Beauty, Business, & Babble of the Bennetts

Summer Review: Starlight Spectacular

2011-08-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

Summer Review: Taylor Park Camping

2011-08-21T15:08:00.000-07:00

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"Picnik Show"

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Happy Daddy

2011-06-18T09:42:00.001-07:00

Tim became a dad for the first time January 31st, 2005 when Elise was born. This picture of Tim kissing Elise is one of my all time favorites. (My mom took the picture!) So when Corinna was born September 15th, 2009 making Tim a dad for a second time I had to stage a kissing picture. I love these pictures side by side revealing the moment Tim fell in love with his sweet precious daughters.

Tim is the wonderful dad. I am often in awe of his ability to parent with what seems to be ease. He is a natural teacher allowing the girls to listen, watch and participate in whatever the task at hand might be. His explanations are simple, to the point, and on their level. We jokingly say, "Tim's lot in life is to be surrounded by beautiful girls." He takes the girly-ness of our household in stride. He can play dolls, pretend, and yes the occasional dress up with the best of them. He is one incredible dad and I blessed to watch him love and parent our sweet girls!

Happy Father's Day Tim!

I like to move it, move it

2011-03-29T19:31:00.000-07:00

Corinna Sunglasses

2011-03-29T19:29:00.000-07:00

Corinna Walks Into Chair

2011-03-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

Pemanent Marker!!!!

2011-02-08T19:17:00.000-08:00

While on the telephone with Tim this afternoon Corinna walked up to me looking like this....

Corinna found a permanent marker. The really big and thick kind you would use to make a poster. She came to me with the marker in hand and my phone call with Tim ended with, "I have to go now, bye." Thankfully her canvas was her mouth and I am hopeful in time her tongue will not longer be black!

She's SIX!

2011-01-31T09:31:00.000-08:00

Oh my heart! Today I took a six year old to school. I am not sure how we got here so fast. When I was looking through pictures for the collage I kept thinking I remember that just like it happened a little bit ago instead of years ago.

Elise came into this world January 31, 2005 at 5:32pm weighing 7 lbs 4 oz and was 20 1/2 inches long. Today six years later she weighs 43 lbs 4 oz and is 43 inches tall.

She is growing into a wonderful little girl. She is so hard working, eager to please, and has a very compassionate heart. It brings a smile to my face when her sentences begin with "Mom, did you know..." She has a knack for getting her baby sister to belly laugh harder than anyone else. When asked if she would rather have a big sister than be a big sister her immediate and proud response, "I like being the big sister."

We are so blessed that God has given her to us! Happy 6th Birthday, Elise!

Clips, Cake and Celebration

2010-09-19T20:33:00.000-07:00

The bad news is I don't have any pictures of Corinna's first birthday over the weekend because I broke my camera. My sister-in-law did give me permission to harass her until she sends me some pictures! The good news is I have a wonderful father-in-law with a new Mino Flip video camera. Enjoy the celebration!

Happy First Birthday

2010-09-14T22:16:00.000-07:00

You entered this world at 12:36pm September 15, 2009 and our world has never been the same.

Happy Birthday Corinna!

Stats: weight 18 lbs 7oz height 29 inches

Nicknames: Corinna Bean, Bean, and a lot of combinations using bean... stinky bean, bean sprout, little bean

Likes: animals, clapping hands, WALKING, climbing, pulling purses around, getting into the baby wipes and toilet, reading books, pulling books off the shelf

Dislikes: the word "No"

(I am very sad to say that this is the only current picture I have from Labor Day weekend. I fell last Saturday at Garden of the Gods and broke our camera. Thankfully nothing else was broken just a lot of scraps. I would post pictures, but my camera is broken!)

Anticipation

2010-09-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is a very special day... Corinna's first birthday! When Tim and I were talking about her birthday, I realized that the eve of her birthday held something special... the call. The call we had been anticipating. Around 9pm Monday September 14th, 2009 the call came that our birth Mom was in labor. I knew the minute my cell phone rang that night it was the call we had been anticipating. We weren't expecting the call for another week, so there was some rushing around packing everyone up before we could hit the road for Alamosa, Colorado. We were so nervous we wouldn't make it in time for her arrival, but thanks to my lead-footed husband we made it in record time. We made it with plenty of time to wait..... anticipate.... and wait some more. Corinna wouldn't make her arrival into the world until about lunch time the next day, but I'll talk more about that tomorrow. Here are a few pictures of what that night of anticipation held for Tim and I.

Growing Pains

2010-08-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

So the other day Elise says, "Mom, feel my tooth it's loose!" She has said this for the past year since cousins and friends have been loosing their teeth so I didn't really believe her. It wasn't until she said it hurt that I took a closer look and feel and what did I discover... Elise has fer first loose tooth! It is not that loose so it will be some time before tooth fairy visits. And not to be outdone by her big sister Corinna has learned how to stand all by her self. She did it for several seconds several times yesterday. I am not sure my heart will survive this growing up stuff. Will someone please send me some no grow pills or a stop time machine???

