up and hit the neighborhood (with great friends neighbors) about 5:30 pm 3^rd bag of candy. Benji was so excited by now there were no timid. No he was running up the house steps and rolling down the lawn to the next house. (Pictures at the top of the blog.)He was really acting out the “roll” of a spider and spent much of the time creeping and rolling on the grass. Then we headed on up to the cousins for the annual chili Halloween gathering. Phweey I am exhausted and Benji is still bouncing off the walls.

Where Did Autum Go?

2009-10-28T20:50:00.001-07:00

Monday we carved our pumpkins for Halloween and Tuesday we had the neigbhoor kids over for sledding and snowmen. What happend to Autum?

What I love about this is how excited the kids were to start their snowman. They actualy started rolling the base 3 houses down on our way home from school. Note they all three still have their back packs on!

The good thing is I got to break out the cocoa machine. I LOVE HOT CHOCHOLETE!!!

A master in the making

2009-10-27T21:25:00.000-07:00

We let Benji have the knife this year! He was one determined designer. He was very secretive and serious about his design too. We were not allowed to see it until he was finished. No exceptions. Well done Benji you created one scary pumpkin! Note we went to 3 stores to try to pick up some more pumpkins with no luck. So I was very glad we had bought these 2 earlier at the pumpkin patch. This has been the least amount of pumpkins ever carved by our family.

I snuck a few pics of the action.

Pumpkin Land Field Trip

2009-10-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

I was so excited to be able to attend my first kindergarten field trip as a parent! We went to Pumpkin Land. The kids sang a song about farmer Grant (so stinking cute), we road on a school bus -a first for Benji- (memory lane for me) and went through a corn maze, (check that off Benji's fall must do list) played at pumpkin play land giant pumpkin slide, a spooky house, and the each got to choose their own pumpkin to take home. And YES benji was the absolute last to choose his pumpkin worthy to set out on our porch. That boy has always loved pumpkins he is so funny. He took so long finding the perfect pumpkin, and so we were the last on the bus for the ride home.

I had a great group they are such cute boys!

Still looking....

Mom I Want to learn!

2009-08-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

When I asked Benji if he wanted to go to kindergarten and why...He said; "I want to go because Mom, I want to LEARN!!!! "

We had been considering waiting until he was 6 like mom and dad were when we went. He is just a little guy so an extra year could help in so many ways.

But now he wakes up and cant wait to go. He has afternoon kindergarten so all morning I hear, "when is it time to go? can I go now?" Who would have thought!

Look at this picture it says it all!!!

And yes the backpack is huge! He was sure this was the one. It has a water bottle spot ( because its hot see below)and a strapping clip across the chest so the straps wont fall of his shoulders which was a problem with all the others...So this one had to be it even if it comes to his knees!

The report on the way back went like this... "Its hot!!! We took this picture (I think it was with the whole school?) and it was hot Hot HOT! " ( it was in the 90'ds & his hair was still damp). Well how was school? "Good, I ate 5 gummy bears! "

Latter he gave a great report on his first day on video Below...School was -----I want to go again Now!!!

I love my little guy!!!

I cant wait for more reports...Fridays was,...."School took a long time! IT was Fun and Great. "

What did you do today? "I don't know, I remember some of it, we um, we uh...I dont remeber... Umm....We read the Kissing Hand!"

Really? ( we just read it last night together and I highly recommend it to you, we had some great snuggles though out the book) The Kissing Hand by Audra Penn.

Benjamins Report on the first day

2009-08-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

Benjis report on Kindergarten... I couldn't have asked for anything better!

Catching up on our summer fun-June

2009-08-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

Daddy and Benji at the petting farm

Cousin Ryelle's First wadding pool experience- she grew to love it but this picture was too precious!

Benji had some creative ways to keep cool in the 100 degree weather. He built this "shelter from the sun" all on his own. I promise we plan on planting some trees for shade soon!
Benji made some great strides in his second year of swim lessons. He was thrilled to go down the "big water slide" for the first time as a finally to swim lessons. When he came down he screamed "that was totally awesome" over and over and, "I want to do it again!!!" I was so surprised was this my timid boy?

Ryelle was a real trooper waiting for Benji at his swim lessons every day for 2 weeks. Isn't she a cutie!!!

After lessons we practiced in our neighborhood pool and he shocked Daddy with being able to jump in, swim above & under water all on his own. We now have a regular fish for a son. He could stay in the pool all day. The longest span has been 4 solid hours of swimming with out floaties. I remember last year at lessons the coach had to practically pry his arms off my legs to get in the pool now we have to drag him from the water he loves it so much.

