8-23-08

This is what happens when Grandma waits in the car with Benny. He gets restless and she busts out a Tootsie Pop. He didn't talk for a good 20 minutes. He was just working on that sucker. Benny was a happy camper! I was able to buy a pair of shoes for both Benny & I while this sucker eating mission was going on in the car. That's what Grandmas are for!

Isn't This Precious?

I HAVE to have a little girl someday. This is such a priceless item! My Mom bought this Moses basket in Carmel, CA before she even got me. She just knew she would have a little girl to put in there one day and she did! And it's pink gingham people! I love it!

P.S. I even found the original cradle my parents used for me.

Happy 29th Birthday To Me! 8-21-08

Sleepy Benny w/ Jana (pronounced Yana)
Benny loves her so much. He kisses her all day and says "Hi Jana!"
This was my Birthday wish....2 scoops of Chocolate Malted Crunch from Rite Aid/Thrifty's. I even called ahead to make sure they had some. Chris was so nice and even gave me "Texas Sized" scoops since he knew I was coming from Texas with a childhood craving. It was really 3 giant scoops. All for $1.99 or something ridiculous like that. I was in heaven! Thanks Chris at Rite Aid on Thompson in Ventura, for making my day!
Sharing my splurge with my boy
"Can you taste those crunchy malt balls Benny?"
Quickly sidetracked once he say the water fountain.
I think I'm sick. This is going in the freezer when we get home.
My Mom is the Aerobics Coordinator at Pierpont Racquet Club, so we went to visit her this morning. Benny was shy at first, but it didn't take long before he was running, screaming, rolling the ball and lifting weights. That's my boy.

I just want to thank EVERYONE for being so kind and wishing me a Happy Birthday! Between my texts, voicemail, myspace, facebook, email, mail, my blog & parent's home phone, I had lots of Birthday love. Thanks again!!! It's means a lot to me. Forgive me for not responding right away to some of you. To my fellow blogger friends: I have been keeping up with you. Just give me a week or so until I can comment on you blogs. Thanks again everyone!!!

Blankets Made By Special Women

From left to right: Great-Grandma Crandell, Foster Mom, Biological Grandma
Benny loves this blanket. My Mom said that must be because it was made by an angel. Great-Grandma Crandell is my Mom's Grandma. She passed away when I was 11 or 12. I recently found a compilation of all her journal entries. I just started to read them and I'm learning so much about her that I didn't even know. She was an amazing person and I can only remember good things about her.
This was made by my Foster Mom. I was adopted through the LDS Social Services and temporarily placed in a foster home for 6 weeks after my birth. Back then they used to fast & pray to determine which family the baby should go to. Apparently it took longer than normal and I was cared for by a loving foster family in the meantime. While I was there they made me this blanket and kept a journal of my everyday doings. I have more appreciation for these things since becoming a mother.
This was made by my Biological Grandma. It must have been hard to give me away not knowing if they would see me again or the blanket. In 1998 I was able to meet both my biological Mom & Grandma, Janet & Ann. They are very special women to me. I think it was so sweet for her to make this for me and I'm glad I still have it. I have lots of pictures with me with this blanket. You can tell it's been used a lot because the batting inside is clumped. I put it to good use!

My Patent Leather Beauties

Today I hit the jackpot. I found most of my baby clothes with some blankets, shoes and accessories. These little petite black patent leather shoes melted my heart. I was so stylin' as a newborn. From a size 0 to size seven is what I've grown into all my 29 years here on earth. I never thought I'd own a pair because I didn't think I was sassy enough to own them. Well, with my 10 year this past weekend, I bought an amazing pair at JCPenney anyway. Peak-a-boo toe with a buckle on the side....I couldn't pass them up. Now I own two pairs! Too bad I can only wear one! Ha! More treasure updates to follow.

'83, '84 & '85

Baby Brite & a couple Sprites (1983)
One of many Cabbage Patch dolls I had & a Cabbage Patch Kids Show Pony (1984)
Hoppopotamus from the Wuzzles (1984)

Pound Puppies (1985)

This is why parents save childhood toys. I started helping my parents clean their garage. We haven't even scratched the surface and I already found these gems. I love cleaning!

10 Year H.S. Reunion 8-15-08

Right before I head out for the night. I love that boy!

My good buds: Eric Andreasen & Zachary Levi
(Yes, that's the guy who plays Chuck on TV. He's just Zach to me, but we're all proud of his accomplishments! Good to see both of you!)

Well, I did it. I went to my 10 year class reunion for Buena High School (Ventura, CA). I actually had fun. I left about an hour and a half early. I was still feeling Texas time and very tired. It was nice seeing everyone and remembering the good old days.

Day Two 8-13-08

Mickey Blue Eyes (ha ha, get it?)

Climbing into things is right up his alley

Stopping by our local Vons (Tom Thumb to Texans) for some goods for Benny

Two steering wheels is better than one for sure! Grandma Lipp is loving her time with Benny!

Day One 8-12-08

Thank heavens for play areas at the DFW airport

Our flight was supposed to be from DFW to Memphis, then Memphis to LAX. Let's just say it was going to be a long day. Just our luck, we show up and they said my first flight was delayed and I would miss my connecting flight. Northwest Airlines put me on a direct flight from DFW to LAX with American Airlines. Good times! Benny was great and made friends as usual. It was nice getting there 2 hours earlier than originally planned. So far so good......

On Vacation

Benny & I are visiting my parents (Granddad & Grandma Lipp). We'll be in Ventura California until August 28th. My 10 year class reunion with Buena High School is this Friday and my 29th Birthday is on the 21st. Yikes to both! I'll try to post pics, but I might not be able to. Last time I was here I couldn't figure out how to rezise the pic to post it on the blog. Anyways, we miss you dada! Don't get too lonely. We love you!

Bye Bye Stupid Cast!!

1. Waiting to be seen

2. The cast removal *WORTH WATCHING (if you're curious how it works)*


3. Waiting for X-Rays


4. Bonding with leg on the drive home


5. Water Finally!

All I have to say is: Benny slept 3 1/2 peaceful hours for his nap yesterday & slept through the night last night. He's taking a nap right now and has been asleep for over 3 1/2 hours. We're all VERY happy the cast is off and that his leg is healed. It's like life just began for all of us.

Stay tuned.....

I know ya'll are dying to see footage of Benny's cast removal tomorrow (or not, but we'll have it up anyway).  We are so excited!  What's more exciting is he doesn't know what's going on and he'll be so happy when it's off!  Well, time to bust out the swimsuits, sunscreen, pool toys, bubble bath, bath toys, shaving cream and lotion.  I can't wait to wrap my baby up in a towel and smother Johnson's & Johnson's baby cream all over his little body.  I didn't realize how much I would miss all these things.  I can't wait to see his other leg!  The orthopedic office called to remind us of the appointment tomorrow.  I told the lady that there was no need to call....WE'LL BE THERE!  YOU CAN COUNT OF THAT!!

P.S.  The Mommy & Me group meets tomorrow at 11am @ Aviator Park.  We're going to try and be there.  This will be Benny's first time near water since July 11th.  Poor kid.  I hope he doesn't have a problem walking after the cast is removed.  

Kissing In The Nude

Kissing Elmo

Enjoying the cold breeze of the A/C unit

We asked him to say "cheese" and he said "Dahhhhhh"

Patting to his arm for the millionth time.  He loves showing us his arm and saying "arm-uh".  He's so proud.

Christmas In July

Well, August 2nd, but close enough.  I found some lights and Benny was not going to let this opportunity pass.  Just another fun thing to do while he's practically on house arrest.  That dang heat & the no swimming rule!