Lots Going On

Hi my fellow bloggers, I have finally decided to start blogging again. Life has be crazy busy lately with lots of changes. But I am loving every minute of my life with my sweet family!!!

I am officially a working mommy again, and I am so thankful God has blessed me with this job. It is four minutes from my house, which is amazing!!! I am working for Family Video and it is the first store in Alabama. They actually have almost 750 stores. The company is great, and gives there employees the opportunity to empower themselves. It is so nice to finally be back to work and helping Danny with all of the financial aspects of running a family.

The kids are all fantastic!!! They are growing and thriving and enjoying being kids. Austin is loving 3rd grade! Trenton is rocking 1st grade! And little Miss Addyson (aka Addybell) is loving her Infants class at school. They are all healthy and everyday starts a new adventure.

For everyone who doesn't know, I am the Concession's Director for the EMCRA. Which is where the kiddos play all of there sports. I had to get my ServSafe certificate. With it comes lots of challenges and problems, but the kids are great. And that's why I chose to volunteer, plus it seriously needed some cleaning and attention. However, I don't think I will volunteer for a very LONG time after this. :)

I hope everyone checks back in soon. I may take a little time and post some pics for everyone to see my sweet family. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Busy Busy Busy

Life at the Benson's has been busy these last few months. So I promise to post soon, real soon!!!! We have plenty to post about: baseball, life with a cruiser, a birthday party (fast approaching), and many more events. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. And hopefully I can find time to post some of our events.

Our 10th Anniversary

On Tuesday, April 20th, Danny and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary. I can't believe we have been married for 1o years. These have been the best 10 years of my life, and I look forward to spending many more years with my hubby. I cherish everyday we have together, because really we never know how many days we have here on earth. And he really is the love of my life!

Of course, I am not really sure if our family's thought we would make it. Danny and I met at work, and got married seven months later. A year later, we welcomed our first child, Austin into the world. Those first few years were definately an adventure, but were so fun! We moved to Union Grove to live closer to my family, so my grandmother could babysit. I am so thankful that Austin got to stay with his great grandparents. They were a great help, and Austin is the best eater because of them. We had Trenton three years later, and we felt so blessed to have two sons. Moved back to Huntsville, so Austin could go to school in Huntsville. And then year nine, we welcomed our newest addition, a daughter Addyson.

Ten years later, I think our families now know we were perfect for each other. And every year gets a little better. I can't wait to see what's next for our little family.

A First for Austin

I am one proud Mama today. Well I have been since Thursday, but I have just been too busy to post. Austin had a rough year last year, and so we held him back. And it has been a blessing. His reading has improved, his math has improved, and his language has improved. Every nine weeks he is so close to getting on the honor roll, but it didn't happen. Well this 9 weeks he did!!! He got all B's!!! His dad gave him $20 and we are treating him to a movie tonight.

I am so thankful that he has a teacher that has really worked with him. I think all in all, he has really grown this year. And we are so very proud of him. He has been the best big brother to Addyson and to Trenton. Next 9 weeks he is stiving for some A's. And I am praying that he can bring home some. It may take a little extra time at home, but I want him to reach that goal.

Old Friends

I have to say, I have been close to two of my friends since grade school. One, in which, I still talk to almost everyday. And if I don't talk to her, then I am a little sad. We have shared the joys of childhood, school, boyfriends (many of these), marriage, pregnancy, the birth of a child(ren in my case), and the loss of a child. We have been thru a lot together. And then one of you changes. Well this is what is happening in my life as we speak.

After talking to my hubby and my very best friend I have decided that I need to let one of my friends go. I know people change, but money shouldn't change you. It absolutely breaks my heart to have to do this. She was there to witness the birth of Trenton, she was their during my father's accident, Danny and I introduced her to her husband (Danny's best friend), thru her pregnancy with her first child, but life changes people. And for now we are going seperate ways.

I am content living where we live, being a stay-at-home mom, and raising my family. To me, the house and money are not important. To me, my family and God are important. And to me, being there for a friend that has just went thru the worst thing a parent can ever imagine is important. And as we share in a new journey with each other, the pregnancy of her second baby, I pray that God is looking over her first. And I will pray that our friend that has gone her seperate way can find a friend that can be there for her, unconditionally.

Lots Going On

Where oh where do I begin. I feel like we have been so busy lately. Between Addyson staying sick with ear infections, the boys school, baseball and t-ball practice, housework, and laundry; well I feel like I am always on the go.

This is our first year of t-ball/baseball, and so far they both love it. Since Austin is older it is going to take him a little time to catch on, but thankfully he has a wonderful coach. And he makes sure he stops to take the time to show the kids what they need to know. I have to say, I was a little nervous the first time he got up to bat last night. But he actually hit the ball, and I loved it. I am trying to be the quiet mom. I don't want to be the parent yelling and screaming on the sidelines, this is simply only a game. And we are trying to teach them that this is for fun. They need to be kids and I don't want them stressing out over sports at this age.

