The Three Browns

Look who is 3

2011-03-27T19:26:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun at Ben's 3rd birthday party. He turned 3 on March 6th. I am so blessed to have such a great husband and son. Ben is a joy to be around. We went to Jungle jyms playland in SLC for a fun party with all the cousins. It was a lot of fun and Ben had a blast. Ill have to post pictures when my computer is not acting up. It has been a long year for him this last year. A year full of bumps and bruises and accomplishments (yea for potty training). He will be starting pre-school in the fall and I know that he is aready smarter than his mom and dad! I hope that by this time next year we will have an addition to our family and be able to give him a brother or sister. We have started the process of foster care and adoption and so if we can't have our own little one I hope that we will be blessed in another way to complete our family. I love Ben and Wes so so much and I am loving life at the moment! I love spending time looking for bugs, chalking on the sidewalk and just being a Mom.

Recovery

2011-01-25T08:22:00.000-08:00

I never thought it would be this hard to recover from my last knee surgery, the dreaded TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT. This being surgery number 17 I knew somewhat what I was in for, but I did not realize the emotinal roller coaster that would come with it.
The surgery went well and had a few complications after surgery with a collapsed lung that earned me an extra day in the hospital, so after 5 days I finally came home. The pain was not as bad as I thought it would be, don't get me wrong it was painfull, but compared to some of my other surgeries this seemed like a breeze. After 2 weeks of home therapy, and 3 weeks of daily outpatient therapy, and 12 hours a day in the CPM to stop the scar tissue forming, my motion was no better than when I left the hospital, so the Dr sugessted another surgery.

A manipulation to gain motion. Which ment going to the hospital being put to sleep and him forcefully bending my leg till it bent as far as he needed to crack all the scar tissue build up in there, I knew it had to be done but in the back of my mind I was thinking what if something goes wrong and it doeasn't work. Luckily it has given me more motion than I have had for years and the knee is doing really well. I'm still doing my therapy 3 times a week to get more motion and see make sure I keep the motion I have.

I think even harder than the knee pain and rehab was having a 2 year old around. With all of my other surgeries I was single and never had to worry about another persons' well being along with my recovery. My husband is wonderful and just one step under perfect. He kept the house clean, the laundry done and watched Ben on his days off to so I could rest and get my 12 hours in the machine. On his work days I had so much help from my familiy, they took Ben for sleepovers or just came to the house to watch him to give me a break.

I felt like a failure of a Mom, I couldn't hardley do anything with him and when I tried to spend time with him I had such s shourt fuse that it ususally just ended up with me crying and getting upset at him. One particular time he came home from my sister in laws house after a few days of sleepovers he gave me a big hug and told me "Mom, I really really missed you I just want to snuggle with you". I have such a wonderful little family that I'm greatful for every day. I hope Ben doesn't remember the times when I blow my top and have to be rescued by Wes, but instead the days we snuggle on the couch and watch "Go Go Deigo" over and over and over.

I'm trying to be a better Mom and wife and person in general and give the unconditional love that my Mom, sister's, sister in laws, Mother in law, and friends have shown me over the past weeks.

Thanks you everyone!

Spooky

2010-11-22T14:33:00.000-08:00

We had two halloween's this year. On Friday night we went to my Grandma Lilly's and treak or treated with all the residents at her care center. Ben was excited and dressed up as Lighting Mcqueen. He had a great time playing with his cousins.

On Saturday night we went to the trunk or treat at the ward and Ben decided to dress up as a dragon. He had a great time, even though it was only 1 week after he got his tonsils out.

TKR surgery

2010-11-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

It's official, I have schduled my TKR (total knee replacement) for November 30. It is fianally time to take the next step I have put it off too long. I can hardley walk and am in too much pain. This will be number 15 or 16, I've lost count. I had it scheduled for the 9th, but I couldn't find anyone to cover my patients for me untill after thanksgiving, so I had to change it to the 30th.

I'm glad it is scheduled and I can get it done. It is kind of a relief in a way. I just want it to be over. My doctor said it would be twice as hard as the PKR I had done 5 years ago, and I'm ready for it. I'm not sure I'll be glad I am having it done when the first of December rolls around, but it has to be done.

The scabs are falling off

2010-10-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

It has 9 days since surgery and the scabs are falling off. Ben woke me up at 5 this morning spitting up blood. I think it is just the scabs falling off. He was crying and told me his throat really hurt. I gave him a drink and tried to give him some lortab, instead he spit up blood tinged medicine. I'm not sure how much he actually swallowed, but I can already tell it is going to be a long day! I hope he feels better for trick or treating tonight.

The joys of potty training

2010-10-25T18:27:00.000-07:00

We are starting to potty train Ben at our house, however he is not very recptive to the idea.
Tonight I smelt a bad oder and knew it was time for a bum change.
I asked him "Ben did you poop"
He replied, "nope"
"come here so I can check your bum"
He turned around and looked me in the eyes and said "mom leave my poops alone"

You have gotta love the toddler menatality

Surgery is over

2010-10-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for surgery

The tonsills!

Resting comfortably after surgery.

Ben's surgery went well yeaterday. The Dr said his tonsills were mush and filled with pus so it was really good to get them out. The adnoids were also really swollen, hopefully now he can breath a lot better. The ear tubes went smoothly with no problems.

He had a hard time yeaterday and was really sore, he needed his meds evry 3 hours or so and it was hard to get him to wait till the 4 hours were up. He was like a drool monster, and continually drooling out of the right side of his mouth (I think it was because he is still weak there from when he severed the nerve earlier this year).

We were supposed to stay overnight, but by 8 oclock they had turned down his IV so low that it wan't doing hardly anything. We decided just to come home since we could give him the same meds at home and hopefully he (and I) would be more comfortable.

He had a horriable night. He was up crying and screaming all night. He woke up Wes (he was sleeping in the spare room since he had to go to work early today), and we had struggles all night to get the meds in and not have him spit them out.

This morning he is a lot better, he has been drinking and eating (probably things he shouldn't like fruit snacks and red vines) and of course he is watching little einsteins.

I certainly have a new appreciation for my Mom, all those times she sat waiting for me to have surgery (15 knee surgeries), the waiting sure is the hardest part. It is so hard to see your little one in pain and not be able to do anything to make him feel better.

I hope that he every day is a forward step form now on! Here is to a infection free winter.

the locksmith

2010-10-18T05:09:00.000-07:00

Benjamin was having a fit yesterday aftr church when I put him down for a nap. He was yelling and throwing things, I just ignored it and hoped he would calm down and go to sleep. He stopped after about 5 min and all was quiet in his room. He actually slept for 2 hours which was great.

When he woke up I went to get him from his room and he had locked the door from the inside. I didn't know how to get him out. Wes was at work and I couldn't get him to answer his phone. I unscrewed the door knob, and took the handle out on my side, but the door still wouldn't open. it took a lot of jiggling the knob to finally open the door. So he was in there for an extra 45 min. When Wes got home he put the lock on backwards so the lock side is now in the hall.

Maybe he should be a locksmith when he grows upn since this is the second time he has locked me out. Once in the laundry room, and now this.

The leaning tower of pizza

2010-10-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

Benjamin loves to watch little einsteins, it is his favorite show. There are 4 kids thast travel around the world in their rocket going on missions. The one we were watching the other day had them going to Italy looking for pieces to a birthday machine. One piece was on top of a tall building and it fell into a blue gondola. I asked Ben "how are they going to get that piece out of the boat" he said "it not a boat, it a gondola Mom." That made me laugh, I guess he is learning things from that show. The last piece was on top of the leaning tower of pisa, I asked him how they were going to get the piece from the top of the tower, he told me that it was "the leaning tower of pizza".

