Bavaria-Jess, you sweet sweet cousin

You are so cute. Thank you for writing on the blog. You've made my day! In answer to all your questions. First, Munich is about two hours away. How long is Lyd there for and is she going anywhere else? Secondly, we are not going to Rome for Christmas, writing back and forth with Rene he says that I should come in the spring. He says Christmas is the most expensive time in the whole year. We found a really well reviewed little hotel in Florence and were planning on going there, we have reservations. However, if our stupid house in Oklahoma doesn't rent soon I don't think we'll be able to afford it in December. We'll see. We would have fun here, we just want to get some sightseeing in while Mike is here and not deployed. Next answer, Ellyn is moderate as well. She will be three in Feb.- Valentine's Day in fact. If I ever do hear anything ground breaking I'll let you know. She was Snow White for Halloween too, sans the wig. It was so cute. Also, she's finally understanding the idea of holding still for pictures and yesterday she stood still and smiled for about five of them. It was so cute.

If you get a chance I would love to see pics of Mad and Chlo. Also, Mike just posted a ton of pictures on www.sundryseven.blogspot.com
They are all the pictures of when we went to the castle.

So, I have a question. Did you just tell your friends Monday night that you were pregnant? If you did I'm a bit sickened because it means you still aren't showing AND that you have enough restraint to not let anyone know. That's amazing. If they knew already, I'm not disappointed, that's just normal.

Oh, as far as Halloween. From what I understand it is not really celebrated in Germany, but I did see Halloween decorations for sale at one of their toy stores. I think areas where there are alot of Americans you get some celebration. I hear that some of the German kids dress up and go to the American housing areas off post and trick-or-treat. This year Sadie was a Barbie princess, Jane was Laura Ingalls Wilder, and Ellyn, of course, was Snow White.

You'll have to tell me if Tony had any great stories. My friend Elly worked as a nurse in the ER in San Francisco and sometimes when we went walking (we walked together with our friend Emily every weekday night in Georgia) she would tell us stories. There are some amazingly stupid and sick people out there.

Well it is time to wake Jane up for school and start the day. Jess, you are a sweetheart and I love you. Give your family kisses for me. Love, Brooke

Just for you Brookie!

Happy Halloween!!! Do they have halloween in Germany? I am glad to hear about Ellyn sleeping through the night. I am crazy without sleep so I can only imagine what it will be like when my kids keep me up. Lyd is going to Munich tomorrow, is that near you? Are you going to be in Rome for Christmas? I visit teach a lady who's daughter was recently diagnosed with autism. I was telling her about Ellyn and she asked what "level" she is and I wasn't sure. Her daughter is moderate. She is two years old. Is that how old Ellyn is? I was telling her how you live in Germany and they do a lot of research there so I would tell her of any ground breaking things you learned there. Things are good here. We had a great halloween day, Chlo was Snow White and Madd was the ant from bug's life. I let Chlo wear this black wig I have and with her fair skin she looked just like Snow White. They were adorable. Tony had to work tonight, that is two years in a row he has had to work on halloween. He was excited to see what kind of freaks would come into the ER tonight. We have another ultrasound on Thursday so we should be 100% on having a girl and can begin the decorating. We got together with the only two other couples in our ward that don't have kids on Monday for FHE. I asked if we could still be friends if we had a baby and they were all excited to find out I was pregnant. In fact they are going to start trying soon too. It was fun, we are finally making some friends in our ward...8 months later. That is all for now. I love you all. Love Jess

One is the Lonliest Number, One is the Lonliest Number, ONE

Hope all of my siblings are having fun at Disneyland without me.

Bennett Family Christmas Draw

Here is the list. For adults, you must spend less than 20....make it or fake it. For families (kids) 20 dollar limit as well.

Gifter-Giftee

Adults:
Brooke-Darla
Adam-Mike
Meagan-Brooke
Geof.-Brind
Ellynn-Geof.
Brind-Mindi
Mike-Jason
Mindi-Ellynn
Cory-Adam
Darla-Meagan
Jason-Cory

Families (kids group gift):
Stinchfields-Allens
A.Bennett-Stinchfelds
Allens-G.Bennett
G.Bennett-A.Bennett

Thanks!

Povo wife

Oh...you're all so funny. I don't know why I'm laughing really, I think it's from shear exhaustion. And reading that the rest of you are going through it too makes me relieved I guess. I'm still amazed at what mothers do. I look at those people who don't have kids yet and think "oh, how would that be" in envy. But then I realize how much my kids have taught me and who I've become as their mother. I couldn't of done this just being married and childless. Mindi, you're gonna have so many great stories to tell when you're older. just living in that neighborhood, in that ward, with that variety of people, makes for a good story. I'm glad Tristan is doing okay. How many days a week is Joy School? Does Sierra just love it? I hope you can get ALL you need to done today. Brooke, way to go on the sleeping through the night thing with Ellyn!!! Remember our talk when you were out here last time? It can really suck to have structure and order (for us, the adults), but it is SO worth it for our kids. Especially one with special needs. It'll pay off. We're praying for your sanity (: Meags, I AM impressed that you're packed. I always wait until last minute 'cuz I have to make sure every article of clothing is washed (so it can all be packed) and the house is relatively clean. We're gonna leave tonight and stay with one of Geof.'s mission comp.'s in Cedar City and then on Sat. stay at my friend's house in Vegas. He and his wife won't even be there so that'll be fun. He did admit he was a little worried about Cole in his house that still isn't kid proofed (his wife's pregnant). I assured him all would be well, that I'd just tie him up to a leash in the backyard. We can't wait to see all of you. Sorry about the dead blog thing Brookie. ~darla~

ColoradoBennett

Brooke, I'm glad you posted about your success in nighttime parenting with Ellyn. I truly believe kids are much better off with well rested parents then catering to any of their other wants or needs. I need to work harder to get my kids away from the TV and out on walks everyday, even through "snow, rain, wind or sun". I've had a few rough nights and feel like I'm living in "brain fog". Tristan's circumcision went really well. The Jewish Mohel who performed the operation is our new best friend. It happened on Monday night and we had the Wyman family over like we do every FHE. Brother Wyman really wanted to watch the procedure and I wanted to be as far away as possible. Of course it worked out totally opposite. Just as it was about to happen and I was going to run outside, Sierra ran in and said really loud "I have diarrhea!!". I had to go into the bathroom with her and Wyman had to go outside to distract Kaia and Pearl. So I had to listen to my poor little boy's cries, but to be perfectly honest I had a very calm feeling about the whole thing. The mohel (which is the name of a Jewish guy who performs circumcisions, and this guy has been doing it for 33 years) held Tristan for a while after it was all done and calmed him right down with a sweet little Hebrew song. If you ask me it was all a miracle that we were able to meet up with this mohel, get help from his urologist friend, and have everything work out fine. I feel strongly that if it would have been done at the hospital with the equipment they have there, Tristan would have ended up with long term trouble. So all is well that ends well, but loss of sleep is really starting to catch up to me. Plus, I'm teaching Joy School at our house this morning and we still have a lot of packing to do. I hear that Meagan is already packed and her kids are now walking around in clothes that are too small and non-essentials for the trip. You are just downright amazing Meags. I was so excited to tell you that I ran 4 miles for the first time in my life on Saturday, but I'm ashamed to admit that this week has been so busy I haven't ran at all. Consistency is going to be a big challenge for me. Unless of course I get Sierra and Kaia to run with me.

