Benjamin

First Dentist Visit

2010-09-27T09:38:00.002-04:00

Looking at the utensils
A little relaxing while getting his teeth polished

Our Broken Leg

2010-09-27T09:00:00.008-04:00

Ben fell off the zip line at the park and broke his leg. It has been like a second Christmas at our house for the last two weeks. Thanks to all those who called, sent presents, and prayed for our little boy.

Our first morning with a splint
Whining a bit
The presents begin
Someone knows he likes candy corn :)

Matt and I took him to get his cast. While waiting at the orthopaedic office, Ben decided on a "GO UT orange cast". He also decided that he wanted "cool handlebars like that big boy" (crutches)!

Colin was the first person to sign his cast

Finally walking at the zoo

Ben and Ella

Curious George

2010-09-27T08:51:00.008-04:00

Curious George Live!
Playing with Grayson before the play

Happy 3rd Birthday, Benjamin!

2010-09-19T18:00:00.006-04:00

The big birthday boy!
Jack and Jake

Working a giant giraffe puzzle

Madness ensued after the start of opening gifts

Fun with Friends

2010-09-19T17:39:00.005-04:00

As you can tell, VBS was a Ranch theme. All the kids in his class had a great time. Ella, Jack and Jake came to Bible School as Ben's friends. They had a blast.

On stage with his class...

Ben and Ella sharing a motorcycle ride through our kitchen

Water Park Fun

2010-05-25T16:50:00.002-04:00

Mini Golf

2010-05-25T16:39:00.005-04:00

Matt and I went to play putt-putt with Benjamin the other night. I'm afraid we have a golfer on our hands!!

Awana Awards

2010-05-25T16:28:00.004-04:00

Ben loves Puggles!

Awana Grand Prix

2010-05-02T17:39:00.012-04:00

Our church's Awana Club had the Grand Prix last Sunday night. Matt worked on two cars all week and I am proud to report that Ben's car won first place!

The red Mickey car is Ben's winner The green one is Matt's stopping for a bit of pizza

Receiving his trophy!

Llama, Llama

2010-05-02T17:36:00.002-04:00

Erin and I took Benjamin and Ella to the library for a play of Llama, Llama Red Pajama.

Ben and Ella watching

Disney World

2010-04-18T17:31:00.037-04:00

WARNING: this may be the longest post in history. We went to Disney World!

Holly and Beth made Benjamin a surprise bag for the plane. It was wonderful...although the tamborine didn't make it to the plane (I'm sure the other passengers wouldn't have appreciated it)
Waiting at the airport
The first sucker of the trip (definitely not the last) We were shocked when Ben fell asleep about 30 minutes into the flight.
Waiting on a boat to take us to dinner

DREAM ON! Your wife/mother is a nurse!
In front of the Lego store (Colin, this is for you!)
With the dogs/people made of Legos!
Our first full Disney day we went to Animal Kingdom
ate a sucker (or more)
went on a bus safari
The next day we went to Epcot and saw the Nemo play
and went swimming
One of our favorite things was brunch at Chef Mickey's. Each character visits your table. Ben was more interested in food at first...
Another sucker after brunch

Waiting for....

HANDY MANNY!

Monkey see, monkey do!

Check out our 3D glasses
Outside Mickey's house with his mailbox (Ben said that Miss Beverly delivered Mickey's mail-she is our mail lady)
Mickey's house
Mickey's bedroom

TALL ENOUGH!Mommy got to ride with the newly licensed Benjamin first!

Then Daddy got to ride...immediately after Mommy!

My racecar drivers
Checking out the castle

I think his eyes are still open, but barely

Does anyone notice a theme??
Loving the "bawberry ice cream"
Watching a show in front of Cinderella's castle
Daddy's boy
Excited to watch the parade and fireworks
Mommy's favorite-CinderellaWith Tigger and Pooh
In Minnie Mouse's house!
Race track....Day 2
G and Benjamin
In the Grandstands watching the race...Daddy got to sit this race out!
Nonny and Ben
On the way to the airport...a little sleepy and still with Hermey and woobie in hand
On the plane...not as peaceful a flight home. He didn't go to sleep and didn't want to sit quietly.

As you can see, we had a wonderful trip! I would say I was ready to go again, but I need to rest before heading back!

Sunny Saturday

2010-03-20T16:12:00.011-04:00

One of the first things Benjamin asked to do today was go outside and play. We have been out all day-golfing, playing basketball, and then going to the park. I doubt I will be inside at all this summer! He keeps saying "it's a beautiful day, and a really nice day, too!"

I'm not a golfer, but his swing looks pretty good to me! Cleaning up Ben and Kennedy racing down the slides Ben, Kennedy, and Colin The big kids :) after eating some ice cream to cool us off... Notice his sunglasses are upside down

Fun

2010-03-20T15:53:00.007-04:00

Colin came to our house to play with Ben a couple of weeks ago. They took turns pushing each other in Ben's dump truck.

After Awana "Movie Night"...Do you think he may have eaten some candy?
His mouth was stained blue!

Fun Dip

2010-02-21T18:03:00.002-05:00

A summertime treat in February courtesy of Aunt Amy! Ben's first Fun Dip. Probably not his last :)
Apparently bicycle helmets enhance the flavor of pure sugar. He wouldn't stop long enough to let me take it off!

Finally...

2010-02-21T17:41:00.006-05:00

warm enough to go to the ZOO! We met some friends and had a great time playing outside.

Benjamin and Ella posing (it was still a little cool, notice the mittens and hat!)
Ella on the lion

Ben in the back of the zoo jeep
I don't know what this face is about
or this one
checking out the chimps...looking for the new baby, George
George came to visit! He is 1 1/2 years old and hilarious! He kept jumping up and down, licking the glass, and making noises at Ben and Ella--it was quite a show!
Reading some papers

Ben is showing George how to jump up and down (or fhwump as Ben says!)

2010-02-15T23:26:00.005-05:00

The little Sheriff...

loves
Valentine
suckers!

Sliding, sledding, and snowballing

2010-02-15T22:32:00.010-05:00

Ben and I tried to sled (or snowboard, as Benjamin calls it) this morning after it snowed. Unfortunately, we waited too long and the snow was already melting. We took advantage of being bundled up and played on the slide and swingset before heading home. The last time it snowed, the big boys had a snowball fight so Ben wants to throw snowballs now!

Snowball fight

Valentines

2010-02-15T22:11:00.004-05:00

Benjamin decided to color and sticker his own Valentine's cards this year...he was so proud!

Concentrating....

Snowy days!

2010-01-23T13:56:00.011-05:00

When it snowed a couple of weeks ago, Jason and I were both off from work so we played outside with the kids. Ben would barely take a nap because he wanted to keep riding his "snowboard". He was fearless! Look at those big kids! Uncle Jason getting him started The snow was so dry that Ben's sled wouldn't slide... so he decided to hijack with Kennedy and Colin followed by hot chocolate and marshmellows at Mammaw's house! Then a few million more trips down the bank into the road...no worries, I was photographer and traffic controller!Daddy played with Ben the next day! We got Kipper on a sled, but he hopped off before I got a picture of him Courtney even came to play!
Turn up the volume...you can hear him say, "whee...can we do it one more time??"

Christmas Eve

2010-01-03T21:10:00.005-05:00

Christmas Eve Morning (Santa was very understanding that Ben's Mommy had to work Christmas Day and brought his toys early!)

Ben was on the "Nice List!"

the dump truck Ben asked for...
and the Handy Manny Repair Shop

Not sure what Santa was thinking, but Ben got a drum and tamborine.

It's a Handy Manny Christmas

a quick video of Benjamin (his voice is very hoarse)

Kennedy and Colin came to see what Santa brought!

Christmas Eve

We started our evening by waking Ben from his nap and heading to Nonny and G's for Christmas with family.

Jennah and Jaiden helping Ben open his presents

and then went to my Grandmother's house for Christmas with more family...

where we got to see baby Joshua!
Garrett was Ben's buddy!
And of course, Jack and Jake!

Uncle Jason
Colin and Kennedy
A quick family picture before going home to go to bed!

Christmas with family

2010-01-03T20:50:00.001-05:00

In nearly 10 years working as a nurse, I have luckily dodged working Christmas Day-until this year. Our routines and traditions changed to accomodate my work schedule, but we still managed a great Christmas with family!

Benjamin showing me his flashlight

Nonny opening presents with Ben and Addie "assisting" (anyone around children knows assisting is a term for ripping it out of your hands, shredding paper and tissue and continuing on with reckless abandon until no wrapped presents are in sight)
Daddy having a little snuggle time with Ben and Addie (watching a motorcycle video on the computer)
Daddy got a marshmellow shooting gun from Nonny (I'm sure Nonny is still finding marshmellows :)

Addie opening presents

Nonny and G got them Jeeps

Christmas Night after I worked...

Ben "assiting" Mammaw
and the Handy Manny Christmas continues...I think this picture may be used as a bargaining piece later in life :) We had to stop for a bathroom break and he was so excited he didn't want to slow down to put on his PJs!
and now re-clothed

Uncle Jason helping Ben (now wearing a toolbelt-glad he put on the pjs)with his tool set!
What is it?
A train table!
Ben loves his suitcase and flashlight! We are hoping to use this to visit Mickey's house soon!

a bobcat and combine too!

This video is what once was our den...now a playroom complete with tent!

Do you know....the muffin man?? Complete with stage fright at the end!

Benjamin debuts as....

2009-12-20T18:13:00.006-05:00

JOSEPH! In the Happy Birthday, Jesus party/play at church this morning, Ben played Joseph. A LOOONG way from the be-tinseled angel of a couple of years ago!

Fantasy of Trees

2009-12-07T15:23:00.009-05:00

Ben kept asking if he could have a cookie, Kennedy is helping him

Not so sure that he liked the icing on his fingers...
But he did enjoy eating it!
On the carosel with Courtney & Kennedy. Colin didn't get a horse close to the others :(
Kennedy, Ben, and Colin
Can't really think of a caption, but this is what I live with(can you tell he is a sneaker?)
Grammy and kids
What? A picture with mom...no way!

Nobody called...

2009-11-23T15:14:00.004-05:00

Ben found an old phone and is carrying it around. I caught him on video the other day...eating candy and sitting in his chair in front of the window. Funny what little imaginations come up with.

and when we aren't talking on the phone, we ride motorcycles with safety goggles on.

Check out how he takes the goggles off and on during the video!

That's all I have for this marvelous Monday! Have a great week and Happy Thanksgiving!

Halloween Happenings

2009-11-04T07:06:00.019-05:00

Matt and I took Ben to a different farm since he enjoyed the last hayride and pumpkin patch.

My reluctant participant in a posed shot....

There wasn't anyone else there so they took us on a hayride alone!
We roasted marshmellows after the hayride.First bite of a roasted marshmellow!

Do you think he likes it?

We went with Nonny and G to the circus. Ben and Addie had a good time--especially the snacks!

Ben and one of his favorite snacks...popcorn!
G and Ben watching the elephants
Addie
Addie and Ben watching

Ben and I painted our pumpkins, but we decided to carve them too. Grammy and Pappy helped us carve them in the rain Halloween morning. Ben wasn't interested at all, but I think the big kids had fun.