I sure love him, he makes every day better!

Ben needs surgery

2010-10-13T05:51:00.000-07:00

We went back to the ENT yesterday, (probably for the 5 time in so many months) and it is confirmed, he needs his Tonsills and adnoids out as well as a new set of ear tubes. We are going on Thursday October 21. The Dr said he will keep him in over night because of his age.

I am scared for him, but in a way i'm glad. I hope that he will now start to feel better he has had huge tonsills since about April. They touch in the back of his throat, are red and inflamed and he always has a sore throat. He has also had an ear infection since April, but he still has one ear tube in, it is not working properly. So they will take that one out and put new tubes in both ears.

If you have any advice for me let me know.

Hallowween Decorations

2010-10-09T09:52:00.001-07:00

Benjamin and I were making halloween decorations this morning. He had a lot of fun coloring them and painting them. When we were all done and ready to hang them up he started throwing a fit because he wanted to play with them and I wouldn't let him. He started crying and when he went to wipe his tears away the paint from his hands got all over his face. At first the streaks were bright blue, but by the time I had actually got a picture he had wiped most of it off.

Got to love temper tantrums.

Update on our life

2010-10-07T19:18:00.000-07:00

It has been a long time since I posted last. I have been struggling with my own personal depression which has been brought on by our infertility treatment. All I have ever wanted is to have a big family, be a Mom and stay home with my kids, (I kow it is cheesy). Life has a way of making its own path.

We have been trying to get pregnant for 2 years now, and I have been on the fertility medications for about 15 months. It has been a long hard trying battle. We didn't have any problems getting Benjamin here so I never dreamed it would be this hard to have a second one. The fertility medications make me feel horriable and mean, thye give me hot flashes and tremendous mood swings, and made me gain 30 pounds for nothing. I turn into "monster Mom", then evey 28 days I end up taking another pregnancy test that turns out to be negative and the cycle starts again. Ultrasounds, Dr visists and procedures (which have all proven to be useless).

After visiting another fertility specialist (I think the 4th one) we were told we had a 1 in a million chance of having our own baby and the only way to get another baby is to try in-vitro. That crashed my hopes and I was devastated. I don't have the $15, 000 to try that out and then that is not a guarntee that anything would work. I know I am very lucky to have my own family, I love Wes and Benjamin more than anything, I just feel like we need at least one more angel in our family to make it complete, so we have started to look into other options like adoption, and foster care. We decided to become foster parents and see where that takes us.

Through all of this I just need reminders to be gratefull for what I have. I have a wonderful toddler that is the smartest boy ever, he knows his colors, numbers, letters and is starting to write his name. I know I am a very proud mom. I cherish the time I get to spend with him and have cut my hours at work to be home with him more.

This morning when I was leaving for work he told me "mommy stay home with me, no go to work" and started crying when I said I had to leave. It broke my heart. I ended up going to work late and made him breakfast and we snuggled on the couch watching "little einsteins". I need little reminders like that to make me aware of how good my life is now with this little angel, hopefully we will add some more little ones to our family. Right now I am glad to be taking a break from all the fertility stuff and trying to get back into a "normal Mom" not "monster Mom".

First Stiches

2010-06-01T20:02:00.001-07:00

Boy did we have an eventful week. Ben and I had been sick all week with a stomach virus. It was not a pretty sight at our house. It started out on Monday night with Ben throwing up and multiple times of changing the sheets. Then on Tuesday night I got the same bug, which was not fun at all. We both were feeling better by Saturday, but we stayed inside all day to recover.

Sunday we went to church and Ben was finally back to his cute self. After his nap he wanted to go outside and blow bubbles. He got a bubble machine for his birthday that he loves to play with, so we got that out and went outside to play. He was having a lot of fun playing with it and chasing the bubbles, he tripped over what seemed like nothing and came down on his chin on the bubble machine. When he got up I saw blood and I thought that he had gotten a samll cut, but he really did a number on his face. He had a 2 inch cut that went all the way to the jaw bone. I screamed to Wes and we headed to the ER.

Once there they put a cotton ball with lidocane on it to numb the cut. The doctor said that he would be back in a minute to stich it up. I told him that I could see his jaw bone and I would like a specialist to come and check him out. He couldn't move the right side of his lowert lip so I was concerned he had gotten the nerve. He told me it was just superficial and it would be fine for him to stich up.

When they took off the cotton ball and held him down for a closer look he said, "oh I can see his jaw I'm going to have to call someone else". Duh, I just said that. So we had to wait for the on call facial plastic surgeon to come, which took about an hour. Once he came he said they were going to put him to sleep to get a better look and decide what to do then.

It took another 45 min to start an IV because Ben hated it so much, they had 4 people holding him down and it took 4 tries to finally get the IV in. He was screaming the whole time and kept telling them to STOP NOW, and he told him he was DONE with them. I felt so bad for him!

Once they put the medicine in his IV he was out in less than 5 seconds. I layed him down on the bed and they got to work. It took about 45 min to stich him up and they had to do it in 3 layers to get all the muscle and tissue and skin back together. He had severed a facial nerve and chipped his lower jaw bone as well. He woke up pretty fast and we were on our way home. I had to drive about 15 min to find a pharmacy that was open on a sunday night to get his perscriptions. I picked them up and headed back home. After a few minutes I looked back at him in the back seat and he had blood everywhere.

he had picked out off the superglue and the top layer of stiches, at that point I lost it. I had done so good the whole time I was at the hospital and Wes was at work. I didn't know what to do.

I ended up driving back up to the hospital for a 2nd time. They took us back and the doctor came in and told me that it was now too late to stich it up because the risk of infection was too high, luckily the bottom 2 layers were holding good and it was just the skin that wasn't closed. So he just put the madical superglue on it and sent us on our way.

I put a big bandaid on it to try to keep him from picking at it,. That has worked pretty good. He pulled one bandaid off and I just put another one right on top.

His poor face is so swollen and his bottom lip doesn't work on the right side. Since the nerve was cut he has lost sensation and strength in it, the doctor is hopefull that will regenerate given time. I feel bad for him he keeps biting his lip because he can't tell it is there and he talks different than before. I of course was freaking out that he would need speech therapy or something to help him talk. Poor kid he looks like he has bells palsy or he had a stroke when he talks. He dribbles out of that side whan he has a drink.

We have a follow up appointment for next week so hopefully everything will go well with that.

These pictures were taken before he tookthe stiches out, it doesnt look this good anymore.

Here is a picture of the bubble maker.

small miracles

2010-02-06T19:45:00.001-08:00

I am so glad for small miracles in our lives.

This week has been a hard one, Benjamin has been sick. He started with a fever of 104 on Wednesday after his nap. I gave him some tylenol and a bath in an attempt to bring down his fever. He seemed ok Wednesday night. Thursday morning he woke up with a fever of 104.5, again with the tylenol and a bath to cool down which brought the fever down to 102. We went in to see the peditrician and he was tested for strep, and an urinary track infection which both came back negative. They told me to alternate tylenol and motrin every 3 hours and come back on Friday.

Friday morning he woke up with new symptoms of diareah and a cough and again with a fever of 105, so we did the same routine and went back into the peditrician. Even with the alternating medication his fever never went below 101. I was getting very worried, but he was still acting happy. The Dr said it was probably was just a virus and needed to run his course. He was chasing the dogs and wanting to read his books. He hadn't eaten since Wednesday, but he was drinking.