Addyson is really on the go these days. Life with an active baby is a little more difficult but I love it. I am just trying to get us on a schedule. We are trying to work on set nap times and that will be my cleaning/soap opera time. Yes, I do watch one soap opera a day. I grew up with my babysitter and my grandmother watching this show. And if you are wondering what this show may be, well it is The Young and the Restless. Addyson is also starting to be a little more chatty. She waves bye bye to her brothers and daddy every morning. And she has started saying bye bye to them. This is only when she wants to. She loves chewing on anything. And I do mean anything. So all eyes are on Addybell when she is on the go. She also has learned to play with the bar stools, and it is the cutest thing.

I have to say, I am so looking forward to spring break. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. And hopefully I will have a post tomorrow evening about a winning pine wood derby car.

Addyson at 8 and 9 Months

Well I am a little late, but hey better late than never. My sweet, sweet Addyson (aka Addy, Addybell, or Addy Jane) is now 9 months old. We love watching her every move. And every night she seems to be doing something new. This is absolutely one of the busiest stages for mommy and baby. She wants to be everywhere and putting anything possible in her mouth. I have had to do the finger swoop several times and I know there will probably be more. It doesn't matter how many times I sweep and vaccuum, she will find something to put in her mouth.

So what has she learned these last few months....

Crawling
She can sit herself back up from crawling
Pulling Up to her knees
She got her top teeth (four in all, and is cutting four more)
She can say Mama, Hi, and Bye Bye
She can wave Bye Bye (in different ways, such as the whole arm to the Miss America wave) SO sweet
She is eating Puffs (first finger food)
She loves to explore the house
Loves to play with her brothers
Is a Mommy's girl
And loves her Daddy's attention when he gets home
Oh, and she has started giving love. She loves to snuggle, give hugs, and tries to give kisses.
She still is our picky eater. Her new favorites: mixed vegetables and butternut squash and apples.

At Addyson's 9 Month Checkup she weighed 18 lbs 7 ozs. She is 28 1/2 in. long and her head circ. in 42 1/4 cm. She was in the 81st % for height and 44% for weight. As always, Dr. Patz said she is perfect. She eats three times a day, I know how great is that. She is still eating 6 ounce bottles and eats about 3-3 1/2 jars of stage 2 baby food a day. He told us to start meats and start trying some table food. However, he said with her reflux that she may be 12-15 months old before she can really tolerate table food (just no eggs, peanut butter, or honey).

Addyson is still having ear infections, so they have scheduled her to see an ENT on March 16th. I was hoping we could avoid tubes with Addyson but she just can't get relief. And all of the teeth cutting thru are making her ears worse. So ENT here we come!!!

Addyson is almost in 12 month clothes. She is such a long baby, that her 6-9 month clothes are a little tight and just a little short. She also has moved up to the Swaddlers 2-3 diapers. I love that they make these transition diapers, what a great idea!!!!

I promise to post pics soon. I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful weather!!! And I hope everyone has a very blessed week!

Austin's First Pine Wood Derby

While Danny was gone, Austin competed in his first wine wood derby race for scouts. Danny and Austin built the car before he left. And I am so proud of both of them. The car turned out great. We didn't anticipate winning, since it was his first year. These little cars are tricky and you have to learn by building one. Danny had made previous arrangements before he left for his dad to take Austin to the race, and I was very thankful. I was so sad to miss, but someone had to keep Addyson at home. And I truly no nothing about scouts.

To all of our suprise, Austin's car was a winner!!! He won 4th place in speed, and 5th place for looks. Way to go Austin!!! He will go to District in March, for speed and looks. I am so proud of Austin and Danny. The car turned out great, and Austin had so much fun!!!

Gotta Love Some Snow....Especially Unexpected

First Snowman of 2010

Look at what we got Monday morning, and totally unexpected. It was so pretty, while it lasted. I even went and picked up the boys so they could enjoy the snow. This was the first time that the snow would pack at our house. And we took advantage of it. We even made a little snow cream, and yes it was ooh so good. However, it melts really fast. We all enjoyed a bowl and maybe a little someone enjoyed her first bite.

Ewww Bananas

Addyson's least favorite fruit is bananas. Doesn't matter what brand or fresh, she gives us the funniest look and spits them out. I am a sneaky mommy though, and she does get some bananas in her diet. Such as the banana, apple, and pear baby food. She likes them as long as they are not plain. So here is a pic of her playing with a banana. She got it away from my mom (GiGi) when we were making some fresh banana's for her.

