chels-sorry jess!

Jess, I haven't seen you in forever either. Sorry, I didn't mean to leave you out...

chels

Brooke-You crack me up! I swear is hasn't been that long since I've posted.. I am still here and I have still been an addict to the blog. I check it everyday. I have just been going to work and school. I've also been working out more and more. I was talking to my Dad about how much I love going to class and working out. He replied with, "OH NO! I've lost another one." It was pretty funny. I don't think anyone else can be as crazy as my Mom. Cort, Ash and Linds are just hanging out and enjoying the summer basically. Lindsey tried out and made an AllStar Softball team. She has her first game tonight and I am really excited. She is awesome. Cor and Meags, Congratulations!!! Hazel is beautiful! I am astonished by the amount of hair! I love it! However, I am very jealous that you have taken the name Hazel. I wish I would've thought of that and claimed it to be my own. :) Leash-I haven't seen you guys in forever! We need to change that quick. It has been pretty weird without Lyd, but what can you do? You guys should honestly look at the camp laurel south website. The jealousy will start flooding through right as your eyes connect with the homepage. So who is excited for the 4th of July?!? It is seriously my absolute favorite holiday. I LOVE it! Living in Kaysville is the best part about it. For those of you who don't, I am truely sorry. You are missing out. Okay, that's it for now. I will blog later. love, chels

Chelsea, Please Post

Meags and Cor, I know I'm going to tell you this on the phone, but Hazel is beautiful. Jane and I can't wait to hold her. If Ellyn will let me.
Not much happening here. Last night the girls and I went for a walk after dark and had a great time counting fireflies and watching bats and we saw three frogs hopping along the road. Bailey chased one all over the place.
We had Sadie's last check up for her broken leg last summer. The Dr. said everything looked great.
Ellyn slept through the night last night- with the girls even. That is her first time since birth. I woke up in a panic when Mike got up for PT. But there she was curled up with Sadie, breathing and everything.
Okay, I'm typing one handed while I nurse, so this is almost the end. Leash,I'm glad you wrote to tell me the deal was over. I would have felt like an idiot not being able to find it.
Love, Brooke

Hazel is here!

DCP_4039
Originally uploaded by cormatt.

Well, here she is. After months and months of very hard work on Meags' part, and months and months of naming trials and tribulations, Hazel LeAnne Allen is now on this planet with the rest of us. She is absolutely gorgeous, and once the labor actually started, it moved right along, no questions asked. Meags is a little sore, but I would say that she is in the best shape she has ever been in after birth.

Thanks for all of your support through the whole deal. It's fantastic to go through life knowing that we are so loved.

Although the labor and birth went great, there is still a slightly strange feeling lurking. It's kind of weird to think that the days of actually having children are over. It seems that over the course of the first part our lives, we carry the notion in the back of our mind that children will come at some point, or that there are more to come. That feeling is now gone. I kind of relate it to high school graduation-- glad to be done, but in some (very small) way it will be missed. On with the rest of life I guess... cma

Small, dark, and curly.

DCP_4032_1
Originally uploaded by cormatt.

Very, very dark curly hair. I'm very jealous.

Drying Off...

DCP_4026_1
Originally uploaded by cormatt.

Very, very dark eyes...

Alicia

Brooke, never mind about the date night thing, I guess it's over before you get here. You could do the military one right? Or the early bird special.
Lyd, cute pictures. We got your post card and Clo makes me read it to her every time she sees it laying around. Alicia

I love Hazel!

Where did that one come from? I hadn't heard that Hazel was in the running for a name, but I love it. I was considering Violet for a day, but "The Incredibles" turned me off that one. Meagie, I'll call you soon. Congratulations!
Chelsea, I too need to hear from you. Now that Lydi's gone I see and hear from you less than before and it's tearing me apart inside.
Geof., I love your blogs. The best witch doctors CHICKENS can buy - how do you think that crap up?
Speaking of Rome, I too have a soft spot in my heart for him. Last September we left Clo for the first time and I went with Kev to Boise for an auction. It was this big anniversary auction so there was a boxing match the night before. They fed you during the fight and there was an open bar - what more do you need? Blood food and booze. Anyway, the point is, I had to drive a car home so I was by myself for 6 hours and I listened to him for like 3 hours. I learned a few things during that time. A) It's fun to listen to something that pertains to adults and B) I need to do it more often. I forget that I have opinions and ideas too when they are muffled by the sound of Clo's circus train song that she loves to play.
Brooke, you should definitely get Sadie a pass. She will love it. Janie will be going on the rides and she will be jealous. Also, there are a lot of big rides that she can go on as long as you go with her. You may want to do the Date Night like we did. You get two passes for the price of one after 5pm. Unless you wanted to go to the waterpark during the day, but that's all the fun Clo could handle anyway. You have to print off a coupon online to get that deal, but you might want to consider it. It was a heck of a lot cheaper.
Ok see ya, Leash

Where oh where has our Chelsea Marie gone?

Chelsea, I loved hearing from you all the time and now nothing, nada, zero, zilch. Could you please rectify the situation? We don't care if you are single, without children, going to school and working full time. I loved your updates. Please. I beg you to begin posting again. I'm not going to give up either. Everyday it will say "Chelsea, please post" at the top of my blog.

Jess, Jim is not on the radio here and I miss him. Mike started listening to him years ago and when I first heard him I thought he was such a dork. But then I started to like him and found myself listening even when Mike wasn't in the car. We don't watch Rome is Burning though because we only have channels 2-13. I'm glad the hair thing was successful and I'm excited that you are in on Lagoon and Seven Peaks. Leash, I somehow missed your Lagoon story blog. That was so cute. Is it worth getting the ride pass for Sadie or should I get her the free entrance pass and then buy her individual tickets ( I was looking Lagoon up on line Sunday)?

Geof., you make me laugh. Okay, Ellyn and Savannah are awake and it is time for me to go make breakfast. I love the name Hazel by the way. I love you all.
Love, Brooke

Hazel it is (povo)

Poor Brinders schminders, there was this one time on my mission where I went like three days without a dinner appointment and that didn't make me feel good. I didn't write home more than a paragraph complaining about that atrocity. But seriously, I was hungry. I wrote Brind and comforted him with the knowledge that the family was pitching in to bring in the best witch doctors chickens can buy. Hopefully he sleeps a little more soundly. Alright lets keep Brind in our prayers as well as those others. Jess just so you know I wasn't sitting with a remote and a pen and paper so I could give you that quote. I was sitting with a remote and the computer. Alright so Ricky and I went to go see Triple X "State of the Union" today. It was .50 cents and that was .50 too much. I think Jackson, Clo, Kaia, and Cole got together to write the script. We were laughing so hard at how bad the lines were it made it all worth while. Seriously Ice Cube makes Vin Deisel look like Anthony Hopkins. I'm not saying that if Tony, Kev, Adam, Cam, Mike, etc.. wanted to go see it I wouldn't go. Well yeah I am because we could see something else. Cameron how is your toe? Are there good medical facilities in the Phillippines?
We're driving to Washington tomorrow in search of Hazel. That's right that's what Meagan is going to name the baby. If you want you cane call her Haze. but only if you keep the period. Yes Brooke I still do the period. It's even on my UVSC dispatcher jacket. I told my boss I wouldn't wear it if it didn't have it. Alright everyone I hope you have a wonderful week and you have work off for the fourth. Paula a sub committee has contacted our family and appointed us to be the Hans Blicks of family reunions. Apparently we're supposed to inspect the family reunion premises. Which consists of pools, food, sleeping accommodations etc.. Don't go playing Saddam on me, when we say we're coming we're coming. Alright quick cop out quote "Give me liberty or give me death" Patrick Henry.

Baby Allen is Here!

Yes, it's true. The little darling came this afternoon for all those who hadn't heard. She was 7lbs. 1 oz. and 19 or 19 1/2 in. long. I'm leaving the rest of the details to the Allen family, but I don't think they will be on here for a little while and I know everyone was waiting. Both mom and daughter are doing well.

I think I gave mom heart failure when I read her the e-mails from Ellynn and Brind and the blog from Mindi over the phone this morning. I guess, for selfish reasons I'm glad we find stuff out after it happens. Otherwise can you imagine the worry?

We went to my favorite Mexican restaurant for dinner last night. I'm sure it is going to help with my little weight gain problem. All you can eat authentic Mexican food from Mormon Mexican family. How much better can food get I ask you? Chile Rellenos to die for.

Sadie just walked downstairs buck naked with glitter all over her tummy. Scary what happens when I go running. I love you all. love, Brooke

it's me online lyd!

Hello cousins it’s me again story for you all called –
log on to camplaurelsouth.com click on daily photos & news
your username is chloetuco and password is madison, all in lowercase. Enjoy the pictures I’m not in all of them but today’s I am, which was yesterdays I’m a flower, for the dance social kinda like a stomp! scuba steve- the one I mention before is dressed up like a muscle man in a hot pink wind breaker! With crazy glasses, anyhow, enjoy Lydia Maine.

Poor Brinders is right.

I was fortunate enough to never get sick on my mission. It sounds like his Dengue fever wasn't serious enough to send him to the MRC in Manila so that is good. I feel bad for Brind, I knew missionaries who had it and they really were miserable. He must not be eating enough dog or balut. For some reason I never had a mosquito bite after my first area and I think I've only had 1 since I've been home, which is odd considering all the Coke I drank in the Philippines and all the Mt. Dew I have drank since being home. I thought mosquitos liked all that sugar.
Well the boss is calling so I'd better get back to work. I'll blog again tomorrow.
Cameron

ColoradoBennett-Poor Brinders

I just read Brind's email where he lightly mentions he just got out of the hospital for dengue fever. So I looked up some info on it and this is what I found: "Dengue fever usually starts suddenly with a high fever, rash, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pain. The severity of the joint pain has given dengue the name "breakbone fever." Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite are common. A rash usually appears 3 to 4 days after the start of the fever. The illness can last up to 10 days, but complete recovery can take as long as a month. Older children and adults are usually sicker than young children. Most dengue infections result in relatively mild illness, but some can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever. With dengue hemorrhagic fever, the blood vessels start to leak and cause bleeding from the nose, mouth, and gums. Bruising can be a sign of bleeding inside the body. Without prompt treatment, the blood vessels can collapse, causing shock (dengue shock syndrome). Dengue hemorrhagic fever is fatal in about 5 percent of cases, mostly among children and young adults." Poor Brind. Did you ever have that, Cameron? Well, I'm off to girl's camp in the morning. Four days of trying to keep mosquitos off Kaia and I. West Nile and Dengue fever is now pretty high on my list of worries. So is leaving Sierra in the care of my mom and siblings for so long. Ha ha. Not worried about Sierra, just my mom. Good night, bloggers.