Kindergarten Denial

2010-08-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

We filled out paper work...
We bought school supplies...
We bought school clothes....
We went to meet your teacher night....
and somehow I failed to process the fact that our first born was really starting kindergarten. So today August 16, 2010 I dropped Elise off for her first day of Kindergarten. I was a little teary as I left her sitting at her desk in her classroom. I thought I was fine until I had to drive away. I was less than a block away when this mama lost it. There was so much emotion that just came flooding at me all at once. I am hopeful that by the time she reaches first grade I'll be fine with the whole kindergarten thing.... maybe.
And let's just continue the denial by not talking about how we will have a one year old in a month!

Summer Sprinkler Splash

2010-08-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

Not An Update

2010-06-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

o this morning I was looking for some cute video from Elise's preschool graduation, but I could not find them. During my hunt I found this video and it made my heart sigh. The first sigh was for the little girl in the video who is so not three anymore, but many of her mannerism, facial expression and voice inflections are exactly the same at five. The second sigh was for the cat she is holding. Troub got very sick and is no longer around try and avoid Elise catching him. He is not a kids cat. He avoided Elise and Corinna from the day we brought each of them home from the hospital, but he never scratched or bit them no matter how much love they forced on him. So join me in my sighs down memory lane....

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Five Year Old Faith

2010-04-12T18:28:00.000-07:00

On the car ride home from preschool today the following conversation took place....

Elise: Mom, did you know when you hear the trumpet sound and see the clouds roll back that Jesus is coming back?

Me: Yes, Elise I did know that.

Elise: Is it exciting?!?!

Me: Yes, it is very exciting to know Jesus is returning and we don't know when, but we keep watching and waiting.

Exciting news indeed that our risen living Lord will not stay in heaven forever, but will one day return for us!

Tonight in the bathroom after telling Elise all I wanted to do was lay down and sleep. ( I have a cold that is taking it out of me.)

Elise: Maybe at bedtime when we do prayers we could pray and ask God to help you feel better and heal you?

Me: Yes, Elise that would be a very good thing to pray.

Elise: We could pray now. Do you want to pray now?

Me: Yes!

Elise: (eyes closed head bowed) Dear God, Thank for today. Thank you for going to preschool. Please help mommy to feel better and heal her. Amen .

Again my five year old reminds me that we can pray any time, any place, for anything.

It's Official

2010-03-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

The above pictures is our copy of the Final Decree of Adoption. On September 15, 2009 Corinna entered our hearts. On September 16,2009 Corinna entered our home. Today March 26, 2010 Corinna Lynne Bennett entered our family forever! We loved her when we first saw her in the hospital, we loved when we entered the court room to finalize, and we loved her leaving the court house. It was all very official and formal. We had to raise our right hands and swear that our testimony was truthful. After answering a series of questions the magistrate decreed the adoption final! It was all so simple yet the meaning behind this piece of paper is very profound. And before I share some pictures from our day let me share with you what I want to always remember when I look back at this day.

The teary eyes of my mother when we walked into the court house. She looked just like the day we brought Corinna home for the first time, only this time her eyes seem to say welcome to the family.

Tim pushing Corinna around the mall in the stroller. He was one proud and protective daddy today.

Elise singing to Corinna "You are a Bennett- it's official" over and over on the car ride home.

Holding my sweet baby girl tonight as she fell asleep in my arms knowing today only gave me a piece of paper to prove what my heart has always known to be true Corinna Lynne Bennett is my daughter.

Picture Bragging

2010-03-23T13:43:00.000-07:00

I took the girls to Target to get pictures taken. I could not decide on a package partly due to cost and partly due to the limiting number of pictures in a package. So I paid the price and got at CD which contains 30 pictures which I can do whatever I want with. Here is what I have done so far.....

5 Years and 5 Months

2010-03-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

So for the past month I had fun saying I have a five year old and a five month old. Well tomorrow all that changes... Corinna will be six months old. (Thankfully Elise will still be 5!) I know I keep saying it, but time keeps passing too fast. This past month feels that way especially as Corinna has started eating solids, rolling over, sitting up (still a little unstable) and teething (two in one week!). My baby is so quickly growing up it is hard to remember her as an infant just six months ago. She is so sweet and has a smile for everyone. She is laughing a lot more, but we can't get video because she becomes mute when she sees the video camera. Tomorrow we are off to the doctor for our six month well baby check and a five year old check as well. So if you think of it pray for me and the girls at 1:30 tomorrow not sure what one mom+ two girls getting shots=

4 Months Old

2010-01-19T23:06:00.000-08:00

Corinna is four months old and I am pretty sure my mom has taken more pictures of her than I have. She is now 13lbs 13 oz and 23 1/2 inches long. Her hair is still red and stands up on end in the back. She is sleeping through the night again!!! (She stopped sleeping through the night in December when she got sick with a cold.) Corrina has found her voice and loves to babble, but has only laughed a hand full of times. She is extremely smiley and social. We tried rice cereal for the first time last night and she took the spoon, eating, swallowing and very quickly almost finished off the bowl!

