Tippetts Adventures

Just a few pictures

2011-04-03T22:49:00.002-06:00

Hey all! Just wanted to say Reba and George were AMAZING! My sis and I totally digged the show and had raspy voices by the end of the night from singing and going crazy like we were 18 again with our 18-year-old bodies....it was a sight!!!!

As for me and the fam, we are doin'. Kids are great. We are just hanging in there for spring and this semester to be over. It is a butt-kicker for sure, but what did we expect when we started pharmacy school...

Enjoy my little munchkin and my little mutt. I call Charlee the mutt because she won't leave hair in and always looks like a stray mutt. Rosalie is just a munchkin. So cute and lovey.

Gas

2011-03-06T21:13:00.002-07:00

I wish I had some pictures to post, but all of them are on Ben's computer. I know that when I check out blogs, for the most part I LOVE good pics.

Here is my number one complaint of the week: GASOLINE PRICES
*I am pretty annoyed with the price of gas. It so DANG expensive. What gives? SERIOUSLY! I know there is the whole middle East 'crisis' stuff going on...blah-di-blah. BUT, I just wish America would stop policing the world, but out, and start taking care of the home-front. I don't need to explain myself any further...ya'll get my drift!

*Charly calls applesauce, apple soup. She loves the stuff. Me, personally, hates changing the diapers it produces.

*Potty training, pretty freaked out by the process. All I can think of is poop and pee all over the house, instead of in the toilet or a diaper. No, I haven' started yet. Any tips are welcome.

*March is here. It is a good month simply because my Ma and Sis both have their B-days this month.

*I think I am officially a mom now. I caught myself singing the theme songs to Word World and Super Why while folding laundry and COULD NOT for the life of me get them out of my head.

*I survived my first week back from work. Lets see what week two does to me.

*Rosalie is smiling.

*Charly is mini me. I swear, some days all I do is trip over her because she is following me around and doing everything I do.

*Toys, I love them...but Charly has lost ALL interest in them and says things like, "I don't want to play with my toys, they are dumb."

*We are blessing Rosalie this weekend. Gonna be pretty hectic around here. I wonder when blessings became such a production...kinda like farewell's and all that stuff. I guess it is another reason to get together with family...and do what us Bennetts do best...talk and EAT!!!!

*Jes posted something about me on her blog...so now it is YOUR TURN. When I was little, Jescee would brush my hair with this lime-green brush in a not-so-nice kinda way. When I would protest, she would WHACK me with that thing...pretty much like a batter at the plate. And no Jes, I ain't a lyin!

I hope to get some pics posted soon. For those of you who are like me and don't like to read more than necessary...welp, I wouldn't spend too long on this blog post :D

Thanks!

2011-02-25T21:50:00.004-07:00

I wanted to tell everyone thank you for all of their wonderful comments and well-wishes posted after Rosalie was born.

Here are some random things as of late:

I hate how things are still in "limbo" for right now with a new kid.

I go back to work on Monday, YIKES! Seriously...YIKES!!!!

Two kids being sick really bites the big one.

I don't get why some people from Idaho claim Yellowstone and the Tetons, thinking that they are in Idaho. This is happening often. Idaho is GORGEOUS enough as is, these peeps don't need to claim Yellowstone or the Tetons and then have the gall to call Wyoming ugly. That leads me to another person telling me Wyoming has no mountains-did she graduate from HS?
**Disclaimer** My bro-in-law is from Idaho and does NOT do the above; clearly this does not apply to ALL Idahoans, just a very select few.

I want a minivan. Yup, me...the never-buy-a-minivan-in-her-life gal. Now, don't get me wrong, if I had 50,000 bucks kicking around AND diesel wasn't an arm and a leg...well shoot, I would have me a Duramax four-door Chev, maybe even a Tahoe with a third-row seat (if I wanted a gas).....but alas I do not, so I must settle :D
I digress...so, if any of you know of a slammin deal on a mini...shoot me a line!

I want spring/summer, one word...cabin fever

Charly has a ladybug pillow pet...its name is Boyd

Sometimes Ben and I will IM each other while we sit in our office together, not but 3 feet from each other

I really am getting used to Soy milk...maybe, do I dare say, even liking it? My family would now insert the word "granoler" next

I just got a pretty awesome piano piece for Metallica's Unforgiven. Ew, yea, totally pumped, Jes and I are going to go see George Strait and Reba.

I am wondering what really works on stretch marks, those darn blasted things.

Ben has a cousin who would do this thing on her blog called Sunday night confessions. It was hilarious and a fun way to just see what was going on in her life, get to know her personality, and she would blog the more random, funny things going on in her everyday life. So, I guess this is what I am doing. I find I only post when something "big" happens or if I want to brag (me, brag...no way!). Really though, it is the everyday things I need to cherish more and celebrate.

L&D

2011-02-01T22:31:00.004-07:00

Tonight I was looking over stuff I did when Charly was born. I wrote down her L&D story, and thought it was fun to re-read it. So, here goes my labor and delivery experience for Rosalie. I am writing this 5 weeks after the fact, but it is still pretty fresh in my mind...I wonder why?!?

I was induced on December 30th. The day began great as I was officially on maternity leave and could enjoy the morning spent with Charly and Ben. Later that day we took Charly to the movie for the first time. She LOVED it. I think she loved it because it was such a rare thing and it was a good movie...Tangled. I totally digged it, as did Ben. Then we used a coupon at Taco John’s and headed on home to begin the nightly festivities. My parents came in to town to watch Charly for us, and what a blessing that was to be able to focus on this delivery and not worry about Charly.

I was able to get into the hospital at 7:30 p.m. The L&D was packed because everyone (us included) wanted to get their babies delivered before the year end so as to put them on their taxes and use their deductibles...ya can’t blame us, good business ;-)

I finally had my IV in and received my Cytotec by 9:00 p.m. We were all settled in and enjoying a little Back to the Future on the boob-toob. The contractions were there for sure, but I handled them much, MUCH better than last time (mind over matter...right?). Around 11:00 the nurse said I was at a 3 and she would call the Epidural Man in so I would be all pleasantly numb before Doc broke the water. I was game. I knew how wonderful those epidurals are and couldn't pony-up and go natural.

Now, the epidural was not as easy as my last one and here is why, I had Mexican food before I went to the hospital and only one word goes with Mexican food for me and that is GAS. Oh my STARS! I was trying to bend over my belly with horrid gas, trying not to embarrass myself and deal with a contraction all at once. Needless to say, I had the nurse and the Anesthesiologist laughing pretty good with such words as “gut bomb” and “growlies.” Now, after I got my first prick, something minor happened dealing with a vein and me bleeding (didn’t result in a spinal headache or needing a blood patch, no big deal). So he had to do another one. By this time, the gas was just killing me...or was it the contractions...who knows! Ben started feeling a tad lightheaded, so he tapped out. After the epidural was in, the Epidural Man was more interested in Ben being in pharmacy school and giving him an anatomy lesson than my drugs...seriously. So, it took a while before my contractions kinda backed off, but they never went away as they did with Charly (you will read that phrase a lot...I compared this labor to the last one the whole time which wasn't wise).

After I was all settled, I was at a 6 and it was about 12:45 a.m. My Doc came in and broke my water. Just as I remember, not a pleasant experience. Now this is when I was starting to wonder if the epidural was working because I felt everything (contractions, the needle breaking the water....everything) whereas I didn’t with Charly.

After the epidural, my labor slowed down. My nurse, who was FABULOUS, came in and upped the ante and gave me more Pitocin. She was just set on getting that baby out of me before her shift ended at 5 a.m. I rotated positions for an hour or so...Ben snoozed on the oh-so-uncomfortable chair. Then around 3:30 I started feeling a little pressure, but then it would go away. I finally asked the nurse to check me around 4:30ish, give or take.

THEN THINGS REALLY JUST TOOK OFF. I like to look at this next 15 minutes as a deer jumping out in front of a vehicle, crazy eyed, scared to death, not knowing what is coming its way.

Any who, I was at a 6. The nurse left, then came right back in and told me to lie on my back. I rotated over and she left again. Not but 5 minutes later I was in what I like to call rip-someone’s-head-off pain. The nurse came in right around this time and checked me. Yup, I was ready to push. It was around 4:35 (yup, went from a 6 to a 10 just that quick). I remember the time because I was straining to see in the dark room what the time was. I started pushing right around 4:40 (think deer analogy) and had Rosalie at 4:46 a.m.

Let it be known to all, pushing this kid out was so fast and intense (for me). I swear on everything good and holy my epidural was NOT working. It was something I wasn’t mentally prepared for, so I am without a shadow of a doubt probably making it worse than it was. I had the kid out so quick (to me anyways), Ben barely coached me through two contractions. It terrified me to say the least, and that my friends resulted in me saying some weird stuff...thankfully no recording was done to save me from any further embarrassment.

I will say this, I am thinking of giving the whole L&D thing a go “al naturale” the next go around...but no promises...epidurals are too tempting. Reason being for this decision is how quickly I recovered this time and I didn’t tear, but that could have been because it was baby #2. That was a nice change of pace though, so no complaints.

I am really thankful that I am able to have children and have two beautiful girls. The Lord has blessed my family and I abundantly. I hope to make Him proud with how I raise these girls for they will have the most important and influential job one day...being a mom. I hope the Lord knows how utterly humbled I am by all I have been given, and I hope to show Him by how I live.

So, as for baby #3....that is oh so thankfully a couple years away. Two down...YEAH!

Rosalie J Tippetts

2011-01-09T21:59:00.003-07:00

Introducing

Rosalie J Tippetts

Born on December 31st at 4:46 a.m.

Weighed 6 lbs 12 oz

Now where on earth did she get all of that hair?

*I did send out a mass email because blogger wasn't loading pics, so if you get an email too..well just enjoy those pics-there are a few :D

I just had to throw a pic of my sweet Charly! Go WYO!!!!

Happy Birthday!

2010-08-20T08:45:00.006-06:00

Today is my sweetheart's 28th birthday!!!

To the love of my life: Happy Birthday! As you may know, words and myself don't go hand in hand...but I hope to express to you how much you mean to me. I have five hopes for you today:

First hope: You know how PROUD I am of you. You are such a hard worker. I am proud of your accomplishments and am so thrilled you are reaching your goals, and I get to be here with you while you do so. You have so much faith in Jesus Christ that it leaves me so humbled. I love your simple faith and willingness to live the gospel. It means so much to me.

Second hope: I hope you realize what a GREAT dad you are. You are always happy to be with your daughter and play with her. I appreciate you helping me raise her and take some of the load off my shoulders. You are another reason I want to have more kids, you help me be a better mom. I love you so much for that.

Third hope: I hope you know how much I love your personality. You fit me so well. I am all guns and glory and going off like a pistol most of the time. You are the big dog...you wait silently, plan your attack, and execute so suavely. I hope you know that this is a trait I so admire about you. It leaves me in "awe and wonderment" :D

Fourth Hope: I hope you know how thankful I am that you love me for me. I know what we have is real, and I thank you for your hard work and willingness to be in this marriage. I know our marriage is growing, and that we are growing together. Times can be tough, but what I feel for you and have with you carries me through. Thank you so much for your love and support. I pray you are blessed for your patience with me!

Fifth hope: I hope you know how glad I am that you chose to marry me. Five years ago today you asked me, and it was the easiest decision in my life. For once I listened to the promptings of the Spirit (those promptings were more like being hit upside the head as I am fairly stubborn). I never thought I would get married so young (never in a million). So that says a lot that I was rushing you to the Temple to get married-HA!

I am humbled beyond words and grateful beyond measure that I am yours for eternity. Happy Birthday.

IMPORTANT

2010-08-15T11:39:00.005-06:00

I am a gabber. I could chit chat all day, and never really get to a point. There is one important thing I want all of you to know about this week, and hopefully you will spread the news.

Have you ever heard anyone say, I want to loose weight and then they sit on the couch and eat a bag of Oreo's and wonder why they aren't? I think America is that person horkin' down the Oreo's, waiting for some miracle weight loss without any effort. We all want tax cuts, less government influence, ect...but are we doing anything about it?

I am personally sick of the way our country is going. So, I am not going to be that "fat person" wanting to loose weight and not do a THING about it. Complacency is a metastatic cancer.

If you feel in anyway the same, here is something you can do THIS week to act.

I am from the great state of Wyoming. On April 17th (Tuesday), the citizens of Wyoming will have the opportunity to vote for Governor. Those who live in Wyoming, know someone who does, whatever, tell them to vote! We must take back our rights at the state level.

One thing that is so hard about voting is knowing who to vote for. I will tell you right now who I am voting for, Ron Micheli. I went to his website, did some learning, and know he would do great things for our state. Go to this website and learn: http://www.micheliforgovernor.com/

Please spread the word, be a fighter, and get out and vote on Tuesday for Ron Micheli.