Pretending to know what I'm doing-Jessica

First things first, Geoffie, how did you get that whole quote from Coach Carter? I envision you with pen and paper in hand, sitting in front of the tv, listening to a line and then rewinding to hear the rest. Otherwise you have a really good memory.

Brookie, I know who Jim Rome is, boy do I ever. We tivo Rome is Burning everyday and whenever I am in the car with Tony between the hours of 10 and 2 it is on. I actually am growing quite fond of him (don't tell Tony) he can be pretty funny. Just a warning to all, never say, "Nascar is not a sport" around my dad, he can be a little touchy. Just kidding. Count me in for seven peaks and lagoon.

So today I went to mom's after work and me and dad are upstairs while mom is doing some hair downstairs. All the sudden I hear mom half whisper, "Jess, Jess can you finish it." I knew something wasn't right so I ran over to where mom is just knelling over on the stairs. I run down to her and she is all blown out and sweaty. She tells me I need to go finish pulling a ladies hair through a cap and rinse her daughters hair out too. Earlier in the day, mom had gone to the doctor's for bloodwork in preparation for her Thursday surgery. I guess they had taken so much blood she was getting weak and tired and sick. Poor gal. I had to go in and finish a "procedure" I had never done. I was freakin', but I kept my cool and pretended I knew what I was doing. I was like, "yeah, I do mom's hair all the time." I had them fooled. I think it turned out pretty good though.

I too, am just waiting for news of little baby Allen. Everyday I think, it has got to be today. Well Meags if they did start you at around midnight last night and now it is 11 pm on Monday, I am sorry.

Love you all. Jess

Alicia

Lydi - saw your picture. All I can say is well done Quasimodo.
We took Clo to Lagoon on Saturday and I'm pretty sure she'll never be the same. She loved it. She was kind of throwing a fit on the way there so as soon as we could see the rides in the distance I told her that that was where we were going. "Wite dare?" she asked pointing at the huge Ferris wheel. When I told her yes I'd never received so much affection from her. I was in the back seat with her, trying to feed the little darling so we wouldn't have an episode in the park, so she started petting my arm and holding my hand. When we got in there she was a little scared of the noise of the rides, but we were with Kev's friends and their two kids, so she had to be brave like them. She plugged her ears through the first ride, but then she was fine. By the time we got to the next one, I'd go to help her off and she'd run to the next open seat, assuming it was time for another round. She'd throw a fit and I'd have to carry her kicking and screaming back to the line.
We also went and saw Jord perform. Cameron wasn't kidding. As soon as they open the theater like 10 girls run, squealing to the front row. When Jordan came out they were all screaming his name. It was pretty funny.
Anyway, Meags, still waiting? Good luck. That's it - Leash

yes, we're poor..

...but not too poor to feed ourselves!! And geof., chicken is not the most expensive thing. I buy the big frozen bag of chicken breast at Costco and it takes about a month to go through (that's not bad right?). Last night I made pasta...which chunks of chicken. So I only used 3 chicken breast for 4 people (plus 2 toddlers). Anyway, I'm sure you all care. Okay, so i haven't heard news of a new baby..Am I just left in the dark? What's up?!!! -darla p.s. I've been trying to eat healthy and so i'm eating lots of beans. Any advice on how to make them not so gassy (i know there's another word for it)...dayne's just not liken' it.

simple faith

jessica i love what you told your class. it is so true, there are things that we do not understand. but god has promised us an answer to all of our questions. we just have to understand that we have to work for those answers and realize they may not come when we want them. but if we are truely seeking he will give us that peaceful reasurance that only comes from him. darla was absolutely right when she said that that terrible feeling did not come from the lord. heavenly father leaves holes on porpose so we will have to go on faith and nothing else. i love hearing what strong testimonies mindi, jess, and darla have. i know we all have been taught well and have continued to try and live the gospel.

why doesn't this baby have a name? cause my mom doesn't like any names from bennett and jackson

love.........meags

leg pit sweat! lyd

you know what i'm talking about, the sweet feeling of leg pit sweat, coming at the most random times. knowing your leg is covered in dirt and having a nice line of sweat dripping it's way, marking it's line of "clean" down your leg. showing others your hotness of leg pit sweat!

oh good times i'm thankful for the a.c. in the office. anyhow how i miss floating the river it's a for sure date for that! and by the way this big family get together with brooke and all better be planned for after the 15th when i get home or i don't know what i'll do! (i'll kill that's what i'll do!)

also small story for you i don't know if i've told you this but this kid first met me here and found out i was mormon he looked at me in all seriousness and said " i just don't know how anyone could support that many wives!" it was hilarious i set him straight! anyways keep blogging i'll check in again

ps geof you'r hilarious i can't get enough! love you all mainelyd!

oh and pss i saw my first fire fly the other night i'd never seen one before it was sweet but not as sweet as i would have thought. i told my friend carly that and she says- well i said "it's not as cool in real life" and she said "it never is, it never is" so so funny!

Useful Anti-Mormon Blogs

Well today I taught the Sunday School lesson on how Satan decieves us and what leads to apostasy. I can't remember the actual title. I was able to use your experience Mindi, it was perfect. Darla, I wish your blog had been on here as well. It would have been useful, the part about Geof speaking to you. Jess, that is next week for you I think. You will have both, very handy. My kids always listen better when I share personal stories. I just try not to reveal too much. I don't want them to have an excuse for poor behavior.
So Leash, have I mentioned that my husband is a big "Neck Car" fan as well? Jim Rome, if any of you are familiar with him, coined the phrase. That's my deep quote for the day. It refers to rednecks loving what he condsiders "not a sport." I have been given many, many lectures as to why it is actually a sport. All I know is that every Sunday I have the sound of many vehicles driving around in a circle blaring through my house.

Okay, our plans for Utah involve being there for our Bennett family reunion on the 13th. I would love if the Stevenson reunion is around that time-not before though. We are planning to go to Lagoon and Seven Peaks and now river rafting while we are there. Jess, that sounds great, give me details. I know that can be kind of expensive for everybody but it will be our big trip before Mike leaves, so whoever wants to come to any of those events I would love it. I know we will have down time as well, hopefully eating chocolate chip cookies at Auntie Jack's house. Have I mentioned that I have put on seven pounds this summer for no apparant reason? I might have already, but it is stressing me out. I need to start running- every day- not just two times a week. It is so hot though.

Mike and I worked on the basement for several hours yesterday. It made me feel alot better. I was feeling like this move was going to be impossible. We'll get there. I also realized I was suffering from a little thing that has three letters and I was therefore overly emotional in every way.

Well just sitting here waiting for the time bomb up in Battleground Wa to go off. Tomorrow we should have little what's her face here. I can hardly wait. Leash, I know I have asked you this a million times, when in August? Will we be there.

Down to dinner, I made pork roast, surprisingly not too expensive Geof and capable of feeding many. Do you still do the period at the end of your name my dear bro?

Let's hope there is exciting baby news on here by morning. I loved the Brently idea by the way. Love, Brooke

updates on seminar via povo

Good news. This year at the family reunion there will be a seminar on how to cut and paste from word perfect to blog perfect. Now we don't have to waste valuable time writing and then deleting blogs or reading about those who have written and then deleted blogs. I think we should put Cory in charge of that one. There'll be door prizes and everything it will be great. Right now we are enjoying the thirty or so minutes of peace which occurs when the stars align and Cole and Dayne fall asleep at the same time. Darla is working preparing the Bennett restaurant. She has people over to eat all the time. I don't know how it works since we can't afford to feed ourselves and she's always feeding them chicken which is the most expensive thing we buy but oh well. Don't let this discourage any of you if you want to come down for dinner. I'll gladly feed family chicken or cold cereal. That includes you Karen. Thank you once again for the sweet packages and the Canadian money which got me through the mission.
Jessica Darla and I would love, love, love, to raft the river with you. Also our spirits our intelligence is eternal so we should throw the spirit into that category. Also if we have a perfect body that means it is free of any wrinkles. Combine a wrinkle free face with infinite wisdom and it would probably be difficult to assign an age to us. We would appear ageless. Too wise in the eyes to be called young but smooth enough to not be termed old. Of course if you use blue steal you're simply really, really, really, ridiculously good looking and age doesn't apply.
Alright this quote is taken from a quote I heard on Coach Carter "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us. Yet playing small does not serve the world there is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear our presence automatically liberates others." There are around 12 million members of the church among the billions. How many out of that number recognize their light and how many people look to it. All of my family are beacons of light.
p.s. Clo KY is not that good for you there's a lot of fructose which is of course sugar. Try eating the teddy next time.

e-mail from brind via povo

hey kids hows life going? me i'm doing ok staying outa trouble for the most part
i'm good happy and healthy. this week has been pretty fun we taught alot of
people. one of the highlights is we found an old tatay and taught him about the
restoration. as part of that we include the apostacy. it was hilarious cause
this tatay thought we were going around explaining why our church had
apostosized from the catholic church. he's like yeah i can see why you would be
confused well thanks for apologizing and explaining why you fell and are going
to go to hell. he got done saying that and i just kinda sat there like hmm do i
try and give it another try or just nod my head and thank him for his time. we
did a combination of both. i just thought it was kinda akward, the good part is
it kinda gave me a taste of sitting on the other side of things. well ok i got
that all the time back home and i get called a liar all the time here but this
was unique just cause he was so nice and matter of fact about it. any ways where
was i going with this.i can't remember this week really did just blur together
into one huge blob. so well i'm going to stop talking about what happened here
and talk about all of you kids. meagan it was awesome to hear from you thats so
cool the kids are getting way to big. tell them to stop growing or i will beat
them thoroughly when i get home. and well thats it love you all be good and i'll
take notes this week so i remember what to write about next week. love elder
bennett

Learn by study and by faith-Jessica

After reading the "anti-mormom" blogs I thought about how I get so angry when I see people by the Temple in Salt Lake handing out anti-mormon literature. It can be so freaky. We are just so lucky to know what we do.

