StELla!!

Well, I did it. She's mine. I would like to say it was an impulse buy, but honestly I have been researching this vehicle for quite some time. The Element has been mine since Thursday and I am very happy with it so far. Yesterday at the dog park my friend and his dog climbed in and we explored all of the features in the car. He's jealous, he told me so! I am excited about the car. I have accessories on order, which will alter the look just a little bit. I am going to have a roof rack, door visors and splash guards installed in a week or so. StELla is great! You oughta meet her!

MallWalk '06

For the last few years my family and Sam's friends have formed a team and participated in the Children's Care Hospital and School (CCHS) MallWalk. The point is to raise money for the hospital and school, however we just mooch enough money to get a shirt. It's fun to be part of this event that celebrates special children. The energy that fills the mall is really contagious. Sam utilizes some of the services at CCHS, he goes swimming most every week. He loves the water. The event is also a time that brings the Bennetts and the Horstmeyers together to support Sam and his friends.

He's growing up

I haven't posted about Cooper in a little while. He's doing so well, I really think he's growing up. These are a couple of the reasons why I think this:
1. He sleeps more. We'll have only been awake for about 2 hours and he'll want to nap.
2. Today, he had a pen in his mouth and I said, "Cooper, No. Drop it." He did. He dropped it!
3. He doesn't run around like a freak-show with no destination anymore. He seems to have reason for his movements.
4. He hasn't launched himself at my face with his 'devil dog face' in about a month.
5. Free roam of the house isn't a problem, he doesn't come out of the bedroom with undies in his mouth or kleenex from the bathroom garbage.
6. When he's outside, I only have to call his name about 8 times until he comes running in. I used to have to drag him in.

Anyway, each day he's becoming more of a dog and less of a puppy. I told my mom last night that I love him more now than I did when he was 3 mos. old.

I am anxious for spring though, we want to go to the park!

Every step you take, every move you make....

Each day my nephew makes strides.
This time I mean it literally. I haven't yet seen him take steps using his walker, but I trust my sources. Erin says he moves all over the place! We need to find a warm place that's bigger than the kitchen so he can rip-roar around.
Sam continues to to surprise us. He makes us proud. Aren't these pictures cool? Isn't it amazing to think that he may be able to use a walker and scoot himself around?
I'm telling you people, this kid is something great!

Need not, want not? Is that the saying?

Here it is. The Honda Element.
There are things in life that we want and we don't "need." This is one of those things for me. I just want one. I think they are cool. Everything about it screams unique and just cool. You can add so many accessories to it and just make it your own. I have a perfectly functioning car. It's paid off. Going back to having a car payment is stupid, I know this. But...
I like it. I want it. I am exploring it everytime I get online. I have even gone to the dealership and looked at one up close. My cousin drives one, she really likes it too. In fact, it seems like a small cult. In reading about it online I have found many websites where the contributors are bragging and boasting about being Element owners/drivers. I think I want to be one of those boasters. So, if you would like to donate money to my Element fund please send me an email and I will make sure you have my address. Thanks.

A Valentine's Dinner

I spent the early-evening preparing a meal for my Dad. He called last night to ask if I wanted to join him for dinner because my Mom was playing cards. Real romantic Mom. But anyway, I gladly accepted the offer to spend time with my Dad. He's great, all that know him think so. Going out for dinner is always enjoyable, but I called back and asked him if I could make dinner instead. He accepted.
I thumbed through cookbooks, knowing only what I wanted for dessert. I decided on herb chicken and red potatoes and onion. I also made a salad with sliced almonds and mandarin oranges. Dessert was croissants filled with strawberry preserves, strawberries and whipped topping. It was fun to prepare a meal, probably because I rarely do it. As you all know I had a Pampered Chef party a few weeks back and I was excited to use all of my new gadgets. I think I used about everything I received. I chopped garlic and onion with the handy food chopper, I shredded mozzerella cheese with the grater, sliced potatoes and onions with the ultimate slice and grate...it was fun. I could have been in an infomercial for Pampered Chef.
The meal turned out. It was one of my bests. The company was wonderful too. Thanks Dad. Happy Valentine's Day. There really is no other way I would have wanted to spend my evening.