He was up every couple of hours on Friday night and Saturday morning once again the fever was 104.5, but now he was just glassy eyed and not wanting to move. He wouldn't even drink anything, He just wanted to be held and cry. This is when I became very concerned and I took him to the Emergency room. They were less than helpful, the Dr told me that he looked good, he said he was making tears so he wasn't too dehydrated and they just gave him a dose of motrin and sent us home. (I'm sure that will be the most expensive motrin I've ever bought! :) )

My wonderful Mother in Law suggested that we give him a blessing. Wes was at work and had taken Thursday and Friday off with him because I had to work, so my MIL called and had my Brother in Law come and give Benjamin a blessing. I was very greatful for that. I don't really remeber what was said, but I did get a wonderful feeling of peace.

Within 30 min of his blessing his fever had gone down to 102, and within an hour it was down to 100. He was up walking around and he ate half an orange, half a cheese tortilla and drank quite a bit of pedialyte. Two hours later his temp was 99.

I know that he was able to get better because of the blessing. I am so greatful for the preisthood in our lives and the wonderful family I have to help me through my trials.

great new website

2009-11-15T19:46:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for great deals for Christmas, or just any time check out

slickdeals.net.

Wes showed me this site last week, and he sure is sorry now. We have gotten so many good deals off of it.
Today I got a free christmas tree ornament with free shipping with Benjamins picture on it.
We got the bluray combo edition (it has the blue ray version, DVD, digital copy) of tinkerbell, and Up for $10
The whole Planet Earth series on Blue ray for $10. (This was the BBC edition shipped all the way from the UK for ten dollars)
Free Wee sing books with CD's
I got some killer deals from the Childrens Place on line with their coupon, 3 ties for Ben, 3 sheatshirts and a Wool winter coat for $20
Winter boots from lands end for $5
Most of these deals also come with free shipping.

I check this site every day for good deals and usually order daily from them.
Also check out
babysteals.com and kidsteals.com
these sites have one thing available daily starting at 9am untill it is sold out, they have some good deals but you have to check early to get them

Halloween

2009-11-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

Benjamin had a lot of fun for Halloween this year. He was a Giraffe which he chose out himself. He thought it was a stuffed animal and carried it around the house hugging it and giving it kisses. On the day before Halloween my mom's ward had a primary activity that we went to. He had a lot of fun playing with his cousins and eating all the treats.

Benjamin and Madison sitting on the couch together.

Hailey the princess on a horse, Jackson the dinosaur and Benjamin in the halloween parade.

After the primary activity we went trick or treaing at the caree center where my grandma is. Benjamin got so much candy, but he had a lot of fun.

Madison eating a sucker

On Saturday, Halloween, we went to the trunk or treat at our ward. Benjamin had a lot of fun once again.

Labor Day

2009-11-15T16:47:00.001-08:00

On Labor day we went to Silver Lake up Big Cottonwood canyon with my family. We took a picnic up there and enjoyed walking around the lake.

Here is Benjamin and Wes on the boardwalk

Benjamin looking at the ducks.

Grandpa, Benjmain and Jackson

Benjamin and Daddy, he is daddy's boy for sure!

Football season started again, so I now have 2 people who watch the games. We bought Benjamin this jersey even before he was born, and I made him the blanket. So on Sundays they both put on their football jerseys and watch the game together. Wes is going to Denver for the Thanksgiving evening game of the Giants and Broncos, he is so excited to go see the Giants in person!

First Day in Nursery

2009-11-15T16:43:00.001-08:00

August 30th was Benjamins' first day in nursery. He did so good. I was planning on staying in there the whole time with him, but he could have cared less that I was even there, so I left. When I went back to get him after nursery was over he just waved at me and told me by by, he didn't want to leave. He loves nursery, every time we go to church he knows exactly where to go and enjoys every minute.

New Windows

2009-11-15T16:25:00.000-08:00

At the end of August we got new windows for the house, we had single payne aluminum windows in before and put new double payne, Argon coated low E energy efficiant windows up stairs.
Here are the before pictures

Here are the after pictures. (I took them today which is why there is snow in them). They do make a big difference! We have noticed a big reduction in noise which is nice since we live on a busy street. Also they sure keep the temp. better in the house.

End of summer fun

2009-11-15T16:16:00.000-08:00

End of Summer
Summer came and went all too fast
Benjamin learned how to unzip his PJ, so when I would go and get him out of his crib he would be half naked. He even started to take off his diaper and finger paint with the contents, which was not appreciated! So we had to come up with ways to keep his PJ,s on. We finally decided on a onsie under the PJ's and a safety pin on the inside of them across the zipper so he couldn't unzip. This was a picture of one morning when I had forgotten to put the pin on, at least the diaper was still on.

Benjamin loves corn and we had been slicing it off of the cob for him, but he got upset that he didn't have a cob like us, so we gave him his own and he was able to get all of the corn off of it!

He loves getting into everything, this time he found the carpet cleaner box.

Las Vegas Trip

2009-11-15T15:59:00.000-08:00

In August we went on a weekend trip to Vegas. Wes, Benjamin, Lexi and I all went down and spent 2 days in Ivans with my Nana and then 3 days in Vegas. We had a free trip so we decided to make the most of it.

Lexi and I went to a show "American Superstars" they had the look a likes singing and dancing. It was pretty fun.

This was when we were on top of the Stratosphere. Benjamin decided that he was going to wave at all the girls,b ut none of the boys. He was sure cute!

Lexi and I rode the ride on top of the Stratosphere. It is like the rocket at Lagoon, but 1000 feet inteh air.

We went to the Coke place in Vegas and had some "Coke floats" they were all different flavors of coke product with ice cream in them, Benjamin sure loved them!

Sunday Adventure

2009-08-23T17:32:00.000-07:00

Benjamin loves to help out, he loves to shut doors and the dishwasher after we have loaded it. Tonight I was doing laundry and he had helped to put clothes in the dryer I turned around to turn the dryer on and he shut the door with me inside the laundry room and he was on the other side of the door.

I didn't know that the knob was broken and the door wouldn't open from the inside. I called my neighbor but got no answer, so I called Wes at work. He ended up calling his mom and she came over and let me out. I was locked inside for about 45 minutes.

I could hear Benjmain going up and down the stairs and throwing dog food down the stairs. He was having a lot of fun! I on the other hand was not!

Tired Benjamin

2009-07-24T09:57:00.001-07:00

I have been sitting at the computer all morning uploading pictures from our vacation. I put Banjamin into his high chair and gave him some treats to keep him out of trouble. It had been too quiet so I went to check on him and found this. I guess vacation tired him out!

Six flags over Georgia

2009-07-24T09:41:00.001-07:00

I was worried how Benjamin would do sleeping in an new place, but we put his play pen in the closet so it was dark and quiet and he did really well. All he needs is a wand and he can be Harry potter living in the closet under the stairs.

Tuesday was our last full day in Georgia and we spent it at Six Flags with Wes's cousin Michelle and her kids.

This is the goliath, the best roller coaster ever! It was my favorite.

My starving son Benjamin wating to get into Six Flags.

Wes's Cousin Michelle and her daughter Stephanie waiting in line for monster mansion

Wes and Benjamin enjoying Monster Mansion. Benjamin was so intent on all the animated monsters.

The ninja, this roller coaster gave me a headache.

The Sreamer

After the two big roller coasters, I needed a break I was feeling quite queezy. Since Wes didn't ride the roller coasters he went on the kiddie rides with Benjamin. Benjamin loved this boat, it was his favorite ride, he cried when he got off.

riding the carousel

We had such a great time on our trip! Thanks to all of Wes's family who made our trip great!

Stone Mountain

2009-07-24T09:31:00.001-07:00

On Monday we went to a great Steak house for lunch and this moose was out front so we had to take a picture. Wes always calls Benjamin Bugaboo, and we saw this placke called Bugaboo steak house so we stopped for lunch. It had great food!