Today in Sunday School I taught the kids the lesson "learn by study and by faith," and I likened it to our class because with Tony not being there sometimes they have questions that I cannot answer sometimes, ok a lot of times. I tell them I will have to check with Tony and get back to them. So today I told them that even though we don't always fully understand what we read in the scriptures or learn in our class we have to have faith that it is true and that someday we will understand. So here is a question our class had, I'm sure you can help us out. "How old will our spirits be in spiritual paradise/prison." or "What is our prime age." We had the Plan of Salvation lesson and they were coming up with some great questions.

Brooke, I can remember one time Elly and I had to share the hide-a-bed with Jane and it was by far the worst night sleep ever. She kicked my in the stomach so hard it woke me up which when I was younger I could sleep through anything. It was funny.

It is now 3:12 on Sunday and I have 2 assignments due by midnight but I am trying to get them done before Tony gets home from work at 5 so I gotta run. I normally try not to do homework on Sunday but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

I went and visited mom and dad camping and for the Bennett girls, who have run the river, it is about 3 feet higher then last time. We've got to go again. Maybe in August when Brooke is here. I am not kidding, it is freeeeeezing cold but it is so fun. The whole time I was up there I was wishing Lydi was home because I knew she would do it with me. We were the first ones to try it last year and we were holding hands and screaming the whole time, it was awesome.

Well I better run. I love you all. Love Jess

anti-mormon sites

Okay Mindi- I thought I would comment on your blog since something very similar happened to me. So Geof. and I had just gotten married. We were living in California (I guess that's not too pertanent to the story) and I was going to school at the local Jr. College. Anyway, so one day I'm on the computer looking up something...don't really remember what it was (at the school) and ran into some anti-mormon sites as well. So I started reading one of them...I never had before and was somewhat curious about what this ex-mormon had to say. Anyway, after reading what he said I totally freaked out. I felt the same way Mindi. "Am i completely wrong?" I was also a pretty newly RM which freaked me out as well. Did I just teach lies for 18 months?!! So I leave the library where I had been on the computer and I'm sitting on the steps waiting for Geoffrey...and I'm totally crying. I felt so sick to my stomach (now I know to be a sign that what I had read wasn't from God)...and upset. So geof. picks me up and i'm bawling and telling him what happened....no wait. I'm quiet the whole ride home because my cousin was in the car (she and Geof. worked together) and I didn't want her to know. When we got home i started crying again and told Geof. what happened. Being the wonderful man that he was (IS I should say...he will be a Gen. Authority Brooke...hee..hee), he went on the explain so much to me. Not to be corny, but he was so led by the Spirit at that moment. Everything he said was such a comfort to me and it felt so right. I didn't doubt for a second that what I had believed my whole life was true. Geof. says that anti-mormon stuff is like pornography...very polluting. We need to stay away from it because it can be addicting and of course believable. So there's my long story. I hope i didn't bore all of you too much. Meags, baby yet?!!! I think i'm gonna call you right now and find out. love to all. Darla

check again

sorry cousins you have to deal with the post of me not having a phone and using this as a quick "how do ya do" but leashie check out the pictures again scuba's in one on page 9, he's in a black hoodie and singing to the crowd! good times and i'm in one at the end ringing the bell!

allens.

If you looked up the word "ambition" in the dictionary, you would definitely find a picture of our cat. 

Alicia

Lyd, I saw scuba, he's cute. You aren't in any of them are you? I'll check again tomorrow. Love you, Alicia

pictures for cls lyd

leash sucba is in the arapaho picture in the top left

ColoradoBennett-Madagascar

Alicia, thanks for the pregnancy tests. I used one right away. It came out negative. I guess that just means that God listens to Adam's prayers too. Ha ha. We just took Sierra, Kaia, Gram, and Pop to see "Madagascar". I think Pop was really worried about sitting through a movie with a two-year-old and an almost-one-year-old. But everything went fine and we all had a good laugh. So here's a little story about Sierra: Kaia is starting to babble a lot, saying things like "babababbaaaba". The other day I heard Sierra say to her "Stop calling me baabaabaabaa ba!!!" It was so funny. The name calling has already begun and Kaia doesn't even know. Hot bloggity blog.

Just call me Quasi (lydiamaine)

Hello cousins its me again, Oh how I love reading the blogs, and it seems that I get more and more chances to write, that's what you get when nothins happen in Maine.
Thanks Mindi so much for acting so fast for that address Chloe is going to be getting a postcard with a moose on the front, because of you a day sooner! Oh I’m funny.
Anyhow your probably wondering what’s with the title, well I’ll tell you. It’s my new official title here at work, yes I can touch the ceiling and yes I am the bell ringer of Laurel South.
It was a rough start, learning the bell trade- trying not to “flip” the bell, ringing it only 7 times, trying not to mess up and end up doing it 8 times which ends up being 9, then turning it in to an emergency bell and everyone knowing, that yes it is Lydia aka Quasi Moto that messed that one up! It’s a rather frustrating job. But I do do it, I don’t like it, but I do do it! Just kidding but yeah (I sniff glue)! Anyways I’m having fun here a CLS cause it’s “Always a Beautiful Day in the State of Maine” that’s what I’m supposed to say on the phone, it’s classic.
Oh and cousin you know who you are, Chealsea what the devil I never hear from you I need a blog just a small one to know your still there! Oh how I miss you!
Well bloggity bloggity blog out! Lydia Maine

we're still here

ok very quickly, yesterday i wrote a great blog updating you all and commenting on everything going on with you. however i took so freaking long doing it, the dang comupter earased the whole thing. so here i am, dialated to a one which is good for me, but still no baby. my midwife is trying to get me in for this weekend, but the hospital is very full, so as of now i go in at 11:45pm on sunday to start the process. so pray for me. i am hoping to go into labor on my own today. jackson is praying alot too and keeps asking if i am in labor yet and be sure to tell him when i am. he is very cute. i wish i could find a name before she is born, but i figure i was 8 days old before i had a name so we're still ok. i love karen's suggestion, i just asked cory to consider that name the other night. crazy. cory took me to the temple last night, but i couldn't sit through a session so i did anicitories (you guys that spelling is crazy, but i think you can figure it out). cory sat very and meditated, because they didn't have anything for him to do. isn't he sweet. if any of you have not gone since they changed it you should go, it is great!!

blog you later....me

Paula again

Hey, I just want to put in my two cents worth on the vote for Brantley. I love that name but when I think how Meagan has Bennett because of her maiden name, I wonder if Brent or Brentley would fit better. It's just another family name. Remember hearing about Uncle Brent who died in the Vietnam War?

Hearing about the sunburns reminds me of an experience Bill had last month. We were going to Hawaii for my birthday and Bill decides that he should get a base tan in a cancer bed. Something he has never done before. He goes to the tanning salon and the 'experts' there suggest that he can handle twelve minutes under the lights; six minutes would have done the trick but no, he did twelve. Anyway, later that day he tells me that he feels a little warm. I told him to show me his stomach. I can't quite describe the brilliant shade of red or the heat that was eminating from his body. He was in pain. Needless to say, he did not get his base tan.

Last week Aunt Sally called and reminded me that I had offered my house for this year's reunion. I am wondering if there is going to be a time this summer when everyone will be in Utah? Around the end of August for education week, maybe? Let me know so we can party on.

I have to say how cool this is to be able to read about what's happening at everybody's house. Brooke, you are so smart. Thanks.

I better go get the folding done. I had the boys help me with it this morning. I swear, I taught them better then that. I just kept my big mouth shut, I thanked them for the help, and have been waiting for them to go so I could redo it. Well actually, if I redo all of it I would be found out so I will just redo my own. Good plan?

Leash, just a reminder, they are easier when they are on the inside. Not to mention, you have an excuse to eat for two.

Geof., my quote for today is "lengthen your stride". I have been repeating that for the past two days as my sister in law, Mary, has been kicking my butt on the trails.

ColoradoBennett

Here ya go Lyd,

399 W. Creekside Ln
Kaysville, UT 84037

Signing In

I think what happened to Monica happened to me a couple of days ago and this morning. If it ever tells you to sign in again after writing your blog and before publishing, go ahead and do it. Your screen will show an empty blog box and you will panic. Hit "recover post" and your post should show up again minus title. Mine also left off half of the last sentence I wrote but I will take that any day over a completely lost blog. Leash, I hope you feel better. Darla, please keep us updated on Dayne. We will say special prayers for her. Mike will be with me in Utah- he wants to see everyone too. Mindi, I'm glad you will still be with us in the Celestial Kingdom. We need you there. I loved your story. Love, Brooke

needs today

hello all any one who can get this to me today, would be wonderfull, not much time, i need alicia's address thanks all keep on blogging love you all lyd.