On a more personal note, here are just a few pictures of things that have happened recently. We got a new computer and haven't put all of our other pictures from our back up drive on it yet, so these are all ya get!

My family stopped in to see me while I was visiting my brother and sister-in-law in Provo. It was my 24th birthday, so I made them stop (sort of).

If I am looking a little more rotund, well I am around 21 weeks pregnant. I still have to double take and ask myself if I really want to go through pregnancy again, then realize I don't have much of a choice :D

My mom and dad came up and visited for the weekend. It was great for them to be with me and Charly. Ben was busy with pharmacy stuff, so I got along time with my parents!

My little girl is growing up! She is so fun. She is the reason I am doing this whole pregnancy thing again. I HATE pregnancy. I don't handle it the best. BUT, she was soooo worth it. We find out this week what we are having, if we want to know. We still haven't decided if we want to though :D

Hope you are all well! Remember to vote this week, or remind familiy/friends from WYO to!

Where Have We Been?

2010-06-06T20:04:00.005-06:00

HI ALL! We are alive and well. I finally have my computer that I can upload stuff onto up and working (long story). So, I thought I would show a few pictures of the last couple of months. I have plenty more, but am lazy in waiting for them to load.

*First off, school is out and I have Ben all to myself, sort of. He works a lot still, and he is doing a lot of stuff for Pharmacy. We still can't believe we are finally in.

*Secondly, Charly is getting TOO smart. She counts to ten, talks all the time, knows a lot of different colors, can sing a plethora of songs (too many for me some days), knows how to say please and thank you (takes some coaxing though), knows the time-out corner and when a spanking is finally due, loves hard candy, and she just can't get enough of the dirt bikes or the truck. That is just to name a few. She is a smarty!

*Third and finally, we are working on our summer plans. I hope they entail my dirt bike, camp fires, less work (oh heaven above it better!!!!), and hopefully a sun tan!

Here we go...

I put this one in here because coming this August, Ben and I have been together for six years. AND, I still like him :D HALLELUJAH!!!

These are my garden pics. Things were growing so well, and then a freeze came through and zapped half of them. I hope second crop is better.....

Ben and I got the chance to go snowmobiling up East Fork.

Ben went snowmobiling up Togwotee with my brothers and brother-in-law. He didn't take many pics, but here are a few. As you can see, he buried his sled pretty well...WHAT A CHAMP!!!

BOY, ain't good ole WYO just the prettiest place on earth....I'D SAY!!!!!

He Did It

2010-04-02T15:32:00.005-06:00

BEN DID IT! He is officially in the Pharmacy Program! WHAT A MAN!!!

We found out Ben got accepted to the ISU Pharm. D program here in Pocatello earlier this morning. Boy, what a huge sigh of relief and a lot of tears....yes, even from Ben.

I hope Ben knows how much I admire him for going for his goals when he had so many opportunities to take the easy way and give into all the discouragement. Many times he felt like he was going against the grain and felt like it just wasn't in the cards. He fought and kept going.

Ben, you are my RUDY!
I love you more than anything and admire your hard work and determination!!!

PERSISTENCE IS THE KEY!!!! (Thanks dad for teaching that to us)

Still goin

2010-02-20T10:02:00.003-07:00

It is has been a while since I wanted to post anything, simply because time is always against me it seems. Work is slow today (YIPEE!!!), so I thought I would jot something down real quick like so those of you that "care" can see we are alive and hangin in there!

I got to go skiing a couple of weekends ago with my sister, mom, and dad at Beaver Mountain. It was simply the best weekend I have had in months...MONTHS! The last time I did something that fun was my birthday when I went on a decent ride with Ben, by ourselves! The best part of the weekend was the fact I felt like I still had game in the skiing department. I have been twice in three years....that is so utterly sad and pathetic to admit. BUT< I got to stay two nights with Jes without the other halves and my Charly. It was so fun, but not long enough. I think round two needs to be put together...what do ya think sis?

Ben went snowmobiling up in Togwotee with my brothers and brother-in-law. He had a pretty good time, but always comes home saying that Dry Creek is just the best for a number of reasons...

We also made a mad dash run over to Laramie for a Pharmacy interview (sorry to those we should have called and visited-we were in a rush!). Charly stayed with Grandma Tippetts...she was fortunate to not make the 8 hour drive. We stayed there for a blink of an eye, literally, then drove back to SV that night, then to home the next morning. We were wiped out...the rest of the week was just shot.

We now have more Pharmacy interviesw the next two weeks and more......DRIVING! Oh how I love it (sarcasm is heavily applied to such a statement).

I would post a bunch of pictures, if my dear beloved could only find our camera. And here I thought I was the only one that lost things around here!

Hope you all are surviving these long months. Me, I am longing for summer, camping, good dirt bikin, and just being outside....

Christmas, Guns, and Food

2010-01-17T21:49:00.012-07:00

We are officially in 2010 and so much has been going on that I really have had no desire to blog. I would go into great detail about our chaotic lives the last month or so, but I will spare you the boredom (knowing full well most of you just skim at the AWESOME pictures I always post!!).

Three words sum up my month sufficiently: Christmas, guns, and food!

So, hold on...I am going to try and give you the best "Reader's Digest" view of our lives from our pictures!

Christmas was crazy, but good. I have some things in mind I would like to do next year to make it more enjoyable. I was so frazzled and beat down with work, presents, parties, school (Ben), and all the drama of just LIFE...that I never had a single moment to sit down and ponder the wonder of Christ and His birth. That will not be the case next year.

We went to Evanston the weekend before Christmas and spent it with my family. We gave my parents a dvd that had my fathers mission slides, the parents honeymoon (which was so fun to see), and my mom's childhood slides. They were extremely neat....way to go JES for setting it all up!

Oh what would life be like without Pa. He is a really neat dad. So many things about him I admire. I think I inherited his "tough" acting exterior, but am a softy just as he is...just don't tell the kids at Evanston High School.

We spent actual Christmas at the Tippetts' Home. This was our second at their home, and it is always interesting to see how others celebrate Christmas. I was pleasantly surprised and had a wonderful time.

Does my kid every have clothes on? I swear!

Our camera was still cold when I tried to take pictures of Charly and her cousins acting out the birth.

The camera was really struggling, so I apologize! I love how my dad is starting to really enjoy Charly now. I am a lot like him. Newborns really aren't my scene. I do the best I can, but I am really liking this age....finally!

My mom has this special little way with Charly. It is like her and that dog, Butch. Charly follows my mom around the house like a dog. They are both suckers for each other!

This last weekend we went home to Evanston to spend time with my family and some cousins that I haven't seen in years. This pictures are not in order, so deal with my pathetic computer skills!

This was my favorite activity we did while home. I love being outdoors. If you were to ask my husband what I would rather do, cook or work outside on something, which I would choose, he would say work outside...even if it is cold. We went shooting outside of Evanston. I haven't been in years. I forgot how much I enjoy it.

This is Ben shooting an AR-10. It is a flippin awesome gun.

This is me. I must admit it was weird shooting it because I was expecting it to kick like grandpa's ole 300....but it didn't. What a pleasant surprise!

This is Bronson shooting his baby. He really enjoys this gun...alot. Can ya blame him?

Here is David shooting his AR-15. This gun was way fun to shoot as well.

This is Ben shooting the AR-15. He is a good shot. No kiddin.

Once that Wyoming Sun went down, it got cold! I have to give some props to my sis. The more I get to know her, the cooler she is. She can shoot really well...I mean really, really well. She is great with the shotgun and the AR-15. I would gladly have her watch my back if she had one of those guns in hand!

I really liked shooting this gun. I can't really say that it was my favorite, because in truth, they were all so fun to shoot.

This is Bronson modeling his "baby." He could tell you a gazillion reasons why he loves this gun. I could tell you two: it was easy to shoot and didn't kick the crap out of me!

Can ya tell I liked shooting the AR-15. I have a bunch of shots of me....rare of me to want so many pictures of myself.

This is our "bedside" gun. It is a 357 revolver. It is a mean lil thing. I only shoot it to get practice so if there is ever a day I have to use it on the fly...I got it covered. Ben makes me practice. I am not a bad shot.

This is Chaz, Brandon, and David. I used to hang out with my cousins all of the time. If any of you ever wonder why I turned out to be such a tom boy, well...I was surrounded my boys my whole life. I didn't have very much "womanly" influence, even though ma tried.

This is Ben shooting our 357 revolver. He shoots it like it is nothing. I kid you not guys, this gun is mean. It has a short barrel so it is loud and you have to hold on to it good. As I said though, Ben makes it look like child's play.

I was not shooting anything in this picture, I was just posing because I was done shooting. This was my first time to shoot a .45 (I think this is what it was...I am sure one of you out there will correct if I am off!). It was fun. I really liked the semi feature in this one. I rarely shoot semi-automatics and I am quite fond of them!

These were the targets the boys set up for us. Ben hit every one of them with such ease I was ticked. So I got up there and shot like a complete mad women and ruined one of them....I really apologize Bronson!
I had such a good time and if David or Bronson are reading this, I hope they know it! It was great to be outdoors with family.

We first started out shooting our shot guns. The shot gun Ben bought me for my birthday was such a beaute! It was light and easy for me to handle. Ben and I want to go out more now and practice shooting it because it is fairly inexpensive...and since there is no snow and dirt biking is out for a couple more months...why not?

We also just want to slow down for a while. We traveled so much the last couple of months that we need some "alone" time. We have things we want to work on and do as our own family.

I hope January finds you all well. For me, personally, these next couple of months are long and drawn out...especially now there is no snow to ski on.

Tis the season....

2009-12-18T06:20:00.004-07:00

We have been so busy! We celebrated Thanksgiving in Logan at Jess and Elvin's house. Jess did a superb job cooking and made one heck of a coconut pie. I was in HEAVEN! We then celebrated my Dad's Birthday. Since then, we have been incredibly booked solid with tonz of things to do.

Today, Ben is taking me somewhere for our anniversary since we didn't celebrate on the 16th. We were married 4 years ago on the 16th. Ben and I have been stuck to eachother's hip for five years now. It honestly doesn't feel like it has been more than a year or two. He is just that easy to be with....well...most days!

I hope you all are having a great Christmas Season!

Merry Christmas!

His Plan

2009-11-20T09:09:00.006-07:00

Please bear with me as I copy and pasted a lot of this from my journal:

Last Thursday my mom called me to tell me my Aunt Beebe had passed away unexpectedly. It was just like they say, you are trekking along and you expect the next step up the stairs and then are thrown off unexpectedly when it isn't there. It was hard because we didn't know what happened to her. It was sad because she was so incredibly young and full of life. My firs thought was my cousin Barbara. I haven't seen her in years but I felt so sick for her. How would I feel if I just loss my mother. I am too young to loose a parent, besides, that is something that is just never going to happen....right? I talked to my dad that night and we just bawled together. It is hard to listen to the man you grew up linking to the tough and invincible "John Wayne" and hear him crumble with emotion.

This is my Bennett blood line:
Top: David (my dad), Dorian, Dwight, Barbara, Beebe
Bottom: Duke, David, Dorian, Dwight, Barbara, Beebe

Both of my Grandparents have passed on: Harold "Bones" Bennett and Ruth Bennett

Today they are burying my Aunt in Glendale AZ. My aunt was only 49. It was so unexpected. This has been hard for me; lots of mixed emotions.

I guess what the hardest part for me is is the fact I can't be there. We live so far away that it is difficult to get there. It is the same situation when Grandma Bennett died. I wanted to go there. I wanted to say goodbye. I loved her. I loved my aunt. I may not have spent a good deal of time with them, but I did love them. I wanted to hear their life story over the pulpit and see who else loved these amazing women. I wanted to hear people express their kind words about these people and the blood we shared. I just wanted to be their to hold my dad's hand and let him know that I love him, because one day I will have to say goodbye to him for a season until we meet again.

I think of my Aunt Barbara and my own sister. How hard it would be for me to lose her. She is my dearest friend. I couldn't imagine life without her. We have such a sweet bond that I never thought we would have growing up. This is how my Aunt Barbara must feel. She must be at a loss. To lose a sister is like losing a limb. You are forever incomplete. I tear up at the thought of me losing my Jes, but these days it doesn't take much to tear up!

That brings me to my Heavenly Father. How I love Him for his eternal plan and that I have my family forever if I prove myself worthy and do all within my power. That is love. That is why I am thankful for my knowledge in this gospel and of His Plan of Happiness. We will all die. We will all feel heartache. That, unfortunately, is inevitable. But oh how sweet that my Father in Heaven sent a Savior to atone for my sins that I may live with Him and Jesus Christ again; that I may rise above the heartache and find peace and comfort in knowing they live on and that I will see them again. It is truly beautiful that I can know for assurance this life is not the end.

