Benson Blogalong

Darren's Graduation

2009-07-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

Darren has now graduated....that is the end of all the nieces and nephews....Katelin also graduated this year. I can't believe he is all grown up. I can still remember when he was just little....he was one of the cutest little kids you ever saw. We always thought that he was going to grow up to be a politician because everything he said was always the best thing to say....he had a real talent for shmooshing his mom! It's been fun to watch him grow up and see how good he has done in so many things. I get to ride back and forth to work with him sometimes and the last months you can just see his growth....he's going to do great in whatever he chooses to do. We love you Bear....you're awesome!

No one....and I mean no one.....watches out and is prouder of their son than Kathie is of Darren. She loves him to infinity and beyond. I think that Darren is so lucky that he has such great parents...and they can be proud of Darren!

It was so fun to share this day with Darren and the Family....we feel blessed!

Happy Birthday Zach

2009-07-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

Zach turned 23 this year and we decided to have a Celebration!!!! After all Zach is a great reason to celebrate. He is such an awesome person. Zach has always been easy going and loving....unless you push the wrong button...but that doesn't happen very often. It is inspiring to watch how he lives his life, he is so disciplined and can pretty much accomplish anything he puts his mind to. He always makes the right choices (one reason is because he analyzes everything he does) and always maintains a calmness...He loves the gospel and really knows his scriptures...he pretty much loves everyone but he especially loves his wife who is the perfect mate for him, it's fun to watch how good he is to her....Zaira is one lucky girl! I know great things are in store for Zach!! We love you Zachy-poo-poo
We tried to have a surprise party for Zach....but we weren't very successful in the planning because Zach decided to go to work early that day which meant that he got home early. Zaira tried to get him to go do some other things but it was one of Zach's rare moments of stubbornness and he refused. Anyway the party was fun....even if it wasn't a surprise! Thanks to all the family who came.

I hope the wish was a good one because it is definately going to come true!

Zaira picked him out a purple V neck tshirt....just to style him up a bit....he even liked it!

We all think Zach walks on water!
Brookie was our entertainment with her very own rendition of "Camp Rock"

Brooklyn's Preschool Graduation

2009-07-04T00:21:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn has officially graduated from preschool and is heading for kindergarten! She has attended the same preschool class for the last three years....so this was quite the celebration! Brookie has done awesome in preschool and learned so many fun things. It has been fun watching her grow up into quite the little Lady....We love you Brookie!
I think her teacher picked the smartest, cutest, best pupil to lead the Pledge of Allegiance...and guess who that was.....your right....Brooklyn! Is she just the cutest thing you've ever seen!

Their class performed lots of songs...all with cute actions. Each student also had a speaking part. Brooklyn knew just what to do on everything.....She stole the show....watch out Hannah Montana here comes Brookie!

Brookie Loved getting her roses from her Dad...whom she has wrapped around her little finger... and her mom!

This was a celebration for the whole Family!

...even Aunt Ziara joined in the fun!

A Visit to Tucson

2009-06-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

After months of planning the wedding and having it turn out perfect, Lloyd and I decided to take a trip to Tucson to see Amy and Steve and the kids. We went so that we could be there for Savannah's choir concert and her kindergarten graduation. I'm amazed at how fast the kids are growing. One day we were driving in the car and Tyler was explaining to Savannah about tornados, he was doing it so intellectually that I had to turn around to see if he was reading from a book! It is so fun to visit and just relax and play with the kids...all the kids are so dang cute!!!!

Paige LOVED her Grandpa....it was so cute....she would only let Grandpa help her color!

Savannah had an amazing kindergarten year! At the first of the year they determined that she already knew everything that she was suppose to learn for the whole year. Her teacher was unbelievable and made arrangements for Savy to go to first grade in the morning where she advanced in reading and then she would spend the afternoon in her kindergarten class...Savy really excelled! Her graduation was so cute....all the kids had tie dyed matching shirts and they had a luau them....they sang Beach Boy songs from the 60's and did really good.

Dax and Paige thought the whole day was wonderful!

It was Savannah's choir concert while we were there. She performs with a little group and is by far the cutest one of all!

One of Savannah's favorite songs is Honk-shuuu.... It's a song about how Grandpa snores as he sleeps.... Savannah was the star of this performance!

Savannah loved her roses she got!

