b e n n e t t s r u s

In God I trust

2012-01-14T23:49:00.003-05:00

It's late--so ignore spelling or grammatical errors.

Been so long since I've blogged. Bad luck with cameras. 3rd one gone in a year and a half...hm, what does that mean? Anyway, nice to have pics to go along with the story of my life.

Set some goals this year. Haven't done that for a while. Felt pretty complacent with how I was doing things. Being a mom and a wife is enough, right? That urge came this year and I've decided to push myself a little more..stretch, maybe change a bit, evolve?

While visiting my cousin and his family up north, I was sitting in their Sac. Mtg. reading the program and came across this quote:

"I am so thoroughly convinced that if we don’t set goals in our life and learn how to master the techniques of living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see that we reached but a small part of our full potential. When one learns to master the principles of setting a goal, he will then be able to make a great difference in the results he attains in this life." -M. Russell Ballard

I'd like to at least try to reach my "potential". One of the goals I set this year was to complete my Young Women Personal Progress. I only made it halfway through when I was young, and thought it wonderful to do.. now that I care. ;)

Tonight I was reading the scripture heading under Divine Nature in 2nd Peter:

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious^apromises: that by these ye might be ^bpartakers of the ^cdivine^dnature, having ^eescaped the ^fcorruption that is in the world through ^glust.

5 And beside this, giving all ^adiligence, add to your faith ^bvirtue; and to virtue ^cknowledge;

6 And to knowledge ^atemperance; and to temperance ^bpatience; and to patience ^cgodliness;

7 And to godliness ^abrotherly ^bkindness; and to brotherly kindness ^ccharity.

8 For if these things be in you, and ^aabound, they make you that ye shall neither be ^bbarren nor ^cunfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

What stood out to me: The words "precious promises". I've always believed in God's promises. I've known that many times my unhappiness or discouragement was due to my idleness or poor choices. Never Him.

Reading on in verse four: "having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust". The use of the word ESCAPE! It's incredible! What a perfect way to describe what living righteously can protect you from! I thought of how cool using this word to teach my children the safety of living the commandments.

And verse 8 just needs a repeat since its promise is so beautiful and perfect: "For if these things be in you, and abound (!!), they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." ..these things being diligence, faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity.

Godliness before brotherly kindness and charity? Why? I'll have to study this some more. But what wonderful, absolutely divine character traits! Oh, to have them!

I love the scriptures.

june

2012-01-03T15:44:00.001-05:00

Me: "Okay June, now let's put the carrots in" (we're making carrot banana muffins)

June: "Carrots! I LOVE carrots!"

Me: "You do?" (slightly surprised)

June: (sigh) "No, I don't. Why are we putting carrots in, Mom?"

OUT

2011-11-18T15:28:00.006-05:00

Took the kids down to the dried up part of James River last week when the school had parent/teacher conferences.

We love Richmond. Cole's good (and hilarious) friend Jeffrey joined us. He's always so great about us dragging him all over the place.

Cats make us sleepy

2011-11-05T23:02:00.004-04:00

I love sleeping babies. And June loves our Lizzy cat (even though her eyes water and her nose gets itchy when she's been holding her too long). Lizzy ran away for 5 days and then showed up one night mewing at our back door and ever since we haven't had any problems with her running and hiding and being terrified of the kids. She's so friendly and loves cuddling up with each kid. It must have been her traumatic experience living on her own in the "wild" (aka: under the neighbor's shed).

Philly in October

2011-11-02T17:35:00.007-04:00

We took a picture perfect trip up to Philadelphia this weekend to see our good friends the Blakes (friends from Richmond who are up there just for a year doing a fellowship), and to celebrate Halloween in one of Geof.'s favorite cities.

We wouldn't have been able to go had we not literally packed our life in Richmond up and brought it straight to the Blake's. I mean, I had to do some home school with Cole, and Geof. had to work, but it was worth the effort.

Our friends, Erin and Matt were great hosts and fed us yummy homemade (and gluten free!) food all weekend. What a treat! And their home was beautiful. Tall vaulted ceilings and big open windows that gave ample view to the fall colors outside...it was quite nice. Geof. had to work part of Friday and all of Monday while we were there but didn't complain much since he parked his "office" right in front of a pair of extra large windows and had that view to look out at all day. Now I'm thinking I'll have to find a way to replicate that in his dark office with a tiny side window. :/

The Blakes have 4 cute and energetic kids which nicely complimented our 3 crazies. The weather Sat. (the day we went in to the city to see the sights) was the worst it could have been; rain, sleet, wind, snow, and eventually hailfell on us all day. But the kids (and even us adults) dealt well and had fun! We saw the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall (a little history: Independence Hall is, by every estimate, the birthplace of the United States. It was within its walls that the Declaration of Independence was adopted. It was here that the Constitution of the United States was debated, drafted and signed. That document is the oldest federal constitution in existence and was framed by a convention of delegates from 12 of the original 13 colonies.), and Valley Forge.

We then headed over to Reading Market which was so cool! A little about the Market:

Reading Terminal Market

Mouth-watering aromas. Produce fresh from the field. Amish specialties. Fresh meats, seafood, and poultry. Unique, hand-made pottery, jewelry and crafts from around the world. The hustle and bustle of a multitude of diverse people. It’s all here in Philadelphia’s historic farmers market, Reading Terminal Market. An exhilarating selection of baked goods, meats, poultry, seafood, produce, flowers, ethnic foods, cookware and eclectic restaurants are peppered throughout the Market. We invite you to explore this unique and extraordinary historic farmers market in Center City Philadelphia.

We definitely want to return before Matt and Erin's time is up. What a fun city! The only thing that would have made it all better would've been to stay an extra week and for Geof. to not have to work...not that we're complaining. Thank goodness for his job! :)

On Halloween night we headed over to a posh neighborhood where in one home we were actually invited in for hot apple cider, pumpkin choc. chip cookies, soda or bottled water (for each kid!), and of course full size candy bars. No joke! I'd never experienced that many one-uppers in my life! ;) The kids were happy and of course we didn't mind snagging a few of their full size Snickers. Thank you!

I just realized I didn't get one pic of Matt and Erin. Lame. Well, they're pretty good looking people if you have to know...

Here and now

2011-10-20T14:01:00.005-04:00

Fall is here. Like all of us, I love it, but it sure is tiring! Gone are the days of doing whatever we please. Schedules are nice, but so restrictive! ;) Here's a few snapshots of our day to day..

Dayne is so, SO busy. Every day upon arriving home from school, she has it set in her mind what craft she wants to do and how it'll go. It's exhausting to watch her! I seem to be in a constant state of "pick-up after Dayne". Paper clippings in her room.., glue and glitter all over the dining room table.., it never really ends. But I do appreciate her ability to stay entertained and of course the sweet artwork with which she adorns our home. Notice the last pic below is the books and card she made for Santa. Sweet girl. "Dir Santa Claus, I love you". Should I leave it there on my fireplace until Christmas??

All she needs from me is an occasional spelling for the many books she staples together, composes, then delivers to loved ones (that includes teachers, friends.., even acquaintances, mind you). She's also a great helper when I can motivate her. Here are a few pics of our typical "Monday"; Cole doing homeschool, Dayne peeling sweet potatoes (what a messy kitchen I have!), and June keeping herself happy after being ignored most of the day (we can thank Cole for having my complete attention most, if not ALL of the school day).

We went to Dayne's fall school fair last Sat. Her teacher was the face painter and Dayne asked for a painting on her forehead of the cow jumping over the moon! Good thing she inherited my "sufficiently-sized" forehead! Ha! The Sat. before that our ward put on a HUGE garage sale benefiting a youth in our ward who has bone cancer. It was incredible. Geof. and Cole camped on the grass outside the building because there was so much that had to be left outside and they needed some "watch dogs". We had over a thousand people enter the church building and the sale raised over $11,500! Such a wonderful experience for the ward and its members. We came home with a Santa and Mrs. Claus troll dolls. Reminds me of my mother. She loved her scary troll dolls.

Junie is loving ballet and Dayne doesn't seem to mind that she's not doing it. They didn't offer it for her age, sadly. She's starting swimming again next month, though. We're hoping it'll help clear her up and strengthen her lungs. June is also enjoying preschool and all the play dates she gets afterward (there are 5 lds kids from our ward in the class of 12 kids!). Happy child.

And although most days are a fight to get Cole started on school, he still says he does NOT want to go back to regular school and Geof. and I both agree that he's getting SO much more done at home and actually LEARNING something! ;)

Sorry I don't have pics of me or Geof. Geof. did sport a mustache for half of last week. Not so cute. He shaved it off after seeing himself in a mirror at the gym and thinking he appeared quite "mouselike".

Cole and me

2011-10-12T11:39:00.004-04:00

Suppose

BY PHOEBE CARY

Suppose, my little lady,

Your doll should break her head,

Could you make it whole by crying

Till your eyes and nose are red?

And would n’t it be pleasanter

To treat it as a joke;

And say you ’re glad “’T was Dolly’s

And not your head that broke?”

Suppose you ’re dressed for walking,

And the rain comes pouring down,

Will it clear off any sooner

Because you scold and frown?

And would n’t it be nicer

For you to smile than pout,

And so make sunshine in the house

When there is none without?

Suppose your task, my little man,

Is very hard to get,

Will it make it any easier

For you to sit and fret?

And would n’t it be wiser

Than waiting like a dunce,

To go to work in earnest

And learn the thing at once?

Suppose that some boys have a horse,

And some a coach and pair,

Will it tire you less while walking

To say, “It is n’t fair?”

And would n’t it be nobler

To keep your temper sweet,

And in your heart be thankful

You can walk upon your feet?

And suppose the world don’t please you,

Nor the way some people do,

Do you think the whole creation

Will be altered just for you?

And is n’t it, my boy or girl,

The wisest, bravest plan,

Whatever comes, or does n’t come,

To do the best you can?

A poem Cole and I read for school today. So good for both of us..if only we followed its wise advice. ;) ...oh, and an old video of Junie. Miss that little girl.

