THE BENNIONS

Wild Things

2012-01-17T15:16:00.000-08:00

There is a place up the road from our house called "Wild Things". This place rents out trained animals for movies, commercials, magazines, etc. They give tours of the facility everyday and since we weren't doing anything yesterday we thought it would be fun to go see it. Other than them charging us $7 for Kensley (Seriously? She is 2 months old!), and besides them getting onto Logan for holding on to the plastic chains because "they might break" (um, he is 2-years-old...get real!)...we had a good time!

My Museum

2012-01-17T14:58:00.000-08:00

On Friday my mom and I took Logan to a place called My Museum in Monterey. I have heard of this place several times but I always thought Logan was too little for it. I was wrong! I wish I had taken him here long before! My Museum is the cutest place for kids. It's a place that isn't too big but at the same time isn't too small. It's clean and not overly crowded. You can literally take your kids shoes off and just let them run and have fun and not have to worry about them getting lost or choking on anything. My Museum has a bunch of different exhibits for kids. Here are a list of the different exhibits: Ocean, Golfing, Farming, Tree House, Theater, Hospital, Firetruck, Ambulance, House, and Builders. If you come to Monterey and have children between the ages of 2-10, I highly recommend this. We stayed for an hour and a half, went and got lunch, then came back for an hour and a half....and after those 3 hours, Logan STILL didn't want to leave!! If we weren't moving in 5 months I would definitely consider getting a membership!

Here is Logan at the My Theater exhibit. Behind the curtains they have a lot of costumes for the kids to dress up in and come out it. Off to the side there are buttons for sound effects, too!

This is at the Farming exhibit where kids can sit on the tractor and they can "pick" the carrots, strawberries, etc from the farm.

This was Logan's favorite. I think he spent most of his time in the ambulance pushing the different buttons to make the lights and siren to come on.

This picture is for Pa. He loved the golfing exhibit because he would always get a hole in one. There was a little miniature golf course and Logan would just pick up the balls and put them in the hole.

The Ocean exhibit was fun because you could slide down a slide into the "ocean" and climb into the boat where you could be the captain and ring the bell!

2011

2012-01-11T16:08:00.001-08:00

We were supposed to spend New Years Eve with some friends of ours but they ended up canceling earlier in the day because they were sick :( So Austin and I decided we would throw our own party and just spend it at home with just our little family. We headed to Costco to get some finger foods for our little party! Later that evening, we found out that some different friends of ours were going to come over so we ended up spending a couple of hours with them. It was a low-key, relaxing evening...nothing like what this year has been! It's been unreal as to how busy this year has been.

2011 in review:

We celebrated our 3rd anniversary
Austin turned 29 and I turned 24.
The first few months of the year Austin spent his spare time (and then some) studying for the MCAT all while we were both in school full-time.
Austin took the MCAT in April (we are both glad that is over with!).
Austin applied to 27 different medical schools.
Austin got interviews at 9 different schools all over the country.
Austin interviewed at 7 schools while I was in my last trimester and while we were both in school (glad that's over with too!).
Out of those 7, he got accepted to 3 medical schools.
We decided where we wanted to live and what school he wanted to go to and the winner is: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine.
We welcomed Kensley into the world who shares a birthday (barely!) with her brother.

As you can see, this year has mostly been focused around Austin :) As hard as it was for the both of us, we are thankful to have had a successful year filled with love and good health! We have so much to look forward to in 2012 including a big move across the country to Michigan and the start of a long journey through medical school!

This is just a fun picture I took of Kensley today.

It's hard to believe she is already 2 months old!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-11T15:54:00.000-08:00

This holiday season was filled with lots of things going on. A few weeks before Christmas, Austin bought me an ipad2 and we decided that would be my Christmas gift (fine with me!)! When Christmas Day came around, I saw that he also bought me a keyboard for my ipad (he broke the rules...we were only supposed to get each other stocking stuffers for each other for Christmas Day and I don't think a keyboard is considered a stocking stuffer). Austin had been desperately been needing a new pair of shoes so that's what he got from, and of course the usual stocking stuffers; socks, candy, body wash, etc.

On Christmas Eve the Bennion's did their traditional dinner

Logan loved having his cousins in town (most of the time :) ). Here he is with his cousin Jane.

We took Logan and Kensley to see Santa and Logan surprisingly

didn't throw a fit so we got a decent picture!

The gingerbread house we made at Gammy's house

This is just a sweet picture I love of Logan and Kensley

Kensley's Blessing

2012-01-11T15:38:00.000-08:00

We blessed Kensley on Christmas Day which made it an even more special day for us. My mom and dad were able to come into town for this special event and all of Austin's siblings except for this brother John (him and his wife had just welcomed their sweet little girl into the world in West Virginia like a week or so prior to Christmas so they weren't able to make it here for Christmas) were able to be here for Christmas and spend this special time with us. We were so thankful to have so many family members around for this special event!

Our little family

All of the family members that were there

The men that were in the circle.

Adam, Christian, Austin, Pops (Grandpa Bennion),

Christian (AKA Briggs), Richard, and Pa (Grandpa Nicolls)

This is the best picture I got of her on her special day :(

Turkey Day

2011-11-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

This year the Nicolls side of the family was together in Fresno. Family drove from Utah, Las Vegas, and Monterey to spend Thanksgiving Day (and a couple days before and after) at my parents house. All together we had about 30 people at my parents house. We always get so excited weeks, even months, before we are going to see each other because we know we are in for a good time and a lot of laughs! This year, my mom and sister wanted to make Thanksgiving a little nicer than usual. We usually use paper plates and find our own seat. Well this year, they made nice place settings, along with placement cards (assigned seating), and a fun dessert table. All had a good time and it was a Thanksgiving I will always remember, especially since this is the last Thanksgiving where we will be living in California before we move to the other side of the country and hope to be able to come back for future holidays while going through medical school.

Two out of the four tables that were set up

Some cute decorations my sister put up. To the right is our "thankful tree". This was a tree that we were able to write what we were thankful for on. Some of them included: family and friends, a loving and forgiving Heavenly Father, Diet Mountain Dew and Beets, food, all of you, and a hard-working dedicated husband.

This was the dessert table. There were so many yummy desserts and we had SO MANY leftovers. Some of the desserts included: of course pumpkin pie, apple pie, chocolate pudding pie, banana pudding pie, german chocolate cupcakes, red velvet cupcakes, reeses peanut butter cupcakes and a fun treat called white trash (seriously sooo yummy!).

The kids table.

My dad made a "man cave" for the men. They moved the furniture from the living room into the garage and my dad set up a tv with surround sound in there for the men to watch their football games out of the house. It was perfect for the men.

Kensley was passed around all day long but her first stop was to grandma. She hung out with grandma and aunties in the kitchen while they finished last minute cooking stuff.

Our little turkey

All the cousins had a ball playing together.

And all the cousins loved Kensley. Maddox in particular just couldn't get enough of her.

We are so grateful for everything we have and especially grateful for the many friends and family we have to share these holidays with and be around during this time of the year.

Kensley

2011-11-13T20:42:00.000-08:00

Kensley Marilyn Bennion

11.09.11

11:09 pm

7lbs 14oz

19.5 inches

She is finally here! My due date was November 5th (the same due date I had with Logan). Since I have chronic high blood pressure, my doctor didn't want me to deliver too far past my due date due to the placenta becoming calcified which could cause the nutrients and oxygen from getting to the baby. Well, my due date was on a Saturday and I'm guessing my doctor didn't want to induce me on the weekend so we set the time for me to be induced on Tuesday, November 8th at 2pm. We showed up at the hospital at 2pm thinking that they would get me started on pitocin and I would have her that night or early Wednesday morning. Well we thought wrong. Doctor checked me and found out I was only 1 cm dilated and only 25-50% effaced. So instead of starting me on pitocin she inserted Cervidil (which is used to thin out the cervix) vaginally and we had to wait 12 hours before she checked me again. So I stayed at the hospital overnight hoping and praying it would work and I would either go into labor or my cervix would be really thin by the time she checked again. Well, Wednesday morning came around and the doctor checked me again. I was only at a 2 and 60% effaced. Doctor didn't think I was quite ready to be started on pitocin yet so they inserted Cytotec (which is a pill and is also inserted vaginally) and had me wait for 4 hours to see if this did the trick to thinning my cervix. Finally after 4 hours, it was time to start the pitocin. Pitocin started its drip at 1:20 pm on Wednesday afternoon. Contractions came quick and strong. I was dealing with contractions pretty well...I would sit up in the bed and relax and sway back and forth to ease the pain. My mother-in-law is a doula and was an awesome coach during labor. I labored naturally until I was dilated to a 6. Then they told me that the baby's heart rate was dropping through each contraction and that I needed to lay down. I couldn't deal with the contractions laying down so I got the epidural. I got the epidural at 9:45pm and delivered Kensley at 11:09pm. My sister went out to get the doctor at 10:55pm and 14 minutes later and only pushing through 2 contractions, she was here! When she came out, the cord was wrapped around her neck and her arm, and when the placenta came out my doctor said, "this is a calcified placenta!" I'm glad she is finally here safe and sound! Oh and I forgot to mention that her and Logan share the same birthday. Logan was born on 11.09.09 and Kensley was born on 11.09.11 at 11:09pm! Kinda crazy.