ColoradoBennett-Testimony

Adam spent the night in Granby last night and I was home alone with the girls. By nature I'm easily spooked and I really miss my big, strong, protective husband next to me in bed. Before retiring, I was doing some research for our Joseph Smith themed primary activity on Saturday. I ran into a few anti-Mormon links and it really shook me. I had this creepy little feeling enter my mind, saying "What if they are right and you are wrong." I was alone and I was upset. I wondered how could someone like myself who tries so stinking hard to live my religion be shaken so easily by things like Josephlied.com, etc. I prayed for strength and went to bed thinking about how I would tell Adam that I wasn't even sure the Church was right any more. Immediately after having that thought my soul kicked in and I was gently reminded that I knew it was true. To the point that all dark thoughts fled and I peacefully fell asleep knowing that I was living right and could rest assured that Joseph Smith did not lie. This morning I read the following quote by Joseph Fielding Smith: "It is the duty...of all the members of this Church to search these revelations and commandments [the Doctrine and Covenants] that we might know them...If we will study them, if we will put them into practice, if we will keep the commandments of the Lord, we will know the truth and there shall be no weapon formed against us that shall prosper. There shall be no false doctrines, no teaching of men that will deceive us. There are many cults and many false faiths, there are many strange ideas in the world, but if we will search these revelations then we will be fortified against errors and we will be made strong. False teachings will have no effect upon us for we will know that truth which makes us free." I just finished a booked called "Make your Mark in the Scriptures: the Doctrine and Covenants & The Pearl of Great Price" by Mark R. Hale and I really recommend it. Well, Kaia is really upset that I'm typing instead of feeding her...

me again

Alright...i really do know how to spell "squeal".

darla

Alrighty....so I just typed out a nice, long blog and Cole managed to erase the whole thing. Who knew the little darling was so smart. So here i am again. I'm nursing Dayne for the third time in about 30 minutes. Hey, I'm not complaining. I finally have a baby with rolls! Yeah! And I would have to say that today was Dayne's first "official" smile. So cute! She even added a little squeel. I guess this is the reason we keep having 'em. Even when it's SOO hard sometimes. Cole loves his "baby didster" soo much and is constantly trying to lay on top of her...kiss her cheeks (and mouth)...oh, and pull her little canula tubes out of her nose. Not that we've had them in that often at all. she had an oxymetry test again last weekend and I thought FOR SURE the doctor would call and congratulate us on having done so well with her and now we could remove the oxygen...to no avail. He called yesterday and told me that your oxygen levels should be above 90% and it's okay if they go below that 7% of the time...Dayne goes below that 28% of the time. I just don't understand it!!! She seems fine, breathes fine..cries fine. So I'm bringing her in on Tuesday for her 2 month (can you believe it? She's 2 months!! not 6 months like I previously stated) and if he can't figure it out then we'll be sent to a pulmonary specialist. So we'll see. We were going to go camping tonight but Geof. is working a double...from 10 pm last night to 2 pm today...and I think that's just crazy! Don't you Bennetts need sleep?!!! I guess I should say: Don't you BEECHERS need sleep? He's a nutball. Um...what else is happening in our crazy lifes? Well, yesterday cole, dayne and I went to the waterpark and I, thinking i must be soo tan, decided to not apply sunscreen on my legs. Instead I borrowed my cousin's tanning oil. Yeah, so I'm so burnt today I can barely walk. GOod thing I'm not so ridiculous with my kids. Cole has a wonderful little tan that goes so nicely with his blonde locks...he looks a lot like his cousin Sadie. Speaking of Sadie, and Brooke, and the whole Stinchfield clan...I can't wait to see you in August!!! Will we see Mike or what? I can't believe he's going to Korea. Can Ellery go visit?...alright, I'm babbling. Have agood day everyone. Meags, any baby yet? Leash, sorry you feel like crap. DOn't you just wish you could hire a nanny that really really loved your kids on days like this? Sometimes i just want to sleep all day and then i hear cole in the other room counting to himself and I know if I don't get up ASAP the blinds will be ruined and the screen pushed out the window. Why does my child feel he has to be so destructive? -darla

Is that safe for human consumption?

I know I just wrote, but Clo is seriously trying to push me over the edge, so we're having some alone time. Me with the computer, her with Big Bird.
This morning Clo came into our room and after she was sure she had woken us both up, she climbed back off the bed and started playing quietly by herself. She normally plays with her puzzles and books that add the sophisticated touch to our room for a few minutes until we get out of bed. A few minutes pass and she stands up smacking her lips in disgust, saying "ginkie water, ginkie water!" (drinkie water). I just told her to go over to the sink, grab her cup and have a drink. She kept pointing to the ground until I rolled over and saw what it was she was snacking on. An old bottle of KY Jelly. She had managed to squeeze it all over the floor and I guess decided to give it a try. A gross story, but hillarious at the same time.
Well, if I could think of anything else to say I'd certainly write it. I don't want to go do anything else besides crawl right back into bed. I have no energy. I know that if I went for a walk I'd feel better, but I can feel my veins getting bigger in my legs the more I stand. I'm real excited about this pregnancy's gift - varicose veins. Anyway, maybe I'll go check out Big Bird. Love Leash

Korea It Is

So the final word came down yesterday. Korea it is. We know it is what the Lord wants for us. We had so many people trying to pull strings, call in favors. Men with alot of pull around here, but we were also still praying that we would get the right assignment for our family regardless. It is hard to know whether or not your are manipulating a situation too much. It is a relief to finally know.


Joanie, you will be so proud of mom. She is letting me have our golden and our cat at her house. Granted, they will be outside. I think Bailey is going to die of shock, but she will have a huge yard and get to go running every day. Plus, we spend so much time outside. It should work pretty well. She'll sleep in a crate in the garage at night.

Okay, speaking of sunscreen. Banana Boat is the only brand that I have found that keeps Jane from burning under her eyes. She burns through everything else.

Karen, welcome, it will probably be much like observing a psych ward.

Geoffrey, you worry me with the whole flying, spinning, no sleep scenario. Please be careful.

I had a great dinner with four really great friends last night. Three of us are moving by the end of July. We ate soooo much food. We all brought something and we had food for about 20 people which we all tried to dispose of anyway. Another group I will sorely miss, but will most likely see again in future years.

Ellyn was officially kicked out of the bed yesterday, so last night was her first night in bed with the girls. Yes, I was up four times, but she finally stayed down at about three. For some reason Mike thinks we should have time to ourselves the next month and truthfully, of all my girls she is the biggest pain in the butt to sleep with. She flops all over, she wakes up all the time, she grabs your face in the middle of the night. Sadie and Jane will sleep right through it. I love my little cuddlebug though. I had to bring her in when Mike left for PT, she was awake anyway. Okay, Sadie is ready for breakfast. She is climbing all over me and singing about food. Leash, where exactly do you buy a crate of pregnancy tests for $3? Only the Rigbys would find such a great deal. I wish I had found that deal between Jane and Sadie. I can't imagine how much I spent on pregnancy tests.

Alicia

Mindi, if Karen really wants to read about our lives, great. I can't imagine she really wants to, she's probably just being nice -"oh that would be fun to read your family's blog," she said one time in passing, not really meaning it. JK.
I went for another ultrasound today and little Maddie is about 5 pounds 11 ounces. I almost choked asking my doctor if it was a pound a week that they put on from now on. She reassured me it was only half a pound a week. Anyway, I only have 5 more weeks and this baby will probably be about a pound lighter than little tiny was - 9 pounds, 7 ounces. I'm way excited, but also not looking forward to saying goodbye to my most favorite thing - sleep.
Also, I read my last blog right after I posted it and was mortified at all the grammatical and spelling errors. There were more misplaced and misspelled words than you can shake a stick at - and I apologize.
Well that's it. Pretty boring. Speaking of that, Paula, yours wasn't boring and I want to hear from you more often.
Brooke, I only had 2 of those tests left, but I had like 10. It's one of those things where it was like 2$ for one test or 3$ for a case. Anyway, that's it.
Leash

ColoradoBennett

Bloggers,
Our dear friend Karen Bellows in Michigan loves to keep up with our blogs. Adam was blessed to met her on his mission and she is well beloved by many of us Bennetts. Without her permission, I'm going to post an email she sent me today. And with your permission, I'd like to make her an honorary beechfamilytree member and give her the password.
Karen writes: "Okay, you're gonna think I'm nuts...and yes, I am...but this baby naming of Meagans is making me nuts. I want a vote!! And I vote for Beecher LeAnne Allen. So I am going to rely on you to pass on my suggestion. Hope everyone doesn't freak if they learn a total stranger is reading their family blog, actually don't tell them. Just tell them it came to you in a dream!! Whatever! However, if they laugh and point at you...I suppose you will have to share the secret?. You all are just to, to funny! What a joyful bunch you are.

And Mindi, your stories are the best! It's nice to see all the Bennett's love you so. You are so deserving of their love and admiration. I love that you have such a great sense of humour....you need it, living with Adam!

All is well here in Davison. Charles, Jonathan and I take off on Tues. for Florida. Moving my parents is going to be quite the adventure. We were in Maryland a few weeks ago and were able to visit our youngest, Jillan. She is very thin...the stress of studying for her medical boards...but it is behind her for now, so hopefully she will be able to put some back on. She never has been a big fan of food, so when she's busy if falls to the bottom of her priority list.

Have all fingers and toes crossed on the pregnancy issue. I can't wait until you have more, you are so good at this mom thing! And what is this Mexico talk? Are you really going to get to live there for awhile? Where abouts? How exciting! Your Labor Day weekend with family sounds like a blast. I can't wait to see the pictures from that. And when did Adam get the motorcylce? Geesh, how do you keep up with him?

Really should go see to the vacuuming, it just doesn't do itself. Take care, my love to Adam and the girls. Take care of yourself.
Karen

Sunburned but happy-Jessica

Hey peeps,
This is just a quickie. Today we went swimming at aunt Joanie's and I greased up like a pig with sunscreen because I am trying to be better about not getting burned. For some reason I guess I neglected my back because it is now the color of the hot pink shirt I am currently wearing. Oppsy. My arms however are starting to get a little sun tanned and not burned thanks to the sunscreen and then I compare to Tony and I remember that I am definitely a pale red hear. Anywho, after swimming we went to Cafe Rio. Brooke, when you come in August we all have to go there. It is my favorite restuarant. It is very inexpensive and very delicious. I just got off work, now I am at mom's to use her computer and do a little homework. Then it is off to my disgusting house to clean it. My sink is bubbling over with dirty dishes from who knows how long ago (I can't wait to have a dishwasher), my toilet is turning an odd color because it needs to be cleaned, there is a little pile of dirt by my wall where I think some ants are trying to burrow through and my dryer has two loads of laundry in it because I didn't want the one load laying around so I just threw it back in with the other load once it was dry. Nice heh? Oh and PS I haven't even showered today and I went into work that way. Is swimming considered a shower? Gross but true. Well just a day in the life of Jessica. Love you all. Jess

Povo

Well Brooke I'm glad you didn't follow through on your threat to not write. I would not know what my little pioneer nieces were up too. I don't have the internet at work since we moved houses. Hopefully it will be soon; until then I write from my airport job which isn't as convenient. This week has been crazy I'm trying to get in extra shifts so we can go to Washinton for the 4th. I go from the night job to grab about 4 1/2 hours sleep and then go to the next job. Luckily I am getting ready for part two of spin training so hopefully I have an empty stomache or their will be some bile on the seats. Tonight I am trying to figure out how Cole and I can work in a game seven of the NBA finals. Then it's off to night job straight from there to the airport to give a new student an intro flight and work another shift. After that it's some cianide and a pillow. Actually hopefully a camp out with Darla who is dealing lovely with fun cole and high maintenance Dayne.
Dayne can scream like her dear Aunt Meagan. Loud and long. I still remember going to an REM concert with Meagan and everyone was going crazy but the people in front of us still informed Meagan that they had never heard anyone as loud as her. Well gotta hop in a plain. Here's a quote.