Piano

2011-10-06T17:57:00.001-04:00

Frontier Culture Museum-part 1 (and to think there were even MORE pics and I lost them!)

2011-10-01T21:33:00.012-04:00

I'm bummed because I can't find the pics from our drive to Staunton. Cole and Emily took some funny pics of each other and I deleted them off my camera before realizing I didn't have them on here. Dang.

The first farm we saw upon arrival at the Museum was the early-American farm of 1740. It was a log cabin crudely-made and without the mud filling. Outside was a man splitting logs and Cole and many other boys sat patiently waiting for their turn to hit with the hammer. Don't have pics of this. :(

And then a woman dressed in the 1740s era attire, told us all about living in the backwoods of Virginia at that time and the threats and dangers, especially for a woman who is left home all day. She then gave us a musket demonstration showing and telling us the correct way to cock a rifle and use gun powder. Her presentation (as well as ALL those that worked/volunteered there) was very interactive. She asked many questions and it took quite some time for things to build up to her actually firing the weapon (even though it was a blank). Fun and very informative for the kids.

We then headed over to two other farms; one from the 1820s and another from the 1850s. We were surprised at how things had progressed in the short time period between 1820 and 1850. A lot of advancements were made in farming in that short period. This was the first time the kids were able to participate in cooking over an open hearth and helped roll egg noodles (made of simply eggs and flour..and a bit of salt). They LOVED doing this! They were also able to carve wood and pet the sheep and smelly pigs. Emily especially loved the animals. Sweet girl.

We stopped in and had a 10 minute "school lesson" at the old school house. This time they did a spelling bee! Cole and Emily both missed the word "dodge". Oops. But they loved it and lined right up again for their next word (can't remember what it was..).

After that we headed over to the big barn of the 1850 farm and house and Cole couldn't keep his hands off all the tools. On the front lawn area of the home was local and semi-local merchants from the area there for the Oktoberfest festivities. They were dressed in old-time clothing selling things like hand-made guns, lanterns, gun powder horn muskets (made of cow horns and deer antlers), hand-made knifes, furs, and animal traps.

As you can see in the pics, Cole was ALIVE with interest. He couldn't stand still for a minute and was even reprimanded by the man who made the animal traps for not listening after asking a question. It was good, though, because after that Cole was polite as ever and stood still and

kept his eyes on the man. I love the pic of Cole wearing the muskrats hat (I really don't even know if that's what they are). He looks so young and innocent.

I can swear that my mom had a muskrat hat or shawl that she kept in the Halloween box and I was always so grossed out by it. Am I right, mom?

After spending more than enough time there (as Emily can attest to), we headed to the car for lunch and then after eating, we went to the West African Farm where the kids took part in Puddling (turning clay into mud to build homes). They both told me that this, along with watching a cow urinate, was their favorite part of the trip.

Nice..

Frontier Culture Museum-part 2 (yes, I'm working backward)

2011-09-30T20:33:00.014-04:00

So we've started homeschooling Cole this year. It's been something that I've been thinking about for quite some time, but nothing really materialized until the end of 2nd grade. I wasn't quite sure how Geof. would handle the whole "home-school" idea, so I didn't bring it up much during the summer, and then the whole choice became concrete out of no where..I mean, a few days before public school started. And Geof. seemed okay with it because he knew I was open to the idea of putting him back in after a semester if it didn't work out.

And since 2nd grade was NOT the best year for Cole, we decided to give it a try!

And I'd be lying if I said that it's been the most joyful, wonderful, easy peasy, "isn't this so fun?!" thing I've ever done. Because it's not. It's been difficult....but also great. Good days and bad, and mostly just trying to figure it out and hoping you're doing it right and your kid is learning (although I DO know he's learning a lot..I just want it to be more fun than it's been. I mean, can't learning be fun?!).

Today was one of those, "I love being a home school mom" moments. I figure that if we can feel good about what we've accomplished school-wise during the week, then Friday is a good day to take off and play. So we picked up another homeschooling child in our ward, Emily, and took off to the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, VA. Staunton is the cutest little town (in my opinion).

And the museum was so great! I've learned when I lower my expectations, I most often am very happy with the result. I've done this more and more, actually (is that bad?), and been so pleased.

Since this is PART 2, I won't fill you in on our first half of the day. But to end our day, we visited an English Farm from the 1600s (the actual home was brought over from England!), a 1700s Irish Farm, and an Irish Forge (you know, where craftsmen make things out of iron).

This museum was ALL HANDS ON, which is a dream for Cole. Not once did I have to get on him for touching something he shouldn't, climbing somewhere he's not supposed to, or playing with something that's breakable.

It was wonderful. Just what moms need. Cole was so intrigued by it all. Here's a list of the things we did:

*wool carding

*spinning on a walking wheel

*open hearth cooking

*washing dishes (we didn't get to this.., but saw other kids doing it!)

*grounded oats to make oat flour

*made oat cakes

*watched someone weave linen

*helped make Sauerkraut

*grated some real cheese made right there on the farm.

It was so fun. And the workers were very kind and patient. I wished we could have stayed for tomorrow's Oktoberfest party! Oh, how fun would that have been!

And Emily was the perfect companion to Cole. She has a bunch of brothers so she understood Cole's need to be physical (even though I made sure he didn't try and wrestle her or push her..why does he always HAVE TO DO THAT?) She also didn't seem to

mind the fact that a lot of what we did was catered to Cole. And best of all, she kept the energy level down a few notches which in turn kept me sane. :))

A few explanations from the pics: A huge, most certainly poisonous spider, a Crown of Thorns (a reminder of Christ, burned once a year and ashes scattered on crops as a sign of "good luck"...interesting), a cute Austrian man wearing a frilly frock, Cole and Emily's cute "race"..just a few fun moments to think about.

And I almost forgot to mention how BEAUTIFUL this museum was. Obviously, it was spread out and we walked a lot and it really felt like you were in that time period. Long grass and wild flowers everywhere, a nice breeze.., very picturesque. So pretty.

And then coming home and finding June asleep on a mini-ottoman. This girl falls asleep in the funniest positions!

a post!

2011-09-14T22:00:00.014-04:00

Here we are! After a busy (and fun!) summer moving in to our home, painting it, dealing with high temps and humidity and NO A/C, playing in Utah/WA/Oregon for a month (with out Geof.)..and now we're back and school has started and the house is much the same as it was when I left. We had an earthquake and hurricane the week before school started. How's that for big news? An earthquake in Richmond, VA? I had no idea what was happening. First, I went in the laundry room to check on the obvious imbalance of the washer..nope. And then I looked outside and didn't really notice anything out of sorts. But then I realized we were probably experiencing an earthquake. I looked over at Dayne who was loading dishes from the dishwasher into the cupboards and said, "um..you might want to back away from there. Why don't we all head to the bathroom?" And no, we didn't rush because I still wasn't quite sure if it was really an earthquake we were experiencing. We got in the bathroom and were about to get in the tub (that IS what you do during a quake, right?) and it stopped. Phew. Pretty fun, though!

And then we had hurricane warnings and a few days to prepare for it. That's nice. Filled up the 50 or so 1 gallon water bottles someone in the ward gave us. Did my laundry. Bought some food. And then waited. And yes, the power did go out. Trees fell. But mostly, it was just a drizzly, rainy day. We've had worse (in my opinion). But apparently, this was worse than I thought. The next day when we went out (church was cancelled), we saw the real damage. Lots of trees fell down..on people's homes. We were fortunate. Debris in the yard, but nothing else. Geof. was wishing a tree would fall on our van so we could replace the AC. He also wanted it to fall on our broken Air Conditioning unit so that could be replaced, as well. Yes, both our van and home do not have central air. Getting that installed soon. (!!)

So.., we weren't even sure if school was going to start on the scheduled day. The power was out in many places for a week. We only had it out for 2 1/2 days, thankfully. Our poor elderly neighbors behind us had a generator running for 7 days and I only got around to bringing them some food the day they got their power back on. Yes. I'm lame.

School did begin on time but we weren't prepared. I only sent Dayne to school so it was weird only having the one to think about and not feeling done with summer. We didn't do anything. Just today, I finally went out and bought her school supplies. Cole is home schooling and we're doing well. He seems to be happy doing it. We went to Dayne's back to school orientation and there were all sorts of kids running around and I asked Cole if he wanted to go to school and it was a quick and easy reply, "nope.". So here we are. I stressed a bit the first week because, who wouldn't? I signed June up for 3 mornings a week preschool with 4 other kids from our ward. I wasn't initially planning on that, but thought it'd be good for her to be doing something since at this point Cole has no self motivation to do school. He needs me there right next to him. I've talked to other home-school moms and they told me this is very normal at the beginning.

And I don't mind. At this point. I do make HIM re-read instructions because that tends to be where the problem lies with his schoolwork. Laziness. That was MY problem in school, at least. Anyway, on the day of the hurricane.., when the power went out, I got to work and started putting pictures on my wall. Oh dang. I forgot to take a picture of my "family" wall. I would love to have it cover the whole wall with everyone I love and care about. I'll get to that..someday. I haven't done much with the bedrooms or bathrooms. I'd like a rug in the front room to protect that beautiful hardwood floor. I'd also like a big GIANT map on the wall between the piano and the desk. I don't know what I'm doing with the fireplace. Meaning, what do we do in the winter? I don't want to use it, but I gotta cover it with something, ya know? And the book case (yellow) is just crazy. Overdone. But I do like the little spot I set up for the kids to read their library books (on the floor by that back door that we don't use?)..but not one of them has taken me up on it. The dining room needs some cute chairs or benches and a new chandelier..but that takes time and thinking and I don't have that right now. So I'll do one thing at a time. I have a big mirror that I'm painting and hanging on the big entry way wall (coral) and I need to replace the glass in the pic of Christ you see as you walk in the front door. And really, who's still reading this post..?!!

Old Rag with Dad

2011-09-06T22:24:00.011-04:00

For Labor Day, Geof. took Cole on an 8 mile hike up to Old Rag . Cole's such a little stud. He's a mountain goat, says Geof. Scampered over all the rocks and passed many people on the trail, constantly shouting, "This is so awesome!". I think we know where Cole is in his element. And we love that about him. This boy was meant to be outside...as much as possible. And so happy to have some alone time with Daddy.