Bavaria

Guten Morgen family. Darla, that is about the extent of my German thus far. Actually I know a few other great phrases, like "I don't speak German," Do you speak English, I would like to buy..., excuse me/and or sorry, please, thank you, see you later, and my numbers to 100 if I REALLY think about it. Oh, also "Good Evening." Yes, I want to learn German, but I haven't started a German class yet. By the way, March sounds great. I'll PEN you in on my calendar. Just use one of the UVSC planes. I'm sure it will work.

As far as Jane homeschooling, no, we won't start that until next year when she is supposed to transfer over to the middle school. She loves her teacher this year and school is right across the street. The sixth grade was there as well until last year. Bummer!

I can't believe you will all be in Disneyland without us. You will all have so much fun and the blog will be DEAD. Chelsea and Jess if you are reading this I expect blogs, lots of blogs.

Everything here is going well. We finally have a system for helping Ellyn sleep through the night after many attempts and many failures. Last week she was up every night and one night only slept for three hours. So, if anyone is interested, not that it will really do anyone any good because Ellyn is Ellyn but just because I'm so excited about sleeping through the night, I'll tell you. First of all I took her off all Disney movies, ever since her strep throat she has been obsessed, leading us to the t.v. all day, screaming at me the whole time we're getting dressed or spending time upstairs ( also a strong motivator to get rid of movies ). Next, she has to go for a couple of walks or a trip to the playground every day, rain, shine, sleet, hail, just like a postman. She has to do the walking, she spends way too much time in my arms or in a stroller. The movies being off means she's not just laying on the couch watching and her little mind isn't getting overstimulated before bed. Last but not least she goes to sleep in a very dark room, Jane's room for now, because it has blinds, with feetless sleepers ( I cut out all the feet, because they make her hot and grumpy but we have to have the sleepers because she doesn't keep blankets on), with a fan going in the corner for noise. Quite the process and I've never liked really particular sleep routines because I want my kids to fall asleep anywhere, but I think all we'll really need is a fan and the porta crib when we travel and hopefully we'll be okay. Don't worry, my kids can still watch a movie here and there, just not Lion King, Little Mermaid, or Wallace and Gromet. Eventually I will let her go back to one movie a day, watched in little parts while I get stuff done but we had to take drastic measures. I'm sorry, I am sure this is totally boring for all of you. It has just been such an issue around here for us.

Darla, how did Cole's costume turn out? Mindi, how is Tristan doing? We haven't heard from you forever it seems. It could just be because I miss you and Adam. How is he?
Alright, I have to get Jane out the door. I love you all. Love, me

Brooke, are you homeschooling Jane yet? I've been meaning to ask you that. And, are you guys learning German? You better be!! Geof. and I can't wait until March when we get to come out! it'll be sooo fun. Oh wait, we're NOT coming out in march. I'm just dreaming. Mindi, don't worry about the clothes. You're right, too much luggage. We'll just wait until the wedding. Speaking of, Ellynn and Jason came over last night for dinner. They mostly hung out on the couch snuggling and looking at pics on their computer. Cute. Well, tomorrow's trunk or treat. I just tore up some bed sheet and am soaking the pieces in green tea for COle's mummy costume. I have NO idea how it'll turn out. i got some PJ's at DI today that I'll attempt to sew the material too. I also got some felt for Dayne's cat ears. My friend gave me a good idea. Make little cat ears and attach them to the little claws you put in little girls (which are then attached to their ponytails). This way, they won't tear them out 'cuz they're already used to have pony tails in. Good idea huh? Well, gots to run. Lots to do. hope all is well. Darla

Halloween COuntdown

bg life

brooke you really scared me. i think you should try and take it on a trip to see. wil is really into counting and he said he can count his faces..."one, one, one". he is so funny. the other day he said he had a dream in his heart and it was disneyland. where does he come up with this stuff? ok, remember a couple of years ago when we played that game, late for work, at aunt jacks? can anyone remember how to play that game and can you remind me how it goes. we are in serious countdown mode for disneyland. the kids are brimming with antisipation and i am starting to feel very overwhelmed with all i have to accomplish this week. how many batches of wash, field trips, soccer parties and i'm the team mom for one and covering for the other, figuring out what the kids are going to wear to school this week when i need to pack everything cute etc,etc.
so, i am on cory's lappy which means i don't have my spelling and grammer check now you guys get to just guess what i am trying to say.
i fugured out the one thing i don't like about my nursery calling, i can't dress up for church anymore. which is the only time i get to. i wore a skirt today with all this bead work on the front and the babies were continuely trying to remove every bead. yesterday i called ellynn to tell her that she will be married before my milk expires. when i was pregnant i would play that game, i would look at movies and verious other things that would come out after the baby would be born or when it got really close i would be excited that my baby would come before the milk went bad. brooke said she would do the same thing, so i'm not the only crazy one. jesse now that i have said it i garantee you will find yourself doing the same thing. brooke did you guys get to go to progue? the piture on my calander this month is of there. i wish i was with you. all my angels are now awake after their sunday nap, so my free time is over.
blog one..........meags

Bavaria-We Got a Yorkie!!!

Darla, I loved your quote as well. We must have been posting at the same time, just for you it was late at night. That's kind of cool. I love your Cole stories. It's so funny because Sadie is in the same phase. When she was younger she had no interest in drawing, at mom's she showed a little, and now she's obsessed. She has actually taught herself her letters. She gets so much joy out of it, but I did the same worry thing.

Cory, I can't tell you how blessed we are to have you in our family and a member of the church. You are such a good man, such a good example, and one of my very best friends. Congrats on ten years of enlightenment ;).

So as for the title Meagan, I know you are dying, thinking we've messed up our whole experience in Europe etc... But actually we are tending a Yorkie for about two weeks. One of the guys that Mike works with has to go on emergency leave. His wife's sister died, so sad, out of the blue. They are from Utah and leave early Monday morning. Well they just got Jake two weeks ago and so we are going to watch him while they are gone. The girls will love it and it will be a good test to see how it works for our family.

Well I have to go, but I just wanted to say "hi." Our little get together went really well last night by the way. Lots of food, can't go wrong. I love you all. Love, Brooke

d-la

Cole's so funny. He's really into his mini doodle pad right now and loves it when we draw things for me. He's actually become quite an artist. It's funny, 'cuz I was actually worried about him not showing any interest in coloring or drawing or whatever. now he LOVES it. I think I just need to be patient with my kids and THEIR timing on things. So...we're working on writing his name, and he comes back to me after doing it pretty well and I show him how excited I am and he puts his fists on his hips (kind of a Superman pose) and sticks out his chest hollering "I did it!! I DID it!!" Wow, kids are sweet. I think he'll be a mummy for halloween and Dayne will be a cat. But of course, knowing me...I don't really LIKE thinking up Halloween costumes or making them. So I'm hoping that all you Disneylanders can help me out. By the way, whenever Cole's mad at me he says "we're not going to Disneyland mom!!" I think it's his way of testing to see if we're ever going (he's REALLY tired of waiting). So last night Geof. and I went out with my colllege roomate and Geof.'s friend Ricky. I was fun. we went to the Spagetti Factory and then we were going to go to a comedy show or a lazer light show but since we're all over 25, we were too tired to do much after that. We went to my friends apt. and tried to watch a movie, and then tried to play a game...and then at midnight Ricky said he was too tired and had to go home. We were so excited because our babysitters had put our kids to bed and told us we could stay out as late as we wanted, and we couldn't even do it! We're so old. But it's always fun when Geof. and Ricky get together. Geof. left at 8am for a flight to Portland today. I really hope he doesn't get stuck up there due to bad weather and then I'm stuck with 2 kids tomorrow when I have to speak and teach. well, I gotta go. We're going to the Pumpkin Patch when Dayne wakes up from her nap. (:

