9 going on 30

It was nine years ago today that I sat down at Village Inn to have a Belgium Waffle and two hours later we had our little Ben!

In Ben's nine years of life he has :

:Read countless books on World War 2.

:Started numerous businesses (including his latest book mark company)

:Catches a Preying Mantis every summer so he can feel like he has a pet. ( I know! We are horrible parents)

:Eaten more Sushi, sardines, and crab then most adults I know.

He also has a goal to see the Pickle Boys in New York. Now, I am sure you are asking yourselves, who are the pickle boys? Well, they are not a band. It is a pickle shop in New York that he saw on the Food Network. So, at age 7 I told him if he saved all his money and could pay for his plane ticket and hotel, I would take him. ( It was one of those things you say, but never expect to have to do.)

Starting that day Ben was on a mission. Examples:

At the Grocery Store

Me: Everyone pick out a candy bar.

Ben: Can I have the $.59 cents instead?

What do you want for Christmas?

Ben: Money for New York.

Who wants to rake every leaf in our backyard for .50 cents

Ben! I'll do it!!!

Congratulations Ben! After 2 long years (for mom too) you are only 30 dollars shy, and I have a good idea that Grandma Hatch will provide the rest for your birthday.

New York here we come! Happy Birthday Ben.

Who says there's nothing to watch on a Saturday night

I hate to say it, but weekends are kind of lame here in Montana. So, you can see why it was super exciting when last Saturday our back yard caught on fire. We had the fire chief and everything. I can't wait to see what happens next weekend.

Kung Fu Jonny

After watching "Kung Fu Panda," Jon and I started playing Kung Fu. This meant I had to find large strips of styrofoam for the game. Then, Jonny does a little meditation, jumps up and karate chops the piece of styrofoam and it breaks in half. He then does his little victory dance and yells " I am Kung Fu awesome."

Yesterday, I was on the phone, when Jon came up to me holding a small piece of 2x4 lumber. I was busy talking on the phone and didn't realize I was holding it in the posistion to be chopped. He then ran and did his best Kung Fu chop. Needless to say, there were tears and bruising on his poor little hand.

I think until more training in the art of Kung Fu is done, he should stick to styrofoam.

Primary Lessons

On our way home from Church this week, Jonny and I had quite the conversation.

Jonny: "Me and Kristen (a cute little girl from his class) are going to have a baby."

Me: Oh, really?

Jonny: Yep, we're going to put it in my belly.

Should I be concerned? Of course, I wouldn't mind sharing a grandchild with the Jessops. (In about 20 years or so!)

Here's a picture of Jonny and his "Diego Rescue Pack."

"Flower" and Chickens

The boys rushed home yesterday totally stressed out that a skunk got in the chicken coop at school. It sounded very traumatic. Keep your fingers crossed. We'll keep you informed.