I know this blog has been majorly neglected. I'm so behind I couldn't even catch up if I tried. I'll try and keep it updated more often.

Geof. just told me that the hat Cole's wearing is the same hat he wore at 16 when he hiked around Mt. Rainier. Nice.

2011-08-21T00:59:00.002-04:00

We missed the Bennett reunion (sad)..but the kids and I made it safely back to Geof. without me (and the children) losing my/our sanity (too much). Geof. wrote up our family newsletter and I thought I'd share:

Well hello fellow Bennett family members. It seems like only last year I was not attending the family

reunion with all of you. Of course we wish we could be with you, but we’ll hope for next year. Since last

we didn’t speak we’ve been same old, same old. I’ll give you the quick rundown.

June: Age, 4; Height, short; Voice, beautiful. We can sit and listen to her sing and watch her show us

ballet moves all day long. The girl was born to perform and so that’s what she does. We don’t even

need a radio or television, just a June. The girl is sunlight in the flesh, I believe that there couldn’t be a

cuter little caboose to our family.

Dayne: Age, 6; Height, middleish; Voice, husky. Dayne is continually coloring pictures for us and making

up stories that keep us all entertained. Her mother and I are concerned that most her stories already

center around boys. We’re looking into local convents she could live in until 20 or so. Her hugs and

smiles keep our family going. Dayne enjoyed her first year of school and is looking forward to 1st grade

to start shortly.

Cole : Age, 8; Height, shorter than Marilyn’s kids; Voice, boyish. Cole has had a year of playing and

responsibility, intermingled. He has been a good big brother and has been a big help to his mother and

me. This year he pretty much dominated soccer where most weeks he performed a hat trick. Some

weeks his coach would have to pull him out so that he would stop scoring. He was also baptized, and

was glad to have his grandma/pa Bennett and Uncle Adam and Aunt Mindi come out for the event. The

kid IS energy and we do our best to keep up with him.

Darla: Age, 29ish; Height, ish; Voice, wonderful. Darla has had a busy year. We bought a little house in

Richmond and she has been beautifying it in between trips. Recently she was able to go visit New York

with a friend and returned home in time to re pack and head off for the west coast with the kids, for a

month. In that time she has stayed in Utah, Oregon, and Washington. I really didn’t think I had married

my mom but there are some things that just stay with you. This year she completed the final classes to

receive her associates’ degree (did he really need to mention this? It's actually slightly embarrassing that after 14 years I still only have my associates. Come on!) She has directed a stake youth choir and helped feed/entertain the city.

I’m kind of overwhelmed by what she is able to do.

Geof.: Age, ailing; Height, shorter than Marilyn; Voice, dry. It’s been a good year. I was able to run my

first half marathon. I also have been able to go on vacation by proxy with my family. I feel like each

time I pay the bills it’s as though I was actually in that distant fun city, or eating that food. We were

able to take a trip down south in May to meander through the lovely street of Charleston S.C., and

stroll down the lazy streets of Savannah, GA.. This past month I was able to go with our stake youth to

Kirtland, OH. which was a life enhancing experience. I am blessed to have a family that I feel is perfect.

We’re sad we couldn’t get to the reunion to see you all and I am hoping that we can make it next year.

Please, please if you have an inkling of visiting the east come out and stay with us. I hope you are all

well.

Much love,

The Geoffrey, Darla, Cole, Dayne, and June Bennett family.

Missin' him..

2011-08-18T01:24:00.005-04:00

We're ready to go home. Just a little over a day left. Have had so much fun but the kids and I are exhausted and ready to be with Geof. And he with us. Poor guy has been alone for a month while we've been playing. Boy do I love the west, though. Miss having mountains so close and air you can breathe (all the way) in, and a sky that goes on forever. But now it's time to get back.

And it'll be fun to be in my NEW HOUSE again!!!

now

2011-07-31T03:14:00.003-04:00

Bought a house, painted it, moved in, tried to live a normal life for a few weeks. Unpacked more boxes, had a week of 110+ degree heat and humidity..so hot that we had to call our friends at 1am and sleep in their AC home (ours is currently not functioning. ugh.). The kids and I left a week ago via standby tickets (no fun) to SLC. Made it without any trouble (fun!) and played at brother Bevan's for 2 days before driving to the Oregon Coast with kids and cousin Camille and new husband Aaron. 11 hour drive with little to no sleep? No fun. But grateful to Bevan for loaning us his car and to Aaron and Camille for doing most of the driving.

Spent the last 3 days at the beautiful coast of Oregon with 130+ family members. It's been a dream. The only thing that could make it (much) better would be to have my Geof. Driving back to Utah in a week (after I spend a week with Geof.'s fam in WA) and playing there. Tired but happy to be playing with my kids. They love it! Geof. is working like a dog so we can play. Good man. He just got home from a 3 days youth conference in Kirtland, Ohio. Apparently it was AMAZING and many spiritual experiences were had. So glad. Pics to come soon. Staying up WAY TOO LATE tonight.

house news

2011-07-06T11:56:00.003-04:00

Making progress! Wallpaper torn down and all rooms (minus ours, the laundry, and the bathroom) have been painted. Will continue to post as things get put away and organized.

procrastination

2011-06-14T18:40:00.008-04:00

I'm in trouble. My mother in law has been flying all day and is currently on a train en route to Richmond from DC and could arrive any minute and what am I doing? Cleaning my house? No. Making dinner? No. Posting pics of our new home? Why yes, yes I am.

Geesh. And so I present to you..., my home. I don't know how to put the pics in order with the text.., so I'll just attempt to give an accurate description of each room. I didn't take a pic of the front of the house, or the entrance way for that matter. And dang it, cuz I really like the entrance way. Well, if you look at the pics at the very bottom of this post, you'll see a bright room with hardwood floors and torn wallpaper littering the floor. That's the living room and dining room. That's where we have started the renovation (can it be called "renovation" when you're just painting?). From the dining room, you walk into the kitchen which opens up to the paneled room. I love that! An open kitchen! The kitchen is tiny and there's no cupboard/countertop space, but I'll just continue to simplify and hopefully find some sort of buffet or mobile counter/storage space to use. I plan on painting the WHOLE kitchen (cupboards included) and paneled room (and fireplace) with some light colored paint. I can't wait to show you the AFTER pics!! Okay, so if you walk straight through the kitchen you go into the laundry/mud/pantry room (orange in color). This is a great room because there's a door right from the driveway! So nice! No, no garages out here in Richmond. I wish! If you follow the family/paneled room down the hall, you find a pink bathroom on your left (good thing retro is IN! I can't wait! ..and p.s. the floors aren't dirty like the pic shows), and the girls little room is on the right (pretty magnolia wall paper?). I want to take the lightest shade of pink from the flowers and paint the other two walls. And although I don't mind the curtains in this room, I will be removing ALL curtains from the house. I don't like to block ANY potential light. Continue down the hall to Cole's room in the corner (2 windows..not much else to say about this room) and then across from that room is Geof.'s office/the old Master bdrm. They added on a Master bdrm (blue carpet..also in good condition despite what the camera might tell) which is HUGE and a make-shift walk-in closet. We'll have to figure out something to do with that closet so we can fit every last article of closing to we own inside. I mean, the space is there, it's just a bit odd. And my least favorite room in the house? The master (tiny tiny) bath. I don't even think we'll use it until it's renovated. And I mean a REAL renovation. The tile, the shower, the toilet and sink..it's all gotta go.

But I'm in LOVE!! Pretty overwhelmed with what needs to be done to get out of here and into there, but happy. The space is great and flowing and I can't wait to make it ours. With patience.

june-isms

2011-06-13T11:59:00.004-04:00

June yesterday while swinging at a park, "Look! I'm swinging with my legs! That means I can wear big girl panties to bed!" (no, we're still in pull ups...)

And today while running errands she started asking me what color Cole's hair was, Dayne's, etc. And then she says, "Daddy doesn't have hair, though. He gave it to me." (completely serious!).

(not a recent pic. Christmas in DC, in fact.)

house stuff

2011-06-02T09:34:00.001-04:00

I've lost all motivation to clean my current home. My heart/mind is not here, but there-at the house we were SUPPOSED to close on this past Tues. Still waiting. Apparently, everything has gone through, we're approved on the loan and grant, now we're just waiting for the grant money to come in (first time home buyer grant). So, while waiting, I've thought about the many, many hours it'll take to paint her (are homes female?). Not too excited about painting. Excited about the finished product, though! I'm thinking grey/beige, pale yellows, and emerald green. Can't get that emeral green outta my head. Oh, and coral. Excited about coral.

I was brushing Dayne's teeth last night and thinking about how cute her smile was without those awkward adult teeth growing in (not even a loose tooth yet) and I snapped some pics just to remember...but those are on Geof.'s camera. We may or may not see them on here...ever.

Other interesting news? Hm...school's out in 2 weeks? I'm excited! We hope to make it out west for the month of August. Here's to hoping!

Here's a scripture that recently meant more to me than before..especially that "cheerfully" part: "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." Doctrine and Covenants 123:17

Hunstman-mormon or not?

2011-05-19T12:06:00.002-04:00

Geof. and I read this article this morning and thought cjane did a perfect job..., just perfect. Wish I could express myself as well. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705372744/How-defining-were-Jon-Huntsmans-comments-on-his-Mormonism.html

Chia

2011-05-18T15:55:00.003-04:00

I didn't snap a pic of it..., because remember I don't have my very own camera and Geof.'s just doesn't do the job right? Anyway, my friend Erin gave me a bag White Chia Seeds a while back and they've been sitting in my fridge wondering what purpose they serve for some time. I finally decided to make the "Chia Porridge" recipe on the back when I discovered I had all the ingredients. And oh my goodness, was it YUMMY! I've been making it every morning! Once for my kids, twice now for Geof., but mostly for me. (;

Here's the recipe if you're interested:

1 T of Shiloh White Chia Seeds (or some other brand'll work, I'm sure)

5T of Shiloh Oats (again, use any oats you want)

1/2 of one banana, sliced

1/2 tsp. of cinnamon

Pinch of Sea Salt (they suggested "Shiloh" brand..can you believe it?!)