bg life

Guess what today is, Oct. 20, 2006.  It is Cory’s ten-year anniversary of joining the church.  Geof. can you believe that it was ten years ago that the two of you were dancing around the font trying to figure out how to stand?  It has been a good ten years.   I think he would agree.  He went from Mormon bashing, chinstrap growing, size 38 wearing rocker to a clean-shaven 1st counselor in the young men’s presidency.  Funny huh.  Although he still likes to rock and he does occasionally bash on some Mormons.  Darla and Brooke thank you for the words of encouragement they really do mean a lot coming from you.  Did you all check out that thing Cory put on.  It is really interesting.  I got to talk to Aunt Jack last night, which was fun, she sounds like she is doing well although she admits that she hobbles rather than struts. Too funny.  Ok that’s all I needed to say.
                         Blog one………meags  

check it...

http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com/home_films_evolution_v2.swf

Bavaria

Meags, stop beating yourself up. You are a wonderful mom and daughter and maybe now that I'm gone you are a great visiting teacher as well. Mom does have a lot to do, she always does, but...it's just mom and Brind. She doesn't cook, her house is spotless, she has the time to do alot. You have time to do alot too. Alot of laundry, wiping down of bathrooms, vacuuming, cooking, lunch making, kid entertaining. Plus, I know you and I know you are helping and have already done a great deal- words from mom. She knows you'll help where you can. You are a great wife and mother and have the kindest heart of anyone I know. Even if you lose it every once in a while it's easy to forgive because you are so kind and caring and giving. It is true, what I told you last fall. You are truly a Christlike person in your thoughts and deeds and we all love you dearly.

So do you have the same route for v.t.? I just did one of my sisters yesterday. One down, one to go.

Mindi, your circumcision story is hysterical. I hope everything goes well. Poor baby, he'll be really grateful when he's older. Keep us posted.

Jess, I loved your blog. I have definitely missed you on here as of late, as well as the singles. I really like the name Indie/y/ee. I think I like y or ie best if you want an opinion. I'm glad you are done with all of your roofing problems. What a relief. I'm also glad you left you "sucky" job.

We are doing well. Life is busy. We are having a few families over tonight for dinner and games. Should go well. Got to get Jane out the door to school. I love you all. Love, Brooke

Life

Oh Meags!! You're wonderful. Don't beat yourself up. Why do we (as women) tend to do that so much. Please read this awesome quote from E. Bednar given when he was still Pres. of BYU-Idaho. And BELIEVE the words...live them. love you. Darla

"If I were to emphasize one overarching point this afternoon, it would be this. I suspect that you and I are much more familiar with the nature of the redeeming power of the atonement than we are with the enabling power of the atonement. It is one thing to know that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for us. That is fundamental and foundational to the doctrine of Christ. But we also need to appreciate that the Lord desires, through His atonement and by the power of the Holy Ghost, to live in us--not only to direct us but also to empower us. I think most of us know that when we do things wrong, when we need help to overcome the effects of sin in our lives, the Savior has paid the price and made it possible for us to be made clean through His redeeming power. Most of us clearly understand that the atonement is for sinners. I am not so sure, however, that we know and understand that the atonement is also for saints--for good men and women who are obedient and worthy and conscientious and who are striving to become better and serve more faithfully. I frankly do not think many of us "get it" concerning this enabling and strengthening aspect of the atonement, and I wonder if we mistakenly believe we must make the journey from good to better and become a saint all by ourselves, through sheer grit, willpower, and discipline, and with our obviously limited capacities."

bg life

I don’t have a ton of time and am not quick enough to think of a lot to say, but I have to get on here and say something. I have been called to repentance by now two Relief Society pres about my visiting teaching, so I packed up the kids in the trusty double rain fly and all and headed out the door to run and deliver a plant and card to a sister who will not return my phone calls. I had to hustle to push my chubba babba’s out two miles and back two miles before it was time to pick Benny up from school. I am feeling like I need to be better in so many ways lately. I have not been much help for mom who is going crazy trying to plan weddings and sell a house and…and…and…all the other things she is always trying to accomplish alone. I threw a fit that Cory had something to do three nights last week having to do with young men’s. Then I look at Adam and Mindi who are running the whole ym/yw program and I am humbled. Then I think I should go back to school because I would like to be a labor and delivery nurse, but I think I will work into it slowly not really starting until I have hazel in school and here is Darla doing it right now with two still at home. And I beg Cory to come home early from work because I don’t want to be a mom by myself any more every day by 3:00, then I think of brooke doing it for a year alone, mom who has done it for so long on and off it’s not funny and once again I am humbled. I do have the most kids though, so there’s one for me. Jesse it is so good to hear from you, I love the name any way you spell it. Moni and Cam any word on the house? Beck is beautiful!! His birth story sounds a lot like Jackson’s with the dropping heart rate and the umbilical cord over his head and wanting to do a c-section. We will have to swap stories when we are down there. Ok I love you all and I am missing our young singles i.e. lyd and chels. We finally got Ellynn so that’s step in the right direction.

Blog one……………….meags

bg life

Mindi don’t stress, Jackson was about 3 weeks when we circumcised him and I don’t know how he handled it because they wouldn’t let me in the room, but they did come out and ask me if I had a binki or something to calm him.  I said all I had was me, they told me that wouldn’t work and left.  I remember freaking out and Cory trying to calm me.  Well he came out and nursed and never made another peep about it.  We also had to pay out of pocket 200 for both boys, but Cory said he would have paid 4x that much.  Good luck I love you.

ColoradoBennett

I'm sorry. I didn't read the whole article before posting it. It was first printed in Mothering Magazine, which tends to be very extreme in its views. I don't believe that having children in a hospital is wrong, or that kids born at home will turn out better. I did what I did for selfish reasons, I just think that no drugs works best for my body. I really don't want to offend anyone who goes a different route (and if you read that whole article you might get the wrong idea about what I think). On a related note, I've spent what seems like hours today working on Tristan's circumcision issue. Our midwife gave us the number of a Jewish moyle (who also happens to be a gem cutter). I called him when Tristan was a few weeks old, but he was on a 7 week vacation to Israel, so I decided it couldn't hurt to wait. Well, turns out it really does HURT to wait. Our insurance only covers circumcision if it takes place in the hospital right after the baby is born. Otherwise it is a "cosmetic procedure" and costs somewhere between $150 and thousands (after several phone calls I still couldn't get anyone to give me an amount, one lady said 150 and the other kept saying it was very expensive, as much as several thousands). Then I found out that it would be very difficult to find a doctor who would do a circumcision before Tristan turns one because they'd want to put him totally under. The moyle ususally charges $375, but I talked him down to $250 (plus he can come over tonight). He said that I should give Tristan Tylenol before the procedure and then wine aftwards to help with the pain. After a huge internal debate about wanting to make this as painless as possible for my sweet baby (and a call to the bishop who thought it was funny and is sure he is the only lds bishop to be asked if we could let a jewish moyle give a baby wine), we decided to just stick with the Tylenol. A lady in the ward once told me that her kids were so sweet and happy until they started getting teeth, and then they never went back to being sweet and happy. That story scared the crap out of me, and I'm worried that's what will happen here, but worse. On the other hand, I can't fight the fact that I really do feel calm about all this and I know it'll all turn out fine. Just as long as I can avoid remembering what Mothering Magazine (and my mother) say about circumcision.