"Vice is a monster of so frieghtful mean as to be hated needs but to be seen. Yet seen to off familiar with its face we first endure than pity then embrace. Alexander Pope.
That is one of my favourite quotes. Expecially relevant in the days of bad is good and good is bad.
Okay I'm off like a Prom dress.

Forget about new addition

I can't believe I forgot to tell you about our new addition. Speaking of picking names Megan, I think we finally decided on Tes for our new chocolate lab/pointer. We got her from the pound. The dog of my dreams. She is 10 months and does very well. All ready house trained. She only stays in the family/kitchen area and then at night she slips on her blanket next to anyones bed. Although my little Cortney who just adores her "Princess Annie" has Tes sleep with her every night. Best part she runs with me. Ash and I have taken her out and guess what, even Chelsea went this morning. Ash and Chelsea have become quite the workout partners. I will forego taking Tes with me this weekend to the MS150. I don't think the other bikers would like that. I know LeAnne, your probably thinking, oh my gosh, what a zoo, 2 dogs and a cat. We love her, now if someone will do something with Annie. (That was mean)!! Love ya!

Hey from Joan

Okay I'm caught up again. Short and sweet, I vote yes on Brantley. Lydia put salt on your apples, it's my favorite treat. (Forget about sodium). Paula, I need to go to Lagoon to watch Jordan. Keep entertaining me with your blogs. See ya!

Brantley

Everyone, Meagan and Cory are considering the name Brantley (suggested by Jane) and we want the vote. Time is running out. Only four more weeks! J.K. Meags. Okay, I know I said I wouldn't be on here as much, but let's be real. I will find time to blog.

Paula, it was so exciting to see you blog. I hope we get to hear from you more than just this one time. It is good to hear about all the boys. Cameron has been doing a great job though.

Monica and Cameron, I am so excited for you. I'm with Jessica, tears began clouding my vision as I read your blog. That is so very cool. I hope everything continues to work out.

Jess, I'm so sorry about your headache. I hope it goes away for you. Mindi, I am way excited for you. Excited it isn't me right now. Keep us posted. Geof, don't you have a chance to post every night? Just do it. olive your blogs. Meagan and I are just waiting to have a brother that's a general authority. We know Adam won't be, what with his Sunkist and his obsession with the chrome lady.

We had so much fun at the zoo yesterday. I think my children would live there if they could. Sadie ran around with her sweaty little curls loving every animal there was. Jane collected feathers from all over, grossing me out completely. She is going to boil them and then make ink and then use them to write. Yeah, I'm all over that project. Not at all. Going to nip that creativity right in the bud. Okay, I'm going to let her boil the feathers, but then she has to use lemon juice-invisible ink- for the rest of the project.

Leash, how many of those tests do you have? It sounded like you were sending out a crate of em. Made me laugh.

Okay, time to go. I just had to get on here for a little therapy. I'm really sad about my friend leaving. We have done so much together the past three years. This is the part I really hate about the Army. Another running buddy gone. I love you all. Brooke

Just a spoon full of sugar-Jessica

Not much new to report. I am going on day 3 of what I like to call my "on the verge of a migraine, squinting headache." I can't seem to kick it. I have glasses to help me stop squinting but for the first few days I wear them they give me a headache too. It is a lose lose situation. I think it is also due to lack of sleep. Tony and I have been watching our friends baby the past two nights. Our friend Neil is out of town on business for 3 weeks and our friend Allie works until 1:15 in the morning so the past two nights we have gone to bed around 2 and gotten up early for school and what not.

Yesterday we went up to visit mom and dad camping. It was a fun day. It was rainy so we didn't get to swim. We mostly hung out in the trailer. Mom and dad felt bad and I told them a bad day camping beats a good day at work, if you know what I mean.

By the way today is mom and dad's 31st anniversary!!!

Mindi- I am soooo happy you may be prego. Moni and Cam, I almost cryed when I read your blog about your house. Tony and I were on a walk around that neighborhood and we were trying to figure out which one it is.

Darla, not that I have too much room to talk because I don't have kids but I do have one big kid named Tony. As everyone knows I am somewhat of a neat freak. I almost get an ulcer worrying about my house but I seriously have to tell myself not to worry about it. I just wait until Tony goes to work and then I get it put together. I will have to take a daily dose of valuim when I have kids.

Sorry I'm babbling, it must be the headache, hopefully it's not a tumor. I have to do some homework now. Bibbity bloggity boo. Jess

Robbins Roost

Okay, that was incredibly boring! I promise, I will never write that much again!

Robbins Roost

Hi! Okay, I know, how long has this blog been here and this is my first time writing? And you never know, it may be my last time too. I just found that I had a few minutes and thought I would sit down and read about all of you. I can't believe how fun it is to get updated on your lives. So, I hope you don't mind but let me tell you a little about what's going on at our house.

First, Jordan is performing three times a day, six nights a week at Lagoon. I didn't think I would go more then three or four times but after watching the preview show I bought season tickets for all of us. These guys are amazing. It's crazy watching all these people screaming and cheering for my boy.

Joel was a busy boy this past winter, after snowboarding 36 times he left February 2nd on his mission to Sapporo Japan. Of course, he was at the MTC for the first couple of months but has been in Japan ever since the middle of April. Life over there is not quite like what he is used to here. He has been experimenting with the food (you all know how much Joel loves food, yeah right). And the language is a challenge as well but he really loves what he is doing. In case any of you want to say 'hello' his email address is joelrobbins@myldsmail.net.

I actually think Cameron has been keeping you updated on Jan but he really had an amazing junior year. We have a bunch of 8 by 10 glossies of him that I bought from the newspapers. Bill calls it 'the shrine'. One thing Cameron may not have told you is that Jan was at the summer games last weekend and had another game end in a shoot out. They won after Jan got a shut out in the shoot out. For those of you who don't know soccer, he blocked all the shots on him. Course he was kicked right in the eye on that same game so he has a fat black eye.

AJ is getting older and ornery-er. He and Kel are working for a few weeks this summer by helping serve drinks at Weber State for EFY. He is really put out by this but I think he will feel better when he gets paid. He likes having money. Actually, he likes Saving money.

Kel is playing baseball and soccer this summer but has taken the week off for scout camp. That explains why AJ is so ticked off. Kel isn't suffering with him at work.

Hey, I guess I better get back to work since Jan is out in my kitchen trying to make himself a dinner and let me just say, it's not working out. He needs to stick to french toast. There are advantages to having your kids grow up. They are more self sufficient and yet, they never seem to grow up when it comes to cleaning up. So I have to go out and tell him everything he is doing wrong in a positive way, of course.

And just to let you know... I didn't make my bed today. Do you think I have ruined my chances of going to heaven?

I love you all. Paula

Learn by study and by faith-Jessica

After reading the "anti-mormom" blogs I thought about how I get so angry when I see people by the Temple in Salt Lake handing out anti-mormon literature. It can be so freaky. We are just so lucky to know what we do.

Today in Sunday School I taught the kids the lesson "learn by study and by faith," and I likened it to our class because with Tony not being there sometimes they have questions that I cannot answer sometimes, ok a lot of times. I tell them I will have to check with Tony and get back to them. So today I told them that even though we don't always fully understand what we read in the scriptures or learn in our class we have to have faith that it is true and that someday we will understand. So here is a question our class had, I'm sure you can help us out. "How old will our spirits be in spiritual paradise/prison." or "What is our prime age." We had the Plan of Salvation lesson and they were coming up with some great questions.

Brooke, I can remember one time Elly and I had to share the hide-a-bed with Jane and it was by far the worst night sleep ever. She kicked my in the stomach so hard it woke me up which when I was younger I could sleep through anything. It was funny.

It is now 3:12 on Sunday and I have 2 assignments due by midnight but I am trying to get them done before Tony gets home from work at 5 so I gotta run. I normally try not to do homework on Sunday but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

I went and visited mom and dad camping and for the Bennett girls, who have run the river, it is about 3 feet higher then last time. We've got to go again. Maybe in August when Brooke is here. I am not kidding, it is freeeeeezing cold but it is so fun. The whole time I was up there I was wishing Lydi was home because I knew she would do it with me. We were the first ones to try it last year and we were holding hands and screaming the whole time, it was awesome.