Logan's first time meeting his little sister. He just loves her to pieces and can't get enough of her.

Logan always wants to hold her.

Finally home from the hospital.

3 days old.

We are in love with little Miss Kensley.

Acceptance

2011-11-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

I am proud to announce that my husband has been accepted to Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine in Rochester Michigan. This is where we will be moving next summer and living for at least 4 years. When he went to interview he was really impressed with the school and hospital. He will be part of the 2nd class attending this school. They only accepted 75 students out of the 420 that they interviewed and he was one of them!

We are really excited to move on to the next chapter in our lives. But one thing I'm not looking forward to is a lot of this...

and doing this...

But one thing I am looking forward to is having one of these in the home after all is said and done.

Congratulations babe! I am so proud of you!

Trunk-or-Treat

2011-10-30T13:34:00.001-07:00

Last night we went to my in-laws ward for Trunk-or-Treating. I'm not one to really get into Halloween. I personally think that spending money on costumes that you are only going to wear once or twice is kind of silly so I try to think of costumes that has apparel that I can wear through out the following year(s). So this year, with the help of my sister, we came up with the idea to go as a stick figure family. All 3 of us already had the black pants so all we needed to get were 3 long sleeved shirts (that we of course can wear again and again) and some white duct tape.

Here we are...the stick figure family. Doesn't my husband look thrilled?

Since the picture above is the only picture we got of our family, and more than half of Logan's body is cut off in it, I figured I better get one of just him. Well, he was too busy having fun and would hardly pay attention to me so this is the best picture I got of him.

Logan's Birthday Celebration

2011-10-22T20:20:00.000-07:00

Logan's 2nd birthday isn't until November 9th, but since my due date is the 5th and we don't know when Kenley will decide to come, we decided to celebrate his birthday early since we will be tied up around his birthday. So today, my family came into town from Fresno, my in-laws made the drive to Santa Cruz with us, and we went to Roaring Camp Railroads. Logan is OBSESSED with trains so we figured this would be a fun little birthday celebration for him.

Waving goodbye to those not taking the ride!

The train ride was an hour long and halfway through the ride, train stopped and let us get off for a few minutes. It was fun to get a good look at the steam train and snap a family picture!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-21T20:23:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Patch

Salinas, CA

October 21, 2011

Uncle Porter was ready to pull Logan in the wagon when we got there.

Logan loved being pulled around and he loved seeing all of the pumpkins. He LOVES the show Spookley the Square Pumpkin so he was in heaven at the pumpkin patch!

2011-10-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

One year ago today, Austin and I sat in the emergency room hoping and praying what we thought was happening really wasn't. Usually when you go to the emergency room you have to wait for hours on end just to get called back. This time, they called us back relatively quick. They admitted me overnight and the next morning, my obgyn stood by my hospital bed and told me I in fact, did have a miscarriage. Even though we were expecting that was the case, those were some of the hardest words I have ever had to hear. I was 11 weeks--almost 1/3 of the way done with the pregnancy. As soon as they could, they got me into the operating room and performed a D&C. I wasn't in recovery long and they sent me on my way home. After getting home I got in the shower and sobbed. I had never cried so hard in my life. I never thought I would have to go through something like this. I didn't realized how attached I was to this little one already. Austin and I hugged each other and cried together. We never want to go through anything like that again. It might not seem like a big deal to some, but you don't know what it's like or how it feels unless you have been through it yourself.

In this one year, so much has happened and we have been so blessed. Austin and I were able to get pregnant within 4 months of the miscarriage and are now expecting a sweet baby girl, Kenley, to enter our lives in the next month. This pregnancy has had its ups and downs for sure. My first appointment I had protein in my urine, and for those of you that know what that means--it's not a good thing. My doctor had told me that if I was further along at that point I would have been admitted to the hospital. During the beginning of my pregnancy I had high blood pressure. So because of the protein in my urine, high blood pressure, and previous miscarriage, the doctor has categorized this pregnancy as high risk. Throughout the pregnancy I have had to have extra ultrasounds, NST's, AFI's and BPP's. A few times when they have checked the fluid, they have been worried that there hasn't been enough in there. It seems like with this pregnancy we have had non-stop issues--one thing after another. I am so grateful to have a mother who has jumped in the car at numerous times on short notice to come help me with Logan while I have had extra tests done or to go to class. Between Austin working 3 jobs, going to school full-time, and traveling from state to state to go to medical school interviews, I have definitely needed her help.

Big Brother

2011-09-30T23:27:00.001-07:00

Ever since we found out we were having baby #2, I knew Logan would be a great older brother. Anytime he sees a baby he always gets a big smile on his face while pointing and saying "baby"! A friend of mine gave us this cute little doll as part of a baby gift and yesterday Logan found it as it was in perfect reach for him to grab through the crib railings. He picked it up and walked into the other room. The next thing I know, he has brought me the "baby" and is telling me she has poops lol. I played along with it, told him to go get me the wipes, and he did. I wiped her bum and handed her back to him. Well today, he did the same thing. He brought her to me and told me she has poops, only this time I told him to wipe her bum. So what did he do? Exactly what I told him to do...he took care of business.

Look at those skills...taking out the wipes while still holding the "baby".

Taking care of business.

We can't forget to wipe her face.

All better!

Our Little Outing

2011-09-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

Today in Monterey it hit 90*. This is very rare for us and since we are used to 60* weather year round, us locals have a hard time with this. Houses over here aren't built with A/C's so we are stuck with just having a fan on. Well, our power went out at the hottest time of the days so turning on a fan wasn't an option for us. So what did I decide to do? I decided Logan and I would go out for pizza (since they do have A/C) and then I would take him to the beach. Well after thinking about it, I really wasn't in the mood to be walking in the sand, climbing up and down the sand dunes (it's hard enough walking in the sand, let alone up hill), dragging Logan, carrying shoes, and being 8 1/2 months pregnant so I figured the park by our house would have to do.

Logan LOVES the park. He didn't want to leave when I said it was time to go. He threw a fit. I was in my car saying goodbye and he just kept going on the slides.

BOO

2011-09-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

I made a new October wreath--except this one isn't like my usual lima bean wreath. I found the idea on Pinterest and I figured it was easy enough for the non-crafty person that I am to do.

Here is mine

Compared to Pinterest's.

Not bad for a rookie, huh?

Suggestions?

2011-09-26T14:18:00.000-07:00

I'll admit. I am one of those mothers that lets Logan watch TV all day everyday. I guess I feel like it is the easiest solution for me to keep him busy while I work on homework, cook meals, do laundry, and do the usual everyday household chores. These days, I hardly ever see my husband. Literally. For example, our schedule today goes a little something like this: Austin has class from 8-9am, he comes home to shower then I shower and get ready for class, I go to class from 11-130, drop Austin off at school at 2 and I won't see him again until 8pm--just in time to start getting Logan ready for bed. Five days a week are packed like this. And that doesn't count him going out of town for a couple of days at a time for medical school interviews. Within the next 4 weeks, he will be attending 5 more interviews and shortly after that we will have our 2nd child. As you can see, I am home with Logan all day until bedtime. So like I said, if I want to get anything done around the house or any school work done, I turn on a show for Logan. Since he has been watching TV a lot, he has become obsessed with trains and monkeys (Thomas the Train and Curious George are his favorites). I need help. How do I break Logan of his TV watching habit and find things for him to do that will keep him busy enough so I can get things done?

Salinas Air Show

2011-09-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

Today Logan and I went with some family to the Salinas Air Show. It was fun to get out of the house and walk around and see all of the different kinds of aircraft's. Our first stop was the C-17. This aircraft is massive--it can fit trucks with trailers AND passengers. Austin has occasionally flown on this kind of aircraft with the military so it was fun to actually see it in person for myself.