Monday night we went to Stone Mountain for a laser light show, it is one big huge piece of granite sticking out of the ground.

These are Wes's cousins' kids, Alayna, Tiffany and Shane. The next picture has Stephanie in it. They are great fun! We went to six Flags with them on Tuesday too. Tiffany made us Bosnian soup fof dinner it was really yummy!

We and Benjamin watching the laser show. Benjmain loved it. He was ooo and ahhh during the show.

Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari

2009-07-24T09:09:00.001-07:00

On Sunday we went to Pine Mountain wild Animal Safari park. It was a lot of fun! We went with Wes's cousin, Rusell and his wife Sherry and their two kids, Nolan and Keli. They are so nice and we had a wonderful time! Once again I was so wrapped up in how excited Benjamin was I didnn't get any pictures of everybody else

This is Benjamin being a tiger

A Baboon in the walk through area of the park

This is a Liger, which you get when you mate a female tiger and a mile lion. It was huge!

We rode a bus through the park, it took about an hour and a half. Here is Wes feeding the camels

The Giraffe decided to walk over to the bus, and Wes got to feed it. I had never seen a Giraffe so close before they are magnificant animals!

Wes was one of the people the Giraffe ate from.

This is a Zee Donk, a cross between a zebra and a donkey

These are hairy cows

A baby liger

The Animal Safari was a blast! We had so much fun, Benjamin loved throwing the food out of the window and kept asking for more!

After the Safari we went back to Rusell and Sherry's for dinner. Thanks for such a great day and a great dinner!

Family reunion at the lake

2009-07-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we went to Wes's family reunion. His family rents out the lodge at a sate park and they enjoy each others company, playing in the lake and lost of good food. Unfortunatly I didn't take nearly enough pictures of everyone who was there, I just took pictures of Wes and Benjamin. I wish I would have gotten more pictures of his family.

This is Wes and Benjamin walking back from swimming in the lake

Benjamin has never been in a lake before and he was so excited when he saw the water, he went running in. Which caused him to faceplant into the water and swallow a lot of water. it took awhile before he wanted to go back in.

He loved playing with his cup and pouring the water back into the lake.

Georgia Aquarium

2009-07-24T08:45:00.001-07:00

The Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the world. It was so Awesome, it was by far Benjamin's favorite. It is in the same complex as the World of Coke so we did both on Friday.

Benjamin was facinated by all of the fish. He loved it.

They have beluga Wales

Jelly fish

Tropical fish

Manta rays

and lots of sharks. There is this big tunnel of an aquarium that you walk through and all of the fish swin over you.

Benjamin and Wes enjoying the huge tank with the Whale sharks inside

You could pet the baby manta rays and the sharks, they were slimy. Benjamin was interested, but when you look at the picture closer up you can see the concern on his face!

World of Coke

2009-07-24T08:35:00.001-07:00

On Friday we went to the Word of Coke in Atlanta. It it the headquarters for Coka Cola. You get to take a tour and see all ot the history of Coke and then you can taste all the coke flavors from around the world.

This is Wes getting his free bottle of Coke right off of the assembly line.

Benjamin loved trying the flavors, he only got to try lemonade and water. Wes wanted to give him some of the Beverly (the worst tasting flavor ever, but he ended up being nice)

Wes and Benjamin with the Coke Bear. Just look at the look on Benjmains face, he was not happy about standing next to the bear

Benjamin and I enjoying the tour

Wes' Family

2009-07-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

On Thursday we went over to Wes's Aunt Dianes house. We had a lot of fun visisting with his family that was there.

Me, Benjamin, Wes and his Dad.

Wes, Me, Benjamin, Wes's Dad, Wes's cousin Bobby. On the bottom row, his cousin Linda and his Aunt Diane Brown and Aunt Dian Stewart.

We had a great time visiting! Thanks Aunt Diane Brown for letting us invade your house!

Atlanta Zoo

2009-07-24T08:21:00.001-07:00

We had such a fun trip to Georgia. The first day we got there we went to the Atlanta Zoo. It is one of only 4 zoo's in the country with Panda Bears. Benjmain loved all the animals!

Benjamin looking at the monkeys, one of his favorite animals

Wes and Benjamin sitting on the Giraffe statue

Look at the lions, while were there the two cubs started to play with the Dad lion. We loved the Atlanta Zoo (not the humidity)

Jessica's Wedding

2009-07-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

Jessica and Andy Horne

July 9th, 2009.

They were married at the Bountiful Temple. It was a wonderful day that was long but a great day!
This all the girls in our family. My mom is holding Madison, Nicole, Alexis, Me, Michelle, Hailey and Nana

Wes, Benjamin and I with the Happy couple

Andy, Nicole and Jackson.

Michelle, Jeff, Hailey and Madison

Jessica and Andy

My Mom and Dad with Jessica and Andy

Me and Alexis

Alexis, Benjamin, Jackson and Hailey

My Mom and Dad with Jessica and Andy and all their kids, Stephen, Me, Michelle, Andrew and Jessica, Nana is also in the picture

Stephen and Benjamin

playing at the zoo

2009-06-29T20:52:00.001-07:00

We had a great time at the zoo today. My friend was in town that I hadn't seen in over a year, so we met at the zoo. When we got there I found out my sister was already there, so it was a lot of fun. It sure was a lot of hard work keeping track of all the kids!

Benjamin loved looking at the porquipine.

And the squirrell monkey

He loved seeins the elephant statue, but didn't want to sit on with his friends

By the end of the trip all the kids were tired and didn't appreciate us taking more pictures!

playing with cousins

2009-06-29T20:41:00.001-07:00

Benjamin at the Zoo today with cousin Lexi, and Hailey

My sister in laws kids came over on saturday night, We had a fun time playing outside and watching a movie. Benjmain loves to play with his cousins and we don't do it enough!

helping wth laundry

2009-06-29T20:37:00.000-07:00

Benjamin has figured out how to dump all the clothes out of the hamper, turn it upside down and walk around with it on his head.
He sure makes me laugh!

Left over Balloons

2009-06-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

I bought Wesley balloons for father's day, some of the balloons have deflated so I let Benjamin play with them. He loved them so much, it was cute to watch.

who needs toys

2009-06-10T23:40:00.000-07:00

Benjamin was wound up like an energizer bunny last night. He would climb onto the ottoman, then over the arm of the couch, onto the couch and back onto the floor. He did this for about 15 minutes. He just kept laughing and doing it over and over again. It was so cute! It sure kept Wes and I entertained for a while. We both were wondering why we bother to buy him toys anyway!

Stadium of Fire tickets

2009-06-08T13:30:00.001-07:00

I have 4 tickets to see Stadium of Fire on July 4th at BYU. I don't think that we are going to use them. They are $45.00 a piece. Let me know if you would like them, they are really good seats.

new computer

2009-06-07T22:23:00.000-07:00

Our computer died and I have been uable to get online for a while. I didn't realize how addicted I was to the computer until I didn't have it. We got a new one last night and set it all up. Thanks to Andrew!

I'll have to post some new pictures of my cousisn's sealing from Firday and my sister's bridal shower from Saturday!

I'm glad that all our pictures were backed up onto an external hard drive so that they were not destroyed!

Memorial day fun

2009-05-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

Hailey came to spend the weekend at our house, Benjamin had so much fun playing with her outside. He loved following her around and being her shadow.

We went to the park to feed the ducks and they both had a lot of fun! Benjamin was frozen in place watching the ducks and geese get so close!