ColoradoBennett

Aw, Jess, you got me all wrong. I'm all for pain killers. In fact moments before reading your blog I downed a few tylenol and successfully annihilated a monster headache. I'll never forget the first time I told LeAnne I wanted to have my babies sans drugs. She said, "If I break my leg, I'm going to take pain killers. The same with having a baby." I do understand that that way works best for some women. My thinking here is that my body is designed to manage pain during childbirth (I'm a big fan of oxytocin, endorphins, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and prolactin). Plus, ever since having a spinal tap as a kid I decided that there is no way anyone is getting near me with that pitocin needle. But if I break my leg or have a headache, you better believe I'm reaching for the pain relief. If you are interested, here is a good article on what all those hormones do during child birth: http://www.motherandchildhealth.com/Prenatal/sarah/hormones.html
Oh, and I looked up the website of your new job. That looks like a fun, creative company to work for. Congrats.
Ellynn, great to see you on the blog. Can wait to meet the o' beau.
Adam and I had mutual at our house last night (hence the aforementioned headache). I'm attaching a group photo just for fun.

the good the bad and the engaged

k i suck i know. but i'm writing now so just count your lucky stars! i never wrote when i was home because i never had anything to write about and now i never write because there's too much to write about. well in the beginning of september i moved to utah as many of you know. i started cosmetology school which i absolutely LOVE!! it's so much fun. Jason always teases me that i don't really go to school, i just hang out in a spa all the time. it's true, i do get pampered a lot. we give eachother facials, pedicures, manicures, weaves, extensions, you name it. it's great! right up my ally. besides school i've been working way too much and spending every spare moment planning a wedding to be taking place one month from today!! jason and i decided about 4 weeks ago to get married. originally it was going to be in january or february but well...that doesn't go with bennett tradition to have an engagement last that long does it? anyway. the planning has been in the works for a while and we've been officially engaged for 2 days. so yes he did propose and i do have my ring. it's beautiful! i'll post pictures of both jason and the ring one of these days but knowing me, you'll see them both at the wedding long before i get it on here. so yes, life is totally crazy. i never sleep, my homework is usually late and i never get to spend enough time with jason but i've never been happier! hopefully one of these days i'll get a little extra time to play with all of you. i really wish there was more time. listen to me. i don't even have kids. you guys are amazing! i love you!
peace out
ellynn

Long time, no blog

I have finally caught up reading all the blogs and I have a minute to fill you in on my life as of late. I quit my sucky job on September 11th (hence being behind on the blog), that dirty jerk I worked with never saw it coming, it was great. Chelsea's boyfriend Joey got me a job at Fusion Imaging (check out their website fusion-imaging.com) where we make signs and billboards for companies to use in marketing. I LOVE it. Mostly I love the people I work with, funny what a difference that makes. Also, it is a hop, skip and a jump from my house. I can go home for lunch or to mom's or Alicia's, it is that close. It is wonderful. I have still been feeling great aside from the occasional 3 day headache. I have been trying not to take medicine because I think of Mindi and the pioneers and think that I can indure a little headache. Have I told you we think we are going with Indie for her name? But we are debating how to spell it...Ton likes Indy but I like Indee or Indie. The middle name will of course be Marie. Tony is still clipping away at school, clinicals and work. He is such a hard worker!

Now onto my week from H-E-L! From Saturday the 7th to Saturday the 14th we have been working on the roof. It was a nightmare to say the very least. We had a lot of help so that was great. Our roofer however was a moron so we are in the process of working out the cost. Here is a word of advice: If you ever have to roof your house just move and let the new owners deal with it...seriously! It is done now and quite a relief. It looks lovely and we are now leak free.

Brooke, who knew they had an IKEA in Germany? That is great. I wasn't the one who posted the link but I am glad someone did. You are right I love that store. We visited one in L.A. after our cruise in February and bought tons of stuff for our then new house. We barely fit it all on the plane with us. I could spend all day there, my mind was on overload, I couldn't take it all in. It was an organizers dream come true. I am soooo jealous of all your lovely adventures. I too, am living vicariously through you. It gives me hope that when the day comes when Tony says we are moving out of state for Med school I will remember all the stories of your great times abroad. Just think of the wonderful memories you are making with your family. We will visit you in Germany if it is the last thing I do.

Darla, you are amazing. Raising kids, going to school and still finding time to run 4 miles (and Mindi, you running 3 and Meags, your marathon) I got on the treadmill for my first time in 5 months today and slowly walked for 23 minutes which included one potty break and some time to take the banana bread out of the oven so that I could devour half a loaf after my "workout." Anywho, I also took a public speaking course, it was quite the experience.

I have loved all the pictures and hope to post some of my own soon.

I saw Elly on Sunday, she looks like a beauty queen. I can't wait for the wedding.

We finally got t.v. after 8 months. I forgot what it is like to have t.v. Is anyone watching LOST? It is so bizarre, I don't know what is going to happen, but I am still addicted.

Well I guess that is about it, sorry about the novel, I will try to post more often. I love you all. Jess

Bavaria

Hey gang! Just thought you might like to know that Renè and Emma are still doing B&Bs /hostels in Rome. We are e-mailing back and forth at this stage. The Kerouac no longer exists but they have two new places. I think they want me to get two rooms, I'm clarifying that with them right now, but if they will let us all into one room and pay more for the breakfasts it might be feasible that we spend part of Christmas vacation (day after Christmas- Jan.1st) in Rome. We thought it might be nice to go somewhere warm enough to go out every day so Ellyn isn't just glued to the tv during the whole vacation. We would stay through Christmas and enjoy the famed Bavarian Christmas season. The Christmas Markts all around here are world famous so we'll do all that leading up to the holidays.

Mindi, Sadie does the armpit thing too. Darla, sorry to hear that you are dealing with that as well AND that you have such a busy week. Well I have to go drive into Vilseck and pay my phone bill at the bank, that's where you do it I'm told. Wish me luck.

p.s. Bennetts- we need to draw names for Christmas. I need to get going on this. Question- do we want to do individual grandkids or families of grandkids? Does that make sense? You know, my kids would do Adam's, Geof.'s do Meags etc... I know you aren't idiots, but I thought I would clarify anyway.