C-17 Cockpit

One part of the wall on the aircraft where the passengers sit. Don't those chairs look comfy? lol

The C-17 and other aircraft's were cool and all but the ROBOSAURUS topped it all! This thing blew fire, picked up and crushed cars, and set the cars on fire!

Logan enthralled with the ROBOSAURUS!

Finally

2011-09-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

Well I finally did it! I have been working on making this car seat canopy/tent for a few months now and I finally got it done. I know most people would be able to make this in just a couple of hours at most but I'm a girl who doesn't know the first thing about a sewing machine. I thought about just buying one but I couldn't justify paying $40 for one.

The finished product :)

We have also finally agreed on a name for our baby girl who will be here in about 6 weeks. We have decided on Kenley Marilyn Bennion. Kenley is just a name that we both like and Marilyn is Austin's grandma's name who we both adore to pieces!

Pony Ride

2011-09-17T14:26:00.000-07:00

Today the CSU Monterey Bay Equestrian Team were doing free pony rides along with a bunch of other fun things for kids. We decided this would be the perfect time and something fun for Logan to do. He could hardly wait his turn to get on.

Giving "Soda Pop" kisses after riding him :)

Fresno Fun

2011-09-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we made the usual monthly trip to Fresno for Austin's military duty. I always go with him because my family lives there and it gives me time to hang out with them and occasionally see good friends. Since we were coming to Fresno, my sister planned a little luncheon baby shower for me with only family and close friends invited. She did a fabulous job as usual--the table was set up so cute that employees at the restaurant were taking pictures of it. I, of course, forgot to take pictures! So bummed. She surprised me by having my cousin, Vanessa, fly into town on Friday night from Las Vegas and then she also surprised me as to where we were going for lunch. They blindfolded me, and since my mom knows I know Fresno like the back of my hand, she had to take the route to Tahoe Joes Steakhouse through neighborhoods to throw me off. Saturday was a busy day. It started off with Austin realizing he had only brought two right boots. He was pacing back and forth around the house trying to figure out what the heck he was going to do. Does he try and find a place that sells military uniforms and get new ones? No, because no place is open at 645 am. Does he wear his tennis shoes? Nope, that won't fly at the base. Well, the only choice he has left was to wear the two right boots. I was laughing so hard that morning I for sure thought I was going to wake Logan up. I was laughing so hard I was crying and could barely breathe. Thankfully, Austin was a good sport about it. As he was about to leave the house to head to the base he said, "I'm going to kick you with my right boot...you don't know which one." As he walked away I replied with, "Right, right, right right right" (to the chant left, left, left right left). Everyone was laughing about it all day long so when he came home from his military duty that evening, my sisters mother-in-law had this shirt made for him (she has a screen printing machine).

Saturday morning we had my nephews first soccer game to go to. He absolutely loved it and did such a good job! Good job Maddox :)

Out of all the awesome and adorable things I got at my baby shower, this is the only one I have a picture of right now. My good friend Megan Wilcox made baby girl all of these cute bows! I am so excited for baby girl to wear them (wish we had a name for her so I could stop calling her baby girl)!
*These are the only pictures I took all weekend. I can't believe it. I need to be better at taking pictures!!

Southern California

2011-08-02T20:28:00.000-07:00

This last week we headed to Southern California for our last vacation before we have baby #2! Our first stop was to see two of Austin's really good friends.

There is never a dull moment when these guys are together.

We hung out at the Bass Pro Shop.

Bambi giving Logan kisses :)

Austin practicing his shooting.

After visiting with Austin's friends for a few days, we headed to San Clemente where Austin's side of the family (Grandi, aunts, uncles, and cousins) hung out for the week. It was fun to see his side of the family again and relax on the beach.

I just love this picture. Grandi is playing with Logan on the beach and you can tell Logan is loving it.

Logan and Uncle Richard

Most evenings ended like this.

A small fraction of the cousins (plus Grandi and Uncle Wayne) had to tune into the season finale of the Bachelorette :)

Salinas Rodeo

2011-07-23T21:03:00.000-07:00

Today we went on a little family outing to the Salinas Rodeo! This was my first time going to a Rodeo and I loved it. I was amazed at what these guys could do!

Austin, Logan, and I with our hats :)

Cute Logan (it makes me so sad to look at these pictures...he's a little boy now, he's not a baby!)

Logan at the petting zoo!

He loved it...can't you tell?

On the way to the rodeo we went to the car wash. While waiting for our car to get done, I snapped this cute picture!

PS-I'm in need of an answer. Do you pronounce rodeo: ro-DEE-o or ro-DEH-o?

Yoga Pants

2011-07-19T14:43:00.000-07:00

The first time I saw this commercial I instantly thought of myself!

Birthday Party

2011-07-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

Logan's friend, Maddison, had her 2nd birthday party at her gymnastics place. It was fun for the kids to run around and play on the trampoline, balance beams and slide. They also had a bounce house/slide that the kids played on. It was a great way for all the kids to get their wiggles out! Happy Birthday Maddison!

Logan and the birthday girl!

When we told them to stand next to each other so we could take a picture, they kept leaning over to each other to kiss (they are best buds).

Excited to announce that we are...

2011-06-27T21:22:00.000-07:00

When we had the ultrasound done last Wednesday the ultrasound tech asked us if we wanted a boy or girl. I said, "I would be happy with either. I love my boy but I gotta get my girl at some point." She then said, "Well, you got your girl!" I was so happy I could have jumped off the examination table. She (oh that is so fun to say), is growing right on track and her due date is still November 5th! Yes, we (or should I say "I") have some names in mind but nothing that really stands out to us quite yet! Name suggestions are always appreciated :)

In honor of Father's Day...

2011-06-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

In honor of Father's Day, I thought I would share a video that my dad sent me today. It is hilarious and there are so many things in it that remind me of both my dad and husband. I am so grateful to have an amazing husband who is so good with Logan and is so involved in parenting. I am also so grateful for my dad...he is the best, love you dad! I can't forget about my father-in-law on this special day either, I am so grateful to actually be one of those few people who get along with their in-laws and enjoy being around them...even if it is just to watch the Bachelor/Bachelorette, right David?

Baby #2

2011-04-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

ETA: November 5th, 2011...the same exact due date I had with Logan, only he was 4 days late! Will my two kids be exactly two years apart and share the same birthday? We shall find out near the end of the year. We are thrilled and can't wait to meet our little one. I'm 13 weeks, and now that I am out of the first trimester I am feeling pretty good. The first trimester was a rough one for me.

Single Parenting

2011-04-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have found out (to a small degree) what single parenting is like. Austin is getting ready to take the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) in exactly one week from today. For those of you who don't know, the MCAT is a crucial test that determines if he can get into medical school. He has been preparing for this test since November. Between his weekly online Kaplan class, practice MCAT tests, study groups, and personal study time, Logan and I have been left to do things on our own. This past week I have hardly even seen my husband. In fact, yesterday I got out of the house with Logan so that Austin could have some quiet study time without Logan and I home. I went to lunch with a friend and my mother-in-law and after we ran a bunch of errands. We were gone for 3 hours. When we got home and after Logan took a nap, Austin left for a study group and while he was at the study group, I went to my in-laws. I didn't get home until almost 10pm. When I got home I told Austin that I could really use a break (Logan doesnt go to bed until we got to bed which is between 1030-1130). Austin simply said, "Kristen, I wish I could give you a break, but this week, I can't give you any." I can't wait until he is done taking the MCAT. Everytime I see my husband his head is in a book studying. Those of you who are wives of medical students...please tell me it gets somewhat better!

Special Day

2011-03-17T23:05:00.000-07:00

There are two reasons why St. Patricks day is so special to me. First and foremost, it's this guys birthday! Yup, that right....Austin turned 29 today! He is one year away from turning 30, I can't believe it. I'm married to an old man :) Happy Birthday babe!

The other reason why it is so special to me because it is the anniversary of the day I placed Kendyll for adoption. On March 17th, 2007, Kendyll was legally signed over to the Andersons.
This is a day that I will never forget and it was the hardest day of my life. The hardest of it all? Watching the social worker take her out of the hospital room and to her new family.

This is Kendyll (on the far left) now, 4 years old with her family. I couldn't have chosen a better family for Kendyll. She is so loved and has been more spoiled in her 4 years then I have ever been my whole life. I am eternally grateful for the Andersons, and they of course will always hold a special place in my heart.

