Today Becca and I got the kiddos together to play. Logan and Melia had so much fun, and Becca and I can never resist taking their pictures. We always joke that if they were to get married, they would definitely have cute slideshow pictures. Of course we are kidding (sort of), but it is hilarious how Logan is so easy-going and Melia likes to take charge. They would make a good team! The one bummer about playdates is when the babies start to get tired, I have to go home. Today I was trying desperately to get Mason and Mya to fall asleep so that we could play at Becca's (and visit) just a little bit longer. I finally did it...they actually fell asleep! That is the first time ever that they have both gone to sleep (together) in my arms...super sweet!

Solo Mission (with a sidekick)

This last weekend Ryan went on a 'guys weekend' to snowboard and snowmobile (with Dan, Josh, Travis and others). I was home with the kiddos, but fortunately Denee' came over to help out on Friday night and Saturday. So here is a quick overview of the weekend: Thursday night Holly (our family helper/babysitter/rescue Tara person) came over so I could take Logan to music. I surprised Logan with a little 'date night' before his Kindermusik class where he and I went to the Gilbert House and out to dinner at Applebees. We had such a fun time together! Friday night Denee' came over to stay the night with us. We made pizzas (mostly her and Logan), and she and I sat up all night talking and laughing so hard (and loud) that we woke up the kiddos. I felt like we were at 8th grade camp all over again. Saturday we took the kids to the park and then let Nana watch them for a couple of hours so we could get MASSAGES and hit the sauna. Later, Grammy watched them so we could get our hair cut and colored--believe me, this hair experience resulted in great hair but was ABSOLUTELY CRAZY! That is another post for another time! I felt blessed to spend time with my buddy since 8th grade, Denee'. We have been through cheer tryouts, parental drama, boyfriends, weddings, college and so much more together! I also felt blessed that Ryan could spend time with his buddies, nurturing their long-time friendships. Believe me...I daily thank the Lord for the amazing friends and family that we have surrounding us- we couldn't be more blessed.

The Gilbert House shopping center--Logan makes a good cashier and shopper!

Logan loves the trains...he runs in circles in an attempt to beat the train around the loop!

And who wouldn't want to dig for fossils?

Logan enjoyed his sundae at Applebees a little too much! Lucky for me he had a shirt on under the shirt that he covered in oreo sundae!
Denee' and Logan making pizzas for dinner! She had pepperoni and he had cheese!

Mason even got in on the pizza action.Logan was preparing to eat his finished product!

I have no spa or hair salon pictures--the battery in camera died...what a bummer!

A girl who enjoys the finer things in life!

After Mya's physical therapy appointment at Emanuel, we stopped at a Starbucks sample stand. Mya took to the tazo tea (and the yummy cup)!

Another Birthday Party!

Logan turns 3 on March 10th! I am absolutely stumped about what to do for his birthday. He is in that weird in-between stage, because he has definite ideas about what he does and doesn't like but he is too young to do a lot of things. In addition, Salem is 'boring land', our house won't easily accomodate our big ol' parties, March is dependably warm, and Logan wants a monster truck party. He is so excited for his birthday this year, he finally gets it. Ever since Mason and Mya's party he has had the same daily ritual. He wakes up in the morning and announces,''Today is my birfday party. I tell him that it is indeed coming soon, but not today. He replies, "It sure is, mom!" ,"My friends are coming here today!" and I just kind of go along with his excitement until he forgets about his birfday party, at least for the rest of the day. Needless to say he is really excited to have his friends over. I have some ideas...but I will have to get the creative juices flowing. So birthday party crew...save the date! Loganator is turning 3!

Thomas the Tank Engine, LIVE!

Tonight Ryan and Logan went on a daddy & son evening out to see Thomas and Friends Live. They had a really good time. Logan tried cotton candy for the first time (and didn't like it), had lemonade, and got this really cool Thomas flashlight that spins and lights up. He could hardly contain his excitement over the flashlight--he even slept with it tonight! I was bummed to miss the big adventure, but Mason and Mya are just a wee bit young for Thomas this year...hopefully we can all go together next year!

Mama drama at the Oregon Zoo!