Yes, Colin is wearing a ski mask
Waiting to go outside and work in some leaves

Trick or treating

Mammaw's three little pumpkins
Cowboy Grayson and Ben at Trunk or Treat at church
Check out Mrs. Carolyn's van decorations!
Mrs. Carolyn and her Puggles Awana class...Ben, Lily, Grayson, and Luke

Pumpkin patch

2009-10-22T14:58:00.011-04:00

Matt and I took Ben to a pumpkin patch last night. Ben got to choose his own "pummin" and says he wants to go back to the "pummin patch".

Ben was excited to go down this huge slide
Daddy got to slide too!
They loved it!
Ben kept saying he was going to drive that "pummin truck"
Look at Mom! Yes, that is Matt in there, too!
The whole fam

Not pumpkin patch related, but look who is wearing Elmo :)

Jen's Wedding

2009-10-19T16:07:00.010-04:00

My cousin Jennifer got married on Saturday. She was a gorgeous bride! I didn't take many pictures (none during the actual wedding) so here are a few from the rehearsal dinner and reception. Visit Fran's blog for more pics.

Jack showing Ben his sword at the rehearsal dinner Friday night.

Fran and I always try to get a picture of the boys together. Good luck getting 3 looking at the same time! This one actually worked. (just wait until Joshua is born and we have 4 to try with)

My failed attempt at a picture of Ben and I at the rehearsal dinner
Jen looked beautiful...and her cake was yummy!Another attempt for a cousin's picture

The post-reception crash!
This horse and carriage was behind our hotel. Ben would look at it from the window of our room. We stopped outside to see it before we left.

Sunny day!

2009-10-19T15:42:00.004-04:00

Benjamin and I took advantage of ~~the only day not raining in the last month~~ a sunny afternoon to trek to the park and I actually remembered to take my camera!

Look at mommy's pumpkin! Although he would tell you that he is "Hollywood and a Big boy!"
Ben climbed to the top of the play structure to watch the man working at the baseball field on the tractor :)

Daddy Day Care

2009-09-29T16:23:00.003-04:00

When I was loading the pictures from putt-putt, I found these pictures from Matt and Benjamin's weekend while I worked. Matt said that Saturday was a pajama day...I wish I was there, too!

Ben wearing Matt's snowboarding helmet and goggles

Putt-putt

2009-09-29T15:14:00.007-04:00

Matt and I took Benjamin to play putt-putt last week. He had a blast. Everytime we get in the car he asks if we can go play "golf". His first shot was a hole in one! No joke...without any assistance.

Daddy helping Ben set the ball up

Ben wanted to keep riding the tractor after playing putt-putt
Look how hot he is! His hair was soaked!

Crazy Hair

2009-09-23T13:54:00.003-04:00

Sunday night was "Crazy Hair Night" for our Awana group at church. While getting ready to take a bath, I caught him singing in front of the bathroom mirror and snapped a few pictures before he saw me. I wish I had thought to video...it was hilarious! Definitely living up to his nickname, "Hollywood!"

Life's a beach!

2009-09-12T13:14:00.008-04:00

Benjamin has decided he loves the ocean. Not the "wittle waves" but the "big waves". And he wants all 3 of us in the ocean together. These pics are from yesterday....

Matt and Benjamin playing ball

Yes, that is Matt in the background
look at my shell, Mommy!
This is the picture I sent my co-workers who are working this weekend...
Playing at the pool

Daddy shark attack

2009-09-10T15:26:00.006-04:00

We are at the beach! Matt's family planned a beach vacation and we are here!

Trying out the headphones in Mommy's car
First time at the ocean this year

with Unc in the ocean

the waves are a little fierce...
but Ben is a water dog!
Mamaw Betts and Aunt Pearl came too!
What are you doing, Uncle Rusty?

What is today?

2009-08-28T06:00:00.006-04:00

Happy birthday, Aunt Amy! When I asked Ben this morning what he loved about Amy...without hesitation, "popsicles!"

Big boy steps

2009-08-27T20:31:00.006-04:00

Matt and I ordered a step stool for Benjamin last week. I brought it home today and Matt assembled it. Ben seems to like it, especially since it has balls on it!

Notice how he is using the step now...

Playing with cousins

2009-08-27T07:41:00.005-04:00

We played yesterday with Jack and Jake...

Jake and Ben warming up after swimming
Spiderman Jake....using a light saber as a fishing rod
Who loves popsicles?
We do!

Water fun!

2009-08-13T16:53:00.014-04:00

Ben is a water dog at the pool! He is now swimming with only wings and says "I do it mine self"....

Kennedy, Colin, Ben and I went to the sprinklers today for our annual trip. We had a blast! Here is a link to last year's trip

Sister and brother

Lisa's house

2009-08-13T15:14:00.007-04:00

We visited Doug, Lisa, Courtney, and Kelsey a couple of weeks ago. Ben LOVED being the center of attention all afternoon and evening. He still is talking about going to "Wesa's" house!

Lisa helping Ben put on wooden shoes....

A cozy coupe!
Kelsey, or Welsey (as Ben calls her) helping push Ben around
Driving over to check the waterfall

Birthday party

2009-07-27T19:40:00.013-04:00

with a monkey theme!