I have a popular neighbor

Yesterday I forgot to check my mail, I just didn't really have time. I got home from work and hurried to get to Adam's Olympic party and walked past the mail cardboard box. So, this morning I checked it and there was a stack of pretty envelopes. I thought, holy crap, what's with all the mail? Then I looked closer and the purple envelope was addressed to my next door neighbor Karen. I picked up the yellow one, same name on the front, the red one and pastel green one too. Damn, she's popular. It must be her birthday or something. A part of me wants to open them and enjoy them for myself. I know that they are hers though and I'll have to deliver them to her. Lucky lady. Mail is fun, isn't it? Don't we all go to the mailbox with the expectation of receiving something new or unexpected? Anyway feel free to send me mail, make sure it's in pretty envelopes though.

I am glad to be home

I have had a very emotional day. It's been the type of day that has gone by so quickly but dragged at the same time. I received a phone call from my boss last night (Sunday) around 9:30pm and she shared with me that a car accident had occurred over the weekend and a 16year-old student had been killed. The other members of the vehicle were all hospitalized with critical injuries. She then asked if I would head down to the small town, south of Sioux Falls and do some crisis or grief intervention for the students on Monday morning.
The drive down this morning was weird. Here I am, a stranger to these kids. A stranger to the boy that died. These kids don't know me....I didn't know this kid. What I learned today though, from these kids is that this young man had a rough life. It was filled with rejection, abandonment, drugs, alcohol, crime and laughter. I ended that sentence with laughter because that is how they described him. He was a smart-ass, a class clown, a guy that made others feel good about themselves, smart...but didn't brag about it, and he was also a friend to those that needed one. The accident involved alcohol, he knew how to party. His friends shared with me his love of having fun...unfortunately at his life's expense.
A pastor was there this morning as well, and in typical pastor form he was able to sum it all up. He said something to the effect of, "What I have learned today and will share with others is that he was a friend."
It touched me and still is, obviously, having an affect on me. It made me think about, well, everything....from my family, to friends, coworkers and myself. I think of the times that this could have happened to many people I love. It's just a moment in time that's gone wrong. It could happen to anyone, that's what is scary. Impaired driving has no prejudice.
I have experienced loss before. People that I love have passed away, but there is definitely something overwhelming about a large room filled with high schoolers missing a friend. I wasn't sure what to say or how to be amongst these strangers. One girl did tell say to me, "you seem nice, funny too. You would have liked him." For a moment I was accepted into this group of grieving students.
I learned from these kids today, not sure if I was of any comfort or solace to any of them, but I know that through them I learned about a tough young man that knew nothing better than to make these choices.
Through the loss of this teddybear of a friend, I hope others will remember to make better choices. Thank you students for teaching me and reminding me to love and laugh each day.
And to my friends and family that come across this, know that you are valued and loved by me and many others. I love you all and God Bless.

uh, well...yup

This, simply put, is a blog about nothing. Nothing happened this week worth spending time on. Really. Nothing. My week was hectic and busy and I was ready for the weekend. I had nothing planned, just wanted to sleep in and get some "stuff" done. Here is what I accomplished this weekend (and it's only 3pm on Sunday):
played the price is right DVD game with Adam
4 loads of laundry
slept in on Sat. and Sun. mornings
purchased a silver chain to replace the one Sam broke
emptied, loaded and emptied the dishwasher
listened to satellite radio for about 2 hours while drinking coffee and lounging on the couch (perfect morning!)
figured out my DVD recorder, it's been driving me nuts since X-mas!
thumbed through Etc. Magazine
let the dog in and out about 45 times
went to the mall and purchased nothing (that's an accomplishment!)
cleaned the cat boxes
recorded some stuff onto DVD's
played mario golf on the Gamecube
messed around on the internet
made new playlists on iTunes
read Oprah Magazine

well that's about it.

the superbowl is on in a couple of hours and I am sure I'll be productive during that!