We were there for Memorial Day and Steve had the day off so we packed up the kids and went to the Desert Museum. Tyler loves things like that and we all had fun learning about all kinds of things...my favorite was the stop for Ice Cream!

Brittany and Jordan's Wedding

2009-06-19T09:42:00.001-07:00

Brittany's day started really early. Her Sealing was scheduled at nine so she was up and getting ready by six. Michelle and Rachel came to the house to do her hair and make-up before she left. Now how special is that.....and they both did an amazing job. When Brittany walked out those temple doors she looked absolutely breathtaking....and that is no exaggeration!

I swear I almost cried when I saw how gorgeous Brittany looked that day....and Jordan looked as handsome as ever.....you have to agree they make a darling couple!

After an amazing morning at the temple we arrived at the Robindale Chapel to find everything simply beautiful for the reception which turned out to be and evening filled with sparkle and fun. Brittany's flowers were gorgeous as was everything. It was definitely a magical night

The kids had the perfect view for the dances!

Lloyd and Lore, Jordan's mom, both did recordings to Brittany
and Jordan which were played during their dances....it turned
out to be one of the funnest memories of the night!

It was so fun to share this perfect night with so many friends and family members. We are so excited for Brittany and Jordan....I think this was a marriage made in Heaven!

Brittany and Jordan's wedding barbeque

2009-06-10T08:17:00.000-07:00

The Friday night before Brittany and Jordan got married the Seagers had a really fun barbeque at their home. The dads, Lloyd and Brian, did an amazing job on cooking the tri-tip...it was done to perfection! Lore, Jordan's mom, with the help of her family did the rest....it was all so good and included homemade rolls! It was fun to spend the night getting to know everyone better. Brittany is really blessed to be marrying into such an awesome family.

It was really fun to spend the evening with so many people from our family.....Thanks everyone for making such an effort to be there!

Look how our babies have grown.....It seems like just yesterday that Brittany, Cami and Karly were just little....hanging out at Grannybirds. These girls spent an unbelieveable amount of time together growing up!

...and of course you would find Jordan playing with kids....they LOVE him!!!

It's really great to be able to share these times with close friends. We've known the Burt's since our kids were babies and I love how they take time out of their lives to travel down and share these times with us....it makes everything that much more special!

Thanks to everyone for making this a perfect evening which we will always remember!

Easter Sunrise Service

2009-06-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

This was Jordan's first Sunrise Service with the fam....and we were so glad to have him and so excited for him to be in the family....he's amazing and so perfect for Brittany. Our family seemed a little small this year, Zach and Zaira couldn't make it as Zach was finishing finals in Logan and getting ready to move down the next week and things didn't work out for Amy and Steve and the kids to come either....we really missed them all!

Cooper loved the early morning....he's not the world's greatest sleeper!

Lloyd's really good friend and his wife joined us this year....Frank is amazing on the guitar and he accompanied the kids on their part. Carol and Walt were in charge of the program and they did a really good job with the help of their kids.

We even had the sister missionaries join us...

The kiddies all gave Jordan an appropriate welcome... I think we will always find him playing with the kids....they love him to pieces...and he is sooooo good with them!

I don't know if anyone loves Josh more than Brady....so lucky!

2009-06-08T08:59:00.000-07:00

After we dyed eggs we all loaded up and headed down to Richard and Angies and met up with our other cousins for pizza and an Easter Egg hunt.

Still catching up.....

Dying Easter Eggs

2009-06-04T15:21:00.001-07:00

Easter at our house is filled with tradition....for over 25 years our family has done an Easter Sunrise Service. All of our family makes an effort to come home for this but this year Zach and Zaira and Amy and her family couldn't make it....this is the first one that Amy has ever missed... Zach missed when he was on his mission. The Saturday before Easter we get together with the kids and dye eggs and have an Easter egg hunt....what we never fully realized before was that Amy was one of the main instigators of getting this organized!!! We did miss her but Kara pulled through and got darling things for the kids to decorate their buckets with. The Parcells and the Dyes joined us for what turned out to be a fun day....

Some of us were party poopers and stayed in the house....

Brady's Party

2009-06-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

Brady celebrated his birthday with a Basketball Party. Brady has become one of the Runnin Rebels greatest fans and now that his dad has his own season tickets, I bet Brady will be at all the games! We all had fun watching Brady open his presents and enjoy the party.