Happy Birthday, Ben!
Two candles
Justin and Matt swinging
Playing with Allie

Cute package, Fran!
Boots! Now he doesn't have to wear the fur lined ones!Thanks Jack and Jake!
Modeling
A monkey throw from Lisa, Doug, Garrett, Courtney, and Kelsey (Welsey)
A horn to ~~stay at Nonny and G's house~~ put on his bike :)

A Curious George lunchbox with....
MaMaw Betts CANDY! Ben woke up at 3:30 Sunday morning and yelled out, "I want MaMaw Betts handy!!" He did NOT get any! :)
Can you tell who is a little hot?
Sitting in his cow chair
A bicycle! Just like Colin and Kennedy's! To ride with a HELMET!

Birthday week

2009-07-27T18:49:00.016-04:00

As you can see, we have had a busy week leading to Ben's second birthday. I borrowed the "Gram Cam" and have some pics of when Mommy has been at work.
Uncle Jason helping Ben with the rope swing
Relaxing on Mammaw's back porch...
with a Root Beer...

and some cherry tomatoes...

every two year old boy needs to wear fur lined snow boots in July
and a bicycle helmet for a 11 year old girl...

Floating in the pool with Kennedy
I wonder if Ben wanted a helmet for his birthday??
Ben calls himself "Hollywood" when he wears sunglasses
Check out the turtle next to our driveway

Finally, a helmet that fits! Now Kennedy and Colin can have their helmets back :)

As you can see, he wears it everywhere!
That's safety...mowing with a helmet! Can you tell his mom is a nurse?
Nonny and G took Ben to an exhibit the other day

They went to a show about Ben's favorite book...
And rode the merry go round

Party and zoo

2009-07-11T23:11:00.008-04:00

Posing for Mommy on our front porch

Riding on a tractor with a "helmet" ball glove.

Jake and Jack had their 3rd birthday party a couple of weeks ago. I didn't take many pictures...and not even one of Jack! Ben had just awakened from his nap and was a little drowsy..

Jake showing his roping skills
Riding the pony
Can you tell which mommy forgot the cowboy theme?

We went to the zoo last week with Daddy! Ben was so excited to show him all the animals.

Getting close to the penguins...
Checking out the gorilla
Riding the carousel with Daddy

Ball, VBS, Zoo...

2009-06-19T06:50:00.014-04:00

Storms have wrecked havoc on our internet connection and the time I usually update my blog...so here is a random assortment of the last couple of weeks. Ben is sleeping in!! Colin had his last baseball tournament on Monday night...what a game! We packed a picnic and cheered him on! Ben and Kennedy...Colin at bat Mammaw playing ball with Benjamin Last week was VBS at our church. Benjamin had a wonderful time playing with his friends. He came home with some crafts and he is so proud! What a busy week! Registering on Monday morning... Can you tell it is the last morning? Snack time! On stage Friday night at Family night! Not so much a performer....no worries, Cousins Jack and Jake stole the show in their song :) Check out the deer outside our back door Look at the spots on the fawn!! Every time Ben walks near the door, he looks for deer now!! We trekked to the zoo yesterday morning before the afternoon storms hit....humidity 100%, temperature 95...Benjamin and Ella having a blast...priceless. Ben wouldn't ride the camel on the first pass by, but decided to ride it later. Unfortunately, they were on break and he didn't get to ride... Benjamin pats the bunny We played in the indoor exhibit for a while to cool off...

Do you think....

2009-06-05T17:14:00.001-04:00

Benjamin is ready for his afternoon nap??

Have a great weekend!

Park and party

2009-05-31T07:27:00.009-04:00

Fran and I met at the park for a playdate one morning....it was so humid, we had to escape after about an hour to the shade of Grammy's back porch. The boys had a blast!
Posing at the park for a quick picture...
Ben helping Jake on the tractor
Grammy and the boys checking the pool water
Kipper and Ben

We celebrated Matt's birthday the other night at G and Nonny's house...

Aunt Pearl with Addie and Benjamin
Cheesing for Mommy's camera
Ben giving Addie her birthday present
He told her it was a backpack (hackback) before she opened it!

Addie wore her backpack for about 10 minutes!

Mamaw Betts helping Ben eat his "Mamaw Betts candy" aka Smarties
Looking at Daddy's birthday cake
Helping blow out the candles

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-24T21:50:00.018-04:00

Why I stopped cleaning my appliances....

Grammy and Pappy opened their pool and we got to swim yesterday. I think we have another swim team member in the making!

Hmmm, he found a ball at the pool
~~Mommy~~ Ben will be sooooo glad when school is out!
Ben thinks he is as big as Kennedy and Colin
I think Ben looks like Matt in this picture...

Happy Birthday, Matt!! No pictures of Matt from yesterday or today...he is out of town golfing.

Kelsey and Courtney came over this afternoon and we played at the pool...

He stands like this often
Lounging on the steps with Colin and Kennedy
Kelsey and Ben
Golfing
Colin (or HOL as Ben calls him) eating a snack
Mammaw and Ben playing ball

Cool Dude!

2009-05-12T15:20:00.003-04:00

This video was from April...I haven't been able to load it (thanks, Blogger). Ben had stayed with Nonny while I worked and developed a fascination with Ronnie, one of Matt's co-workers. Unfortunately for Ronnie, he calls him "Ron-no", hilarious, but true. Watch the volume, Ben likes the sound of his voice :)

The newest zookeeper

2009-05-12T14:25:00.007-04:00

Ben and I met Erin and Ella at the zoo the other day. What a difference a year makes! Ben really enjoyed the animals...not so much the camel as you can tell in this picture. It was in his face before I noticed it. Needless to say, he didn't want to ride :)

The cutest creatures!

Someone is getting sleepy

Driving the animals in a jeep
Ben really liked sitting on this tortoise

Ben chose to ride the "deer" on the merry-go-round...he really liked it, but the pictures don't show :)

Random catching up

2009-05-06T13:56:00.014-04:00

My new favorite picture of Ben...Pappy and Grammy bought him this hat in Charleston and he wears it everywhere (including church!)

