All About Benjamin

NEW BLOG ADDRESS

2007-06-26T16:33:00.001-06:00

I decided to switch overto wordpress. I like the layout better and it's easier. Come check it out!!! I won't be posting here anymore.

The Wilson Family Blog

Don't forget to change your bookmarks!!!

Leaping Leap Frogs...

2007-06-14T21:20:00.000-06:00

This is the best product I have ever purchased. Benjamin watches it over and over again.... Benjamin doesn't like to admit he knows his ABC's, but if you trick him, he gets it right, most of the time. I thought I would give it a try, so before going out and buying all of the videos, I decided to Netflix one of them and try it out because Benjamin does not like educational videos(anything that deals with A B or C). Anyway, he loves it because it is a cartoon and it is very entertaining. There are 5 DVDs included in this set. It teaches letters, numbers, phonics, silent letters, and anything else that deals with reading. It is educational and entertaining all at once. The songs are very catchy!!!

Anyway, I would suggest getting them for your 3-6 year old!!!!

It's hard to believe

2007-06-13T17:41:00.000-06:00

I was going through some of our old video, when I came across this. It is hard to believe that my baby is 4 years old now. I know one thing kids grow up fast!!! In this video he is 8 months old. He is a very good jumper!!!

Benjamin's Birthday

2007-06-09T07:45:00.000-06:00

I have been a bad blogger recently. I haven't been posting anything. We have been busy with birthday parties, weddings, and such. Benjamin had a great 4th birthday party with all of his classmates. It was a bowling birthday party. The kids had fun. Here are a couple of videos.

Congratulations Nick and Katie!!!

2007-05-11T12:21:00.000-06:00

We were able to enjoy visiting family and seeing my brother-in-law get married to his beautiful bride, Katie. We had so much fun and Benjamin enjoyed seeing all of his cousins from aroud the United States. This was the last wedding of 8 children on my husbands side. I think it is pretty cool that all 8 children have a college degree and are married. Here are some pictures of the weekend.

CONTEST ALERT

2007-05-09T14:19:00.000-06:00

Cool Mother's Day Contest over at Everyday Mommy. Just comment and you are entered to win a whole blog redesign!!! How cool is that. So go over and leave a comment and you are entered!!!

Wordless Wednesday - Jump Rope

2007-05-09T06:58:00.000-06:00

Let's Pray...

2007-05-03T07:43:00.000-06:00

Could everyone who reads by blog, please pray for my father-in-law (Walter) and my brother-in-law (John) and Heather ( a fellow blogger). My father-in-law just found out that he has malignant melanoma on his neck and will be having surgery soon. John had a tumor in his brain, he has already surgery to remove and is doing will, but he could use a prayer to stay in remission. Heather is having surgery to remove a tumor from her brain today and could use all the prayer she can get to make the surgery go well.

So if everyone could take a moment and pray, I would greatly appreciate it!! Prayer is very powerful and does truely work!!!

Thanks!!!

2007-04-30T08:02:00.001-06:00

Benjamin at Karate - Video

2007-04-28T05:13:00.001-06:00

I finally got to go and see Benjamin at karate class. Daddy was off so we both got to see him together. It was fun. I think karate is really good for children. It teaches them discipline. Benjamin seems to enjoy it. The instructor is very nice too.

Drink of Choice...Fuze

2007-04-25T11:43:00.000-06:00

I normally don't endorse products, but Fuze is awesome. I love it!!! Fuze has a light taste and it is not to fruity. It also suppresses your appetite and sure beats drinking soda. You need to try it. I purchase it at Sams.

Wordless Wednesday - Monkeying Around

2007-04-25T08:01:00.000-06:00

Updated Wilson Photo Blog

2007-04-24T09:12:00.000-06:00

Monday Madness

2007-04-23T14:05:00.000-06:00

1. Name a song you know most (or all) of the words to. Cry....by Mandy Moore.
2. Name a movie that you have watched more than once and would watch again. Persuit of Happiness....oh and an all time favorite Dirty Dancing.
3. Have you ever read a book more than once? Please share. Nope.
4. Share an inspirational quote with us. "A Friend Loveth at all times" ~ Proverbs 17:17
5. What day of the week does (or did) your birthday fall on this year? Thursday.
6. Have you ever bought a book or cd or movie more than once because you forgot you bought it already? Yes, several times...oops!!

Wordless Wednesday...Slow as a Snail

2007-04-18T18:11:00.000-06:00

Wordless Wednesday - Karate

2007-04-11T13:52:00.001-06:00

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Happy Easter Everyone!!

2007-04-08T19:55:00.000-06:00

We had a great Easter!! The day seemed to last forever (which was a very good thing). As you can see, Benjamin had fun painting/dying Easter eggs. I hope everyone had a great Easter.

A Very Rocky Evening -Part 2

2007-04-06T09:38:00.000-06:00

Here are the pictures I promised. We put rocks around all three flower beds. and around a couple of trees whe have.

2007 Scrapblog

2007-04-04T13:39:00.001-06:00

Contest - Dyson at 5MinutesforMom!!!

2007-04-04T09:44:00.000-06:00

Win a dyson over at 5 Minutes for Mom. Pretty cool stuff. I just love them!!! So go on over, you don't have much time!!!! It ends today at 1 eastern!!!!

