The Bennett Loft

Quips of the Week

2010-09-02T11:15:00.000-07:00

My kids say and do so many fun things and I know if I don't write them down they will be lost forever. So today I am going to write a few funny things I watched my kids do recently.

It's funny how Madeline can't talk yet I find myself constantly smiling at everything she does. It is so fun to watch her grow and do new things. Her latest fun accomplishment, playing peek-a-boo. Anytime she has anything made out of fabric in her hands she throws it over her face then whips it back down and gives me a big, one tooth, grin before I can even say a word.

Austin is such a hoot too, and the more he talks the more I realize how many crazy things are going through his head! The other day we where at Walgreens standing in line at the pharmacy counter when Austin started to hang from the bars that keep all the people in a nice straight line. I looked at him and said "You are a monkey!" about two minutes later, after he had run around and climbed some more, he comes up to me and says "Hi monkey!" I tried to tell him he was the monkey but he simply wouldn't listen. I have been called Monkey ever since.

More and more I am seeing Madeline working to grab the attention of everyone in her sights. Last week on our drive home from Colorado she managed to hold everyone in an Applebee's in awe. She was being her usual squirmy self while I was trying to eat my food and she had caught the eye of the table behind us and across from us. Finally the table across from us couldn't deny her a moment longer. They started saying hello, and she didn't disappoint. She started to scrunch her nose and raise her eyebrows and just generally show off all the funny faces she knows how to make. Once the attention of the table across from us turned back to their food. I heard one lady say "I love it when they know how funny they are!" All I could think was, I have quite the diva on my hands!

Austin is starting to make bigger decisions now and it makes him feel so important that I will often ask him questions to make him feel like he is in control of his surroundings. Yesterday I asked the whopper, "What do you want for dinner?" he looked at me with his little brows pulled together and I could tell he was really considering what he might want. After a long pause he finally comes out with it. "Dinner!" he screams feeling so proud to be part of this decision. "Oh," I say "you want to eat dinner for dinner?" poking a little fun. He looks up at me and does a little jump while he says "Okay!" Boy that was he a big help, not!

Summer Adventures

2010-08-31T08:16:00.000-07:00

Whew! This summer has just gotten away from me! Three weddings, family visiting from out of town, and venturing out to visit with family some more! Time has just gotten away from me. Madeline is already seven months old and Austin is going to be 2 & 1/2 on the 19th! Between potty training, feeding Madeline, and traveling I feel like I have been missing out on the fun little things my kids do each day. Good thing for cameras to help us remember things we would otherwise have let pass in the moment. Here are some highlights from the summer-

Aunt Annie came to see us

We went to go see Nana and Poppa who where
staying with Grandpa Van in Mapleton

We went up to Idaho to visit with the Grandparents Bennett

Austin had fun playing in a stream by their house

We went to Colorado and got family pictures (see sidebar)
and got to ride the Cripple Creek Railroad

We spent some time in old Colorado City

And we went to the Colorado Springs Zoo!

We got to feed the Giraffes, birds, and fish, and see all kinds of fun animals!

Madeline had a really good time!

Overall we had a great summer seeing everyone and doing so many fun things. Now it's back to reality!

Yummy!

2010-06-23T09:33:00.000-07:00

Today Madeline had her first taste of yummy veggies. Today's selection, green beans!

She was sucking on her hand so only half her face is covered, but it is still so cute!

Say Cheese!

2010-06-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

It's that time again, time for new and exciting pictures of the rugrats! So without further adieu..

The big rugrat and his daddy

Making a face for the camera

The two rugrats together

Our Beautiful girl

Gotta love this face!

Isn't she sweet?

I feel truly blessed to have these two amazing children in my life!

One Fabulous Lady!

2010-06-02T11:02:00.001-07:00

This is my Great-Grandmother Martha Lane Brink. She turned 94 today. For the past week and a half she has been on a downward slope. I was hoping to go see her one last time but by the time I was able to go she was too incoherent to even know I was there. Before she got to this point she told everyone she wanted to make it to her 94th birthday, and that she did.

This morning she passed away after seeing her son, my grandpa, one last time. I have decided that in memory of her I would write all the things I could remember about her so that she would always be in my heart.

