Now and Then

Once upon a time, Benton enjoyed napping on a nice warm pile of laundry. The laundry basket is still one of his favorite places. But now, he helps me load the laundry in the washer first. He hands me each item and tells me what it is: "blue sock. Two blue sock. Another one blue sock. Sisore (Dinosaur) jammies! Put it on. Benton will do it..." Every now and then, I find things that do not belong in the washing machine. Darth Mal, a milk jug, things of that nature. So I'm learning to double check the washing machine before I put anything in and learning to do things a little slower so my little guy can "help." Growing up is such an adventure. I get a little whistful looking back at skinny, wrinkly baby pictures, but I love watching the person he's becoming.

Big Helper

A few days ago, I decided I couldn't make it thorugh the afternoon without Snickerdoodles. I enlisted my willing accomplice. He put in all the dry ingredients and even did a little stirring. His favorite part, of course, was licking off the spatula. And in spite of his help, the cookies turned out perfect. Thank you, ATK.

Technical Befuddlement

OK, about that blog. It's ready to go now. I had a link posted, but when you clicked on it, it sent you to a blog devoted to "all things gay-related." And though I'm as big a fan of happiness as the rest of you, it was the wrong site. So I had to hang up and try again. We're good to go now at isaidwhat.blogspot.com or you can click on the link to your right.

A New Blog

As if I didn't have enough to do, I started a new blog. Did I Just Say That? is dedicated to all the strange things we mothers find ourself saying. So far, it's not very exciting, but stop in often. I expect to invite others to contribute, and over the weeks ahead, I hope you will all be amused by the results.

Snow Day

Here are some pictures from our snow day. We took along the stoller, but Benton tromped through the snow on his own in his fancy boots most of the way. On the way home, he was so tired, we put him in the stroller, adn he dozed off. Apparently, he got a little too relaxed, because he flopped right out of his seat like a sack of potatoes on the snowy sidewalk. I sort of ran over him a little with the front wheel, and he just layed there, snow falling in his eyes, mumbling, "Benton fall down. Benton fall down." I tried to be sympathetic though we were laughing pretty hard. We all seem to have recovered. The sun is supposed to come out a little bit later, so we'll go for a walk to visit Paul on his route.

A Real Bang-Up Job

Here is a photo of his mother's handywork. Since he never holds still, on an average day, the hack job is not noticable--thank goodness. At least he can see, right? Menawhile, does this kid's hair grow fast, or what? The last picture posted was taken only three months ago.

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: