The Kids are Good!

Ok, so I'm doing a little better on keeping up with this thing, even though the past 10 days or so have been a whirlwind (but really, when is life not?).

 Kids are doing great. Amelia has entered into full blown toddlerhood. Sometimes that is good and sometimes it is bad. She going through an aggressive streak, so I have to try and sneak by the daycare counter each afternoon so they can't tell me how many kids she bit that day. It's a very tough spot to be in because there isn't much from a discipline perspective that I can do right now. I also know what it's like to have the kid who is being bit because Braden used to get bit all the time at school when he was her age. I just keep telling myself that this too shall pass.

Otherwise she's also learning a lot. Her newest (and most hilarious) fascination is with animals. Anytime a dog crosses the tv she stands in front of it and screams with delight. Every book we read is about animals and she's started learning the sounds, too. It is the most adorable thing! So far we've got Moo for cow , Woof for dog, and Roar for lions. Precious! She also loves animals in real life. Last week we were outside playing and our neighbor's dog was running around. She got so excited she threw herself to the ground and started giggling. Love it! I'm not sure where she gets it from because I'm certainly not a big animal person.

Braden is also doing well. He's getting geared up for Valentine's day at school. They are making their Valentine boxes and will have a party that day at school. Every morning when he gets up, he asks me if it is Valentine's day. Too cute! He's also going through a growth spurt. All of his pants are too short, but he is so skinny, I can't put him in the next size up yet. They'd just fall right off!

As many of you know, my birthday was last weekend. Mom and the kids really want out of their way to make it special! They woke me up on my birthday with birthday cake and presents! What better way to start the day? We followed that up with birthday cake for breakfast! Celebrated in style at my aunt's house with grilled steaks and more cake and ice cream. I would like to note that Amelia has my sweet tooth. She took her entire scoop of ice cream in one hand and ate it sans spoon! Oh to be a kid again!

Babies getting ready for mommy's birthday!

I know I look a little rough, but anytime I am woken up by fire it takes me a minute to get my bearings... And I promise that is a camera trick - there really weren't THAT many candles =)

Catching Up

Yet again I have failed miserably at writing this blog. And I know I always have excuses, so let me throw a few out there for this one. Between Christmas, the holiday season in general, mini vacations, and a second job, it's been a little busy around here…

So, I'll start at the beginning. Christmas was wonderful at our house! The only complaint I might have (ok two complaints) is that I didn't take very many pictures. I was too busy enjoying the moments that I didn't capture very many of them for posterity. That being said, there were a lot of moments. This is the first year that both kids could really do anything on Christmas morning. Now, Amelia still doesn't get the concept, but Braden does. To say that he was overwhelmed on Christmas morning might be an understatement. He walked right past the ride on tractor that Santa had left and went to his stocking =) Amelia slept in and quickly took possession of her new baby doll stroller and hasn't slowed down since. Mom and I both got a stomach virus on Christmas day, so we had to reschedule Christmas dinner with the rest of the family, but all in all it was a wonderful Christmas celebration!

Twas the Night before Christmas...

Ready for Christmas eve service

Seeing the lights at the courthouse

I'm gonna get every last piece!

The holiday season almost did me in though. I felt constantly tugged in different directions and everyone wanted some time or money that I didn't feel I had to give. And of course I wanted to squeeze in some traditions with the kids. Mom and I took them to the capital building here to see the tree and manger scene and ready the story of the Christmas donkey. That was a very special day for me because she used to do the same thing with Ross and I as kids. The kids and I both had Christmas parties galore, and Braden was in the church Christmas pageant. He was the cutest stinkin angel I've ever seen!

Braden and Santa at his school party

Braden and Mommy after his big performace!

Then it was off to our mini-vacation. Since my family is all here now, I don't have to travel over the holidays (amen!), but I did want to take a little get away. We decided on Branson, MO. The hotel was great and had an indoor water park, an arcade, and giant ball play area. As a matter of fact I broke the skee ball high point score one morning at the arcade. Go me! We took the kids to a show with live trained animals in it. Contrary to the picture, they both loved it! It was a quick two day vacation, but we had a blast and it was great to get away from the hustle and bustle of life and work.

With Mimi at the hotel

Amazing Pets show

We walked through the mini golf course and checked out all of the cool stuff!

Speaking of work, I have taken a second job of sorts. I am now the new Director of Operations for StarCatcher sports. I am working with a guy who February – October of every year is on the road with the Baltimore Orioles, but in the offseason does camps, clinics, and runs a college placement service for athletes. My role is sort of a jack of all trades. I do the set up and marketing for the clinics, ad and PR work for the company, and media relations. As a matter of fact, we're going to be in a magazine in February. What that means for me personally is that I work 7:30-5 at my 'real job', play mommy until 8, then do work for StarCatcher in the evenings. One would think that would make me exhausted, but I am having a blast because it combines two of my true loves – marketing and sports.