The #1 thing I think of when I think about my Great-grandmother is a story teller. She could talk to you for hours on end and still have plenty to say. She loved history, and would love to share stories from her past. She knew in her final years she wanted to be remembered so she would tell her stories over and over and tell us not to forget. This is the one thing she wanted in her life is to be remembered and have her stories passed down to the generations that would go on past her.

You could call my great-grandmother a pillar of strength. She had been through many hard things in her life and it made her an incredibly stalwart person. She worked hard to get her art degree from, I believe, (family correct me if I'm wrong) The University of New Mexico. She lost her first husband at the young age of 27, only a year older then I am. She had a very young son at the time (my grandpa). Her husband, strong of valor, died in the battalion death march in Japan during World War II. It was after this that my Great-Grandmother found the gospel.

She began a legacy that I will be eternally grateful for. If she had never found the gospel, my grandfather would have never had it, he would have never converted my grandmother and my mother never would have known it. Had my mother not known it I would not be able to be sealed to my husband this day. How grateful I am for this. To have been born to a mother who through many advertises never stopped having faith, and lead me to the knowledge of the truth. This would not have been possible where it not for my Great-Grandmother.

My Great-Grandmother was never afraid to share the gospel. Two years ago I had the privileged of going to see her so that she could meet her 1st great-great-grandbaby, Austin. While there we took her to The Albuquerque Museum of Art and history. I was wheeling her around a suit of 1500's Spanish conquistador armor. She then proceeded to, with a couple standing next to us, in her loudest voice possible, testify that "The White God" the Native American's where looking for was in fact Jesus Christ and that the Book of Mormon testifies of his visit to the America's! The couple gave us polite smiles and continued to look at the exhibit around them as if they hadn't heard a thing. This was the type of person she was.

Shortly after she joined the church she had a distinct impression that she was related to Joesph Smith. That's when her fascination with Geneolgy began. She discovered that she was in fact related to Joesph Smith, a 3rd cousin 4 times removed. (if I did my calculation correctly) Lucy Mack's grandfather was a brother to my Great-Grandmothers great-great-great-grandfather. Wahoo!

Anyway something else I wanted to mention about Great-Grandmother. She was in good health and mostly good mental health (she just got people mixed up sometimes) until a week and a half ago. This woman wasn't big on exercise (although she did swim occasionally) and she wasn't big on eating healthy but she sure lasted a long time. No heart attack or cancer did her in, even though I once saw her put extra butter and salt on a microwave TV dinner of mac and cheese. So who says you can't enjoy your food?

She also had a talent in art. She loved to paint Native Americans, and very stylistic landscapes. her last painting that I know of was of the Albuquerque Temple dedicated just 10 years ago. She knew many talented people and loved painting to her dying day.

She loved New Mexico and once told me that she would never leave, and that she did. She was the type of person that if she set her mind to it, there was no faltering and no changing, she believed what she believed she did what she believed in and she never apologized for that. I admire how strong a person she was right to the very end. I love you Grandma!

I am so glad you had the chance to hold one of my children, I can't wait until Austin is old enough for me to show him this picture and tell him all about you.
Love,
Your Great-Granddaughter.

Roll Over, Madeline

2010-05-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

Madeline is four months old today! I set her down for her usual tummy time, and she surprised me by rolling over. I was so ecstatic I thought we would try it again, on film. This is the result:

It's been a while

2010-05-26T09:41:00.001-07:00

Wow, a lot has happened since Halloween last year! The #1 thing being, we had a baby girl! Since I didn't do it before here are a few newborn pictures.

We feel so blessed to have this new bundle of joy in our lives!

Belated Halloween Pictures!

2009-11-09T08:13:00.000-08:00

This past Halloween was one of the funnest I have ever had! Who knew it would be more fun to dress up your kid and take them trick-or-treating then to do those things for yourself? I am really proud of myself for putting together Austin's costume as well. He was so cute he won the "I could just pinch you!" award at our ward trunk or treat. He was defiantly the cutest little guy in our ward. Of course I am not an impartial judge, so see for yourself!

Fun in the sun

2009-08-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

I'm back!! Considering the last pictures I posted before today where of almost Christmas last year, I took some fun ones of Austin playing in the sprinkler this morning. It was the funnest thing to watch!