2009-05-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

So my goal for the next month is to catch back up on my blog.....I stopped the first part of April with Brady and Paige's birthday and in order to stay "politically correct" I haven't blogged since.....just so no one's feelings got hurt! Anyway here's to Brady and Paige..... What grandma could ever be so lucky as to get two precious children on the same day!!!! We are so blessed. Paige is a one of a kind....everyone just looks at her and wonders what is going on in that little head of hers, if you can think it she can create it...check out Amy's blog for some of her adventures. She is one child who knows what she wants and will definitely go far in life.... we love her to pieces and only wish we lived closer. Brady on the other hand is less adventurous. He will probably go through life allot like his dad and never get in very much trouble. The thing that is so amazing about Brady is how he notices everything around him...he walks into a room and takes in everything. He notices things that others just pass by....I personally think he is going to be really really smart. Both kids are just amazing and we love them!

She's really getting married!!!!...and now she's got the nighties to prove it!

2009-04-04T17:24:00.000-07:00

It was Brittany's Bridal Shower April 1st and it was quite the event. Brittney, Rachel and Kathie all worked together so you can imagine that this was really over the top....alone each one of these ladies is an over performer so you can imagine how things are when they all get together! Thanks so much for making this an amazing evening....We love you!
It was a black and white shower so everyone but Brittany was to wear Black and White....and most people did....Everyone and everything looked so cute! It was fun to see Brittany's old friends from high school....alot of them are still in Provo but Megan drove all the way from St. George just to come....and it was fun to get to know her new friends she's made since being home.

Judging from the smile on Brittany's face as she opened her presents....she's going to have fun on her honeymoon.....and she is now prepared!!!!

....and when Jordan gets tired of the lingerie, Brittany can make him brownies in this special edges only pan that Rachel found for them.....thanks Rach....how'd you know????
So it's an old tradition to make a hat with the ribbons....the young girls said they didn't do that anymore....but we made them do it anyway. Megan did a really good job...especially since this was her first one!

And what would a shower be without family.....We love you Brittany and are excited for your wedding day!

Jordan's Birthday Celebration

2009-04-03T10:28:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we celebrated Jordan's Birthday...it was a couple of days early but on Tuesday Jordan had school so Sunday seemed like the perfect day. We are really excited to be getting Jordan in the family....he's just perfect....even Brooklyn thinks so!

What's a party without Grannybird and games???? Brooklyn had us playing Limbo!

Grannybirds Birthday Celebration

2009-04-03T09:35:00.000-07:00

On Monday we celebrated Grannybirds 85th Birthday. We all got together at Richard and Angie's house for dinner and the birthday bash. I think that everyone that lives in town was there....plus Carol and Walt arranged their schedule to be there also. Just look how good the bird looks for 85!!!
It's always so much fun to have your great grandchildren help to make sure all the candles get blown out!

Grannybird got lots of fun presents from everyone....and cute cards....I think cards are her favorite! I know she spent the whole next day reading every card again and again. Lots of her great grandchildren gave her $1.oo bills in their cards which are reminiscent of her childhood. Brooklyn made her a special artwork card and Jordan gave her one he made special at work.....
The surprise gift from all of us was a special book that Amy orchestrated....Everyone contribute to it with pictures, writings, and sayings. I think I can say it was the highlight for Grannybird...I think partly because she is still amazed at what modern technology can do....but mostly because it represents years of our family together. Days after the party Grannybird was still in disbelief and claims this was the best day of her life!!

Just being together with family makes any celebration that much more fun. It was so fun to have Carol and Walt here for the day....She got us all together earlier in the day for a sibling lunch at Cheesecake Factory.

Happy Birthday Jordan and Welcome to the Family

2009-03-31T06:01:00.000-07:00

Today is Jordan's 23rd birthday....and we are excited to be sharing this birthday with him as he will soon be the newest member of our family. In the relatively short time we have known Jordan we have all grown to love him....Brittany is lucky to have him as her eternal companion. I love how responsible Jordan is, he always steps in and makes sure things are taken care of. It's a nice feeling to know that your daughter is going to be well taken care of....I've almost stopped worrying about Britt....but not quite...does a mother ever stop worrying??? I love how Jordan is always smiling and willing to help... he's always one of the first ones up from the table taking dishes to the sink. I love how happy he makes Brittany and how her face lights up when she sees him. I love how he is so strong in the gospel. Jordan is an awesome guy and we are blessed that Brittany found him. Happy Birthday Jordan...We Love You.