Important Date in 2010

2010-01-14T10:07:00.001-08:00

This post has been on my heart since about the middle of December. I am posting it now so you can join in the celebration of praising God for what He has done!

January 31st 2010 I officially have a five year old! I am not sure how we got to this birthday so quickly. I remember time standing still when Elise was born and now it passes faster than I can keep up. Here is Elise making her five year old wish! (I will post more about her first and possibly only Chuck E Cheese party).

(I will post more about her first and possibly only Chuck E Cheese party.)

March 19th 2010 at 11:00 am at the Douglas County Court House with business attire required the Bennett family will forever legally be a family of 4! In our hearts Corinna has been a part of family since the time we laid eyes on her in the hospital, but I must confess there was a since of excited relief knowing that for the rest of all our lives she will Corinna Lynne Bennett, our daughter, Elise's sister, granddaughter, niece and cousin.

July 15th 2010 will mark ten, yes ten years for marriage for my sweet husband and I! I feel like this is a big milestone in our lives, yet as we look ahead it is a mere drop in the bucket. I would not trade a single moment of these past ten years. I would marry him all over again in a heartbeat. I love you, Tim and look forward to the next ten years and the next ten after that, and well until death do us part.

2009 Wrap Up

2010-01-14T10:00:00.000-08:00

Since my mom seems to update her blog more often than me I am taking the easy way out and showing you what the last couple of months included for us....
1. Some Pre- Christmas Fun
2. Some Christmas Cuteness
3. Some Hands on Christmas

Thanks Mom!

2 Months

2009-11-17T14:08:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that Corinna is two months old. Time has passed so quickly. She is growing so fast weighing in at 11lbs 2 oz and 22 1/2 inches long. She can hold her head up and smiles a ton. The smiles are quick and hard capture with a camera, but hopefully soon we will get a good one. She is also just barely starting to make some noises. They are sweet coos that is just music to my ears. She had her first bathtub bath last night. She just lost her umbilical cord stump so she finally took a real bath!

Answered Prayer

2009-10-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

God answered Elise's prayer on September 15, 2009 at 12:36pm when Corinna Lynne entered this world. She weighed 7lbs 13oz and was 20 in long. Today she is 9lbs 1oz and 21 in long. Low on sleep, but so deep in love. She is so very precious to us. The adoption will be finalized in six months (Colorado law requires a six month waiting period), but we are past legal risk with parental rights having been terminated.

Preschool 2009

2009-09-14T19:27:00.001-07:00

Elise started preschool last Friday and there were no tears from her or me. I love her teachers and after getting to be the line leader on her first day I am pretty sure she loves them as well.

The Veggies of My Labor

2009-09-10T14:03:00.000-07:00

What we have here is the effort of 6 good girlfriends taking three days working 9m-10pm and the result (well the portion I took home anyway)

Spaghetti 15 quarts and 8 pints
Green Chile 24 4oz jars and 4 half pints
Salsa 12 half pints and 14 pints

Wish Her

2009-08-10T15:07:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday! I won't tell you how old she will be... I will just tell you the 34 ways I wish I were there to help celebrate! Happy Birthday Becca!

Summer So Far

2009-07-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

Wondering what we've been up too. Watch and see.

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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9 Years and Counting

2009-07-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

It was nine years ago about this time that we made vows to spend the rest of our lives together. Happy Anniversary- I love you Tim!

Post Preschool Park Picnic

2009-05-20T20:24:00.000-07:00

Tuesday we spent the morning at the park with Elise's preschool. The weather was wonderfully warm and the games were great. It was a nice way to end the year.

While Daddy is away......

2009-05-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

THE GIRLS WILL PLAY

God's Writing Our Adoption Story

2009-04-28T13:20:00.001-07:00

Okay, so my title gives away our big news, but we want to give God all the glory for all He is doing! If I started at the beginning this post would look more like a novel. So here is the cliff notes version. It has been about a two year journey of miscarriages and medical testing, heartache and healing, stubbornness and submission, waiting and praying. We clung to a promise from God that our joy would be made complete with the second. The hard part of a promise is that it's God's promise, to fulfill at His timing, in His own way! The best part of a promise from God is that He always 100% of the time fulfills His promises! There is much, much more to our story than I have written and maybe someday I'll post it here, but for now here is where we are in the process:

Application Accepted- Check
Homestudy Approval- Check
16 Hours State Required Training- Check
Birth Mother Book- Check
Waiting for Match- yep, here is where we are... waiting.... still waiting...

Snow Day

2009-04-17T12:33:00.000-07:00

When Elise discovered it had snowed overnight she quickly announced "I want to go play in the snow!" I told her she could go outside after breakfast. So at 8:30 am Elise was outside wearing snow boot a size too small, gloves and hat from last season, and pajama pant as snow pants. As you can see by the pictures the 33 degree snowy weather didn't keep her from having fun.