Peter Cottontail Express 2007

2007-04-02T14:09:00.000-06:00

This weekend was a great weekend. The weather was nice and we got to take Benjamin on the Peter Cottontail Express. It was cute. We got to take a 35 minute train ride from one side of Huntsville to another. At the end of the train ride all the kids received a Easter goodie bag. We know Benjamin had fun because not even 5 minutes into the car ride home he was knocked out. Here are few pictures.

A Very Rocky Evening

2007-03-29T19:52:00.000-06:00

What an eventful day. Griff and I both worked and came home and started our new rock border around our flower beds. Those rocks were HEAVY!!! We managed to ge the rock done in the front yard and tomorrow night we plan on getting the back flower beds done. Benjamin has been a big help by putting the rocks in the back of his John Deere motorized tractor (it's so cute to watch him). Anyway, the reason why we did it tonight and tomorrow night is because on Saturday we are going on a train ride called the Cottontail Express. The Easter Bunny is going to be on it handing out Easter candy. It's going to be fun. Sunday it is suppose to rain (60% chance). I will post pictures of our progress, so stay tuned.

Who is this???....Could it be Sanjaya?

2007-03-28T12:26:00.000-06:00

Who does this remind you of??? I will give you a hint....American Idol. Doesn't this remind you of Sanjaya Malakar. I just don't understand how he is getting so far in the competition??? He isn't that good. Is he trying to make fun of American Idol?? I will have to agree with Simon on this one ...If he wins, Simon isn't coming back on the show and I refuse to watch it. I have liked everyone who has won American Idol...Even though, last year I would have liked Chris to win. Taylor Hicks was my second choice. I just hope anybody but him will win American Idol this year.

Wordless Wednesday...Froggy

2007-03-27T17:59:00.000-06:00

We have a visitor in our pond..Isn't he cute!!!!

Monday Madness

2007-03-26T07:43:00.000-06:00

1. What kind of automobile do you drive?

I drive a Red Geo Metro (or as my co-workers call it, a Flinstone Car)

2. What kind of automobile do you WISH you drove?

Anything newer :)

3. When is the last time you bought a vehicle (new or used)?

Haven't had to yet, it was a gift

4. What is your color of choice as far as vehicles go?

red or green

5. Do you regularly have your oil changed?

Yes

6. How long do you keep a vehicle before thinking about buying a new one?

Til the wheels fall off.

7. What kind of automobile will you buy next?

not sure just yet.

Visit other Monday Madness Participates!!!

New Look...Do you like?

2007-03-25T17:43:00.000-06:00

I am soooooooo excited about my new look!!! Does everyone like it??? Visit Lindsay over at Splat Designs, she is WONDERFUL!!! You won't be disappointed, I guarantee it!!!! I had my design done in less than a week!!!

CONTEST ALERT!!!

2007-03-25T10:43:00.000-06:00

Who is interested in entering a little contest where the first prize is a custom blog template? If you are then head over to the Splat Designs blog and get yourself singed up!
There's nothing hard about signing up, and it doesn't cost anything, so what are you waiting for. Go check out Splat Designs!

Wordless Wednesday - Butterfly

2007-03-20T20:48:00.000-06:00

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Benjamin's School Pictures

2007-03-19T19:10:00.000-06:00

Here are Benjamin's school pictures...Isn't he handsome. He is 3 1/2 in these pictures.

Monday Madness

2007-03-19T09:09:00.000-06:00

1. How many times do you wake up during the night? Never, unless I have to go the bathroom, which is very rare.

2. On an average, how many hours of sleep do you try to get? 7 hours of sleep.

3. What day of the week do you do your "major" housecleaning? Saturday mornings. I try to keep everything straight during the week, so all I have to do on the weekend is laundry and clean the kitchen, bathrooms and then dust and vacuum.

4. How often do you move your furniture to clean behind it? Twice a year.

5. Do you do your dishes by hand or do you own a dishwasher? Half and half. Mainly dishwasher though.

Benjamin learning Karate

2007-03-15T17:44:00.000-06:00

Benjamin has started new activity....Karate. He is in the Little Dragon class. It is for 3-4 year olds. He loves it so far. We get the first month free, so Benjamin can try it out. I like it because the don't require you to sign a contract, like most of them do. There are 7 kids in his class. He does it once a week. We will see how he does. I haven't taken any pictures yet, but I will soon.

Thursday 13 - Spring Time

2007-03-15T06:46:00.000-06:00

Thirteen things I like about Spring

Flowers blooming
Grass starting to green up
Birds churping
Squirrels running around
Being able to grill and eat outside
Being able to swim outside
Taking my son to the playground
Smell of fresh mulch
Staying light later
Taking long walks
It's not to hot...just right
Short sleeve shirts
Sandles

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Weekend Yard Work

2007-03-15T06:16:00.000-06:00

I promised pictures and here they are. We created this bed...I know, I know, where is the color?? It looks so bland. We are going to put flowers in a couple of weeks. The flower shops didn't have that many flowers because it's still a little early. It took us a half a day to create. Our next step is putting stones around the edge of all the beds in the yard.

Wordless Wednesday - How r u doin?

2007-03-14T08:57:00.000-06:00

Send this eCard !