On Monday, my mom and I took the kids to the Oregon Zoo. We had a ball. We saw and did all the typical things: polar bears, elephants, naked mole rats (my favorite), hot dogs for lunch, lots of snacks, lots of handwashing, and anything else you can think of. The only thing out of the ordinary was Logan's 'little detour'. It went something like this. Grammy had gone off to use the restroom and Logan and I were pushing Mason and Mya around in the stroller (a meager attempt at helping Mason fall asleep). I bent down to check on Mason, stood back up and Logan was gone! I nonchalantly walked back where we came from calmly saying Logan's name. No response, I started shouting his name, pacing quickly, yelling his name, and running around like a mad woman. Yes, people were starting to stare by this point. My mommy panic mode had officially set in, and my thoughts went something like this: Adam Walsh disappeared with his mom! Why did we come to the zoo anyways? Why does Logan have to be so stinkin' friendly? Why didn't I make him wear an orange reflective vest? Why didn't I bring walkie talkies? How am I going to tell Ryan? When do the news vans arrive? Do they do amber alerts at the zoo? What kind of mom loses her kid at the zoo? Shortly thereafter, Logan walked out of the restroom holding grammy's hand. I was torn between the emotions of anger (yanking his hand toward me so firmly that his little arm 'bout pops out of it's socket...come on, you know that feeling), and sheer joy and relief (holding him close while sweet music played in my head). Fortunately I chose the latter. Apparently he had wandered in the restroom after my mom, crawled on the floor (yuck!) to peer under the stalls looking for his grammy. So, when mom saw him she helped him wash his hands, blah, blah, blah. It honestly was the longest 7 minutes of my life. I decided then and there that Mason and Mya are going to be stroller bound until they are 10--or old enough to carry a cell phone! Oh the drama of being a mama!

Valentine Plans-head nowhere whenever!

The Mini-Roadtrip Adventure Begins!

Yesterday Ryan and I had an awesome day together; there are pictures at the end (I tried to document our whole trip). My mom watched our kiddos so we were able to take off on our adventure. We had no specific plans or even a destination in mind, other than the idea of possibly going to the Oregon coast. We set out with no diapers, no nap schedules, no hot water for bottles, no pack-n-plays--no things pertaining to the survival of our children and most importantly NO CHILDREN. What an amazingly wonderful feeling! (Not that we don't adore them...) We even took a change of clothes in case we decided to stay the night somewhere...who knows where? We took off and stopped at Chateau Bianca (a winery) to taste some wine and have a snack. I ended up finding a couple outstanding bottles of wine (which I love as souvenirs) and the most amazing grape seed oil, used for dipping or cooking. Paired with crackers, it is tasty beyond your wildest imgination. So we also got a bottle of that. It was at our first destination that I was reminded of the biggest difference between Ryan and me. I buy something everywhere we go, and he really doesn't even need to take money with him when he goes somewhere because he never wants anything. Anyways, after Chateau Bianca we took off down the road and ended up in Tillamook where we went to the cheese factory (where I found the CUTEST little headband bows for Mya) and subsequently found another quaint little spot called the Blue Heron. It was a deli/shop/winery/cheese place/bookstore/antique toy shop. I honestly think we stayed there for a couple of hours...we had lunch, Ryan tasted everything and I found random little things I couldn't bear to go home without. Then we hit Pacific City to check out the beach and ended up in Lincoln City where we had dinner at Mo's before heading home. It was such a cool day, because we literally had nothing in mind. We could stay anywhere we wanted for as long as we wanted. We had no time schedule and no responsibilities. We love to find quaint little places off the beaten path. All in all, it was a great day to spend time together and enjoy the Oregon Coast-the weather was amazing! What a super duper fun Valentine's Day; I am reminded how lucky I am to have a Valentine that I love to do nothing with!


I was clearly excited to be on the road--thumbs up!
This is Ryan's typical 'funny picture' look

The Grapeseed Oil-So amazing! http://www.chateaubianca.com/

The scenery--of course a picture out the moon roof!

Tillamook, Oregon. Tillamook Cheese Factory....yummmmy cheese....!

Mmmm, and some ice cream!

And the cute bows I found for Mya in the gift shop! What a random find.

The Blue Heron....you have to stop there if you ever go through Tillamook.
http://www.blueheronoregon.com/

a glass of wine of course...to accompany the cheese!
An awesome blueberry beer that Ryan tried! They carry it at Fred Meyer (we found it on the way home). It tastes nothing like beer...more like blueberry juice.
Scenery....along the Oregon Coast


Haystack Rock at Pacific City--it was a beautiful day!

Leavin' Mo's...they have the best chowder and fish n' chips! I forgot to take a picture while we were eating, so I took one at checkout.

All in a day's adventure--we were home sleeping by 10:30!

Valentine's Day Blessings!