He is getting so big now he is starting to talk, and learning where his nose, and eyes, and ears and whatnot are. I can hardly believe he is almost a year and a half old! Anyway, here are the pictures - enjoy!

Visit to Ophir

2009-08-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

About a month ago we took a spur of the moment drive to a little "Ghost Town" that is really still a thriving town called Ophir. It's about a half hour from Tooele, and a really cute little spot nestled in a canyon. Here are some cute Pictures we took from the trip.

Huge Wagon

Mining Cart

It's an outhouse, get it?

Widget

2009-01-06T19:46:00.001-08:00

Brittany Anderson Photography

2008-12-16T07:48:00.000-08:00

An old friend of mine has become a very talented photographer, and she is giving away a full portrait session, which I would love to have; and I am sure you guys would love to get pictures from. Well in order to win this one of the requirements was to post about her bussiness on my blog. So here I am! If you want to know more about my friend, here is her website!

www.brittanyandersenphotography.com

Almost Christmas

2008-12-02T12:18:00.000-08:00

With Christmas just around the corner, I thought I would post a few pictures to get everyone in the holiday spirit!

"And the angel said unto them 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring you Good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord.'"

- Luke 2:10-11

Merry Christmas!!

Sister Golden Hair Surprise Tag

2008-11-19T09:08:00.000-08:00

The iPod shuffle quiz....Rules-
1. Put Your iTunes, Windows Media Player, MP3 Player, or whatever on Shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write down the name of the song no matter how silly it sounds!
4. Put any comments in brackets after the song name.

If someone says, “Is this okay?” You say? "Easy Tonight” Five for fighting – it’s all good!

How would you describe yourself?“Motorcycle drive by” Third Eye Blind – good driving music

How do you feel today?“Edge of the ocean” Ivy – need I say more?

What is your life’s purpose? “Marching bands of Manhattan” Death cab for cutie - I guess that means I am musically talented, ha!

What is your motto?“One of a kind” Rascal Flatts -I must want to be different

What do your friends think of you?“All fall down” One republic - I can’t say this quiz is making me seem very likable

What do you think of your parents?"You’re a God” Vertical Horizon - I guess I have issues…

What do you think about very often?"Forgiven” Relient K - Yes, I am not perfect

What is 2 + 2?"In my place” Coldplay – In my place it’s 4 I don’t know about you?

What do you think of your best friend?“Carolina on my mind” James Taylor – Maybe we should go to Carolina, Cordell

What is your life story?"Your still you” Josh Groban – I will always be me!

What do you want to be when you grow up?"You’ve got a friend” James Taylor – I’m already living this dream I am my kids mom!

What will they play at your funeral?“The Brilliant Dance” Dashboard Confessional – I sure hope not, but it is kinda about loss.

What is your hobby/interest?"Left of the middle” Natalie Imbuglia – I love this song, but I think I am more right of the middle :)

What is your biggest fear?"I will follow you into the dark” Death Cab for Cutie – yes I fear losing Cordell most, seriously.

What is your biggest secret?"Dusk and Summer” Dashboard Confessional – I guess my biggest secret is that I love summer!

What do you think of your friends?"Building a mystery” Sarah McLaclan – I never know what there up to next

What will you post this as?"Sister Golden Hair surprise” America - That’s what I am

How does the world see you? "Fire and Rain” James Taylor – It seems as if James Taylor is the playlist of my life

Will I have a happy life? "Sandman” America – not in my dreams apperantly.

What do my friends really think of me? “Superman (it’s not easy)” Five for fighting – I must be a superhero!

How can I make myself happy? "The Payer” Josh Groban – yes that’s true

What should I do with my life? "I wanna be with you” Many Moore – staying married must be the first step

What is some good advice for me? "The best thing” Savage Garden – That makes no sense.

How will I be remembered? "You’re all I have” Snow Patrol – I know I’m the only person in your life. LOL!

What is my signature dancing song? "Jesus Take the wheel” Carrie Underwood – not really a song you dance to…

What do I think my current theme song is? "You” Swichfoot – Yeah, it kinda is

What does everyone else think my current theme song is? "My sacrifice” Creed - I guess I need to sacrifice more

What are your Future hopes?“Someone to save you” One Republic – I need to be saved! :D

What did you learn about yourself from this? “Earth to Bella” Incubas – I learned I need to keep my head on stright I guess (BTW, I bought this song because of Twilight)

Anyone who has a blog and reads this, tag!