We had a BBQ at Michelle's on Monday and of course Benjmain got very messy! He loved the baked beans, but would only eat them with his fingers and not off of the fork. Needless to say he made a huge mess!

Playing Outside

2009-05-26T19:19:00.000-07:00

Benjamin loves to play outside! We spend a lot of time outside, here are a few good pictures from thae last week.

This is Benjamin giving "kisses". He will just walk up to you and put his lips together and his chin out and this means he wants a kiss. It is so cute! I need to get it on video!

This is the first picture I have taken of him where he actually looks like he has hair, you can even see that it is a little messy on the side.

When he puts his hands out like this he usually wants to be picked up.

Benjamin and Hailey on the swings.

learning to use a spoon

2009-05-06T20:08:00.000-07:00

Benjamin has been learinig to use a spoon. He does a good job, but does need help to scoop the food onto the spoon. Once it is on the spoon he can get it to his mouth, where most of it goes into his mouth.

Sometimes it is just easier to use your hands and mouth and not the spoon.

Baby Madison

2009-05-01T19:35:00.000-07:00

My sister Michelle had her baby today, Madison Lilly Huseby. She is 7 lbs, 10 ounces 19 1/2 inches long. She is adorable and has lots of hair!

Benjamin, Hailey and Jackson holding Madison.

Hailey is not too happy to have a new baby sister. She didn't want to leave Mom at the hospital and cried for Mom when we left, but said Madison can't come to Hailey's house, she has to stay at the hospital.

Playing at the Park

2009-05-01T19:20:00.000-07:00

Today we went to SLC to see my new niece, we found a fun park for the kids to play at and blow off some steam. They had a great time!

Jackson and Benjamin going down the slide

Jackson loved this seat that spun around and around

So did Hailey

Benjamin and Haily getting dizzy!

After I got home and was putting pictures on the computer, I turned around to find this. Benjamin crying inside Maggies dog kennel. He couldn't get out! It was too cute!

Bear Bell

2009-04-30T20:08:00.000-07:00

The other night we went to REI to get me some new shoes. We walked past the camping section and Ben saw these bells he loved. They are bells that you can attach to your bag to scare off the bears, he loved it. He was shaking it and laughing, we ended up buying it for him and he has worn it pretty much ever since. I take it off him to go to bed, other than that if you take it off his wrist he cries. Who needs expensive toys when there are cat balls and bear bells!

Laundry Helper

2009-04-30T20:02:00.000-07:00

I have a wonderful laundry helper! I don't mind doing laundry at all, but when you get behind it is hard work getting back on top of the mounting pile! Benjamin always loves to help with everything, but I don't know how much help it actually is.

All dressed up

2009-04-20T20:08:00.001-07:00

I tried to take some pictures of Ben in his church outfit yesterday before church, but he wouldn't cooperate! He looked so grown up in his shirt and tie, just like a clone of Wes. I wanted him to stand next to the tree to have his picture taken, but he decided it was funner to look at the birds, play with his stick and go down the slide. I guess you can get the idea.

Today we spent a lot of time outside. He spent about an hour this morning outside with grandma and Wes, and then this afternoon we spent 3 hours outside doing yard work. He loves it outside! He was wearing shorts today since it was such a nice day and he managed to skin both knees and shins, get a rope burn on his ankle and another bump on his head with a matching bruise and bump on his ear. Poor kid, I guess he is accident prone just like his mom!

a love for chocolate

2009-04-17T04:37:00.000-07:00

We have been working on baby sign language at our house. Ben can say milk, eat, drink and outside in sign language. We have been working on "more" lately but he wouldnt always say it for me.

I found a way for him to say it everytime. Offer chocolate! He never asks for more vegatables, or more meat, but every time I give him chocolate he will ask for more. I guess I just had to find the right motivater! He is a boy after my own heart.

Happy Easter

2009-04-17T04:29:00.000-07:00

We went to my parents house for an easter egg hunt. Jackson and Hailey had a lot of fun and Ben just enjoyed playing with is cousins. He just loved running around the yard. He would pick up one egg, play with is for a while, and then go on to the next one.

Alexis came to our house for a couple of days. She sure is cute!

Please help

2009-04-11T09:43:00.001-07:00

I have a very active toddler who loves to paly outside. I am looking for a swingset/playset for him! If you know of anyone who is selling one please let me know! I keep checkin KSL but if I find one for a good price it is already sold. So if you see one let me know so I can ccome and get it!

Thanks a bunch!

Benjamin's walking stick

2009-04-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

Wes made Ben this cute little walking stick, he sanded it down and made it all smooth. Benjamin loves it! He loves being outside and when he goes outside he will immediatly go for the stick. He also likes to chew on it, I guess we don't feed him enough.

He was an old man walking around that back yard with his stick!

New Family picture

2009-04-05T19:50:00.001-07:00

We went to get family pictures taken a few weeks ago. They turned out great except for the big scrape on Benjamins head! I'm not sure he will ever be without it! He seems to keep on getting injured in the same place. Boys will be Boys!

playing in the snow

2009-03-29T10:25:00.000-07:00

Benjamin loves to play outside. He will stand by the back door waving all day if I let him, that meanis he wants to go outside. This morning he was bouncing between the back door and the front room window waving. I kept telling him we couldn't go outside, but he didn't like myresponse. He was sticking his lip out and crying.

I thought "okay, I'll take you outside but you won't like it." He doesn't like anthing cold. I was wrong he was having a lot of fun. He was standing outside trying to catch the snowflakes in his hands and laughing. My plan backfired, but he had fun!

I'm a new woman

2009-03-28T15:06:00.001-07:00

I decided that I needed a change in hairstyle. I wanted to go shorter and have something different. I eneded up having 8 inches cut off. I am pretty blind without my glasses, so while te girl was cutting it and asking how it looked I said it looked ok, but I couldn't see anything. When I put my glasses back on I got a shock. It ended up being shorter than I wanted it, but I guess I'll get used to it. Now I have to figure out how to style it. She put on some palmade and other stuff in the salon but it mad emy hair feel gross, so I cam home and washed it out. It is too shourt to curl, so I just blew it dry and it looks like the bottom picture. It took me 10 minutes total to wash and dry, and I like that part of short hair.

Last time I went to get a haircut Wes told me to let it grow long, he saw pictures of how long it was in High School and said he liked it better long. Oh well, I guess we will be both getting used to it.

Any advice on how to style it is appreciated!

Jackson turns 4.

2009-03-22T19:57:00.000-07:00

It is Jackson's 4th birthday On the 23 of March.

We had his party yesterday.

First we went to the zoo and the kids loved it. It was such a nice day to be outside and Ben loved walking around and seeing all the animals.

Benjamin with Grandpa Barlow and Dad, he was being shy for the camera.

All the kids loved the carousel. Ben wasn't too sure of what to think once it was moving.

Wes got to push all three of them up the big hill in the stroller.

Jessica's bakery made this cute dinosaur cake for Jackson. It had an animated dinosaur head on it that popped up and roared and had blinking eyes. Jackson loved it!

Andy and Nicole bought these cute dino noses for the kids to wear, Benjmain was not to happy to wear one.

We had a great day!

Thanks to Andy and Nicole for a fun party!

First blood of the season

2009-03-22T19:51:00.001-07:00

Benjamin is officailly a Toddler. He is walking around alot, but is not always steady on his feet. The other day he wanted to go outside to play. He will stand by the back door and wave by-by. He won't move untill I let him out, if I move him away from the door, he goes right back and starts waving again.

We had been playing out side for about 30 min and we were coming back inside. I opened the door and he tried to grab onto the screen door and the wind blew and moved th door, and he went head first down the back cement steps.