The finally water slide!

Side walk chalk art.

Ryelle & I love to snuggle together! I

Trifles

2009-06-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

Black Forest Trifle-Pampered Chef

Lime -Berry Mousse Trifle Pampered Chef

I have been dabbling in some new favorites.

Last night I hosted our book group at my house and made the Trifle in the top picture. It was the fourth time I attempted a Pampered Chef Trifle recipe and still the very first recipe I tried is my favorite .

For Mothers day week I volunteered to make desserts for a Birth-Mother appreciation dinner for our local Families Supporting Adoption. I made a similar Brownie Trifles without the cherries and the Lime-Berry Mousse Trifle.

Those of you who know me, know I pretty much don't go a day with out some kind of chocolate. I am a chocolate lover. I admit it. Maybe even an chocoholic. So when I choose a fruit dessert over chocolate it is saying a lot. This Lime-Berry Mousse Trifle is delicious! Both my hubby and I place it above the other 2 brownie trifle recipes I have made. Its pretty and supper tasty. Don't get me wrong the Brownie Trifles are good and well devoured when served but still the Lime -Berry Mousse is so refreshing and unique it takes the cake. I want some now...

Yummy!

For those of you who signed up for the pay it forward post on home made gift from me, I am really wishing I could make this for you but I some how doubt it would keep in the mail.

Who doesn't love Babies

2009-06-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

We had a nice but too short visit from aunt Cole and baby Owen a few weeks ago while on their way to Texas. Benji was anxious to "hold" him and got to feel how soft his hair is. It was really sweet.

Benji was upset about how far aunt Cole and uncle Will were moving but calmed down when I told him he would see them at family Reunion next month.

2009-05-31T21:34:00.000-07:00

Make a Smilebox invite

Use your super powers to make a birthday blast

2009-05-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

We played "dont get caught with the kryptonite"

nine of the 11 super heros displaying their super powers and capes

Of course we cant have a party with out the pinata

The super hero family

Graduation and the big 5

2009-05-24T17:08:00.000-07:00

Benji's big preschool graduation

Dans Dance Party

2009-05-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

Just one of our regular activities

What day is it?

2009-05-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

We had a happy Easter-Hope you did too

2009-04-28T20:39:00.000-07:00

Once there was a Snow Man...In April!!!

2009-04-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

Once there was a Snow Man, a snow man, a snow man....Tall Tall Tall!!!

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul, With a corncob pipe and a button nose And two eyes made out of coal....

Can you believe we had a beautiful snow man the first Saturday in April?

Well, WELCOME SPRING!!! Well even though I want to be out planting my pansies with Benji like we usually have by now, I was pleasantly surprised to find fine "snowman snow" (the pack-able kind) falling outside our windows early this morning! We have missed our snowman chances all winter. Benji and I were very bugged. Weather it was that dry powder snow or we were on the go the few times we had the nice "snowman snow" we had missed our chances this winter. Benji was so excited to see so much snow and ecstatic when I told him we had "snowman snow". Dad was a little less enthusiastic at first as it meant Benji was bouncing all over him while Dad was trying to get his "Saturday sleep in time". Well we made it out to construct the most beautiful snowman on the block just in the nick of time because only 2 hours had past after our snowman's birthday when there was no more snow on the block at all (except for our Frosty himself) and his head fell off...

Well in conmemoration of our Frosty (yes we were all singin that song all day) we had hot coco and cinaman rolls and a fire going as we watched General Confrence Saturday Session...

Sweet family memories!

Watch for our March Madness More posts to come!

Pay It Forward!!!

2009-03-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

Such a cute 'swap' idea without all of the hassle of an actual swap -from my friend Ciria.
So, here's how it works: the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, at some point during the year a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well. Before you leave your comment, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going (or copy and paste like I did). Then come back, let me know you're going to play and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift! Come and play!!

PS...Ok you know Im not that crafty but I will think of something good, I think it will be fun.

Febuary flys by.

2009-03-02T11:48:00.000-08:00

Well it's time for my review of the month past. I can hardly believe February has gone already. Although I had only previously posted 2 blogs for February we did do a lot more fun stuff then mentioned so here I go on the run down...

Back in November Benjamin attended a good friends Birthday party.The kids planted peas as the activity and as party favors they were able to take them home and watch their plants grow.