Just an opinion

2008-11-19T07:26:00.000-08:00

Last night as I was going to bed the wheels in my head began to turn, I tried to sleep but I felt I was being pushed to go write my thoughts. I Laid there for a half hour before I decided to give in and empty my self out, what I wrote is below, please let me know what you think!

Taking the Risk

In life we are faced with a myriad of opportunities; everyday chances for new and compelling experiences are thrown our way. Many opportunities may be out of reach, but some are more easily grasped. Yet, if we hold our hand at the ready, it may not always be enough. Rather then a rock - a handful of sand may be placed in our palm. Without carefully holding the sand in place a gust of wind, or a misstep, will take that opportunity out of our grasp, then we are left with nothing.

We all want to live life to fullest. We all hope that when we die we did something worthwhile; something our children or grandchildren will remember for the rest of their lives. We all want to take the risks.

Some risks come and go in fleeting fashion, thrilling one moment, forgotten the next. I saw a film at the Banff film festival once that reminded me of a life lived such a way. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Banff, it is a film festival all about outdoor adventure. Many of you know I was lucky enough to grow up in home where I had endless chances to enjoy nature’s thrills. I am grateful for the memories made with my family in the great outdoors. There is a fine line, however, between enjoying the thrilling sight from the top of a mountain and constantly looking for a higher mountain to climb.

The film I saw was about a woman who took up base jumping as an occupation. If you don’t know what base jumping is, well, the best way to describe it would be parachuting from a high cliff rather then a plane. The risks in such an act are much more infinite then your typical sky dive. To keep it brief I’ll put it this way, your not in open air, your inches from a cliff, and - you can probably imagine - the ground is a lot closer.

This woman lived for the base jump, and each time she had to up the risk to give her the adrenaline rush she so craved. She did this knowing she would end up severely injured or dead at the end of this career. She ended up injured, she could never jump again. At that point, she had to ask herself if it was worth it. The truth was, she had no answer. Her risk was fleeting, it had become the basis of her life, and when she didn’t die with it, what was there left to live for? I can’t speak for her, but to me it seemed as if she almost hoped she had died instead, because then she would never have to work in a cube or just live day-to-day like so many people do, she would have died pursing a risk.

After watching that film it was my turn to ask, what is worth the risk, and what does living life to the fullest really mean? It didn’t take me long to know. Living life to the fullest meant being part of something eternal. Not just something that gives you a momentary high. Thinking of this I knew that the only things eternal are family and religion. Both, although they seem common and everyday, are risks.

We all know the battles that are raging against both of these things. The forces of evil are converging upon us. I sometimes think of it as a superhero story. We all are the Spiderman’s and the Wonder Woman’s and the defenders of justice. Each individual hopes to be part of a cause that will save the world. Many hope they can do this by saving the animals or conserving energy; which does contribute in a small way to a better planet, but does nothing to bring peace or true freedom to a world that seems to be shouting for these things, yet losing them at the same time.

What can bring peace and freedom? Not one single individual, but rather a unit of people who believe in risking popularity and vanity to stand by family and religion. I suggest that what will save the world, rather then having superpowers, is having strength in God and each other. True family and religion are the two things that bring about more caring for one another then any other organization can commit to do. This is not to say that there are no organizations (besides religion) that help people, because there are certainly many. I am suggesting that when people bond together as families and as religions the word spreads faster, and more people are affected. Is working to help others risky? Absolutely, you are placing a part of your hope for a better world on the line.

I write this with as motivation to myself and challenge to others. I am putting my hope on the line by asking anyone who reads this to take the risk. How? Show someone you love them. Don’t be afraid to take that step that will make the unit of people, the ultimate league of justice, bigger. Don’t be afraid to hold onto a pile of sand for dear life. A grain or two may slip through here or there, but we can hold the better part of it together for a better world and a truer and happier self.

Long time no Blog

2008-11-05T12:32:00.001-08:00

I know you have all been dying to see Pictures of Austin on Halloween so here they finally are! Sorry it's been so long, life is crazy!

Our little Puppy!

He had these cute little paw print gloves!

Happy Boy!

