Benjaminism

Benjamin (5) likes to share random facts with his Primary teacher at church. She told me he shared with the class that "the Holy Ghost can't be shot." Don't know where he gleaned this info............

Happy Birthday Benjamin!

My baby Benjamin is five years old today. Benjamin is my chocolate eyes, beautiful, Christmas miracle baby! I am so grateful for him. He has always been an easy child. He was born hearty and healthy, with the most big, beautiful brown eyes you have ever seen. He is incredibly smart, has a high emotional IQ, has great balance and coordination, and is just a pleasure of a child.

He has always been a symbol to me of God's love! Through the beautiful gift of Benjamin to our family, I learned that God is a God of miracles and a God of love. I saw firsthand God's ability to move mountains and change our world in a heartbeat. I had so longed for a baby. I knew we were supposed to have a baby at that time, but it wasn't happening. A Dec. 11th phonecall changed everything. My friend let me know of a pregnant Mom about to give birth. The baby was due on Christmas day. Getting together a lawyer, home study, a Dr. for birth mom within 10 days was quite amazing. And the grace with which it all fell into place was another testament that this was meant to be. We were there for his birth. The Dr. didn't want to be away on Christmas, so Benjamin was induced on December 21st. Birthmom was so beautiful, and so were our moments together at the hospital. A little fear; would this all really happen? Would she be willing to place this beautiful child in our family? I was especially nervous when we came to visit at the hospital and she had held him all night the night before. But she knew. She knew we were meant to be his parents. She wanted Benjamin to have a father in his life. She wanted him to be in a family with siblings. She wanted him to have opportunities she couldn't give him.

What a moment! What an incredible moment to learn about gifts of the Spirit, gifts from God, giving us something so beautiful, beyond ourselves. A true gift of love. The greatest gift of all. A baby. At Christmas!

Benjamin has always been such a gift! I love him so much and can't believe how he has grown. Next year he will start kindergarten. Wow, time flies so quickly! I love my Benjamin with all my heart! May he always know that he is the greatest gift I have ever received. My true Christmas miracle!

He is my fearless little boy. He loves to play with tools, disassemble things around the house, loves motorcycles already (which scares me), loves football, and sports! He also loves to go to great heights and climb high, do tricks, and has great upper-body strength for a little man. He loves his Daddy, especially. He has told us he always wants to live with us, even when he is a Daddy. He has already told us he gets to live in our basement with his Mommy (referring to his wife when he gets married). I am sure she will be thrilled:)

Maddie (4) and Benj (5)----Birthday Party

What fun Benjamin and Maddie had. They each invited friends to a Pirate/Princess Party! Balloons, cake, pinatas, party games, lots of kids=lots of fun!!! It was a great way to celebrate their birthday! I am so grateful for my Irish twins!!! They bring such joy to our lives! On these occasions, my heart fills with such gratitude for the blessing of having them in our lives! They are such precious, beautiful, happy, good kids! Benjamin was so excited for his party. They loved watching us write out the invitations, loved giving them to friends, Benj chose the cake for the both of them. We put candles on both sides of the cake, and they both blew out their candles. SO CUTE. I loved the party games, and am so grateful for a wonderful husband who embraces the child within. He is so fun to be around, and is willing to get silly!!! So cute. He planned out the party games which included the pinatas. I had to laugh, we attached the pinatas to the end of a broom, and he held the broom. We used a light saber as the bat. The kids loved it. We also blew up lots of balloons and had the kids sit on them and try to pop them. Let's not forget derivative games from pin the tail on the donkey, for princesses and pirates!!!! We also started out the party with arts and crafts, decorating crowns with glue, feathers, letters, etc. The kids loved the art projects! Such a fun party! Happy Birthday Maddie and Benj. (Funny thing, we had the party on Dylan's birthday--Fri. the 13th. We celebrated Dylan's birthday on Sunday!)

Blowing out the candles on each side of their cake!



All the boys

Benj and Brayden




Some of the cute princesses at the party.

All the girls at the party!


Maddie and her friend Rebecca



I know a little girl who adores her Daddy


Arts and Crafts

Arts and Crafts

Pinata Collection

The scary Dora pinata

Maddie getting the Dora pinata



Benjamin and the boys collecting pinata candy


Benjamin hitting the boat pinata



Waiting patiently for pinata time


Arts and crafts

Dylan didn't know that today was really HIS birthday---SHHHH.

My handsome chocolate eyes

Pretty Princess Maddie

Older Brothers

Brandon (9) has taught Benjamin (4) to shine a flashlight in your eyes and say "Stop the Vehicle now." A great way to start out a Monday morning.