We came inside to warm up and drink some hot cocoa. While making the cocoas I found Elise sitting on the heater vent!

Becca Upate

2009-03-18T07:50:00.000-07:00

Okay so I'm pretty sure that not only is Brooke stuck, but Becca is somewhere behind the crib too! If you look close enough you might see her. It's really not true and I have talked with my sister many, many times since that post and her real reason for not blogging.... well you can read it here...

Nesting has been in full force and I often spend my evenings looking for
something that can be scrubbed with pinesol. The smell is simply
intoxicating. I've started keeping the jug of pinesol on the counter so
when I walk by I can open the lid and get a quick sniff. Alex has
contemplated banning me from this, but it seems he might not have to. My
giant 20 gallon Costco pinesol finally ran out and so I bought a
new/smaller one at Walmart. But I'm going through withdrawal. It
doesn't smell the same. In fact it smells kind of gross. Alex even
smelled it and verified that it doesn't smell the same. Thankfully I
found another bottle under the kid's bathroom sink. It doesn't have very
much left and will probably not last but a week. After which I may go
try and buy a new bottle. I still have 5 weeks of no sugar and have
found that a quick sniff of pinesol is an ok replacement for icecream. I
thought of posting this on my blog but am afraid I would get DSS called
to my home. I looked online, however, and found several other pregnant
women with the same queer fetish. One lady put it in a spray bottle and
would spray it around the house, which I thought was a good idea. I
decided not to subject Alex to that since he's really not fond of the
smell. Since I've been so bad about posting I would just
e-mail you.

Four Year Old Theology

2009-02-25T07:48:00.000-08:00

This conversation took place between Elise and myself yesterday while driving home after lunch. She asked me to guess what song she wanted to sing that started with the word Jesus. I guessed Jesus loves me and was correct. She was about to start singing when started this conversation......

Elise: Mom did you know there are two Jesus?

Me: What?!... What do you mean... who?!?

Elise: (proudly) Jesus and Jesus Christ.

4 Today

2009-01-31T21:00:00.000-08:00

Four years ago today at 5:23 pm Tim and I fell in love with a little girl we'd waited nine months to see face to face. Sure you love them before they are born, but something happens when you first see, hold, touch your little baby for the first time... you fall in love. And in love we have been for the past four years. Elise is our oldest, youngest, favorite, not so favorite all rolled into a petite little blond 33 pound package of love. She is not always easy to parent, but she has always been easy to love. So we pause and celebrate a little girl who is four today. Thanks for teaching us a whole lot more about love.

Happy Birthday Elise!

Love,
mom & dad

Still Sick

2009-01-30T08:32:00.000-08:00

Seriously! I think the health department is going to come and condemn our home as a breeding ground for germs. We took Elise in last evening to the urgent care because of course she didn't start crying that her ear hurt until after the doctors office was closed. They checked her ear three times, tested to see if the strep had returned, then tested for RSV and the results... NEGATIVE! So what have I learned when my daughter is not acting sick she probably IS sick, but if she is acting sick she probably is NOT sick.

Good Looking

2009-01-26T09:15:00.001-08:00

Sickingly Thankful

2009-01-22T08:45:00.000-08:00

Here are the top ten reasons why I can be sick and thankful

1. Insurance
2. She is not acting sick!
3. We have a pediatrician that listens to my mommy instincts when I bring in a healthy child saying she has strep and croup.
4. She is not acting sick or whiny!
5. I can watch the missed bible study video online.
6. Did I mention she is not acting sick or clingy!
7. My husband called from work to check on us.
8. Still not acting sick.. if you don't count the barking cough!
9. Library videos allow me some time not spent entertaining my sick kid who stayed home from preschool today.
10. One last time... she is not acting sick!

Here a CoPay... There a CoPay... Everytime a CoPay

2009-01-22T08:31:00.000-08:00

So our unhealthy start to the year has continued into a month long sick-a thon! Elise is home from preschool (AGAIN) because she has croup. If it were not for the nasty croup cough it would be hard to tell she is sick. And just so she would not be the only sicky in the family I got pink eye to join in the fun. Tim is the only one who has somehow avoided all the fun!

Not Dead... Even Better

2009-01-09T15:45:00.000-08:00

My washing machine is up and working for only $115 :) Elise is 24+ hours of being on antibiotics and is still showing no signs of being sick:) My husband came home early from work on a Friday:) Elise is still down for her very late nap:) And me, well my cold is still sticking around, but I have had some quiet time with the Lord and now am enjoying some quiet time with my husband:)

Unhealthy New Year

2009-01-08T15:16:00.000-08:00

I started 2009 with stomach bug. It was only a 24 hour thing, but it was a very painful 24 hours. Now I've caught a cold which I can't seem to kick. Then just yesterday morning Elise started complaining her throat hurt. We went to the doctor that afternoon more for peace of mind and to get the okay to go to preschool. And guess who stayed home from preschool because she has strep! I honestly can't complain she is not acting sick in the slightest. The doctor almost did not do the test because Elise looked and acted so okay, but I decided since I made the effort and paid the money I should at least get proof it was just a cold. And just for fun my washing machine decided to get sick in the middle of my last load of laundry! Again I can't complain because it was my last load, I finished it at my parent's who lives a couple a streets from me and the repair guy is coming (for a reasonable price) in the morning to see the machine is just sick or completely dead. So stay tuned it... well... I'm hoping it can't get any worse.