Warm weather and Flower Beds

2007-03-13T07:01:00.000-06:00

I haven't posted anything in awhile. There has been beautiful weather here in Huntsville,AL. It has been in the 70s, close to 80s. It's suppose to get colder by the weekend, but after that, the weather man says it's going to pretty much stay warm! WOOHOO!! We were busy this past weekend. We made a new flower bed in the back of the house. I love it!!! It sure does make a big difference. I will most likely post a picture tomorrow.....so stay tuned!! The weekend before we rented an aerator and aerated the yard. So now all we need is the Scotts man to come and fertilize and we are good to go.

The Ultimate Blog Party 2007!!!!

2007-03-06T20:46:00.000-06:00

Welcome to my blog!!!

Hello Everyone and welcome. Let me introduce myself. My name is Chrissy and I am married to a great guy, my best friend, and lover, Griff. We have a beautiful son, Benjamin. I started blogging in October 2006. I am hooked. I find it fun to not only to share thoughts, but to read how everyone else is feeling. I am glad 5 Minutes for Mom came up with the Blog Party idea, so we can all get to know each other....so on that note..............LETS PARTY!!!!

Wordless Wednesday-Hide-N-Seek

2007-02-27T21:39:00.000-06:00

Swimming on his own

2007-02-26T23:08:00.000-06:00

Benjamin has learned that he doesn't have to be attached to us to have fun in the water. Thanks to his great instructors!!! Check it out!!

Contest!! Check it out!!!

2007-02-24T08:08:00.000-06:00

You need to head over to 5MinutesForMom, this week they are giving away Rhyme-N-Tyme - a fantastic, mom-designed, family game. Rhyme-N-Tyme is easy to learn, but challenging and educational. All you have to do is sign the Mr. Linky...You don't even have to have a blog. So go over and check it out!!!

Dr. Seuss's 50th Birthday

2007-02-20T16:45:00.000-06:00

Happy 50th Birthday Dr. Seuss!!!

This year is Dr. Seuss's 50th Birthday. Don't forget to have the kids send Dr. Seuss a birthday card (For every official Cat in the Hat Birthday Card received by mail or online before March 1, 2007, Random House Children's Books will donate one book to First Book (up to 1,000,000 books)). I love Dr. Seuss books!! They are so fun to read to children. My favorite book is The Foot Book, Benjamin can tell you that. Next week, Benjamin's school doing activities all week long and they are offically celebrating on March 2, 2007.

Wordless Wednesday - Seems Like Yesterday

2007-02-16T16:42:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentines Day!!!

2007-02-14T06:23:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!!!

Will you be my Valentine? If you will, please sign my Mr. Linky. You don't have to have a Blog or even a google account. Just sign your name and you can even leave a comment if you like :).

Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
I am glad I have a
Blog friend like
YOU!!!

Poem of the Week

2007-02-12T19:00:00.000-06:00

I know this is not a poem, but I love this song. It brings back memories from when I was little in dance class. Click here if you want to hear this song.

You Are My Sunshine

The other night dear, as I lay sleeping,
I dreamed I held you in my arms,
but when I woke dear, I was mistaken,
and I hung my head and cried.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
you make me happy when skies are gray
you'll never know dear, how much I love you,
please don't take my sunshine away.

I'll always love you and make you happy
if you will only say the same
but if you leave me to love another
you'll regret it all some day

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
you make me happy, when skies are gray,
you'll never know dear, how much I love you,
please don't take my sunshine away.

You told me once dear you really
loved me that no one else could come
between but now you've left me and
love another you have shattered
all my dreams.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
you make me happy, when skies are gray,
you'll never know dear, how much I love you,
please don't take my sunshine away.

Words and Music by
Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell
recorded in 1931
by
(Governor)
Jimmie Davis

Benjamin during Book Time

2007-02-12T17:43:00.000-06:00

During the school day, the children get to look at books and share what they see. One of the mothers who visits on occasion took this picture. I thought it was cute. Sitting next to Benjamin is Michael (on the right), Bailey, and Willah.

Wordless Wednesday - Bath Time

2007-02-07T16:29:00.000-06:00

Swim Lessons Winter 2007

2007-02-06T22:33:00.000-06:00

Benjamin started swim lesson for the Winter 2007 session. He takes lessons at the Madison Acquatic Center. It is an eight week long session (2 per week). Benjamin loves it. He complains when the instructor dunks him under water, but he gets over it very quickly.

Here is a video of his swim lessons.

Here are some photos from swim lessons.

Super Bowl 2007

2007-02-05T22:28:00.000-06:00

The Super Bowl is always fun to watch, not necessarily for the game, but also the commericals. This year I would say the commericals were not as good as years past, but a few were good.

Here is a good link to see a good majority of them.

I also enjoyed the Half Time Show. Prince did a very good job. I really wanted Chicago to win...oh well.

Monday Madness

2007-02-05T06:50:00.000-06:00

Visit other Monday Madness Participants.

1. What is your favorite main course to prepare? I love to prepare meatloaf (very easy to do :) )
2. What is your favorite side dish to prepare? green bean casserole
3. Do you like to bake? If so, what is your favorite? Yes, cookies
4. What one dish would you like to learn to cook? I am not sure, I would have to think about that.
5. What is your worst cooking disaster? I really have had a big disaster...that is because I avoid cooking anything complicated...Don't get me wrong, I have burnt many things or have not cooked something long enough.