I think Brookie is as excited as Brittany that Jordan will soon be marrying into the family! It's fun to watch how excited they are when he's over to play and plays with them.

Happy Birthday Grannybird

2009-03-30T16:58:00.000-07:00

Today is Grannybird's 85th Birthday.....and what an amazing 85 years she has had! I am so grateful to be able to call her mother. She has and always will be an example to me of the epitome of the perfect woman. I marvel daily at all she does for everyone. She never misses a family birthday....blessing.....or baptism. She knows everyones anniversary, and celebrates any good thing that happens to anyone. The sayings she lives by echo daily in my mind....if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all....I always thought that was a Grannybird original until I closely watched Bambi with my grandchildren and found out Thumpers dad started it. We keep on telling Grannybird that now that she's 85 she can slow down and not do so much for others but I know she will just keep going, what an inspiration she is to us all. Mom, you truly are the best and I love you!

Happy Birthday Lloydie

2009-03-07T12:49:00.000-08:00

Today is Lloyd's 59th Birthday....and when he thinks that next year he'll be 60, 59 isn't sounding so bad!!! Lloyd and I dated in high school, so all things considered we've been together a really long time. Through the years I think we have grown to greatly compliment each other. I keep him positive and trying to always look for the best and he keeps me grounded and moving in the right direction. I love him to pieces and don't know what I would ever do without him. I love how he quietly stays involved with doing so many amazing things for other people... no one can imagine how busy he stays! I love how he thinks it's so cute to do anonymous things for others. I love how I know that I can always count on him and I know that he will always be there for me. I love his dedication to the church and his love for the gospel. I love how his family is the most important thing to him....(although I don't always love his teasing which he thinks is so fun!) Happy Birthday Hon......and here's to eternity.....I love you for always!

What happens at Grandmas stays at Grandmas

2009-02-21T18:37:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to have Cooper and Brady for the afternoon while Kara took Brookie and her friend for a birthday adventure. It was so fun to have the boys....we sat outside in the sunshine and played....then we went in the house for lunch, Brady and I had chocolate chips and marshmallows....so yummy! Then while Cooper was sleeping Brady and I watched Scooby Doo on Boomerang. This was a special treat for Brady because Kara likes them to watch educational shows....not boomerang. It was fun for me because this Scooby Doo was a scary one and Brady is not my bravest grandchild so he cuddled real close.....so fun!

Brookie and her friend came back with cute animals from build a bear.

Hola from Rosarito...

2009-02-06T22:07:00.000-08:00

Here we are with Mark and Linda at their beach house in Mexico and the word for the day is RELAX. It is gorgeous here, you look right out to an unbelievable view of the ocean.... it makes me feel old to have such a great appreciation for scenery....isn't that an old people thing? Anyway we are just hanging out, having fun. So far we have watched all of the first season of 24 (but it did take us 48 hours to do it)
When we were walking on the beach we ran into some guys that were collecting mussels... of course that gave Lloyd the idea to get his own...so guess what he had for lunch? Linda and I didn't try them but we think Lloyd and Mark burnt off extra calories just chewing them.

We took a break from 24 to play a game....Settlers of Catan....Linda and I weren't to excited because we thought it might take to much brain power but after I won I thought that it wasn't so bad after all.

What better way to end the day than with a perfect sunset!

Happy Birthday Zaira

2009-02-02T18:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Zaira..... Zaira is our newest daughter in law and it has been so exciting having her in our family and getting to know her....she is a real sweetheart. There are so many things to admire about her. She has an extremely upbeat attitude and always strives to stay positive. She is so patient and I am so grateful for that because if any of you have ever gone through any decision process with Zach you know he analyzes it to death....he never follows my advice of just putting it out to the "Universe" so I really appreciate the fact that Zaira listens to him. I admire Zaira for always staying strong, her and her younger sister are the only members of the Church in her family and her love for the gospel is amazing! We feel blessed to have her in our family and know that she and Zach will have a wonderful life together.....We Love You Zaira!

As well as being gorgeous, one of Zaira's best qualities is how happy she makes Zach.... I can say for a fact that no one has ever made him smile so much. He is lucky to have her for his wife.....

One day Zaira is going to be an awesome mother.....but not till Zach graduates and is in Medical School.....whenever she is here with the nieces and nephews she always has one in her arms or is playing with them.