Just drinking a little milk before heading outside to play
Matt is trying to take a picture of Ben in his Easter outfit...yes, it has bunnies on it. I had to work, so Matt dressed Ben for church. Doesn't he look handsome (and old?)
Kennedy, Benjamin, and Colin
Uncle Jason's family
Mommy's handsome boys

Benjamin likes to be a helper...especially watering plants in the morning

While Kennedy and Colin were on Spring Break, Matt and I took them to Chuck E. Cheese. Ben was probably a little young, but I think the big kids had fun!!

Watching Colin
I don't think this is how it is supposed to work
Or this way, either
When Daddy put the token in the monster truck, a meltdown followed
Post-meltdown hoops

Many times, Benjamin wears an outfit of Colin's to church. I usually try to take a picture of him and this is what I get...

Mommy went to...

2009-05-06T13:31:00.007-04:00

BILTMORE
This past weekend with three friends. We had a wonderful time. We have decided that we couldn't have chosen a better day or time to go. All of the flowers were in their prime and touring the house wasn't crowded, either.
The wisteria, and the bumblebees, were incredible!
Emma and Erin
Allison and I
Emma in front of one of the huge azeleas
I just need a book and a big glass of sweet tea, please....

Memory walk

2009-04-18T22:21:00.006-04:00

We walked the Alzheimer's Memory walk this morning in memory of my Pappaw. Here are a few pics of our day.

Courtney's sorority is one of the major fundraiser's for the Memory Walk, so she was there volunteering and got to have a little cousin time :)
Our family
Action shot
Jason, Amy, Colin, and Kennedy
Mammaw and her Great-grandchildren

Easter Bunny

2009-04-10T15:20:00.003-04:00

The Easter Bunny came to our house last night since I have to work the weekend. Puzzles, a motorcycle, a chocolate bunny, PEEPs, and jelly bellies graced the hearth this morning.

Daddy helping Ben ride. Wonder why that box said ages 3+?
I did it!!
Notice the chocoate bunny is holding a b-ball!

Mayfield Dairy

2009-04-09T14:44:00.006-04:00

Last week we visited Mayfield Dairy with G and Nonny. We went on the tour of the bottling process (and yes, the ice cream packaging). We were issued red hairnets, which Ben kept saying, "red hat" about a thousand times throughout the tour. Luckily, no pictures were taken of the 5 of us in our hairnets...because you KNOW those would be blog-worthy! No pictures from inside the plant because they don't allow photogaphy. But Ben has a really cool tee shirt with a cow on it and he managed to talk Nonny and G into a ball (imagine that!) After the tour, we ate ice cream and enjoyed the very sunny day!

Bull, Daddy!!

Standing in front of the giant cow...

Benjamin bunny

2009-04-05T08:04:00.004-04:00

Hollywood! Ben loves this raccoon hat. He will appear when we are getting ready to leave with the hat on.

Benjamin Bunny

Flashback to last year...

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-04T15:33:00.020-04:00

We got to go to two Easter Egg hunts yesterday!

I'm ready (yes, I combed his hair after this picture)
We met at the park for Jack and Jake's hunt and had a cousin pic

Let the games begin!
Look how tall Kennedy is!

What am I supposed to do with this?

Addie is here too!
Finally, a ball!

Jack decided to picnic alone

After Jack and Jake's egg hunt, we went to church for our Sunday School Egg hunt

Someone is sleepy

Maybe a little cookie decorating...

a little icing
and a little more...
A balloon and a ball

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-03-18T05:15:00.000-04:00

No, not me!

2009-03-16T15:21:00.004-04:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I am not officially "in my thirities" now after a birthday last week.

I am not lounging today, doing nothing (except blogging) while Ben naps.

My house is not dirty while I am doing nothing, because I always keep it pristine!

My son does not know how to yell at our neighbor from the front porch so that our neighbor will bring him an orange crush to drink!

Said orange crush did not spill on the hardwood floor.

Orange crush was not sticky.

I did not order a specific brand of scrubs to wear to work just because they do not require ironing!

My son does not wear snowman houseshoes and Christmas pajamas in March.

PJs are not to small, forcing small belly to flash when child in motion.

I did not have my husband put a small child into bed with me this morning (since he woke up at 5:15 am) hoping that child would go back to sleep.

The small child DID sleep until almost 9am...seriously!

I did not lament, just yesterday, that I never get to sleep in!

Have a great week!

Rainy Days!

2009-03-16T14:26:00.006-04:00

Since the weather has been so rainy, we have played inside for the last few days

At Nonny and G's house...Watch out, Addie is mobile!
Ben hasn't learned to share yet, as evidenced by the scowl on his face. Although he is really careful with Addie crawling around in the floor.
Another blurry picture :( but you can catch what Ben does when you want to take a picture.
Pointing out the cows at the barn this morning (there are 2 new calves we want to see when it stops raining)
This way to Mammaw's house
Playing with his Easter Bunny clings

Check out that tummy!
Ben likes to "hide" in his slide and jump up

Our day at the Park

2009-03-07T21:17:00.009-05:00

First, thanks Amy! I love my blog makeover. Danielle did a wonderful job!

After naptime, Ben and I took Kennedy and Colin to the park. They have added a new section of play structures and we had a blast! Grammy was on her way to the grocery store and stopped to watch us play...

whining..
watching...
reaching for Colin (who just skimmed up that pole like a monkey :)

Ben disappeared for a second when he spotted the basketball goal.

Mmmm, Grammy treated us to Marble Slab after playing at the park...