5 Minutes for Mom Blog Party

2007-02-04T14:29:00.000-06:00

5 Minutes for Mom Blog Party

Come on over to the party. It will be a week long bash starting March 2, 2007 and ending with the big prize giveaway on March 9, 2007.

All party guests who sign the Mr. Linky by 12pm Eastern on March 8, 2007 and who invited guests (invited friends via a post and have an Invitation Button on their blog) are eligible for our random draw prizes. Prizes will be announced at 5 Minutes for Mom at 7pm Eastern on March 9, 2007.

What do you do for a living??

2007-02-02T21:32:00.000-06:00

Griff
He works at Stein Mart as a Merchandising Sales Manager. He manages approx. 10 people. He loves his job because he gets to spend more time with his family than his previous job. Stein Mart sells mens, womens, home decor, and shoes at 20% - 60% below Department Store prices. Stein Mart is all over the United States. They are headquarted in Jacksonville, Florida. Check out their website.

Chrissy
Several people have asked me what exactly what I do. I am an Administative Specialist/Database Administrator. I work for a Contractor (USAE) who supports the Corp of Engineers and other contractors over in Iraq. The program is called Coalition Munitions Clearance. Here are a few articles that describes what we do over in Iraq.

Coaliton Munition Clerance
Defense Link
Journal of Mine Action

Happy Birthday to Becca!!

2007-02-02T16:23:00.000-06:00

It's our niece Becca's Birthday today

We wanted to wish her a ...

Happy Birthday!!

We hope you enjoy your special day!!!

Love,

Uncle Griff, Aunt Chrissy, and Benjamin

It Snowed!!!

2007-02-01T07:59:00.000-06:00

It snowed!! Can you believe it!!! It hardly ever snows in Huntsville, Alabama. I think it has snowed(actually sticking to the ground) maybe twice since I have lived here (10 years) Griff stayed up last night until 1a.m. and took pictures of it physically snowing. Benjamin enjoyed waking up to snow. Some schools were opening late or if you lived far out, you were off of school. Hope you enjoy the pictures...There are new pictures on the photo page.

HG TV Dream Home Giveaway

2007-01-31T22:53:00.000-06:00

Imagine winning the gorgeous 4,000-square-foot Colorado home complete with furnishings, $250,000 from LendingTree.com and an SUV! Don't forget to enter to win the HG TV 2007 Dream Home. Take a tour of the home. It's beautiful!!! You have until February 16 to do it!!!

You can see the HG TV Dream Home 2007 on the HG TV channel on the following air dates:
•Saturday,February 03, 2007 6:00 PM ET/PT
•Thursday,February 15, 2007 6:00 PM ET/PT

Wordless Wednesday - Troubled Crane

2007-01-31T07:02:00.000-06:00

Poem of the Week

2007-01-30T21:53:00.000-06:00

Footprints

One night I had a dream--
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord
and across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints,
one belonged to me and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in my life.
This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you would walk with me all the way,
but I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
"I don't understand why in times when I needed you most,
you should leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child,
I love you and I would never, never leave you
during your times of trial and suffering.
"When you saw only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."

...Mary Stevenson

Tips and Tricks Tuesday

2007-01-30T16:50:00.000-06:00

Simple Home Remedies

1. If you are choking on an ice cube, don't panic. Simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat and presto, the blockage will be almost instantly removed.

2. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.

3. You can avoid arguments with the Mrs. About lifting the toilet seat just by using the sink.

4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use an egg timer.

5. A mouse trap placed on top of your alarm clock will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives. Then you will be afraid to cough.

7. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will forget all about the toothache.

8. Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are:

In life, you only need two tools - WD-40 and Duct Tape.

If it doesn't move but should, use the WD-40.

If it should not move and does, use the duct tape.

9. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

10. Never pass up an opportunity to go to the Bathroom.

Let's Go Fly a Kite...

2007-01-29T18:12:00.000-06:00

This weekend was pretty restful. Griff was off the whole weekend. Saturday it was almost 60 degrees. Benjamin was able to ride his 4 Wheeler that he got for Christmas. Sunday Benjamin was able to fly his kite that he got from his Aunt Vickie and Uncle Dave. Benjamin enjoyed every minute of it, even though it was about 40 degrees outsite.

See Kite Video

Benjamin's Doctor Visit

2007-01-26T16:35:00.000-06:00

I had fun taking Benjamin to his annual physical. I picked him up from school and he was so excited to see me. I told him that we were going to see the doctor. His first response was..."I am not going to get a shot am I?" I reasured him that "No, you are not going to get a shot. She is just going to look you over and make sure you are healthy." We then get to the doctors office and get into the room and Benjamin starts singing "5 Little Monkey's jumping on the bed" I thought that was very appropriate for the doctor's office. She checked him out and asked what kind of gown he wanted and she told him that she would bring both so he could choose. What I thought was cute is he asked if he could go with her. She said "Yes" and they were off. He came running back and soon followed was the doctor. She was laughing because not to many adults can find their way back to the rooms. When the doctor left and I began to help Benjamin change into the gown. Benjamin got modest and said..."Nobody is going to see me are they" I said no, just mommy and the doctor"..."oh, OK" The funny thing is he just made that statement and then proceeds to go to the door to peek out to see if the doctor was coming. The doctor comes in and uses reflex tool to check his knees and she says to him, "Did you feel your knee jump?" Benjamin says,"Nope". The doctor proceeds to check is other knee and what does Benjamin do???.........He kicks his leg up and says,"I felt it."....I about died laughing. That is our little comedian. She checked the rest of him out and that was the end of the visit. I think that was the best doctors visit so far...Benjamin sure did make it fun. The time went by very fast. We did learn that Benjamin has 20/40 vision. So I made an appointment with an eye doctor to check his eyes out more thorough.