It was a fun thing to do during winter and to his great surprise a few days before Valentines day we discovered 2 pea pods has persevered thought the winter on my kitchen window for Benjis eating pleasure!

Ryelle became a basket case…She loves to walk around inside Benjamin’s Laundry basket it’s the silliest thing to watch. She has been known to spend a whole hour in there. Its actually quite a wonderful discovery because she can entertain herself so long I can get a few things done while she is in there being silly!

Lessons were taught in sword wielding…

Benji started Gymnastics classes at the local community center. There are so many activities offered here I am really excited. I was just disappointed that I didn’t know about them sooner!

We made way too many valentines sugar cookies and Benji got shot by Cupids arrow.

Someone had a fun time experimenting with long hair styles & bubbles. (not me)

We were proud to watch Benjamin write his name out on all 20 of his Valentines cards for the first time.

I was happy to be a volunteer at Benji’s pre-school Valentines party and again gained a greater appreciation for his sweet teacher Mrs. Gray! She can pull off quiet and amazing party for a lot of little children.

We had the pleasure of seeing some of the fam before uncle Jerry and Aunt Tanya's headed in to the MTC…We will miss you guys for the next while but we love you and are grateful for your example of service!

Benji got a hair cut short to be like Dad- shortly after we discover that we still prefer the longer hair on our little guy because we like him looking like a little boy for as long as he can. We feel like he gains a couple of years & his tender round little face seems to slip away with the shorter hair.

Benji and Ryelle met up with Elmo,& Ryelle fell in love with him! She kept hugging & snuggling with Elmo and she cried when we had to finally leave him.

As for me I discovered a new fabulous recipe or two...This one is called Apricot-Ginger Chicken

And was quite the crowd pleaser. I enjoy cooking especially when I find a fun tasty recipe so I thought I would share it with you...
http://www.abc4.com/content/about_4/gtu/recipes/story/Budgeteria-Apricot-Ginger-Chicken/hYNpp5Aus0qzqNVhMpgTdg.cspx

Thanks for tuning in for my monthly review!!! And we hope yours was as nice as ours!

Benji's Big Boy Bike

2009-02-23T19:04:00.000-08:00

We went out for a walk on a pleasant winter Saturday afternoon....Benjamin took his Christmas present out for his first spin. He is so pleased with himself. The weather has been so nice we have been able to go 3 times this week. He hopes to go every day. I am so looking forward to spring!

FHE: Iron Rod Lesson

2009-02-02T20:18:00.000-08:00

For family night we taught Benji a few of the symbols in Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life. We used yarn for the Iron Rod and strung it all around the house. With a blind fold Benji learned that to get to the Tree of Life he had to hold to the rod at all times. He loved it so much he did it 3 times.

The blanket served as a Mist of Darkness...he really liked that part.

The sweet rewards of holding to the Iron Rod!

We cut up the precious fruit and all partook together as a family. Definitely one of the more favorite family nights to remember!

We made the transition

2009-01-26T00:46:00.000-08:00

We did it. 12:30 am Monday moring & We completed the new adoption site...there are still a few bugs but they say it will be cleaned up soon. It is scheduled to go live Tuesday the 27th. Of those who have also made the switch...We are one of 299 couples waiting in Utah and 544 in the US. Bless those Birth Parents willing to search through all of us!!!

Our link is not up yet I will set it up when they have worked the bugs out...

Like Pinocchio

2008-12-24T21:05:00.000-08:00

I love what he brings home from Pre-school!

in the House cont. This is for you Poppy

2008-12-09T18:47:00.000-08:00

Will and baby Ryan. Mal and Ryelle.
I thought it was so cute that baby Ryan reach out to pet the llama ish guy, ( I dont remember what this guy was called but it seemed to be in the llama family)

Casey and Amanda's Baby Bennett kicking it in the jeep.

This was a massive accomplishment to have Benjamin ride the horse...as much as he loves animals he is an extremely cautious boy. We have enjoyed Farm Country many times over the last 2 years and he would talk about ridding the horses in excited anticipation, and we would wait in line, and we would watch his friends ride with out him...and then at the last moment he would freak out and opt for the carriage or tractor ride instead. One time we went I held him while he screamed and cried while the horse-or pony really-circle only 2x's before I had to take him off. Out of the numerous times we have attended farm country this is the first ever he has happily rode the pony.---Yes with Dan walking along side him. Maya was the real cow girl living her dream she would even hop off the pony like a pro. Porter was also just as talented. After watching the kids with the animals Amanda-Maya and Porters mom said, I think we would do well to live on a farm.