Ben watching while Colin acts silly

MEOW!

2009-03-01T09:21:00.010-05:00

We went to visit Tim, Donna, and Jen on Friday. Thanks for letting us visit. Benjamin has had his first prolonged experience with a cat (Tiger). Jason and Amy have a cat, but Kitty is spooked by Ben. Ben has been yelling, meow, and chasing Tiger everywhere.

Dee and Tim let Ben play with Jack and Jake's toys! Imagine that, a ball!

Look how big Tiger is!
Jen, Jen, JEN!

Playing

2009-02-28T16:33:00.009-05:00

Mom and Fran took the boys to play the other morning. I am working on Mom and Dad's computer and found these pictures.

Look at this big fish I caught!

Do you notice a theme? BALLS, maybe?

Colin and Ben playing basketball at David's house

Playing outside

2009-02-20T08:09:00.013-05:00

Sorry it's so long since an update, Ben and I have been a little under the weather. We were without power for two days last week after a wind storm so we are a little slow catching up.

Pappy got a new tractor about a week ago. Ben is enthralled with it!

A couple of pics from when they delivered the tractor. I was at work, so Ben got to watch them unload (pics courtesy of the Gram Cam).

We walked down to Mammaw's to visit and Ben disappeared to the garden. I think that Mommy will be spending a lot of time outside this summer!
Ben and Pappy plowing with Kipper and Samson looking on
Walking to the barn with Mammaw

Enjoying a Valentine's heart sucker with Grammy while watching Pappy work

Ben likes to put all his apples on top of his cup and try to drink out of it...

Hermey's Twin

2009-02-08T09:08:00.008-05:00

Since Hermey is constantly with us, Matt and I have been shopping for replacements. We finally found 2 on Ebay the other night and ordered them. One came in the mail on Friday and Ben was enthralled with the "twin Hermey"

He has actually rubbed the felt off of Hermey's nose
Blurry, but you get the idea..the first thing Ben does every morning is slide with Hermey.
Mammaw made Benjamin this pillow...covered in COWS! He loves it!
We played outside yesterday afternoon...
Do you think he likes balls?
Sliding...

Happy Early Birthday, Kennedy!

2009-02-08T08:59:00.003-05:00

Kennedy's birthday is at the end of February, but I had bought her present a few weeks ago and couldn't wait for her to see it.

Matt told her that he picked it out...a leopard print shirt and Hannah Montana denim crop jacket...yeah, right!
I think she liked it!

18 Month Check-up

2009-01-30T13:59:00.002-05:00

Wednesday was Benjamin's 18 month check-up and vaccination. The pediatrician is impressed with his continued growth because "normal" children do not jump percentiles during their first year (probably because they are picky eaters--not a member of that club). Ben has jumped to the 75th percentile in weight and height for his age. Sorry, no pictures. Ben screamed the whole time we were there and I forgot my camera :(

Weight: 27 lbs 15 1/2 oz. (almost 2.5 lbs in 3 months)

Height: 33 1/2 inches ( 2 3/4 inches in 2 months)

I had noticed some of my his pants getting a little shorter and tighter :) The nurse measured him twice because she didn't believe he had grown that much. Of course when you are holding your breath, lips turning blue, and snotting (is that a word?) all over the room, you may arch your back a little more when laid upon an exam table.

Have a wonderful weekend...maybe some snow pictures next week???

Sans Paci!

2009-01-24T14:38:00.003-05:00

For those wondering...this is now a Paci-Free home. This is what I found when I went in to check on Ben a few minutes ago.

Naptime
And you have to throw everything out of the crib. Blanket, woobie, pillow, even HERMEY!!

Have a great weekend!

Gram Cam

2009-01-24T13:16:00.003-05:00

For Christmas, our family and Jason's family bought Mom and Dad (aka Grammy and Pappy) a new camera. Mom said she had some cute pictures of the kids and thought I might want to see. This is the other night when they played on an air mattress.

I don't think the boys were into a photo op

Snow day!

2009-01-20T10:59:00.011-05:00

Colin, Kennedy, and Benjamin sledding
Matt helping Ben sled

No fear. Coming down the slide headfirst.
Samson is Benjamin's buddy
Imagine that, Ben with a ball!
The pond is frozen. Kennedy and Colin were throwing rocks onto it and breaking the ice.
Raiding Mammaw's fridge after playing in the snow
Hey, there aren't any bananas in here!
Mmm, thanks for the hot chocolate, Mammaw! Ben just ate the marshmellows.

Not me...

2009-01-19T16:27:00.002-05:00

I am not sitting in my room listening to my son cry because I took his pacifier away. You know that I took that away months ago.

I did not crash my car a week before Christmas, causing me to have to purchase a new vehicle before New Year's. (seriously, not my fault)

I did not buy a car I really didn't want because I had to turn the rental car in.

I did not, as a mother, purchase a black vehicle, knowing I couldn't keep it clean.

I am not going to trade in said vehicle on a new (and white) vehicle later this week!

I am not the sister of the best car salesman/dealership manager around!

I did not eat Oreos for lunch, wondering if the filling was considered "dairy."

I did not lose an enormous black SUV in a parking garage because I was looking for my old car.

I did not consider giving Ben his paci back....although as the screaming continues..hmmm...

I did not buy a whole box of mini candy canes a couple of days after Christmas.

I did not forget Hermie at home when we went to do some returns and listen to Ben yell from the backseat the whole way home....HERMIE!!

I did not wish that I had a DVD to put in so he would stop yelling for Hermie!

I did not forget that I was a mother because Ben slept until 9:15 this morning and I woke up before him!

I am not getting Ben out of his crib right now, without a nap, and going to play in the snow!!