Thursday Thirteen #4

2007-01-25T07:11:00.000-06:00

Thirteen fruits I like to eat
1. strawberries
2. grapes
3. cateloupe
4. peaches
5. Kiwi
6. cherries
7. apples
8. blueberries
9. pears
10.oranges
11.pineapples
12.blackberries
13.raspberries

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Wordless Wednesday - Serenity

2007-01-24T18:15:00.000-06:00

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Benjamin's first Progress Report

2007-01-24T06:59:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, Benjamin received his first Progress Report (.pdf format) from school. They do an itial evaluation at the beginning of the school year and then a progress report on how well he has done since then. When we told Benjamin that we were proud of him, he said "I know I'm smart, and I am strong too."(while flexing his muscles) He is definitely all boy.

Poem of the Week

2007-01-22T22:40:00.000-06:00

Remember ..

As I walk through life,
I look at all I have done.
I had wandered aimlessly,
And wondered what I have become.

I have been through so much,
It is amazing I made it through.
The lessons I have learned
I am shocked I pulled through.

The times I wondered
What life was all about.
The trials experienced in life,
Can make all the good come out.

We try to make it day by day.
Remembering what we were taught.
Just remember some time to pray,
It is important,
We need it every day.

Life can be short.
Unexpected at that.
We try to take its punches,
Just hoping it won't break our back.

Remember who you are,
Who you want to become.
Everything will fall into place,
When the time comes.

Don't forget I love you's,
Every chance you get.
The time maybe short,
There is no time to regret.

Life can be exciting,
As we all have found out.
Eventful, even busy
There is no time to be left out.

Remember who you are,
And Who you want to become.
The time can be short
Don't leave things undone.

Remember your families,
They are the only ones you've got.
To carry you in times of need
They can not be bought.

Remember they love you,
Either here or there.
They will always be with us.
Help for things to bear.

By: Dawn Jensen

Benjamin's Drawing - A Person

2007-01-22T17:41:00.000-06:00

Benjamin has learned how to draw a person at school. I was very impressed when this was sent home.

Monday Madness

2007-01-22T17:16:00.000-06:00

1. Did you make any resolutions this year?yes, to loss some weight, be more organized.
2. If so, which one do you think you'll really stick to? If not, is there something you're going to try harder to accomplish?being mor organized
3. Do you have a fear of any small rodents/insects/etc? If so, please share. I am afraid of rats, snakes, and spiders.
4. Share something exciting that's going on in your life. My son is learning how to draw a person (he is three).
5. Did you wonder what happened to Monday Madness these past few weeks? Yes, I sure did. I started participating and then all of a sudden it stopped. I am glad it's back.
And the final question: Do you have a favorite gameshow announcer? Not really.

Visit other Monday Madness Participates.

Good bye Gamecube, Hello Wii!!!

2007-01-21T11:19:00.000-06:00

Well I never thought I would see this, but Griff went to Best Buy this morning at 10a.m. (the store opens at 11a.m.) and stood in line to get the new Nintendo Wii. The reason why I thought I would never say this is because every year the day after Thanksgiving, I stand in line to get a good deal. For instance, this year I stood in line to get the robo dinosaur (retail: $100, I got it for $50). Anyway, Griff would always say, "You are crazy". Well today he is officially crazy because it was not only cold, but it was raining. Best Buy in their ad said they only had 20 in stock. Well, when he got to Best Buy there were at least 20 in line. They handed out the tickets and guess what, HE actually got a TICKET.
Well, everyone else who got at ticket went back to their cars. Griff decided to brave the cold and stood first in line until the store opened. Just because you have a ticket doesn't guarantee you will get one. Well HE GOT one!! He was like a kid in a candy store. He came home and he was grinning ear to ear!!! He even got to use his gift cards he brother Nick gave him for Christmas.(Thank you Nick)

New words learned

2007-01-21T09:26:00.000-06:00

Benjamin's new word he has learned is "sarcastic." Everything he says/does that he thinks is funny he says "Mommy,Daddy, I am just being sarcastic" He said that out of the blue one day and I couldn't believe it. Another word he likes to use is "ridiculous". He just says these words out of the blue. It's amazing.

Type the rest of your post here.

The Pursuit of Happyness

2007-01-20T22:34:00.000-06:00

I would say this is the best struggle movie I have seen in a long time. This movie will inspire you. This movie is about a guy named Chris Gardner who is a bright and talented, but marginally employed salesman. Struggling to make ends meet, Gardner finds himself and his five-year-old son evicted from their San Francisco apartment with nowhere to go. When Gardner lands an internship at a prestigious stock brokerage firm, he and his son endure many hardships, including living in shelters, in pursuit of his dream of a better life for the two of them. You have to go see it and bring a lot of tissue.