Maya The horse whisper.

Benji the Cow whisper
These calves and Benji became pals. He stayed to pet and feed them for quite a while, and when we finally pulled him away the 2 calves m00ed at him 3 times to come back. It was so cute.

Porter milking the cow...Every one had a turn to milk the cow, every one participated except Benji and I... OK so maybe he gets it from me but...I have had the opportunity milking the goats my mom kept growing up and I didnt ever really enjoy that. Just something about the whole procedure...Milk is great in ice cream and hot chocolate but I dont need to...go there with my hands.

So this is what we are eating tomorrow?

One of the many wonders a Grandmother can perform...She sent all the adult kids out for a date night, Will and Nicole, Casey and Amanda, Robbie and Brisa, Mal and Chelsie, Dan and I, While she entertained the kids with decorating a ginger bread house. When we came home the house was spotless, ginger bread house on display-how did she convince them not to eat it?-Porter, Maia, Benjamin, were sleeping under a fort in the living room ( i love how they all have their heads together in the center of the fort) and 2 out of the 3 babies Ryelle, Bennett, Ryan were sleeping in their cribs...Grammy was also asleep.

in the House

2008-12-08T20:47:00.000-08:00

A Big thanks out there to Robbie and Brisa. They had their wedding the weekend after thanksgiving... So we had as many relatives as possible in our house for Thanksgiving week. Even Jeff aka President was able to join us via the web cam for some of the celebrations. How were we able to contain so much fun in a little over a week we'll never really know.

Benji brought his cousins Porter and Maya (seated to the right of him) to his preschool thanksgiving party. Can you believe she had so many kids there!!! I think she said there were 34 kids.
When his teacher pulled out the whipped cream can to top off their pumpkin pie she demonstrated her fav thing to do with canned whipped cream by decorating once childs face with a Santa's beard...She then proceeded to decorate each childs face (who desired) with whipped cream as Santa's beard. It was a huge hit.

Benji had the time of his life playing with his cousins and being loved by his grandma aunts and uncles.

Grand kids pile up on Grammy for bed time stories. How many Mission presidents get the week off to spend with family... its too bad they only let one half of the presidency off though we missed Poppy Jeff .

Maya was born one day ofter Benji...They haven't seen each other for 2 1/2 years but they hit it off like they were sewn at the hip.

Benji was in bedtime heaven, it was one constant sleep over. And it was also heaven for mom and Dad too!!!

More blogs of our Thanksgiving week's activities to follow.

Sweet Boys

2008-11-21T16:49:00.000-08:00

Did I mention that my sweet hubby and son made dinner for me. A Venezuelans tradition, arerpas- Dans style. Ie real cheddar cheese, ranch, cilantro, garden fresh tomatoes and other veggies on hand. Oh and don't forget the BBQ chicken! So Yummy Thanks Boys!

Park Halloween Party

2008-11-10T14:16:00.001-08:00

Not too often are you able to rewarded with gorgeous Autumn weather for Halloween but we were this year. I called a few friends and they called a few friends and walla we had a Halloween Park Party. I was so glad to get the kids & my mom friends together from our old neighborhood and enjoy each others company & costumes. The leaves were beautiful, although we couldn't get the kids to slow down long enough for a good picture in the leaves. It was play, play, play...they were not even that interested in all the yummy Halloween treats. That is when you can really tell the kids are having a blast together, when play is more enticing then sugar.

This was a cool shot because it showed the sun shinning off of Bens costume... Night in Shinning Armor

I love this shot because it shows the pure joy in action as the kids raced around the slide.

Fairy Ryelle in the autumn leaves.

Sammy & Benji were checking out there matching gold belts.

Autumn activities

2008-11-10T10:50:00.000-08:00

These were really fun, cute and easy treats we made for the Halloween park party we had with friends from our old neighborhood. Nutter Butter cookies dipped in white chocolate or almond bark, with chocolate chip eyes, we used Minni chips-not pictured here.

