Summer time

Happy Birthday Jett! He turned 2 on the 13th of July. He had a fun birthday. We had a few friends over to help us eat cupcakes. Thanks Grandma for the pillowcase and tool set! Jett is potty trained after a couple of weeks working with him. He is such a big boy now. I think he is ready to be a big brother now.

Here is Jack at 3 1/2 years old. He is loving his gymnastics and swim lessons this summer.

Here is my clan! Aren't they cute?

I got some yellow and red peppers this year from my garden. The tomatoes didn't turn out so great this year. I am officially done with gardening this season as I am too big to bend over now :)

Here is Celie's update on her elbow wound. This is a picture of her after 3 months of healing. I think she will have the scar forever.

Happy Fathers Day! I can't think of anything else in this world that these kids love more than their Dad. He is the best dad in the world!
Their father's day present was to walk on his back for a nice massage.

Lisa came for a short visit. The kids cried when she left. She was the best game player.

Celie - 6 yrs old

Happy Birthday Becca!

Celie's kindergarten teacher. She had a great year of school.

Celie's favorite work station. Reading and book writing.

Some of her close friends.

Remembering Mom

I can't believe it has been a full year since the passing of my dear mother from the unforgiving disease of pancreatic cancer. It was a grumpy day for me. All of the memories flooded back and overtook my mind. I felt like I was reliving the pains over again. I don't know how to get over the negative thoughts of 'what if I had done this' or 'if I had only done that'. I will never forget the way she looked at me before she slipped into a comatose state before passing away. The only way I can describe it is the perfect love of Christ. That moment is branded into my memory. She was such a fighter throughout her sickness. I am so proud to call her my mom. I love her with all my heart and I am looking forward to the day that my family and I can see her again.

Laura Robinson Benson 1952-2009

Mom with me after Jack was born.

My favorite picture of her because I know this is where she was most happy.

End of Kindergarten

I can't believe it is time for school to be over. Celie has grown so much socially and academically. She wants to be an author and has the personal drive to improve her talents. I am so proud of her. I am also excited to have her home for the Summer. We are enjoying our own "lesson time" at home and of course swimming at the pool (not as academic).

Celie's favorite school work.

Celie and Jack made a play-doe creation and surprised me. It is a sky with white clouds, a sun with yellow sun rays, a deer running and patch of red dirt with worms. I thought it was fairly creative. I don't know what the "snowflakes" are doing, but good none the less.

Jack fell asleep during dinner time - mid chew

He had a work-hard, fun-in-the-sun filled day. The kids work outside with Daddy a lot and it is pool season too. We have too much fun.

This is the favorite "doggy cage" spot. The kids will "lock" themselves up and just giggle and bark. They are hilarious.

May Moments

My Ballet Class (minus one) getting ready for their recital. Aren't they so cute!

Photos of my little ballerina

Sprinkler fun

Lunch time at our house.

Jack pretending to take a bite of our family sandwich.

Our Garden in May

Last day of Ballet Class. I let them dress up in what they wanted and they planned what we were to do. Balloons, popcorn and makeup. I will miss them.

Celie's Stitches

While I was at my Sister's wedding in Utah Celie fell out of a bike cart and scraped her arm up really bad. Marty took her to the emergency room and she got 4 big stitches. We had to treat it like a burn and keep it wrapped up because there was so much skin missing around the laceration. I really was a hole in her arm not a cut. It was painful for her every time we replaced the bandage. It is a large scar now, but Celie enjoys telling the story.

Check up on her arm about 6 days after the incident.

Fun in 2010

Jack and Celie ready to sing happy Birthday to Marlo.

Marlo blowing his candles out!

Celie getting her hair cut.

Jack fell asleep is his car chair.

Our new friend Candy.

Home from Cruise/Houston Rodeo

Celie trying to help Jack hear the ocean sounds in the shell we brought back for her. Jack was listening carefully.

Good-bye to Grandpa

Houston Rodeo

Jack and Jett in the wheel of a tractor.

Celie forcing a smile for the camera.

Cruise 2010

In February Marty and I went on a cruise to celebrate many things. Baby #4 on it's way, 7 year anniversary and our birthdays this year :) We went to Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya, Mexico; and Cozumel, Mexico. It was relaxing and nice to have a break from busy life. Marty ended up coming home to a new job possition so this was perfect timing for a vacation. I was 3 months pregnant and just got over the morning sickness the week before. It was good weather and great company. We met a table full of vacationers on the boat one dinner and I think I was laughing the whole time. One couldn't hear, but did all the talking; another could hear, but would make jokes under her breath about the one who couldn't hear; one was off in another world; another hated every piece of food placed in front of her; and the last was a middle aged or younger guy that was somebody's relative just on the cruise because he "does nothing" at home. Very interesting - so hilarious.

Marty's Dad was kind enough to fly in and watch our kids while we were gone. I still can't believe he was willing to take on such a task. The kids were ok for him and there were no big problems. Thanks Grandpa!

Cozumel: we rented a scooter and drove around the island. About 15 minutes after this picture we found our own beach with big waves and perfect sand. so fun.

Costa Maya: we took a taxi to see some Mayan ruins.

Roatan: Beautiful, green, lush island that had great snorkeling.

Roatan: Here is the snorkeling sight we went to. You walk into the water and there it is. It was so amazing and so close to the water's surface. We went out a little too far and got attacked by tiny jelly fish we couldn't see unless you really look hard. I freaked out and got stung more because of the flailing of arms and legs!

Roatan: picture from the boat.