Christmas Review in Numbers

2008-12-30T20:48:00.000-08:00

You can all thank Aimee for giving me the inspiration for this post!

9- the number of days Becca and family were in town for Christmas

5- the number of days Matthew and family were in town for Christmas

15+ the number of people in the Haverland clan 8 adults 7 children (the + is the little one in Becca's tummy)

30- the number of toes I painted for the cousins slumber party at our house

29- the date of this month that I turned 31 (I think turning 30 was worse!)

2+ the number of times I vomited after my birthday dinner (the plus is the number of times I was in the bathroom, but not vomiting)

5- the number of grandkids that can sleep in one room at grandma's

3.75- the number of ounces in the vaseline jar that Brooke smeared all over herself and grandma's night stand

14- the number of bath related items in a great big gift from my mother-in-law (she's the best!)

2- the number of naps Elise had during the week of Christmas with cousins (she did surprisingly well without naps and thankfully she is back to normal napping since then!!)

20- the temperature outside when we took a Haverland family picture at Helen Keller Park

2- the number of surprises from my husband at Christmas- lip balm and a necklace... my husband has the best test!!

100+ the number of Christmas cookies, fudge and other yummy items that me (and my family) consumed

7- the number of different games played duirng the week of Christmas

12:30am- it's a number in time... it is also how late we kept Alex and Becca up til before having to drive to Kansas the next day (thanks for the great week and fun times)

For Naomi

2008-12-19T17:37:00.001-08:00

UPDATED: Apparently my nephew and niece don't believe in Santa! We don't push Santa either and Elise will tell you "he just pretend".

Pray they don't get run over by a reindeer,
Drivin down from Denver for Christmas fun.
You may say there is such thing as Santa
But as for Rocket and Roxanne, they DON'T believe!

She'll bring her new dog Friday
and we beg her to leave Ruby!
She'll leave a cat named Necklace,
but she bring the fam we know and love so much!

T Minus...and Counting

2008-12-19T15:42:00.000-08:00

Here is your song Becca! We can't wait to see everyone!

Over I-70 and through the snow

to Grandma's house they go.
They'll start at twilight
and drive through the night
to make it here by Saturday!

Over the mountains and through the passes
to Grandma's house they go.
They have books on CD
and some great DVD's
to help pass the 18 hour drive!

Over the week and into Christmas
at Grandma's house they'll stay.
We'll play all day long
and talk all night long
until our fun is done!

Over to Kansas and through the flat lands
to another Grandma's house they go.
We'll cry when leave
and we'll try not to grieve
the fun week we all just shared!

Caught Peeking

2008-12-17T09:04:00.000-08:00

Preschool Christmas Songs

2008-12-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

I will warn you these videos are not great quality, but to me they are cute.

Christmas at Preschool

2008-12-17T08:08:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Elise's preschool Christmas program. This was a "first" for us. It seems we are on a new path of "firsts" and with that come "lasts". While my heartaches for the lasts, it also rejoices at the newness of firsts.

More Thanksgiving Catch Up

2008-12-17T08:05:00.001-08:00

Tim some how beat me to posting about our trip to Tucson for Thanksgiving... well really he only posted pictures from our stop in Albuquerque. Enjoy!

Tucson Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T14:27:00.000-08:00

What Ho, What Ho

Today we shall go

to the land far South below.

For this holiday of turkey

we shall first stay in Albuquerque

What Ho, What Ho.

Today we say goodbye

and the cold shall be gone.

For Wednesday we arrive

in the warmth of Tucson.

By Tim

Fall in Pictures

2008-11-09T16:50:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of what we (Elise) have been up to this fall...

Benson Sculpture Garden

2008-11-07T19:23:00.000-08:00

We stopped at this park for a picnic lunch after our pumpkin picking. It has the most amazing collection of 123 sculptures. I am not sure how to artists feel about our kids climbing on their art, but we hope they take it as a compliment to their work. Here are a few of my favorite sculptures and pictures.

Happy Birthoween

2008-11-01T16:35:00.000-07:00

Tim turned the big 30 last night. Yes, his actual birthday is Halloween. He says growing up he thought it was great, birthday cake and candy all in one night, it is every kids dream! Well, since Elise is cuter than me I let her do the honor of singing! Happy Birthday Tim!