Ben and I stayed up late (again) last night talking, seeing that is the only time we can talk. We talked about politics, Christmas, our anniversary, all of our demands right now, our love for each other and our love for our daughter. He told me of a saddening story where a man lost his young daughter in a horrific accident a couple days ago. We were both in tears for how awful it would be to bury a child or sibling unexpectedly. We were in tears for this family and for mine.

I guess what it all comes down to is that I feel so blessed and privileged to be raised in this gospel; to know of Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father; to know the Plan of Salvation; to know this life isn't the end; to know comfort from the Holy Ghost is the sweetest gift a loving Heavenly Father can bestow to his children while on earth; to know that I am sealed to my paretns an siblings, my best friend and love, and to my child and other children to come. I am overwhelmed with gratitude in this knowledge. I know Christ lives. I know He loves us. I know times are hard, but I have so much to be thankful for and find peace in. I am thankful to my husband and that we can sit and share our most personal experiences, cry, be edified from one another, and cherish each other for who we truly are. I have had to take some hard hits to learn this, but life really isn't about what you have (although I do love my dirt bike and worldy items), but it is about who you have around you at the end of the day and where your faith lies.

Get ready for pictures

2009-11-02T10:57:00.015-07:00

CHARLY THE PIG!!!!

My sweet piglet. This is a 3-6 mo. outfit that was too big last year and a bit snug this year. BUT, she made it look good!

Bathing in the sink. We didn't intend to do it, but she just got so wet that we stripped 'er down.

For once I am willing to take a picture and she is a turd...

BEAUTIFUL

We went to Logan during October to see the Pumpkin walk and hear President Eyring speak at my sister's stake. It was really fun. I like the caveman. Looked real!

This is fitting as she kinda inherited my "Yoda" ears as a baby. Not near as bad as mine. ONE of my nicknames growing up was Yoda.

While Elvin was holding her, her diaper leaked. He definitely doesn't want kids now...sorry sis:D

No commentary needed.

This is a Band-Aide themed pumpkin. See the band aide on his rear?

Charly wanted out of that car seat!

Play that guitar leg! What a cutie!

This is about a 5 on the stink eye scale. I was getting after her for taking my carmex. This is her reply. JUST LIKE HER DAD!!!

She always looks so messy. Juice stains and crazy hair. I guess that is something to work on eh?

This is the infamous Mama Brit and her sister Tif. Many, many thanks to Brit for an amazing hair cut and the discount price. I LOVE YA!

Just hanging at the Bear in E-town.

I love her face in this one!

Jes, Charly, Ma, and BUTCH the hound. Nice day at the Bear.

Grandma Bennett loves to spoil. She bought her this shopping cart, which stays in Evanston because I have no desire to be tripping over it around the house or leave it outside for other kids to seek and destroy.

Grandma and Charly. Charly is a sucker for grandma.

WAHOOO for me! I posted a whole months worth of pictures, granted I had to be selective because I have a lot! I feel pretty darn good now that Jes can see them and not even have to ask this time for me to post em! Maybe I am breaking the cycle...who knows.

Time to FIGHT!!!!

2009-10-22T09:25:00.006-06:00

Since becoming a mom, I have become more involved in what is going on around me. One thing is BIG GOVERNMENT. I know I already did a post on health care and how it is just one more way our government is trying to control us all. I feel it is our duty to know the policies being passed and what is going on with our great country...but how? It is sooo overwhelming....where do I start?

For decades now, our government has been gradually taking our freedoms away and passing bills we know little about....why?

Well I will tell you why. We are all too busy working hard and paying our taxes so those YAHOOS in Washington can keep our heads in the sand and spend our hard earned money. WELL NO MORE!

If you did read my long post on health care...you got the jist my family is pretty deep in all of this. This is all we talk about when we get together. So, I asked my brother how to act since he is EXTREMELY proactive in all of this. He told me to sign up at campaignforliberty.com. He also said a bunch of other ways, but this one is the simplest for me and didn't leave me with a headache.

This site is pretty neat. It is free....but you can donate if you want. You sign up and they send you emails/letters about bills trying to be passed. You then read them and then they give you the links to all of the representatives in your county/state.

I know this takes time, but how much time do you spend checking emails, blogging, facebookin it, or other stuff on the Internet? Wouldn't you rather say I was on the Internet reading about bills and send an email to my state representatives. They even "dumb down" the bills so normal people can read them...not those clever, under the table kind of peeps in Washington. It takes ten minutes at most to read and send out emails. You can even see what bills your state representatives voted on. Then on the next election...you can be better informed if they are doing what you are asking of them and kick em out or keep em. IT IS GREAT! This is so important.

It is our responsibility to be informed and to act. This is just a really slick way to go about it:D I am by no means a "pro" at all of this, but I can't stand on the sidelines anymore and watch this happen any longer. I am fighting for my ancestors who died to make this country great and especially for my sweet Charlize.

If you have any comments/questions, email me or leave a comment.

Just Pictures....

2009-10-09T10:19:00.004-06:00

Since my last post was totally not like me and was all serious, I thought I would post just some pictures...with a little description of what is going on in 'em:D

Lately, Charly really knows what the dirt bike is and absolutely has a coronary when she can't have a spin with dad. It has been a tad chilly here, so we have to bundle her all up so she can go. I swear this kid is addicted already. She can hear the dirt bike pull up to the house and books it for the door in hopes for a ride from dad. Ben is a sucker and she always gets one:D

For once Ben is smiling and she is not so happy to be taking a picture when there is a dirt bike outside aching to be rode!

What a stink!

YUP, they are just alike. Both sour things. See what I put up with!

Charly likes to wake dad up lately. She thinks it is a game to pounce on him and say "hi" as loud as possible.

Aunt Jes came up and went to town on her hair. Aren't Aunts just the funnest. Way funner than mom!

She likes to read....a lot. She doesn't like the TV a whole lot, but she knows her books and loves it when I say, "turn the page" and she gets to turn the page. It is like a treat all in itself!

Not Like Me-BUT YOU HAVE TO READ ALL OF THIS!!!

2009-09-30T14:10:00.003-06:00

Many might not know this, but my family is extremely involved in what is going on with our government right now. They have so much information about our government that it is overwhelming to me. They know the US Constitution and Bill of Rights like the back of their hands. My dad even drives around with a copy in his car!

I am ashamed to say I don't know it as well as they do. Government was just a boring class I took in high school and in college to meet my requirements. I suffered through it and never looked back. The last two years though have been enlightening to say the least.

I am firm in thought that you need to be respectful about others beliefs and they should be in return, not to push your beliefs on anyone, and to agree to disagree.

With that said, here is what I just got in an email today. What I have posted below has nothing to do with Democrat, Rebuplican, Obama supporter or not, ect.... NONE OF THAT. It is about our future, our children's future, and our freedom.

I would say that is enough for you to sit and read this. I KNOW, I don't like to read either, but KNOWLEDGE IS POWER and we cannot be asleep at the wheel when our freedom is at stake.

Remember, this is SOOO not like me. I am pretty passive, but the government has been doing too many cruddy things to us for a longtime.

Here she be:

Hi Everyone,This is to inform you on what is really trying to be pushed upon the backs of Americans. Education is key in keeping our freedoms and rights.

Please Read.
Worth reading all of it:
Michael Connelly (http://michaelconnelly.viviti.com/ ) is a Constitutional Lawyer and has read the entire health care bill and has some comments, not about the bill, but about the effects on our Constitution.
It's a broader picture than just health care reform. All of you and those to whom you communicate had better sit up and pay attention; once this sort of thing happens, it will be irreversible.
http://michaelconnelly.viviti.com/ ;Take a look and let me know what you think.

THE TRUTH ABOUT THE HEALTHCARE BILLS ? Well, I have done it! I have read the entire text of proposed House Bill 3200: The Affordable Health Care Choices Act of 2009. I studied it with particular emphasis from my area of expertise, constitutional law. I was frankly concerned that parts of the proposed law that were being discussed might be unconstitutional. What I found was far worse than what I had heard or expected. To begin with, much of what has been said about the law and its implications is in fact true, despite what the Democrats and the media are saying. The law does provide for rationing of health care, particularly where senior citizens and other classes of citizens are involved, free health care for illegal immigrants, free abortion services, and probably forced participation in abortions by members of the medical profession.

The Bill will also eventually force private insurance companies out of business and put everyone into a government run system. All decisions about personal health care will ultimately be made by federal bureaucrats and most of them will not be health care professionals. Hospital admissions, payments to physicians, and allocations of necessary medical devices will be strictly controlled.

However, as scary as all of that is, it just scratches the surface. In fact, I have concluded that this legislation really has no intention of providing affordable health care choices. Instead, it is a convenient cover for the most massive transfer of power to the Executive Branch of government that has ever occurred, or even been contemplated. If this law or a similar one is adopted, major portions of the Constitution of the United States will effectively have been destroyed. The first thing to go will be the masterfully crafted balance of power between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of the U.S. Government. The Congress will be transferring to the Obama Administration authority in a number of different areas over the lives of the American people and the businesses they own.

The irony is that the Congress doesn't have any authority to legislate in most of those areas to begin with. I defy anyone to read the text of the U.S. Constitution and find any authority granted to the members of Congress to regulate health care.

The paragraph below is really frightening. This legislation also provides for access by the appointees of the Obama administration of all of your personal healthcare information, your personal financial information, and the information of your employer, physician, and hospital. All of this is a direct violation of the specific provisions of the 4thAmendment to the Constitution protecting against unreasonable searches and seizures.

You can also forget about the right to privacy. That will have been legislated into oblivion regardless of what the 3rd and 4th Amendments may provide. If you decide not to have healthcare insurance or if you have private insurance that is not deemed "acceptable" to the "Health Choices Administrator" appointed by Obama there will be a tax imposed on you. It is called a "tax" instead of a fine because of the intent to avoid application of the due process clause of the 5th Amendment. However, that doesn't work because since there is nothing in the law that allows you to contest or appeal the imposition of the tax, it is definitely depriving someone of property without the "due process of law.

So, there are three of those pesky amendments that the far left hate so much out the original ten in the Bill of Rights that are effectively nullified by this law. It doesn't stop there though. The 9th Amendment that provides: "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people;" The 10th Amendment states: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are preserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Under the provisions of this piece of Congressional handiwork neither the people nor the states are going to have any rights or powers at all in many areas that once were theirs to control. I could write many more pages about this legislation, but I think you get the idea.

This is not about health care; it is about seizing power and limiting rights. Article 6 of the Constitution requires the members of both houses of Congress to "be bound by oath or affirmation" to support the Constitution. If I was a member of Congress I would not be able to vote for this legislation or anything like it without feeling I was violating that sacred oath or affirmation. If I voted for it anyway I would hope the American people would hold me accountable.

For those who might doubt the nature of this threat I suggest they consult the source. Here is a link to the Constitution: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_transcript.html And another to the Bill of Rights: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights_transcripthtml ;
There you can see exactly what we are about to have taken from us.

Michael Connelly
Retired attorney, Constitutional Law Instructor
Carrollton, Texas mrobertc@hotmail.com

Guilty Pleasures

2009-09-24T10:21:00.005-06:00

So I am hoping that many of you can relate to this.

I LOVE TO WATCH THIS SHOW!!!!

Ghost Adventures on TLC

I was first a tad embarrassed to admit that I totally dig this show. Most people follow other shows like The Office or Heros, or whatever else there is, not me. I am a weird-o majoro who enjoys this show entirely tooo much.

I finally came out when I found out my sister digs the show as well...so that just makes her plain AWESOME!

Now, if you haven't seen this show. It is hilarious. They are just a bunch of ghost busters trying to antagonize ghosts. GOTTA LOVE IT!!!!

Thanks for the comments you guys all posted about my not so great moment breaking our tv. It is crazy how we all know that moderation is key--at least I think that is what ya'll were trying to tell me!

So yeah, that is one of my guilty pleasures that I am kinda ashamed to admit to. I only admit it because I enjoy it when others come out with theirs as well. It was fun to talk about it with my sister and laugh our heads off at how ridiculous we are:D

If ya'd like, leave me a comment on your "guilty pleasure". It would make me feel less embarassed and we could laugh together...who knows, we might share one or two...or three!!!

TORN!!

2009-09-12T09:06:00.003-06:00

-We really haven't been up to much lately. We didn't travel this weekend though, so HURRAY for us!
-Allergy season is in full swing and we are both gulping down the Zyrtec like it is the sweet nectar of life...
-Charly has long enough hair to finally "style" it!
--I broke the television amidst my cleaning rampage...
-I spray painted our side table because it was ugly and needed some help since I stole it from my dad six years ago...
-Pocatello has some freaky bugs here, no doubt!