I also made a quick trip to the Cotton Bowl (sans kids) and had a blast! It has been more than a moment since I have had the opportunity to be away from the kiddos and have fun like a grown up. Fort Worth was a great place to go out, the game was a blast, and Texas Stadium is insane! GO HOGS!

I know this is supposed to be a blog about the kids, so just so you know they're both doing great. Braden will start t-ball next month and Amelia is in the 85% in all of the charts for her 15 month check up. I'll keep you all updated on their happenings as we move into spring!

Spidey-Amelia

Getting ready for spring!

Give a little cheer

First of all, I know that I promised to do this more often and have failed miserably, but I promise I have a good excuse. I've had sick (and I mean really sick) kids for the past 2 weeks that have kept me up at night, home from work, and elbow deep in laundry. So, I ask for your forgiveness, and promise that I will TRY to do better next time.


Now, I've had a blog idea that I've been wanting to write about for a month, my little helpers (or should I say 1 helper and my anti-helper), but yesterday something happened and I feel compelled to save that story for another day.

Yesterday I found out that our daycare is closing. And as horrific and panicky as it made me, I immediately began to feel for the 20 or so dedicated men and women who will be losing their jobs, right before Christmas. It made me sad, and upset that I couldn't pay for each and every one of them to have the wonderful Christmas that they deserve. Which got me to thinking about all of the children around the world that won't have toys at Christmas and won't have anything to eat that day, let alone a Christmas dinner.

It also made me think about how thankful I am that my mom raised me the way that she did, knowing that when you can and are able, you should always give back. Every year that I can remember, our family has always adopted a family at Christmas, or bought for an angel off the angel tree, or bought something for someone at a nursing home who won't get any visitors at Christmas. My mom was also always involved in service organizations growing up that had nothing to do with my brother and me. She was involved because it was the right thing to do. She passed that on to me.

In college I picked up the tradition and am so proud to say that my friends and I have adopted a family for 10 years. That is 10 (actually more than that because some years we did 2 families) families that we made a difference in. I'm not writing about this to toot my own horn, but to show how easy it is to make a difference. You might ask why I'm writing about this in a parenting blog, and it is because one of the most important values we can teach our children is philanthropy.

I don't have a lot to give, but I remind myself that the $10 I set aside each month in my grocery budget to buy food for the food bank will provide a meal for a family that would otherwise not have one. And when Braden asks why the mac n cheese I just bought can't come home with us, I happily explain to him why we buy for other children. Now, at 3 I have to put it in terms he will understand, but even as young as three he is beginning to understand what it means to help people. What it means to give of yourself and not expect anything in return.

So, this holiday season, I urge you to give back, and take your children along when you do it. Below I've listed some places that we've chosen to give back to in the past, in case you need an idea to get you rolling:

- Send a letter of thanks or a package to a soldier. You can adopt soldiers at www.anysoldier.com (We adopted an entire platoon one year at Christmas and they wrote us a very sweet letter back)
- Find out from local schools if they do backpacks at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Most kids who are on free or reduced lunch at school won't have anything to eat during long school breaks.
- Get an angel from an angel tree (Wal Mart usually has them; I know our Walgreens has an elderly angel tree, too)
- Call a school, church, or nursing home to see if anyone has expressed a need
- Rainbow Village is a domestic violence center we've worked with in the past. I know sometimes these centers are difficult because of the secrecy surrounding these women, but I am sure they can always use help.
- Reach out to your local volunteer clubs (Kiwanis, Rotary, Junior League, and Junior Auxiliary). They've always got folks in need.

And remember, it doesn't have to be a lot of time or money, but what you do can make a difference in someone's life, and that is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children!

Ballet Birthday Bash

Ok, so I know I've been bad about updating this, but life has been a little hectic lately! I have some great blogs in the works so stay tuned!


Since I last wrote, Amelia has turned 1! And of course in true Benson fashion, we partied! On Amelia's actual birthday, we headed out to Aunt Nancy's house for cupcakes and presents from the family! The birthday girl tried to sample each and every cupcake, but can you blame her when we sat her on the table right next to the cupcake stand?

My aunt made her her own cake and cupcakes for everyone else. The other 3 kids ate 11 cupcakes between themselves!

New rocking horse from the Sanders

Last day for bottles - I'm a big girl now!

Then, on Friday Mimi came to town to help us celebrate! it was off to one year picture session (after mommy and Mimi had some Cothoms downtown!)