Sir Benjamin

2008-11-05T19:52:00.000-08:00

2 weeks before Halloween, I decided I needed a project. Previously Benji had thought he would like to be a dragon...again. He has been an alligator & or dragon the last 2 years. Hoping to explore our options a bit more we browsed the pattern catalog at the fabric store. He landed a step up from dragon to dragon Slayer. So Sir Benjamin was knighted for Halloween. and he promptly declared I would be his Princess and Dad another Knight, & Ryelle the princess fairy. Note last year, I was a princes and Dan was a knight, while Benji & Nelly were dragons. Apparently this really left an impression on Benji and he was eager to recreate the memory.The picture below shows Benji stunned to see Dad in his work costume. Benji was so shaken he refused to let Dan come near him for a good 10 minutes. His office has themed costumes and Dans team was the only scary section of the whole office, the mad doctors. It was slightly traumatic.

The night before Halloween Benji woke us with the horrid barking seal cough. Dang it!!! I thought why do kids get sick right before a major celebration. I still remember when I was 5 years old and caught the flue the night before Halloween. What a serious bummer to not be able to go out in your costume on Halloween night!!! And we had just spent the previous day with a lot of friends from our old neighborhood...I was dreading we had unknowingly passed it on while together at the park party...Sorry Guys...

So at 2 am checked on line & read all the info I could on croup. The good thing was cold air actually aids in clearing the airways of the croup attacks. So trick or treating was in. Dan was insistent Benji would be at his work party and Benji was too for that matter. His Pre-school party was out also that day, but I was able to pick up a bag full of tricks-prizes his teacher so nicely put together for him. I was determined to let him participate in what ever would be possible so as long as he didnt have a fever and felt ok we went for it. Is that terrible? I think I was trying to make up for that one time I missed Trick or Treating. But I am always nervous of sharing illness so when it came time for the dinner party at the cousins we had to stay home because he had another Fever and was seriously tired out from Dads work party/trick or treating and the 3 blocks trick or treating in our neighborhood. We were bummed to miss out on the family gathering-next time, but all in all it was a fun filled Halloween Day.

Some times you just have to laugh

2008-10-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

Dang it...Benji has a melt down prior to every primary... but this was the best so far...so when your sweet child throws a crying fit in the chapel at church while practicing for the childrens primary program...the best bet would not be to kneel next to him and reason...for other parents are walking the isles preping and might not notice you kneeling on the floor.

Yep the poor guy did not see me and tumbled over me painfuly in slow motion and apparently tore my new skirt. The best part is I didnt notice the rips until after walking though the halls and thinking, hmm I do like this skirt Im glad I bought it...Sometimes you just have to laugh

More Summer Memories

2008-10-04T21:38:00.000-07:00

Who's this cutie you ask...This little bright eyes is one of the latest additions to our family...My sister Chelsie and her baby Ryelle moved in with us the Aug 19th. We are thrilled to have some of my family here in Utah. Yes WE even Dan, he is the one who suggested Chelsie come live with us. And we have had many fun times together sense.

SO this is Benjis favorite chair...the first two weeks here Ryelle was really interested in it and would come up to Benji while he was sitting in it and make her way in it, Benji would just sort of get out of her way...Very polite like...Chelsie & Dan would affectionaly call her a bully. (not the best choise of words in hind site and we have sence stopped saying that) Then he fought back and we are trying to teach him to share and how babies really dont understand sharing. Its been fun to say the least for 2 first born kids to come together and struggle to share.
As you can tell they really do love eachother and do share well at times too!! We spent as much time as we could in the pool. Both Benji and Ryelle are little water babies-well I guess benji is a water big boy and Ryelle is the water baby. He would swim pulling her in the water behind him. Great times.

We went on a carriage ride at farm country together and visited all the animals.
We tried to get Benji to ride the pony-he said he wanted to but the ride ended early in tears.Received a package from Grammie and Poppy a small Peruvian bag perfect for holding chalk for his chalk board. And as always the candy nestled inside was a huge hit.

Im usually surprised when I upload our pics to find that Benji stole the camera a few times, actually every chance he gets he takes pictures...some of them are not that bad, heres one of his favorite subject, his best friend Nelly. Recently he discovered the zoom feature.

Two first born only child's lives collid- Benji is learning the wonders of having a sibling-sort of

They have some great moments together. Here they are playing the classic laundry

basket-boats. I love this memory, pirates, row row your boat or watch out for the crocodiles (mommy), the options are endless and the giggles are many.

We had a great day at the Dino museum. Our friends from our old neighborhood came up for 2 dollar Tuesday at to play at the park. What a blast. So nice to see our great friends, above Elizabeth and kari playing with Benji in the Dinosaur museum below Benji lines up all the Dino's and Ryelle soon makes a king Kong swipe (Im sure her attempt to play with Her friend) and knocks them all down greatly upsetting the Dino master Benji.
Ryelle loves other children and latches on to Baby Mathew my good friend Diana's second baby, Sammy's brother.