1 T of agave nectar

5 chopped "Shiloh" Walnuts

1 oz. of coconut milk (optional)

Bring one cup of water to a boil. Add all of the ingredients to the water and continue stirring for about 5 minutes (more like 3 for me) until you get a nice texture. Serve with coconut milk.

*I suggest turning it down to medium-low and cooking for 3-5 minutes until desired texture is reached. I LOVE this stuff!! And then I got an email all about how good chia seeds are for you from my sister.

Here's a link she shared: http://icreatewisdom.com/chiaseed.html short and sweet. Try 'em!

Our Saturday/Sunday

2011-05-15T22:15:00.006-04:00

Geof. and I ran our first (and probably last) mud run on Friday night. Don't get me wrong, it was great. I've never run a race with Geof. before and this was the right one to do because there was lots of time to slow down as we climbed over boulders and stood waiting for others to climb...which was nice because I didn't feel so bad for slowing Geof. down so considerably. It was at Belle Isle which is an area in Richmond we are very familiar with and have ran before..which is probably why we don't feel the need to pay to run it again. It was just what we needed for a date night though; lots of time to talk as we walked to and from the race and even during the run. Makes me remember that I still like Geof. (;

Wish we'd had pics of us right after we finished but our camera was 2 miles away locked away in the car. We probably should've brought it and hid it away somewhere but didn't know what to expect. You had to crawl through a huge mud pit to finish the race so we were pretty covered. Hoses were provided, fortunately.

That night we had some good friends, the Dyckmans spend their last night in Richmond en route to their new home of Austin, Texas. It was so nice to be able to spend some time with them and help them pack up their HUGE truckload of stuff Sat. morning. What a sweet couple they are. I thought about how kind and thoughtful they treated each other (and their kids!)and how Geof. and I could probably live with a little LESS sarcasm and a lot MORE kind words/tones in our home. Thank you Dyckmans for the good reminder!! Why don't we have a pic with you guys?!

Dayne had a bday party Sat. afternoon and was all ready and waiting to go by 830 am Sat. morning. Is she not cute? She loves her cowboy boots.

Sat. night we babysit for our friends who had watched our kids while we did the run (babysitting trades=happy Darla). It had been muggy all day and by evening, the rain began and it was hardcore. The kids stood at the door and begged to go out in their swimsuits. Geof. immediately refused them, and I couldn't resist the fun that couples something as crazy as this. They loved it. They were a muddy mess, but spent a good 20 minutes in the downpour until they all agreed they were freezing and were carried from the back door to the shower. An hour and 6 kids showered and dressed later, we were all happy in front of a movie. There's NOTHING like a VA rainstorm. So fun!!

We are hoping to hear more about our home loan this week! We were pretty unsure there for a while on whether or not we'd even get approved, but we're feeling better after talking to our broker and realizing many times these things just take time! I just hope to be in the house by June! And then I expect at least a family or two visiting per year?! Any takers?

MAY!

2011-05-05T10:15:00.007-04:00

Dayne woke up on her birthday and went straight to our bed to cuddle with Dad. June came following soon after. These girls sure love their daddy. Dayne ESPECIALLY loves her daddy, though. Those two have a bond (haven't we talked about this before?). I'm just so happy they do. It balances out the struggle that her and my relationship ensues.

Anyway, let me give you some reasons I haven't blogged lately.

#1: My camera is broken with no hopes of a Resurrection. I miss it. Although it was just a point and shoot, I was so impressed by its abilities! My creative juices just aren't flowin' without the pics to go with the story.

#2: This whole house buying event has been quite the EVENT!! We're supposed to close in a week.., yes! 7 days! And still we know nothing at all about whether or not our loan approval is finalized, when our 1st time home buyer grant is going through..etc, etc. The whole economic downfall has made the regulations/rules/what have you for purchasing a home much stricter and more thorough than before..which is a good thing, but lame for those of us who were smart enough NOT to buy without proof of income (whenever the no doc loans were big), who have good credit, who have saved and penny pinched so we could afford a home,,and now don't know if that'll occur (and it's not just Geof.'s negativity rubbing off on me...).

So give me a few days and hopefully we'll have more answers. I want this house!! But I'm trying not to get too connected just. in .case.

Cole is in soccer again. We don't ever want to take him out. He's doing so well! I mean, he is a natural athlete but he's really picked up on dribbling and not just doing the big kicks. He scored 6 of the 7 goals in his last game. It'll be interesting to see how he does next season when he plays with only boys. Things definitely need to be more competitive. It's been so fun to watch him.

The girls started dance last Friday at the YMCA and are very happy with that. Especially the whole leotard/tutu/tights/slippers part. Oh, what could be better than that?!!

Hm..Spring is here in Richmond and so beautiful and vibrant! I love spring. Of course, everyone's snottier and more congested than usual, but it's always such a reprieve from the winter months. Welcome Spring!!

6 means something entirely new

2011-04-30T09:42:00.005-04:00

A little girl can be sweeter (and badder) oftener than anyone else in the world. she can jitter around, and stomp, and make funny noises that frazzle your nerves yet just when you open your mouth she stands there demure with that special look in her eyes. A girl is Innocence playing in the mud, Beauty standing on its head, and Motherhood dragging a doll by the foot.
-- Alan Beck

This is the year she'll lose some teeth. That'll change everything! Turning six means Dayne will no longer be a little girl. Of course, we all know she really WILL be, but it'll be a fight convincing her. She's already pretty sure she's too old for baby dolls and certain articles of clothing I try to have her wear..

Why is SIX so old?! Five is such a perfect little age where they're learning to read, they're starting their first year in school, they're just beginning to see the world differently and kinda, sorta to feel like big girls..., but six? That's something new completely. I don't want it. I don't accept it. I'm going to try and keep her young. Although she is my child who most acknowledges the pop culture with all that it entails, I do hope that I can compete with the world and keep her innocent and naive, happy..., and most importantly..confident! Girls are lacking that these days..

So happy birthday to my lavender eyed, happy, dreamy, highly creative and sometimes a little spacey girl. We LOVE YOU, Dayne!!

Easter song...revisited after church

2011-04-24T23:20:00.001-04:00

My new favorite pastime..thanks, Mindi!

2011-04-07T13:08:00.002-04:00

I was in tears laughing so hard!!

DId this work?

2011-04-04T11:23:00.001-04:00

2011-03-22T15:18:00.001-04:00

I went to an institute class today and the teacher shared this poem that her nephew had written for her sister's funeral. His words felt good to me. I hope she doesn't mind me sharing them.

The Rose (Written for Margaret Rose Nelson's funeral by her nephew, Michael Lichfield)

The angels sadly watch their favorite flower
As winter winds and sleet her stalk surround.
They pray to God to spare, for He has power
To give her rest in His celestial grounds.
Yet God, our gardener, every flower knows.
So told He to His angels, still forlorn,
"I searched the world for such a lovely rose,
And found the greatest in a ring of thorns.
Now every plant which in my garden grows
Will pale if strife won't likewise it adorn.
So when come winds or fright'ning winter snows,
The roses which still bloom throughout the storm,
These roses only will I take to me,
For they can stand with one from Calvary."

And isn't June a good mommy? We watch this little Claire once in a while. Junie has been asking me all day when we can buy a baby. I told her, "We don't buy babies, they come into mommy's belly".

She gasps, "Mommy! You have a baby in your belly?!"

Geof.'s bday!!

2011-03-17T10:47:00.000-04:00

Geof is a young 31 today. He makes us happy and keeps things sane in the household. He's the best leprechaun daddy/husband/friend anyone could ask for. WE LOVE YOU, Geof!!

Good morning, June.

2011-03-15T09:49:00.001-04:00

LIFE

2011-03-05T23:36:00.006-05:00

Plants are still alive. Didn't think I'd enjoy keeping/attempting/growing plants the way I have/am. It's been so nice. I also got some goldfish the other day (yes, I did add more water to the bowl). We're all loving these little fish. Dayne came home from school on day two and ran in the kitchen to check on the little guys (or girls?) and shouted, "Ya! They didn't die!" (I had informed her they might not live for more than a few days. Even Geof. is concerned for their well being; making sure they're put in a warmer room at night, get fed enough..and although he was against me getting them at first, he's showing signs of a caring father. (;

The past weekend was absolutely wonderful. On Sat. there was a bi-stake women's conference and I was asked to be in charge of "Women at the Well" again (read about last year's performance here) which would be the last event of the day. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the morning classes and what a spiritual feast! I was very touched by every word I heard and felt so much love and needed peace that morning. One of the songs sung in "Women at the Well" have these lyrics, "It was though there was a drought, and every word He spoke was rain" (referring to hearing Christ's words in person)..that was exactly how I felt on Sat. My heart was so full by the time we performed that I couldn't hold back my emotions...none of us could. It was a very special, sacred experience.

I do love LIFE and the experiences we have here. I know that the dark times are necessary to fully appreciate the light. When I am living a Christ centered life, however, those dark times are fewer and the serenity that fills me is beyond words. Thank you, God for giving me these moments in life that I hope to remember.

Cousin Clancy comes to visit

2011-03-05T23:10:00.003-05:00

My cousin Lynette's daughter Clancy is nannying up in NY and had some time off so she took the bus down to visit us. So lucky were we! June was MOST lucky, though, since Cole and Dayne were at school everyday and I was busy getting ready for Women at the Well again (we did it last March and I was asked to do it again for a bi-stake women's activity..it went SOO well. Read about last year's here).

So, back to Clancy's visit: June was thrilled to have someone who was obviously so in to her and gave her all the attention her little heart desired. And since Clancy's such a "girl" and loves doing make-up and hair, June was quite spoiled each morning with a fancy do and even some make-up application lessons. (;

We went to Maymont one day (one of our all time favorite Richmond spots) and enjoyed the warmer weather and scenery. It's fun to show visitors around Richmond--makes me fall in love with it all over again.