Well I better run. I love you all. Love Jess

Alicia

Mindi, I just sent you some "super early" pregnancy tests in the mail today. I used it 10 minutes after this baby was conceived and saw the two positive lines. No, but it says that it's possible to show results 6 days after conception. So don't go buy another test, wait for these. And go ahead and use them all, they'll be way expired by the time I need them again - Summer of 2015. Just kidding.
Darla, now the truth starts pouring out. Jess told me one time about this show she watching where the mom had to take her son's ridalin medication just so she could keep up with her three crazy boys (I guess in normal people it gives you more energy, which doesn't make sense to me). That lady was later sitting around with her friends and was like, how are you guys not totally insane? They said that they all had problems, but they didn't want to discourage everyone else. I'm babbling, but the point is, don't get me going. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about what a bad mom I am. Kev has told me before that we all have our own little imps that work on us on Satan's behalf, and they know our weaknesses. I hate mine. He knows mine too well and it makes me crazy. I keep thinking how I only have one child to worry about and I can barely do that. Anyway I think we all feel totally retarded, but it's like you said, you just let the house go sometimes and just do what you can. I keep thinking that. Is it really going to matter in 20 years if I always kept the floor swept and grass off the rugs? It's really hard for me because I really hate messes, but you just keep trying I guess. Wow, that was long and stupid, but know that you're not alone. I have two much of my dad's impatience in me so I'm generally totally pissed off for 45% of the day. Just think of me when you're having a hard time.
Geof. I loved what you said about Cole taking you through all these emotions in a day. How you can be absolutely furious one minute, then they do something so darling that you can't even stand it the next, is the weirdest emotional ride ever. I feel like I'm insane half the time.
Meagie, bless our silly husbands and their love of bacon. I let Kev make it himself and then I hover over him jumping, squealing, pointing and handing him a rag as bacon grease pops all over the stove. Then I make him mop the floor. Hey, if he wants a messy meal, he can clean it up.
Brookie, good luck with all the packing. That totally sucks.
Lydi, check your mail in like a week. You'll be happy.
I love all of you, talk to you later.
"You know what that tells me? That there are too many self-indulgent weiners in this town with too much bloggin money." - I just wanted to be like the rest of you and do something funny with the word blog. That's the best line of Gone in 60 Seconds in case you're wondering.

Crabbs

Hello everyone. I can't remember what I wrote last time and I am too lazy to go back and check, so if I repeat myself I am sorry.
On Fast Sunday the first of this month Monica and I decided to fast really for peace of mind. We thought we lost the house in Layton we wanted since we hadn't sold our house yet. Along with that we asked that if it be His will that he would find someone to buy our house. We showed our house more in that week then we had in the 5-6 weeks up to that point. We got a call from an older couple on Thursday the 9th and they came over and made an offer. We accepted and should close sometime in the next few weeks. The woman just sold her house in Syracuse and needed a place to live so she moved into our basement and paid us a months rent until we close. At that point she will move upstairs and rent out the basement. I know Heavenly Father doesn't always bless us so obviously but we really felt like it was a huge blessing. Monica called the guy at Utah Housing just in case that house was still available. They said they were not picking a family until after the 15th and since we were under contract then we were now qualified. On Monday of this week Monica called again just to see what they thought. Since our house will be sold we need a place for our family. She left him a voice mail. Later that afternoon she got a call from a woman from Utah Housing. Apparently the guy we have talked to was out and never got the message but she was calling to tell us the house was ours! If all works out we will close on our house and be able to move right into the new house. We are way excited!

Harley had her dance recital on Monday night also. I am sorry but that was the longest two hours of my life. Don't get me wrong, I loved watching Harleys class. When she first came out on stage the whol auditorium was dark except a little light over the stage. Harley didn't think anyone could see her, so instead of going to her spot on the stage and waiting for the lights to come on she danced around and shook her bootie at the audience. Everone was laughing and clapping and she was just having a good time. When the lights came on she hurried and got in her spot. They did the dance that was way cute. When it was over and they were all running off the stage Harley went slower then everyone else and was waiving at the audience. It was too funny to explain.

I'd better get back to work.

Talk to you all soon.

Povo

Dear Peeps,
So Saturday Darla and i danced the holly golly for about an hour or dos after bringing our brood down to 2 from 5. It was nice to be just the four of us again. To celebrate we went to Seven Peaks and played all evening. Cole gets so excited when he gets in water you can't help but laugh. That kid takes me through a panorama of emotions every day. One moment I'll be upset with him and the next moment he'll do something sweet and I'll be so veclemt I need every one to call 555-5555 and talk amongst themselves.
I've been able to play a little bit lately with Darla's leave which is so nice of her. Friday night I went with three friends up Provo Canyon and hiked to an old condemned restaurant located high in the mountains above Bridal Veil Falls. It was the coolest hike and I'll try and post some pictures. I love getting out into nature. I also got Ricky Hacking hired at my work so we've been able to work together a bit and that has been hysterical. For those of you who don't know big Rick we've been friends since about the three year old mark.
As for Fathers Day it was very nice. Darla bought me an Atlas of the world since I always dream about the places I want to go with my family some day. Luckily it also includes Kaysville, Layton, Washington, etc.. We are hopefully going to go to Washington for the 4th and are excited about that. Darla also made me Peach Cobbler great grandma's recipe and I couldn't have asked for more. One last thing yesterday I got to do my spin training and spinning upside down at 5 thousand feet about the ground is a rush. Also pointing the plane straight down so all the crap in the plane hits the windshielf makes you wonder if the life insurance policy is in good order (it is). Life is very good I've been blessed with a great wife and kids. Oh yeah Mindi thanks for putting that quote on the blog I received it from Adam while on the mission and believe I used it in a training. I think we should all post inspirational quotes. I'll give a couple of my favourites. "My life is my message" Ghandi. "There comes a time in life when one must risk something or sit forever with ones dreams" Trevor Peterson. I was just thinking of that quote and used to always associate it with skiing and other adventure. Trevor was a pro skier who died in an avalanche. Now perhaps the risk in life is actually giving up the fun things which were total self indulgence. Had we not risked giving up instant gratification to have a wife, education, children, we would sit without eternal dreams. That's my little thought for the day. I'll hopefully write more frequently so I can bore you all some more. Peace.

ColoradoBennett

Brooke,
I love the spacing between Sierra and Kaia and so I decided it was time to get pregnant again. After I was sure it happened, Adam said "I like just having two girls, let's stop now." The same thing happened with both Sierra and Kaia. I was just barely pregnant and he says, "let's not get pregnant right now." And a few weeks later I'd take the test and sure enough...so anyways, I do think I'm pregnant. The test probably came up negative because you are supposed to wait until you miss your first period to take those tests, not just a week or so after tricking your husband into not using a condom. Wow, too much information, bloggers? Sorry. If I am wrong here and some of my hypochondriac tendencies are shinning through, then we will be waiting how ever long it takes for Adam to get baby hungry again for #3 to show up. Probably after we spend 6 months living in Mexico after this next construction project is finished 2 years from September. Blog baby blog...

Seattle Bennett living in Colorado

by cold one Mindi means a sunkist, and by left sitting in the jeep while I talk with Miguel she means that she chose to sit in the jeep and blubber so that she could two days later take a pregnancy test and say "when I was pregnant with you your dad made me..."

Georgia

I couldn't think of any other way to start my blog. First, Lydia, I am so glad you can get on here. I bet your family misses you so much. I miss you just thinking of you so far away from everyone. Silly huh? Mike was not very happy to find out there are more Little House books. He wouldn't even let me look at the blog, teasing of course.

Darla, Darla, Darla, let me tell you the insecurities that I feel every day. Yesterday it took me the entire day to mow and edge my lawn. Just the back lawn mind you (edge the front). Mike was doing it Saturday but we were going to be late for the lake so I promised him I would do it on Monday. So, Ellyn was still in her pajama top until three. My house was a disaster. My friend Jocelyn, Savannah's mom, walks out her door in her shorts and her polo and edges her yard with her electric trimmer in about 15 minutes while her daughter takes a nap while I'm out with my stupid rolling edger (mom that thing doesn't even roll any more), sweating like a pig, basically ripping the grass out with my fingernails. I can walk in to her house any time of day and it is spotless. She comes over to mine and there are big piles of shoes at the back door that Ellyn pulls off the shelves at least 3 times a day. Grass, barbies, dress ups, and the dog sprawled on my kitchen floor. Always dishes in the sink, no matter how many times a day I do them. No make up, in my work clothes. No one ever drops by when my house is clean, which is about once a day every three days or so. It is always in the middle of breakfast at nine when everyone else on the street ate theirs at 7:30. So you see, there is nothing to feel insecure about. I think I post my accomplishments on here, no matter how small they may be because to just about anybody else they are not even worth mentioning. I just torture my family with them. So you can blog with the rest.

Meags, it was very cute talking to dad Monday morning. He was telling me how much he took all of mom's pregnancies for granted. How he didn't really realize how hard it was to be pregnant with lots of little kids, to gain so much weight and then try to figure out how to loose it, to feel total exhaustion. He said watching you (he said you girls, but I don't think he's ever been around me really pregnant so I know he meant you) gives him a much greater appreciation of all that mom went through. Now, if he could just teach a seminar.

Mindi, did I miss somewhere that you announced you thought you might be pregnant? Are you officially trying? Please fill me in.

Okay, besides that. I have to announce that my blogs might be more spread out and shorter for the next month and a half. I really need to use time when my kids are asleep or self entertained to start packing stuff up. I'm really nervous that I won't get it all put together. I want to do the packing myself because I know Mike is not going to know what I want to have at mom's and what goes to storage. It was so much easier when it was just Jane, now I'm lucky if I can get in fifteen minutes in one setting. So I'm starting ridiculously early and I probably still will be running behind in the end. By the way, they are still working with Mike's orders. We could still get Lewis, but we don't know and we move in a month and five days. I feel quite certain that I'm losing my mind. My best friend here at Benning moves today. We are going to the zoo all together tomorrow because her husband has to stay two more days, but the movers packed up everything yesterday and load it today. Okay, I really have to go now. It is time to wake my kids up for their nine o'clock breakfast.