MY Ten Minutes

2008-10-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

Recently we heard the director of a single moms group say that she gives each mom 10 minutes for a pity party and they have to move on and deal with life. Well, today I need my ten minutes. I started this blog at 2:14pm, it is now 2:17, and I seven minutes before I have to move on and deal with life. So what has got me to this state a constipated, overtired, doesn't want to walk, can only whine requests, 3 1/2 year old, an upcoming doctor visit, customer service at the doctors office and car dealer ship, my new MOPS group, missing my old MOPS group/friends, a sermon from Sunday that is just sticking with me, a quote from my profound husband that is just not leaving my mind. I could go on and on, but I have one minute left. I don't need answers, help, or input, I just need to have my ten minutes and now I will move on and deal with life.

2nd Annual Osborne Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

This was actually my first trip to the Osborne Pumpkin Farm, last year Elise went without me. It was great day for pumpkin picking. Although I don't have any pictures of anyone actually picking a pumpkin we did come home with some pretty cute pumpkins. Elise true to form found a small white pumpkin which she carried around the entire patch. Thanks to Aunt Naomi's wonderful suggestion Elise now wants to paint her pumpkin rather than carve it.
(PS. I could get the pictures to move around so they are in reverse order for the event of the day.)

Girls Night In

2008-10-11T19:33:00.000-07:00

Q: What are two girls to do when their guy is gone for the night?
A: Have a girls night in of course!

Q: What is girls night in?
A: Baths and pj's by 6pm, dinner and movie by 6:30pm (frozen pizza and a dvd), dessert and couch cuddling by 7:30, teeth brush and bed songs by 8:30!

Q: What is the cost of girls night in?
A: $2 for pizza, $1 for the dvd rental, $1 for gummie treats = $4

Q: Who can have a girls night in?
A: Sorry, guys this is girls only thing!

First Preschool Field Trip

2008-10-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple of weeks since we went to the zoo with Elise's preschool class, but I am just now getting the pictures off the camera. It was beautiful day and although I brought the stroller Elise walked the entire zoo!

Sad Saturday

2008-10-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

As I sit in my very quiet and still house on this sunny Saturday, I find my attitude is not as sunny. I am not sure if I woke up on the wrong side of the bed or if it was certain monkey climbing in my side of the bed at 7:30 AM. Maybe it was the 20 minutes wrestling match that took place while the monkey was getting comfortable. Although I am pretty sure it could have been the fact that the monkey woke up with more energy than I will ever know or have in my lifetime. I was not wanting to feed the monkey any breakfasting fearing I might add fuel to the energy fire that was already burning out of control. Before I could come a decision my WONDERFUL husband took note of my poor choice in attitudes and offered to take the monkey with him on some errands. It was almost too much for my awful attitude as tears started to fill my eyes. So now I am off to enjoy shower and while I wash my body I plan to wash my attitude as well. Goodbye Sad Saturday.... Hello Starting over Saturday!

First Days of Preschool

2008-09-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was Elise's first day of preschool alone. We went last Thursday for orientation and I got to stay with her. She enjoyed playing with the dolls and making friends while I and the other moms got last minute instructions and tips for the up coming year.
There were a few expected and unexpected things about Elise's first day. I expected Elise to be excited and she was VERY excited. She could hardly sit still to eat breakfast and I am sure I gave the same instructions at least 100 times. I expected that Elise wouldn't cry and she gave me a hug and kiss then went to join her class. I expected that I wouldn't cry, but well at least I made it to my car before breaking down. As I watched Elise through a little window she suddenly seemed so small. She is growing so fast and doing so many "big girl" things that is was totally unexpected to see her sitting there in class looking small. It also unexpectedly hit me that I was leaving my 3 1/2 year old with complete strangers. Suddenly 3 did not seem old enough to be going to preschool.

Elise's Prayer

2008-09-05T19:14:00.000-07:00

To say Elise is obsessed with babies is an understatement. With so many friends either pregnant or just having babies Elise talks about babies constantly. Recently she asked me why we don't have a baby. I gave her the only explanation that would satisfy a 3 1/2 year old mind. "Mommy can't have a baby in her tummy again, only God knows why, and only He knows if we will have another baby. You can do what mommy and daddy do and pray for baby." So later that day when I asked her to put on her shoes, she told me to wait she had to pray for a baby. What happened next made me cry. She hopped up on the couch bowed her folded her hands, bowed her head, closed her eyes and prayed, "Dear God, thank you for this day and thank you for baby. Please let us have a baby. Amen."

2 Girls and a Museum

2008-08-31T19:53:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday Elise and I headed to Denver to go to the Children's Museum with Roxanne and Naomi. The girls had a great time and we discovered some fun new things.

Little girls make cute firefighters.

Contrary to what Noami may tell you to make you feel better, painting is an ability. You either have it or you don't and well, Elise and I don't!

Each girl found their niche and possible future job at the supermarket. Roxanne the shopper and Elise the cashier.

Broken and Behind

2008-08-26T21:06:00.000-07:00

I have managed to break both our home computer and my iPod within a week of each other. So my access to electronic devices has been limited. Tim is bravely allowing me time on his laptop and I love him for sharing! So for your reading pleasure here is the latest beauty, business, and babble for the Bennetts.