So, yes...I broke our TV we won 3 years ago when I was an RA at Western. Ben had to drink a full 16 oz of Syrup the fastest to win that sweet puppy and I broke it on Wednesday. WOOOPS! It is a mammoth of a TV by 2009 standards:D I decided on Wednesday the home needed rearranged because I was so sick of all the hairy mammoth spiders kickin-it in mi hacienda...no mas peeps...NO MAS!

I was doing good...until I set the huge arse TV on the couch...heavy side in of course. Well, she sure did fall off. That old familiar feeling set in when I broke something when I was still living at home. Thankfully, Ben has AMAZING control over his temper (that trait waved bye-bye to me long ago!!!) and said maybe it was a blessing....yeah, ok, sure, whatever...I JUST BROKE OUR TV! My lifeline to good laughs and shutting my brain down ....BOOO!

Then I got to thinking...he really is right. I have been so much more productive these last couple of days without sitting down here and there to watch a quick something. Ben actually studied the last couple of nights.

So now, I pose a question...do we save and buy another one? I am thinking heaven's yes, but seeing how much gets done without one...maybe not?

OH HOW I AM TORN!!! I bet we last a month without a TV and we break down and buy another one:D

SO I am loving doing charly's hair. She is so stinking beautiful! I love it!

Please leave a comment if you would like about my TV dilema...if you think we shall purchase another one or if we are better off without it!!!

I would love to hear personal experiences on this one! I need some help!

Travelers

2009-09-06T12:09:00.002-06:00

First of all, I have to say thanks to Shalae for the picture. She posted it on her blog so I just HAD to have one of my own:D

This is our family! We all got together this last weekend for Phil's farewell. It was fun to have us all there. I am so fortunate to say I look forward to spending time with Ben's family. It was a great weekend full of good food, laughs, and did I mention good food?

As for the traveling bit...Ben and I never cease to have to travel. We traveled on Friday back to Star Valley with Jeff's boat that got fixed here in Pocatello. After we dropped that off in SV around 4:30, we headed down to Kemmerer for Tiffany's wedding reception. Left Kemmerer around 8:30 pm. Then we drove all the way back to Pocatello and got home around 11:15. We did all of this amidst a very sick Charly and Ben having loads of school work to study for. It was crazy.

I hope this month we can stay home a weekend. We have traveled every weekend for the past two months. It is getting old. So if you want to see us...you have to come over:D

I found it!

2009-08-23T20:23:00.010-06:00

Have you ever lost something and that pit of "oh crap" just lingered in your guts? I did that slick move these past months with our camera.

I felt like crap because we love to take pictures of Charly and what we are up to. The best thing my parents have ever given me was photos of my life as a child and home videos on DVD from the day I was brought out of the hospital to the present. Toys and such stuff will eventually be forgotten as we age, but memories are priceless and are what I hold onto dearly.

SO just imagine my panic when I still couldn't find this dang thing after a month. I finally humbled myself, said a quick prayer because there was no way we were going to be able to purchase another camera as good as this one, and set back to the truck to find that thing. In about 5 minutes, I found it. It was under the seat laying up against the metal brackets that hold the seat in place-it was all "stealth-like" so I couldn't see it the other thousand times I frantically searched the truck!!

Oh sweat sunshine that feeling that washed over me was like much needed rain on a dry, summer day!

With that being said...I have pictures to show you!!

We had the opportunity to go boating at Palisades in Idaho yesterday with Ben's family. Never been boating there...heck, haven't had the chance to go boating in three or so years, but whose counting? Charly is the only reason I am okay with not living the life I used to. Thank goodness for children! They really ground you to what matters I suppose, at least for me:D

Ben celebrated 27 on the 20th. I bought him a shot gun case (we need one now, right?), a rain slicker for hunting, and some weights. He thinks he is fat...I think he is a hunk!

Charly is quite the scowler...I don't know why either.

The picture is kind of blurry, but look at that gut!

All I have to say is life is good and gets even better with kids. I love this little critter!

Getting Older-almost 30!

2009-08-19T22:10:00.005-06:00

Happy Birthday LOVE! Almost 30! Well not really, more like 27!

To the man with so many names (Love, Babe, Charles, Chuck, Ben, Beaner, Ben Bum, etc.), I want you to know how much I am in love you. Thanks for being my therapist, my cheerleader, my shoulder to bawl on, the giggle buddy, my best friend, and my true love.

Many thought I was crazy rushin off to marry you (we dated a year and a half in case ya forgot), but I sure knew how amazing you were.

Thank you, thank you for being in my life! You have made it so much sunnier and warmer.

This day is also important, remember? Well I will refresh your memory. You asked me to marry you this day four years ago by the tree you carved our initials into. What a sweet memory. I wouldn't change our lives one bit...plus you gave me one beautiful daughter, thanks.

Not just any old birthday!

2009-08-03T15:10:00.003-06:00

I celebrated my 23rd birthday on Saturday. It was such a fun day! I can honestly say that this was my best birthday ever!!! Here is the kicker though, we have misplaced our camera so no pics on this post!

Real quick, my day started off fantastic with the safe arrival of Stu and Mili's baby girl. She was born around 7 a.m. and I am just thrilled to share my birthday with her! She was six weeks early, so it was unexpected.

Then I had to go to work, blah! After that, my sister watched Charly so Ben and I could go riding. I haven't had a ride like that with Ben in a while so it was a blast! We went outside of Inkom on this one track with lots of fun rocks and stumps to climb!

When we got back, the Cardon's came by with a SUPERB cake. I honestly can say that is the best cake I have ever tasted!

We opened up some gifts and I want to say thanks to the Cardon's for my favorite shampoo and some shot gun shells.

My gift from Ben was pretty sweet. He bought me a Wetherby PA-08 shot gun. Later I found out my brother and dad were in on the deal as well, so thanks to them as well. Now I am really anxious to get back into shootiong again!

I want to thank sis also for coming up and watching Charly so Ben and I could go out to dinner and ride our dirt bikes. It was super fun and she even let me wax her eye brows! WAHOO! I love doin that:D

It was a great day and I hope to have some picture of me shooting that sweet gun soon!

As a side note, I want everyone to know my husband is romantic. It may come off as he isn't, that is mostly because I grew up around boys all the time and like boy stuff! So he is romantic, trust me. I want him to know I am so thankful for a wonderful day!

THANKS LOVE!

Rafting the snake and my schpeel on paranoidism....

2009-07-21T16:10:00.006-06:00

For the 4th of July the Bennett's all got together to go rafting down the snake river in Wyoming.

We camped up the Grey's and it was just stinking beautiful.

It was really fun to have Carrie, Madison, and Tyson come up and spend time with us. Bronson and David are so stinkin fun with the kids. I can't wait to see them with Charly when she gets older. Jes and I are no fun, we be the inforcers :D

Here is Jes and I. What can I say, she is a stud. I was all paranoid about rafting this time.

The water was also pretty chilly. We all jumped in. To hold true to Wyoming weather, it hailed on us the last trip down. What a time! Elvin went panzy on us by wearing Bronson's rain gear while his wife was freezing....men.

Some of the fam went into Jackson to watch the fireworks. Ben and I stayed behind with mami because she had held down the fort the whole day with three dogs and Charly. No worries though, Ma is always packin heat:D

This is Dad, David and Bronson enjoying the show.These are my cousins and my aunt. I felt so bad because I scared Madison half to death when we went down the snake due to my paranoia. She was already scared as is, but I know with David getting sucked out of the raft and me being all anal, she was doomed!

So allow me indulge a tad about my paranoia rafting the snake. I have rafted the snake a handful of times before this...no problem.
This wasn't my first rodeo people, but I was a certifiable nut job this go around. By the last trip down the river, I was remembering why I loved it (that was trip five!!!!!)
ANYWAY, the week before we went a man was killed....but he went over three oar deal. Three oar deal is a Class 5 Regurgitator, I think that is what David called it, and that means it is mean shiz and will just keep sucking you down like a washing machine. It almost killed my own father years ago. So that kinda got me going.
Another thing that got me was David's commands. David is all about hitting it hard and all the big stuff. I thought for the first four runs he was shouting because we were all going to die if we didn't get the raft right...that wasn't the case, I am just nuts and he wanted to hit the goods!
Once I understood what he was doing and what was going on with the river....thanks to David explaining....I finally chilled. Sissy got me through though.

I have to say mad props to Ben and Bronson up front of the raft. Bronson has a banged up hand and was all over that water paddling his guts out. When he got all serious, it was only so he could get us to the big stuff, yet I took it like we were going to DIE. Him and ben were just cracking me up to no end talking about all of the trees and nature in midst of going through big rapids.

I need to give a shout out to sis cause she kept me sane. I know when she gets nervous, it is time to be a tad worried. She never got worried. She has been down this beast in a flipping Kayak! Insane...

Now what would a family get together be like without Elvin, my bro in law. He teased me the whole time and got my goat a few times cuz I am stinking gullable. I like his humor...he just fits in with our family.

And finally, David. He was our head man leading us down and did a SUPERB job. I really never felt like I was in harms way. I had my husband in front of me and my brother behind. I knew they both were watching out for me. I think Bronson just wanted to throw me in because I was such a panzy!

The trip was good. Mami and Pa did all the dirty work. Pa was the shuttle and Mami was the babysitter. Charly didn't like me when we left because she literally wanted Grammy and not me...

I just love summer and it is almost over, well by Wyoming standards-I don't know about Idaho. I hop we can get more dirt biking in and leizure time before school starts up again!

Bitter Sweet

2009-07-10T11:49:00.003-06:00

Good Luck South Dakota!! HE BE A WILD ONE!

Our "life of the party" bro Phil received his mission call to the Rapid City South Dakota Mission.

Ben and I couldn't be more thrilled and happier for Phil. Missions are just so stinkin bitter sweet for me. I am so happy he has chose to serve, but man will I miss him. I AM SELFISH!!!!

He will leave on Septeber 9th. SO LADIES, be prepared, the dating world is about to get pretty dull!

WE LOVE YOU PHYLLIS!

Procastination-HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2009-06-24T18:15:00.006-06:00

One year down, 17 more to go and I am free!

JOKES! My baby turned 1 on June 20th and it was quite the little party for her!

Charly has always been such a smiley baby full of giggles shared mostly with dad. This past year has been the most adjusting I have ever done. I swear, everytime I get used to one stage of development...she is moving onto the next leaving me in the dust!

This last month Charly picked up the fine art of WALKING! Yahoo, she is on her own now:D It was a glorious day when she decided to sleep through the night! For those of you who had babies that slept through the night from the get-go...I hate you:D

Charly is a particular little thing, just like daddy. She hates pacifiers, bottles, formula, and most of all...not having your FULL attention. She still loves to pack around a tooth brush, it is her most saught after item (I should have bought tooth brushes instead for her birthday).

And lastly, this little love bug that has come into our lives has changed them forever. I never knew we could have such an intense love for her. You hear about it, but to experience it is something else! To all of my dear friends expecting, hold on for the ride of your life. It is CRAZY, but so worth it!

Charlize was born at 2:34 on Friday in Jackson Hole WYO. She weighed 6 lbs. 12 oz and was 19 1/2 inches. She was a pretty easy delivery for a first timer and being induced. I kiss her everyday for that:D

As much as I didn't want to put this one in....I just HAD TO. LOOK AT ME! I am HUGE and FRUMPY! I don't wear pregnancy very well:DI don't have many full body shots of myself these days as we try to avoid them, but this is me in and the bug in May at BEAR WORLD!

She ate so much and so fast that she horked down a little confetti piece and puked EVERYTHING up, I mean everything....yak!

The Big ONE!

Grammy Bennett spoils her...too much!

My dearest friend....Jes. Thanks for coming up. You made her day!

LOOK OUT! What a serious face!

Stu and Mili, she is halfway done being pregnant and she looks AMAZING...imagine my disgust and jelously!

We were playing and made her a hunchback...she didn't care!

Sis and the gremlin!

COOKIE TIME! She loves her treatsies!

She gets after food like a true BENNETT!

If she is going to have Ben as a dad, then she is going to have to be tough as nails!

What a STINK! Ew I just love her!

Like I said previously, I am so happy I decided to have children! It has been the best thing I could have ever done. I love staying home with her and playing all day. She just cracks me up and has me forever wrapped around those little fingers!

Happy Birthday to our sweet little Charlize, we love you more than anything in this world!

Yellowstone Part 1

2009-06-12T20:05:00.013-06:00

YEAH YELLOWSTONE!

I finally got around to posting our pictures to Yellowstone in May.

It was a fun vacation with the Tippetts with loads of laughs. I must say, you could put these people in a room with two chairs and no windows and they would have fun.