Mindi- you're the best

Hey, what can I say? Thanks Mindi. Love you. Darla

ColoradoBennett-Sweet Darla

Oh, Darla, please don't be so hard on yourself. The blog doesn't reflect the balance between what some of us accomplish and the days when it all falls apart. It is just more fun and interesting to write about the good things (notice I haven't written anything about Adam leaving the girls and his pregnant wife in the Jeep, in the sun, while he went and had a cold one with the Mexican men at the fiesta and how long I cried about that). I assure you we all feel inadequate and humbled by what our husbands and children are teaching us (or putting us through, however you want to look at it). You are a fantastic mother and a beloved member of this blogging family...Keep on keeping on
p.s. I just took the pregnacy test and it came up negative...dang, the above story is a whole lot less effective now

Darla- Let's just be honest

Okay...so I'll say it. I've been pretty insecure about getting on the blog. I guess it's in my nature to be vain, competative, and just plain insecure when others are so much better at things than I am...which I'm quickly learning you all are!!! So it's 1:30 in the afternoon and I just managed to throw some clothes on. Cole's still in his diaper (no, not the same diaper he slept in), my house is a mess and we haven't done anything. I can hardly find the time to get on here....let alone write witty little emails about what I've done for the day. When Le Anne was here helping out I truly felt like a pile because I couldn't believe how much she could get done (granted, that's the main purpose she came here)! I guess the Lord see's that I need some major humbling...big time. I'm learning to relax...kind of let my house go...and not fret about how well others SEEM to be doing it. Okay...I say I'm learning but it's coming along REALLY slowly. Any advice?!!! how do you all do it?....Today's the first day i've put make-up on in over a week (okay, other than yesterday's sunday). Well...enough of that. I'm listening to an awesome Kalai CD....thanks to Leash or jessica...whoever did it. It really lifts my spirits. Music is so necessary...to feel good, young, whatever. Happy Late Father's Day to everyone. Geof. and I have to be the worst kids in the world. WE didn't send a card to either Ellery or my Dad!!! I felt so bad that I made Geof. sit down with me yesterday and we wrote a silly little poem trying to excuse ourselves for our lame behavior. We finished watching my sister's kids on Sat. and I'll just say HALLELUJAH!! um...spelling? not too sure anymore. Not that they were bad...my kids were though...so that just made me a little crazy and a little mean. So because of that we're not having kids for another 5 years. Like you Meagan, I don't want to be a screaming mess all the time. So 4 will have to do it for us. Geof. is a doll. I've truly fallen more in love with him this week. not to be all mushy and personal but he's so dang funny i can't stand it. Okay. love to all. Darla

a little more free time

first happy father's day to all you dads. yes i'm late, but at least i'm saying it. i've decided i really hate father's day. i'm not a fan of doing everything myself. i know it's just what most other women do on their own every day, but i have been truely spoiled by cory. who still straightened the house while i put wil down for a nap before church. my day started at 6:30 when all three of our kids climbed into bed with us. so i thought i would just go throw dinner in the crock pot (because i was having 12 people to dinner, a very smart thing when you are 11 days from your due date), and go back to bed. cory had told me not to worry about making him breakfast, because we were going to the rose garden at 9:30. however when i opened the fridge there was the bacon he had purchased during his midnight safeway run the night before. yeah right he didn't want me to make him breakfast. so i started the corn beef and carrots for dinner, then on to peeling potatoes for the hashbrowns. pancakes, yucky bacon which i have never made in my house (and will never again except for next father's day), oj and eggs. what a freaking mess. i had grease splattered from here to china. but cory was very happy. what was completely monumental for me was an every sat. and sun. thing for him growing up. then the clean up which took as long as the cooking and the getting the kids ready (so we could prove to mom, again, that we could beat her) and off to the gardens. that was awsome except for wil's little mishap. home again, lunch, nap, prepare sharing time, cory's lesson and back out the door 30 minutes early, so i could meet with the 1st couselor and get released from my favorite calling ever!!! i am so sad. i was in the primary presidency and loved every second of it. only a few tears during church, but when i came home and explained to jack and ben that i would not be with them in the "big room" any more the flood gates opened. they both cried for about 10 mins, settled down, then repeated.

dinner was a mess the kid's were running like wild animal's in and out of the house and i wanted to kill them, but thankfully i didn't. no dinner was actually really good, whick is the only thing that kept me sane. the kids were just crazy because there are 5 of them. 6, two 4, and two 2 year olds.

i hope you all had a fun day with your husbands and dads, poor little lyd all by herself. i love you guys................me

Look at the poor little guy... 

Check out Pim's arm after the roses attacked him at the Portland Rose garden today. He fell down a hill and rolled right into the bushes. Needless to say, he is now freightened of anything with thorns. Jack runs after him with a sticker of some sort and Wil runs away hysterically screaming "no pokeys! no pokeys!" It's funny, but it feels wrong to laugh at it... 

Janie

Brooke i forgot to tell you the jane should check out the 2nd to little house on the prairie with rose littl laure ingelles daughter it's so good i can't remember the name of the seires i'll get back to you on that one! little house on rocky ridge i think, anyways i love em! peace out!

Eating an apple, Lyd

Eating an apple
Oh how I’ve decided that I hate eating apples! Today was my first day of actually trying to eat a full one on my own, I was starving (of course) and had nothing else to eat till lunch time. So I tried it, I’ve also decided the only way I’ll try it again is if it’s covered in chocolate, caramel, or peanut butter!
Anyhow camp is good I wish I could elaborate on such things but the internet time is short! But for you lovely people the snail mail is not, if you feel so inclined to write me I’ll write you back with a wonderful Maine postcard I can guarantee you of that! That is of course I receive one first “tis better to give” eh! Yeah I’m crazy well gots to go love you guys! Oh and of course happy fathers day to all of my cousins, brother n laws, uncles, and of course my papa! Love ya!
Ps here’s my address
Lydia Mae Rigby
48 Laurel Road
Casco, ME 04015
Just in case you guys get bored of the blog! Blog to blog out!

Happy Father's Day!!

Mike, Adam, Geof, dad, Cory, uncle Kev, uncle Bill, Kev, and Cameron- Happy Father's Day! I hope you all have a great day. You all have FABULOUS kids and that comes only with alot of hard work and dedication on the part of parents. As I can attest after teaching a large group of young women that do not have an active father in the home- dads make such a difference. You are key to your child's success and I'm so proud of all of you. I hope you get spoiled rotten today. I love you all. love, Brooke

ColoradoBennett-Sneeky Sie-Bear

Today Adam and I locked ourselves out of the house. We were able to put our two-year-old to good use as a break-in device. Adam was able to open the bathroom window, hoist Sierra through the window and into the bathtub, then use verbal instructions to get her to open the door. It was a risky operation. Had she not previously trained herself to unlock doors and escape, she might have been locked inside alone. But our little hero ran right to the door and unlocked it and Kaia clapped and clapped. We just got back from a wedding reception. The invitation said "dinner and dancing". But we got lost on the way there and missed most of the food and by "dancing" they ment we got to watch the little dance group the bride's mother is in charge of. It was cute, but totally dissapointing. Plus, they kept putting off the cake cutting and we had to leave without the precious dessert. I bet I can find enough chocolate chips in the freezer to make me happy...over and out blogland

part with "My Precious?"

Meags, yes you may borrow my baby bjorn. However, I love that thing as much as I love my own children so don't you ever dis it in any way. And...since I could be not done no matter what I may say you probably won't be able to use it for number five and six.

Sadie is standing here stripping her clothes off while trying to talk me into letting her watch Clifford. She loves the fact that she can take her own underwear off whenever she dang well pleases.

Today was a day full of annoying errands. Like twenty of them, but seeing as how I have hung out at the pool or the lake all week and will be going back to the lake tomorrow I can hardly complain.

Our neighbor's friend saw our cat limping along the road the other day (she has had the limp since before we adopted her) and thought she was a hurt stray and called the MPs to come pick her up. Then the shelter claimed our phone wasn't working- funny the other twenty callers got through okay- when they tried to contact us using her handy dandy microchip. Just as I was about to start looking for her yesterday morning because I realized I hadn't seen her the whole day before my neighbor came over apologizing himself blue in the face. So I got to go over to the vet and pay $12.00 to get my cat back.

Bennett fam- Ellyn has four fire ant bites on her pinky. How sad is that? Everyone else that is not familiar with fire ants, they alone are worth moving for. I kid you not.

Okay, dinner is beeping and I'm starving because I never ate while I was running all the stupid errands. Just kept handing the kids graham crackers and string cheese and apples. Such a good mom.

Brooke

Aunt Joan, I want to do the worm challenge with Jane now. My incentive however would have to be Little House on the Prairie volume 1. She now has all the others.

Eating worms for $100

Okay it's been a while since I have written but I wanted to thank all those who wished me a Happy Birthday.Most of all, Ellery I didn't talk to you like I do every year - so I hope you had a good day.

I can't believe Chelsea hasn't told you this story.Long story made short.Cortney was watching "fear factor" and said she would be able to eat worms for money. Well Omar said he would give $50 and I would give $50 if she ate 10 worms. Well Ash and Linds wanted in the action also. The night of my birthday, after Omar made us all dinner the bet was on. Chelsea has all this on camara. After purchasing 3 dozen worms from the worm store??, Cortney was to start. It took her about 10 min. and the only thing she did was touch it to her tongue!!! (Mind you I had Rodger look on the internet to make sure this was safe. Next up was Lindsey. After 10 min. she managed to put one in her mouth and spit it back out. Then there was Ashley. Chelsea giving her the advise to just hurry, it took Ashley about 15 seconds and the first one was in her mouth chewed and swallowed!!! I couldn't believe it!! After the second one she kept saying, "I really want that $100"!! She continued on one by one until all ten of them were gone. It was so entertaining. But thats my determined little Ashley. Fun times. Well so good to hear about all of you. Keep entertaining me. Love, Aunt Joan! P.S. I never proof read these so sorry!!

cookie or coke

alicia not only has cory adopted the saying but so has wil. i always ask him if he wants a coke and a nappie. he says "yes, cookie and a nappie". so he has changed it to suite his needs. it is so dang cute, you should come up here and hear him say it!!

brooke, do you have your front pack still and are you going to let me use it, because i returned mine thinking i was done after wil. silly me.

me

ps from elly's last few letters and emails she sounds a little down so please drop her a line and remember her in your prayers:)

our new addition

she arrived on monday june 13. i don't know how much she weighs or how long she is but she has yellow eyes and grey hair, trimmed like a little lion. she is a cute little thing who we all love. jackson has named her princess lyah. or how ever you spell it. she is a persian and she is a snob so like the other girls in our family she knows how cute she is.

as for our other more anticipated arrival there is no news. i have an appointment today so my midwife can tell me that i am no closer than i was a week ago. but hey it gets me out of the house. jesse my due date is the 30th, so i'm just praying she comes befor the fourth of july.