The Whole family - I'm a Witch, and Cordell's a used car salesman (he had a hilarious wig on before this)

Happy belated Halloween!

Crazy 8's Tag

2008-10-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by the Bobbi Dayton to tell some fun things so here goes!

8 Favorite Restaurants?:
1. Famous Dave's (ummm... BBQ)
2. Olive Garden (went there last night and it was oh so good!)
3. Apollo Burger (A rare treat, too fatty -Gyros are my favorite)
4. Hickory Kissed (Awesome sandwiches down in Springville)
5. Ajo Al's (they only have this Arizona but it is hands down the best Mexican food I have ever had.)
6. The Red Iguana (the second best Mexican food I have ever had)
7. Chili's (need I say more?)
8. Bajio (Grandpa Van - "Where everyone knows your name!")

8 Things I did yesterday?:
1. Went to my mom's house
2. Dropped off Austin
3. Left on date with my Husband
4. Went to Olive Garden
5. Saw "American Carol" (a little crass, but drives home a good point in a funny way!)
6. Went back to my mom's
7. Saw Austin Sleeping on the couch (so cute!)
8. Went home and didn't go to sleep for another hour, because Austin wanted to be back sleeping on my mom's couch.

8 things I look forward to?:
1. My in-laws coming in two weeks!
2. Halloween (Austin is going to be a little doggie!)
3. The Twilight movie (go see the trailer at Twilightthemovie.com - so good!)
4. Annie coming out again!
5. Thanksgiving ( I am hoping to have a bunch of people at my house this year!)
6. Christmas--EVERYTHING about it! (diddo Bobbi!)
7. Green River Rafting in May
8. Definitely more babies (diddo that also Bobbi!)

8 things I love about Fall?:
1. The leaves changing color!
2. Hearing the wind blow outside, and being warm inside with a good book.
3. Decorating for Halloween
4. A cold night, and a warm bed.
5. The smell of Cold crisp air.
6. Pumpkin Cheesecake, Pumkin Pie, Pumkin Egg Nogg - Catch my drift?
7. Thanksgiving Turkey!
8. Holidays to share with family.

8 things on my wish list?:
1. That my kids will stay healthy and strong
2. That my children will always stay close to the Gospel and the Savior (dido Bobbi on the first two again!)
3. A yard
4. That I will be able to finish writing my book
5. 10lbs lost!
6. More service opportunities
7. A basement
8. More time with my Husband

Ahh Fall...

2008-10-11T11:37:00.000-07:00

I love the fall! I love the colors, the food, (Pumpkin cheesecake anyone?) the fresh smell in the air. But I hate the winter!! I hate the cold, the poor air quality, and sometimes I really hate snow. So I was in pretty good mood the last little while. I was able to go up the canyon and snap some photos of the beautiful fall foliage -

But then I woke up this morning to this -

So it was little downer on my mood, but the sun has come out. So maybe there will be a little redemption left in the day!

October has arrived!

2008-10-01T08:17:00.001-07:00

I was so excited for Halloween I already made up a little Jack-o-lantern, by the name of Austin!

Isn't he Cute?

He really wanted to grab the Camera

He looks so cute, that I am sure if he could talk he would be thanking his Nana for getting that outfit for him!

Busy, busy, busy!

2008-09-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

As you many of you know we have had a very busy and hectic month. Well, it has finally caught up to me and Austin as we are both a little sick with a cold. Now I'm not going name any names here but someone gave us this cold. So I won't say anything, but I will write who it was - thanks a lot STEVE and TOBI! Anyway, I am at least glad to not have to go anywhere for a few days.

Speaking of going places, here are a few photos from some of our many adventures this last month.

Austin tried to feed himself,

he met a new friend,

he drove a car,

and visited Uncle Jeff!

We went to a wedding

Here's the happy couple!

and we went hiking and shooting in Montana!

So you can probably understand why we are so worn out. In fact I think I'll go take a nap. Ta-ta!

It's Official!

2008-09-11T15:53:00.000-07:00

Cordell's degree came in the mail today! He is now officially an accountant! (Although he would rather you not call him that) Here is a look at the coveted pieace of paper -

So that's it. That's all you get after several grueling years of hard work, well that and a one up on your resume :D Yay for school!

Why I love being married!