This was at Mammoth. It was different than I expected because it wasn't in full swing. It is in intermittent spring and we were off by several years or so.

Alex and Charly on our "hike."

I have an awesome Ma-in-law.

We tried a family photo...it wasn't happening!

Our hike was cut short due to snow...

This is some of Mammoth with no water....hence the intermittent spring thing.

I already posted this one, but I just love it. It makes me proud to say I am from Wyoming. What a stinking beautiful place to be.

The Tippetts had a family photo here 20 years ago, give or take. So we decided to try for another one although half of the fam wasn't able to come.

My sweet bro Philis. He cracked me up the whole time. Needless to say he got me giggling like a little girl more than once.

Loads of buffs, but no BEARS! They were all over the roads. Jeff (pa-in-law) was sandwiched between two huge buffs on his road bike. He then started it up as they walked by "in-case" he needed to make a run for it although there was nowhere to go!

I can't get enough of this kid! She was pretty good the whole trip. I loved riding in the Duramax. It put Charly to sleep quick. It was so big and luxurious compared to the Sunfire:D

Here is Phil again. We be tight!

Few know this, and even less believe me when I say Ben has a funny personality. He rarely smiles in pictures...tough guy. ARG!

We had to stop at the Old Faithful Inn. It was stinking awesome and my home will be something like it....kind of:D

Oh sweet Charly and Granpda. I think I am going to hire him as a nanny!

We couldn't go all the way to the top because earthquakes had made in unstable. I dared Phil, but he wasn't buyin...

This was saying the water is hot, notice in the last post my Ma-in-law is playing in it...CRAZY Tippetts!

This one is called the abyss....I liked it:D

Deep and mysterious...it reminds me of myself. HA!

It is not over yet! Scroll down to my next post. I have more fun pictures!

Yellowstone part 2

2009-06-12T11:00:00.010-06:00

So this is Dauni playing in the hot water. She had to test it because the steam and the signs just weren't doing it for her!

They smelt funky, but I just wanted to jump in!

When I took this picture, there were some Japanese folk behind me. They were a little weirded out by the looks on their faces.

I took a bunch of good pictures of the tetons while on the back of Jeff's bike. I just randomly picked this one. It was such a pretty day!

Charly is wrapped around that mans finger. All I had to do was feed her, bathe her, and change her. Gramps did the rest! Thanks Jeff for the break!

This is at signal mountain. The tetons are behind the trees (Ben offered to chop them down).

These are my crazy in-laws. I must say I love them to death. They just make everything fun.

Charly and Grandpa again. They really were inseperable. It took me a week for her to get used to not being held again!

Yeah, thats right. I am a biker babe! HA HA!

Man I got lucky marrying a mean biker dude! The people in Bubba's (good eats in Jackson) were laughing at us. We clearly didn't care!

Suiting up at the Wendy's parking lot. We just had to stop at Wendy's because I love Wendy's in Jackson. After a prenatal check-up, on the way home to Pinedale we would eat there. OH I LOVE IT!

I have a good deal more of pictures. I hope that holds ya over Jes because I hate posting pics on here! I also have pictures from bear world. That was way cool as well!

Stay tuned for many pictures are to come when I feel like posting them!

***I would like to apologize to my mother for my poor grammar and spelling. Spelling and all that jazz just ain't my thing ma! It ain't make no difference to me how it looks:D

11 months old

2009-05-20T10:56:00.008-06:00

Today Charlize is 11 months old. I hear moms say all the time it goes by fast, but now I can see that time really does fly. She is such a fun baby, loads of attitude and personality. It is so bitter sweet when it comes to her growing up. I love cuddling and holding her, but then again I like her doing her own thing. Kids are just the most worth while thing I have ever done. Granted I complain a lot about no sleep, stretch marks, and weight that seems to cling on for dear life! That is all mortal drama that holds no meaning in the eternal perspecitve. She was way worth it...no complaints!

These are just a few pictures from her 10 month folder. Jes was getting agitated that I was slacking on pictures, so eat these up. I would post more but the blogger thingy wasn't having it!

I love this picture because Ben does the most amazing job putting her to bed. I feel so inadequate as a mother:D

Summer...

2009-05-12T22:01:00.004-06:00

I love this time of year. Unfortunately, I will not be spending my summer in Wyoming. Wyoming summers are the best, last two months, but it will have to do. They don't get too hot and there is a nice crisp in the morning air. OH HOW I LOVE THEM! I am really going to miss Pinedale this summer. I rode my dirt bike everyday last year. We went hiking and were outdoors all the time. This is one of our hikes last year (more of a walk) around the Green River Lakes. What a beautiful area. I hope we get to go back soon!

We are going to West Yellowstone this weekend with some of Ben's family. I am excited because I have never been to Yellowstone. Yup, native Wyomingite never seen what Wyoming is known for...But alas, almost 23 (I am young yet) and taking my first trip up there. I can't wait!

As for Ben and I, we really do not have much going on. Ben is done with the semester, but still has some correspondence hud to take care off unfortunately. Oh school, what an endevour! But, Ben did manage to pull an A out of OCHEM II. We have no idea how he did it, it was a miracle. Especially considering he needs a stellar G.P.A. for his program he is trying for.

As for our Charly. She is quite the grouch these days thanks to teeth. None yet...but they are really making her a certified GREMLIN! She is crawling up our stairs, but not walking. I think she just likes to be carried everywhere. We like it though, they grow up fast! She did fall out of her crib the other day. She was TICKED because it was nap time...blah, blah, blah. If you have kids, you know that tune! It is amazing how she makes my day with her cute smiles and laughs. I love having her in my life!

The Infamous 1988 Hat

2009-04-28T15:11:00.003-06:00

If you know Ben, you know he loves a good hat. You also know he has this 1988 beanie he cannot live without. It's not really a hat. He got it from his cousin Nicole's Christmas bear I do believe (Nicole if you read this, please verify....). Anyways, he has worn this puppy forever. This picture was taken in 2005 around the time we got engaged. He wears that dang thing everywhere, even to bed....ugh!

So I was under the "impression" that book was closed forever when he "thought" he lost his hat snowmobiling a couple of months ago. I was so thrilled that I even blogged about it, big stuff people!

Then we went over to his parents house for Easter. We walk in the door and say our hellos. Then Jeff tells Ben to come look at something in the bathroom. Well, it was late and I wasn't paying attention. THEN, LO AND BEHOLD, OUT STRUTS BEN WEARING THAT DARN HAT!

Only one thought swept through my mind, that hideous thing still lives! WHAT GIVES!

There is only one bright and shining hope in all of this. Ben is amazing at misplacing stuff, so I am opting it will be lost again in the future....fingers crossed. He says he is making sure to take extra care of his baby this time...whatever.

I couldn't pull all the pictures I have of Ben and this hat off my computer because I simply have A LIFE! I guess the good thing about Ben and hats is he looks DARN GOOD IN 'EM! Life could be oh so much worse I suppose:D

rare...

2009-04-25T09:50:00.003-06:00

A rare thing happened to us, my parents came and stayed for TWO nights. Yeah, that one has not happened, EVER! Don't get me wrong, they do love us. They are just busy. We were thrilled to have them see what we are doing here in Pokey. THANKS MA AND PA! Charly loved every moment! Grandma Bennett gave her some cute clothes, treatsies, and a fun book. Dad took us out to dinner and we were very thankful for that rare occasion!

I unfortunately didn't take a lot of pictures when they came. I was in my usual routine of slackin'! I did have these two pictures of Charly and my dad. I don't have any of my ma and her lately. I must say I just love my dad. I was a major daddies girl growing up, thus why I am kosher with Charly being one...

Things that make your day

2009-04-10T13:26:00.015-06:00

The Tippetts Fam really doesn't have much going on these days. The weather is getting better. A dirt bike ride would really make my day right now. I don't think a day has gone by that neither Ben or I say we need to go dirt bikin it. Ben needs a way difficult ride in which I am not good enough to go, which I am totally OK with because I am PRO LIFE. I am lusting after some open hills with good climbs and not too many rocks. They can be killers if not negotiated properly.

I have posted a lot of pictures of things that make my day. Mostly Charly right now. I hope you enjoy them as well as my new background. Ben is gonna flip at how "GIRLY" it is. Oh how I love pestering him:D

This is the jewlery my Aunt Carrie makes. The pic does not do it justice. When I say she makes the most amazing jewlery, I mean it.

One morning I woke up and found the Gremlin had torn the binding off one of my piano books. She reached over her crib and had an early morning snack...

This is Tif and her Dad. I think he is hilarious. One of those guys that is clever and funny beyond words.

We are just having a good time in Kemmerer. Rusty and Roudy, yes that is there names, are off to the left.

What a goofy kid! Tif is a great babysitter, and Charly just loves her to death.

We went and flew a kite last month. It was pretty fun, and cheap...ah yes, we love cheap!

I got lucky with a good lookin man who puts up with my frumpiness!

I hope she likes dirt bikes as much as we do. A girly girl will be challenging for me, but I am up for it...I guess. She just better like dirt bikes!

When you say, "arms up," she puts them up.

Ignore me, just look at thos eyes!

HOW CUTE

Bath time is a little more challenging as she will not sit still! I would discontinue them, but she loves them and I hate putting her to bed all grubby. It just isn't right.

This one is good. She threw up within seconds of me takin the picture, and is examining her work.

My baby loves to share. Always putting stuff in my mouth.

She looks like she got caught diggin in the cookie jar. Her Grandpa Tippetts bought her these little toys a while back. She loves the turtle. She throws a major melt down whenever I take it away. It is pretty funny.

I love her hair in the wind. What a beauty.

If this doesn't make your day, you are too far gone my friend!

I love her eyes. So intense and BIG!

If the wind would have been strong enough that day, she would have blown away with the kite!

This is near where we live currently. Ben took it. I like the shot, looks good. This one craps me up because she looks just so different. Oh how I love pictures! Hope all of these brought you up to speed on our little one!

Visitors and Visitees?

2009-03-27T21:15:00.003-06:00

So I am unsure if my title makes sense, but I am hoping it got your attention...

If you don't want to read all of this, just look at the pics and you will get the point:D

We have had a lot of visitors the month of March and we have visited a lot of people as well.

I am the epitome of slacker when it comes to posting pictures. I have a lot of good ones, but they are yet to be uploaded, downloaded, somethin-loaded, to my computer (I am computer dumb!)

Since I work at home from my computer, I really have no desire to be on this thing much longer. A good book is callin my name and so is my bed. So here is the reader's digest version of the month.

1. Bronson came up and saw us in Pocatello. Yes, you read correctly. Someone in my family, other than Jes, came to see me! We grilled burgers and ate like Bennett's do, piglet style!

2. Jes came up that same weekends since Elvin, her hubby, had Gaurd in Rexburg. It was fun to have a house full of people. I can't wait till I have a lot of lil' turds runnin around, but thinking of the joys of not sleeping....it can be put off a tad longer.

3. We went to Kemmerer-I think the dude that founded that place can't spell, but who knows, eh? Ben had lab in Rockertown and I stayed at Tif's since it was a pit stop. It was nice to have her babysit while I plunked along on the computer. We had a good time roastin weenies around a campfire and eating some good, too good, dutch oven brownies. I have those pics, but they aren't on my computer just yet. But you shall see them soon enough.

4. We stopped off in E-town on our way back and saw my parents. It is always nice to go home when no one else is there because I am the MAIN ATTRACTION if you know what I mean.

5. We went to Logan and stayed with my Aunt Carrie. That was fun! Ben and I loved playin with the kids and the animals. They have a Wii, horses, goats, pretty much anything to keep you entertained. Carrie made me the most adorable piece of jewlery. I am going to have to post it. My aunt makes the most amazing jewlery.

6. I stopped off in Hyrum and saw my Grandma and Grandpa Anderson. I have to say it was really cool. Grandpa had some neat stories to tell. My dear gramps has seen a lot since he is 98.

7. We went to Stu and Mili's for his Birthday. Dauni came over too. It was really fun to spend time with them. I just love Mili and Stu. Such good friends and in-laws. I must say Dauni is such a fun mom-in-law! We could talk for hours if we wanted!

8. Our last stop was Jes's. I wanted to stay longer, but Charly was in no way having it! What a grump! When she gets tired or hungry, look out! She gets that from me...

This pic is too good, what a doll!

Well, we are 2/3 on Temple Attendance. That is good for us...

That day we went was NASTY. It was fun though. Dauni watches the gremlin for us. Like I said, good ma in law.

Bronson wore Charly out...

If you haven't caught on that I love tub time, you don't check out the blog nearly enough!
I am not sure if I posted this one already, but shoot...I like it so I will post it twice!
This is Jes and Elvin

Here is B and Charly. I like his hat so that is why I chose this one. Plus, I hate his hair when it is not styled! I am picky.

