Please....Roll Over

Friday night I went to Federal Way to Jared's Aunt Valerie's ward to do some crafting. My friend Heather came along too. We had a great time. We didn't finish but we still had fun. Anyways I was across the gym while Benjamin was lying on the ground next to Heather playing. I was watching him play and he rolled over onto his stomach. He hadn't gotten his arm out but he was definitely on his stomach. I couldn't believe it. I was pretty darn excited! I couldn't wait to record him.

But on Saturday he had plenty of floor time and did no rolling over. Sunday though he did some. Jared and I were on the floor in the living room with Benjamin. He rolled over twice. I wanted to get the camera to record the event but Jared was right. Benjamin was tired and really didn't want to play anymore.

So first thing this morning while downstairs (starting to work) Benjamin rolled over and pulled his arm out and grabbed at the blanket he was on and started playing. So I ran upstairs grabbed the camera and came down put him on his back and begged him to do it for me....yeah right!! It took me 4 videos to finally capture him rolling over. Which I couldn't upload so video #6 is finally it. Which is better than the video #4 because I wasn't watching the camera and kept going to the ground and then I got distracted by getting burned on my power cord for the heater. Which is no longer running now as I don't want Benjamin to get burned while he is playing.

I can't believe he got this rolling over thing figured out so fast. It still takes him some time but he is definitely growing so fast. I need to work fast on baby proofing my house and keeping things off the ground because crawling is around the corner I am sure.

Rice Cereal...not the kind you think

We had a busy last couple of days...first up Benjamin eating some rice cereal. Benjamin loves to do things we do. He sits at the table with us to eat and watches us eat. Sometimes more intently then other times. If we are holding him while drinking water he wants a drink. We've started putting the cup up to his lips and letting him feel the cup but no drinking. I know I will say this several times today but he is growing so fast. It's awesome and scary all at the same time.

He did really good while eating. He sometimes tried to help me. Benjamin already plays with his spoons (under careful supervision).

Roll Over

Benjamin is growing so fast. I still want to do a blog about his 4 month check up. But this video is too cute. He is trying desperately to roll over these days when he is on his back. Jared and I are encouraging him too. But his little arm is in the way.

Along for the ride

I was just lying down in bed with Jared and Benjamin watching TV. There was a commercial that came on for deadliest roads for IRT (Ice Road Truckers) and it made me think of this road we drove on in Grenada. Which made me start to think of all the places I've been. I always have to ask Jared where I've been. I have a pretty bad memory...part of it is because I just rely on Jared to remember and tell me where we are since I am just along for the ride.

While thinking about some of the places I decided to see if I've been to other destinations outside of the continental US more than states in the US.

Here we go...

Destinations outside the Continental US

St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands) {Been there 2 times}

St. Kitts (Own Country)

Grenada (Own Country)

Princess Cays, Bahamas (Own Country)

Tortola (British Virgin Island)

Puerto Rico (US Territory) {Been there 2 times}

Aruba (Dutch)

Bonaire (Dutch)

Mexican Riviera, South of Puerto Vallarta (Country)

Germany (Country)

Austria (Country)

Italy (Country)

Canada (Country)

13 total

States

Washington

Oregon

Idaho

California

Montana

Utah

Nevada

Wyoming

Texas

Florida

Illinois

11 States

Well I have been to more places outside of the continental United States then I have been to states. Funny.

How many places have you been to outside the US? How many states have you been to?

Tender Mercy: A Question Answered

This morning while watching General Conference I had a question come to my mind while listening to Jay E. Jensen. The question was "How do I teach my children to have their own testimony?" Jay E. Jensen was talking about how when he was out on his mission he realized he needed to have his own testimony and not rely on his parents anymore. This is why the question came to my mind. I have been thinking long before I even had Benjamin how will I raise him. How will I teach him the gospel? How will I teach him to trust in the Lord? How will I help him to understand how prayers are answered? How will he come to know right from wrong? The thoughts have become more prevalent since he was born. I wrote the question down in my journal and just mulled it over a bit while I continued to listen to conference.

The next speaker was Mary N. Cook. She talked of a new granddaughter born into her family and the need to teach her of being an example of the believers. She did not speak for very long before tears started to stream down my face. The answer to my question written down moments before was being answered. My spirit was lifted, tears of love and gratitude were falling as the spirit bore witness to me that what she was saying was tender mercy given to me in answer of my question.

To teach our children the gospel and to have a strong testimony we must lead by example in all that we do. They must see us saying our prayers, reading our scriptures, dressing modestly, giving service and all of these things we must be doing with a joyful heart. As we do them and lead by example they will see it and make it a part of their life. I've already seen how much Benjamin is just repeating things we do...smiling, trying to drink from our cups, blowing bubbles...

I am so grateful for General Conference and the opportunity to listen and have questions and concerns answered.

Happy Birthday Granny!

Happy Birthday to the greatest mom and granny in the world! I love you mom!

My mom is always willing to serve. She will drive 8 hours to help her children (sometimes more). She shares her talents with others to bless their lives. She is a great teacher! She has a strong testimony of the gospel and is willing to share it with all those she meets. I have learned so much from my mom. So many life lessons that have made me who I am today. I hope in some small ways that I am like her.

I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Singing Along

So those who know me really well know I love Christmas music! So guess who started listening to Christmas music? Yup! You guessed it! Yours truly! I've only listened to it twice in the last week. Which made me realize I hadn't listened to any in months. I've been pretty happy and stress free I guess. Since I was using it as a pick up to make me happy.

Well today Benjamin and I were listening to it while I was working and it got his attention. So I started recording him. Pardon my singing and yes even with all my listening over the years I don't know all the words sometimes.