Saturday before her party we went to the pumpkin patch and both kids had a blast. Then it was off to nap for Amelia and time for mommy to get the party ready. Now, we've discussed my tendency to go slightly overboard with birthdays, but I do not see anything wrong with individual tulle tutus for each cupcake… I really don’t =) The theme of the party was a ballet birthday. Mommy made tutus for all of the little girls that came to the party. The weather was perfect so we partied outside with lots of friends and family! Amelia very much enjoyed her cake and then it was off for a quick bath and outfit change. Then it was present time. She got lots of great stuff, and she wanted to hold it all at one time. Every time she got a new baby or pair of shoes she would try to squish it all into her chubby little hands at once.

The table with the banner mommy made for Amelia

Mimi, Amelia, and Marlee

Mmmm...cake!

Yes I'm under here, but I must have room for all my babies!

Good party...I'm ready for next year!

It was a wonderful time, celebrated with special people, and even though she won't remember it, I will. We had a wonderful time celebrating Miss Amelia!
Now, in honor of birthdays gone by, I'm posting some pics from some of my old birthday parties. You can probably start to see how I got the crazy birthday gene… (you mean it's not normal to wake up on your birthday to a banana with candles in it and the family singing happy birthday to you?)

13th birthday dance party with Lizzie Hood - we had a rock and roll theme

9th birthday pool party at the Holiday Inn (January birthdays do not lend themselves to outdoor pool parties!)

Another pool party birthday

Luau birthday party - mom hand made the outfits for all the girls

Fall in the South

I know it's been a minute since I've given an update on what we've been up to, so here goes. In a nutshell I've been teaching my kids how to be good southerners – you know, family, football, friends, and fairs!


Mom and Larry (aka Mimi and Pops) came for a visit over Labor Day weekend. Although their visits are never as long as we'd like them to be, we had such a blast! We took the kids to their first high school football game on Friday night and it happened to be with 25,000 other people in a college stadium. I don't think we remembered a camera that night, so we don't have any pics, but the kids (and adults) had a blast! Both kids loved the cheerleaders and run throughs and were totally impressed with climbing all over the bleachers.

Pops and his little monkey

The next day was jam packed, too. Took the kids to Chuck E Cheese to celebrate Evan's birthday and then went to play in one of the city's outdoor water fountain parks. Again – the kids had a blast! Amelia was walking (sort of) so she kept finding herself in the middle of everything and loved it!

I can't believe they stopped to eat pizza!

Amelia and her new boyfriend. Already a woman in control =)

That night, mom and I (with some help from Amelia) put together Amelia's new birthday present from Mimi and Pops – a dollhouse bookshelf. Amelia was having a blast climbing in and out of it. She was bummed when we put the shelves in and she figured out that it wasn't really a little house for her. =)

I'm mommy's little helper...I promise =)

Finished product - very much bolted to the wall

The very next week I took the kids to the fair parade (not quite brave enough to take them to the actual fair yet – it reminds me a little too much of deliverance, but worse!). Braden sat right on the edge of the road and loved watching all of the floats go by. Amelia was busy trying to escape and do anything she wasn't supposed to do, so she and I missed a lot of the parade. Anyway, the parade brought back lots of memories for me because I rode in it once or twice as a kid.

Taken the kids back to a few other high school football games to watch a friend's son play. It's a smaller school, so smaller stadium and the kids again have a blast! We even got to go on the field after the game and Zach let Braden try his helmet on.

Grrr!

Braden and I also had a much needed Mommy/Braden date to Disney Live a few weeks ago. The productions were Cinderella, Snow White, and Beauty and the Beast. Of course, Braden's favorites were the beast and the evil queen =)

We've also been to a few festivals over the past several weeks. Braden got his face painted at one and we managed to lose no less than 8 balloons in a 90 minute timeframe. Craft fairs seems to be a way of life in the south and a yearly reminder that fall is here. I love them!

Mom came back for Amelia's first birthday party (another post on that later) and we took the kids to the pumpkin patch. This one was really neat! They had a train and a hayride, and an old Western town, and pumpkins of course. Amelia loved the baby chickens at the petting zoo. Braden pretty much loved it all!

Hanging out in the Old West with Mimi

I want this one, mom!

Can I have a baby chicken for my birthday?

At least this year Amelia's out of the womb for the hay ride.
Thought the one last year might have put me into pre-term labor!

So, I guess what we've been up to is just living life. Had a few great visits from family and friends, some great food, and some great visits to fairs and parades.

Baby Weight no More!