Brittany's Engaged

2009-01-28T20:28:00.000-08:00

Our baby is engaged and we are really happy!!!! We really love her fiance and are so excited for them. Brittany just glows....it could be a reflection from her ring but it has more of an inner quality. We have been impressed with Jordan from early on, he has tons of great qualities, he's a get it done kind of guy....and we think that is a good thing. He sees things that need to be done and does them, like taking out the garbage and refilling the water....little things that impress. Jordan came over on Sunday and asked Lloyd for permission to marry Britt....Lloyd said YES! Jordan already had Brittany's ring made....yes, without Brittany knowing or seeing it......I thought to myself, "Brave move" I hope she likes it.....and she loves it...it is perfect....thank heaven!!! He surprised her with the proposal later that day. If he does as well throughout their married life as he did with this whole engagement they will be really happy. I can honestly say that I love all my children's spouses and feel like each one of them found their soulmates and I know Brittany has also found hers. Brittany has never been so happy, Jordan is perfect for her and the reason for all her smiles.... I think this was another match made in heaven.....Welcome to the family Jordan!

Who could go wrong with a ring made by Jeff White....it's kind of fun because Jeff made my ring

Party Time

2009-01-26T19:06:00.000-08:00

So Brooklyn turned five on Friday and that called for a Party! After Kara stressed for several days as to what to do she opted for a doggie party at her house. We all met at Josh and Kara's and had a wonderful dinner of tortilla soup and special hot dogs that Josh got on his trip to Costco. The kids played a couple of games and the adults just visited and took it easy.... everyone had a great time and Brookie thought it was the best....it really is amazing how little it takes for kids to be happy.....we should all remember that!

Of course Grannybird made it to the Party.....it just wouldn't be a party without her!

Brooklyn got a dozen roses from her Dad. There is no doubt that little girl has her father right where she wants him....you go girl! When she was a baby Josh use to say that he could never love another child as much as he loves Brooklyn. He said, "She came into my life first and stole my heart!" I know his perspective has changed with the addition of his sons but I know Brooklyn will always have a special place in that great big heart of his.

Brooklyn was really excited to get her Polly Pocket Mall from her cousins in Tucson. Savannah wrote Brookie the cutest card to go with the present.....I'm just impressed that Amy got the present mailed....it was really big.....and it arrived in time. (She did not get that characteristic from her mother)
Brittany took Brookie shopping at Nordstroms and let her pick out her own dress. I was really proud of Brittany because she bought the dress Brookie liked even though it wasn't her favorite. I think it is darling and doesn't Brooklyn look like the cutest model!
Happy Birthday Brooklyn.....I can't believe you're five....We love you and think you are amazing!

2009-01-24T10:50:00.000-08:00

Today is Steve's 33rd Birthday and when I talked to Tyler last night he couldn't believe that Steve has to work today....on his Birthday.....bummer! Steve is the perfect son in law, we have told Amy that he was her prize for being so good....and I think that's true. He is a perfect fit into our family. He loves to hunt and fish and he could be a farmer as easily as a dentist. Lloyd refers to Steve as the son he never had because Josh and Zach just don't share the same zest for a lot of things that Lloyd and Steve find so amazing! We feel blessed to have Steve in the family and love that we know that we never have to worry about Amy and the kids because Steve will always take good care of them, he is a wonderful father and husband and we love everything about him....Happy Birthday Steve.....We Love you!

2009-01-23T10:18:00.000-08:00

So today Brooklyn turns 5. There are not many children who get as much out of life as Brookie does....she lives every minute to the fullest. I called her this morning and sang her a song I know about turning 5...her immediate response was "Grandma it sounds like you could dance to that song!" So I sang the song again while she danced on the other end of the phone. I know whenever Brookie has the choice to sit it out or dance....SHE'LL DANCE. If you have ever spent time with her you know what I mean, she has an imagination to top all others....she can be the best dog ever or practice being the perfect princess! We are blessed to have a grandaughter as precious as her....just ask her dad....she came into our lives and stole our hearts! We love you Brooklyn. I hope you have the best birthday ever!

