Darth Toddler

Benton is sporting the latest in parent-instigated toddler fashion. The shirt, which is a tad fuzzy, says "Vader." With hands in his pockets, Benton gives the impression the force is with him, but in reality, he is indeed plotting to join the Dark Side.

Quote of the Day

"Never ask directions from a two headed banana."

-Big Bird

Remembering Sunny days Gone By

It looks as though Picasa is working again. Yay! But since all my current pictures are on the other computer, you'll just have to hang in there a little while longer. This is a leftover from Ben's 2 year photo shoot--ever the diplomat, this one.Paul had yesturday off, and we enjoyed our snow day. We went for a nice long walk in the snow, had yummy soup for dinner, and last night, we watched Cars. Benton loved the movie. His favorites were Mack (a Mack truck, in case there was any doubt) and the "Green WaggonBus" (A green VW "The sixties were not kind to you, man").
P.S. The Attic has been updated. Shocking news indeed.

An Update

Benton is missing...strictly in the photographic sense. You see, I updated to the "new and Improved" blogger, and have managed to lose the ability to post pictures--as far as I can figure. Hopefully someone out there can help me figure it out before I throw the computer out a second story window. Meanwhile, keep checking back. Benny will turn up one way or another.

In other news, we have commenced potty training. So far, no luck--but no messes either. Benton likes sitting on the potty like a "big kid," but I think he has ulterior motives. All he has to do is sit there, and his mommy reads him stories and sings him songs. Also he gets to wear those cool pull-ups instead of baby diapers. I got him some Finding Nemo underpants for when the process succeeds. I'm being way too optimistic, I know.

I butchered Benton's hair this morning. He got to the point he could no longer see through his bangs, so I chased after him with a pair of scissors. The results were not surprising considering the combination of bad scissors, a squirming two year old, and a mom who can't even cut paper in a straight line. Thank goodness his hair grows fast...

Last Minute Gifts

While goofing around on the internet today, I found the greatest thing. A 2006 gift catalog for Samaritan's Purse (a relief/mission organization founed by Franklin Graham. You can "purchase" everything from 12 baby chicks that grow up to lay hundreds of eggs ($10) to sewing machines for vocational training to plane tickets to get a sick child the medical treatment he/she needs. If you're looking for a creative way to get in that last tax deduction of the year, check it out. https://www.samaritanspurse.org/Giving_CCat.asp# At least take a look and keep it in mind for next year.

Merry Christmas! I can't believe it's come and gone already. I will miss my Christmas tree.  

This Christmas we also celebrated the safe return of Alysun, Jeff and Emmaleigh from Africa. They had a wonderful time, but were glad to be home. We had stuffed french toast, scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, sausage and fruit for "lunch" after church before we opened our presents. 

Snowman book from Mommy and Daddy 

The jet-lag caught up to Emma and she took a rest on her mom's new towels. 

Benton's cousin Lisa knows him well. She couldn't decide weather to get him Curious George or a big empty box, so she got him both. Benton and Emma had a great time playing in the giant box. Uncle Mike even cut a door in the side so they could get in and out by themselves. It was far and away the most fun present this Christmas. 

Grandma, her grandkids, and great grandkids--plus two more little boys coming this spring. 

Benton patiently waits for his breakfast Christmas morning. 

A stormy Christmas morning kicked off the Ewert Family Bi-annual Christmas at the beach. It was beautiful!  

Usually when it's too quiet in the house, I find something like this: 

But today, I found this! What a good boy! (Even if his socks don't match his shirt) 

Hippy Holidays from the Lundes

Don't worry. We haven't given up personal hygene and moved into a bus. But you know us, we just couldn't stick with the status quo!

Hippy Family Photo #2 

And the Unveiling of the long awaited anual Christmas photo of Benton Thomas Stone Lunde and Emmaleigh Danielle Peters: 

My friend Soren came over the other night and we watched a movie. It was terribly exciting. 

Here's our handsome boy!