He was a trooper and didn't cry too much. I'm sure it is the first of many wounds that he will get!

Dads Birthday

2009-03-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my Dad's Birthday. We went out to eat and then to Sugerhouse park to feed the ducks. Benjmain had a fun time at the park watching the ducks and playing on the slide with his cousins.

Eye problems

2009-03-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

I have been having problems with my eye (the one I had surgery on). I have had an infection in it for a month or so, so it gets crusty eye junk in it at night sometimes I can't open it in the morning. Monday night there was a big nasty booger in it and I was trying to get it out. I tried to wipe it out and I couldn't get it to come out, then I got a brilliant idea. I would use tweesers to
pull the tube out a little and get the booger out. This plan worked out great except for one thing, then the tube wouldn't go back in where it is supposed to be. My eye was really red and hurt and the tube was sticking way too far into my eye. I tried pulling it down though my nose and couldn't get it. I even had Wes try with a flashlight and tweesers. He couldn't get it.

Tuesday morning I went into the Dr's office, my Dr is only in Ogden one day a month and so I had to see someone different who chouldn't get it to go back into the right place. 3 doctors later they finally did get it back where it is supposed to be and I didn't have to drive to SLC to the moran eye center to get it done.

On Thursday monrning I was on my way to work and blew my nose and the tube came out again. I went back into the Dr and once again had them pull it down again though my nose. This doctor said I can't blow my nose or even sniff hard unitl to tube comes out in 2 more months. I hope that it stays put! When it is where it should be it is hardley noticable and doesnt' hurt, but when it moves further into the eye it is really painful!

Benjmains new car seat

2009-03-13T09:23:00.000-07:00

Benjamin went in for his 12 month check up and was able to graduate to a big boy car seat! He is 20.2 pounds (20th %)

31 inches (85th %).

We installed the new carseat which he loves! He loves to be able to sit forward ans see everyting, but he looks so little in it!

Year in review

2009-03-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

Since my Birthday a few weeks ago I havee been reflecting on my wonderful life and all that has happened in this past year. There was a time when I thought I would never get married and have a family. Now I am so blessed. I have a wonderful husband and son. This time last year Benjmain was just born and our lifes changed forever for the better!

It was wonderful to have this little angel in our lives! He is such a joy to both of us! I can't believe how fast he has grown up! He is now walking and into everything!

In August I had my 12th knee surgery. It wasn't a bad one compared to all the others I have had, and it was all good news. I had torn the lateral meniscus transplant, but it didn't have to be removed. I was really worried that it would have to be taken out. It is 8 years old and I was told that they last 5 -7 years. So I was really glad when that was ok. My PKR on the medial side is as also doing great and should last another 10 to 15 years!

I think that the hardest part of this surgery was that the fact that I had Benjamin, I couldn't pick him up because of the crutches so I was very glad to have a lot of help from Wes, my Mom and my mother in law.

In December I had eye surgery to reconstuct my tear duct in the right eye and it was harder than I thought. They had to take about a nickle size piece of bone out of my nose to re route the tear duct and it was really uncomfortable. Once again I have a wonderful husband who helped out a lot.

We celebrated our 3rd Christmas together and Benjmains first christmas. It was wonderful to be together as a family and I am so greatful for all of my many blessings!

The day after christmas Benjamin had ear tubes placed and he did great! I was really worried, but he sailed through it and has not has any problems with his ears ever since! He was back to his usual self the next day getting onto everything, even his toy box!

It has been a wonderful year! I am so greatful for my wonderful husband who supports me in everything I do and helps me keep focused on the important things in life!

Of course we had Benjmain's 1st birthday party! What a wonderful birthday present I recieved, Benjamin!

Benjamin is 1

2009-03-08T20:45:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Benjmain! We had a party for Benjmain on Saturday, we had Wes' and my family there. It was a lot of fun! We went to the park to feed the ducks, and then came home to have cake and a BBQ.

We had a dinosuar pinata and all of the cousins loved the candy!

Benjamin wasn't too sure of what to think of his cake. But he did enjoy digging into his personal cake!

He loved all his presents, and had a lot of help from his cousins to open them!

One of his favorite toys for his birthday was the "cat balls" from grandma. They are the perfect size to fit into his little hands. He loves to walk around wtih them. Tonight I couldn't get them away from him to put him to bed, so they went with him!

Thank you to everyone who came and made his birthday so fun!

When does NO mean NO?

2009-03-02T18:20:00.000-08:00

When does No actually mean NO? I tell Bejmain No and I get this cute little smirk and then he procedes to do whatever he was doing anyway.

"No Benjamin, don't throw that food to the dogs" Here come the cute smirk and the food comes off of the highchair right to the dogs.

"No Benjamin, don't go in the bathroom" Here comes the smirk and he comes out of the bathroom holding a tampon in each hand. (it doesn't matter where I hide them he always finds the box)

"No Benjamin, don't climb in the fireplace" Cute smirk followed by climbing in to the fireplace.

So I figured that maybe when he gets older he will listen and no will mean no.
I don't think so.

"No Wes you can't go to a movie today" Here comes a cute smirk followed by I'll see you later

"No Wes you we can't afford another video game" Here comes the cute smirk and the video game.

"No Wes, the dishwasher fairy is not real" cute smirk followed by the dishes being placed into the sink and not the dishwasher.

Is there any hope for Benjamin, or is he destined to turn out just like his Dad? I guess that is not a bad thing.

Celiene Dion concert

2009-02-25T06:48:00.000-08:00

I went to the Celiene Dion concert on Sunday night. It was awesome! I had a wonderful time, I got he tickets for Christmas 2007, so it has been a long wait full of antcipation, but it was well worth it.

Benjamin is Walking

2009-02-23T11:45:00.000-08:00

Benjamin has been mobile for some time now, he was able to pull himself up in his crib and walk along the furniture since has was 8 months old. I thought he would be walking by his first birthday (next week, March 6) and I was right.

He ahs been taking steps on his own since Christmas, but this past week he really started walking. He will walk a lot now. The first video is of him being a stinker, he decided to pull his legs up and not walk at first, but he did then show his stuff. We are so proud of him and love him so much!

Hailey is 3

2009-02-23T11:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Hailey

Hailey had her 3rd birthday party last monday. She was so cute with the pinata and presents. I think that Jackson opened all of her presents and then she got to see what they were. She was really cute with her presents and we had a lot of fun!

Hailey had 2 birthday cakes, a castle and a princess.

Jessica and Andy thought that it would be fun to turn Benjamin into a piggy!

Valentines Day

2009-02-15T16:54:00.000-08:00

I had a wonderful Valentines Day.
I got a dozen roses and wonderful homecooked meal.
My wonderfual Husband made me a Steak and Lobster dinner. It was wonderful. I haven't had lobster before and I loved it. Wes hasn't made Lobster before and it turned out really good. I love Wes so much, he is such a wonderful husband I am very lucky!

Next weekend we are going to go to Park City for the weekend (without Benjmain) and then I get to go to the Celiene Dion conerct next sunday night!

I have the most wonderful husband and son and I am so greatful for both of them!

Update on Benjamin

2009-02-15T16:39:00.001-08:00

I can't believe that my baby is almost 1 year old! 2 more weeks! I can't believe how time has flown by. ! I wanted to give you an updated of what he can do. He loves to get dirty, and make a mess. He loves to stick everything in his mouth, even things that shouldn't be there!

He can walk across the living room (6 to 8 steps)to get his favorite things, like the phone or remote, or Maggie!

He knows the sign for milk and will sign milk when he wants a bottle. We are now working on eat, mama and dada, but he hasn't gotten them yet.

