Living In Another World

This weekend our little family took a trip to Rocky Point in Mexico to help one of Kevin's friends complete his Eagle Project. This project involved insulating and sheet rocking two small houses in the outskirts of Rocky Point.

As we drove to the location I was taken back by the extreme poverty that existed in this little community. First of all it is very dusty...maybe even sandy. They live in their yards, having only a small shack for sleeping. Their homes are made from anything and everything they can find. They do their wash outside with washboards and hang all their laundry out to dry....in a dusty climate. Most of the children have no shoes. Every family (I'm pretty sure on this one) has at least one dog...most have several. Everywhere you looked there was a stray dog walking the street. I was fascinated by their way of life. So very, very poor, but generally happy.

This caused me to reflect on all the wonderful blessings I have. This was a thought provoking experience. I cannot imagine (in my wildest dreams) living under those conditions. In fact, I found it amazing that people survive and are happy living in complete poverty. Unfortunately, I do not speak Spanish and was unable to talk to any of them in any intelligent way. But, they did give us permission to take pictures of their children and families and seemed thrilled to have the attention. The little children ran after us when they found out I had suckers and gum. The smallest things brought a smile. My friends and I walked the little surrounding area and were touched by what we saw.

I watched some of the older children play......no videos, no game systems. They seemed content to have a friend, explore and watch us work. There was no one to entertain them, no where to "hang out", no movie theatres, no Sonic, no "fast food" no parks with toys to play on, no modern conveniences, just their own little existence. Amazing...they work hard, have nothing and they seem happy. I will think about that as I am living in "Bubbleville" enjoying all the comforts of home...and more.


Oh, and this is why we really went down to Mexico. The Eagle Project
in Pictures!

Kevin wanted to take this "doggie" home!

Swimming Anyone??? And Other Daily Happenings!

Spring Break 2009. Well, we are usually away on vacation like the rest of the neighborhood. This year we had important things to attend to. The best news is Lindsey's little boy, Tanner, was born Monday afternoon. He has changed in just one day, although we are still deciding who he looks like. Lindsey is home and baby Tanner is fine! Her little family just can't get enough of him. He is being passed around constantly between Emma and Kate, and once in a while Drew gets a turn!

I have decided that Spring Break is the worst time to leave Arizona! The weather is beautiful, my flowers are blooming, the grass is green and my back yard is calling me! We heated our pool just for this occasion. It could not be more enjoyable.

"The Anticipation!"

The first "Jump" of 2009 was yesterday. All the grandkids came over for a swim in the sun, lunch on the patio, and a lazy day. Really....it was perfect! I will think twice about leaving town for Spring Break from here on out. This is where the action is! Is anyone game for a visit???? Bring your sun screen, snacks and plenty of time to waste around the pool.....Glad to have you!

Happy Spring Break!

Baby Tanner Has Arrived!

Tanner Young Bennett was born this afternoon at 4:00 p.m. What a day it was! Lindsey was so ready to have this little boy. The last few weeks of her pregnancy were miserable! Even I was anxious to have this little baby born!

We arrived at the hospital late morning for an induction. All of us thought it was going to be an easy delivery....Tricky! It was not pretty! For somereason her epidural just did not take. They tried and tried to make her comfortable.....but ouch! She felt everything! Ohhhhh the pain of it all! She was not prepared for this type of delivery. The nurses were kind and helpful, but could not make it work. They tried to re-do the epidural, but it was too late. The baby was here and the Dr. barely made it. It was CRAZY in that room....but oh so sweet! Little Tanner came quickly and what a doll he is! Lindsey gets 10 gold stars for hanging in there!

Little Tanner weighed in at 7 lbs 11 ozs. He is a sweet little bundle! Congratulations Ryan and Lindsey. We love you!

Girls Night Out

A Celebration Was Needed! Lindsey is almost ready for her new baby to arrive. Thus, a last celebration with friends and family was planned!

Amy made some cute invitations that we sent to Lindsey's friends, inviting them to a "Night Out With The Girls!" A last Hoorah, before the grueling nights of no sleep and busy days ahead with FOUR children.

I made arrangements at Cheesecake Factory for dinner on the patio with all who attended. It really turned out to be a fun evening....perfect weather and great company! Julie came up with a cute idea for favors and Lindsey's good friend, Christy, arranged for some fun gifts from her friends.




Lindsey truly has some sweet friends.....some from her high school days and new friends that are in her neighborhood and in her Ward. They "showered" her with "little boy" gifts! We all look forward to her new little one....due at any time!

We are all excited!

I'm Playing Catch-Up!

Time....where does it go? I always have good intentions to keep up with my blogging efforts. However, this week was much too busy. So I am playing catch-up and posting all my fun activities and goings on this last week!

Do you ever have so many things scheduled in one day that you can't do any one of them really well? That about described my day on Tuesday. Let's see....I had to make dinner for a family in our ward, attend a bridal shower, buy a bridal gift for myself as well as my neighbor, go to the gym, go visiting teaching, attend Emma's school program, and get Kevin's haircut. Most of these things needed to be accomplished within a 2-hour window. I was crazy! They were all accomplished by dashing in and out...not really enjoying any one of them completely.

My only regret is that I did not get to see any of Emma's program. I hurried.... I got there as the last line was just said....Emma's line! Dang! But I smiled and took pictures and gave Emma a big hug! She looked so darling in her costume and the stage was decorated so cute. Those school programs are so clever. I am so sad I missed it. I left discouraged that life can be so busy!!!



On Wednesday, Shelley showed up in town with Jason and some friends. We had a last minute lunch as Rosa's before they left for the airport. She certainly came at the right time. The weather here is hard to beat. It was fun to lunch and visit and meet her friends.

Mom left this week to go back to Salt Lake. We had a good time together....movies and lunches! Unfortunately, she had to battle some sickness that slowed her down a bit!

Friday was my favorite day. I spent the day with my grandkids! It was Julie's day to run an incredible relay race from Prescott to Mesa. I don't even know the details (I'm waiting to read her blog)....it just sounds fun and...hard! She has trained for this opportunity for a few months. Quite an accomplishment! I was on tap to tend her kids for the day. After picking Maddie up from the bus, we got lunch and went to Freestone Park with Amy, Zack and Lindsey's kids. (Lindsey was at the Dr.) It was a beautiful day and the kids loved it! They have a train that goes around the park and some little rides that any kid would love! Our were no exception! We had so much fun....I just love these kiddos. There is really nothing better than spending some time with my grandkids! They are a Hoot!

We came back to my house and had naps and the older kids played. I sat on my back porch and just enjoyed the day with them coloring, eating and telling secrets. I honestly did not want them to go home! Ryan came much too quickly to pick them up. They were as good as Gold! That little Sophie just chills........

Who wouldn't love those beautiful blue eyes?

News Flash....Emma lost another tooth!

This last week Kevin was battling with his weight. He was called up from the J.V. Team to wrestle on Varsity for the State Team Duals. He had let his weight go because his J.V. season was over...little did he know he would get this opportunity. So he spent the week not eating and working out to lose about 8 pounds. This is the part I dislike. It is brutal! I hate to see what they go through to make weight. He hung in there and wrestled Saturday with the Varsity Team in their attempt to take State. It was sooooo close. They lost to the first team they wrestled by one match, and unfortunately Kevin lost his individual match! But we were not sad....they did so well, much better than expected. The good thing is that Kevin has had a good taste of the competition and has some personal goals for next year. Someone specifically that he wants to beat. Motivation is always good!

Until next year Kev......