I am reminded on Valentine's Day how wonderful it is to be loved. Loved by my Heavenly Father as well as my Earthly friends and family. I am blessed to love Logan, Mason and Mya and my darling hubby! Our kiddos got the cutest Valentine's Day shirts from Nana and Papa--who are in Maui by the way! And, yes they even check our blog from Maui--how cool is that! I took a few pictures for you all...I couldn't keep their darlingness (I know that's not a word) to myself. Tomorrow, Ryan and I are off to spend the day all by ourselves...How great is that! Valentine's Day blessings to you and your family!

PS: The amazing looking cookie in the picture is one of Aunt Rachel's cookies. She dropped off some Valentine goodies--that of course we dove right into after I took this picture!

Tea Party--hosted by Logan!

I was cracking up this morning when Logan hosted a tea party. He was filling (and refilling) Mya's teapot with water so everyone could drink up. The tea set has cups that turn color when they are holding water--so the kids had a grand ole' time. When Ryan came home for lunch he was less than thrilled to see his boys taking part in a tea party. He convinced Logan to have a truck party instead of a tea party--I have no clue what this is,but Logan bought in hook, line and sinker. I don't think Logan really cared about the tea, he just LOVES playing in water. He loves to pour it, blow bubbles in it, make drops out of it...and any other verb you can connect to water. Oh the fun things kids find to do!

One great recipe--and then another!

This is one of my favorite recipes of all times. We just cleaned up the leftovers tonight in fact. Logan will eat his veggies in this soup. If you get bored some night and need something new to try--give this a shot. Enjoy!

PS: It is really good with with a dinner roll, and don't overcook the tortellini (it will fall apart on you).

I added another one--this is another favorite for a couple of reasons. 1. tastes stinkin' good 2. Super easy, quick prep. 3. cooks long enough for me to get something done during cook time! There's even time to run to the grocery store for a salad needbe!

Muffin Tin Monday

I have been meaning to let you guys in on a fun little secret, although I had planned to share it on a Monday. A couple of months ago at MOPS, they shared the idea of serving your kiddos food in muffin tins on Mondays (hence the name muffin tin Monday). Honestly, there is nothing oh, so spectacular or special about this other than the fact that it is a fun way to encourage our kiddos to try different food, and encourage us (mommy's) to find new things to add to the same ole' boring lunch hour. Logan thinks it is kind of fun and I find myself hunting for new things to go in the muffin tins. Who knows, maybe you will be bored some Monday and grab this idea out of your bag of mommy tricks.

Greetings from Potty Training Land!

We are on the home stretch of potty training--I think! Logan is a trooper, and he loves wearing underoos! WooHoo! One down, two kiddos to go...I will give Mason and Mya a little while though. I am not a big fan of all the 'stuff' that comes along with potty training, but I have come to accept is as a fact of life. Hallelujah...one day closer to full potty independence! Yes, he is reading Farm Journal'...He calls it the ZeZine (magazine). He refuses to have any part of using the potty without 'Farm Journal' at his side. He's a chip off the old daddy block--that's for sure.

For Sale!

VIRTUAL scrapbooking rooms for sale. Available in all sizes as big or as small as you wish, easily accomodating all home sizes and situations, supplies galore included. Hundreds of stickers, velums, papers, ribbons, embellishments and MUCH, MUCH more. All you need is a computer!

Some of you have been e-mailing me for more information about the digital scrapbooking I have been doing. I learned (and purchased...very reasonably I may add) everything I know from a gal I met when we were attending Creekside! She is a gem and would be happy to get you more information. I do all my pages on my laptop while my kiddos are sleeping, and when they awaken...my virtual scrapbooking room quickly and quietly goes into slumber until the next time we meet again! I do love it!

25 Random Things About Me!

This was something I did on facebook, and my friend Christy had the great idea of posting hers on her blog since not everybody does Facebook. Just a little bit about me!

Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

1. I want more than anything to be remembered as a loving wife and mom--for my kiddos to be thankful for the upbringing they received.
2. I married the most personable, funny and generous guy around. Believe me, everybody loves this guy.
3. I loved teaching--my heart will rejoice when I can teach kindergarten again. Maybe when my kiddos are older.
4. I majored in Education and minored in Bible at Western Baptist College (now Corban).
5. I don't like generic Advil--it doesn't have the same candy coating as Advil.
6. I really want to get in shape--for heart health and to lose a few pounds.
7. I love to plan parties (and entertain)--I wouldn't complain if my kids had birthdays every month!
8. I really miss my brother, and wish memories stayed fresh forever.
9. I scrapbook almost every day--digitally of course.
10. I love being the memory keeper for my family. I want my kiddos to have a written record of the goodness and faithfulness of God in their lives.
11. I love being part of BSF (Bible Study Fellowship)--I love that Logan goes too.
12. I am so grateful that my daughter has a daddy who calls her princess.
13. I knew I was having twins long before the doctors did--It took me a month to convince them to even do an ultrasound.
14. My husband set up the most amazing proposal ever--mountains, snowmobile, roses in the snow, dinner, fireworks...the whole shabang!....I am his other princess.
15. I always refer to Mason and Mya as 'the babies' rather than 'the twins'.
16. I love to blog...http://bennettbrief.blogspot.com
17. I am incredibly grateful for my gal pals: Jess, Denee', Enez, Kim, Annie, Becca, and the list goes on.
18. Jessica is the closest thing to a sister I will ever have: She introduced me to my hubby, was in my wedding, was at the birth of all my kids, always throws my parties and showers...and is always there for me!
19. I love Law and Order, America's Most Wanted, Ax Men, Ice Road Truckers, and shows like that. I don't like girly shows at all. Weird, huh?
20. I drink more diet coke than I am willing to admit, although I really love a good glass of wine (or two).
21. I never DREAMED I would marry a farmer.
22. I love country life-although occasionally I wouldn't mind a sidewalk.
23. I love shopping--really love shopping.
24. I hate ironing--and love dry cleaning.
25. Our house is typically spic-and-span....I love it when things are organized and clean!

IPOD hitches a ride....

I got a pink ipod shuffle--for my new running adventures...but it seemingly disappeared. Naturally, it turned up on Logan's forklift (why didn't I think of that?). Logan has a little forklift that he calls his 'hyster', and he loves to haul anything and everything he can get his hands on. He really is a farmer at heart--he wants to do anything daddy does!

True Confessions of a Shopaholic

I wasn't sure what to title this blog entry. My first option was: Goals, Second: Quarter Marathon Here I Come, and lastly: True Confessions of a Shopaholic. Obviously I chose the latter. Here's why:I have been really convicted lately that I need to take better care of my body. I need to get in shape. I would love to shed a few pounds, but most importantly I want a healthy heart, body and mind. So, my bestest bud ever (from high school) Denee and I decided to run a quarter marathon. I know, many of you are thinking..."big whoop...that's like 6 miles" but let me just tell you WE ARE OUT OF SHAPE. I have been pregnant and nursing babies for what seems like forever. Every part of me sits about 2 inches lower than it used to, and I haven't exercised at all in a long time. In fact, when I told Ryan I was going to start running he laughed and noted that he wouldn't have to worry about losing me (we live in the country) because I wouldn't get past the stop sign (I can see that from here!). I tell you that only because working out really is out of character for me (and Ryan so kindly pointed it out). So, I have a few months to get in shape until our quarter marathon! I spent the afternoon researching upcoming events, workout routines...and running shoes. The running shoes led me to check out pants, then tank-tops, then....ohhhhh, you get the idea. Tonight when Ryan got home my mom and I took off to the Nike Outlet and grabbed a few essentials for my new venture. Only the bare necessities of course: new running shoes, tanks, a hat, a pink headband and pink workout watch. As we walked out of the store, all excited, I burst into laughter. I always joke that I enjoy shopping for hobbies more than I actually enjoy most hobbies--depressing? yes. True? yes. All that to say I am really excited about getting in shape. I am excited about spending more time with Denee'. I am excited about practing self-discipline. I am excited about setting a good example for my children about what it means to be a good steward of what God gives us. I am excited to prove Ryan wrong!--be watching for me waaaaaay past the stop sign...I will be the one in the pink headband!

Mason's Endoscopy

All went well yesterday. Everything the doctors could 'see' looked good, but we will get the biopsy results next week sometime. It was a busy morning...up at 4:00 (eesh), quick Starbucks run, waiting room, pre-op room, waiting room again, conference room with the doctor, pre-surgery room again, recovery room, waiting room....honestly, we were bouncing from place to place so often that we only had time to gather up all our junk and head to the next place. It was hilarious. I took so much stuff that it looked like we were trying to move in (Ryan was a little embarrassed). However, when your kid is a spitter you pack about 2 changes of clothes per hour that you plan to be gone, and Mason had fasted so I took snacks, etc. In addition, I took my laptop and scrapbooking paraphernalia....So, it was a zoo. All that to say, I didn't have a chance to blog yesterday morning. Here are a few pics of our adventure. Mason was a trooper.

PS: His hospital gown was HUGE because the one in his size was pink and Ryan refused to let him wear it--dead serious.

Mason's big day!