Happy Birthday Tyler

2009-01-21T22:16:00.000-08:00

Grandchildren are what make having children worthwhile. Today is Tyler's 9th Birthday.... Happy Birthday Tyler!! What a special day for a special grandson, I only wish that we could be together for this birthday. Grandchildren are so amazing and we are especially blessed to have one as awesome as Tyler. He is our oldest grandchild and no grandparent could ask for more. When he was a baby and Steve was in school and Amy was working, I was lucky enough to be able to babysit him sometimes....what a special opportunity this was for me. I always looked forward to our time together. Tyler has always been what you would consider the perfect child. He is so so smart and has shown this quality since he was little....I think he gets it from his Dad. Tyler loves life and has always excelled in whatever he does. He learned to swim at a really early age and last year when he swam for the Blast Swim Team he won tons of medals and ended the season placing second in his age group for the whole city of Tucson!!! It has been so fun to watch him grow up....he is such a good big brother and you can see that him and Savy will have a bond forever. We are so proud of Tyler....just the thought of him brings a smile to my heart! We Love you Ty.....

Here are some random pictures so you can all see how cute Tyler has been his whole life!!

An Afternoon at the Bellagio....

2009-01-21T08:45:00.000-08:00

Mom's sisters, Fern and Norma, have been here visiting....they are escaping from the extreme Canadian cold and catching up on bonding time with Grannybird. It is exciting to have them here. We have always thought our Canadian relatives have something extra special about them...they are just "good stock". Anyway it is so fun to have them here and it was extra special for me to be able to spend an afternoon with them.
We went to the Bellagio to see the garden display. They have it decorated for the Chinese New Year.

This is a replica of a statue that many Chinese have in there homes, it helps bring them prosperity. If you throw a penny and in lands in the center of one of the gold dings them you will have prosperity for the coming year. If you throw it higher and it lands in the cup then you will be set for life....Grannybird landed her penny in the ding on her first try!!!
We had lunch in the cafe and since we had all gotten our pennies in the dings we thought we would try our luck at Keno....we only marked the cards for fun, which was a good thing because no one would have won anything!
The Bellagio has the largest chocolate fountain in the world. It is worth going to see and while you are there you can check out all the scrumptious desserts they make....to die for!!!

In the interest of calories we all shared a Gelato....

It's going to be a Great 2009

2009-01-12T15:41:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and one of my new years resolutions was to keep my blog updated....I think that I am already behind. At the end of last year I was sad that I had missed several opportunities to post about special times and special people....hopefully I can redeem myself this year. I have learned that I am going to have to get back in the habit of taking more pictures and posting promptly. Anyway we had a wonderful Christmas and were so blessed to have all of our family with us....so fun. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful children, daughters in law, son in law and grandchildren....and an amazing husband. I am also blessed with an awesome extended family! Lets hope 2009 blesses us all!

We all spent New Years Eve at the house...except Brittany whose boyfriend Jordan offered her a better option! We had a fun filled evening starting out with dinner. Wilbur and Rhea joined us which was special for us all. Grannybird also came down. We started the night out by telling our fortunes. This is an old Swedish tradition that we learned one New Years eve that we spent the night with our friends the Hollands. You melt lead and then pour it into water and tell your fortune from the form it makes....Everyone looked like they would be going on a trip.....

Lloyd and Wilbur figuring out what Wilbur's year will bring

The hit of the night was Guitar Hero....Everyone joined in and tried there hardest to be the best

Note the concentration on their faces....can anyone guess who might be the most competitive??

Just hanging out and waiting for the New Year....

On the internet we read that if you eat black eyed peas on New Years you'll have good luck in the coming year.....now who doesn't need good luck in 2009??? We decided this might be a fun tradition to start....so here's our pot of peas. If 2009 turns out to be good...or even ok....we'll continue the practice.

Lloyd wanted as big of bite as possible.....he needs lots of luck in '09!

The only one who wasn't excited about having the black eyed peas was Josh....I don't know if he doesn't need good luck for '09 or if he just wasn't happy about being disturbed from his power nap!

The only kids that made it to 12:oo were Brady and Tyler....now does that surprise anyone?