Finally, Bronson is not afraid to touch her!

So that is Jes, not me if the whole brown threw you off. Jes goes dark for the winter, kinda like birds going south...same scenario.

Now I know why my ma has a butt shot of me. Baby butts are cute! Don't worry, I don't leave her unattended ever since she has no idea that water and air don't jive!

Oh the Dodge. I love our truck. We don't get to drive it enough. Heck, Charly has drove it more than I have this year. Stick shift and all...that's my girl!

Keep tuned in, I will post more pictures soon!

Just a number, right?

2009-03-18T22:24:00.004-06:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Charly says Happy Birthday too, in so many words....

I am wishing a Happy Birthday to my sister, Jescee.

Jes, I have to make this quick since the other half needs the computer. How do you make something like this quick I am yet to find out. ANYWAY, I hope you have a fantastic birthday. Salute your 20s and say hello to your 30s!

Thank you so much for all of your strength. You are for sure, no kidding, serious as a door knob, my best friend. Thank you, thank you, thank you for caring about me and being not only a sister, but a therapist, giggler, movie reviewer, life lesson giver, weight counselor, and so, oh so much more. I never thought I would want to talk everyday on the phone and chat about EVERTHING! Life is strange. I now know the Lord sent you to me and you are an answer to many prayers!

Happy Birthday!

Life is one big fat tease aint it?

2009-03-09T22:14:00.005-06:00

DARN THAT WEATHER!

Living in Pocatello is so very different than Pinedale living. The weather here is mild compared to that ice box. These last few weeks have been so nice. I have been walking Charly almost daily around the loop we live on. Most think I am nuts on those "not-so-great" days. Up there, only one word comes to mind...wind, more wind and lets throw in a frigid to top it off.

So I was really, and I mean really, enjoying the weather...then it snowed! WHAT A TEASE! It just brought back all of these memories in Pinedale and being pregnant. Oh pregnancy!
Whenever I started to enjoy the weather---BAM! It would get nasty, just like recently. I just hate this time of year because Ben and I get serious cabin fever. Thankfully things warmed up today and I got to go out with the fam.

I guess my point is, life is one big fat tease. I am really trying to get used to life teasing me. I don't like being teased. Never have, never will. We as a family are working hard to stay positive and tease back here and there!
I have enclosed the person that makes it so easy to laugh...you probably will not enjoy these as much as someone who knows his personality. These are only a select few, and I mean SELECT FEW!

Before:

Finished result
He likes himself, and so do I!

You find out who your friends are....

2009-03-02T22:01:00.004-07:00

Tiffany Peavler-on left.

I don't know how many of ya's are country listeners, but this is a lyric to a song that reminds me of my friend. That friend is Tiffany Peavler, a.k.a. TIF! The song talks about how you usually find out who you're true friends are when you are in a bind.
Welp, Tif definately fits this song to a T!

I met Tif 3 years ago in Laramie. Her and Ben grew up together. We didn't quite hit it off. I guess you could say I was a psycho hose beast, in the words of Wayne Cambell. All I have to say is I was intimidated by this way cute gal talking to my MAN! Once that issue was over, we were immediate friends.

Tiffany has one huge heart and will do anything for her friends. She has always been there for Ben and I. I can't list all the things she has done. She was there to help us move, she was there when we blessed Charly, she was here this weekend. I really needed her. I have been so stressed with workin from home and bein a mom. She gave me some great tips and I think I got a handle on things. She doesn't even have kids yet and she already knows kids better than most, especially me!

But here is why Tif really fits the song....

Last year Tif drove over a hundred miles one night to get me in Pinedale so I could make it to a Dr.'s appointment in Evanston. Ben was stuck out on his rig working and I had no way of getting to Evanston in time. We called Tif at like 8pm to see if she could come get me, and she did! Good ole Wyoming weather didn't disappoint and we drove home in a white out. I admire her willingness to serve others without thinking, "what's in it for me?"

Kemmerer Riding-right
Aunt Tif gets Charly clothes-left

Keep on Keepin on....

2009-02-23T19:33:00.002-07:00

My title is really what is going on. Life is all about enduring. I wish we had more talks on this, ways to endure. So I was sitting there thinkin, yes I had time to think. I thought about ways I can enjoy life, instead of just going through the motions. Unfortunately, all the ways I came up with included oodles of money....

The number one way that is nagging the crap out of me is skiing. Growing up, I had the life people....THE LIFE! My parents made me work hard no doubt, but we did a lot of great things. I am having serious skiing withdrawls right now. As a kid, I went every weekend. We ate, slept, and breathed skiing. Now, I have gone once in the last two years. Having Charly and being married is the best decision ever, but boy I wish I could be a ski bum! I wish they had an AA for ski aholics who cannot afford a lift ticket! I would call it Skiers Anonymous. To add to this little drama, Ben got to go snowmobiling on Monday while I still had to take on all motherly responsibilities. So I threw in a pitch to go skiing....and I got it! So my sis and I are in cahoots planning a sis ski day! AND PEOPLE I CANNOT WAIT! I don't even care if it is a powder day, just give me a good groomer and I will be just fine....powder day would be better though. If you are only gonna get to go once, make it worth your while right?

Back to the enduring thing, well I am still workin on it! But we are finding ways to enjoy life everyday and not just go through the motions. I must say it is putting me in a better mood too!

Here is my father-in-law on their snowmobile trip. This next pic is the last pic of Ben wearing the infamous 1988 hat. You read correct, he lost his hat. He is pretty ticked. I couldn't be happier! That nasty thing....

Charly is fiesty some days with this new found mobility. She is still pretty content for the most part, but then that red head comes out and look out!

One of my last days skiing, taken in 07....oh what a pathetic turn my life has taken.

The Tool Man

2009-02-11T13:59:00.011-07:00

Well I am sitting here finally finishing up the blog while listening to Ben yet again fiddling with something that works perfectly fine. Sometimes he reminds me of Tim the Tool Man. Always fiddlin with something to see if he can beef it up to perfection. It is all good and well, but when he wakes up the kid...the beast is unleashed--that would be me.

I haven't blogged in a while cuz I have nothing jazzy enough to say. This blog is really for Jes. She wants more pictures of Charly. Well, eat your heart out sissy!

I feel like Wayne with his collection of hair nets and name tags....

2009-01-20T20:49:00.009-07:00

If some of you aren't well adversed in Wayne's World, then you probably have no clue what I am talking about. Pretty much, it means you have always worked LAME-O jobs. That is the epitome of my life (except when I was a para).
Anyways-things have been a tad hectic, but it's the good kind! Let me give you the readers digest version starting with Christmas.

CHRISTMAS: Good stuff. Had fun with family and friends--twins! Favorite gifts from parentals were all the home videos my parents have on DVD--priceless. Dad also got me a wheat grinder--oh baby does it grind! Charles got me a sewing machine cuz remember I am workin on crafty--think crafty lace. Ma and Pa were amazing and made the Holidays great!
HUNTING: Bronson and Charles went hunting. They didn't have any luck on this particular hunt photographed below, but they did the following week. Bronson was the guide and let Ben shoot his first elk. Here is the kicker, BEN DIDN'T GET THE TEETH ON HIS FIRST ELK--needless to say I was PISSED! Thanks B for takin the hubby out and "bonding." He aint easy to bond with and you hit his sweat spot:D

TWINERS: I got to see megs and mand. I miss them a lot. I miss laughing till I peed my pants. We did this a lot, well I did anyways. We just got hung out and picked up where we left off...that is a sign of friends for life!

MOVING: Yes, we moved again. That will be four times in five months. We moved out of our little house because an opportunity to move came and Charly bug was freezing there. We now live on campus in student town houses. They are really nice and have a pretty good flat rate for everything--including, get this....CABLE! First time in our whole existence as "Ben and Laycee" that we have cable!

SCHOOL AND WORK: Well, school is up and going. Ben is also working. No need to digress on such mundane subjects! Me, I have not yet found work yet as an MT. I will digress here...
Getting a job right now is the, well it is the pits! That is where the title about Wayne comes in. I feel only qualified to flip burgers at BK, and somedays not even that!

Ben knows I have been down lately and when I came to bed late last night, he just made my day. He was already sacked out since feeding the wee one took a bit longer than usual. On my pillow was a post-it that said, "I love you very much" and it just made me realize the bigger picture.

I am so thankful for my own, personal therapist. He goes by many a name; Charles, Ben, Ben Bum, Handsome Rob, Beaner, Benson, Sphen Sphen. How I got so lucky, the good Lord only knows! **Bronson has given him half those names**

Charly has spunk these days. She loves goobering up everything with her slobbery hands.

Bath time is my all time favorite part of the day...she knows bedtime is coming when we throw her in and she rarely fights us anymore for bed since we started consistently doing this routine.

I love her eyes. I think with her blue eyes and reddish hair, she is gonna be a heartbreaker...but I think all parents say that about their kids.

Jes has been up a few times to see us and it has been really nice. She loves my baby and that means the world to me. Here they are after bath time!

Here is scroungy mcghee himself...Brony just cracks me up! He is single...better jump on that ladies!

Cokeville is just gorgeous! I love the mountains that lie around it. According to Bronson, Ben has tracked those hills the most next to him and that is saying a lot. I appreciate Ben for working hard and hiking his guts out to put food on the table.

Here is the mad man himself. David always has called Ben Mad Max. It sticks if you ask me!

I absolutely love this picture of me and my dad. What a man! I get all teared up when I think about how much I love him. I hope Charly gets to know him since I never got to know my grandpa Bennett. It hurts to think I missed out on such an incredible man and I would hate for Charly to have to feel the same about my dad.

Dad and his girls. He is a softy for his girls.

Dad and all his boys. He always wanted more, thanks to Jes he got one more.

Many don't know this, but my dad is a HOOT! He comes off all mean and gruff at the high school, but he usually is quite the jokster at home.

Here is Bronson in his gruffness. What is it about men and their gruffness? It is a good thing I like it cuz Ben hasn't shaved his beard off completely in a year.

Doesn't my ma look so tiny?

This is all of us, BUTCH INCLUDED--the dog.

Charly is really good with other people holding her. She is content with just about anything.

Ma really is the best when it comes to celebrating any occassion. She goes all out and makes it so special. Thank you mom for all the hard work. I can't even imagine all you have done and will do for me and the fam.

THOSE EYES! I am hooked. She got a cell phone in her stalking and she is qutie literally shocked!

ME-random

2009-01-06T22:36:00.004-07:00

So my good friend HO tagged me on her blog, and I need to be better so I am gonna do it. It will only be me though, no Ben...cuz Ho didn't tag Ben! Sorry LOVE!

4 random things about me
1. I love my beaner--this flannel lookin background reminds me of him.
2. Am learning to be crafty and a homemaker--not my forte, was more the manual labor type.
3. I love living in Pocatello--who'd a thunk right?
4. My sis is truly my best friend--who'd a thunk that one too, huh!

4 Movies I could watch more than once ** I struggled**
1. The Count of Monte Cristo
2. Waynes World
3. Kung Fu Panda
4. The Illusionist

4 T.V. shows I watch
1. That 70s Show
2. That 70s Show
3. More That 70s Show
4. Did I mention That 70s Show? We don't have cable--good ole bunny ears!

4 Places I've been
1. 4 Corners
2. Grand Targhee
3. Houston TX
4. Sand Dunes
*I was searching hard on that one....I am not well rounded I have decided**

4 People who email me regularly
1. JESS-hilarious crap...by the way, do you work while you're at work?!?! JK
2. spam crud
3. more spam crud
4. Sometimes friends, but close ones just call cuz I can't handle internet conversations. I am too zippy for them.

4 Favorite Foods
1. CHICKEN
2. BEEF STEAK
3. LOVE a good salad
4. If Diet drinks didn't make me feel nasty, I would go for them--Hey, I don't like to drink my calories! Pregnancy weight is still holdin strong--pesky crud!

4 Places I would like to visit
1. Ben promised to take me to the Caribbean-he lived there for a lil while and never shuts up about it so I want to see what all the hubba bubba is about:D
2. New Zealand
3. Canada-once again, Ben promised to take me there, hope to see some of Alaska too.
4. Russia, Germany, Great Wall--all that jazz

4 Things I am looking forward to this year
1. Losing this weight--it will be mine!
2. Riding my DIRT BIKE! OH sweet honey of life I can't wait!
3. Charly sleeping through the night--its getting better, once a night feedings mostly:D
4. Spending time with family.

4 People to TAG!
1. Jess
2. LOVE
3. D
4. Shalae--I know your busy, but I don't know a lick about you!

Happy Anniversary!!