Food For Thought Friday

2007-01-19T21:45:00.000-06:00

Chicken Pasta Skillet
This is a great receipe
Prep Time: 10 min
Total Time: 40 min
Makes: 4 servings

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
1 medium green pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
1-1/2 cups water
2 cups rotini pasta, uncooked
1 jar (26 oz.) spaghetti sauce
1 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Reduced Fat Mozzarella Cheese

SPRAY large skillet with cooking spray. Add chicken; cook and stir on medium-high heat 5 min. Add green pepper and onion; cook and stir an additional 3 to 5 min. or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
ADD water. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in pasta, making sure pasta is covered with water; cover. Simmer 15 min. or until pasta is tender.
STIR in sauce. Sprinkle with cheese; cover. Reduce heat to low; continue cooking 5 min. or until cheese is melted and mixture is heated through.

Wordless Wednesday- Nephews First Snow

2007-01-17T22:32:00.002-06:00

Tips and Tricks Tuesday

2007-01-16T20:28:00.000-06:00

If you are looking to add your own bullets in Blogger, this is a great place to visit. It explains it very well. Check it out!!

Our Budding Artist

2007-01-15T20:55:00.000-06:00

Benjamin painting a toolbox he received. We are so proud of our little Artist. It took him approx. an hour and a half to paint the whole thing (with mommy and daddy's help of course).

Weekend in Nashville, TN

2007-01-15T20:49:00.000-06:00

We decided to enjoy the weekend and escape Huntsville and visit Nashville, TN. We stayed at the Embassy Suites Hotel near the airport. It was nice. Benjamin and Daddy swam and we took games to play. It was a nice relaxing weekend.

Poem of the Week

2007-01-14T21:28:00.000-06:00

THANK YOU Dr. KING
By Alberta Schiele

I'm just a little girl
And I really don't understand oppression
I had never heard the word
Until it came up in my lesson

I don't know anything about slavery
Or the joy that freedom would bring
For I've only been mildly discriminated against
Thanks to men like Dr. King

No I've never been refused a seat
In any public place
Or forced to sit in the back of a bus
Or scorned because of my race

I know I have not lived very long
But I am very sure of one thing
Life is a lot better for ALL of us
So, thank you, DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING

Car Troubles (Part 2)

2007-01-14T21:06:00.000-06:00

Well if you read my previous post(car troubles no more) about my car getting towed like 2 times and needing new tires....well I have an update, my car quit working this past Friday, so we called our handy dandy AAA and they came and towed the car to a local mechanic...Harding Auto. I do say though, my car does like to fall apart in the driveway, so I was lucky there. Anyway, come to find out the fuel injector gave out. The car is 10 years old, never had any major ($$$) problems, just regular maintenance, so we are lucky and like everyone says, it sure does beat a car payment. I have a feeling by the end of 2007 we will have a new car.

2007-01-14T18:37:00.000-06:00

PollPub.com VoteDo you like Grey's Anatomy

Food For Thought Friday

2007-01-12T18:37:00.000-06:00

Chicken au Gratin Broccoli Bake

2 cups boiling water
1/2 cup milk
1 pkg. (10.23 oz.) VELVEETA Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
5 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 1-1/4 lb.)
PREHEAT oven to 375°F. Combine boiling water, milk, Seasoned Potatoes and broccoli in 13x9-inch baking dish; top with chicken. Reserve Cheese Sauce for later use.
BAKE 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken from baking dish; cover to keep warm.
STIR Cheese Sauce into potato mixture; top with chicken.

Wordless Wednesday - Disappointed

2007-01-10T21:52:00.000-06:00

Check out other Wordless Wednesday participants!!

Visiting Jacksonville,AL Video

2007-01-08T21:09:00.000-06:00

Visiting Family in Jacksonville, Alabama

2007-01-06T21:49:00.000-06:00

Griffer, Benjamin, and I went to visit family in Jacksonville. We got to visit with Aunt Vickie, Uncle David, Dave,Devon, and Madison. We had so much fun!!! See the pictures above. Vickie and David own their own nursery called Bloomin Miracles. They are the largest wholesale nursery of Japanese Maples in the Southeast. Be sure to check out their webpage. Their nursery is awesome and I am not bias or anything :). It was a nice visit. Benjamin and Madison played on the awesome swing Vickie and David have. I think that was the biggest hit. We got to bring back memories and picked up food from Jeffersons. We can't wait to come back and visit.

Congrats to my Brother!!!

2007-01-04T22:05:00.000-06:00

I just got word that my brother was just promoted to Vice President of Program Management of WWT!!! I am very proud!!! Congrats Chester!!!

Thursday Thirteen #3

2007-01-04T16:57:00.000-06:00

Thirteen Places I like to visit
1. St. Louis, Missouri
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
3. Washington,D.C.
4. New York, NY
5. Nashville, Tennessee
6. Atlanta, Georgia
7. Branson, Missouri
8. Cocoa Beach, Florida
9. St. Petersburg, Florida
10.Birmingham, Alabama
11.Portland, Oregon
12.Chicago, Illinois
13.Gulf Shores, Alabama

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. (leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)

Car Troubles No More

2007-01-03T08:58:00.000-06:00

What an evening. Went to pull the car out of the garage and low and behold a flat tire. I am so glad we have AAA because we had to use them twice in one day. They came and put the spare on and we got to the gas station and the spare stopped working, so we called AAA again. We had them tow the car to NTB. What an evening. Luckly the whole process took 2 hours. Needless to say Griffer went early this morning and got 4 new tires put on the car and we are back in business.