Thanks for the visit, Clancy! Come again! We all miss you!

Date with Dayne...and some eye pleasing pics of our pretty girl

2011-03-05T22:26:00.006-05:00

Geof. and Dayne have a very special bond. It'd be more than safe to say she's a daddy's girl. However, Dayne is not at all prejudice and once you give her a little attention, you have all of her. She's very forgiving and Geof. and I both agree that she is by far our least selfish, MOST selfLESS child.

Dayne and I went on a mommy/daughter date tonight. Before I forget to post about it, I'll fill you on on some of our conversations. This girl is hilarious! Her mind is always going a million miles an hour. The rest of us can all be sitting in the family room watching a movie and she's busy entertaining herself (in the other rooms) coloring, story telling, doing her hair..not so interested in something else (like a movie) keeping her attention.

While driving to our destination tonight, here were a few of her thoughts and questions (she talked, and talked, and talked ALL NIGHT LONG):

(In a frustrated tone): "Aah, Mom...when am I going to grow up? It takes forever!"

"How many days to get married, 100?"

Lest you think that Dayne is anxious to grow up and leave us to find her Romeo (you see, Dayne brings up this whole growing up and getting married thing often), this was her reply when I asked her why she wanted to get married and leave us: "No mommy! I don't ever want to get married! I want to stay with you and daddy forever!".

We went window shopping, had some heavenly frozen yogurt, and then saw "Tangled" at the Byrd.

While driving home, Dayne's talking and inquiries didn't stop. They ranged from how the mail gets into the airplane and all the way to Grandma's house...to whether or not I would want to go on a date in a hot air balloon at night, or stay at home. ???

Funny, creative, smart, independent girl. Don't grow up.

Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy Anniversary!!

2011-02-22T10:45:00.001-05:00

Happy anniversary to the girl I love. Thank you for being so great and making me better. I'm still amazed that I got you.

almost 9 years?!

2011-02-17T23:05:00.005-05:00

geof. and i went out tonight for a late valentine/early anniversary date. what we chose to do? a bike ride in richmond and some yummy greek food in our favorite part of the city. can't beat that, in our opinion.

things i thought about tonight while riding around with geof. (yes, in random order): *how good his legs looked

*how lucky i am that he's so good (yes, he's a good cyclist, but i was talking about his naturally 'good' nature)
*that i've known him half my life. i'm 32! i met him my 16th summer. i didn't realize it then, but my heart loved him even then.
*although the first 7 years of our marriage were hard (not the marriage part, just the rest of it), i would do it all over again knowing i had geof.

*i'm so glad we feel strongly about most of the same things. i love talking to geof. i could live in the middle of nowhere with him because there's nobody i'd rather spend ALL my time with.
*he prays. a lot. that's a comfort to know my husband is humble enough to acknowledge a higher power and want to feel and know Him.
*he's only 30. so young! and he takes care of himself. i hope that means we have many more years together.
*he's always making me laugh. thank you for that, geof.!
*he's such a smarty pants. a real thinker. i'm a follower and scared to even form opinions, many times. he's not. a very attractive trait.
*doesn't judge others. a loyal, true friend.

*adores me. i always said i had to marry a guy i knew adored me. and he does. so nice. (:

here we are

2011-02-16T17:14:00.007-05:00

Let's just shoot off my thoughts right now. First of all, I'm feeling good, feeling happy..., so despite what I might type in the next few minutes, just know that I AM happy. Right now, at least. Dayne's bawling in the other room because I made her wash her hands. I always make her wash her hands after school. Why is it that EVERY DAY she cries about it. Maybe I should be hugging her and snuggling on the couch with a book. That's what a good mom would do. Give me a minute.

I went to the gym today and took an EXTREMELY hard TRX class that left me feeling worthless. I couldn't even do one push up at that end. And I'm pretty decent at push ups! And instead of feeling pumped up and motivated to take that class again and again until I can conquer it (although you never really conquer this particular instructor's insane classes), I felt down right mad and depressed that I couldn't finish the class; that I actually had to leave and use the restroom half way through (sp?) cuz I felt so sick. Geof. met me at the gym and showed no sympathy for my whining. He says Cole and I are just alike and if we can't do something relatively well the first time we try it, then we have no patience for it, or for ourselves. Kind of a lame trait. Gotta work on that. And then afterward Geof. and I decided to take a Tai Chi class together that was nothing but boring, boring, BORING. Not that I don't think Tai Chi could be interesting and extremely beneficial--just not the way this instructor was doing it. Too much talking with us standing around waiting to begin.

And then when I was leaving the gym, the workers at the front desk informed me that my van was hit. Luckily, it's fixable and the guy who hit it did fess up to the deed and will be paying. Good thing, right?

And now it's dinner time and my kitchen is a mess and I gotta read to and snuggle with Dayners.

bye (but I'm happy, remember?). And our weather is perfect right now!

Geof. doesn't want me discussing our taxes on here so we deleted the part about having to pay MUCH more than we thought. So, for those who are confused with the comments made below..there you have it.

Conversations with the girls

2011-02-13T17:09:00.001-05:00

Dayne: "Mom, who do you think is the most nicest, Jesus or the New Year's Baby?"

no waiting for my response...

"I think it goes like this: first, Jesus, then Santa, then the New Years Baby, then Heavenly Father. No, Heavenly Father first and then Jesus."

Me: "Cole, my phone just died, could you get my chord?"

June: "It died?" (look of disbelief) "Aah, mom! Why'd you do that to your phone?"

While wiping June on the toilet (too much info?) she looks over in the garbage can at a broken piece of her dolly's stroller, "Mom, did this break?" Me: "Yes, it broke off your stroller. Keep it in the garbage." June: "Oh, poor yittle fellow."

February

2011-02-06T22:34:00.004-05:00

How'd I survive Alaska winters (see above pic)?? I'm just starting to feel better after more than a week of nausea, cold, aches, and more sleep than a mother of 3 should ever be allotted (three hour naps EVERY DAY??). It's been a difficult week.

Question (and I want some sincere answers): How do you get through winter?

Pa's the Mystery Reader!

2011-01-24T13:46:00.003-05:00

I asked Ellery if he wouldn't mind being the "Mystery Reader" in Dayne's class when he came out to visit. Of course, he agreed and was a hit! Dayne was in HEAVEN having grandpa read to her class. And Ellery didn't mind at all having 20 Kindergarteners crawling all over him. Good grandpa. (:

2011-01-18T22:51:00.003-05:00

Cole got baptized, Adam, Mindi and Ruby flew out from Colorado to be here for it. Ivy, Shane, and Christian drove down from DC. Le Anne and Ellery (who are still here!) flew out from Washington. We're blessed. Le Anne and I sang for Cole's baptism. Here's us practicing..

The VA Bennett's LAZY 2010 Newsletter

2011-01-01T22:06:00.003-05:00

I wanted to write out a nice 2010 Bennett family letter, but of course wanted to add a little taste of Geof. so I emailed him the rough draft and this is what he came up with. He added his touch, that's for sure.

-this year has flown by
-started the year with lots of snow and stuck inside
-Geof. doing very well in work and staying extremely busy. So busy, in fact, that he had to move his office out of the dining room (doorless) and into Cole's room, where he listens to random pod casts on any topic which sounds interesting. It has been a renaissance year where he's actually learned about topics which interest him. He was able to run an incredible half marathon in West Virginia this year and feels that if his children don't kill him he should be able to run it next year, as well.
-Darla (hopefully) finished off the last of her generals, a math class..., a lot of people go to college for a couple of decades, so don't judge. Darla has stayed very busy helping out in the kid's class rooms and always coming up with exciting and at times impractical outings for us to go on. She did an amazing job leading the stake youth choir and they performed wonderfully this year. She has done very well feeding us healthy food and constantly reinforcing the fact that sugar is actually the devil. Who knew?
-Cole: soccer stud, doing well in school, making friends in the neighborhood, video game obsession and loves to spend time teasing sisters. After reading that list I realize that some of these traits have caused a lot of wrinkles for Cole's parents this year. He also loves to get a laugh out of anyone and is quite the entertainer, especially when we have a house full of little girls (which is often). He has a huge heart which when it controls his actions, makes us very happy.
-Dayne: started Kindergarten and although it took her a while to adjust to schedules and the art of listening, she's adapted quite well and spends her days with "busy work". Our home and the local recycling plant is saturated with all her art work. She asks us on a 10 minute basis how to spell different words and at least tri-weekly brings a card over to our beloved neighbor, Rick. She is starting to read, too, and we're sure if we spent more time with her, that she would be reading chapter books by now. However, much good an education does for women, so we just let her do her own thing. She LOVES to read! She, too started soccer this fall, but did not enjoy it like her brother. In fact, she chose to sit on mom's lap her last game while poor Dad had to coach her team! Dayne is also very stylish and puts a great deal of thought into her hairstyles and clothing choices (even if they don't ALWAYS coordinate).
-June: Our singer and entertainer. Is happy in front of the tv as long as it includes music (any Disney or musical). She's our homebody and even on family outings she's been known to ask when we can "go home". She shows little interest in reading or writing (unlike her sister), but does like being read to, danced with, or sung to. She keeps us laughing with her speech impediment (yittle). Mom took June and Dayne to a local production of the Nutcracker before Christmas, and you could hear Junie's (high pitched) "yittle" voice after each dance, "I wanna go dance now! It's my turn to dance!". And if we'd let her, she would have! She's very comfortable on stage and finds any opportunity to perform (although in public situations, she's not an in your face, theatrical girl..she just loves the idea of a stage, I believe). She also learned to swim this year! The girl knows what she wants and how to get it.

We hope to travel, travel, and travel some more this year. We also hope to do something good for mankind, or if not, at least enjoy ourselves in the year ahead.
Happy New Year! May we all look to be a little bit more like the Savior this year.
We miss and love you all and promise to show you all the great historical sites of the east coast..IF you come visit!

The VA Bennetts

How's that for cohesive writing, eh?

2010-12-31T12:30:00.000-05:00

Snow day, Christmas..and you know, our life!