2008-12-16T20:54:00.013-07:00

Today we celebrated our 3rd Anniversary. It seems crazy we have been married for 3 years.
LOVE, thanks for making me so happy! Thank you for allowing me to grow and change with life's experiences. Life is not always pretty, but I am sure thankful to have you by my side during the storms of life. Thanks for always cheerin me on and being there for me when I am down. You are the greatest gift I have been given, besides the daughter you gave me:D I love you more each day. Thank you!

So, I was thinking about it and I want to write real quick how Ben and I met. I had it all wrote down on my other computer, but it died....bum deal dude. So I want a quick copy of the goods!

About 4 and a half years ago Ben and I ran into eachother at good ole Western Wyoming Community College. I met him in my fly fishing class. We were instant buds. I loved hanging out with him. When I say we were hooked at the hip, I mean it. Where one went the other followed. I know this sounds lame, but it was love at first site. I look back on it now, and I was freaking out because I knew Ben was it for me. I hung out with a lot of guys in high school, but none were worth my while like Ben was. I am a pretty stubborn gal and I know a good thing when it comes my way.

We had one heck of a dating history. The only reason Ben got the nerve to finally jump from good friends to dating was because some other wrestler asked me out just to tick Ben off. Word was out in the wrestling community that Ben was sweet on me. Ben kicked this kids trash at practice one night, so he retlaiated through me! So the night of the date cam. I went on the date with the wrestler, but Ben decides to come along with my roommate...grrr! Needless to say, by the end of the night...I was going home with Ben and staying out till 5am talking. Then, it took the poor dude two months to finally kiss me! This is a story to be had as well. To make a very long story short, he cornered me under a bed and finally laid one on me! I have to say our dating experience was amazing. We both lived on campus so we were insperable. I like to think we did our own mormon version of cohabitation....take it how you want. BUT, we went camping, shooting, skiing, four-wheeling, dirt biking, everything, the works....it was a blast!

Now some of you may ask, Why did you wait so long to get married? Well, cuz I was 2 weeks 18 when we met! When I finally turned 19, Ben asked me to marry him. It was perfect! I know I sound like a cheese ball, but it was. Ben was the best thing that ever happened to me. I felt for the first time in my life complete...sounds lame, but so very true! I am so glad I listened to the Prophet's councel and married my best friend. Ben is truly the greatest friend I have ever dreamed of. I can work by his side and be just as happy as if we were on a dirt bike ride...well most of the time anyways!

Identity Theft

2008-12-10T12:53:00.002-07:00

Yup people, you read correct! I fell victim to identity theft today. The good news is they caught it in time and the scum bag won't be getting away with it. I was working out and the phone rang. I told Ben, "working out, not home." *Sorry to all of you that call and this happens, working out is a priority right now.* Anyways, after I called my bank back, they told me that someone tried to use my credit card in Italy this morning. I was like, "hold on, I don't even have a credit card with you guys." Come to find out when we closed our account last year, they didn't close out my credit card but did Ben's. I strictly remember closing all of our cards and then shredding them. Thus, I thought they had closed my credit card and debit card as well. WRONG-O Apparently the bank didn't and I had a card still active. I was livid. So, the good people at my bank took care of it. I was a little shocked to be honest. This crap is pathetic. We shouldn't have to worry about it, but some yahoos who are lazier than heck need to bum off of us to get by. I wish I lived in the 1800s when none of this crap existed and guns were the law and I could give em a what for and make em think twice before messin with me and my family!
Welp, HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!

4 years

2008-12-02T10:02:00.012-07:00

It seems I can never really get all caught up when it comes to this bloggin thing. I guess I will just start with the begining of November.

October 31st, Ben and I celebrated our official 4 years of dating, so we went out for a dirt bike ride and a hike later that week outside of Pocatello. We put the Gremlin in the Kelti backpack and went for it! Good times. I am so grateful we really try to date eachother while married and keep the spark alive. Ben always seems to take me somewhere simple and make it feel like the best date ever.
I am easy to please. Take me for a dirt bike ride and I am yours baby!

Thanksgiving this year was spent in Provo. It was GREAT! I loved the food. Beau and Shalae went all out and couldn't have done a better job. Grandma Tippetts brought down some of my all-time favs. What a cook! I knew Shalae was a mad good cook too, but Beau literally floored me with his skills! Excellent Job! Well done you guys! Thanks!

We also took some pictures. Ben and I took a couple with Charly in her new outfit Grandma Tippetts made. It was adorable. She made some for all of her grandkids.

This is all of us! I am hoping Lex will bring another sister-in-law soon! I have to say I have the best in-laws ever! I feel really at home and they are all such good people.

Grandma and Grandpa Tippetts

Charly was blessed with great grandparents. They make all of their grandkids feel loved and appreciated. No favorites. All are loved equal. This means a lot to me.

Lately, Charlize has been having "skin issues." We have taken her to the Doc 3 times. We think it is a contact dermatitis. Right now, I have to cake on Petroleum Jelly and desitin and wash all clothes in free and clear detergent. I guess I should have been doing this anyways to prevent it...new mom syndrome--didn't know!

We got a swing. Thank you so much Aunt Carrie! I love all the hand-me-downs! The swing is a lifesaver. I try not to use it too much and I must say she is learning to fall asleep on her own and stay asleep. Now we just need to learn to sleep all night!

This picture cracks me up! The swing often makes her spu! Hence the puk!
Charlize loves sitting with dad while he studies. I think it is helping because he is doing really well in school. He literally rocked his ochem exam with a 99%. I was thrilled since we dropped everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, for him to be here going to school! Charles is one of those guys that literally tick me off. They are brilliant beyond words but they have no desire to work hard at it. Me, on the other hand, not so smart. But I work extremely hard at it so I can "appear" smart. What a rip!

I also forgot to mention my dear sister. She took us in Tuesday and Wednesday night. We had a good time staying with her! I got to watch Twilight while Ben took over Charlize. I liked the movie. I don't do to well with romance shows, but it was good nonetheless and Jess was cracking me up!

I got to see so many good friends this week. I saw Steve and Chels. They have the most adorable girl.

We met up with Jordan Sheets since he is home from his mission. Boy what a mission can do! He was the same but different in the good way!

Brit stopped in and saw me. I couldn't have loved it more!

Jodi and Mel stopped in as well. What a hoot to see old pals! Jodi, Mel...I miss seeing you two and all the good times we had acting like morons!

You both look great!

Thanks to everyone for seeing us and making Thanksgiving great! We have much to be greatful for, especially good friends and family!

Catch Up!

2008-11-14T14:31:00.004-07:00

The other day my sister Jes told me we needed to put more pictures on our blog. Well, I am here to tell you I HATE how long it takes. I am trying to be a patient person, but for the life of me I can not stand waiting for uploads! So I made a quick slide show on Youtube.

Now those peeps git er done fast and quick! My kind of people! On the left hand side is our youtube videos. The top one is the most recent and you will have to watch it to understand the spill below!

Here is a quick overview on what you are going to be viewing.
Ben's young bro, Stuart--my age--got married on October 18th to a wonderful gal. Mili is really quite the catch and I couldn't be happier for the both of em.

Halloween was ok. I am not that big on it. I guess I am a stink on this Holiday. Charly was a pumpkin. We hung out with our friends the Cardons and their two lil ones.

Elvin and Jes came up to Pocatello for the Military Ball. I had to run over to the hotel and see them all "dolled" up for the event. Jess looked stunning as usual. Elvin looked good too.

Finally, the last set of pictures is of Ben, Bronson, and Stu hunting. These pictures are taken in Cokeville at the Ranch. My Grandpa Anderson owns quite a chunk of land out there. They had a good time, I guess. They hiked their guts out and saw only deer and a few bull elk. Poor chaps! Hopefully the late hunt proves more fruitful! Bronson did manage to take down a calf the next day. Ben was ticked cuz he had lab and couldn't go!

Alright Jes, I did it! Now it is your turn pooh!

Crazy 8 Tagged!

2008-11-12T15:47:00.002-07:00

Crazy 8 Tag
8 TV shows We watch:
1. Simpsons
2. That 70s show--we flippin love it!
3. King of Queens
4. Still Standing
5. Simpsons
6. Laycee loved dancing with the stars, but we don't get that channel which Ben is thankful for.
7. Simpsons
8. Simpsons
*We aren't gonna lie, that was tough! We don't have cable, trying hard to be thrifty! So the shows we do watch are all from the bunnies ears!*
8 things we did yesterday
1. Fed Charlize
2. Went to the store
3. Fed Charlize
4. Changed Charlize
5. Bathed Charlize
6. Fed Ben
7. Did homework
8. Worked out--boring, unfortunately:D
8 places we love to eat
1. Wingers
2. BK--not really, but Ben loves it.
3. Great Harvest, or something like that. Jess got me hooked.
4. My moms
5. Bens moms
6. Celia Greens
7. Brittany Wellings food
8. Pizza Hut
8 things i am looking forward to
1. Sleeping through the night uninterrupted.
2. When Ben comes walking in that door
3. Wearing my old, cute clothes
4. More chitlins running around--that one is definately Bens
5. Thanksgiving
6. Christmas
7. Did we mention sleep?
8. Passing our finals
8 things on our wish list
1. Ben wants a Honda xr600r with and electric start. That is why my dirt bike is so appealing to him right now....panzy
2. Snowmobiles.
3. A camp trailer--love 'em
4. Own a ski resort
5. Have some money at my own disposal
6. Be my original size again, smaller wouldn't hurt, but I ain't pushin the luck here!
7. I want an old Chev pickup...a 72 would do me just fine to roll around in. Not too nice so I won't drive it, but nice enough.
8. Ben wants a mean truck. Bronson and Ben throw around the term BAMF when talking about this particular truck.
8 peeps to tag
1. Jess
2. Aspen
3. Meri Jane
4. Eva
5. Earl
6. Spencer Jensen
7. Gurtrude
8. McGee's
Real quick story: Ben called me and asked, "What ya doin?" I told him I was Crazy 8 tagged. He said, "SWEET! What did we win." I said nothing, it is for the blog. His response was sheer silence. Oh man, the good stuff!

WRANGLER BUTTS DRIVE ME NUTS!

2008-10-30T10:41:00.011-06:00

FOOLED YOU! Ya'll thought I was talking about my hubby's butt, but I WASN'T!

Although his is cute and all, this one takes the cake!

***For those skimmers of blogs, skim to the bottom--it is another giggle video***

I know you can't really see it, but she is wearing wranglers--hence the title. My aunt gave us these. I usually hate "stranglers!" Now, only two people in my life make 'em look good--Ben and Charly.

I don't know when I am going to get over the fact how alike they look. I am glad to know some of our "viewers" agree on both our comments. She looks like "Jack" and acts like me!

**Jack is a nickname Jane gave Ben because he used to shoot her with a BB gun from the top of a barn and somedays it really does fit him.....** I think she is going to be a lil' cowgirl. She is wearing Ben's hat.

She is quite the photogenic type don't ya think?!?!

The next item is the BEST! As some of you may have seen in the last post, Charly is giggling now. She cracks us up! So the other night I took off on the dirt bike to get some much needed items for din-din. I get back and Ben couldn't wait to show me. If you can't tell, he is barking at her. Also, if you look really close, you can see her tooth in the top right corner of her mouth! She is only 4 months and she is teething. WHAT A TURD!

The Giggles

2008-10-23T20:48:00.003-06:00

It has been a while since Ben and I posted anything. We aren't up to much, just school! I am preparing for my final and Ben is just knee deep in his prerequisites and what not.
The coolest thing happened to us that we never want to forget. Today, Charly got the GIGGLES! Oh man was I proud! Now this my friend is a trait she got from her mama! THATS RIGHT, she may look like Ben but she acts like ME! WAHOO!

THE GREMLIN!

2008-10-08T21:52:00.003-06:00

YES, I GAVE BIRTH TO A GREMLIN!

I am happy to report that our sweet little gremlin is growing too fast!

She has discovered what I like to call the "two finger gag technique." It seriously cracks us up when she starts gagging and doesn't quite get why and keeps shoving those fingers in her mouth.

Charly is like mommy, she loves time with Ben. As soon as he can put the books down, they are two peas in a pod!
Believe it or not, she can stand!
My awesome sister came to see us over conference weekend. She is the only family member I have that has just come to see us for no reason. MAN I LOVE HER!
Right now we are trying to teach the gremlin how to sleep. My friend Laura lent me a book on sleeping habits. Ben and I are working very hard to apply them and not give in to her.

Seriously, it is really hard! Just look at her pictures and no further explanation is needed. She is a love bug!

But we are trying and in the words of my pa, "don't let her win!" That one cracked us up! That is my pappy, tell it how it is.

For those of you who have waaaaayyy to much free time....you can check out a video I made for my parentals. Grandma and Grandpa Bennett are pretty busy and don't get to see The Gremlin too much so I posted an update on youtube...here is the link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlGptJyBU0I
Hope ya'll enjoy!

