Happy New Year Everyone...

Happy New Year 2010…

As you try to balance your life during this new year:

Study diligently: The Savior of the world instructed: “Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” He added: “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

Pray earnestly: The Lord directed, “Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing.”

Serve willingly: You are a mighty force for good, one of the most powerful in the entire world. Your influence ranges far beyond yourself and your home and touches others all around the globe. You have reached out to your brothers and sisters across streets, across cities, across nations, across continents, across oceans. You personify the Relief Society motto: “Charity never faileth.” Pres. Thomas S. Monson

http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-775-43,00.html

Rob Survived His First Half-Marathon!...

"Last Chance Marathon" choose to run a Half or Full Marathon. The race only allows for 50 runners, so you have to sign up early. But they can keep names on a list in case others end up not running it.

http://www.marathonmaniacs.com/Last_Chance_Marathon.htm

Well, I am pleased to say that Rob survived running 13.1 miles today. He has never ran more than 10 miles (which he was able to do for the first time ever this Summer). We signed up for this free race and we didn't do as much training as we should have, but we surprised ourselves big time. This was the race I was planning to run a Full Marathon for and was training after the Summer, but surprised myself with an October Marathon instead. I was ready for a Full Marathon earlier than I thought. Anyhow, Rob never ceases to amaze me. He just keeps surprising me every time with all the things he can do, and specially with stuff he doesn't like to do, but finds the motivation to do it. I know he still doesn't like running, but does it mostly for me...he thinks he gets brownie points or something, heeheee!

The race took place in Fairhaven at the Fairhaven Park which has a beautiful Interurban route to run with some hills and incredible views to the ocean. We both ran alongside our friends Amy and Dave (his first time as well) Reid, until half way when we started eating their dust, I think it was mainly Amy's dust we were eating. Anyhow, we managed to finish behind them by a minute or so difference. Amy and I set a new Personal best, and the boys ran their first Half-Marathon setting their best time as well, for first timers. I came in at 2hrs 16min 50sec, and Rob 4 sec. after. Regardless of my cold (yes, I have a cold as of Wednesday) and the lack of training time we put into it, we are amazed! I definitely would like to make this an annual race for Rob and I.

P.S Rob is officially addicted to "GU". It really helped him boost his energy during the race. He only had two of these yucky power gels but he could of had more and probably beat me if we had extras. I had more self control and only had one. heeheee!

P.S.S Thank you Amy and Dave for being such fun people and great friends to do this with us.

PS #3 We had a choice as to what number we can wear for the race. I chose 245 and Rob chose 911, very funny!

The Annual White Elephant Party....

For the last 4 years Rob and I have attended our Friends' annual white-elephant party. I really look forward to it each year. It is a way to gather with friends from our ward and be our true selves...silly, funny, sarcastic and whatever else we do to have fun with each other. We also play games and of course the main event being the exchange of gifts. Some years we have had this ugly large stuffed reindeer or dog (I can't remember) passed around. It didn't this year, but our friends the Draper's gave the best gift ever. It was a red-neck gift package. I can't remember all that was in it, but there was a fly swatter, and some duck tape and a white wife beater's top. I think there was some Mountain Dew soda and some beef jerky. It was just the funniest gift ever. Very creative!! And whoever made the caramel popcorn, hand over the recipe! That was delicious...I even had a tummy ache from eating too much of it. But, no regrets! We can't wait until next year!! Thank you Jeniffer and Todd McCleve. You guys are awesome!

I Have So Much To Learn...

I love my new camera, but I have soooooooo much to learn. I can't believe how sharp the pictures look and how vibrant the colors are. I have been playing around with it on and off during the day with colors and lighting, close-ups and motion/action shots. Rob got really fancy on me and took some awesome pictures of Juliette's shoes and then found this leaf with a heart shape in it. He already knows more about the camera than I do and it is pretty fun to share another common interest. I need to take the time to read and study up on photography when I can. I really want to learn this well and get good at it. This is a camera that I hope to have for a very, very long time.

I have already discovered that I personally like close-ups...zooming into a flower or a leaf, and even my kids faces, seems to be pure art in my eyes. I love the details in faces and nature, and I love seeing colors. I am so excited about photography. I have always loved it and I am really motivated to actually do something about it. I just got to make time for it. Thank you Rob for spoiling me!!!

What?...A Loose Tooth? You Are Too Old For the Tooth Fairy!...