2010-12-25T16:57:00.008-05:00

We went to DC for a few days before Christmas. It was so nice to finish off directing the youth choir at "Miracle of Christmas" at the zoo and heading north right after. I had a wonderful birthDAY in the in nation's capitol. Geof.'s getting really good at this birthday stuff. I think I complained enough over past years' lameness and he got the hint (or the blatantly honest, in your face, Darla).

It was freezing, however! I'm lame in cold weather. Can barely stand it. Geof.'s the same way. We still got out and did things (including visiting with my cousin Chelsea, her husband Justin and their two babies-who were in town- at the Botanical Gardens train display and the Lego museum)..until June threw up and then we stayed in and watched movies and visited with some DC friends. Now, that's happy making.

The week before Christmas, the kids school was cancelled due to snow (that hadn't fallen yet) and once again, I stayed inside while they ventured out to the freshly fallen white stuff.

SHE'S getting closer to 40!

2010-12-08T16:39:00.003-05:00

To honor my sweet sister Amy on her 38th bday (!!), I didn't wash my hair or get dressed, watched 7 extra kids, cleaned and re-cleaned the kitchen two or 3 times (not bad..) and the last group of girls that came to be baby"sat" (what a funny word), all in honor of Amy's special day, sat down on my (kinda) clean kitchen floor, painted toenails, and applied "yittle girl" make-up. We love you, Amy! We really, really do..

tonight, last night, and last week

2010-12-04T23:23:00.002-05:00

We put up the Christmas tree tonight. It was a big pine needly mess. Even my Oreck (which I thought could handle any mess) had a hard time sucking it all up. But it's done, and now we don't want to leave the front room (sleepover under the Christmas tree? I'll leave that to Geof. and the kids). The girls were very excited to play with the nativity. I caught June mid-sentence talking with Mary. (; Oh, and I just noticed i have that pic twice. Who's the favorite...?

We discovered a new part of Richmond that the kids and I had never been to last week. Church hill. The last few colors of fall were holding on just for our viewing. It was beautiful. As I always say, our family is happiest outdoors.

Cole turned eight on the 2nd and we had a bday party for him last night. We went to one of those indoor inflation places. Lame. No, not really. Just the price. I guess that's what happens when your house is too small to accommodate a bday party and you chose to have a kid in the dead of winter (we didn't really choose, though). He invited three boys and one girl who actually moved away during the summer. His first love... (:

And that adorable little pilgrim down there? That's Dayne, of course. Not to be confused with me when I was five (and just happened to be living in VA, as well) and came home during the Thanksgiving festivities wearing close to the same EXACT outfit (but we didn't stop with just the pilgrim/paper bag costume, we ALSO made an indian). I wish I had that5 year old pic of me to compare the two of us.

..and, goodnight!

He's EIGHT!

2010-12-02T12:55:00.001-05:00

a little bit of cousin time before thanksgiving.

2010-11-25T18:02:00.006-05:00

Here we are on Thanksgiving day. It's kinda nice celebrating this particular holiday a few days early..makes for a lot less stress in my opinion. Geof.'s little brother Brind, his wife Julia, and their baby Violet drove all the way from Kansas (19 hrs I believe?!) to get here!! I hope our crazy house didn't scare them off.

Cole, Dayne, and June adored "baby Violet", which is easy to do since she's the happiest little girl on earth. Fun times.

We ate our Thanksgiving meal on Tues. evening, went on an adult only date to see Harry Potter, drove to Jamestown and took a free ferry across the James (this was SO much fun..and did I mention, free?), and lucky for us, Brind and Julia introduced us to "Better Off Ted". Very funny..especially sitting next to Geof. and Brind whose laughter causes me to chuckle just hearing it. So, Kansas Bennett clan, thank you for sacrificing 4 days of driving to come see us, you two..er 3..er 4 (Julia's pregnant)!

And the last pic all the way down there..? Geof. and I went to DC and biked for 36 miles from Roosevelt Island to Mt. Vernon and back. The trail follows the Potomac and was just as we imagined, beautiful. I am so happy being with Geof. and doing what we love most...which is playing outside (in case you were wonderin').

to date..

2010-11-14T11:56:00.003-05:00

We are in the "prime" of our fall foliage here in Richmond. Absolutely beautiful clear (and pleasantly warm) days and cold nights. Here's our Halloween pics (and a few of Gma teaching the kids how to braid bread and make yummy cinnamon rolls).

A doggie, Cleopatra, and a Jedi. Happy kids.

"The Republican Party is not always Conservative"

2010-11-05T15:33:00.002-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SsYhOuzkGM&feature=related My sister introduced me to this kid. Pretty incredible!

I wrote this.

2010-11-03T15:20:00.004-04:00

Geof.'s mom was here for a week. Left yesterday on the train out of Richmond, up to D.C. to catch a flight to Denver, then on to Utah (driving her car) and back home to WA. She's been gone for over a month, traveling east to visit her sons (and the lucky daughters-in-law and grand babies who benefit greatly from her visits). Last Thurs. we took a trip to Colonial Williamsburg. It was surprisingly warm, but we still enjoyed it.

We especially loved our visit with the horses. Dayne did end up getting a nip (can you use that word when describing a horse bite? A little one?) from one before we left. She cried for a long time. Didn't expect it.

I left my camera (unbeknownst to me) there and was horrified when I couldn't find it for trunk or treat OR Halloween (I did get some pics with Geof.'s camera). I couldn't believe I'd lost another camera (the first was stolen, but still..). I called on Monday, though, and they HAD found it and it arrived in the mail today. THANK YOU Colonial Williamsburg!

Geesh, the whole travel log blog is getting old. I'm finding it hard to want to write about personal stuff and am plain tired of this semester (of school). Dayne finished soccer on Sat (woo hoo!) and didn't even play in her last game. She's just not into soccer. She sat wrapped up in a blanket on my lap while Geof. had to coach the team. He's glad to be done coaching Kindergartners, as well. (: Cole, on the other hand loves soccer and is so much fun to watch. He runs all over the place like I did. He's fast, but tires himself out running and kicking and not really "dribbling" much. I want to put all three in dance since they love it so much. Even Cole. He LOVES it. Makes me want to try a hip hop class or two with him. Or break dancing. ooh...wouldn't that be fun?!

Here with us now

2010-10-23T14:11:00.006-04:00

Geof. shared this video with me last night. Hear that violin in the background towards the end. Just melodious right? Listen or read the lyrics and tell me what YOU think it's about. Drug addiction? Cheating? Or, like Geof. says, sometimes we're not our best selves with our spouses and deserve forgiveness (I know I do). Isn't this song INCREDIBLY beautiful, though?! I love the sound of it, and Eddie? The man has passion (I added a few of his songs to my play list. It's getting so good!).

On to other news. Last Friday we took the kids out of school to beat the crowds and took them to Carter Mountain Apple Orchard in Charlottesville. It was brisk and windy, but beautiful. The kids were happy and I'm always my best self when outside the confines of my

never clean enough home.

Are you seeing Geof.'s jutted out chin in these last pics? Hilarious. He's imitating June who we've noticed

enjoys this face most.

My oldest (almost 8!!)

2010-10-15T22:59:00.004-04:00

After kissing Cole tonight he says to me, "Mom, every time I kiss you on your lips I smell something. It's always the same.".

Me, "Yep. Moms have their smell. You'll always remember that smell, Cole." and jokingly, "Was it a good smell or a bad smell?"

Cole, "Um..kind of both."

Good night, Cole. (:

This girl!

2010-10-11T10:49:00.007-04:00

I'm a lucky mama to have such a creative mind in my home. Dayne has her agenda when she walks in the door from school (btw, she does like school, but prefers to be home without all that "structure" stuff). The other day I was trying to clean up her art table and found these drawings lying (or is it laying?) around. I love them! It's so interesting to see what she comes up with. She hides these detailed "treasures" underneath Geof. and my pillow, as well. She's also learning to read and spell and shows a lot of interest in this area. It's been fun. She won't go to bed without a story (or 5) read to her. It's torture for her if she misses out on that (sometimes it's just too late and mom is too worn out!).

And before I forget, the other day I was riding Dayne and Cole home from school...er, okay, we were ALL riding bikes home from school and Dayne starts up a conversation about what kind of bike she'll have when she's a mom. "Mom, I want a bike with two seats for me and my husband before we have a car. I mean, if we don't have a car, we can have a bike that has two seats that we can both ride and he won't care that it's a girl's bike....". (pause), "Mom! When am I going to be a mom!?" (that means married to a boy). "I wanna be a mommy!".

Funny girl.

Geof.'s rafting trip

2010-10-06T07:07:00.002-04:00

He can make some pretty funny faces, can't he?

http://photos.sethrobertsphotography.com/Other/gauley2010/14032826_BSoe6/#1032660818_n863U

Geof.'s half marathon, Harper's Ferry, a turtle, and the only produce from my garden

2010-10-03T11:58:00.015-04:00

UPDATE: Just posted these first few pics. They accidently got deleted in all the shuffle of forming this post, I guess. Geof. wanted us to see Antietam Battlefield (that he ran through). So hilly! not the best way to end a half or full marathon. And these pics of Cole and June? So good to see Cole smiling!! And June is quite possibly the most adorable.

Pics are once again in order from last to first..and don't

forget to click on them to enlarge..mom!