Every mom struggles with baby weight. Even Heidi Klum I'm sure struggled with getting the weight off, but for those of us who are not super models and can't afford to hire a live in trainer, getting that weight on certainly isn't as easy (or fun) as putting it on.


I'm one of those people who have struggled with weight my entire life. I look at a bag of Cheetos and gain 5 pounds. Always have. It didn't help the situation when I met beer. =)

Now, after Braden I was able to get the weight off (I still had the freshman 15 and the beer weight, but at least the baby weight came off). But Amelia was a different story. I tried it all – counting calories, exercising, low carb – you name it, I tried it. And NOTHING worked.

The thing is though, I didn't realize how much it affected the way I felt about my body. After having a baby your hormones are crazy to begin with and you get so little sleep that a tank top and maternity pants cut it most days. So, the fact that I was still dressing like that 9 months later didn't really bother me. I told myself that I was a mom and my body would never be the same and that one day I would get the weight off and when I did it would be fine, and I believed myself. I even stopped dancing around the house to a favorite song on the radio and didn't notice. I developed a chronic pulled muscle in my heel that hurt almost on a daily basis, but I wrote it off to changes one goes through after delivering a baby.

Well, I finally found something that worked for me. I'm about 37 pounds down and I feel so great! I feel so great that it makes me realize how not great I felt for those 9 months. I'm wearing clothes now that I haven't worn in almost 4 years and I promise you that last week I wore heels, something that wasn't possible with the foot pain! I'm wearing dresses now and looking forward to putting together outfits.

Now, not that I'm above tooting my own horn because if you knew me, you'd know what an accomplishment losing weight is for me. But more than that, I wanted to write this to let everyone out there who is carrying an extra 10, 20, or even 50 pounds of baby weight, that it can be done. You just have to find what works for you. I'm thinner now than I was when I got married and don't plan on stopping just yet (still have those freshman 15 lurking around). Are there days when it's hard to work out? Yes – especially since Amelia's favorite place to camp out during my ballet routine is clinched to the inside of my thigh, and sometimes after a full day of work, playtime, and cleaning up poop from one or more of my kids, all I want is to lie on the couch and melt into it and not get up. But, then I remember that cute little pink dress in my closet and it makes me get up and do a little something. I even find myself dancing around the house again, and I'd forgotten how much I missed that. =)

Anyway, better head to bed. Big day tomorrow – my baby girl turns 1 and obviously I need to bring the 'A game' since this will set the precedent for all future birthdays. I promise an update of the birthday festivities and other fall activities to follow soon!

A great life gone too soon

I think that one of the hardest decisions for a new mom to make is if and when to return to work. You are so enamored with your new buddle of joy that you can't ever imagine spending a moment away from them. So the thought of giving your child to someone for the better part of your waking hours pains you to your core.


For some, like me, staying home wasn't an option, so starting down the road of trying to choose who will take care of your child was daunting at best. Before Braden was born we explored several options, in home, churches, and group based daycares. We finally decided on a group based daycare situation and then began the task of finding one we could afford that we felt comfortable with. We finally found one and as many of you know, that first day is so hard! I went back at lunch to nurse and just to check on my little guy, but lo and behold he was doing fine. We had somehow managed to find someone who would love and care for our child the same way we would.

Last week the world lost an amazing light. One of Braden and Amelia's former daycare workers passed away suddenly and as I began to think about this woman, I began to think about all of the people who provide care on a daily basis to my kids.

I feel extremely lucky to have found not 1, but 3 different daycares that have provided amazing care to my children at different times in their lives. Not only do they provide care for my children, but they have fostered a want and a will to learn, which is so important at this age.

I feel so lucky that I have always been greeted each morning when I drop my kids off and been given a full report of the day's activities when I pick them up. The teachers and staff members truly come to love your children and respect your role as a parent. We still have a poster that Braden's class in Georgia made for him on his last day there. That was one of the hardest parts of leaving Georgia – leaving our friends and family at the Sunshine house.

I truly believe there are not many harder jobs in the world. Having to deal with kids who have an unimaginable energy level and being constantly outnumbered by them. Having to deal with children who are disciplined in different ways in each and every home they come from, yet having to make sure they all follow the same rules at school. Having to do all of this while making not nearly as much as they should, but doing it all with a smile and a heart full of love.

So, today I write this blog to say thank you to all of Braden and Amelia's teachers and the many staff that have touched all of our lives. You deserve much more than my praise and gratitude, but today that is all I have to offer. I write this in honor of you and in memory of Mrs. Chris Fain. For those of you with children, please take a minute today to thank the people who take care of your children when you can't be there with them, the ones who love your children like their own.

In memory of Chris Fain – a wonderful woman and friend, and someone who loved my children and always brought a smile to my face