Have a great week!

Welcome, Little Audrey!

2009-01-19T16:02:00.003-05:00

Amy had little Audrey on Thursday, January 8th. I got to visit with her the next morning. Sorry I haven't posted until now!

Chad and his little girl

Kitchen play

2009-01-10T12:19:00.006-05:00

We had a playdate at Allie's house last night. Jenn and I tried to pose them for pictures like we did when they were babies...with a lot less success. We couldn't get them to sit in the same area for more than 5 seconds without wiggling...here's the best shot I got.
Look at Allie, sitting like a big girl
Cooking in Allie's kitchen

Ben loves to play with shoes and kept carrying around my boots so I put them on him to take his picture....

And yes, the picture is blurry to hide the fact that he is wearing Christmas PJs after Christmas!
Oops, I forgot to turn this picture
Enough already, get these things off!

Bath time!

2009-01-09T09:15:00.005-05:00

Benjamin really enjoys bathing, not only himself but me, Matt, and the entire bathroom in water and bubbles.

Check out all his teeth!

There is more hair there than it looks like when it is dry....not as much as his Daddy though!

New toys!

2009-01-06T09:52:00.007-05:00

Sorry it's been so long since an update, but I went to update yesterday and realized I hadn't taken any pictures since a couple of days after Christmas. So here are a few from this morning.

Gingerbread Ben...he has decided to take the magnets Santa left him on the fridge and make an aura for himself...

Pushing his crane around the kitchen while I made pancakes
And yes, Hermie likes to go down the slide before Ben...now that we sleep, eat, and slide with Hermie...
Grammy and Pappy got Ben this slide/ball combo...no there is not a coffee table in our den anymore!!

Posing, or cheesing??

Christmas Eve

2008-12-28T09:58:00.010-05:00

I worked on Christmas Eve, so I missed out on part of the Christmas Eve festivities.

At G and Nonny's house

Matt and Benjamin met me at my Grandmother's after I finished working.

Marcus and Kennedy helping Ben open his present.
A puppy!

Ben, Uncle Randy, and Jake
Jacob's blocks
Big hug from Jake
Garrett and Benjamin

Christmas Day!

2008-12-27T22:08:00.026-05:00

Santa came!! While I worked on Christmas Eve, Matt taught Ben to answer, "Ho, ho, ho" when someone asked who was coming to his house tonight!!
A cow for Ben's Christmas tree!
Santa brought Ben new books! It has a cow on it!
Santa left something on the fridge too!
I wonder if he is reading to the gingerbread man?
Daddy is showing Ben what is in his stocking
Hermie and Rudolph (Flashback for those who don't recall. Hermie is the elf in the Rudolph movie who wants to be a dentist---Ben loves him. Not in the movie, but he has the vinyl clings and a tee shirt with Hermie and calls him by name.)

After seeing what Santa left, we went to Matt's MaMaw's house for breakfast.

G and Addie
Resting on MaMaw Bets' sofa
BALL
Ben showing MaMaw Bets and Aunt Pearl his ball
Addie and her bear

After breakfast with MaMaw Betty, we went to my parents for a late lunch and opened presents there (after Ben and Mommy took a nap :).

Stopping with Pappy for a little milk before opening presents
Oh my, Colin got a ball for Christmas. Who do you think played with the ball and thought it was his?? Notice how close Ben is standing to Colin.
Jason is trying to get Colin's basketball out of the package while Ben yells, "BALL"
Jason's family
Thanks Mammaw for the school bus
Matt with his Ralphie's "A Christmas Story" wrapping paper
Kennedy with her manicure set

Cousins!

Fashion Guru!

2008-12-27T11:49:00.005-05:00

Fran got Ben, Jack, and Jake matching UT crocs. Ben found his the other night and is enthralled with them. We have actually had to hide the shoes (as well as his Hermie shirt) so that he doesn't cry to wear them.

Yes, I know he has on green PJs, red robe, orange shoes, and crazy hair...welcome to our world!!!

Christmas with Matt's family

2008-12-26T11:48:00.010-05:00

We celebrated Christmas with Matt's family on Monday evening. Ben had a blast opening gifts. What a difference a year makes!

Playing tickle tackle with Daddy before opening gifts
Ben helping G, or is it G helping Ben?
Daddy helping Ben golf.
Addie opening presents
Nonny showing Ben the tractor
Ben making the tractor noise
Let's race!
Look, this truck has a ball in it!

Cousin's breakfast

2008-12-22T17:31:00.012-05:00

Thanks Frances for hosting our (hopefully yearly :) cousins breakfast. We had so much fun!

On our way....
Cousins
Note the matching PJs...thanks Grammy and Dee
Look at Fran's little helpers with their aprons

Kennedy stealing kisses
Mmmm, thanks Fran for breakfast
PRESENT TIME!
The most excited I have seen Colin and Kennedy in a while!
Check out this frog tent we got J&J
Everyone in the tent

Happy Birthday, Jesus

2008-12-22T17:20:00.006-05:00

Each Sunday morning before Christmas, our preschool department at church puts on a play of Happy birthday, Jesus. I didn't think Ben would graduate from a tinsel crowned angel, but little did I know that he would be a wise man!

Coming down the aisle, Ben took his time. It took him longer to come down the aisle than it took for the whole play!

Happy Birthday, Jason

2008-12-22T17:05:00.003-05:00

We celebrated Jason's birthday last Sunday with lunch at Grammy and Pappy's house.

Kennedy, Colin, Jason, and Amy lounging around watching a ballgame
Ben woke up from his nap crying and when I picked him up, he was still sleepy. It's a little different holding him while he sleeps than it was a year ago. Look how big he is!

