Sad News

We have had an emotional week. I need to make some posts but I just can't get my heart into it. Shane's step dad Pete passed away on Tuesday and with all the turmoil and stress that we have had over the years with his family, I have been a little emotional. Imagine that it could be worse than the normal. We went to the funeral today without Shane. He just didn't care to go, so I took the kids alone. I am very glad we were able to be there, but I sure missed my sweetheart. I really can't blame him for not wanting to go, but I just hope and pray that he can be there for his mother even though emotions are still very high with many unsolved problems. I will post later this week and hopefully get caught up since this is so much fun. Sorry for venting just a few lines above, just a little EMOTIONAL!!!!!

Our grandpa is the greatest

We have the greatest grandpa. He broke his hip on November 30 at our party and has been in and out of the hospital since that time. He is such a trooper always smiling and telling the nurses he is okay. He never complains even when he broke his hip. They had sat him in a chair and he just sat there with no complaints. Most people with a broken hip are rolling around on the floor screaming in pain. What a man!!!!! Since we were unable to go to Phoenix to the Arizona National due to misleading information about DNA testing, we were fortunate enough to be with family during this season. We are so grateful to have such wonderful grandparents and great grandparents.











Rhett wasn't in the pictures with grandpa because he is a busy boy in the wheelchair and Shane took him to the truck.

Skating we did go!!!! Holiday Break

We truly love to ice skate a lot. The bottom two pictures we went on a Saturday night and had a blast. Since Rhett's friend couldn't come, he stayed home with Shane since his feet unable him to go. He tried once and lasted about 3 minutes. The girls had fun but we sure were adventurous in a bad snow storm. The Larsen family and Christensen family went with us on Monday to Hot Chocolate Club. They had a great time. Hot Chocolate Club is held twice a week and we skate and then do a show twice a year. Rhett and I have skated with them for over a year and a half. It's truly great exercise and fun. We went to lunch after at Subway and the kids enjoyed being together and so did the mothers. It was also Kelcee's birthday so Morgan went to her house afterwards. Great families and great friends.

Rhett the Rancher

One of Rhett's present was this John Deere Barn. At school they named Rhett, the Rancher because all he talks about is farming and raising cows like his dad. This picture is off Kjia's camera because she was trying out her new camera by taking all kinds of pictures and videos. I was unable to load the video. It's darling so hopeful I can get the hang of this blogging soon.

Christmas was HERE!!!!!

Well Christmas was here and it was wonderful. The kids were absolutely spoiled rotten as usual. I was working and about 2:45 a.m. Shane calls and said that he was out taking pictures of the "Christmas Tree" and Rhett walked out and saw the unwrapped gifts that Santa had brought for all of us. Then I hear Rhett say "and Santa brought me a truck in my stocking and then proceeded to tell me all the stuff Santa had brought. He was so excited that Santa had really come. Then I was pulling in the driveway around 5:35 a.m. and Kjia called me on my cell phone wondering why I was not home yet. She was up looking at all the Santa gifts. I suggested to her to wake everyone up and lets open presents. What a great time. Shane was videotaping with our new Camcorder and I was snapping the camera. I love Christmas but we were supposed to cut back this year, but I think I forgot that little promise. Shane was great and just shook his head trying not to ruin christmas. We played with toys for a little awhile and then mommy had to take a nap because I had to go into work at 5:00 p.m. I truly hate working on the holidays because I would rather spend with my own family. All in all, we had a great time spending christmas with each other. We are truly blessed to have such great kids and we love them a lot.

Christmas Eve

Well, it happened to be my year to work the Christmas Holiday. I was very fortunate to be on-call till 11:00 p.m so we were able to make some cookies and have a Christmas Eve party, and then I headed into work. Only six hours, I guess I can't complain it could of been twelve. Since we had the Redmond party just a week ago, we decided to cancel our annual Redmond Christmas Eve party since some of us had to work. We usually have a shrimp dinner and play games at Mom's and Dad's. I did miss it this year so we will have to make it work for next year. Our little family did have a great time making cookies. We pulled out the 150 cookie cutter shapes and made everything from farm animals to Christmas cookies. Before our flour decorating house cookie making, the kids got to open just one present. This year instead of the traditional PJ's, they received John Deere sweats and sweatshirts since this is what they usually wear anyway. Our friend Erin stopped by and the kids had to parade outside to show off their John Deere attire, since her husband is a "Case tractor man."

Kjia's 11th Birthday, December 19

Kjia had a great birthday. She got exactly what she wanted which was An American girl doll, a sewing table for her sewing machine, littlest pet shop toys, and clothes. G&G Redmond sent her some money and Sandi sent her Twilight books. She was just delighted. We had a great celebration for her. We went bowling in Tremonton and had the Redmond Christmas Party at the same time. Everyone went bowling and then stayed over night in a motel. We played in the pool, had cake and sang Happy Birthday, watched videos and karaoked all night. We had a great time.

Rhett's Christmas Concert

Rhett did an excellent job singing and what a great voice. He was so much fun to watch with his big smile. He is definitely one cute little boy. His teacher comments all the time how the girls always want to be with Rhett. Mrs. Merkley and all the aides always tell me how smart he is and what a good boy he is. We love you!!!!

Rhett's Christmas Poster

Every year Sunrise School has a Christmas project to do with your families. Since Rhett is in Kindergarten, we are to make a house with anything in your home. Rhett used Golden Grahams, Marshmallows, M&M's, material, crayons, markers, and cheerios. Shane helped with this fun activity while the girls were at achievement days.

The Christmas Season has begun

The Benson 65th Wedding Anniversary/Christmas Party was a great way to start off the Holiday Season. This was just the first of many parties we would be able to attend. Grandpa and Grandma B are so special to us and we truly love them. We had a great dinner prepared by Brad and Maureen, and then watch old videos from 15-20 years ago prepared by Larry of our christmas parties and reunions. We had a great time reminiscing about the old times. Then the children were able to see Santa. Kjia, Morgan, and Rhett still love sitting on Santa's lap. I love listening to the list of things that each one wants. Kjia wants a camera, Morgan wants a nice radio, and Rhett wants a Nintendo DS, among a list of other items. Santa was great to encourage the kids to clean bedrooms, be good in school, and especially help their mother. As all the kids were seeing Santa, the adults were cleaning up and Grandpa fell on the chair cart, which resulted in a broken hip. What a traumatic event for our Grandpa, and a long recovery. We wish him well and I can't wait till he comes home.