brooke i am counting down the days until you get here and i have a friend. although i have hung out with cassie three times in a week and devon twice and cassie is coming to my shower on friday so that will be four times. yeah for me. cory wants to know why it is that our favorite friends are all single and 20 to 25. it's easy, people our age are boring. and do not enjoy the good things in life, back packing, mnt biking, and lugging 3 children all over major cities. it was pretty funny, there is this guy in our ward about our age maybe a bit younger, who told cory that he mnt. bikes. cory was like "oh that's great so do i". so cor went up to him at church one day and asked him if he wanted to go ride sometime, the kid got this scared look on his face and said something like "sure maybe" and walked away as fast as he could. i don't think he really rides, so now he is scared of cory. i love it, and giggle every time i see him.

so that is all the boring news i have. joanie sorry i missed wishing you happy birthday on your day, but cor just fixed my computer. i was thinking of you and hoping that i am as beautiful as all the sister are when i am your ages.

block you.........me

Alicia

Brooke, I know what you mean about having nothing to write about. I wasn't even going to write, but Mindi here you go - 399 west creekside lane, Kaysville UT 84037. Clo and I did very little today because while it isn't as hot as Georgia, being as large as I am, it feels like it. I've been trying to keep the air conditioner off in an effort to help save money. Today I finally snapped and turned it on. Jessie stopped over for a minute and I all but barricaded the door to keep her from going. We were pretty bored. Kind of like how this blog is making all of you. Tomorrow I'll just make something up if nothing exciting happens. Leash

ColoradoBennett

Alicia, could you please post your address, please? All other bloggers, if you move, please post your new address. Otherwise, you may miss out on special gifts in the mail from Colorado. Word to the blog...

Ellynn's Address

Here is Elly's snail mail address:

Sisar Ellynn Bennett
Helsinki, Finland
Neitsytpolku 3A4
00140 Helsinki
Finland

Love Jess

Still poking, well still around-Jessica

That is from Noises Off, another great Rigby movie that everyone should see. No I am not dead, and no Brooke I am not mad at you. Last Friday we went to Green River, Utah with Tony's fam and didn't get back until Sunday and then I just haven't had time to blog. The trip was fun. We camp right by a golf course so Tony was in little pig heaven. I even tried my hand at it and I did one pretty good drive. So I am finishing up a few classes this summer and one of them is my math 1050 class. This is my third time taking it so I better get at least a C or I don't know what I'll do. I took my first test last night. I think it went okay. Tomorrow morning we are going swimming at Joanie's if it is the last thing I do. I need to get some sun even if it kills me.

LeAnne, do you remember when Ben Jones and I came up and we went to the rose parade and the greek resturant? That was great.
Meags, I love all the names. I love Soren, I really love Finn and I love Hadley and now I can't remember the other one but I liked it too, if there was even another one at all. Have you had the baby or what? When is your due date?
I sent Ellynn and Brind a copy of all my blogs in a package I sent. Hopefully that is what spurred her to blog. Either way I am happy she did.
Moni, I am so sorry about the lost blog, I am so paranoid that will happen to me. The houses you are looking at buying are honestly a hop, skip and a jump from my house. I run right by them on the rare occasion that I do run. I have seen the people from the DATC building them. That is so exciting, we will be neighbors. I love that little neighborhood.
Mindi, a little mouse doesn't scare me away from the cabin. One time our cat Walley brought a live mouse into the house and it started running all over. We were all screaming and jumping up on the furniture including dad. It was great.
Adam, your two new babies look great.
Brooke, did you have the flu? Why were you so sick?

I have been helping mom and dad paint. They are doing red in the living room. It looks awesome. Well I gotta run, mom is making french toast. Love Jess

Georgia- hotter than Hell

It was 84 degrees by 8:45 this morning. The tops of my legs were fried from yesterday so today my friend and I took the girls to Chick Fil-A and let them play on the indoor playground for 2 hours. It was almost dinner time by the time we left(j.k.). Tomorrow we are going to the lake for the day, very happy about that. Sun, shade, water, and a house. What more could you ask for?

Ellyn is getting very close to walking. She took a few steps today for Jane and Savannah. Very exciting.

I think I have told you about Savannah being Jane's best friend and Addyson, her little sister being Sadie's best friend. Sadie and Addyson are only 7 days apart. It is getting harder and harder for Jane and Savannah to get to each others houses without one of the little ones trying to follow so they can play together too. We only live two doors away and so anytime we are outside Sadie is trying to make a run for it over to Addyson's. If we didn't have such a strong incentive to move to Washington we couldn't ask for a better set up.

Okay, Mindi, I know I have given you all my potty training advice. If Sierra isn't interested now I would just wait another month or so and try again. I don't know what to tell you about the weaning thing. I would've probably done the same thing you are doing now. Ellyn still nurses like a fiend, with no end in sight. Good luck. By the way, please don't let my brother die.

I copied and pasted one of my blogs for Ellynn and Brind the week before last. It sounds like Geof has done that too, based on a response I read in one of Brind's letters. Now it sounds like Jess as well. Anyone else? I missed last Sunday.

Sorry, this is incredibly boring, more than boring. Not really even worth wasting your time to read. I shouldn't even have blogged. I'll go now and deal with the embarrassment of my lame blog. Hot bliggity blog. Brooke

P.S. the sun is sucking all my brain power away, that's the only explaination I can give.

Adam's Motorcycle 

Adam's Jeep 

ColoradoBennett-Welcome Ellynn

Thanks to whom ever is pulling Ellynn into the blogs, is it Jessica? Cameron, many blogs ago you asked for Ellynn and Brind's email address. I have been meaning to post them if in exchange you will post Joel's.
ellathefin@myldsmail.net
Beechboy@myldsmail.net
Brind's address is:
Cebu Philippines Mission
47 Salinas Dr, Lahug
Cebu City 6000
Philippines

Could someone post Ellynn's address please?

As for our family, the posted pictures of Adam's two other wives should speak 1000 words. Sierra is only 2% interested in potty training and I could really use some pointers there from post-potty training moms (or i guess I should open that up to anyone, male or female, potty trained or not). I'm supposed to go to Girls Camp in two weeks but Camp Firewalker doesn't allow kids. It is really stressing me out because I'm not ready to leave Kaia with a sitter for that long. I thought maybe I could wean her at that point and it would be no big deal, but she told me that she is clearly not ready for that. So I just emailed the camp asking for special permission to bring my baby. I'm sure it isn't the first time they've received such a plea from an LDS mom. Blog, Blog, Blog...

What capitilization and a paragraph here and there can do for my wonderful sister

Good grief! I got so many emails this week it took a good ½ hour to read them all. Maybe I should not write more often. But, then I have too much to write about after the break.

Okay, so I can honestly say that the last couple of weeks have not been my favorite. It seemed like for a while there things were really going way good. But now all of a sudden we are having the hardest time finding people to teach. It's way tough when you are doing everything that you think you can but it's not working out. So maybe there's more that I need to be doing that I need to humble myself to realize. We dropped a few investigators because they were not going anywhere. That was tough but it's something that has to be done.

Janeth is struggling again. The poor girl; she is so sweet and she has the most sensitive spirit that Satan works so hard on her.

We have another investigator named Mania. She's from Syria and actually the sisters that were here before Sperry and I were here together taught her. She knows everything about the restoration and apostasy and all that good stuff. She's an engineer and so has a mind like a trap but with that comes an inability to let the message touch her heart as well. But, this last week we took the conference issue of the ensign over and read a couple of talks with her (Pres Packer’s talk and also the one about teaching children). She said one thing that really touched her heart was that one little boy in there who said "the Holy Ghost is a warm feeling inside of me". I told her that that was the Holy Ghost touching her. I think she just doesn't understand what it is. It's like that part in Elder Packer’s talk where he talks about them being filled with the power of God but they knew it not. She just doesn't know well enough what the Holy Ghost is to say that she has felt it.

She came to a ward activity that we had on Saturday. The ward went out to an island off of Helsinki where they have an old army post. It was so fun!!

Our Ward is so rad. We played bochi ball and me and Sister Lampi won! No, we weren't playing against little kids. But, it was great and I got a little sunburn so we know I loved that. Mania had a great time. Brind, I finally decided that this was a good enough occasion to drink the mango tang and I would like to request 10 packets of that sweet love in my next delivery from you. It was so freaking good!!

I know this is getting long but… oh well!

Jessy, thank you so much for the grad announcement and the blogs. You are the best ever!! I’m so proud of you!! You are so freaking smart and beautiful and hilarious and everything I want to be. In fact, all of you are. I really have the best family in the world. I know just how you felt walking across that stage Jess. I feel that every day. We are so lucky! I really thought that life was going on but you know, nothing that great can be happening while I’m so far away....right? Wrong.

I realize now through your blogs that life is continuing at a very fast pace at home and that the world does not really revolve around me as I had once believed. Daniel really made me believe that. I love the blogs although I am not a partaker of it's magical fruits but I love what it is doing for our family. It’s bringing you all so much closer together, which is why I feel that although I cannot log and blog with the rest… somehow I should still be a part of the magic and central to it. I don't know if that's possible but let's see. But you
all sound like a bunch of addicts. Good. Good. But, hey!

If you guys are gonna be talking about fathers on the blog let's talk about mine for a second here as today is his birthday!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!! he truly is one of the best the world has to offer. Let’s use an example to demonstrate. There was a time when I was a little girl and I was in the hospital and I called my dad at about 6 am or so to surprise him with this news. Within a few hours my daddy was by my hospital bed with a big can of almond Rocha, a bouquet of flowers and an Eeyore balloon. Is that man good or what?!!

And one more before I have to go… One time I had a choir concert and it was a big one so dad rescheduled a meeting he had so that he could be there but then I told him the wrong date so he had to reschedule it again. Yep, he's pretty much wonderful. In the immortal words of Geoffrey, “With Dad home it's like all the benefits of having no parents home but with a car and money!!” I love you daddy. You’re the best.

I love you all and I hope all is going well. I think of you often and pray for you always. My babies sound so amazing. I can't believe how big they will all be when I get home. They have amazing parents. That’s all I can say. That is aimed at all of my siblings and
Leashy Lynne of course too!! Be good kids and take care.


Sisar Bennett