He can say mama, and is working on dada. He can wave by by. He has 10 teeth, yes 10 teeth, 2 top molars, the two bottom molars are coming in.

He loves to take a bath, but I think that his favorite part of the bath is throwing all the toys out of the tub!

My disorder has a name!

2009-02-08T15:46:00.000-08:00

I saw this on a friends blog, and I thought y'all might enjoy it. It pretty much sums up my life.

Recently, I was diagnosed with C. A. A. D. D. - Child Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.This is how it manifests:I decide to do the laundry. As I start toward the laundry room, I notice that there are cheerios all over the floor and my car keys are in the cereal bowl. I decide to pick up the cheerios before I do the laundry. I lay my car keys down on the counter, put the cheerios in the trash can under the counter, and notice that the trash can is full. So, I decide to take out the trash. But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the trash I may as well pay the bills first. I take my checkbook off the table, and see that there is only one check left, my extra checks are in my desk in the office/playroom, so I go to my desk where I find a sippy cup full of juice.I'm going to look for my checks, but first I decide I should put sippy cup in the refrigerator to keep it cold. As I head toward the kitchen with the sippy cup, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye--they need to be watered. I set the sippy cup on the counter, and I discover baby wipes that I've been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back in the bathroom, but first I'm going to water the flowers. I set the wipes back down, fill a container with water and suddenly I spot the TV remote, one of the kids left it on the kitchen table. I realize that when they go to watch TV, I will be looking for the remote as they fight over who lost it, but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.I splash some water on the flowers, but most of it spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back down, get some paper towels and wipe up the spill. Then I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do. At the end of the day: the laundry isn't washed, the bills aren't paid, there is a warm cup of juice sitting on the counter, the flowers aren't watered, there is still only one check in my checkbook, I can 't find the remote, I can't find the wipes, and I don' t remember what I did with the car keys. Then when I try to figure out why nothing got done today, I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day long, and I'm really tired.I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail.

Jessica and Andy are Engaged!

2009-02-01T18:31:00.001-08:00

It is official! Jessica and Andy are Engaged. These pictures were taken at our wedding, 2 1/2 years ago. Soon they will be having their big day!

July 9th 2009.

Congratulations! We love you!

Grandma Lilly's Birthday.

2009-02-01T18:25:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday was Grandma Lilly's Birthday. We went to SLC to visit her and have her Birthday party.

Benjamin enjoyed every minute of it! He loves playing with his family!

Wes Watching Ben

2009-02-01T18:21:00.001-08:00

The other day I came into the living room to see this. Wes was "watching" Benjamin so I could take a nap. I guess He just watched him climb right into the fireplace!

My Boys

2009-01-11T15:37:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure who is a bigger kid, Benjamin or Wes. Wes loves the NY Giants, he bought Benjamin this jersey ever before he was born. So even though the Giants lost today, I'm sure that there will be many more days with my boys on the couch wearing their football jerseys!

On the move

2009-01-04T17:12:00.000-08:00

Benjamin in always going! He never seems to stop for one minute.

He will be 10 months in 2 days, and I haven't posted a video in a while so I thought I'd show everyone how good he is at getting around! He loves to push his new walker around the house, but his onld standard of crawling sure gets him around faster!

Christmas with the Barlow Family

2009-01-03T12:20:00.000-08:00

We spent New Years Day with my family. The weather was bad on Christmas, so we moved our celebration to New Years day. We went out to breakfast and then over to Michelle's to open presents and play games.

Benjamin sure is spoiled! He got this walker and turtle from Grandma Barlow. He loves them both. He uses his walker to walk all over the house. He can only go straight, so if he bumps into something he lets go and crawls away.

Hailey and Jackson loved to build their Gingerbread houses!

Jessica and Benjamin.

Of Course, Uncle Jeff has to give Benjmain an Oreo. He loved every minute of it!

New years Eve

2009-01-03T12:15:00.000-08:00

Happy New Years!

We had a fun time on New Years Eve. We had my friend Molly, Wes's brother Lance, Aimee and their kids come over, as well as Brian and JoAnn. We played games and watched movies. It was a lot of fun.

This is Conner, Porter, Brayden and Benjamin reading books together.

Benjamins' ear surgery.

2008-12-27T09:01:00.001-08:00

Benjamin had ear tube surgery yeaterday. He has been dealing with ear infections since August. They get treated and come right back, so we made the decision to have the surgery to place the tubes. I think that was harder for me than him!

He was in a good mood when we got to the hospital, he liked playing with all the new things that he had never seen before.

When that anesthesiolgist came for him, he went with him no problem. Which was good for me because if he had cried, I'm sure I would have too!

10 minutes later the doctor came out and said that he was done. There was a lot of fluid in both ears, but the infection was cleared.

He was a champ!

When we got home, he took a nap for about an hour and after that he was back to his old self, crawling and climbing on everything!

This morning I was laying on the couch, not feeling good (I'm sure Benjmain gave me his cold). I could hear him playing right at the end of the couch, I thought he was pulling his toys out of his toy box as usual. He started wimpering so I looked to see what he was doing. This is what I saw!

Luckily the camera was close by and I could take a few pictures!

So the surgery didn't slow him down one bit!

Benjamins first Christmas

2008-12-27T08:53:00.001-08:00

Here is our cute little Benjamin on his frist Christmas.

We bought him a train that has different animals in it. He really liked it and couldn't wait for us to take it out of the box. When we got it out, it didn't work. It is supposed to light up and sing songs as it goes. We replaced the batteries and still nothing. So we are going to have to brave the stores and exchange it for a new one.

Christmas with the Brown Family

2008-12-27T08:43:00.000-08:00

We went over to Lance and Aimee's for Christmas Eve dinner. The food was great and so was the company.

Here is Benjamin with his cousins.
Brayden (Holding Kadi) Conner (Holding Benjamin) and Porter.

Nana came with us. She finally got her sling off after 5 months.

Mom and Benjamin. He liked playing with the wrapping more than the presents!

Wes got some gingerbread kits for the kids. Here is Brayden and Conner making their houses. They really liked making them a lot. You can see that Conners roof broke a bit. We tried to piece it back together, but one little piece fell out. He said that was his sun roof.

Surgery on Friday

2008-12-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

We went to the ENT yesterday and scheduled surgery for Friday, the day after Christmas. He said looking at his ears, there is a discoloration of his eardrum and a lot of fluid.

We have to be at the hospital at 6 in the morning.

I hope that everything goes well, and he can finally start to feel better.

Benjamin is still sick

2008-12-21T15:12:00.000-08:00

I ended up taking Benjamin back to the doctor today. His ears had not really gotten any better, and he needed another shot of antibiotic. He has also lost 1/2 a pound since friday.

it is so hard to see him sick and not feeling well! I hope that we can get something worked out on Tuesday at the ENT.

Poor Benjmain

2008-12-20T08:28:00.000-08:00

Benjamin has been sick for a week now. It started with a runny nose and a cough and then the fever and fussiness came. He didn't want to eat or drink either. He lost a pound in a week. I took him to the doctor yesterday and he has another ear infection. (This will be his 4th) The doctor said that this one is a massive one and was concerned. They gave him a shot of antibiotics and said we should go back on Sunday to get another shot because she is not sure only one shot will fix it.

He did not like the shot at all! We have to see an ENT doctor on Tuesday to see about getting ear tubes. I feel bad for him! I can tell he is feeling better today, he still has his cough and runny nose but his fever is gone. It was 102.1 yesterday. He has eaten 2 bottles already this morning!

elf dance with Grandma and Grandpa Barlow

2008-12-17T10:42:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

elf dance with Wes, Melanie, Ben, Hailey and Jackson

2008-12-16T17:07:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Benjmain is 9 months

2008-12-13T08:32:00.000-08:00

Benjmain turned 9 months last week, but I never posted how his appointment went.