James has been complaining and has been very concerned about this lose tooth he had for about a month. He went to the Dentist today and Dr. Hanks didn't seem concerned. James kept telling me that it was lose and that he was worried because it was not a baby tooth. I got concerned as well. We can't be losing our Big Kid teeth now, dentures at 12? Well today during dinner he lost the tooth. I quickly made a house call to our dentist and friend. I was told to have him stick it back and wait for Dr. Hank's call, so we tried to frantically stick it back...Well, we got the call and then laughed. Dr. Hanks reassured us that James had not lost this tooth yet and that this was a baby tooth. Lesson learned, never trust your 12 year old when he says that he has lost all of his baby teeth!

P.S James did ask for the Tooth Fairy to visit him tonight...We'll see!

Juliette Is So Much Fun!...

She has not stopped wearing her hair extensions, she is such a funny girl! She just loves these fake wigs...Thanks Aunt Lisa and the rest of the Bennion crew!

Our Christmas...

I didn't realize how many traditions we have during this time of year. Seriously! The kids even remembered most all of them. It made me feel glad to know that we do have traditions that the kids look forward to and expect every year. Let's see if I can name them all...I might even forget a few.

There is the:

Christmas Orange,

the Manger and Hay,

new PJ's Christmas Eve,

homemade Cinnamon rolls and Hot cocoa for breakfast on Christmas Day,

Read the Nativity Story (Christmas story) on Christmas Day,

watched the "Best Christmas Pageant Ever" and "The Nativity" movie,

baked goodies to deliver to neighbors and friends,

baked with Grammie Deb,

got new Christmas dresses,

went to see "The Nutcracker" Ballet,

got new ornaments,

played a "Hershey Candy Bar" game,

read "Twas the Night before Christmas" on Christmas Eve,

introduced a new tradition: "Pan de Jamon" which is a traditional delicious Venezuelan Ham bread (my first time making it for the kids and Rob)...

I think that just about sums it up.

I believe that our Christmases keep getting better and better each year. Specially when the kids get it, they understand the true meaning of Christmas. We experienced that with Sophia this year. She was the biggest giver of all. She was giving away a lot of her Christmas goodies to us, it was the sweetest, most tender thing to experience. Eliza also caught the bug of giving. She received Christmas money from Abuelos and said " I much rather have a baby brother, than to have twenty dollars" and she then put the money in our Adoption Fund Jar. What a girl? Sophia did the same thing. I was really touched by their selflessness and love.

We all got what we wanted for Christmas and more. We are truly blessed. Rob got his I-POD touch, I got my NIKON D-90 Camera, James got VANS shoes, Eliza got her vintage typewriter ( she is going to be a famous writer someday), Juliette got her mini skateboard and Sophia got her helmet and a kid laptop. Plus we got a bunch of many other wonderful gifts from family and friends. THANKS EVERY ONE for your wonderful presents.

Lisa B: Juliette loved your hair extensions, she has been wearing them every where. You always give the most creative and fun presents. Thank you!

P.S One special moment for me was when James invited all of his sisters to sleep with him in his room and then Rob went up to the attic and made all sorts of loud noises and jingled some bells (pretending he was Santa)...I stood by the bedroom door and heard the girls squealing with excitement. It was the sweetest hing to hear them all in one room. I love my kids!

P.S.S We gave Rob some Gag gifts this year. James wrapped up his wallet and then his keys, then we got an old pair of whitey tidies and smeared a melted Hershey's kisses and then stuck it on (pretty gross, I know). We also wrapped a can of chili beans with a lighter (my lil' sister's idea). We had some fun at Daddy's expense. He had a great sense of Humor...We love you Rob!

P.S.S.S Eliza wrapped up toilet paper for James as a Christmas present. That was pretty funny too!

Ok, Last P.S...Rob and I got the kids a bunch of Sugar cereals and Soda for fun, since they don't get that stuff very often. They loved opening wrapped boxes of Fruit Loops and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

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Sharing Tradtions...

We were invited to have dinner with our friends the Fisher's last night. We enjoyed home made Japanese food which was absolutely delicious. Our friend Noriko even made home made egg rolls that were so yummy, we all had three-too many, each. She also baked a scrumptious Pound cake with a raspberry sauce and whipped cream. Everything made by her. I was able to keep her company and watch her cook in the kitchen. I really think that the kitchen is one of the best Social spots ever. Seriously, I love cooking and baking with friends or family. The best conversations take place. We can bond, we can eat/taste our foods, share our wisdom and knowledge about recipes and life. It is a cozy and very inviting place. That is just my opinion.

I remember as a kid watching my Mom, Grandma, and Aunts gather in the kitchen for the Holidays or for Birthdays and cook together. They would all chat and be loud and share so much love with food. It seemed like I ended up washing a lot of dishes, but somehow I didn't mind it as long as I was part of what was going on in the kitchen. I didn't think I would miss that, but at times like these I do! I would love to be in my Mom's kitchen today cooking and baking with my sisters. Perhaps one of these Christmases I will have the privilege to do so.