2008-09-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

The top ten reasons why I love being married to Cordell:

10. He knows how in the heck a car works and can fix it for me

9. He will eat my cooking even when it isn't very good

8. He will still play monopoly with me even when I am sore loser

7. He will change a poopy diaper

6. I get cuddles and hugs whenever I need them

5. He gives me room to do the things I love

4. He's not afraid to do the dishes

3. He works hard to keep his family safe, and knows how to shoot a gun :D

2. He's taught me to work hard, and speak my mind, and be my own person

1. He Loves me!

So much to do, so little time

2008-08-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

Many adventures have passed since my last blog. I have travelled to two other states, gotten through two more books and started three others (one of which I never intend to finish). I have been busy with church and Austin and waiting for family to arrive. I have attended birthday parties, and game nights, and considered turning off my phone and making like a hermit for a couple of days. Through all this a little voice has been whispering in my head "Update your blog, Update your blog!!" Not to mention Cordell reminding me likewise as often as he could think to. So here I finally am at eight in the morning sitting in my bath robe, finishing off a bowl of cereal and writing my goings-on.

Many of you who read this know that Cordell, my mom, Austin, and I loaded up our mid-sized Altima to the brim and drove *through the night* to New Mexico. Whereupon we chatted with my great grandma and where able to take some really great photos of four of the five generations from Austin to his great-great grandma brink. Here is a peek at some of them -

After a couple of days there we packed up our bags and continued our journey to Arizona. Where we where then able to take some really great four generation photos, here's a peek at some of those -

We had a great time visiting family! It was also fun for Austin to experience so many new things, he went swimming for the first time -
Meet a dog,

and floated in a crab :DWe have been home for about a week and Austin has been craving the kind of attention he got while he was surrounded by family. Good thing Cordell's family is coming out today to celebrate Cordell's graduation!

My not-so-great day

2008-08-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

Today Austin decided that he needed to be a little more independent. I knew this would happen at some point but I did not expect it to happen so quickly. Austin absolutely refused to take a nap until about 2:00pm and cried like there was no tomorrow on and off throughout the day (I guess he thought this made him a big boy, but I thought it made him seem more like a one month old.) However, what's a mother to do when she wants her son to independent -eventually :D

The chaos did not end there. When I fed Austin Squash today he decided, going with the big boy trend, that he would feed himself. The pictures below describe it better then I could ever write it out -
I had to get my own spoon so that he could actually eat. BTW his bib says "Feed Me" I thought it was quite funny.

So, after all the crying and only one nap I was sure that bedtime would be a cinch! Oh was I wrong... at first it was a success, he fell right asleep while he was eating. Then he thought it would be oh so cool to wake up just an hour later. Well it was another hour struggle and he was finally asleep. So now here I sit 10:00 at night writing to relieve the stress of a crazy day. To say the least I look forward to a better tomorrow!

5 years

2008-08-06T12:39:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to show off the pretty roses Cordell got me for our five year anniversary!

Austin eating

2008-08-05T11:10:00.000-07:00

Here is a cute video of Austin eating some yams, enjoy! p.s. his hair is crazy because he just woke up.

Book Review: Wuthering Heights

2008-08-01T11:04:00.001-07:00

My rating 2 1/2 stars

Wuthering Heights, written by Emily Bronte is a classic, tragic, tale of several inter-related romances.

Just because it's slated as a classic doesn't mean it's enjoyable to read from start to finish. Some people may believe a book should be revered and respected because it is a classic, but I say that you don't have to love something simply because it has endured the test of time.

Heathcliff is a detestable character and he is whom the story is mostly about. He loves a woman he grew up with who returns his love, but marries someone else for her own selfish desires (money, of course). Heathcliff upon finding this out leaves and becomes rich, he returns to court the married woman he loves, Cathryn. She then dies in childbirth and has baby girl; who is also named Cahtryn. Heathcliff, spiteful man that he is, marries Cathryn's husband's sister; and treats her poorly for revenge. Heathcliff's wife runs away and bears a son whom she names Linton (which was her maiden name). By the time both children are almost sixteen Linton's mother dies and he goes to live with Heathcliff, who at first spoils him rotten - making him also very self-centered, then abuses to obtain more wealth. Heathcliff had obtained his love, Cathryn's brothers property and young boy by deceit. He hatches a plan to have the his son and Cathryn's daughter marry so that he may also own everything that once belonged to his Cathryn.