Beauty:
Missing Items have been found and returned!!! The digital camera case and battery charger was found in our tent pocket when camping in July. The scrapbook paper case was found in an acquaintance's car and was passed to several people before making it home to me. Why are these under beauty? Two reasons first and I think most important I am not losing it as neither items where found in my house! Secondly it is a beautiful thing that both items have been found!

Business:
I am thinking of starting my own business called Bird Bowls. After two days of catching a bird, using a bowl, trapped in our bedroom window, I feel confident that my skills are very marketable. Elise will do my PR because she says it best, "If a bird comes in our window, you get the bowl and catch the bird and let it go." Maybe I should patten this process.

Babble:
A few of my favorite Elise words.

"Lickertish" Licorish
"Pain Nolish" Toe Nail Polish
"B-arski's" Family friends last name Bednarski's
"Hi Naughty Daddy" A greeting to Tim, when he comes home from work and says to her " Hi, silly monkey."

Becca's Birthday

2008-08-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

I tried to think of 33 way to say Happy Birthday, but I am not good at foreign languages. I was going to think of 33 things I love about Becca, but there are way more than 33. So I decided three Colorado camping families would work too! Happy Birthday Becca!

In case you can't see what is in the foreground, it the number 33 made from camping supplies, a chair, lantern, broom ect. Why 33? It's how old Becca is turning! (Sorry Becca)

Never Going Back To Okay

2008-07-31T20:03:00.001-07:00

I promised Tim this video would not end up on YouTube, but my blog is another story. I cannot tell you how much I love this video. It is a great combination of cute and funny!

Camp Family

2008-07-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

Since both my mom and sister in law beat me to the post, you can read each version of the trip. I'll spare you all the details of my version, but give you a few of my favorite memories.

Mom & Dad taking Elise to camp and Tim & I joining later (it was the nicest & quietest drive)

Riding ATVs in the rain with Tim and my dad (racing in the rain is totally fun)
Riding ATVs with Tim at dusk (totally romantic and fun)
Watching Elise, Rocket and Roxanne play NICE together (see a memory without an ATV)

Camp Cuddles

2008-07-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

Ingredents:
6 adults
7 children (ages 13-3)
1 infant (6 weeks old)
1 tent
1 pop up camper
1 truck bed camper
2 ATV's
2 dirt bikes
1 jeep

How to Prepare:
Take three sets of good friends and set a date for camping, but the not the place. It adds a little more fun if location is added last minute! Pick one couple to go early and choose the perfect spot, big enough for everyone, trails to ride, and of course water and mud for the kids to play. Wait, wait and wait for the other families to arrive, but have fun naming the weekend "Camp Cuddles" where kisses and huggles abound. Survive the first night of rain with the best attitudes possible while everyone prays for sun in the morning. Praise God for wonderful sunshine which gives everyone a chance to play the away. Pack up the next day after a slow breakfast with wonderful conversation and go home completely exhausted, but completely content.

Anniversary Plan A, B and C

2008-07-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

Plan A:
Tim and I "planned" (we talked about a few ideas one night) to go out for dinner and a movie leaving Elise with the babysitters (grandparents). Due to our great planning both sets of babysitters had plans of their own! We are still in shock that they had plans of their own, and they don't just sit around waiting to hang out with their granddaughter!

Plan B:
We still wanted to keep the original plan to do dinner and a movie, but we decided to do it as a family... ah how romantic! I found Horton Hears a Who playing at the $1.50 movie theater and I had coupons for Chick-fil-A. For being Plan B, it was a great night. We got a milkshake, an ice cream cone and dinner for all of us for only $9.41. Even the movie was truly enjoyable for everyone. It was a great way to celebrate where eight years of marriage had brought us..... one great family!

Plan C:
This really wasn't planned as much as a great surprise gift. Tim's parents arrived back into town and offered to watch Elise while Tim and I enjoyed an anniversary date! We arrived only to find out that Elise was going to stay the night and we had the rest of the night to ourselves. It was a wonderful evening. We had our favorite subs from JJ's (Jimmy John's), ice cream from BJ velvet freeze, then watched a movie at home. It was so much fun just to hang out the two of us. We talked, shared, questioned, laughed and celebrated where we have been in eight years of marriage and where the next eight and more will bring us.

A Goofy Girl & A Goofy Grandma

2008-07-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

Losing It

2008-07-10T21:26:00.000-07:00

The following items are missing from my home. Would some please return them or tell me where to find them?
1. scrapbook paper case FULL of paper
2. digital camera case and battery charger
3. library book

Top three reasons it bugs me these items are missing
1. My house is not that big!
2. Although I still have a digital camera with a battery neither are working without the charger!
3. I hate paying fines for something that could have and should have been avoided!

PS Praise- Happiness is finding the book (under a shirt) by my night stand. Is it wrong that I would have preferred to have found #1 and 2 more?

Yes Nap... Nap Now!!