Anyhow, I just enjoyed our time last night visiting with friends and sharing our time with them duirng this special time of the year. We shared our "Orange" tradition with them and they seem to have enjoyed themselves sticking cloves on their oranges. The smell afterwards was so soothing. Rob did tell the meaning of the Christmas Orange, it is a very sweet story about giving. These oranges are a reminder for us of what we truly value during Christmas time and of Heavenly Father's love and gift to us. A reminder of how we need to share this love and give to others that have less than we do, specially during the Holidays.

Here is the Story:

http://ldsfiles.com/thefiles/2007/11/story-christmas-orange.php

Story: Christmas Orange

Sometimes it is easy to forget the true meaning of Christmas. The busy traditions of the season and the appealing advertisements for material goods can leave the pure and simple truths far, far behind. Jake was nine years old with tousled brown hair with blue eyes as bright as a heavenly angel. For as long as Jake could remember he had lived within the walls of a poor orphanage. He was just one of ten children supported by what meager contributions the orphan home could obtain in a continuous struggle seeking donations from townsfolk. There was very little to eat, but at Christmas time there always seemed to be a little more than usual to eat, the orphanage seemed a little warmer, and it was time for a little holiday enjoyment. But more than this, there was the Christmas orange! Christmas was the only time of year that such a rare treat was provided and it was treasured by each child like no other food admiring it, feeling it, prizing it and slowly enjoying each juicy section. Truly, it was the light of each orphan's Christmas and their best gift of the season. How joyful would be the moment when Jake received his orange! Unknown to him, Jake had somehow managed to track a small amount of mud on his shoes through the front door of the orphanage, muddying the new carpet. He hadn't even noticed. Now it was too late and there was nothing he could do to avoid punishment. The punishment was swift and unrelenting. Jake would not be allowed his Christmas orange! It was the only gift he would receive from the harsh world he lived in, yet after a year of waiting for his Christmas orange, is was to be denied him. Tearfully, Jake pleaded that he be forgiven and promised never to track mud into the orphanage again, but to no avail. He felt hopeless and totally rejected. Jake cried into his pillow all that night and spent Christmas Day feeling empty and alone. He felt that the other children didn't want to be with a boy who had been punished with such a cruel punishment. Perhaps they feared he would ruin their only day of happiness. Maybe, he reasoned, the gulf between him and his friends existed because they feared he would ask for a little of their oranges. Jake spent the day upstairs, alone, in the unheated dormitory. Huddled under his only blanket, he read about a family marooned on an island. Jake wouldn't mind spending the rest of his life on an isolated island, if he could only have a real family that cared about him. Bedtime came, and worst of all, Jake couldn't sleep. How could he say his prayers? How could there be a God in Heaven that would allow a little soul such as his, to suffer so much all by himself? Silently, he sobbed for the future of mankind that God might end the suffering in the world, both for himself and all others like him. As he climbed back into bed from the cold, hard floor, a soft hand touched Jake's shoulder, startling him momentarily and an object was silently placed in his hands. The giver disappeared into the darkness, leaving Jake with what, he did not immediately know! Looking closely at it in the dim light, he saw that it looked like an orange! Not a regular orange, smooth and shiny, but a special orange, very special. Inside a patched together peal were the segments of nine other oranges, making one whole orange for Jake! The nine other children in the orphanage had each donated one segment of their own precious oranges to make a whole orange as a gift for Jake. Sharing what we truly value is the true spirit of Christmas. Our Heavenly Father gave us His beloved Son. May we, like the children in the orphanage, find ways to share His love with others less blessed.

Our Christmas Card To You...

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The Bible Christmas Story....

The Bible Christmas Story

Luke Chapter 2, King James Version

Luke 2 in the New Testament is the sacred account of the birth of Jesus Christ. With links to songs, articles, and videos, you can now experience the familiar story in a new way.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Day 2- The Final Baking Day...

So, only 3 of my 4 kids participated today on 80% of the baking. I couldn't get Juliette to join us. She just wasn't interested. Only until the end did she decide to be a part of our fun. I think it was because I mentioned to the kids that only those that helped could have the first cookies. Oh, well! We baked over 200 cookies. CRAZY! We also made our deliveries yesterday and it took us about 2 hours to deliver about 12 plates. But we had fun! There were moments where there was much contetnion going on as to who would deliver the next palte of goodies. They couldn't figure out to take turns. We had a lot of plate snatching, and as a result one ended up delivering only 2 plates. I had to laugh later. Don't they get it? Anyhow, this is just our way of giving and sharing and saying thanks to many of our friends, as well as a way to share the gospel with our non-member neighbors. I hope the kids remember how important this is.