Tomorrow is Mason's big day at Doernbecher Children's Hospital. He is having an endoscopy, which they consider surgery because he will be under general anesthesia. They will be gathering more information about his asperating, spitting up, pneumonia...and the like. We have to check in at 6:00 AM (I know, I gasped when they told me the time) and Mason has to fast (not eat) before the procedure. Needless to say this is not going to be a barrel of laughs. Mason is a semi-grumpy kid (nevertheless adorably cute) even when he is fed, rested and doing something he enjoys. He just isn't a 'go-with-the-flow' kid. So I am expecting tomorrow to bring its own difficulties and trials. Logan and Mya will be staying the night with grammy (my mom) so that is two less people to worry about. Mason will get to come home tomorrow sometime so I will let you all know how it goes. Who am I kidding? I'm sure I will be blogging from the waiting room. These are the anticipations of tomorrow! If it crosses your mind, send out a prayer on Mason's behalf. We are praying for God's healing hand on his body and wisdom for the doctors so we can put this difficulty to rest.

Chocolate Pudding!

Last night after dinner Logan really wanted pudding for dessert, however we didn't have any pudding cups and it was time for bed. I told Logan we could make some together if we worked quickly (against Ryan's better judgment for the record). We got to work and made quite the mess. Chocolate pudding dribbled everywhere (2 1/2 year olds are not necessarily the neatest assistants), stuff was smeared all over the counter, whisks were splattering as they fell on the floor, Mason and Mya were licking up...who knows what. It was kind of a disaster. All the while Ryan was watching with a little smile on his face. I knew what he was thinking...he told me so. Needless to say, next time we will do baths AFTER the pudding.....live and learn I suppose.

Country Life

This morning by 8:30 I knew the day was going to be LONG and I mean LONG! I was feeling stir crazy for no specific reason. The problem with feeling stir crazy when you have three kids under three is that there is really no good place to go. Neither Mason or Mya walk, but they will not just sit either. Typically I plan several play dates in any given week but this week all my friends (and that is not an exaggeration) kiddos were sick. This leads me to today and our afternoon activity. We spent the day hanging out at the shop with Ryan and walking the loop that Ryan's parents live on. These are the days I am reminded how grateful I am to live in the country.

Why all the collages?

Some of you may be wondering why I have all these picture collages all of a sudden. Well, I am trying to keep up on scrapbooking, so whenever possible I am posting scrapbook pages that I have made. Sort of killing two birds with one stone. Plus it makes me feel better about all the time I spend scrapbooking.

Tooth brushing wonders...

My little prodigies love to brush their own teeth. Who cares that it is because they are teething? I am thrilled to pieces with their love of brushing. I had to sit on Logan until he was two years old to make him brush his teeth. HE HATED IT! Yeah for Mason and Mya, my little prodigies!

I love that the kids can all take baths together now. It completely expedites the bathing process and the kids love it. They are so entertained...even though it is pretty cramped quarters. They don't really know the difference as of yet. I love that the kids have each other...siblings can be such a blessing!

Prayers for our sleeping babies...

At night I find myself laying in bed praying for my children. Sometimes moved to the point that I get up out of bed to pray over them while they sleep. I cry out to God on their behalf, for all sorts of things from their protection and health to their character. I pray that God would give Ryan and I wisdom for the day for our kiddos. I pray that we would have a listening ear to the Spirit regarding our children. That He would reveal to us how we can better train our children and teach them to follow Him. That we would always be attentive to how God might be working in their lives. That the training our children receive in our home would prepare them to follow the Lord and be obedient to His commands. I also find myself praying for the Spirit's intercession in my prayers. I know that I fall short, I am lippy and imperfect. I need the Spirit to interceed on behalf of my children. I need to come before the Lord on behalf of my children. May our precious, sleeping angels walk near to the Lord and grow in wisdom, stature and favor with God and man.

Another weekend...

This was a busy weekend around our place. Friday evening Ryan and I went the Chamber of Commerce, Agri-business banquet with Greg and Judy, Tony and Rachel and Ryan's aunt and uncle. We mingled, had dinner and listened to a comedian. My favorite part was getting to dress up...I don't get to do that much in my line of work (mommyhood). Saturday, I went to an ALL DAY scrapbooking event with my mom. We scrapped from 8:30 to about 5:30...although truth be told I spent the first half of the time making friends, but that's another story for another time. Ryan spent the day with our kiddos, reminding me how fortunate I am to have a husband who genuinely loves and enjoys spending time with his children. I don't have to worry or feel bad (at least this time of year). Sunday brought Superbowl fun and that brings me to now. I hope you all had a wonderful weekend full of family and fun! Blessings!