Kara's Birthday

2008-09-04T13:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Kara..... Last week over Labor Day we went to Lake Powell and there we celebrated Kara's 28th Birthday. I just wanted to let Kara know how much she is loved in our family. She seems more like a daughter than a daughter-in-law. I knew she was a keeper when in high school she was willing to change her prom dress for one that met my approval. (Those were my rougher days!) I love how she never ever complains and always looks on the bright side of everything. She is such a positive thinker you would think she took lessons from me! She even says that being happy is a choice and she chooses to be happy. She is an amazing mother and having children has always been her main priority. I know my grandchildren are getting the best of care, they must have been really special spirits in heaven to be blessed to be sent to her. I think she should have 10! She hates any kind of contention in the family and always goes above and beyond whatever it takes to keep peace.... she's the only one who can control Josh! It's just her nature to be concerned about others... she's always taking extra time to check on Grannybird and make sure things are ok with her. She looks for opportunities to help others in need and is sensitive to the spirit in her decisions. She even manages to take Lloyds joking.... We are so blessed to have her in our family! I know I speak for all of us when we say..."We Love You Kara"
Brooklyn was so excited to help us to get ready for Kara's Birthday. It was her artistic talent that made Kara's cake so adorable!!!

WHAT A CUTE FAMILY!

2008-08-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

When I arrived in Tuscson, Savannah had big plans to make a blanket for her new baby brother. I thought that was a great idea and with my sewing background she thought I would be the perfect person to help. She and Tyler carefully picked out the fabric from their mom's scrap bin.... which was full of some really cute fabric.

Savannah had gotten this cute childs machine for Christmas back a few years ago. She had plans to sew it using this machine. Well after much determination and about 2 hours of trying to get the bobbin threaded....I was sure I could do it, after all I was a clothing and textiles major in college and this was a childs machine....we gave up and got out Amy's machine.

Savannah did an amazing job of laying out the fabrics and designing the pattern...I think she may have future in fashion!

When it was all done she proudly took it to the hospital for Baby Dax. He loved it. He especially loved the bright colors and patterns Savy and Tyler chose.....Good Job!

Britty....this one's for you!

2008-08-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

Everyone who knows me knows how I love to braid hair. It's especially exciting to come to Tucson because Savannah loves me to do her hair when I'm here. When Amy was little she use to let me do her hair however I wanted to. Brittany was a different story.... she was much fussier and would only allow me to fix her hair how she liked it. Today I did Savy's hair in my favorite side braid, complete with oversized bow! I was laughing to my self thinking how Britty would hate this style when Savannah informed me she wasn't sure she liked her hair this way.... Savy.... my biggest fan! Well we were too pressed for time to make any changes so I simply reverted to bribery and Savannah agreed to wear her hair this way in exchange for a treat from Target! Just the thought of this whole incident makes me chuckle!

Really now....doesn't she look adorable....big bow and all!!

Tyler, Savannah and Paige meet Dax

2008-08-21T21:01:00.000-07:00

Tyler and Savannah were so excited to come to the hospital and meet their new baby brother. They will be such good big brother and big sister.

Paige wasn't quite sure how she felt about this whole new

baby brother thing at first.

But the more she thought about it the happier she got.

Grandbaby #7

2008-08-20T18:18:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post a couple of pictures real fast so everyone can see just how cute baby Dax is. He was born at 12:29 p.m. Mother and baby are doing great. I even breezed through the delivery! We will post more pictures later but we wanted to give you a quick preview!

Is he not one of the cutest babies you've seen. It would be so fun if his hair stayed dark... but we don't think there is much of a chance of that!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-08-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

Today I had the best birthday ever....thanks to my wonderful family. It was a fun day spent with just being lazy and enjoying my kids and grandkids. It's funny how when you get old the things you enjoy aren't the material gifts but the love and relationships. I love how all my kids put so much thought into what to get me.... that alone shows me how much they care. Everyone of them scored a homerun in that department! Brookie kept telling me that she would help me get the cards out to invite people to my party....I think she was a little disappointed that it was just the family. Brittany had plans to make me a cake...Lloyd bought one before she got hers made but she bought the cutest candles ever... which was one of my favorite things even if I was to old to get them all on the cake! I have the best family ever and am so lucky to be able to grow old watching them each become unique and special....I love them tons!!! They are truly the best and the rest of the world should be jealous!

This picture just isn't complete without Zach and Zaira and Amy and Steve and my other cute grandkids!! Check out Zach and Zaira's blog to see the birthday poem Zaira wrote me....I love it!

Brookie painted me this beautiful picture.... I actually requested one after I saw the one she did for Brittany on her birthday. I know everyone whos sees this is going to want one.
Tyler, Savannah and Paige had this special delivery sent. It was Savy's idea... she always has the best ideas and she knows how much I LOVE cookies!