Poem of the Week

2007-01-02T22:33:00.000-06:00

The Road Not Taken
By Robert Frost

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Tips and Tricks Tuesday

2007-01-02T17:24:00.000-06:00

3 Column Template for Blogger Beta

If some of you were wondering how I was able to get blogger to be three columns, instead of 2, I went to Bloggero.com. Check it out. Here is the deal. First download the file and then go into blogger and go to templates and upload the file. Just remember that none of your extras will be there so you might want to download your current template to your harddrive so you have that code. That is all you have to do!!! Pretty easy and it is pretty cool.

We are Marshall

2007-01-01T08:51:00.000-06:00

What a nice weekend. It rained yesterday for a few hours, but other than that it was a nice day. Griffer and I went and saw the movie We are Marshall. This was a great movie. It's about a football team who dies in a plane crash and the school has to rebuild the whole football program. This movie is based on a true story. It is very inspirational!!! You have to go see it!!!

Christmas 2006

2006-12-25T23:51:00.000-06:00

What a great day. Santa was good to Benjamin this year. He received lots of games (wack-a-mole, chutes and ladders, elefun, etc). He also received several monster trucks and playdoe stuff. He received several cool toys from family members (racetrack, blocks, a Thomas train, and an Oregon State jogging outfit). Thank you to everyone. We all slept in..Benjamin woke up at 8a.m. We could not believe it. We then opened presents and had breakfast. See Food for thought. We then assemble several toys and played all day. We ate an early dinner (turkey, gravy, sweet potatoes). Like I said, It was a great day.

Benjamin's Favorite Toy from Santa

Food For Thought Friday

2006-12-22T11:48:00.000-06:00

Meatloaf

2 lb. lean ground beef
1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken
1 cup water
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup KRAFT Original Barbecue Sauce, divided

PREHEAT oven to 375°F. Mix all ingredients except 1/4 cup of the barbecue sauce.
SHAPE meat mixture into oval loaf in 13x9-inch baking dish; top with remaining 1/4 cup barbecue sauce.
BAKE 1 hour or until cooked through (160ºF).

Serving Suggestion
Serve this comfort food with mashed potatoes and a steamed vegetable, such as broccoli.

Substitute
Substitute ketchup for the barbecue sauce.

Mary Did You Know

2006-12-21T22:27:00.000-06:00

I love this song. Benjamin's class did this song for the Christmas Program...Very touching. I will have his Christmas Program up sometime.

The Christmas Shoes

2006-12-21T22:10:00.000-06:00

I love this song, especially during the Christmas Holiday...Enjoy!!!

Christmas Shoes

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Santa Got Stuck

2006-12-20T13:40:00.000-06:00

Santa Got Stuck by Kenn Nesbitt

Poor Santa got stuck in our chimney. I know it sounds weird, but it’s true. His feet made it down, but his belly was one size too large for the flue. His reindeer are up on our rooftop.His sleigh is still loaded with toys. And Santa, that kindly old fellow,is making a whole lot of noise. We called the police and the sheriff. They showed up with ladders and cranes. They brought all their winches and pulleys,plus bungee cords, cables, and chains. They’re working right now to extract himby hoisting him slowly back out.It might take all day because Santais more than a little bit stout. If you don’t have presents this morning,we’re sorry you’re having to wait. But Santa’s still stuck in our chimney.He may be a day or two late. Until then, please hide all your cookies,though Santa may find this severe. At least then he’ll fit down the chimney when he comes on Christmas next year.

Monday Madness

2006-12-18T15:03:00.001-06:00

1. I get about 2-3 telemarketer phone calls on a daily basis.
2. I never call anyone after 10 p.m. at night.
3. I never call anyone before 9 a.m. in the morning.
4. I (please choose one) DO or DON'T screen my phone calls via caller ID.
5. I really should call my brother more often.

Our Christmas Tree 2006

2006-12-17T17:33:00.000-06:00

It's Christmas at the Madison Wilson House. Here is a picture of our Christmas tree. Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Food For Thought Friday

2006-12-15T08:23:00.001-06:00

Breakfast Casserole

Hint: shred cheese, slice mushrooms, and chop onions and ham the day before you need this, and the preparation will go much faster when you have to put it together!

1 1/2 lbs. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
3/4 lb. fresh sliced mushrooms
1/2 large onion, chopped
1/4 cup butter
1 cup ham, cubed
11 beaten eggs
1 3/4 cups milk
1/4 cup flour
1 tbsp. chopped parsley
1 1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Butter a 9X13 dish.
Put half the cheese in a dish.
Saute mushrooms and onions in butter until tender, place over cheese.
Distribute ham.
Beat eggs, milk, flour, parsley and salt, then pour evenly over casserole.
Top with remaining cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Benjamin Visits with Santa

2006-12-14T19:21:00.000-06:00

Benjamin got to visit Santa Claus at the mall. He was so excited to tell Santa that he has been a good boy and that he wanted a monster truck for Christmas.