He is 29 inches tall, that is in the 75%.

He weighs 19.5 pounds, that is in the 35%.

His head is 45cm, the 45%.

He is such a ball of energy. He has no fear of anything. He has started heading straight for the stairs if the baby gate is not up. When he sees you coming he will turn on the baby afterburners and crawl so fast to get away.

We love him so much!

Visiting the lights

2008-12-12T12:55:00.000-08:00

We went to Temple Square the other night with my Family. We had a lot of fun.

Wes was teasing me that Benjmain had way too many clothes on, so he made a sign to put on him.

I don't think that Benjamin saw any of the lights, he fall aseep before we got off of Tracks and didn't wake up until we got back to the car.

Benjamin with his cousins Hailey and Jackson.

Cute Benjamin

2008-12-08T06:39:00.001-08:00

Benjamin was sitting infront of the Christmas Tree and it was so cute I just had to take a picture.

Lexi is 15

2008-12-04T13:37:00.001-08:00

Lexi turned 15 on Tuesday! We had a busy day, Pocatello in the morning and Salt Lake at night. We went to Cowboy Grub for dinner. She didn't want her picture taken, but I did get a few.

Lexi and Michelle

Benjamin with Grandpa Barlow. He loves all his family!

Jessica and Andy, together again!

There was a carosel at the resturant, Jackson and Hailey loved it. Benjmain did not appreciate it at all. He cied when we gave him a turn. He liked it better when Andy was holding him.

Uncle James

2008-12-04T13:31:00.000-08:00

Benjamin got to meet his uncle James on Tuesday. He lives out of state, but was in Pocatello for the day. We both had the day off and decided to drive up to see him for the day. Brian and JoAnn came with us. We had lunch and had a good time!

Andy is Home

2008-11-30T18:41:00.000-08:00

Jessica's boyfriend Andy came home from his mission to Belgum on Thanksgiving. We went to his homecoming and over to my moms for lunch.

Uncle Jeff thought it would be fun to give Benjamin an Oreo, which he loved, but did make a mess!

Hailey, Nicole, Andrew and Wes.

Wes was teaching Benjamin his favorite things to do, watch TV and have a snack. Like father, like son.

on the move

2008-11-30T18:35:00.001-08:00

Benjamin is always moving, he is either crawling, creeeping on the furnature or playing. He goes and goes till he falls asleep!

I was tyring to get some pictures of him crawling and he thought it was so funny that I was on the floor. He kept chasing me and laughing!

Yesterday we got home from a long day of errands and grocery shopping, I came home and put him in the play pen so I could put away groceries. The next thing I know he was sound asleep on his tummy!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T18:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We went to Wes' moms house for Thanksgiving breakfast. This was the only picture that got taken. Christmas Elf Benjamin and Grandma Brown.

We had dinner at our house with my family. We had a lot of fun. Andy made a deep fried turkey, it was really good. It is always so nice to get together with our family.

I am so thankful for a wonderful family. I have such good brothers and sisters and brother adn sister in laws. I have the most wonderful husband and or course the best baby ever!

Michelle's Birthday.

2008-11-30T18:24:00.000-08:00

It was Michelle's birthday on Tuesday. We went out to dinner and Grandma got be to around all her grankids. They all love her so much, they were fighting to sit next to her.

Next year we will have Michelle's little one too, so that will make 5.

Bath time

2008-11-30T18:21:00.000-08:00

The other night when Benjamin was in the bath he found a small piece of soap. Of course it went straight in to his mouth. I tried to get it out, but he bit me, and with 6 teet his bites really hurt! So he ate the soap and started foaming bubbles!

Benjamin can stand

2008-11-14T16:23:00.000-08:00

Benjamin has learned how to pull himself up to stand. He can pull himself up and start to creep across. He is always moving!

He decided to pull the laundry basket over and crawl into it. It did provide much entertainment. He started to get mad when he couldn't figure out houw to pick up his toy!

Lance and Mike's Birthday

2008-11-14T16:18:00.001-08:00

Happy Birthday to Lance and Mike!

On Sunday e had a birthday party on Sunday for Wes's brothers, Lance and Mike. It was a lot of fun. Thanks Aimee.

Santa is coming

2008-11-14T16:15:00.000-08:00

I found this cute santa outfit for Benjamin. Of course I had to dress him up and take pictures!

Hailey did not like Benjmain tyring to grab her.

Happy Halloween

2008-11-01T11:41:00.000-07:00

We had a fun time at our trunk or treat. Wes and I dressed as Hockey players, and Benjamin was a Dragon.

Benjamin enjoyed all the candy!

I asked Wes to smile for the camera so I could put a picture of him and Brian on the Blog. This was his idea of smiling!

What a great week

2008-10-26T20:16:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to make this a family blog, and not a Benjamin blog, although he is the center of our lives right now!

We had a really good week this week. I finally feel like my work has settled down and I am on top of everything.

Wes is such a wonderful husband and Dad. He always does anything I ask him around the house (it may take a while, but it gets done). He adores Benjamin, when he gets home from work, he pushes past me to get Benjmain, then I may get a kiss. He is so cute with Benjamin and so tender, and Benjamin loves his Daddy!

Benjamin had his frist bloody nose on Friday night. We went to ward game night and became a casualty, 2 little girls were pushing a ride on car around. One pushed the car right into him and the other one fell on top of him. He was crying really hard, and then the blood started to come out of his nose. He seemed fine in minutes, but I think I was more upset. I had nightmares all night that when he woke up he would be deformed with a black eye and an elephant nose, but all was well.

He did get another tooth on Friday, that makes 5, and I can almost see # 6. That will be 4 on top and 2 on bottom.

Wes and I went to a corn maze and haunted house last night and it was a lot of fun! We got to laugh and be silly with friends and we both really enjoyed ourselves. I didn't bring a coat, but Wes was such a gentleman and gave me his so I wouldn't freeze.

I got a calling in our ward, on the enrichment commitee in relief society and I am really excited!

New Pictures

2008-10-25T07:41:00.000-07:00

We took some new pictures at Sears. They all turnes out really cute, which made it hard to choose which ones to buy!

We discovered that he has another tooth coming in on the top. That will be 5 total teeth. He does love to chew on everything.

Benjamin found a new toy

2008-10-17T07:49:00.000-07:00

I was sitting at the computer reading my emails this morning and Benjamin was in the room with me. I had set up some toys for him to play with. All of a sudden it got really quiet. I turned around to see what he was doing.

He had found a new toy, the plug to the sewing machine. I think that he really likes to chew on the metal because it feels good on his gums. He likes to chew on the keys and shopping carts as well.

Last week I was at a church activity and Benjamin was crawling around on the floor, he made his way over to the metal heat vent on the floor and started to put his mouth on it. Another lady said "your baby has his mouth on the heat grate" I told her I thought it felt good on his gums, and I didn't mind as long as he was happy. Well She said " I would have never let my children do that, that is really bad".

So I guess I wont be getting any mother of the year awards, especially if she saw these pictures!

He has 4 teeth now (2 on top and 2 on bottom).

Only a few minutes later, I had left Benjamin in the hallway by the bathroom. (He likes to slap the bathroom floor and hear the different noise the tile makes) I went downstairs to do laundry, when I returned upstairs, he had made his way into the bathroom and gotten into a box of pads. He looked so guilty when I caught him. Of course I had to go and get the camera.

I guess we should feed him some food so he doesn't have to eat pads!