Hello...

It's been a while since I have actually been here to let people know whats going on, so I thought I would write something today.

Benson is more than a month now and as you can tell he is starting to get chubby which is good. and since this is my first boy I feel like I should report that I have only had a couple misfires during a changing session. He did pee on Natalie when he was taking his first bath which was pretty funny, but knock on wood, I've been pretty lucky.

We have also been going to Lexie's Volley Ball games which has been fun we try to watch and keep the other girls in check at the same time (they are more interested in running down the school hallway.

Lexie got another Excellence in Academics for her class, this is the third year in a row she has earned this, but I guess she has the same classmates so maybe that's why. Or she's just super smart, and she got that from char not me!

Thanks giving is this coming week and I wish you all a happy thanksgiving, and I'm looking forward to have Marn, Brandon and his family here for holiday. Hey maybe we can make more of this Carmel Corn drizzled in chocolate mmmmm.

Natalie Rose

7 November 2008-
All three of my daughters are so wonderful. They each have their our very distinct personality, and they each have come with new challenges. But so far of all three girls Natie has given us the most challenges and the most laughs.

Natalie was as close to the typical terrible twos as any child could get and as she out grew that stage she began to develop into the most amazing little girl. She has a soft heart, a very strong will, and she is more comfortable with herself than most adults. She still supplies her parents with constant challenges but she also gives us the most to marvel at.

This post originated this morning as I stopped to drop her off at her kindergarten classroom door. She came home from school yesterday talking about how "tomorrow is pajama day". I took her at her word even though I had not see a note about it from her teacher. So this morning she got up and I changed her into her cutest and warmest pj's and took her to school. I pulled up to the door and noticed that no one inside had on pajamas, not one person. I said to Natalie, "are you sure that today is pajama day, no one else has on pajamas". She said that someone in the other kindergarten class had told her that today was pajama day and then she burst into tears. I parked the car and ran in to tell the teacher that I would be back after I changed her clothes. When I got back to the car, Natie was still crying and I noticed that she was not crying because she was the only one in pajamas and she wanted regular clothes, but instead she was crying because she wanted to wear her pajamas and she didn't think she could.

She doesn't care if she is the only one doing something, as long as it is what she wants, she doesn't care what others think. After I figured that out I told her she could wear her pj's if she wants, after all they just look like sweats. The tears immediately dried up and she said "are you sure my teacher said I can mom." I said "yes, I am sure" and I took her into school.
Natie is our little drama queen at times and our little rock at others. She is so precious and I am so glad that she chose to come to our family.

A Big Weekend

Halloween 2008

This past weekend was not only Halloween but it was also the weekend we blessed Benson. Grandpa and Grandma Christensen, along with Dale, Kat, Nancy, Maurnee, and Jut's step sister Amanda all showed up on Friday and went trick or treating with Jut and the girls. Grandma Verna, Benson and I chose to stay home and avoid the craziness of the ward trunk or treat/chili feed. It was a fun evening and the girls were in heaven with their aunts and uncle, oh, and all the candy. :)

Natalie was unicorn rider (sorry you cant see the unicorn), Lexie was a tiger, Nancy was little red riding hood, Ava was Eeyore, Kat had on leopard ears and a tail and Dale was a character from a book he is writing.

Benson was just cute.

Aunt Maurnee and Benson.

On Saturday Grandpa Thane flew in and got to spend a lot of time holding Benson and playing with the girls. It is so wonderful when he comes to visit.

Grandpa Thane and Ava down at the river.

Uncle Dale and Ava playing at the river.

Benson's Blessing

On Sunday Grandma Maureen, Jon and Maurnee came down from Salem to attended the blessing. Jut gave Benson a beautiful blessing and it was so wonderful to have both our fathers here to help, and so many family members and friends here to support us. After church we all came back to the house for good food and conversation. It was a wonderful weekend and even though we missed those who were unable to be here, we are so grateful to those who were able to come share this special time with us. We love you all.