March

2011-03-16T22:52:00.000-07:00

I am not the craftiest (is that a word?) person so when I see fun, simple, cheap, and cute crafts like these, I try them! This is my 4th month in a row making these lima bean wreaths and it has been so fun picking out the ribbon for each month. So, if you want a fun, simple, cheap, cute and quick craft to do...try ones of these! If you are anything like me...you'll quickly be addicted.

we're teachin' him young

2011-02-27T22:10:00.001-08:00

Our good friends in the ward have a daughter that is just a few months older than Logan. Last night, we went to dinner and then went bowling afterwards and while waiting for our lane to bowl, we taught them to give each other kisses. Every time after they would kiss each other, they would look at us and clap...it was so cute. I have video of it but for some reason can't add it on here. Anyway, today while at church, they started kissing each other again. They are best buds and we are constantly teasing that they are boyfriend and girlfriend.

As you can see, Logan has his mouth wide open with his tongue out. This is how he kisses everyone. Thankfully, Madison doesn't kiss with her tongue out...we don't want to teach them that kind of kissing justtt yet.

we have a reader, scooter, and video gamer

2011-02-26T15:10:00.000-08:00

Every night we have a bedtime routine. We give Logan a bath and once he is in his jammies we sing him a song and read him a book. He has learned to LOVE books. Sometimes he would rather read a book then play with his toys or watch a show. We keep the books in the guest room and one day after looking all over for Logan, this is where I found him.

Logan has three different bikes/scooters. These are some of his favorite things to play with. He is constantly getting on one of them and scooting himself around, or sometimes just sitting on it while he watches a show. He has become quite the scooter :) Today I found him using a large tupperware to sit on and scoot with in the kitchen. I wish I would have taken a picture of it.

Logan is always watching his dad and uncles play video games. Well last night, he caught on to the trend. Here he is, laying where his dad lays and watches tv/plays video games. Like father like son!

3 Years

2011-02-18T14:05:00.000-08:00

On February 16th we celebrated our 3rd anniversary. Since our anniversary is only 2 days after Valentines day, we celebrate the two of them together. Since I had school the night of the 16th, I took it upon myself to plan our anniversary date. I worked it out with my teacher so I could miss class that night and had my in-laws watch Logan so Austin and I could go out, just the two of us. We haven't been on a date, just the two of us, since before Logan was born so it was much needed. We first went to Benihana's (a teppanyaki steakhouse). It was good, but if you have ever been to Japanese Kitchen or Sakura Chaya in Fresno, you would have not been impressed. After we went to dinner, I had planned for us to go bowling. We showed up at the bowling alley and the lady at the counter told us all of the lanes had been reserved!!! Seriously?! Out of all nights! I was soo bummed! We ended up going to Target instead haha! I didn't get any pictures of our night (I know, I'm lame!).

I got Austin a nice coat from Macy's (originally $78 and I scored getting it for $43)! I also bought myself some black boots from Kohls (originally for like $78 also, and I scored getting them for $27)! Austin got me the Xbox Kinect! We are having a blast with it!

Salute

2011-02-07T21:08:00.000-08:00

Right before I started recording, Austin said, "Hand! Salute!" We are teaching him young! Austin said that next on the list is teaching him how to march! I think we can do it!

Attitude

2011-02-01T22:22:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was the beginning of another semester for me. I am taking 13 units, one of which is math. Tonight, as I walked into my math class, I noticed the class was packed. You know, usually people sit on every other chair and make those that come in later be the ones to take the seat that is awkwardly in between two others. Well as everyone filed into this class, there was no "taking every other seat." I happened to sit by a girl who was obviously not ready for college. She was the typical straight-out-of-highschool girl. Blonde hair, dressed up, make up done, topped with some attitude. The whole time the teacher was introducing the class, this girl was taking very deep breaths. She would breathe so hard that at one point her syllabus flew over to my side of the table. No joke. As we were looking over the syllabus she would laugh and roll her eyes at how much work we would have to do during the semester. In between rolling her eyes and laughing, she would lean over to her friend and say, "I do not want to be here." "It's so cold in here." Constant complaining. At the beginning of the class the teacher had has fill out a survey with one of the questions asking how many units we are currently enrolled in. This girl is enrolled in 4 units! FOUR UNITS!! Seriously? This chick most likely lives at home with her mom and dad, and she is taking four units and complaining about it? Three of those units were coming from this one math class. Sorry, but I wanted to slap her. She ended up walking out in the middle of the lecture which happened to be an hour before class was out.

Moving on.

After going over the syllabus and such my teacher starts talking about how much she loves math. In her opinion, math is the coolest thing in the world. She told us we can't pass the class until we tell her that math is cool and actually mean it. While trying to convince us that math is cool, she opened up a powerpoint and showed us different equations and explained to us that it is like art (they actually were some pretty cool equations). She then goes on to tell us this....

What does it mean when someone tells you to give something your all? To give your 100% effort? Lets switch out the alphabet for numbers, meaning A=1,B=2,C=3 and so on.

H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K

8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11= 98

and

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E

11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5= 96

Hardwork and knowledge are close to what gets you to 100 but not quite. So what is it that actually gets you there?

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E

1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5=100

Thank you Professor Philley for teaching me tonight that your attitude is what helps you give that 100% effort! I just wish that Miss Attitude would have stayed in class a little longer so she could have been able to partake of such a great message!

Fun In The Sun!

2011-01-27T22:31:00.000-08:00

We have been so lucky to have this amazing weather in Monterey this past week. If you know anything about Monterey, you know that 99.9% of the time it is overcast and cold. When the sun comes out and it warms up outside, we take advantage of it and spend as much time outside as possible. Today we decided it would be a good day to go to the beach. Our dog, Kenseth, loves to go to the beach and loves to play fetch IN the water (the water is freezing!)! Logan does really well at the beach, too. Unlike most toddlers, he doesn't want me to hold him. Instead, he loves to put his feet in the sand and runs straight for the water!

After going to the beach and taking a nap, we went to Costco for a couple of things. Here is Logan with his first very own piece of pizza :)

Mini Vacation

2011-01-22T13:12:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was beautiful in Monterey so I called my MIL and asked her if she wanted to go to the beach with Logan and I (Austin was busy doing other things). She had to run errands that day so it wasn't going to work for her. She suggested that we head down to Avila/SLO/Pismo on Thursday and stay overnight. Works for me! We didn't get into town until about 8 so we hung out at the hotel Thursday night and watched American Idol. Friday morning we woke up, spent a couple of hours at the hot springs, went back to the hotel (our hotel was literally on the beach), blew bubbles and hung out on the beach for a bit then headed to Pismo to go to the famous Splash Cafe (I couldn't believe the Bennions had never heard of the yummy place)! After we ate we walked on the pier, watched the surfers, played in the sand, swung on the swings that were on the beach, and got ourselves a little treat! It was a beautiful day and we had such a good time!

Austin, Logan, and I in Avila

Gammy blowing bubbles for Logan. You can tell he was really interested in the bubble blowing :)

Just a fun picture of Logan playing with a fountain at the hotel

Daddy and Logan. I just love this picture.

A Beautiful Day In Monterey!

2011-01-19T13:54:00.000-08:00

2010

2010-12-31T10:20:00.001-08:00

We started 2010 with blessing Logan in January. We are so blessed to have family that traveled here just to hear a 2 minute blessing!
We celebrated our 2 year anniversary in February. Austin surprised me with a trip to Hawaii!
Austin celebrated his 28th birthday (almost 30!), I celebrated my 23rd, and Logan celebrated his 1st!
Logan got 4 new teeth, learned how to crawl and shortly after learned how to walk. Day by day he is getting faster and learning to run!
Logan and I went to Utah for a week to welcome home my cousin Beau who returned from his Mission in Chile. We always love going to Utah to visit the Seagers :)
In June we took our vacation to Hawaii! We went with the Bennion family and had so much fun! Logan was teething so part of the trip was a little rough but overall had a great time!
In July we found out we were expecting another little one but ended up having a miscarriage in October.
We spent Thanksgiving with the Bennions and Christmas with the Nicolls.
Austin started taking a Kaplan course to prepare for the MCAT.
Austin and I both finished 2 semesters all while taking care of a toddler (this is what took up most of our time)!
We welcomed a new niece to the family :) Miley Burton was just born a couple of weeks ago!

All in all, 2010 was a good year. Not the best, not the worst. We are excited to see what 2011 brings us as Austin takes the MCAT in April and starts applying to medical schools. By this time next year we will know where he will be going!