Thursday Thirteen #2

2006-12-14T07:15:00.000-06:00

Thirteen of my favorite Movies

1. Dirty Dancing
2. Pretty Woman
3. Pretty in Pink
4. Loves Abiding Joy
5. Cars

6. Over the Hedge
7. The Rookie
8. The Ron Clark Story
9. Click
10. Then Notebook
11. Coach Carter
12. Meet the Fockers
13. My Big Fat Greek Wedding

The Pant's

2006-12-14T07:11:00.000-06:00

Benjamin got up this morning and got dressed for school. This was not your typical morning because today was his Christmas program for school. He was wearing his church clothes...which was a white turtleneck,black pants, black socks, and black shoes. After getting dressed he walks over to daddy and says so proudly "I have pants on just like you daddy",as he twirls around. He was so excited. Today they have their pogram, they get to exchange gifts, and have a pizza party. I will post the program later today or sometime this weekend.

Benjamin's Change Project for School

2006-12-12T21:40:00.000-06:00

I picked up Benjamin the other day and on his daily sheet it said that the kids were to look under the couch cushions and anywhere else to find change and they were going to collect the change for the children who have parents in jail for Christmas. The church was doing this as a project. I asked Benjamin what they were doing, just to see what he would say and he said "Mommy we are collecting money for the poor children. We need to find lots of money. What's money?" He knows what money is, I think he likes to test me to see what I would say. So I explained and he said "oh, can we go to Target?" That's our son.

Pac Man

2006-12-12T20:09:00.000-06:00

This is my favorite 80's Game. To start playing hit 'enter' and use the arrow keys to navigate.

Poem of the Week

2006-12-11T22:11:00.000-06:00

TELEVISION By Roald Dahl

The most important thing we've learned, So far as children are concerned,
Is never, NEVER, NEVER let Them near your television set --
Or better still, just don't install. The idiotic thing at all.
In almost every house we've been, We've watched them gaping at the screen.
They loll and slop and lounge about, And stare until their eyes pop out.(Last week in someone's place we saw A dozen eyeballs on the floor.)
They sit and stare and stare and sit,Until they're hypnotised by it, Until they're absolutely drunk , With all that shocking ghastly junk.
Oh yes, we know it keeps them still, They don't climb out the window sill,
They never fight or kick or punch, They leave you free to cook the lunch
And wash the dishes in the sink -- But did you ever stop to think, To wonder just exactly what,This does to your beloved tot?
IT ROTS THE SENSE IN THE HEAD! IT KILLS IMAGINATION DEAD!
IT CLOGS AND CLUTTERS UP THE MIND! IT MAKES A CHILD SO DULL AND BLIND
HE CAN NO LONGER UNDERSTAND A FANTASY, A FAIRYLAND!
HIS BRAIN BECOMES AS SOFT AS CHEESE! HIS POWERS OF THINKING RUST AND FREEZE!
HE CANNOT THINK -- HE ONLY SEES!
'All right!' you'll cry. 'All right!' you'll say, 'But if we take the set away,
What shall we do to entertain ,Our darling children? Please explain!'
We'll answer this by asking you, 'What used the darling ones to do?
'How used they keep themselves contented,Before this monster was invented?'
Have you forgotten? Don't you know? We'll say it very loud and slow:
THEY ... USED ... TO ... READ! They'd READ and READ, AND READ and READ, and then proceed To READ some more. Great Scott! Gadzooks!
One half their lives was reading books! The nursery shelves held books galore! Books cluttered up the nursery floor! And in the bedroom, by the bed,More books were waiting to be read! Such wondrous, fine, fantastic tales of dragons, gypsies, queens, and whales And treasure isles, and distant shores,Where smugglers rowed with muffled oars, And pirates wearing purple pants, And sailing ships and elephants,
And cannibals crouching 'round the pot, stirring away at something hot.
(It smells so good, what can it be? Good gracious, it's Penelope.)
The younger ones had Beatrix Potter,With Mr. Tod, the dirty rotter,
And Squirrel Nutkin, Pigling Bland, And Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and-
Just How The Camel Got His Hump, And How the Monkey Lost His Rump,
And Mr. Toad, and bless my soul, There's Mr. Rate and Mr. Mole-
Oh, books, what books they used to know, Those children living long ago!
So please, oh please, we beg, we pray, Go throw your TV set away, And in its place you can install, A lovely bookshelf on the wall.
Then fill the shelves with lots of books,
Ignoring all the dirty looks,
The screams and yells, the bites and kicks, And children hitting you with sticks-
Fear not, because we promise you that, in about a week or two
Of having nothing else to do, they'll now begin to feel the need of having something to read. And once they start -- oh boy, oh boy!
You watch the slowly growing joy That fills their hearts. They'll grow so keen, They'll wonder what they'd ever seen
In that ridiculous machine, That nauseating, foul, unclean,Repulsive television screen! And later, each and every kid,Will love you more for what you did.

Monday Madness

2006-12-11T07:03:00.000-06:00

1. What song gives you the most holiday cheer?
The Christmas Shoes

2. Who is the hardest person to shop for on your holiday list? My husband (he has everything he needs(wants))

3. When do you start your holiday shopping?
Right after Thanksgiving

4. What food or drink do you love when it's cold out?(Recipes and recommendations, please!)
Hot chocolate with whip cream

5. What do you do to get rid of a cold or flu?
Chicken noodle soup and lots of medicine!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone and start the week on a happy note. Visiting fellow Monday Madness participates is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Monday Madness in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Monday Madness with links that are left for you, as well! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!