Amazingly huge!

Benji and Sammy pairing off discovering together. Zoi and Benji posing under the monstrous Dinosaur Skeleton.

After the Great Thanksgiving Point Adventure all the friends met over at our house for a BBQ. Even the Spouses came. It was so nice to have so many of our friends up to visit in our new home. I was really frustrated with this move because we had made such nice friends and we really had a good group to get the kids together with. I was worried the move would be to great a distance, as it had been with some other recent great friends moving. Sarah, Omel,Ethen, Asher, Oliver and Jessica,Laurence, Neal and Paul. This had been very hard on Benji and Me and note those great friends who moved were also about his only friends that were boys. That brings me to the object of the childrens play by the end of the night they each collected some toy of Benjis and morphed them into hair styling products.

But hey

if Dans Manly enough to have his hair and nails done by cute little girls then Benjamin is too.

Dan and I got out for a night of laughs with brian regan at the outdoor theater.

Benji became better friends with my mission comps son Benji. Yep same name two cute little guys.
Story time with Daddy Dan aka uncle Dan.

Two supper heros. Two good friends. Sammy and Benji
The Best Daddy Ever!!! I love my two boys.

Word from Benji's big day

2008-09-08T22:39:00.000-07:00

I didnt take the time to edit so you get reality here, enjoy!

Schools In

2008-09-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

Proudly showing off his orientation projects from his pre-school orientation
The 1st day of Pre-school is here.
He goes 3 days a week for 2 hours. I was able to coax him into this whole pre-school idea with the promise of many project and activities to follow. I hoped the teacher also had this in mind because this is what really gets his attention. Today on the 3rd day of pre-school the first thing he said to me as I welcomed him to the car is, in a disappointed tone, "no project today, nothing to show you, no activities..."Oh really, I ask ,what did you do? "Sang songs, played games and stuff...oh and I got a sticker for this..." He showed me his paper of tracing the dotted lines. Cant blame him I always loved the art projects the best too.

The pictures below are from his first day.

Oh the day has come when I must say good by to my boy...I love his smile such a big little guy.

This is such a great picture, I wish I would have taken the shot bebore I asked them to smile. You should have seen thier little worried faces in this fisrt day of pre-school too cute! As you can see some little ones did not comply to my request to smile. Adorable I wish I could see what they were thinking like the little bubles in cartoons.

How I spent the weeks, no years dreading this first parting from my boy...It came with such a momentous dread. I think I can blame some of this on the fact that he is my only one. I was afraid not only of how he would deal with the separation but how I would handle it.
As you can see he did wonderful.

I also did great, on the fisrt day... Dan traveld with me and said on the way back from dropping Benji off. “Wow. I really thought this was going to be a serious deal for you, your not upset at all.” Nope I let all that out at orientation in the pre-school bathroom. Remember?

HA HA HA
I can look back now and laugh at the few moments I lost from the orientation day instructions because I had to hide my bawling face in the bathroom. Yes I really did. I was probably the first one and maybe only one to cry her eyes out at pre-school orientation!! But here is that catch I have a good excuse. You pretty much know when your on hormones (as I was for fertility treatment stuff) that you will be having some sort of moment. The stuff I was on was like menopause complete with hot flashes and all. I am so glad to have hidden that little break down so well. I don’t think any one saw it-or maybe I am fooling myself. Although it was quite ridiculous to have uncontrollable tears rolling down my cheeks –it was like Niagara Falls. I seriously thought I wouldn’t be able to collect Benji and leave. As it was all other parents and children where gone by the time I got it under control. I chuckle at the experience what a silly memory, one for the books.

The Aquarium

2008-09-04T19:37:00.000-07:00

While living in the rental we bought a pass to the Aquarium. Benji quickly fell in love with the sea life. He even touched the sting ray and all the creatures in the touch tank.

No Really. While we were in the ocean they stung my daddy all over, and you'll never believe what they did to stop the stinging!!!

Benji told his friend all about our experience with Jelly Fish in Peru last Christmas.

Benjis big hit

2008-09-01T23:50:00.000-07:00

We only made it to 2 1/2 practices of Baseball smart start, because they fell on the same time as our big move to the rental, but we really did have a fun time.