I failed to add one sweet experience on my "Busy Weekend" post. On Saturday after our Ward Christmas Party, we visited our sweet friend "Grammie Bessie" who is 96 years old. This was a sweet experience for me because I could see the joy we brought her, as we sang Christmas songs and shared our chocolate cake. She let the children explore her entire house. She is filled with antiquities and history. There are vintage pictures, artifacts, furniture, books, decorations, etc. There is so much history in her home. I just loved being there with her and my family. The kids couldn't stop asking her questions about her precious things. They were all amazed. Before we left we all hugged her and told her how much we loved her. It was a very tender moment to see my kids hug and kiss her, and most specially to hear them say "I love you Grammie". I just knew that we had made her day!

P.S We had an absolutely Sunny and Gorgeous Day!

Day 1 of our Christmas Bake-off...

Alright so we found our old cookie recipes (P.B Blossoms, Snickerdoodles, Molasses and Spritz cookies) and decided to stick with the ones we have and have always loved. These came from family members and friends passed down to us years ago, so they have more meaning and purpose to us. Thus making this tradition even more memorable.

We managed to get to only one out of the four cookie recipes into the oven. We are planning on getting more baked tomorrow. At least we have the cookie dough ready to go...I will try to post the recipes another day. I should be in bed, but Rob is still not home from work and I just can't go to bed without knowing he is safely home...

P.S. I gave Juliette and Sophia the job of unwrapping the Hershey's kisses this year for our P.B blossoms because I couldn't trust James or Eliza to do it. They manage to always eat more than they should and I was short last year of kisses, because they ate them...

Busy Weekend...

What a busy weekend we just had? We went out on a double date with some friends (The Fisher's) and James babysat 4 kids plus himself. Then we went to our Ward's Christmas party, which was just wonderful. The kids got to sing some Christmas songs, received scarves (handmade by friends) and we listened to our Bishopric representing the Three Wise Kings (dressed up) tell us the story of the wise men and the gifts they brought as well as the true meaning of Christmas. Dinner was wonderful and the company delightful! Eliza brought her little friend Josh Fisher and he had a great time.

On Sunday we brought Josh to church again and enjoyed a wonderful Sacrament meeting Christmas program. I was part of it and didn't know it until I saw the program and read my name. The night before, one of the Bishopric members asked me if I had any Christmas moment/ story that I could share at church, and I said yes and told him my story. He said "Perfect". I assumed I would be talking during Sunday school. I don't think he let me know that it would be during Sacrament and as part of the program.

But nonetheless I told my story. It was one of the best Christmas programs yet! Then later that night we attended the Stake Christmas Concert with Josh and his parents. It was a two-hour long concert. A bit longer than usual, but it was wonderful! I didn't know we had so much talent in our Stake. I truly was overwhelmed with the Spirit I felt all day of Christmas! We truly celebrated the Savior's birth and were reminded of the true meaning of this season. I was so filled with joy and peace and so much love for the Savior, as well as greater appreciation for Him and for Heavenly Father. I love this time of year. It is truly the season of giving and not getting. It is the season of love and service. It is the season to remember our Savior Jesus Christ's birth, life and atonement. He is our greatest GIFT!

Baking with Grammie Deb...

We have this fabulous neighbor whom we have all adopted into our family. We just adore her! The girls have been making sugar cookies with Grammie Deb for the last three years. It has become a tradition! These girls look forward to it every time. I love this time of the year where tradtions can be made and followed. Thanks Grammie Deb for making our day, and for finding the patience to bake away with my girls!! It is a tough job to get them all to do their parts!

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FINALLY....

We finally have our Christmas decorations and tree up. It took some days because of Rob's schedule, but we got it all out. The kids eat this stuff up. Rob read us the story about the three kings before we had the kids put their ornaments on the tree and presents under it. It was really nice to see them gathered in the living room listening to Daddy, Eliza and James read from the scriptures. I unwrapped every ornament and piled them by the child's name. It is our family tradition that each child gets a new ornament each year. We try to match ip up with what happens that year so that it is more memorable. For example, the first year we got chickens, which was in 2005, we got cute wooden hens for everyone and wrote 2005 and their name on it.

Our goal is to have our kids have their own ornaments to decorate their first Christmas tree when they get married and then hopefully they can keep the tradition going.

I really enjoyed watching the kids look at their ornaments and remembering when they got them, specially James.

This year we all got new Snowmen bells. They are really cute. It just reminded me of going to Banff, Canada in May this year and going to all these Lakes that were still frozen. It also snowed while we were there. We had a great time on our little family vacation. Great memories for all of us! Anyhow, enjoy our slideshow. We hope you are all staying warm and safe this Christmas!

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