Meags- my address for mom- 2cr (SBCT)
CMR 411 Box 1446
APO AE 09112
It was so good to talk to you. Lots of love to all of you. love, Brooke

Bavaria

Hey gang! Just thought you might like to know that Renè and Emma are still doing B&Bs /hostels in Rome. We are e-mailing back and forth at this stage. The Kerouac no longer exists but they have two new places. I think they want me to get two rooms, I'm clarifying that with them right now, but if they will let us all into one room and pay more for the breakfasts it might be feasible that we spend part of Christmas vacation (day after Christmas- Jan.1st) in Rome. We thought it might be nice to go somewhere warm enough to go out every day so Ellyn isn't just glued to the tv during the whole vacation. We would stay through Christmas and enjoy the famed Bavarian Christmas season. The Christmas Markts all around here are world famous so we'll do all that leading up to the holidays.

Mindi, Sadie does the armpit thing too. Darla, sorry to hear that you are dealing with that as well AND that you have such a busy week. Well I have to go drive into Vilseck and pay my phone bill at the bank, that's where you do it I'm told. Wish me luck.

p.s. Bennetts- we need to draw names for Christmas. I need to get going on this. Question- do we want to do individual grandkids or families of grandkids? Does that make sense? You know, my kids would do Adam's, Geof.'s do Meags etc... I know you aren't idiots, but I thought I would clarify anyway.

Meags- my address for mom- 2cr (SBCT)
CMR 411 Box 1446
APO AE 09112
It was so good to talk to you. Lots of love to all of you. love, Brooke

Povo Wife

Brooke, funny that you said all that about Sadie. Cole's going through some very similar stuff. Like when I cut pears up he can't stand the long skinny part, saying it's "just soo yucky". And like his father, he has to make sure every stringy thing is attached from his banana before eating it. He's getting pretty picky about what he wants to wear as well, which drives me crazy. You're not even four for heaven's sakes!!...AND you're a boy! Please don't have an opinion on this! It's definately a fun new age though. He cries often now, with real sincere tears because Dayne won't play with him enough. most of the time she's running away from him crying. He carries her around the house, especially to his new "tall" bed that Gma made for him, and just dies when she refuses to jump on it with him. ANd she refuses often. THere's A LOT of whining coming from our little princess lately. Geof. refers to her less and less as "the princess" and more and more as "the brat". Horrible, I know...but she really is losing that cute baby appeal. Mindi, thank you for the compliment. Geof. was a little embarrassed that I said 4 miles took me an hour. He didn't want his speedy sister to think I was running 12 minute miles. Okay, they're more like 10 minute okay! It takes me about 40 minutes. I'm still pretty slow. But at least it's steady! (: I have the week from you know where and I don't even know how i'm going to do it all. I'm teaching next week in YW. That's not the scary part. All the stake leadership will be there and the YW pres. intimidates me anyway, so I'm a little nervous. Oh, and the topic is temple covenants and ordinances. And then, the bishop calls me in next week and asks me to speak on the Atonement. Just me and one of the bishopric members. eek. I have a Bio. Test and a Public Speaking test, as well as two Speeches I have to make. For me, this is a huge deal. Fortunately, I do have those 4 hrs. or so when Cole's at school and Dayne is sleeping through most of it. I'll work my rear off because I can't do much when both are awake. Geof. as well has a crazy busy week, so we won't be seeing much of eachother. I told him if we don't go on a REAL date soon (meaning more than an hour or 2), I might shoot myself. I miss him! WEll, I gotta go. As busy as life gets, I just can't ignore the blog. Love to all! Darla P.S. Ellynn promised she'd write this week. I'll make her!!!

ColoradoBennett

"A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world." John 16:21
Obviously a man wrote that scripture, but it made me think of Moni. I hope everything is going good for you guys and your new bundle of joy. And I certainly hope you "remembereth no more the anguish" of your difficult labor and C-section. I'm so sorry to hear you guys had to go through that.
Darla, I'm very impressed with your 4 mile runs. I ran 3 on Saturday. Started out with a goal to do four miles, but I came up with a plethora of excuses of why I should only run three.
Brooke, your Sadisms are great. I remember being just awful to my mom about shirts not fitting just right. I hated having things too tight around my arm pits. If I couldn't move my arms freely, I wouldn't wear the shirt. My poor mom. Sierra and Kaia haven't started any of that yet, but I'm sure it is coming. Sierra is practicing with the primary for the upcoming primary sacrament program. I got a call from a lady in the primary asking if I would please work with Sierra a little more on the lines and the songs. Sierra does a great job singing loud, a little too good of a job. I think she has picked up singing tips from Ben, our down-syndrome kid in the ward. They both like to sing at the top of their lungs, whether they know the words or not. There just isn't enough kids in the primary for Sierra to blend in and be an average 4 year-old. Everything she does is very obvious to the entire congregation and I have a feeling she is going to have everyone laughing like she did during the Mother's Day program. Na ja, as the Germans say.

bavaria

I only have a few minutes but something new needs to be on here. We had another great weekend. Nothing too exciting, board games, soccer games, a trip to Amberg (20 minutes away), a walk in the countryside on Sunday evening. We think we are going to go to Prague Veteran's Day weekend. It's about 2 hours away and Mike has been dying to get there.

Okay, some Sadisms- first of all she is paranoid about everything she eats, a wierd color on her cheerio, a strain of something in her applesauce and she asks if it will kill her. Then she asks if we ate it when we were little kids, followed by offering us a bite of whatever she's eating, including the offending part and saying "you can have a bite, it's for you." Too funny. She does her best to refuse all turtlenecks, which I bought about four last winter for her and she has to have her sleeves cuffed to about an inch above her wrists. This is a problem when I already bought all of her tops a bit big because she's so tall through the torso and I want them to cover her back when she bends over. So...she has a huge roll at each wrist. Oh... there was something else that I wanted to write and now I can't remember what it is. Did I tell you she's obsessed with french kissing (which is any open mouth kiss, so even Eric and Ariel are french kissing). She keeps telling us she can't wait to get married so that she can french kiss. Where did she learn such smut you may ask? From "Charlie," you know the church movie- not really from the church but you know what I mean. I don't know who told her it was called french kissing. I'm afraid that the culprit could be me. Who knew? Well, I've got to go Ellyn's appt. is here. Love, Brooke

Happy B-day Sie-Bear!

Hey, I just wanted to post before it was too late. Give Sierra a big hug and kiss from the Utah Bennetts. Mindi, I can't believe we (well me almost) have 4 yr. olds! Time flies! Brooke, I looked up that amazing castle and just about died. Just know that Geof. and I will be living vicariously through you for the next 3 yrs. Not that Provo doesn't have it's "splendors"...(: I'm happy to hear about Jane. My sister does the homeschool thing on and off...whenever she's soo sick of the California school system that she can't take it anymore. Geof.'s at an ultimate frisbee game. I met him there after a run. I've been trying to do at least 5 mile runs but it takes me about an hour to do 4 miles and I don't have more time than that! One of the Laurels in my YW is number 2 in the state for Cross COuntry. She said she'd start training me (we'll see). Alright. I gotta go shower and start some homework. LOved the pics Meags. Your kids are adorable. Jess, sorry we couldn't make it up to help out with the roof. Hope things went well. Blog soon! luv, Darla p.s. Moni, your story was crazy! Were your 1st two births that hard and LONG? I guess you never know.