2008-06-30T16:26:00.000-07:00

About the time I ended my last post things got quiet, a little too quiet. I peeked in to see what might be keeping Elise so quiet and it was sleep! About two hours worth of sleep :) I am still debating if the nap is worth the horrible attitude that awoke with her:( It might be early to bed for Elise if attitudes don't improve.

No Nap... Not Yet

2008-06-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

As I sit her typing Elise is upstairs "sleeping" as least that was the plan, but all I hear are little bumps and thumps. How can this happen?
It all started yesterday after church, I put Elise down for her afternoon nap and well this is how it went:

Elise: Mom I'm not sleepy.
Mom: Elise try and take a rest anyway you body needs it. (ie your mom and dad need it)

20 minutes later...
Elise: Mom I have to go potty.
Mom: Okay, go, but then straight back to bed.

30 minutes later...
(from downstairs)
Sarah: I don't think Elise has slept during her afternoon nap.
Tim: Really?!?
Sarah: Yes, can't you hear her up there playing?
Tim: Is that the bumps I keep hearing.
Sarah: YES.

Surprisingly she was very good the rest of the afternoon and evening. Only when she was told it was bed time did she put up a fuss (which was not a pretty site). I thought for sure she would take a great nap today after not having one yesterday. Can she really drop her nap so easily? Without warning? I am not ready for nap time to be coming to an end.

Swim Lessons and Life Lessons

2008-06-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

Today was the end of a beginning. Elise completed her first swim lessons... well her first swim lesson where I wasn't in the water with her! Elise is 3 (going on four) and is concerned with everything BIG. She can't wait for summer to be over to start preschool. She can't wait for her next happy birthday with she will proudly be 4. While Elise can't wait to be big, Tim and I are can't figure out how to slow, stop or even rewind time. I am not sure why, but the older Elise gets the more nostalgic I get for a toddling toddler, who knew more animal sounds than real words, for a baby who was always in the 5th percentile for height and weight, but had a belly which hid a watermelon, for hair so dark with a single Elvis wave, it looked so cute pulled into a sprout on top. Ah so many,many things I miss. I would not change who she is now or who she is becoming, but why dose she have to be getting there so fast?

Birthday Wishes for Elias

2008-06-21T13:12:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY ELIAS!
We would love to be there to help celebrate, but since we can't here is a birthday video just for you!

Camping Cousins

2008-06-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

As if Elise was already in cousin heaven we spent even more time with cousins last weekend. We headed out to Cottonwood Lake, CO with my brother Matthew and his family for a little camping, ATV riding and lots of dirt!Me: Rocket I think you have a little dirt on your face.

Rocket: What?! Where?!

Elise demonstrating: she drives like her dad!

Roxanne demonstrating: how not to ride an ATV!

Every year my husband Tim and sister in law Naomi become obsessed with the campfire and this year was no different. I think Noami just like to work out some of her issues by chopping wood. As for Tim, what could be more manly than chopping wood with your feet!

Cousins and Uncle Wilber

2008-06-12T22:35:00.000-07:00

Elise loved having some of her cousins in town for the week. Monday Elise and I hung out with Noami (my sister in law) and kids (cousins) while she painted. Then Tuesday was spent the with Grandma and Grandpa, cousin and Uncle Wilber.

Uncle Wilber

Getting a group picture was well.... at least they are cute little monkeys.
There are a lot of great pictures to share, but here are my favorite of each of the kids.

Rocket

RoxanneElise

Bubbles

2008-06-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

Power Lab

2008-06-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

Today was our first day of VBS! Elise missed the cut off age by one month, so she is in the nursery doing a modified version of the program. She got a t-shirt, to do a craft, have snack, watch a video, and jump in a bounce house. So far I think she likes it. I was a crew leader. To be honest I almost didn't sign up due to Elise missing the cut off age, but decided that if I volunteered I could A: meet some people at our new church and B: Elise would get to participate for free! I was a little disappointed to learn I would be a crew leader which meant more responsibility and less time for getting to know people. Thankfully God sees the bigger picture and allowed me to see that VBS isn't about me meeting and making some new friends, its about Him and His children and what He has planned for THEM this week. So God taught me today that " Jesus gives me the power to be thankful" (KA POW!) "Always be thankful." Colossians 3:15. I am looking forward to our week long Power Lab VBS and to watching children learn, understand and grow in what is means to "Discover Jesus' Miraculous Power" and what it means to me as well.

Elise would not put on her t shirt at VBS not sure why. So after a good afternoon nap I told her if she put her t-shirt on and let me take a nice picture of her, I would let her take a picture of me wearing my t-shirt.

Where we've been & how we got here

2008-05-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

Some how I feel I need to start off this blog at a beginning of some kind. I'll keep it short, first came love, then came marriage, and then a baby in a baby carriage. I'd tell you more of our story, but I'll let some pictures do the talking for me (less spelling errors that way!)

Ahh.. young love!

I can't believe it will be eight years this July!

And our precious little girl...

who is 3 1/2, but can't wait to be 4!