Heathcliff attains his purpose by beating his son and commanding him to send for his cousin (Cathryn the younger) and upon her arrival he locks her up and hits her when she is defiant. He then forces the marriage and his son who was very ill dies a few days later, Cathryn's father also dies leaving Heathcliff with everything, including Cathryn's sanity.

None of the characters are really likable except the young Cathryn and then Heathcliff turns her sullen as well. However, in the end he is driven mad by thinking the Cathryn he loved is haunting her and dies from it. I sad when you are glad to see a character who was a main love interest kick the bucket.

Although I will not say I am sorry I read the book, only because I understood Stephenie Meyer's books a little better and believe reading can only improve someone who would like to write some day. This book defiantly helped me to know what emotions I wouldn't want others who would feel reading something I wrote. Overall, it was kinda depressing but it ended well so that ind of made up for it.

Almost August already???

2008-07-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

Yes it's cliche, but I am going to say it anyway, time sure flies. I have meant to sit down and write about my goings on for a while, and now I am finally here. Austin is getting bigger and bigger, at his four mouth appointment he weighed in at 14lbs 6oz and 25in long. The doctor said he was in the seventy-percentile height wise so he's pretty tall for a baby. It was also confirmed that his head is GIGANTIC being in the seventy-percentile while his weight is only in the fifty-percentile. I may have to start putting him in clothes the next size up before he's big enough just because his head barley fits through the holes they make in baby clothes, even with all the little clasps undone. But it's kinda funny, even though he has a big head he is still cute, and here's a picture to prove it.

Boy, he is going to be really embarrassed when he's a teenager to find out I posted a naked picture of him on the Internet!

Anyway enough about him I want to talk about me, it's my blog dang it! J/K! No, but I really just need to express to everyone how dang excited I am for Breaking Dawn!! I think I may wet my pants in anticipation. I just hope I can finish reading Wuthering Heights before Friday night. It's funny because reading Wuthering Heights has actually given me some insight into the Twilight Saga, I'm not saying that Stephenie Meyer has stolen anything from it but there are little things Heathcliff does that give me insights into both Edward and Jacob, even though Heathcliff is a totally diabolical jerk. I guess you'd have to read both books to really understand. So now that I've vented I won't say anything more about that, Whew! *wipes brow*

Going back to what I started to write about at the beginning of this blog is how time has flown. It seems as if everyday passes so quickly and I hardly get a moment to just sit down and write. back on July 19th I meant to write a blog about Austin's first hike but didn't get a chance, then on July 22 I was also going to sit down and write about Austin eating his first solid food and now here it is July 30th and I never did either of those things so here is brief recap using mostly pictures,

"Why the Heck am I in this thing, what's going on?"

"So this is Hiking huh? Great..."

"Yay, we're going home!!"

Needless to say, hiking didn't go as well as I hoped, the path I choose was way to steep; with him on my back, and I really could have used some help, so hopefully next time will be better :) Now for our eating adventure!

"What's this thing being put in my mouth?"

"Ummm, carrot face..."

"Why are you still taking pictures of me?"

Feeding him the first time was really fun! He looked so cute with food all over his face and hands! He really likes to eat now and does really well. Anyway, that the updates I have for now, see-ya later!

Book review: The penny tree

2008-07-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

My rating: 3 stars

The Penny tree, written by Holly Kennedy, is a story of an "almost" divorced mother of two who gets her world turned upside down when an ad runs on front page of a local newspaper asking "have you seen this woman?"

I had a hard time getting into this book because the heroine seemed like such a victim, her husband had left her, her son had gotten sick, she had been fired etc. Which are all understandable reasons to be upset, but it seemed like all this woman did was mope around and complain. In fact complaining to her patients is what got her fired from her physical therapy job in the first place! But the author does redeem herself by showing how a person can be in control of the circumstances around her and make good come out of something bad.

For example, when she feels like her two sons (Luke - 13 and Eric -11) are alienating themselves from her she starts to really focus on the things that she thinks will make them better rather then just wallowing in self pity. In the end the book becomes inspirational, and yes she chooses the right man to spend the rest of her life with. So even though it was not my favorite novel, I enjoyed the main moral of the story.