Summer Memories

2008-09-01T22:18:00.000-07:00

Looking back…
September is here & summer is passing...We have enjoyed a busy summer for 2008. Some memories have been captured on the blog and others have not… The building of a new beautiful home, baseball lessons, Lots of MOVING, leaving our home & friends of 3 years, meeting new wards of great people, traveling 1 hour on the free way sometimes daily for swim lessons and tumbling time- to keep in touch with great friends, disappointing fertility treatments, anxious adoption papers-and web profiles, our trip to Washington to visit family, Dans brother trip to the Darby Caves, lots of eating out at restaurants as we lived in a rental home for 2 months, & subsequent exercise programs to lose the weight gained from all the change and yummy restaurants...Im sure I am forgetting something…But I wanted to post some pictures of our favorite memories of our summer. Starting with our Washington Family Trip over the 4th of July.

We have such a nice time visiting family we are always grateful for the time we have to share together and sad to say so long. I feel bad for Benji who usually cries the first hour of the return trip- he takes after his mother. He is to heart sick to say goodbye. He has had so much fun, playing with immediate friends aka cousins, back seat buddies, making pretend campfires in Nanna's front yard and roasting marshmallows, visiting Papa Lucki's tractors and cool old cars, freezing lake swimming and just too much fun. Its like coming off a sugar high when we have spent so much time having fun with family and then back to just Mom and Dad. Poor little guy.

Proud Momma

2008-08-13T09:40:00.001-07:00

I know its a mom thing...but this made my day!

We registered Benji for preschool last week so I set up our chalk board he got for his birthday and talked about letters. The next day I was so excited to see Benji write his name for the first time. Completely on his own... he asked me to spell his name, he wrote each letter as I said it. I thought it was so cute I took a picture, he didn’t quite finish but can you blame him it is a long name for a little guy.

About preschool I am more nervous then Benji I dont want to say goodbye to my only little guy.

WAHOO!!!

2008-08-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

Yeah they have finished construction on our new home and we moved in the end of July. WAHOO

We are getting settled and have been enjoying breaks in the community pool and using the walking trail along the river. Come join us!!!

The first few days in our new house we happily had visiters. Rob, Mal, Casey, Will Nicole and Baby Ryan all came for the brothers trip to Darby Canyon. After the big cave adventure we all got to visit the montians. We rode the ski lift up the mountain, played Frisbee golf, played in the stream and hiked down the mountain. Benji is an amazing hiker he never complained once!

Benji got to help his uncles Casey & Will put up our new mail box.. He loves any excuse to get out in the dirt and dig. Putting the sprinklers in with Dad has also given him plenty opportunity to get dirty.

We had a great time with all Dans Brothers and Sis. we miss you and cant wait for the next get together!!!

Newport OR

2008-07-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share some Pics my sister Michele sent me as an enticement to visit their home in Newport Oregon. Beautiful beaches! Although I believe the weather is an average 65 if your lucky if I remember correctly. I am more of a 75 degrees and above kind of gal. We visited last summer and had a great time but my camera was stolen on the flight home, I was devastated!

Swim lessons

2008-07-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

Progression of building June 2 - July 2

2008-07-10T08:52:00.001-07:00

The choice of rock we made and the master bathroom jetted tub are my two favorite things. Benji is positive the jetted tub will be his bathtub.

Dans favorite is the rock on the fireplace going completely up to the ceiling-which is not completed yet. And his plans for the entertainment room downstairs-to be completed in the future finished basement. Come winter the fireplace will be all our favorite thing, hard to think now with this hot weather.

New home on its way

2008-07-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

We have been with out internet again for a while...Having just got it back 2 days ago I thought I would throw a few pics up of the house before we went on the 4th Vacation. Dan and Benji did a little bit of electrical work on the house on May 26.

We turned it in.

2008-06-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

June 6th We turned it in. Yes!!!
We spent the next 2 weeks in the rental writing and rewriting our Dear Birth Parent letter, and family collage. These are the 2 tools the prospective birth moms will use to choose their adoptive families. I had thought the home study would be tough but that was really a bunch of hype that scared me. The case workers have been really nice.

We had 2 pages to try and write who our family is and hope that it would help a young woman to feel comfortable placing her child with us… The next challenge was to choose family photos showing the things we wrote about doing in our letter. Again we could fill 2 pages 1 sided. The toughest part of this was Dan unwittingly packed all our digital photos in storage; we only had access to January 2008 to current. So with the use of my 3 inch tripod and taking turns with the camera we got a few more pics to choose from. All in all we had a great time playing in the park while taking pictures.