Bavaria

I can't believe it has been a week already since I last posted. Time flies when you're having fun and that's what we've been doing. First of all, Cameron, thanks for the pics and the story. I'm glad everyone came through okay and I'm also glad that Monie is with her mom for the rest of the week. That must give you some piece of mind. Beck looks beautiful and so do the girls- including Monica. What a cute family you've got. I was showing my girls all the pictures on here this morning and Sadie said "that's the friend I was talking about." The other day she had been telling me this whole story and asking about her friend and her aunt and I was completely confused, evidently it was Monica and Harley. Give your family kisses from us and congratulations once again.

Sierra!!! Happy Birthday!!! You cutie patootie!!! I can't believe you're four! You are such a sweet angel and we all love you and miss you so much. Sadie thought your party looked pretty dang fun and told me she missed you and wanted to play with you. We hope you have a WONDERFUL day!!!

Geof.- Get your last few hours in and get on a great big safe plane please. We woke up this morning to the news about the Yankees pitcher and it put a lump in my stomach. Get on a big plane. I love you and I know you are very safety conscious and that the Lord watches over and protects you, so I know I'm just being extra paranoid. But the money would be nice too, wouldn't it?

Darla- your blogs are so great. That's so cute that Cole rides the school bus. Sadie would love that. As for the homework issue, I completely agree. I am really trying to be supportive this year, but I think our decision to homeschool Jane the next two years will- hopefully- be really great. I can't remember if I mentioned that. If I did, forgive me, if I did not- the middle school is over an hour away by bus. They quit doing sixth grade at the elementary school THIS year and from everyone Mike has talked to the core classes over at the middle school are horrible and people that have never even thought of homeschooling are pulling their kids. So Meags and Ad, our discussion about homeschooling middle school is coming to pass. I think I will be able to do it. It's the age that is fun to teach and not too challenging as far as completely new concepts like "this is a letter and you put it with this letter and it makes this sound." We'll see.

So a bit of a rundown as to what we have been up to. This past weekend was a four day weekend for Mike and Jane so Friday morning we woke the girls up at 6, dressed the little ones in their Sleeping Beauty dresses and Jane in a church dress, loaded them into the beamer and drove down to Neuschwanstein castle aka Disney's inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty castle. It was an absolutely gorgeous day. The castle is built right into the foot of the Alps. It wasn't too crowded, I guess during the summer there is a three hour wait but we only waited long enough to get in some great pics. We were going to take the carriage ride to the top of the hill (where the castle is) but that was a bit of a wait so we just started walking. It was hillarious though because all the Japanese tourists were just oooing and aahhing over the girls, especially Sadie. She had those blond curls and a little bow in her hair and was skipping along happily and they just died. We even had one guy ask to take a picture with her. Too funny. So after touring the castle we went over to this little park we had seen on the drive in. It had a playground and a gondola that went to the very top and an alpine slide. So the girls changed clothes and took rides on the alpine slides in the Alps. A bit surreal. Definitely a wonderful day. Saturday we just hung out at home, made lots of good food and played games. Sunday my friend and her three girls came over for dinner while her husband was in Poland with his parents. Monday we went to a very cool swimming pool complex in Amberg, about 20 minutes away. It has about seven different pools with varying degrees of warmth, a little kiddie area, a water slide, and a pool that went outside as well as in (with plastic flap curtains) that stays open even in the winter. We had so much fun and we didn't even see any naked body parts that should be covered. I guess during the summer there's a better chance of that, I can't wait. Sooo... before we went to the pool we went to a kid's store and bought a new stroller. Germany is not really made for double joggers and the umbrella stroller is like hell on wheels, literally. So after taking that up to the castle for a day and going up waaay steep hills with wheels going askew and the handles reaching all the way to our thighs we made a new stroller a first priority. So we got one that is a very narrow, big wheeled (not jogging stroller size) stroller and then we are going to order what is called a buggy board for Sadie. It attaches to the rear of the stroller and your child can stand there when they are too tired to walk any more. Sade is just at that in between stage and a day of walking around poops her out and carrying her poops us out. The board will cost more than the stroller, but it should be worth it.

So there you have it. The rest of the week I have been trying to catch up on laundry and housework. Mike and I play a board game every night and most of the time I kick his booty. Pretty fun. Tonight we are watching the Season Premiere of Battle Star Galactica and we are sooo excited. We are total nerds.

Mindi, that little note made me tear up. Not the part about submitting to your husband's will, but we can blame that on our mother. But siting all of the prophets and thinking of it in that way and knowing what the future is going to hold. Her thoughts were touching- and I cry at just about anything. I saw your point about the death wish, but put this way it really is kind of cool. Good luck with that. I wish I could be there in Cali with you all.

Okay, this much come to an end, it is too huge. But first, Meags, your pics were great. Mike couldn't believe how much Hazel looks like Ellyn. I miss that toad alot, along with all the others, man I miss their hugs. I love you and Cor and the kids and all my sibs and cousins and family. Take care all of you. Love, me

Beck William Crabb

Ok Family, I'm sure that most of you have heard that little Beck was born on Saturday morning at 2:22am. Quick overview of the story:

Thursday afternoon Monica started contracting pretty hard and that night we went to the hospital. After a few hours they sent us home because she had not made any progress as far as dilating beyond a 2. She didn't sleep much and we went in to see her midwife at 9:15am. After monitoring her for about 45min she was showing some good contractions at regular intervals so they checked her again and she had dilated to a 3 so they sent us back to the hospital and checked us in. We got to her room at 11:00am. Up to about 6pm she was still only dilated to a 3 and they were going to break her water when they found that the umbilical cord and his hand were over the top of his head causing a problem and they couldn't break her water. They had her rolling around trying to get Beck to move. He finally did and they were able to break her water. They also had to use a new bag of pitosin because the first one wasn't even doing anything. The minute that changed she had about 10 hard contractions right on top of each other. Problem there was that when she would contract it was squeezing the cord and Beck's heart rate would drop down to the 50's and he didn't have time to recover between contraction. So she dilated to an 8 by about 8pm. At 1am she was still an eight and Beck was still turned the wrong way and his cord was wrapped around him not allowing him to move or come down the birth canal, therefore there was not enough pressure to get her dilated.

At 2am the decision was made to take her in for a c-section. What a good decision it was. When they got her open the first thing out was the cord. The doctor that did the c-section told me that the cord would have come out before Beck in a normal delivery which would have been really scary and we would have had a section anyway.

Both mom and Baby are doing great now and we are back to Bill and Paula's to wait for our house to be finished. Hopefully that should not go beyond this next weekend.