What's new

2008-07-17T12:38:00.000-07:00

Our House

If you read the first post then I will start by explaining that Cordell couldn't keep the secret and showed me this blog over a month before our five year anniversary, which is on August 16th. So now, yes I am taking over the reigns and beginning a blog - yippee!

Anyway, I like to write so I am glad Cordell thought of starting this for us, and hope people will read it, because past experience has lead me to believe that no one really will; but I will sit here and write anyway, simply for the therapeutic joy of it. :)

As most of you who are reading this know either me or my husband you most likely know the most the major things that have been happening in our life lately. These things include us having a baby boy (Austin Jay) who will be four months old on Saturday, Cordell working full time and graduating in week (huzzah!!), and me taking on full time motherhood ("you pooped again!?!") but what you might not know is more about our day to day life, so below I have written a little story outlining a typical day in my life. Which I am certain you will find captivating, and you may even beg Hollywood to have it translated to the big screen, j/k!

It's four-twenty-nine am in the Bennett household and all is quite. Sitting next to Cordell is an innocent looking clock that, when changes to four-thirty, becomes the perpetrator in a major crime - waking Cordell and Jennie up. The first one to hear the offense will be Jennie who after about three minutes of listening to the radio will finally roll over and tell Cordell his alarm is going off. Cordell will then stretch and turn off the alarm, which will destroy all evidence that the alarm has committed any crime. Jennie will roll over and go back to sleep while Cordell will work on homework then get ready to go to work.

By six-o-clock Cordell is out the Door and Austin has woken up. Jennie falls out bed and crawls into Austin's room where he is trying to convince Jennie that he has never eaten before in his life and needs breakfast right away. So Jennie takes him and feeds him and changes his diaper and puts him back to bed. On good mornings Jennie will take the next two hours in which Austin is sleeping and exercise and shower, but most days Jennie just goes back to sleep.

So now I know what you are thinking, man Jennie you have the easy life! But I really don't. By the time Austin is awake for the day chaos begins.

Since Jennie skipped exercise before she compensates by cleaning her house like a madman, which is no easy task when you have a three month old who not only needs to eat every two hours but is also teething. Teething means there is a constant mess caused by constant drool, so the cleaning is never quite complete. Not to mention that somehow when you have one little baby, who has little clothes, and little blankets, you have massive loads of laundry. (I'm still trying to add that one up.)

Jennie wants to be good mother so she tries to spend some time each day reading books to Austin and can most of the time barely get through three pages of Cat in the Hat before Austin becomes uninterested and tries to squirm away. In another attempt Jennie spends time trying to play with Austin, which is normally received with this look -

No I'm kidding, Austin is normally a smiler :D

Throughout the week Jennie then also goes grocery shopping, does quite a lot of cooking, changes several diapers, and takes Austin to the park or up the canyon; and he really loves to be outdoors.

By the time Cordell gets home around six Austin can't wait to play with him and by Eight Austin is asleep. This is when Jennie takes a huge sigh of relief and talks Cordell's ear off because Jennie can actually have a real conversation instead of the following:

Jennie: who has a cute belly?

Austin: Mauh, thhhhhhh *Spit flies everywhere*

But seriously, I do have a really good life and I do really love spending time with Austin and Cordell. So now you all know how life is going for us, and it's pretty dang good.

*Note to Steve and Shea: Ok, I do have the easy life compared to the the two monkey's you have running around.

Welcome!

2008-06-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

Is it July already? Whoa! There is still too much we have left undone and we only have six months to do it. I guess the fact that Cordell will be done with school next month is enough accomplishment for one year. All the remaining stuff we want to do can wait. Besides, most of the "stuff" we want to do includes traveling which...well...you know what my excuse is on that. But we are looking forward to the 4th of July with Jennie's family, and in August Cordell's mom and uncle Jay will come out.

In all that time, Austin Jay is growing like a dandelion. Everyday is a new surprise and his parents are having a hard time keeping up. We love to share hallmarks of his development with everyone but even that is proving to be a difficult and time consuming task. Thank goodness for the internet and blogging! This is something that Cordell is new at but he is going to hand it over to Jennie for their 5th wedding anniversary anyway. Do you think she'll like it? We'll see.

Anyway, enjoy perusing our lives here.