Halloween 2010

2010-12-26T20:12:00.000-08:00

Miley Burton

2010-12-16T00:07:00.000-08:00

Before I begin I need to apologize to my sister who I'm sure would have liked to update her blog about her new baby girl before me but I just couldn't help it. I am too proud of this little girl. Miley Burton was born on December 14th, 2010 weighing in at 6 lbs 15 ounces and 20 inches long. She has such a sweet spirit and what makes it even more sweet is the interaction her older brother has with her. Maddox just loves Miley and she is all he talks about. Pretty much nonstop. My mom and I have been taking care of Maddox while Ashley and Mike have been in the hospital and he just loves Miley so much. Anytime we talk about her, his face lights up and he talks about how she is his baby sister. As we were leaving the hospital tonight, I heard Maddox say in the most quiet voice, "Bye Miley, bye mom, bye dad." It melted my heart. Ashley is recovering really well and will be coming home Friday. Here is a picture of Miley only a couple of hours old. She is a doll and I can't wait for them to come home with her so I can love on her again!

Logan

2010-11-09T14:52:00.000-08:00

A year ago today our lives changed forever. Logan Austin Bennion entered this world at 12:26pm weighing in at 9 lbs 7 oz and 21 1/2 inches long. I remember that day like it was yesterday. Labor started at 12:30am. It was a long and painful night but well worth it. Since day one he has brought a sweet spirit into our home. He is the best baby. We are so lucky to have a little guy like him in our home. I can't wait for the many many more years and memories we have to share with him. Happy 1st Birthday little guy, momma loves you!

I am the newest...

2010-11-08T20:02:00.001-08:00

I just signed up with Gold Canyon Candles today. These candles are seriously THE best. With the holidays coming up, right now is the perfect time to order and/or throw a party! Shoot me an email if you would like to order anything or having any questions :)

Family, Thanksgiving & Logan's Birthday

2010-11-08T08:51:00.000-08:00

This last weekend we went to Fresno for the hubs to do his military duty. While we were there we had Thanksgiving with my family because we will be spending Thanksgiving Day in Monterey with the Bennion side and my mom has to work that day. My mom slaved in the kitchen from about 11am-5:30pm and that doesn't include clean up. After we ate we celebrated Logan's first birthday with them since his birthday is Tuesday and they won't be here to celebrate it with him. While my mom was slaving in the kitchen making dinner, I was slaving in the kitchen making Logan's cake. I decided to do a big cupcake for him and then the rest of us just had pie (I was trying to make this as low key as possible). This was my first time making a big cupcake and we had a couple technical difficulties but it ended up turning out alright. Here is the picture of it. I keep telling everyone that it's a good thing it's his 1st birthday cake and not his 16th. As I'm sure he would be so embarrased of it if his mother made a cake that looked like this for his 16th birthday. He got lots of good stuff. He got some really cute clothes, a bath toy, a Sing-a-ma-jig (if you've never seen these or if you don't have one you gotta get one! They are so much fun and addicting for adults too), and he got some movies. So fun!

Halloween 2010

2010-10-30T11:02:00.001-07:00

Last night was our ward Halloween party. We dressed Logan up as Brian Wilson (can you tell we're Giants fans and proud that they are playing in the World Series?). I went as a football ref and Austin didn't have a costume, so last minute we put a picture of a quarter on his back and he was a quarterback.

FEAR THE BEARD!

This isn't the best picture. It was after he had eaten candy and slobbered.

Happy Halloween and Go Giants!

The Story

2010-10-07T17:27:00.000-07:00

My heart is full. Full of sadness, full of pain, full of love for my husband, son, our deceased baby, and family members, and full of comfort. On Sunday evening I noticed I had started spotting. It first startled me but then after talking it over with a few different people I wasnt too worried about it because I had heard that it is normal to spot during the early weeks of a pregnancy, especially since I had no cramping with it. Monday I started to bleed even more, this made me start to worry a little more and I started questioning whether I should go to the ER or not. Since I had a doctors appointment coming up on Wednesday I figured I would just wait until my appointment and hope that the bleeding goes away. So Monday night I got a blessing. Tuesday came along and I started bleeding even more. It worried me enough to call Austin, have him come home from class, and I had him take me to the ER. We met Austins family at a nearby store to hand Logan off to them, hoping to be done within a couple of hours. We got to the ER and we got in fairly quick (as fairly quick as an ER can be), after drawing my blood several times and doing an ultrasound we sat and waited for the results. We waited and waited and waited. Several hours. It felt like an eternity. We were anxious to find out what was going on with our unborn child. The doctor finally came in and told us that they were going to check my vitals then send me home and that my OBGYN would see me first thing in the morning to go over the ultrasound results and maybe even run a few more tests. Excited to go home and see my Logan, I was still nervous as to what the results were. The nurses checked my vitals before letting me leave but my heart rate was way too high for them to let me go home. After giving me 3 bags of fluids, my heart rate still wouldnt go under 110. The ER doctor decided it would be best for me to be admitted and stay overnight for observation. I was bummed. What? I don't get to go home now? I dont get to go see my Logan? This was the longest we had been away from Logan and it was heartbreaking. Especially what we were going through. I just wanted to sit and love on him. My wonderful husband stayed overnight with me. He didn't sleep. In fact, he had to sit on a chair the whole night. They didnt have a bed or anything for him to lay on. I felt so bad. I love him even more for that because I needed him there. The next morning (Wednesday morning) we waited for the OBGYN to come in and tell us the results. We were expecting the worst. We knew that at this point I either had a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. In the ultrasound results the gestational sac and fetus were not distinguishable. I, infact, did have a miscarriage and we came to the decision that it would be best for me to have a D&C. I was approximately 11 weeks. So close to being out of the first trimester. A couple hours later they took me into surgery and I was home within a couple of hours after that. I finally got Logan in my arms, held him and cried. We all cried. I didn't know how much I was already attached to this sweet little baby. Words cant describe what it is like to lose a child, at any age. This experience has drawn my husband and I closer. The love we have for each other has grown. A special thanks to my in-laws for helping out SO MUCH while we have gone through this. Also a special thanks to my family. I can always count on them. My mom will be here this weekend to help me with Logan while Austin goes out of town.

Thanks to everyone for your love and support. Given the circumstance, we are doing pretty good. We try to stay in good spirits most of the time but sometimes we cant help but to just cry. We are firm believers in that everything happens for a reason. We know this is in the Lords hands and whatever the reason is, we trust in him. He is the reason why we have the comfort that we do while grieving this loss.

Absence truly makes the heart grow fonder

2010-09-23T17:26:00.000-07:00

I miss this guy.

At the beginning of this month, Logan and I went to Utah for a week to visit some family and welcome home my cousin who came home from his mission. We were home for 3 days when the hubs left for some military training in Alpena, Michigan. Logan is missing his dad and I am missing my hubs.

Logan says his first word...

2010-09-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

He says it the best at 12 seconds!

A small update with some big news!

2010-09-13T21:36:00.000-07:00

It's been forever since I have had any interesting posts with some cool pictures on here (besides the pictures of my favorite little boy in the whole world in the previous post). Right now I am in Utah because my cousin Beau came hime from his mission from Chile (Welcome Home Beau!) and Logan is asleep so I have a quick minute to update. We have been super busy. School has started for both Austin and I. Austin is so busy with school, reffing (sp?) high school football, CA meetings, and so forth that I hardly ever see him. I got a new laptop so when I have a minute I will have to add pictures on it and do a real update. Until then.....we just found out some good news... WE'RE EXPECTING BABY #2--DUE DATE APRIL 25, 2011. WE ARE THRILLED!!

2010-09-05T10:41:00.001-07:00

Whale Watching

2010-07-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

Austin and I kept hearing on the news that there has been a good amount of Blue Whales here in Monterey the past couple of weeks. So today Austin and I decided to go whale watching out on a boat. We had planned to take Logan but on our way to get on the boat his Uncle Richard called and offered to babysit for us. Thank goodness for Uncle Richard because if he hadn't watched Logan then the boat ride would have been miserable. The boat was so rocky and we were out there for 2 hours. We saw about 10-12 blue whales and 2 of them came right up to the boat. It was kinda scary. These blue whales are HUGE!!!

2010-07-13T19:59:00.001-07:00

Eclipse

2010-06-30T18:09:00.001-07:00

Last night my friends, Kim and Kristi, along with my sister-in-law, Sarah, and I all went and saw the midnight showing of Eclipse. I haven't read the books (go ahead, call me Crazy), but I have always been a fan of the movies. It was my first time going to a midnight premiere of a movie and boy was it fun! Since I am usually in bed by 11pm, I knew I would have a hard time staying awake during the movie, so earlier that day I headed to Dollar Tree so I could pick myself up some treats to munch on while watching the movie to keep me awake! We didn't show up until about 11:15pm and the movie started at 12:05am. As you can probably guess, we were one of the last ones in line (we all had kids to put to bed before we could leave and we weren't about to stand in line for hours on end!), which put us in the second row. We were so close that at times I felt nauseated and we made jokes how we were so close we could touch Jacob. Us ladies all had a good time making fun of all the teenybopper girls. Everyone started to scream and clap as the movie started and when Jacob came on screen without a shirt on, we found ourselves screaming right along with them :) I had a fabulous time! Thanks to my hubby for taking care of Logan while I was out drooling over another man!