Cam

ColoradoBennett

Meags, your pictures are wonderful, more precisely, your children are wonderful. And you look fantastic. We wish we could have been there claming with you, maybe next year.
We had a weekend jam packed with birthdayness. My sister, Grace, had her birthday party at the pool on Saturday morning then Sierra had a party that afternoon at a Fall Festival. I wanted to have Sierra's party at a pumpkin patch, but it is expensive to get all her friends and their parents into one. Then I found a free festival and worked it out for everyone to meet there. It was great. There were horse-drawn carriage rides, pumpkin patch, blacksmith shop, mountain man/native american booths, panning for gold, stilts, a tee-pee, scarecrow making, etc. Adam and my dad (and all the other dads) got into a stilts competition, it was hilarious.
This morning I was working out and I heard a faint knock at the door. The primary president dropped off a note and here is what she said:
"I've had you in my heart with little Danger Tristan and pray that soon you will be able to bring him into our midst with a blessing. I don't know the issues but when I think of his name I relate it to Zion's camp and what Joseph Smith might have told his persecutors, 'Danger, God is in this storm'. I think of what Goliath should have thought of, 'Danger cometh in David.' Brigham Young could have had that name as well...in other words, they all meant danger to the enemy. I'd like to think that if you choose to be submissive to your hubby's will, that the law of God will take over. It might be a shock to bless a child by that name but soon that will be overrided by the blessing your son will be for those around him as they feel protected by miracles. His friends will have the blessing of walking in dangerous instances as instruments in the Lord's business, protected as were the stallworth of old. As W. Woodruff, he will not be afraid for he will carry the fear of the Lord in his eyes. Anyways, this is what I think. I pray soon you will be able to bless your baby. Love, Sister Vigil"
On Sunday the bishop was presiding and reminded everyone that it was fast sunday, looked longingly at us and asked if there were any babies to be blessed. We shook our heads and I think poor Sister Vigil thought there was still a battle going on between Adam and I. She sure makes a good argument, though. I told the bishop later that we plan to bless Tristan in California so that Adam's family could be involved. He understood, but I could tell he really wanted it to happen here. How sweet our little ward family is. Here is a picture of little Danger, cute outfit, mad baby. The girls got their Halloween/Sierra's birthday package last night from Danna and Pa. they tried everything on right away and LOVED it. Even Adam ran off to try on his new clothes for the wedding (ha ha, he didn't really). Thank you!

bg life

Look guys I posted pictures all by myself, but I couldn’t get the writing to post with it.  One step at a time I guess.  Anyways, we had a wonderful time at the beach.  It was so warm, sunny and calm, not at all like the coast usually is in Oct.  The kids had a blast and Jackson even got a few of his very own clams.  Ad I wish you were here to eat them.  Cory said they were the best ever; I used that Tony’s creal (sp) seasoning.  Yummm!!  Well if a picture truly is worth a thousand words then this is my really long post.  I love you all.  Moni and cam I am so excited for you, boys are so much fun.  
          
                                                                  Blog on………….me
Ps 18 days til the big D!!

 
 
 
  

ColoradoBennett

Congrats, Cameron and Monica! I can't wait for our little Tristan and Beck to get together!
Darla, I'm so jealous of Cole's pre-school set up. Kaia takes naps from about 1 to 4 everyday, and it's all I can do to keep Sierra entertained during that time. My one consolation is that she'll be in the same grade as Cole and Vim. Can't you just see three of them in high school together? Right now Sierra is watching a Halloween episode of Dora the Explorer. I finally gave in after I couldn't answer her "why" questions anymore. Adam is going to the Broncos game tonight, so the kids and I are taking off for Grandma's house. Can't wait to hear about your weekend, Brooke.

Yeah!!!!

Moni and Cam, I'm so excited for you. Obviously I don't know any details except what Darla just wrote, but I hope everything went well and I can't wait to see pictures and hear details! Give ALL of your kids kisses for us.

love, Brooke

P.S. Darla, planning to write a BIG blog but we are at the tail end of a fun filled four day weekend and I'm going to bed. I'll write tomorrow. Love ya.

povo wife

I just saw Cole off on his first day on the big yellow school bus. I didn't realize how sad that would make me. He was soo dang cute but way too old. He started pre-school last Thurs. and LOVES it. He's gone from noon-4:30. EEk. Monday, Tues., WEd. Kind of long but something he (and I) really need. I just want to congratulate Moni and Cam. We got the sweet pic on our phone. Welcome little Beck! Anyway, since I was the last one to blog, I'll cut this short and hope all of you are planning a BIG one to blog soon! luv, Darla

darla

congrats on the girl Jess and Tony!! Isn't it exciting to know what's REALLy in there? I bet you're having so much fun. Brooke, I just wanted to make a short comment on the whole homework thing with Jane. That makes me CRAZY that kids are in school for 6 hrs. a day and they can't seem to get all the work done that they need to (I'm talking elementary age here). My sister says her girls have loads and loads of homework and when she homeschooled them (each for about a year), they did school each day for about 2 1/2 hrs. And when they started up again at school they were WAY far ahead of the kids in their grade. Not that I'm an advocate of homeschool, but it DEFINATELY has its benefits. I don't remember homework in elem. school! Am I crazy here?! Well we just got home from mutual. GEof. just left for his ultimate frisbee game and I'm doing a speech for my online speaking class for my 4 neighbors. WE'll see how it goes. I have to do 3 speeches during this class and this is only my first. My audience has to be at least 5 people, which is weird because small groups actually make me more nervous. Oh well. The kids are Adorable. Cole's primary teachers stopped by our house the other day. THey assured us that they think Cole's adorable (a relief to me) and that he's so funny. The guy went on to say that he thinks Cole will be rich one day 'cuz he knows how to make a deal. To illustrate this, he goes on to say that at church on Sunday, Cole asked to go to the bathroom, which he does at least 2-3 times during primary. so his teacher gave in and took him. While leaving Cole attempted yet again to run away. When his teacher fetched him to bring him back Cole stops and says, "okay, let's do this. You go back to Primary, and I'll stay here." He said it was hilarious. 3 yr.olds are soo funny. They think they really have you. And sometimes they just do. Dayne's a complete mama's girl and goes to no one except me (well, and cute boys). Just ask Ellynn. Everytime she comes over Dayne cries when she tries to pick her up. Speaking of Ellynn, she and another girl cut and died my hair today and did a FABuLoSO job. I'll be honest, i was a little nervous since I haven't had the best experiences at hair schools. They did great though . I urged Ellynn to write on the blog soon and tell us what's up with her cute beau! Alright. I gotta go. I just realized I might want to pick up the front room before my audience arrives! luv Darla p.s. hope you're all enjoying LOST tonight!

girls

girls. all you really make is girls. tony i just wanted to drop a line and say good job showing the kevs how to get the job done. hopefully we can make it up for fiddler on the roof. peace out. from geof.

I love the audio blogs

Okay, those were all so cute. It was so great to hear everybody's voices. I don't know when I'm going to try to do it myself. I'd have to read those instructions about 20 more times and write down numbers and stuff. But I will do it, dang it. Leash, great to hear your voice on the blog. Chloe sounds so grown up.

Mike figured out our lap top charging problem and so now I get to laze on the couch at the end of the night and surf the web. I'm about to look up some new recipes. I think I cooked twice the whole time I was at mom's. Not that mom cooked that much more, it's kind of weird to try to remember what we ate while we were there. Mostly we just ate leftovers from dad's huge Sunday dinners. I'm pretty sure I've said all this before, but anyway, we are out of survival mode (three weeks now in the house) and I want to start cooking food besides cheese quasadillas and spaghetti. We'll see. Could happen, could not. Wish me luck. As we used to say oh so long ago. Blog out. Brooke

testing Gabcast

Gabcast! Beechfamilytree #1

ColoradoBennett

Jess, I'm just heartbroken that Chole's audioblog didn't work. I haven't been able to get mine to work either, so I looked into and audioblog is going down. Apparently I discovered it just as they were cutting things off. http://help.odeo.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=54 This site says there is something called Gabcast with a free 800 number, I'll look into that when I have time. Congrats on the baby girl! You'll be all set with hand-me-downs and that is a great way to start.
Ok, I just set us up with Gabcast. Here is the dealio: Call (800) 749-0632, our channel number is 2026 and our password is 11111. Then call or email me and I'll cut and paste the mp3 into the blog or explain to you how to do it from the Gabcast webiste. Try again with Chole, pleeeesseeee.

