Mighty Big Shoes to Fill

Ben really loves shoes. He loves trying them on, taking them off, and wearing everybody else's shoes. But if he wants to wear daddy's shoes, he has some mighty big shoes to fill :)

Goodbye Christmas 2009

So, sad. The last of the 2009 Christmas festivities are over. Tonight we headed over to my Aunt Denise's and had a great dinner, a gift exchange, and just sat around and caught up with one another. (there was some missing cell phone drama- but I choose not to talk about that) :)

Here are some pics of Ben playing with his tool kit he got from Uncle Jim and Auntie Den. If you need some worked done around your house, Ben works for Goldfish!









Ben and his cousins the Dodens teaching him all about dogs via the iPhone :)


ben playing with the boys

Don't Sit In Grandpa Dave's Chair

Tonight after dinner, we were all sitting around just chatting when Ben was decided that he needed to sit in Grandpa Dave's chair. Unfortunately, grandpa was still sitting in it' so Ben tried his best to shove grandpa out of his chair but it didn't work. But then all the sudden, grandpa got up from his seat to go into the kitchen, so Ben wasted no time trying to get up in the seat.

This is a video of Ben sneaking up into the seat and then getting scared and laughing when grandpa comes back to find that Ben has stole his seat :)
(sorry it is kinda dark, but you'll get the idea)

Christmas Day Recap

This Christmas morning was much different than last year to say the least. Last year Ben could barely sit up on his own and he didn't really do much except look cute. But this Christmas . . . watch out! This little guy was checking everything out, helping everybody open their gifts, and excited about all the things going on around him. While last Christmas was slower and definitely more quiet, I really enjoyed experiencing Christmas through Ben's point of view this year. It already has me excited for next year: will he understand about baby Jesus?, will I hear the pitter patter of little feet coming to wake me up?, will he understand the lights and be more excited about the decorations?

Mommy's Yummy Cocoa


Ben passing gifts out


Ben and his stocking I made him- a danish family tradition


How Ben does stockings


Playing helicopters with daddy


Ben's new tool set. .. ARGH! POWER!


Ben was a little under-dressed for Christmas, so he added a tie


This boy is weird- he loves to vacuum


Ben liked my bowls just as much as I did


The feast my mom and sister made. . . it was amazing


Kicking back and relaxing


A Guy's Dream Afternoon

Christmas Eve with the Stone Family

Tonight we celebrated Christmas Eve with the Stone side of the family. My mother-in-law and I put together a rather tasty meal complete with turkey and all the fixings and we had a pumpkin roll and cheesecake for dessert. It was a great night withgreat food and great company.

My attempt at table decorations: hey, I am no Martha Stewart, but I try


My Christmas flowers from Bryan (beautiful)


Ho Ho Ho: It's Santa



My greatest gift ever: I am blessed beyond words!


Ben's teepee from Grandma Mary (she made it for him)




Ben's lantern for his teepee

Christmas Blessings

This morning Bryan took Ben and me to breakfast at Alison's (YUMMY). We had been sitting there no more than about 5 minutes when the lady sitting next to us mentioned how well behaved Ben was. We thanked her and went about eating our meal. In between eating, Ben would sneak her a smile or a little laugh or share a quick conversation with her. At the end of the meal, the lady again told us how amazed she was at Ben and how sweet he was and then she paid her bill and left. So we went on eating but about 5 minutes later the lady appeared with a brand new book for Ben. She said she was going to give it to her grandson but really wanted to give it to Ben instead and she would get her grandson a new one later.
What a generous sweet gift and kind gesture. Ben loves the book and has been playing with it all day. I wish I knew where that lady lived so we could send her a thank you card. I hope that this story sparks something in you to show love randomly to others.

Merry Christmas!

It's Beginning To Feel A Lot Like Christmas

I love lights, I love friends, I love spending time with my family, I love chilly nights that cause you to bundle up and snuggle up and tonight I was lucky enough to get all these things. First, we went to my friend Kelly's house and shared soup and muffins with friends, then we put on the warmest clothes we could find and headed out . . . to Christmas Tree Lane! It was a great time of looking at lights, talking with friends, and watching Ben get all excited at each house! Can't wait until next year when we can do it all again :)

Our Family


Snug as a Bug In a Rug


Ben and Daddy: spending guy time


Interesting Leg Lamp :)


We finally got our from behind the cameras! :)
(My friend Kelly and me)


Bryan's Dream House


I love Charlie Brown!


Pretty Lights

Talk About Hat Head

Ben is really into learning to put on and take off his own clothes. Sometimes it can be time consuming and a little frustrating, but mostly it is just cute because of how excited he gets. This little guy amazes me each day by the things he learns and does.

Here is how Ben puts on a hat :)
(click on the pics to see upclose)

"Why are you laughing mom? It looks great!"


*please excuse the runny nose :(

Fun New Bath Toys

Ben got an early gift today from his friend's Tony and Sheryl and Ben was super excited about bath time tonight so that he could use them. They are special crayons for the bathtub and they are really awesome! Thanks guys :)

Ben Loves His Dog

Ben is really becoming a chatter box, however many of our conversations seem to be about the dog: "Ben, where's your dog?" "Ben, what do dogs say?" "Ben, dont pull on his tail", "Ben, be gentle with the dog" "Ben, dont sit on the dog" . . .. you get the idea. HA HA. So here are some fun videos with Ben and his dog for your entertainment pleasure :)

Dinner conversations about the dog


Ben calling his dog


Ben loves his dog

This Boy Keeps Us Laughing!

Tonight I got Ben some big boy underwear for our attempt at potty training next week. I wanted him to see them, play with them, get used to them and get a chance to wash them before next week. Apparently Ben did not get the memo that underwear go on your buns not your head :)

"Mom. . . what are these?


"Is this how these go?"


Check our these cute buns!




Now only daddy can say that he gave Ben his first wedgie!


"Stoping taking pictures of my buns mommy!"

Bottoms Up

Tonight we gave Ben some broccoli soup for dinner. Please know we did offer him a spoon but after a few tries with the spoon this was the method of eating that he picked. I guess as long as he is eating it doesn't really matter how he does it right???? :)