Addybell on the go

My days now are spent chasing after this sweet little angel. And sometimes, like you can see, she gets in some funny places. And sometimes, she gets herself stuck in funny places. She loves to explore and so far she loves checking out the living room and kitchen. She loves the air vents. And she loves to get her fingers stuck (ouch) in the vents, and sometimes it takes a little pam to get them unstuck. I love this stage, although none of us get much rest.

Only a few tears

My sweet, sweet hubby left for Birmingham Saturday night. Leaving me home, with a sick baby and hardly any sleep. So what did I do, I sat and cried, for awhile. I was a big girl and waited to cry till he was out of the driveway, I didn't want to make it any harder on him. He was already upset that he had to leave me home with a sick baby, and I was getting sick as well. I know that it doesn't matter how much you plan, you can't plan when your child will get sick.

Danny made it to Chicago yesterday around 11. His first flight experience, well it was horrible (not what I wanted). He had a nose bleed the entire flight. The flight attendant told him he may want to drive home. Please pray that his flight home will be a better experience. He is going to start taking some allergy medicine, and hopefully this helps. I think Addyson has given Daddy the cold too. He really has a busy couple of weeks with class, so he needs the energy to concentrate.

So I am home alone, sick, with three kids, and life is just crazy. At least I am honest, being sick can make you less patient and very moody. Thank goodness my mom is going to stay with me a few nights out of the week, and Danny's mom has offered to help too. I am one lucky girl to have my family so close, and a family that wants to help. Maybe this will help me keep my sanity.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!!!

What a week

Monday evening Danny took Addyson back to the doctor for a recheck on her ears. I was at the grocery store when they called, so he decided he would take her. Addyson's ear looked a little better, but he went ahead and gave her another Rocephin shot to see if it would clear up the infection. Especially since she had been on the antibiotics already for 6 days and was still not better.

Tuesday morning Addyson had a runny nose but seemed okay, she is cutting her top two teeth so I expect a little runny nose. Wednesday she just didn't seem like she felt good and started coughing. Thursday, well she was worse, and seemed to wheezing a little with the coughing spells. So I called the Dr. again. Thursday afternoon we went back in to see Dr. Patz. And this time, we didn't get good news. Our sweet Addybell has RSV. And guess what, there is no meds they can give her. She has been sick off and on since December. We all need a break. Especially since the copays and medicine can get a wee bit expensive. And right now, Danny and I just feel helpless. You want to make your child feel better fast, but this time we just have to be patient.

On a sweet note, Addyson said Mama on Friday when she was crying and wanted me to hold her. It was so sweet. Today and tomorrow should be our worst days, please pray that Addyson starts to get well and we don't have to make any trips to the ER. And please pray that the RSV doesn't cause another ear infection.

Danny leaves tonight for B'ham, and leaves for Chicago in the morning. Please pray that he has a safe trip and that I don't miss him too much. This is the first time that he has been away from us this long, and it is really hard on him because Addyson is sick. I know I will be fine, especially since I have Danny's parents close and my mom close. I just don't want him to worry to much while he is gone. And hopefully these next two weeks will fly by.

Danny's New Job...Update

January 4th Danny started his new job with Allstate Insurance. The first week was a little challenging for me because he was in Birmingham for training for three days and two nights. That was three days with three kids by myself. And I did it!!! I missed him so much and was so thankful to have him home.

Allstate is a great company that he can retire with...something that you really don't look at when you are young or should I say think about. But hey, we are both "gasp" in our thiries, and we need to start really looking at our futures. And he will move up in senority at the end of the year because two of the adjusters in this area are retiring. They both have been with Allstate over 30 years, that is something that you don't see much anymore in companies.

The number one perk so far....he has already been told to pick his first week of vacation. That's right...his boss wants them to take vacation and he is not to answer his work phone. So different than Joe Hudson's. His first week of vacation is planned for the week of our 10 year anniversary. How exciting is that!!!! I am so thankful that all of his hard work over these year's is finally paying off.

Now for the hard part, Danny has to go for training in Chicago Jan.31st-Feb.12th. So I guess I will really learn then how to do it by myself. I think my mom is going to come stay with me some, just so I don't lose my sanity. :) Danny and I have never been apart for more than a few days in our marriage, but I know that we can do it, I will just miss him like crazy. He will get to experience his first plane ride, that's right, he has never been on a plane. I think this is a blessing because if he wasn't being made, he probably would never do it. And I love planes!!!

Thanks everyone who has been following our journey. This job has definately been a blessing for our family! And I thank God everyday for giving Danny this opportunity and me the opportunity to be home. What more could a girl ask for???

Look Who's Sick Again!!!