Wrapping

2008-12-14T07:42:00.007-05:00

I wrapped Christmas gifts yesterday and Ben was "helping". I don't think he liked the ribbon. I think he is going to be more of a gift bag guy... Sorry Aunt Amy, there might be a couple of holes in your paper! I told him that it was Amy's present and he started carrying it around and saying "AMY" Yes, the picture is blurry....they are action shots! Taking a little reading break. Benjamin likes to sit on the fireplace and read.

NOT ME MONDAY!

2008-12-08T11:27:00.004-05:00

Here's my go at it...

Never would I get Benjamin out of his crib, complete with paci and woobie, and drag him into my bed (this morning) and snuggle up for another 20 minutes because I wasn't ready to get up yet (until he poked me in the eye)...not me!

I did not postpone taking his paci away twice because I am too tired to listen to him cry in his crib for it. NOT ME!

I did not let Benjamin watch some mindless cartoon because I wasn't ready to make his breakfast. NOT ME!

I did not let Ben take a shower with me because his hair was so wild I couldn't lay it down with a wet washcloth because I don't like to have his hair cut!

I did not buy a bag of candy corn at Target so that Ben could snack, quietly, while I shopped in peace. NOT ME!

I did not let Benjamin wear the same outfit for two days straight and not give him a bath...never!

I never would wipe Ben's nose on my shirt, sleeve, or pants, because I am the type of Mom who ALWAYS has a tissue ready!!

I did not call on the way out to dinner last week and hear my son screaming in the background and continue on to the restaurant...I turned around and drove straight home!! I would never have gone to dinner..not me! (see you next Tuesday, Sheff :)

I would never forget I had washed a load of towels and left them in the washer over the weekend because that would be totally gross!! Not me, I am a laundry maid!

And finally, I never would blog stalk, internet surf, and sit in my gown until noon while those same towels are sitting in the washer downstairs while Ben is napping, just because I want to...not ME!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

I've been tagged....

2008-12-08T11:17:00.002-05:00

Thanks Laura for tagging me...I don't keep many pictures on my computer, but here it is.

Ben at two weeks old, ah the memories

I tag AMY! Maybe this way she will update!!

Fantasy of Trees

2008-11-29T08:09:00.004-05:00

We visited Fantasy of Trees yesterday. Ben and I had a wonderful time! Of course, we located the putting section first and met up with Jack, Jake, Dee, and Fran.

Yes, Ben is trying to get down
Colin and Kennedy crafting while Amy watches (with Ben yelling, "AAAM EEE", his new favorite word besides "ball" and "da")
Posing for pictures as we were leaving

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T07:40:00.011-05:00

I worked on Thanksgiving Day, so Matt and Ben went to eat at Uncle Doug and Aunt Lisa's house. It looks like everyone had a wonderful time. Thanks for inviting us and I will be there next year!

No audio on this picture, but I imagine "hot, hot, hot"
Courtney and Benjamin
Garrett, Courtney, Kelsey, and Ben
How can I get the ball into the water??
With Jake, Jack and their Grand-Dad. I understand that Ben hasn't learned to share. We'll have to work on it :)
Showing Ben how to kick
Ben and Jake
Ben and the boys
Ben and Pappy on the zip line

Moving targets!!

2008-11-24T11:02:00.011-05:00

I have to work on Thanksgiving, so I took this past weekend off. We worked on our Christmas decorations, Rhonda took our pictures http://imageeverything.blogspot.com, and we celebrated Thanksgiving with Matt's family on Sunday. At the shop where Matt works, they set up a Christmas scene and we took pictures of the always moving targets we call children... Ben was running around with reckless abandon with everything I like to call "hazards" around. Needless to say, I was glad when we were finished with pictures.

Benjamin sitting on the step at Nonny's house
Nancy and Jim
Amy and Cyndy driving the sleigh

Addie, MaMaw Betty, G, and Ben
Notice the blue ball. I wish I had put his red one in the diaper bag!
Nonny, Addie, G, and Ben

Finally sitting still for a book!

Tree

2008-11-24T10:42:00.002-05:00

We worked on our Christmas trees this weekend and Ben is delighted that they are covered in BALLS!
"BALL"

Who's that kid...

2008-11-24T10:25:00.005-05:00

with the OREO cookie? Ben had his first Oreo at Grammy's the other night...glad she had the pleasure of the bath afterward :)

Hey Gram, can you take the lid off this milk so I can dunk my OREO?
Complete with Christmas red icing...

Santa Meltdown-Part Two

2008-11-20T10:41:00.012-05:00

Gobble, gobble, gobble...Ben's hair looks like a turkey
Looking for the cows
Ben likes to sit in the window

Matt and I took Ben to see Santa last night at Bass Pro Shop. We, rather Matt, showed him the boats while we waited. When it was our turn to see Santa, Ben walked right up to him saying, "ho, ho, ho" but didn't want any part of sitting on his lap. So the meltdown continues. They snapped a picture, but Matt didn't have time to take one. We have decided no more Santa this year!!

Doesn't he look tall in this picture?

All I want for Christmas....
Can you tell he is making the boat sound?
Waiting with the elf and Daddy.
Post meltdown candy cane

Hats, Dentist Visit, and Cow clothes

2008-11-20T09:57:00.008-05:00

Check out my hat
Let's go see Mammaw...it's Monday at Mammaw's
I had a dentist appointment a couple of weeks ago and Ben went with me. Aunt Tina watched him and let him play with balls while I had my teeth cleaned.

Daddy's buddy
This was Colin's outfit...and it has a cow on it.
I haven't been able to snap a "still" photo in a long while