Grannybird always remembers everyones everything! I don't know how she does it. She showed up early in the morning with flowers and followed up in the afternoon with more presents..... She is remarkable!!!

After having spent the day with the kids and having a birthday party at home, Lloyd and I met Mark, Linda, Kathie, Ron, Richard and Grannybird at Roy's for an "Adult Only" dinner... whoever thought there would be advantages to age. When we opened the menus there was a birthday greeting in everyones. I especially like the saying at the bottom and know that my next trip around the sun is going to be amazing! We had a great dinner followed by wonderful deserts. (Look how cute the birthday presentation was) Then Mark picked up the bill for everyones dinner....he didn't even lose the flip...Thanks Mark! It was a wonderful night and would have only been better if Carol,Walt and Angie could have been there. It made me realize how lucky I am to have such an awesome family who I love and am so blessed to have!

Thank-you everyone for everything....I Love you All...You brighten my days and make everything worthwhile.

Cooper Kay's Blessing

2008-08-03T22:49:00.000-07:00

Today Josh and Kara blessed Cooper Kay Benson. It was a great day and Josh did an awesome job....as we all knew he would. It was fun a fun day but made us miss Amy and Steve and their kids and Zach and Zaira who live in different states and couldn't make the trip. It was great to be able to spend the day with family and friends. We are so blessed.

The Boys and the Girls

I have a tradition of crocheting a blessing blanket for each grandchild. Today Kara pulled out Brooklyn and Brady's. Josh said we were going to judge how much each child is loved by how wide their edging on their blanket is.....

After church we all went over to Josh and Kara's for lunch. Kara did a great job getting everything together and Brittany added to the lunch by making her fruit pizza and her peanut butter chocolate one....she's a great cook and whoever lands her is going to be really lucky! And of course Grannybird was there....always helping and adding that extra special something!

I'm ENCHANTED!

2008-07-31T20:30:00.000-07:00

So tonight Josh stopped by with Brooklyn and Brady. He had the kids out to give Kara a little break.... He had just taken them to get a surprise because Brooklyn has spent the last 7 nights sleeping in her own bed. (He learned the fine art of bribery from me) Brooklyn picked out a mermaid Barbie whose tail changes into colorful designs when you apply cold water. After several attempts Josh informed Brooklyn that he was sorry but it wasn't going to work. Having much more experience at those kind of things I took over and with in a matter of minutes the Barbies tail was covered with the colorful designs. Brookie took one look and exclaimed, "Oh Grandma... You're ENCHANTED!" (I think that's fancy for she thinks I'm great!)

Bonjour Butterfly

2008-07-31T19:17:00.001-07:00

Bonjour Butterfly

2008-07-31T18:23:00.000-07:00

Last week Kara had to take Cooper to the doctor and Brookie and Brady got to go on an excursion (that's a fancy word for trip) to grandmas for the afternoon. We decided that swimming and baking would fill the afternoon. Brookie loves a series of books called "Fancy Nancy".... they are so cute and teach fancy words, like excursion. Brookie loves them. I had just bought the latest one called Bonjour Butterfly which we read. One thing lead to another and before we knew it we had been inspired to bake the butterfly cake. All in all it was a stupendious afternoon! (that's a fancy word for we all had fun!)

Happy Birthday Brittany

2008-07-28T22:38:00.000-07:00

It's been 20 years today since Brittany joined our family as our final child. She was so excited to come that she decided to make her appearance 8 weeks early and weighed in at only 3 lbs. 11 oz. Today makes me think back on how blessed I am to be her mother. I marvel at the beautiful young women she has become. She has always had a soft spot in her heart for anyone who would be considered the underdog.... she has a talent for writing and is amazing at always remembering to say thank-you and letting you know she cares and is thinking about you.... she has a flare for fashion and has had since she was little and would critic peoples' clothes at the age of two! She loves to cook and only wishes we would all eat healthier. Brittany never ever gossips.... she hates when people talk about others, I so admire her for that. I think she is an awesome person and I love her tons!!!! You go girl and have a wonderful birthday!

Check out the graphics

2008-07-24T02:05:00.000-07:00

Ok.... I've tried everything to get a unique header but this one is the most ME. I know that Brittany is thinking it's so "grandma" but after all that's what I am. Maybe now I can start posting real things.... Stay tuned to see if I succumb to pressure and change it to look more modern and anthropology looking! (Note the time of this post.....I'm going to bed.... I'll see if things look different in the morning)