I Love My Husband

2010-05-13T12:21:00.001-07:00

This morning Austin had to spray paint a project for school. He told me he was going to go outside and spray paint it and I thought he was smart enough to either do it on the grass or put newspaper down underneath it. Well I guess my expectations of him were too high because as he opened the front door to bring it back inside, this is what I saw...

I could just beat him!!!

PS- I just asked him what he was thinking when he was spray painting it like that and what is whole thought process was and he answered saying, "I hope I don't run out of spray paint!" ...ya...not the answer I was looking for.

2010-04-25T22:56:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe how long it has been since I have updated my blog. I'm not going to add any pictures with this update, except for one, sorry but I am in the process of getting them organized in different folders on my computer and uploading them to photobucket. The only picture that I added to this post is the one below. It's Logan's first time in a highchair and as you can see he loved it! We have been sooooo busy around here. Our school schedules are so crazy that on Mondays I literally hand off the baby to Austin outside while he is getting home from school and I am leaving for school. Life is hectic in the Bennion household. While I try to tend to my little one, do laundry, clean the house, do homework, shower, make dinner, etc...all while Austin is at school...but hey, I guess that is the life of a mother, right? April 1st we were able to go to Disneyland with my family and some good friends from Arizona. It was a quick, fun trip at it was just what I needed during my Spring Break. In the beginning of April, Logan started on solids. He eats some in the morning and before bed and he is doing great! We can't wait until the semester ends so we can relax in Hawaii without having to worry about a thing! Austin has become an official volunteer at Laguna Seca and he is excited for the races to begin. For Austin's birthday I got him a huge tent and so we are hoping to go camping next month. I know I have been the worst blogger lately but like I said, life is pretty hectic over here and I rarely have more than 10 minutes to get on the computer at one time.

Worst Blogger Ever

2010-04-13T15:58:00.001-07:00

I know I am the worst blogger ever. We have been super busy lately but don't worry, a much needed update will be coming soon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE MOST HANDSOME MAN

2010-03-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OLD MAN! I LOVE YOU :)

Logan's First Roll

2010-03-03T14:56:00.000-08:00

It is kind of dark but I just happened to catch his first roll on my phone today!

Valetines Day/Anniversary

2010-02-21T14:27:00.000-08:00

This year we celebrated Valentines Day all weekend long! It started out Friday night when Austin surprised me by telling me we are going to Hawaii June 4th-11th! We are so excited and can hardly wait for school to be over so we can go! Friday night we also watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. Saturday we watched the Olympics then went to dinner with Austins family to Marie Calendars which was nice because we bought a pie to bring home for a Valentines Day treat! Sunday morning I made Austin heart-shaped pancakes, bacon, and strawberries and Sunday night we had steak. Then since our 2nd anniversary was on the 16th we decided we would go to lunch together on Monday since we would be busy with school the following day (our anniversary). Overall, it was a nice, relaxing weekend!

Valentines Day Breakfast

Oh ya, and on Saturday morning Austin went to the store and came home with Logan's Valentines Day present...a jumper! (I think it is more for me then for Logan)

I had to take this picture of Austin. He cracks me up. This is him writing in my card for me because he forgot to do it and was too lazy to go in the other room so he had me bring the bag with my card in it to him and a pen so he could write in the card before giving it to me.

This is Logan's Valentines Day gift that Gammy (Grandma Bennion) got for him. He is getting so big!

After working out yesterday I jumped in the shower. Well, while I was in the shower, Austin decided to give Logan his first taste of solids...and he didn't feed him rice cereal, he fed him carrots! And yes, he fed Logan his first solids without me there! I could just beat him for that!

With both of us in school full-time and trying to take care of a baby, we stay busy! This week Austin's sister is in town with her husband and their 3 little girls and then on April 1st we are headed to Disneyland with my family!

Going Private

2010-02-15T20:28:00.001-08:00

We will be going private March 1st. If you want to be invited to read our blog, please leave your email address! Thanks :)

Logan laughing at Kenseth

2010-02-11T23:25:00.000-08:00

What have we been up to lately, you ask?

2010-01-30T20:10:00.000-08:00

We have been doing a lot of this...

Eating lots of these...

Not so much of these...

Because Austin said that once we are in shape, he will take me here...

On another note, it's back to the old grind. Yes, another semester has started for us.

Logan Loves His Dad

2010-01-20T19:30:00.000-08:00

Recently Austin has been playing this little game with Logan and Logan absolutely loves it!

Logan's Blessing

2010-01-08T13:16:00.000-08:00

On January 3rd we had the opportunity to bless Logan. We were lucky enough to have family and friends come into town to share this special day with us.

Four generation picture

Family & Friends who came

Austin, Logan and I

All the men who stood in the circle minus Maddox

2009

2009-12-31T20:44:00.000-08:00

What a year it has been! Here are a few highlights from 2009...

January- I started my first semester of college.
February- Austin and I celebrated our 1 year anniversary, we are no longer newlyweds :) We also found out we were expecting our first child. What a fabulous month this was.
March- On St. Patricks Day we celebrated Austin's 27th birthday by going to Round Table's all you can eat lunch buffet, taking a drive down highway 1 through beautiful Big Sur, then ending the night by watching an all time favorite American Idol.
April- While Austin stayed in Monterey, I drove to Fresno to help celebrate my dad's 50th birthday.
June- While in Fresno for my mom's birthday we went to an ultrasound tech where we found out we were having a boy! Later that evening we surprised my mom by telling her the gender (she didn't think we were having an ultrasound to find out the gender until a few weeks later). During this month we both finished school ending with pretty good grades.
July- At the end of July, the Bennion family made a trip to SoCal where we spend a few days soaking up the sun on the beach. Everyone was able to make it except for Laura's family and Austin. Yes, I went alone without my husband. Highlight of the trip was breaking down in the middle of the grapevine on the way there. Being that it was in the middle of summer and I was 5 months pregnant, it's a good thing the Bennion family can always turn something miserable into a good time. During this month, we moved into a different apartment on a different street in the same neighborhood where Austin is now a CA (Community Assistant). With that job comes free rent, that's right...free rent which includes all the utilities, cable, and internet.
August- I celebrated my 22nd birthday. I can't remember what we did. Must have been fun lol. Austin and I also started the fall semester of school.
October- We bought our first new car together. During this month the doctor thought Logan would arrive. That didn't happen.
November- Our bundle of joy arrived on the 9th (4 days late). This was the highlight of the year! We are so happy to have him here! We spent Thanksgiving with Austin's family.
December- Austin and I finished up the fall semester. I ended with a 3.7 GPA (I'm pretty proud of myself especially since I had a baby in the middle of it all). We spent Christmas with my side of the family and while we were there my brother introduced us to my new favorite game 'Curses'. Never heard of it?...Check it out! It is a game that will keep you laughing for hours! No joke. On the 28th Austin's sister, Laura, had her new baby girl. That makes number 3 for her! We also found out that Austin's brother, John, and his wife are expecting their first child and is due in June! Congrats guys!

2009 was a fun and eventful year and we are ready for what 2010 brings us! What's a better way to start off the new year than having your baby blessed? That's right, we are blessing Logan this Sunday!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Worst Blogger/A Little Update

2009-12-28T17:20:00.001-08:00

Ever since I had Logan I have become the worst blogger. I use to blog almost everyday but since he was born I have been slacking on it. I don't know how you mothers with 3 and 4 children keep up with blogging. Maybe I will someday learn how to blog consistently with just him and I at home. Just a quick update: Austin, Logan and I went to Fresno for Christmas. It was so much fun. My brother got me a game called "Curses", it is such a fun game and the laughing never ends! Seriously. The first time we played, the game ended with everyone ready to go to bed because we were all so exhausted from laughing so much. We just got home from Fresno yesterday and although we love going home to see the family, it is always nice to get back to your own bed. While we were in Fresno we got a phone call from Austin's brother telling us that him and his wife are expecting their first child. We are thrilled for them! Austin's sister, Laura, had her 3rd baby girl this morning which they named her Madelynn Lucinda Marriott. She is such a doll! This Sunday we are blessing Logan. I am so excited for the family to come visit us. I will try to get pictures up asap but until then this is all you bloggers are going to get!