I was tagged today! Were you?

2008-09-25T21:18:00.006-06:00

My dear friend Melissa tagged me!

(This resembles my thought process at the time...)

So Charles and I have no other choice but to respond....darn!

Here is the deal...

Post these rules on your blog; List 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 current obsessions/collections, 3 random surprising facts about yourself. Tag 4-6 people at the end of your blog by leaving their names.

Laycee:

JOYS:

1. Riding my dirt bike.

2. Camping.

3. Being with my family--Charly and Charles.

FEARS:

1. Death/being alone without Charles.

2. Nasty hissing spiders...Idaho has a ton!

3. Staying fat from pregnancy.

CURRENT OBSESSIONS/COLLECTIONS:

1. Reading...especially books on parenting--dorkus majorus.

2. Working out: I got huge, that is all I need to say.

3. MY DIRT BIKE--can ya tell I love that sweet cherry of a ride!

SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT LAYCEE:

1. My husband gave me my first kiss underneath Katilyn's bed at WWCC on October 31st 2004.

2. I have broken my left and right arm by each brother....good times.

3. If I could, I would be a farmer. I love hayin!

Charles:

JOYS:

1. Sledding

2. Dirt Biking

3. Loving my wife....

FEARS:

1. Being a failure.

2. Being alone.

3. NO SNICKERS IN THE HOUSE....this happens a lot.

CURRENT OBSESSIONS/COLLECTIONS:

1. Looking at house plans.

2. Reading SnoWest.

3. My wife.....

SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT CHARLES:

1. I look mean on the outside and I am on the inside....jk.

2. I have lit two dirt bikes on fire.

3. 2 years old + 5 gallon bucket of milk= drowning combination.

Charles and I have chosen the following to particpate and YOU MUST because we want to see what you people are up to these days!!!

Jescee Adams--that felt weird

Eva, Nathan, and Joshua Abram

Keli and Jonathan Burch

Meri Jane Skinner

Mark and Mandi Hughes

Brittany Welling

MY HAPPY PLACE

2008-09-20T22:33:00.000-06:00

Have you ever had one of those days in which you could go drown yourself in a bottle? Well I don't drink and never will I, but I admit...life can be viscous. It can just kick ya right in the face.

Thankfully, I have a lot of good things that still keep life all "chill" if you will.

ALLOW ME TO INDULDGE UPON THEM.

Meet my baby...not Charly bug...my other baby. She is a CRF230F. I must take a moment of silence for this sweet cherry of a ride..........ANYWHO, this girl has gotten me through some pretty darn lonely times. I rode her religously...even up till the day I delivered Charly. She soothes me needless to say. My husband bought me this as the other part of my engangement. I asked for something I could play with instead of a bigger ring...I couldn't handle a rock that I stared at...I needed some POWER!!! I'm imature.

The other day, I was sick of bein in the house. Ben was fixin on the dirt bike and asked if I needed to take a spin. I was on that baby in 2 seconds flat--pretty fast for me--I must say everyone needs a stress release....here is mine.

Here are my two dogs, Bo and Annie. They are living with Grandpa Tippetts for the mean time until we can keep them with us. We just have to find a place to put them. BUT, they are seriously the coolest dogs. Annie licks you to death and Bo will play catch for hours.

I miss them so much it pains me. In the words of Wayne Cambell....they will be mine, oh yes, they will be mine.

BO
ANNIE
Charlize is a life saver. She gave me such purpose in this life it ain't even funny.

THAT IS A CUTE BUTT!
This is what life is all about....FAMILY. I am so happy to have a wonderful husband and daughter to live my days with. I know this sounds insane, but I CAN NOT WAIT FOR MORE KIDS! They are a hoot!
Here is the queen bee herself. The "fam" and I had an outing outside of Pocatello by Pebble Creek I do believe. This is the first camp fire we sat around this summer. Idaho has a lot longer summers than Pinedale. Pinedale has 10 months of crap, and 2 months of amazing.

HERE IS MY PRIDE AND JOY! Since she has become more animated, I find myself with a camera in hand all the time. I thought Ben was a camera junky, but I think I got him beat now.

Daddy's Touch

2008-09-11T14:49:00.000-06:00

HOW BEN BECAME A SOFTY

Ben is an insane adrenaline junky. Besides spending time with Charly and I, he is always looking for time to go ride dirt bikes or snowmobiles. Thats cool and all, but when you have rolled my brothers snowmobile, jumped off cornice's, climbed hills that only a mountain goat could have, and started two dirt bikes on fire...well then you have no other choice but to buy life insurance.

So here are some pictures of Ben doin when he does best--riding dirt bikes, snowmobiles, and oh yes...burping our sweet little Charly bug. Since she was born, she will only burp for her dad. What can I say, he has the "Daddy's touch." I know my pa did...sorry mom.

Enjoy these pictures of when Ben and I used to go out and do stuff!

****MAKE SURE TO WATCH THE VIDEO CLIP OF CHARLIZE TALKING******

--side note:after publishing this post, my dear sweet husband brought to my attention this picture is actually my brother Bronson climbing. Minor detail to me, big deal to him. He says it is important to give Bronson credit for climbing with a bum hand as well...

Traveling--its what we do..........unfortunately!

2008-08-01T11:59:00.001-06:00

I have no idea where to begin. About two weeks after we had Charly, we hit the road consistently. Between check ups and visiting family and friends, we seriously have been on the road every week. We have not gone more than a day without someone stopping by to see us. We feel very loved and want to say thanks to those that have stopped in and been so loving toward Ben and I.

This picture is taken around four weeks. Charly spent her four week "Birthday" at mine and Ben's favorite place to ride dirt bikes...the sand dunes! We went out and spent the day with my family. Unfortunately the sand was a tad too soft for me, so I only rode for a little bit before I tired out. I hate being overweight!If any of you know, my sister is getting married! We are so excited for her. My mother and I went to Logan to go wedding dress shopping with her and stopped in and saw my Grandparents and Aunt. This is my Aunt Carrie.
This is my four generation picture. This is my Grandpa and Grandpa Anderson, my mom, and me and Charly.
You would not believe this but my Grandpa is 97! He has seen a lot in his time. Just think about it, he has seen the great depression, both World Wars, and 911 just to name a few. He was around when there was barely any technology and look at what we have today! CRAZY!

We stopped in and saw Beau and Shalae. They just had a baby too! It is really fun to see there little girls and boy. I wish we saw them more because family really is everything. This picture is Catilyn and Charly. Catilyn was born on the 26th. She is a cutie. I think she looks like Beau.

This is Grandma Tippetts, it is hard to call her that since she is so young. I love my Mother-in-law Dauni. She is the funnest, most level headed person. I enjoy being with her thoroughly!

This is my drop-dead gorgeous sister Jess. She is getting married on August 7th. I am so happy for her!
Alright, lets make this known right off the bat.....THAT IS MY CHILD! This pic kinda looks like there own family picture. Jess is just so stinking proud of her neice and Elvin just loves being with Jess so he is always happy. Oh yeah, Elvin is my future brother-in-law. He is a dang good guy...once in a lifetime for Jess.

THIS IS MY HUNK OF A MAN:D Ben is a kick in the pants. I did not post all the pictures he took of himself because that would have taken eons! Ben grew his beard out extremely long (don't know how to spell that). I mean it was grizzly adams. So I asked him to cut it, he wouldn't. SO, eventually he did because he has to for work when they drill into a toxic surface in the earth's crust you could say.

Baby cousins meet for the first time! This is Catilyn and Charly.
Proud father Beau is on the left and Ben on the right. This is Savannah! She is adorable. She hates getting her picture taken, this is the best I could do!
Ths is my bro Phil and Merlin. Her name is Mirian but I can't help but still call her Merlin. She is a DOLL!

K--for those of you who are bloggers, I NEED HELP! I am terrible at blogging. So if you have any tips...fill me in! That would be you JODI! I would appreciate it and please keep the comments coming....Ben and I LOVE THEM!

Picture Happy

2008-07-23T23:34:00.000-06:00

Since the birth of our baby girl, Ben has literally gone trigger happy with the camera. I am not even kidding! I do not think there has been a day that I have not seen him playing with her and taking pictures. It is pretty fun looking at all the pictures and seeing how she has grown and changed. She is now 5 weeks old! It really is bitter sweet seeing them grow and change. I cannot wait for her to start smiling more. Well check out Ben's trigger happy pictures and let me know what you think of our little Charly!

In case any of you are wondering what is going on in Ben and I's lives...we are moving right now. It is insane trying to move and take care of a baby. I have no flippin clue how people do this with more than one child. We will be living in Star Valley for the month of August until the rental in Evanston opens up. We are moving right now to be closer to Ben's work.

TOO CUTE!

2008-06-28T16:37:00.000-06:00

Charlize is already a daddy's girl. Ben is completely wrapped around her finger! Our favorite time of day is when she just wakes up and stretches out! She makes the most adorable faces!
Ben came home from work and was pretty pooped. I caught him and Charly cat napping on the couch. Look how identical their hair is! If you haven't noticed yet, this completely blows my mind!

Grandma is doing her job at spoiling this little girl. Grandma came up and stayed with her after she was born. She loved taking naps with her and letting her "air out" after a diaper change.

Charlize is photogenic...not a trait mother gave her.

This is my dad holding his first grandbaby. I have to say it was a pretty awesome experience seeing my dad hold my baby girl. It is about time he has a grandbaby!

This is my older sister holding her. I guess photogenic genes do run in my family...look how gorgeous my sister is! JEALOUS!

This is my older brother David. He looks burley, but he is a softy.

This is my other older brother Bronson. He is quite the character. He was a little stand-offish about holding her, but then he warmed up. It will be fun to see how Bronson and Charlize bond.

This is my brother-in-law Alex. I apologize the picture is sideways. I am no computer wiz...Ben was asleep when I put this together so this is the result of my computer skills! Alex is a huge kid person. He loves little kids. His wife will adore this trait.

OUR NEW ADVENTURE

2008-06-24T21:52:00.001-06:00

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

MEET CHARLIZE D TIPPETTS

Born Friday, June 20th 2008 at 2:34 pm.

She weighed 6 pounds and 12 ounces, 19 1/2 inches.

Below is Charly's labor and deliver, intermingled with pictures. Scroll all the way down to see all the pictures I have posted--there is only a few for now!

Charly, as I like to call her, is the most incredible little love bug I have ever seen! She was born at the St. Joseph's Medical Center in Jackson, Wyoming. Ben and I went in Thursday night to get the fun rolling. I was given cervidel and some sleep medicine to help me sleep. Needless to say, I did not sleep due to the nervous gut I was experiencing. Ben was a hoot though, he was fooling around and being my own personal comic relief. He was attempting to set my brothers up on a date with my nurse while I was getting my IV--not a good time:) I have to say, it helped having him there to make lite of the situation.

Around 7 am the nurse started me on pitocin and boy did it kick in quick! My water was broke around 9 am, that was an experience. The contractions came quickly after that and I got a pain killer through my IV, which took the edge off the contractions. When that wore off, I patiently waited for my epidural, even ask Ben....

At about noon the anesthesiologist came in and gave me an epidural. He came in with an intern from Germany, his name was Johan, and I snapped. I was so scared that this intern was going to be putting that needle in my back. He didn't, and good thing because I was a laboring woman on the edge!

Life was good after I got the epidural. I layed there and watched TV and even dozed off for a bit. I have to say I have no idea why anyone would want to go natural after getting one of those babies! The only down side was my cervix was only dilated to a 2 or a 3 when I got the epidural and the baby was experiencing a little stress. I had a very slight chance of a c-section, very slight. Since the monitors were not efficient in telling the heart rate, the nurse was gung-ho on getting an accurate one to prevent a c-section. She worked on me around 1 pm and I was at a 5. She kept trying to insert a monitor on the babies head, but she had too much hair. She came in and gave it one more try and I had to interupt her to tell her my epidural was wearing off. I was feeling so much pain in my hips and back. She went ahead and tried to insert the monitor and was surprised to find me ready to push.

At 2 pm I was told DO NOT PUSH--YEAH RIGHT! She called the doctor over around 2:10 and the pushing began. I had the best labor coach in the whole world. Ben was there being very active in the whole delivery. He counted for me and helped me breath and even held my leg! What a trooper! Ben got so excited when the nurse said she could see hair. The baby was getting close now so the nurse called the Doctor over again. The Doctor sprinted to the hospital and was there in time to deliver my baby girl. Ben got to cut the umbilical cord which was surpirsing since he about passed out when I got my IV.

I have to say, giving birth was the most rewarding experience of my life! I am so blessed to have had a great labor and delivery. I am even more blessed to have a beautiful healthy girl!