I can't say enough about our our short little weekend trip up north. Geof. ran his first half marathon with ease (he humbly said he feels confident he could have run the full. I know, humble and confident in the same sentence?) in the beautiful town of Sheperstown, West VA. My cousin Ivy had told me about the run a few months back and since I didn't think I could do it with my weak knee (but wanted to see that part of the country), I signed Geof. up for it. In typical Geof./Darla fashion, we left later than planned, hit traffic,

argued and accused each other for not having planned a better route, and finally arrived (after dark) to our destination..well, our dinner destination. The kids (and we) were STARVING! Geof. had signed up for the spaghetti feed which turned out to be cold pasta and a less than decent sauce. Cole and Dayne had probably 7 glasses of lemonade (what was I thinking?) and both wet all over their sleeping bags. Yuck. But enough of that. Back to Sheperdstown. What a beautiful town! I felt like I was in the heart of America, such a quaint little town. After a restless night sleep (we camped 30 minutes away..bad planning. Wasn't aware that there were camp sites closer!), we arrived around 7 am and crossed over a bridge into town and as I looked over the railing to the view of the river, I had to have Geof. stop so I could snap..eh, 10 photos?! The mist hovering over the river and the sun rising..it was breath taking! And of course, I don't have the words to describe it. ): Absolutely stunning. Geof. and I only wished we could be there on a little weekend retreat staying at the Bavarian Inn over looking the river. Don't get me wrong, love our little boogers, but they were quite the handful this weekend. Cole and Dayne both had pretty bad colds and sadly, those two only get along on rare occasion. Once we dropped Geof. off, we ate some breakfast, got dressed, and then arrived way too early to wait on Geof.'s arrival. We sat, and sat, and waited, and waited. And Dayne kept trying to open the port-o-potty doors to look inside, and Cole continued to tease June and make her whine, and June..., oh June, she repeated her usual, "I want to go home now" the whole time! We walked down closer to the river and met up with my cousin Ivy's husband and son (notice pic of Dayne with little Christian?) and Geof. came soon after.. smiling, running as if he was born to do so (and he was), and then Ivy and her friends came a little while after. It made me want to sign up for the marathon next year. You literally run through 4 National Parks (the marathon). Geof. ran through Antietam Battlefield and not surprisingly, was enthralled by the history.

So..what else (Geof. and I are in the middle of our Sunday night Masterpiece Theatre and I really just want to sign off)? While driving to Sherperdstown the night before, we had noticed a little town nestled up against a cliff and the river (Shenandoah or Potomac? Not sure.) and didn't realize it was Harper's Ferry. It was such a pleasant surprise. We had a wonderful visit there and can't wait to go back. Although our kids were close to starving upon arrival (we seem to always find ourselves in this predicament, right?), and drove us nuts until they had food in their bellies, we thoroughly enjoyed our time there. Perfect, beautiful little town with rich history and incredible views and sites. Geof. said he felt like he was in England. I really liked the food. (; And the train. And the ice cream. And seeing my kids happy and playing outside. And having everyone at the restaurant laugh at June singing "Sound of Music" (move over Mama Mia, June has a new favorite soundtrack) again and again. We drove home Sat. night, the kids and Geof. watched the new, "Alice in Wonderland" in the back, and we all conked out and slept like babies until morn. Today was nice. General Conference, muffins, fruit salad..and an evening walk with the kids. Fall is here!

p.s. forgot to mention that Cole and Dayne ran a one mile kid run (which they seemed to like), we had a pet turtle for a day or so (he bit Dayne's finger hard and wouldn't let go. Oh, the screams from that girl!), and my garden produced one, tiny little...cantaloupe (not real sure what it is..)? That's it. Not even a tomato. Aren't tomatoes the easiest thing in the world to grow??

this and that

2010-09-28T22:36:00.006-04:00

Geof. was out of town this weekend and I had 2 soccer games a half hour apart-and 2 different leagues. I opted to have Cole go with a friend on his team since Dayne's a bit young to go on her own (and we don't know anyone yet from her team). We got there early for pics (Dayne has no interest in posing, but doesn't she look cute with that hair cut?) and then had her game. Half way through, the coach called her out and I took her home. What was I thinking signing Dayne up for soccer? As if she needed it! Really, the girl's so happy at home coloring, reading stories (still...in unknown languages!), andplaying dress up. There was no need to sign her up for something she had NEVER shown interest in. I sat there watching her stand around on the field as the ball rolled past her and in front of her numerous times and thought, "Oh, this is pointless". I'm sure as we walked away with her crying (no end-of-game treat), I was taken as a mean mom. And, it's true. I am. I'm also tired of my Saturdays being taken up, especially when the child herself isn't even happy.

Oh well. We're done the end of Oct. We'll keep Cole in, though because he LOVES it and is getting really good! He's become quite the offensive player, getting 5 goals for his team on Sat. If only he could be outdoors all day....he'd love his life. And so would we. (:

June's completely content lounging around, being read to, and watching Disney princess movies (as stated in my last post). She's pretty easy if she has those things at her disposal. I did take her for a walk the other day because I'm feeling like she's not moving enough and therefore, doesn't go to sleep easily (and doesn't STAY asleep).

Geof. came home happy and tired. Said he had one of the most spiritual weekends of his life. Very good men to be around and full of wisdom-both secular and spiritual. Glad he could go.

I, on the other hand, think I've developed a gluten intolerance. Every thing I read points to it, and darn it, I'm not happy about it. Most mornings I have severe cramping and flu like symptoms. And we don't even have to talk about the fatigue or depression that I also experience. I don't want to deal with it. I'm lazy. No, I'm tired. So many other things to think about. Especially when I'm a pretty healthy person (or so I thought)..why this..now? hm..lots of prayers. I need answers.

I started directing our Stake Youth Choir again a few Sundays back. We'll be singing for Stake Conference in Nov. I love these youth! They're so sweet and good. I feel lucky to be around them and even though the anxiety comes on every Sunday around 5 (practice is at 630), the rehearsal always turns out fine. Just have to build up my confidence; even with the knowledge that there are many, MANY people who could do a better job.

we are here

2010-09-24T23:58:00.004-04:00

Got the camera today. The kids and I took some pics in the Target parking lot after buying a memory card (camera's don't come with memory cards?). I look like I have a googly eye and an ever increasing/enlarging (word?) nose in this2nd pic. Why didn't anyone ever tell me I had a googly eye? And the nose? It's hopeless, right? Your nose and ears never stop growing. Oh.., I'm in for it. (; But the camera quality's pretty dang good for a camera so small I can slide it in my back pocket. Perfect.

Geof. is here this weekend enjoying a rafting trip with some boys..er, men. I'm home with the three crazies shown in the back seat of Geof.'s car (the van's getting a new timing belt). So far, so good. But this is where I want to be come January. That, or Mexico..or Costa Rica. Either of those is fine. (!!)

Had to put my playlist back on. Need some new music, but I just love that playlist! Any suggestions..?

..and, you don't have to read this one.

2010-09-21T23:20:00.004-04:00

I miss my camera. So much in fact, that I've resorted to finding old favorite pics to put on my blog. I like recording things. And I miss my old camera's feature of b & w with color accents option.

Geof. bought me a camera last night. Very similar to the one I had before. I can't wait for it to get here.

Fall is upon us. The weather has been very pleasant. Almost too pleasant. No, it is NOT jean weather. I had to ride my bike to and from school today to take a test and Richmond's a very lame bike city (no sidewalks), so most of the ride was on grass or gravel. When I got to class, my back and shoulders were soaked from where my back pack was. No, it's not fall temperatures. Not quite yet.

And the kids, might you ask.? I love them. Yesterday was a crazy, busy day and my house was (and still is) a mess. I had a hard time pulling things together and feeling happy about motherhood/the day-to-day grind . After my kids were asleep (and isn't this how it always is?), the feeling and thought came to me that this time with my kids at home is so short. There WILL be a time that my days will slow down and I'll miss the noise and busyness of raising a household. Of course, this isn't the first time these feelings/thoughts have come, but last night was strong. So strong that I couldn't keep from crying and blubbering about it. Geof. still doesn't know. (; I tried to enjoy and love on my babies more today; talk to them, ask them questions..., and LISTEN. Dayne says the funniest things. I got on my laptop one day after school and she says, "Mom, now here I've been gone ALL day long at school and I come home and you get on your computer and don't even talk to me!". Now, if that isn't a kick in the stomach!! She makes her feelings known very clearly. With Cole it's not as easy. I suspect that the more aggressive and angry he gets, the more he needs mom time. Okay, enough of this "I suspect" crap. I KNOW that's what he needs. Just some talking and listening time with mom. He's almost eight (in December) and I'm sure in the not very far future, it'll be hard to get anything out of him. NOW is the time to talk to Cole. Junie is still trying to figure out her place without Cole and Dayne around. Whenever we go to playgroups, she follows me around closely and is not very comfortable talking or playing with anyone. She asks frequently, "Is it bedtime?" and, "When are we going to pick up Cole and Dayne?". Sad, right? She's very content being at home with mommy and sitting in Dad's office watching Disney movies (that's the only place her VHS videos can be watched since Geof. got the HUGE tv), however. Oh, and we can't forget her constant singing. Vibrado and everything. It's HYSTERICAL.

hm...what other interesting (or not?) things to tell? Geof's running his 1st half marathon in 2 weeks up and over in West VA. He's not even training. And I'm sure his time will be fantastic. I hate him. (;

Oh, and the random pic of Santa and Mrs. Claus? I bought them (they're S & P shakers in case you didn't...) at an antique shop a while back in the clearance/we're throwing these away if you don't take them section next to the bathrooms. I was so excited! My mom has this same set and I loved seeing them out on the table during the holidays. Now, if only I can get the American Indian/Pilgrim set for Thanksgiving. The other pics are of our trip (without kids!) to DC with our good friends the Averetts (come again, Averetts??), sweet little Dayne sleepy from a cold night of camping last March, Cole's most excellent light sabor moves, and no we can't forget a random street view of some WONDERFUL Richmond city homes. We sure love Richmond-still!! We don't get to play in it as much as before, but hey, we do what we can with 2 kids in school, a mom in school, a dad that works like a mad-man, 2 kids in soccer (did I mention that putting Dayne in soccer her 1ST year of school was a BIG mistake), Dad coaching soccer..oh, just typing it all out is making me tired. And it's midnight. Yuck! Nite..

“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.”

2010-09-15T13:50:00.003-04:00

We checked out this CD at the library months ago and my kids couldn't get enough of this song. After listening to it a gazillion times, Geof. and I realized how much we enjoyed it, too. Such great lyrics, good feelings..! Oh, Raffi, we love you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7dRuXEKZrc&feature=related

...and they're gone.

2010-09-09T14:35:00.006-04:00

A helpful big brother, a happy Kindergartner (and tired!)..and their little 3 year old sister left behind (so sad!).

p.s. I didn't realize how fun it'd be getting a girl ready for school! The clothes.., oh the CLOTHES (no judging!)!