That's right, our sweet Addybell is sick again. She has another ear infection, this time her right ear. And even though she may cry constantly, wake up at all hours of the night, who could resist that sweet baby. And our sweet Dr. was out, so Addy met Dr. Klemm, whom she didn't like at first. He gave her some oral antibiotics (that I am sneeking into her bottle) and some pain drops for her ear. Hopefully our sweet baby will be feeling better really soon!!!

Avatar

Saturday night we treated the boys to a movie with some of our dear friends. We took them to see Avatar. If you haven't seen this movie, it is definitely worth going to the theatres to see. The scenery in this movie was amazing and the storyline was great. Trenton however sat in my lap or next to me for most of the movie. And afterwards he told me that he preferred watching movies in his bedroom. I totally agreed with him. As much as I love going to the movies and eating some of that yummy popcorn, I would prefer to sit in my livingroom and be all comfy watching a movie. :)

And little Miss Addybell had her a special evening with her grandmother and grandfather. What more could a little girl ask for.

New Year's Resolutions

We had a wonderful New Year's Eve this year. We spent it with Danny's parents and some of our friends. I love spending the New Year with my kids. We ate and played Apples to Apples, and had so much fun. My New Year's resolution: saving money and becoming a better wife. Last year I started shopping with coupons, and this year I want to keep a record of my savings. We started shopping at Kroger, and I love seeing how much I save each week. Sometimes I venture to Publix if they have what I need on sale that week. It really feels good when I see how much I saved at the end of my transaction.

I love my husband dearly, and I know he works very hard to give our family all that we need. So I want to try to accomplish having dinner ready when he gets home every night (or just setting a dinner time), getting this laundry on a schedule and sticking to it, and trying to set a date night at least once a month. Easier said than done with three kids, but I am going to try to accomplish this. We haven't had a date night in month's.

I hope if you set New Year's resolutions that you work hard to obtain your goals. I know that I am going to work hard to obtain mine.

Christmas 2009

Xander (my nephew) and Addyson

Here is a few of the cousins

(Austin, Addy, Emory, Xander, Elijah, & Trenton)
Danny and Addyson
Coen & Addy

Christmas was very eventful this year, and with three kids very busy. We had so much fun with all of our family. I love spending time with my family!!! I think over the years I have learned to appreciate them more and more. That being said, I am buying myself a camera with income tax money this year. It really stinks not having a camera of your own to capture each moment. But thankfully my sister captured a few pics, she would have had more had my other sister not turned the camera on to record (that is another story for a different blog). And my Aunts always take lots of pictures so hopefully soon I will get to see a few of them. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with your families this year. Each year we start new traditions, and I hope we can continue some of these next year.

Addyson is 7 Months Old

Addyson and My Aunt Linda

I just love Addy's expression on her face

Here she is trying to stand up

Her favorite toy, thanks to Jessica

My snow bunny

She loves playing

Here she is dressed for the cold

I just love this little girl

On December 23rd, Addyson turned 7 months old. Sometimes I wish the days would just slow down a little. Before I know it she will be one. She is learning so many new things and is the happiest baby, she loves smiling and laughing. She laughs at the craziest things (two brothers acting very silly). We had our first big ear infection and cold, and actually started yummy antibiotics on her birthday. What a way to celebrate 7 months.

Addyson weighs around 16 lbs 10 ozs. She is still in her 6-9 month clothes, but her little tooties are getting toward the ends in her sleepers. She is such a long baby. She still wears her size 2 diapers. She loves to sleep, she sleeps till about 9 every morning and sometimes a little later. She still eats 6 oz bottles about 3 times a day. She also eats cereal with fruit every morning, has some vegetables at lunch, and cereal before bed. However, Addyson is my picky eater. Since starting foods she only likes a few things. She loves pear and applesauce. She does not like bananas, sweet potatoes, and carrots. However, I can sneak some bananas and sweet potatoes in if I mix them with applesauce or pears. She just tried peas and loves them. In the next month I want to start introducing stage 2 foods, and we are hoping to find more foods that she will love.

Addyson can now sit up. Woohoo!!! She has also learned to fall down. I love experiencing all of the firsts with her. She is still trying very hard to crawl. It is fun watching her try to new ways to try to crawl. She has got the knees down, now to learn to get those little arms going. However, that doesn't slow her down. I have learned that she is not going to stay on her pallet, so we just let her crawl on the floor. And the boys are learning that we don't bring small toys to the living room.

Every month gets a little more exciting. And every month she starts showing a little more personality. Having a daughter is amazing. Austin and Trenton love their baby sister, and everyday they see that she loves them too. Her little face just lights up when she sees her Daddy and her brothers. Oh, and did I mention she is starting to reach for us. I love it!!!! This has to be one of my favorite stages. And I can't wait to see what joy the next few months bring.