Okay, I'm having issues with editing on our blog, anyone else. Hence the "love, Brooke" twice and really far away from each other

Congratulations!!!

Jess and Tony, that is so great about the roof. I mean the baby. I love little girls and I know you two are going to be great. After all Tony is Sadie's "big boy," he has a way with girls. Is anyone worried that we are going to run out of really good girl names in this family? I mean the Bennett girls haven't even started and I have a feeling that the girl/boy ratio is going to be steep. I know you will probably be really excited to get the nursery ready- as soon as the roof is done. I wish we could be there to help. I feel your pain. Good luck and I hope you get lots of helpers, you know if Cameron isn't in the midst of replacing carpet and doorjams. That makes three of us with house problems. All of the rest of you should be in the clear, knock on wood.

Meags, how are the babies (our friend Patty had her twins yesterday)? I was going to call them last night on Rob's cell but I figured I would give them a day or two. When you talk to them give them my best and tell them I will call soon. Is it still Luke and John? By the way, when is Ellynn going to post?

Geof. and Darla, how are you? I miss you guys and I want to hear from you. Mindi, I love all of the pictures you've posted. They're darling.

Okay, once again. I have a novel to post. We might have taken some beautiful pictures last Saturday and enjoyed an afternoon of peace and quiet but that was IT for about three days. Ellyn had a mild fever and so all weekend if she was not sleeping or trying to watch whatever movie SHE felt like watching ( a bit tricky to guess in the midst of hysterical screaming) she was, that's right- screaming. Finally, Monday morning I discovered that while she appeared to be feeling better she was covered in a lovely rash. So... we took her into the medical clinic where she continued to scream and after being forgotten and two and a half hours later we came out with a bag full of medication and a positive strep culture (which they had to do twice). The poor kid. Mike and I were at a loss during the weekend. We knew a lowgrade fever was going around and lasting for about two weeks. Saturday night Ellyn finally fell asleep at four in the morning after we had been up all night and Mike took her for a forty five minute drive while I was frantically reading about how to deal with melt downs with autistic children. So slowly but surely she has been doing better. Our biggest problem is that she now thinks that watching tv 24/7 is a good idea. While there is alot I could get done if I let her veg, we have been doing our best to wean her away. She has been pretty happy almost all day today, which is a relief. Do you ever think that your ornery, sick, child, or self for that matter, will never be the same again? That's how I was feeling.

Sadie played a soccer game last night in the pouring rain. I ran over to the car to get the treats and as I'm leaving Sadie runs across the whole field to give me a kiss. Too funny. Mike was torturing her today, chasing her through the house with these gummy fingers we bought at the PX this morning. After he left I took out all the misc. body parts and attempted to desensitize my four year old for when daddy gets home tonight. It should work. By the way, I'm fully aware these aren't the best sentences in the world. I am having difficulty finding the correct words, phrases etc... Just bear with me.

Jane has so much homework our whole family is going crazy. Mostly, it's because math takes her a long time but honestly, it is taking the whole night. We've postponed piano lessons until next month when soccer is over and hopefully we have a better handle on our homework technique. We'll see what happens. Pretty soon I'm just going to go for the good ol' Bennett technique- ignore it, don't do it, "forget about it." Worked for me, I'm not homeless, I just have a really smart husband that brings in the dough. He married me for my incredible good looks anyway, not for my brain.

Life is not doom and gloom, it's just been really exciting the last few days. We all have a four day weekend coming up and we're thrilled. I think we're going to do a couple of day trips so that Ellyn can stay on her sleep schedule for another week or so. We'll keep you posted. I hope you are all doing well. I love you and miss you all. The whole "I have no friends" thing is setting in. I do have one friend. She is great, we just both have really busy schedules and her in-laws are here for a month. I'll be fine. Don't you worry.

Love, Brooke

















Love, Brooke

It's a girl!!!

We went to the doctor yesterday and she is 99% sure that it is a girl. We are so excited. We tried having Chloe do an adorable audioblog to announce this but it didn't work for some reason. I haven't read the blog since September 12th. I am so far behind and I have sooo much to tell you. I will get caught up and write again soon. Love you all.

Jess and Tony

Sending out an SOS

Calling all willing bloggers in the Utah area...we need some serious help!!! Since the rain started we have had three leaks in our ceiling that are slowly ruining the drywall in our little house. Unfortunatly the jokers before us had a tar and gravel roof and then shingled over it, so in order to re-shingle this time we have to tear everything off down to the wood. It is going to be a beast so we are enlisting as many friends and family as possible to help because I have this sick feeling that poor dad and Ton are going to work their butts off otherwise. I know this is short notice and that is fine if you can't make it but if you ever need help on a project like this I can gaurentee a 6'5" helper in return. Even an hour would help. There will be plenty of food and beverages for those willing to help. I think girls could do it too, I will be up there 4 months pregnant and all (Don't tell mom, she says I am not getting on that roof.) It will be this Saturday the 7th as long as the weather is good. If it is bad it will be next Saturday the 14th. We are only doing this ourselves because it will save us about 3 grand. The roofer is coming on the following Monday to re-shingle. If you can make it you will need a flat nose shovel and a hammer. Dad and Ton got up there last Saturday and said it should come off fairly easily. Thanks all! Love Jess and Tony

Futbol in BG

my sweet husband is trying to teach me how to put pictures on the blog. i know this one will work because he did it, so i will have to get some of my own pictures to try, but this will do for now. are my monsters cute!! they both played great games, bennett scored 3 goals, jack bounced 2 off the goal post and made a few great saves as goalie. conference was wonderful, i wish it would last longer, three days maybe or four times a year. gotta jet
lay'as...me

 
 
 
  

ColoradoBennett

I was searching around for how to post a video and found this audioblog. Just call 1-415-856-0205 enter my number (720-276-3441) then enter the pass code (1111). Follow the promts, record your message, then magic little computer guys take care of the rest. Whoohooo, this is going to be fun. Now you can post anytime, anywhere, even if the internet is down or if you are stuck in traffic or if you are LOST on an island.

INTRODUCING AUDIOBLOG

ColoradoBennett

Mike, thanks for the pics and the link to your family site. I was curious so I went to Tom and Tracy's site and watched a few of their videos. Dang funny. I'll figure it out one of these days and I'll post some of our videos on the blog. You guys really are in Europe, wow. The pictures were wonderful, can't wait till we can come and visit. Keep your eye out for a castle we can all rent for a month, that would be perfect. Oh, and keep your eye out for buried treasure, too, so that we can all quit our jobs and travel.
Here are some pics of how we kept the kids (and Adam) quiet and entertained (somewhat) during 4 sessions of Conference.

Stinchfield Pictures

For those that want to check out all the pics I just uploaded, go to www.sundryseven,blogspot.com I don't have much upload bandwidth so it takes forever; no way I am loading to 2 sites. But I still love all of you too! Enjoy!

Mike