One Month Old

2009-12-09T19:51:00.001-08:00

I can't believe he is one month old today. Time has gone by sooo fast. He is growing up too quick. He is so alert and loves to smile. He is also really strong. If he is sitting on my lap he will stand up. I can't believe it. Here are a few shots I took that I had to share. Enjoy.

There isn't anything to eat in this house....

2009-12-09T19:47:00.000-08:00

Ha, ya right. Austin and I went grocery shopping today and after we put the groceries away, I couldn't believe how much food we had.

4 weeks old

2009-12-07T16:21:00.000-08:00

Picture Of The Week

2009-11-27T20:36:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken today at Logan's doctors appointment. I just love it. He is so alert and looking right at the camera.

PS- I know I am behind on my blogging but lately I have been a busy mother while trying to deal with having mastitis and a fussy baby with thrush. My mom is coming to town on Sunday and will be holding him all day so I will catch up then when I have my arms free for a while. Until then, enjoy this picture of my two favorite boys!

2009-11-16T07:32:00.000-08:00

Another Picture of Logan

2009-11-12T13:41:00.000-08:00

2009-11-11T14:54:00.000-08:00

2009-11-11T14:35:00.000-08:00

Logan Austin Bennion

2009-11-10T18:25:00.001-08:00

Well guys, he is finally here! I never thought the day was coming. His due date was November 5th and he decided to finally come out on November 9th at 12:23pm weighing 9 lbs 7 ounces and 21.5 inches long. He was a big baby but so easy to push out at delivery! I'm going to write the birth story for journals sake so I'm sorry if to some of you in may be a little too much information. Monday morning at 12:30am, I woke up for my routine potty break and when I wiped I noticed thick blood. My mom has been here since wednesday and she was still awake so I went into her room and asked her what she thought I should do. I was scheduled to see the doctor in the morning so we thought I should just wait it out and see him in the morning instead of going to the hospital. I went back to bed and started feeling crampy for about an hour. At about 1:30am, I could feel more discharge so I went to the bathroom and had even more blood coming out. I started getting nervous so I called the hospital and they told me to come in. I checked in the hospital at about 2:30am and they told me I was in active labor and was still dilated at a 2-3. My doctor came in to check me before he went into his office which was around 7ish and I was dilated to a 4-5. I labored until about 11:15am which was when I just simply could not take the contractions natural anymore so they gave me an epidural. Once they gave me the epidural, Logan's heart rate was dropping like crazy and several nurses were coming in at a one time to try and fix it. I thought they were going to tell me I needed an emergency C-section. The doctor came in to check me at about 12:10am or so and said I was "complete" which means I was ready to start pushing. I couldn't believe it. I had gone from at 4-5 to a 10 in an hour! I pushed for about 15 minutes which was only about 12-15 pushes and he was here! Mom and Logan are doing really good and are now at home. Will post pictures soon when we get them loaded on the computer.

PS- He is already holding his head up all by himself. He is such a strong little guy and we love him to pieces!

Baby Update

2009-11-07T07:39:00.000-08:00

Well, our little guy still hasn't decided to come out. I don't think he is coming out anytime soon unless my water just breaks randomly on its own because I have only been having a few contractions a day. I have been dilated at a 2 for over 2 weeks and doctor thought he would have been here over a week ago. We are patiently (actually I don't know if we are being too patient), for his arrival. My mom has been here since Wednesday but no sign of him. I'll keep you posted if anything else goes on!

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T22:13:00.000-07:00

Today started out with sleeping in. Austin and I then took a walk with the dog and when we got home we got showered and ran a few errands. I then went with my in-laws to their ward Halloween party. After the ward Halloween party we went to our neighborhood for the boys (my 2 younger brother-in-laws) to trick or treat there. Here are a few pictures from the night.

This is Samuel, my 10-year-old brother-in-law, who dressed up as an alien abducting a kid. The costume turned out so well he won best costume.

Samuel & Porter (Porter was Harry Porter lol)

Since Austin is the Community Assistant for our street he had to sit out on the driveway and pass out candy and hot chocolate. We had a good size turn out.

Austin and I (Larry the Cable Guy and a knocked up cowgirl)! Yee Haw!

I hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween!!!

Dear Logan

2009-10-30T18:02:00.000-07:00

Dear Logan,
I know you aren't due to come out for 6 more days but I am pleading with you that you come out sooner. Doctor thought you would have been here by now and I (along with your father and many many other family members) have been wondering each day if it's going to be the day you decide to come out. Logan, you have been making me extremely uncomfortable and making me have sleepless nights. I know once you are here I won't be getting much sleep either but if I'm not going to be getting sleep either way, I would rather have you here with us. We are anxiously waiting for your arrival. I know it's a cold, cruel world out here and I know you are probably cozy, but please come out soon. I love you.

Until we meet,
Mom (and dad....and the other 20 people that ask me everyday if there is any progress)

Fall

2009-10-25T13:44:00.001-07:00

I love this time of the year. I love all the fall decorations, burning fall-scented candles, pumpkin carving, and the weather. Yesterday, my mother-in-law and I went shopping then made a few decorations for our homes.

While we were out, I found this mat for only $6.50 at target. I couldn't pass up such a good buy!

I made this wreath from scratch. Yes, you read that right...from scratch! I am not an artsy kind of girl, in fact I had never made a wreath before, but i thought I would give it a try. Didn't turn out too bad for a rookie, huh?

I carved my pumpkin and drew on the baby's face. Austin still needs to work on his.

If you have any easy fall or even Christmas decoration ideas, please feel free to share! I would love to hear them!

Baby Update

2009-10-20T12:10:00.001-07:00

I went to the doctor this morning. The baby has dropped and I'm 2cm dilated. Doctor thinks he will be here within a week.

37 weeks down...3 to go

2009-10-15T18:04:00.000-07:00

Well, I am now down to my last few weeks of my pregnancy. The end is coming near and Austin and I are getting more and more excited each day. We can't wait for our little guy to get here! Being that I am only 3 weeks from my due date, he can come whenever he wants! I am trying to get everything done around the house and even trying to pack the diaper bag and my bag. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I will def need for the baby or for myself while in the hospital that I need to make sure to have with us? Any suggestions would be helpful! He will be here before we know it and we are soooooo excited we can hardly stand it!

Baby Shower

2009-10-14T10:32:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few pictures from my baby shower 2 weeks ago!

Why is the wedding ring worn on the 4th finger?

2009-10-13T22:07:00.001-07:00

36 down...4 to go

2009-10-08T22:15:00.000-07:00

I'm 36 weeks today and I am getting more uncomfortable as each day passes by. I can't wait for this little guy to get here! A week ago, my sister, mom, and Jenny Parker (my moms good friend aka my other mother), threw a baby shower for me. I have been trying to upload pictures for the past 30 minutes but for some reason it won't let me. I will have to try again tomorrow. As soon as we got home from Fresno on Sunday, I got out all the gifts that I got from the shower and put them away in the nursery/guest room (pictures to come soon of the nursery also). It was so fun nesting and it made me feel even more ready for the baby to come. Four weeks will be here before we know it. It's pretty much just a waiting game now. Stay tuned for more posts and pictures :)

Maternity Pictures

2009-09-28T22:35:00.001-07:00

Since I only have about 5 weeks left before our little one comes, I figured it was probably time to take some maternity pictures. Some good friends from Fresno made a quick trip over here this weekend to take some pictures for us. Here are just a few but if you want to see all of them (there are about 119), go to his website: photocpa.smugmug.com

Is this what I really have to look forward to?

2009-09-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

San Diego Part II

2009-09-20T15:38:00.001-07:00

Here are a few extra pictures that I had from San Diego.

I got to hang out with this cute boy

These are the favors my sister made for the wedding

My mom and dad

The view from behind our hotel

While we were relaxing behind our hotel enjoying the view above, a man walked by with his dog. Well, we asked him what his dog's name was and he said "it's not a dog, it's a Puli." Um, I thought a Puli was a dog.

San Diego Part I

2009-09-20T15:20:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my cousin, Brittney, got married on Coronado Beach in San Diego. Family came from Las Vegas, Monterey, Utah, and Fresno and it was pretty much like a family reunion. We had such a great time together!

Brittney and I at dinner the night before her wedding

The bride getting ready for her big day!