Dayne, lately

2010-08-29T11:05:00.004-04:00

We often talk about our nightly dreams in the morning. The other morning I asked Dayne how she slept and if she had any dreams the night before. Her reply, "Yes, I did. I dreamt about Barbies. We were all running away from the monster, but I didn't have a car, so I jumped on a dog and took off." I don't know, to me this is HILARIOUS. Dayne comes up with the funniest stuff. However, I don't think she just "came up" with this, because I asked her to re-tell her dream to her dad a few days later and she said the same thing.

And then this morning, while getting her dressed for church, Dayne says to me, "Mom, I can't wait to be a mommy," to which I replied, "Good Dayne. You'll be a very good mama".

Dayne (with a little laugh): "I know. And I'll take them to Old McDonalds EVERY day because you never take us there."

note: (Old McDonalds is MCDONALDS..for those who were wondering.)

I could live in a tent

2010-08-24T21:36:00.012-04:00

This first little pic of June was just too funny/cute to not add. And don't you love that she looks just like a little boy from behind (er..her hair, not her BEhind!)? We found her up on the kitchen table like this playing with her "birthday parties" (aka: Polly Pockets). She loves those things. I love that she loves those things. She and Dayne have been quite entertained lately with dolls and dress up and tea parties which makes me so happy. So happy in fact, that I wish Dayne was staying home one more year because she's so pleasant to have around. I know! Can you believe it?! Just a month ago this same girl was driving me coo-coo! And now I can't stand to see her head off to school (all day! yuck!). So sad. I packed up her back pack with all her school supplies and started tearing up. This girl has grown up without me noticing. Can't turn back the clock.

And the rest of these splendid pics are of our camping trip to North Bend Park on Kerr Reservoir. Camping with kids can be such an ordeal, but we're getting better at it each time. I swear, some of these "seasoned" campers might have thought we were crazy (which we will surely attest to) with our ONE tent, no camping chairs, lack of fire wood, and most importantly, three YOUNG children!! We ARE nuts! Oh, it was so great, though. I dropped Geof. and the kids off to run back to the entrance to confirm the site we'd chosen and found them down in the lake swimming with the sun setting behind them (can you see them up in the top pic on the far right?? Geof.'s throwing someone up in the air, I believe)? I couldn't keep a smile off my face. The water was heavenly (I overuse that word, I'm aware). The moment was perfect. We were so glad to be there. And of course our three little fishies (yes, June's swimming all on her own!) couldn't be more pleased. Geof. took great care of us and made sure we were properly sunscreened. He also was calm enough to lay back and read a book (works been crazy busy). Dayne was her creative self, snagging dad's book when she got a chance to "read" to herself. I found her many times walking up and down the beach talking to herself and telling stories. And then she found some pine cones, sticks, rope, nasty plastic garbage bag, sea shells...and some other debris, and built a sand castle. Can I tell you how excited I get when my kids are outside and doing things like this? It's the best thing in the world to me.

Cole stayed in the water most of the time. That's his home. He belongs there and always has. He also experienced the hugest splinter Geof. and I have ever seen get stuck in his foot (can someone edit that last sentence?). It was so sad to watch Cole's face while Geof. calmly tried (and tried, and tried) to pull that thing out. Cole was miserable.

Junie followed me around and got plenty of mom time which is all she ever wants, anyway. And I was able to read some good books that I hope can help me in my quest to enjoy motherhood more.

If only we could live outside..?

To the bestest brother-in-law (in CA) that we know!!

2010-08-22T12:26:00.002-04:00

Feliz Cumpeanos a Steve!! Man, you're OLD! (;

Happy 61st, Mama!

2010-08-14T13:48:00.007-04:00

For your birthday, we woke up way too early (for summer, at least!), drove downtown, crossed a beautiful and unique walking bridge ontohttp://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/bel.shtml, and ran a one mile race (well, Cole and Dayne did). The weather was nice and breezy (I'll let you take credit for that. Thanks for sending us CA's perfect climate), nothing like the usual 100 degree plus humidity muck that we've been dealing with. I'd say I had more pre race jitters than both kids, but thought for sure that I could sense Dayne's uneasiness. This was her first race! Boy, was I wrong. She was confident in her running, but lost interest probably half way through. Cole was pretty worried about her having wandered off on the trail. Geof. went to look for her after it'd been a while since Cole had finished, and found her walking with another little boy chatting away (typical). When I finally saw her, I cheered and yelled for her to push through to the end and she just laughed and laughed. Geof. had to guide her to the correct ending point where the flags were since she seemed content ending right where I stood. Funny girl.

Cole's definitely more competitive but was tired and irritable this morning. He still did well, though. He was pretty unhappy when Dayne received a 2nd place medal for the 5 and 6 yr. old girls (I think she was one of the 2 running in her age group).

And June, she was her consistently whiny self in these situations; holding her arms up to be held, asking to, "go home" every minute. In the end, the kids took a ride on the zip line that a local river company provided, and then we threw the free frisbees around that Geof. was all too happy to have paid for with race admission. It was a good morning. Have a good day, Mom! Love you.

p.s. These pics were taken with Geof.'s work camera. They're okay, right? For now they'll have to do..

Double Trouble

2010-08-12T11:06:00.004-04:00

June and cousin Sawyer take it upon themselves to get their teeth clean. I guess we were too busy to even remember. (;

Food, glorious food!

2010-08-11T17:07:00.003-04:00

Making this for dinner tonight: http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/03/eggplant-almond-enchiladas-recipe.html YUMMY! We'll see how it turns out.

Update: Geof. ate 3 helpings. Said it was really good. The kids poked around and June liked the corn tortilla. In the end, they opted for Grape-nuts. Ha! And I LOVED it (could have had a bit more sauce, but sooo yummy), especially the roasted almonds.

Forgiveness

2010-08-10T22:04:00.003-04:00

Just stole this from another blog. Very real stuff. Good spiritual food that I needed to feed my soul. The atonement is real. We can become like Christ if we allow allow it and desire it. Please watch and share. And tell me your feelings on it. I'm interested.

Rawson's blessing

2010-08-08T22:06:00.000-04:00

On the fourth of July, the kids and I headed to my cousin Raquel's ward to see her new baby boy Rawson be blessed. I love being back in the Sacramento area with family. Especially in the summer! It's been forever. My kids adored having so many cousins around, as did I. (:

Carmel

2010-08-06T21:20:00.004-04:00

Our last leg of the trip was to Geof.'s sister Brooke's home in Carmel (by the sea..just had to say it). Oh my..was it incredible. Wish we'd had more time to spend here because it was beyond words. Brooke's husband Mike is in the army so they've lived all over and we've never once been able to stay in their home. So this was such a treat. When we pulled up to their home we couldn't believe we actually KNEW someone that lived here. It was foggy and the streets were windy and narrow and the homes were all breathtaking (or at least their view was).

Sweet Brooke has it all together (or she's great at faking it). Their home has so much style yet it looks like it was put together effortlessly..It's totally cool and eclectic and I LOVE IT! There was so much LIGHT which is something I'm really missing in our home now. I really was so happy there (aren't you always happy on vacation? Especially if there's a beach nearby?). And Brooke's kids? So wonderful! Sadie's eight and recently baptized and is such a good kid! She kept all three of my kids happy and entertained. And there really wasn't any fighting or arguing, which made us adults so happy! Janie's the oldest (almost 14) and rocks. Literally. She's so spiritual and mature. I sat in Young Womens with her and Brooke and was so impressed. I WAS NOT LIKE THAT at all. Ellynn is their third child. She's 6. So sweet and also so gorgeous. She's also severely autistic, and Brooke and Mike (and their other children) do so well with her. Their home has a peace and calm to it that I envy (yes, ENVY). And Sawyer. Cute little Sawyer who's younger and taller than June and precious. Really, there's not a mean bone in that family. All very kind people. Wish we'd spent more time with Mike, but we'll just have to visit them again. Thank you for the wonderful trip to the beach, Dennis the Menace Park, yummy food and a comfortable home. We love you guys!

Not so pretty..

2010-08-06T10:06:00.005-04:00

Now, if you don't care or agree, don't watch and PLEASE don't call me a fear monger. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSpkLk0vYmk&NR=1 However, I do think it's vital that we continually WAKE our senses to this stuff. This "truth", in my opinion. It's overwhelming, it's hard to be believe, yet the proof is out there and pretty obvious (failing health, new diseases, diseases worsening, increased infertility (haven't you NOTICED?), autism, cancer, etc.). So many of my thoughts have been on this topic recently due to an increased desire to "feel better". Don't we all want to feel better? Please share this video!

Heaven..or Camp Nauvoo?

2010-08-04T21:01:00.005-04:00

I'm so behind on blogging about our trip. And truthfully, these are important memories that I don't want to forget. When we got back from WA, we had a few days to get ready for my mom's side (Sellers) family reunion to Camp Nauvoo, a church owned campground up in El Dorado Hills, CA, that I've been going to since I was tiny. Geof. met us there the first night and he and I both agreed that we didn't think we'd ever have the opportunity to see our kids experience Camp Nauvoo (it's for sale) and we were SOO glad they did. What wonderful memories I have of this place!! Secretly, I'm hoping the church will change their mind or some members will buy it and we can continue our memories. How fun it was to see my kids doing the exact same things I did growing up; rowing up and down the creek on the rafts, finding and catching crawdads, painting faces at the "paint rock" (water and different colored rocks makes the best paint, really), hiking, horseshoes, yummy meals in the mess hall, piano playing, smores, campfires, and a Seller's favorite, skit night! June could not be persuaded to come down and insisting on staying up on stage during the rest of the skits. No shyness there. We all slept wonderfully (that in itself is a miracle) and hope to go back to Camp Nauvoo for many, many years!

jibjab

2010-08-03T13:54:00.001-04:00

Cole found this while playing on the starwars.com site. We love jibjab!! Hilarious!!
http://starwars.jibjab.com/view/CIwHOhDqRnhHyO3GlKqd