My friend Ciria was awesome & came up all the way here to put together 2 really cute pages using Photoshop. Thank You!! THANK YOU!! I will use them in family albums but the case worker had some other direction she suggested to us to go. So Dan got really ambitious and bought the program and created a really interesting page…the house one I went with a bit more traditional look. I want to thank our family who were able to give us input on the letters and collages. I am grateful for the internet to help bring us closer which allowed me to get your ideas and even some pictures to help supplement.

Since then we have added some more changes from suggestions from our Caseworker to help refine our letter. I got the good news today that she will be bringing it and our file before the adoption committee on Wednesday June 25th. They will review us, all our information, and make any suggested refinements on our letter...then a week after that we may be finished!!! I long for those words...your approved. Make 20 copies of the letter collage and 5x7 family photos, and wait wait wait.

But we are not really done I also found out today that according to my case worker the agency mostly directs the birthmothers to the itsaboutlove.org web site to look at the online profiles so we need to work on making that. Still I am happy! I believe things will work out, and someday we will be blessed with a sweet baby in our family & Benji will be the big brother he is so anxious to be.

I guess we made an impression

2008-06-17T23:35:00.000-07:00

SO This and the last 3 posts were written a while ago but due to the adoption tasks I didnt have the time to attach the pics I wanted too.. our computer is so slow with that right now...so they are all a bit out dated oh well me & my inperfections...

May 30, 2008
So upon moving in we were to attempt to keep Nelly outside during the day and put their cat Mekah out at night, in order to do this we agreed with the owners to put up a temporary fence. Only 12 feet of fencing was needed to close off their yard. Only little did we know just how temporary it would be. The first day it was up Benji had some visitors from our old neighborhood and maybe in attempt to impress the 2 young ladies he tossed his baseball bat over the fence, & then he tore that temporary fence right down to retrieve it.

We have been trying to reason and teach Benji instead of getting angry and yelling about things so…Needless to say we had a discussion…Dad would have to take time away from his play time with our family in order to fix that fence again, and maybe buy more materials to fix it too which meant more time at work to earn that money to fix the fence…and again more time away from our family. Not exactly how that works but for our 4 year old who loves time to play with Dad it had a great effect…Three days latter I found Benji rummaging through the kitchen drawer then run out the back door. I found him there by the fence with a roll of scotch tape tangled up, 2 rubber bands and piles of tape on the grass. He was mending the fence so Daddy wouldn’t have to! We really do have a sweet mischievous little boy.

A few more mile markers passed on the Adoption Road

2008-06-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

We met the home study in the rental head on full flush with class…looking good but not quite perfect… but it wasn’t our home so we couldn’t do permanent changes. When I told a friend the story and my disappointments she said “all it means is that you are not a plastic mom, your real”.
Oh I know but really, I hardly ever burn dinner! Why dose smoke have to be coming out of the kitchen as the Case worker is coming in the door to check those smoke detectors and fire extinguishers? I mean it’s not a requirement to show her we know how to use them!!! JK we didnt use any fire extinguishers and the smoke wasnt that strong....
Oh well, on May 28 we finished the adoption home study positively. Dan didn’t get why I cried at the end; it was just such a long awaited goal finally realized and allowing me to move towards the end of this approval process.

Really now that a few weeks have passed I believe I will look back latter and laugh at the whole night. Not quite yet though.

Look mom no more boxes!!!

2008-06-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

After that week of craziness. I took Charitie to her first Salon and she had her hair done on Friday evening May 17th, the poor girl only got to strut her stuff in Lowes we were still packing in the tasks. She badly wanted to go to the mall with her new hair style. But on Saturday the girls left the boys to wrap up in Orem & went shopping. My Mom and sister left Sunday morning and Dan left Sunday night on a business trip. Great timing right?

I was on a mission to get our temp home in complete order so we could have our adoption home study finished as soon as possible. I felt so off track with the adoption process from the move. I give my thanks to Leigh for helping me pick out 2 book shelves & then completely assembling them by herself. I had places to sort the junk we brought with us & the home looked great. I am actualy proud of the orderly ness of the home, it is amazing how much easier it is to keep a house when you are down to only your escentials.

I took some pics of the house because it was such a big deal to me to have unpacked it all myself but decided not to post them because we are renting. You could convince me otherwise if you want to.