My cousin Vanessa and I waiting for the ceremony to begin

The newlyweds (sorry, this is the best picture I could get of just them 2)

The Nicolls side family

The tables at dinner

The cake

The view from where we sat at dinner

In Remembrance

2009-09-11T10:26:00.001-07:00

I can remember where I was exactly 8 years ago today when I heard the terrible news. I was a freshman in high school. My uncle had just picked my cousin and I up from seminary and was taking us to school. He had informed us of this terrible news and when we got to school, every teacher had their tv on watching the news. What a sad and horrible day. This is in remembrance of those who lost their lives, lost a friend of family member, and those who lost their lives fighting.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

2009-08-29T22:07:00.000-07:00

Today was a fabulous day! Austin had to work the graveyard shift last night. He came in at 8:30 this morning singing Happy Birthday to me and making me get up out of bed to play hot n cold to find my gift (hot n cold is a game the Bennion's play to find your gift on your birthday, it's tradition in their family)! I got up, played hot n cold, found my gift, and then Austin made me breakfast. He made me fluffy waffles, bacon and grapes. It was delicious. He had been up all night at work so after we ate I went back to sleep with him. We slept in until about 11:30am and got ready to go to the beach. We were only at the beach for about 20 mintues but it was nice to just get out of the house. The beaches were packed here in Monterey because it has been hot (for Monterey weather) this weekend and most houses don't have AC units. After we got home from the beach, I gave myself a manicure and pedicure, took a shower and we relaxed a little more. We ordered Applebees to-go for dinner then came home and watched Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie. It was such a nice, relaxing birthday. Thank you for all the birthday wishes that I got!

30 weeks down, 10 to go!

2009-08-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I am already 30 weeks pregnant! It feels like it was just yesterday that we found out I was pregnant! I am proud to say, so far I have not thrown up! Yay for not getting sick! Austin and I started school this week and we are both busy bees! We are both taking a full load of classes. We made our schedules so that when he is home I go to school and vise versa so that when the baby is here we wouldn't have to find a babysitter, so you can imagine how rarely see each other. I can't believe the baby is going to be here in 10 weeks (give or take a couple days/weeks depending on when he decides to come out). After he comes I will still have 6 weeks of school left so I am just praying everything will go well in labor and recovery will go quickly! If you have gone through the same thing I am going through (being pregnant and having a baby in the middle of school), I will take in any advice anyone has!

August 2009

2009-08-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

My sister and I kicked off the month with throwing my cousin Brittney (in the middle in the picture below) a bridal shower. My sister, did most of the work but I like to take credit for some of it :) Brittney is getting married in September on Coronado Beach. We are so happy for her!

Then from August 17th-22nd, my mom, sister and I drove to Utah to attend Education Week. We had a lot of fun even though there was some whining done from me. Being 7 1/2 months pregnant and walking around the campus in the heat is not fun. This trip was the first time my feet got swollen this pregnancy. All in all it was a great time. We stayed with my Aunt and Uncle and had a blast! They are so fun to be around. I was glad my cousin got to drive up from Las Vegas and attend a few classes with us on Thursday. On Wednesday night we went to the play "Joseph and the amazing technicolor dream coat." Our favorite were the narrators so of course we had to get a picture with them. I forgot my camera at home in Monterey so we only had my sisters camera and sadly, this is the only picture we got the whole trip. I'm so glad I went to Education Week. It was my last big vacation with just us girls before the baby comes.

When I got home from Education Week, I came home to this in our backyard. Austin has been working so hard at trying to start a garden and he finally had the right dirt delivered to the house. It took him almost a full day to move the dirt from one side of the house to the other (due to not having a wheel barrel. He had to use a bucket so you can imagine how many trips it took him to go back and forth). I am so proud of my husband for all the work he has put in to making the outside of our home look good.

I also came home to another nice surprise. Once again, my husband has done a fabulous job in making the outside of our home look good and he always surprises me on the new things he has done. Here is a before picture of our back patio fence.

Here is the after. Doesn't it look so much better?

PS-the grass you see use to be dirt and rocks. Austin started that grass almost 2 months ago and look how good it has turned out. He has faithfully watered it everyday.

Here is a picture of Kenseth. He is growing so fast. I saw him sunbathing yesterday and couldn't resist taking a picture of him. Isn't he so photogenic?

Wow, are you really that retarded?

2009-08-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

So I started school yesterday. I am taking a beginners Sign Language Class. I have already taken Sign Language before so I am hoping that this will be a piece of cake! Since I am in the beginners ASL (American Sign Language) class, there are a lot of immature, like straight out of high school students, and believe it or not there are more men (or should I say boys) in the class then there are women. My teacher is hearing impaired so she doesn't talk, she signs everything. Since most of the people in the class don't know any ASL, she puts everything she is signing on a powerpoint so everyone can understand. Last night she asked who in the class knows their ABC's. A few, including me, raised their hands and she went around counting them. As she got to this one boy he asked, "In sign language?" We all said as we were rolling our eyes, "Yes in sign language!!" He replied, "Oh, no I don't know them in Sign Language." Did he really just ask that question? Of course you know your ABC's, you're in college! Are you really that retarded?

Pregnancy Cravings

2009-08-11T16:35:00.000-07:00

I love being pregnant. You get to crave the weirdest kinds of food, and eat it too, without anyone giving you a hard time about it (usually). And most of the time, you get to keep eating how ever much you want and no one thinks twice about it because they know you are pregnant and know that's how pregnant women are. I love being able to eat how much of whatever I want and not having to come up with an excuse why. This whole pregnancy I have been craving Taco Bell. Like to the point where I eat it almost everyday. Well for the past week, I have been craving one of these, and tonight is when I will finally get one (or 2 or 3).

A chocolate milkshake.

Meet Kenseth

2009-08-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

Today Austin got the puppy he has been begging for. A 6 week old Boxer/German Shepherd mix, named Kenseth. Yes, you read right, Kenseth. Kenseth comes from Matt Kenseth, Austins favorite Nascar driver. Yes, I know, a little redneck but he said that if he can't name his son Kenseth then he is naming his dog Kenseth. So far he is a really good dog, but then again we have only had him for about 3 hours. Wish us luck, we could use all the luck we can get!

Two thumbs up (or maybe half of a thumb up)

2009-08-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

This morning I had an appointment with a dermatologist to get some warts removed on my hands (I know, that's gross). This was my first time going to this doctor so I had never met her before. While I was filling out paperwork and waiting to get called back, Austin and I kept seeing old people come out from seeing the doctor. Austin leaned over to me and said "uhh I think we are in the wrong place, I didn't know we were coming to a rest home." It was then my turn to go back and meet the doctor. This doctor is seriously around 80-85 yrs old (she graduated from medical school 55 years ago so you get the picture). As she is freezing off my warts I noticed that she didn't have a thumb on her left hand, half of her right thumb was gone, and she didn't have a fingernail on her right index finger. I looked at Austin and seriously could not stop laughing out loud. I know, I'm mean. I then proceeded to show her a mole that I wanted to have removed. Her reply back was, "Let's just try freezing it off."

So Cal

2009-07-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I went with my in-laws to Southern California. Everyday we went to the beach. First we went to San Clemente Beach, then Laguna Beach then back to San Clemente. The waves were so big and the current was so strong they wouldn't let anyone in the water the first 2 days so playing in the sand was a must for them. I mostly sat underneath the umbrella in the shade and still managed to get burned.

How could anyone not love this little guy?

2009-07-28T18:22:00.001-07:00

My mom, sister, and nephew came to visit me a couple of weeks ago and I snapped this cute picture of my nephew. Seriously, how could anyone not love this little guy?

Roadside Assistance Please

2009-07-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I left with my in-laws to go come to Santa Ana and spend a couple of days here to go to the beach with the whole family (except for Austin and Laura and her family). Well, we were a little over half way to Santa Ana, driving through the grapevine, when all of a sudden my mother-in-law saw some smoke coming out of the back of the van. We thought maybe it was because we were going up hill so we decided to see if it was still smoking when we started going downhill. It stopped so we thought we were okay. Next thing you know, there was an accident up ahead and so the traffic started slowing down. Well as we were slowing down, the car started to jerk so we started to pull over. The transmission went out! We were supposed to be meeting the rest of the family in Santa Ana soon and the transmission went out in the middle of the grapevine. Let me tell you, it's not fun sitting on the side of the road in the middle of the grapevine while being very hot outside, not to mention being pregnant! Everything went just fine though. The tow truck got there in less than 30 minutes, we had the van dropped off at a transmission place in Valencia, rented a car and was back on our way to Santa Ana! What a day! We had left Monterey at 11am and didn't get to Santa Ana until 9pm! We were exhausted! Hopefully today will go much better! We are off to the beach!

The picture you have all been waiting for

2009-07-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

I don't think this picture does justice to how big I am getting (or how big I feel) but here is a belly picture everyone has been asking for!