Catch up

Ok so it has been over a week since our (my) post. I hope I can recall what has happened.
Halloween Party...
Our Halloween party turned out to be a hit. We had so much fun. About 35 kids and parents showed up...maybe more. It was neat to see those who dressed up and the clever costumes everyone came up with. Of course we had to have a costume contest, but being PC everyone won some kind of a prize. We played a few games and I really think the kiddies had bunches of fun. The guests were asked to bring a finger food (no human fingers please). We had wonderful, yummy treats. There were lots of different kinds, so it turned out well. Everyone who came thanked us so much and told us how much fun they had. I think we may make it a tradition. We had a gas planning and putting it on. Amy Palmer took lots of pics for us (still no camera).So as soon as she sends them I will post all the fun candid shots.

Family Halloween Party
On Saturday Oct 25th we had a family party at my sister Jane's house. Jane is such a party planner and giver. She had everything decorated so fun. First we had craft time. She had foam Halloween shapes that we could decorate. Rudy and I both decorated cute pumpkins, which are proudly displayed at home. Then I made a skull and cross-bones. All the kids...and grown-ups had fun being crafty. After crafting we had lunch. Jane had made pulled-pork sandwiches. Yummy, Yummy, Yummy!!! The rest of us contributed salads and dessert. It was a scrumptious meal. After lunch, she had all the kids meet in the basement where she had a spook-alley of sorts. It was dark and they had to feel a monster brain (wet sponge), witches fingers (pretzels) bat bones (small twigs) etc. You get the picture. To top it off she had "Rudy's toenails" (slivered almonds). They had a good time. When everyone was spooked she had them go outside to "Bob for doughnuts". You should have seen the chocolate faces. When all the fun and games were over, we had a good visit. We had not been together for a party since the 24th of July. Again I had to depend on someone else to take me pictures. Of course it was "Camera Ann". She said she would send them to me, so I could put them on my blog. I hope she does it soon. Maybe I need to bug her.

During the Week...
We had Blake and Alli Palmer over while Amy did some errands. We love when we get to have "play dates". We love them as if they are our own grandchildren. And they love us unconditionally. We have so much fun with them. They love the "toy bag", the Disney books and movies. I adore little Alli and her cute little voice. She makes my heart so happy. She is so smart and picks up things so fast. I will say something and the next thing I know she is saying it. She sat by me in Church on Sunday during the primary program. (Can I say I just love the primary program!!!) When the children were singing "I am a Child of God" I was singing in her ear and by the second verse she was singing.."lead me, guide me" etc. Blake is smart also. He has such a good time with the Rudster. It is a guy thing! Rudy is so good with kids. They just love him...see Noah Harper...and I do too.
Also so during the week Rudy has been decorating the house for Halloween. Did I mention it is one of his favorite holidays. He saw a craft on TV about how to make balloon spiders. Now we have a whole spider web full of them. The only thing I hate about his "Halloween things" is the air horn. I absolutely hate it. If I could chuck it I would. One more thing I could do without is the "shrunken Head" we have hanging from our living room fan. Can you say "hideous"? It gives me the creeps. But I guess that is what Halloween is all about.
What a long blog with no pictures...hopefully soon my dear picture-takers will send me the pics and all can see what fun we are having and not just hearing about it.

A Very Long Week!

This has been a very long, hectic week. I taught a class on card making at RS Super Fabulous Friday. It took me all week to get ready for it. I had to pick all the paper, embellishments, glue etc. It was fun and rewarding but alot of hard work. To top it all off, we both had doctor appointments. I went VTing and swimming etc. I know to some it doesn't seem like very much, but to two old cripples it is! When we are used to sitting home and doing not much, going outside is a big deal. (just kidding)

We have our Halloween Party today at the Clubhouse. We have been getting ready for that also. We will be playing games, eating treats and having a fun time visiting with everyone. I hope to get some pictures from someone so we can get some pics posted. More on the party later.

Rudy has been working very hard on our blog. He put some scary movie highlights on it. (It is a short little video thingie) He included a countdown to Halloween also. Can you tell Halloween is one of his favorite holidays? There is now music for your enjoyment, while visiting Chateau Benoit. I am not very fond of music on a blog. I get distracted by the tunes when I am trying to read. I guess I am not very good at multi-tasking. Anywho, he wanted music, so whatever Rudy wants.... We may not have alot of pictures posted, but we have some other "bells and whistles". Thanks Honey! I love when you contribute to the blog. I just wish he would enter some posts about what he is thinking and doing. It would add so much.

It Snowed

The weather-man said it would, but how often are they right? Well, it did! It SNOWED today. Oct.12, 2008. I think it is to early for snow. What can you do? It was a beautiful sight. The flakes were so big. At least it didn't last long. The sun finally came out and warmed things up a little. It was pretty while it lasted, but it is still to early for snow.

Rudy fell down this morning. Just before we were going to start to get ready for church, I heard a thud. It was the Rudster. That was all he needed to compound his aches and pains. Needless to say we didn't go to church. We put ice on his back and my knee. Not a fun time at Chateau Benoit. But as I said yesterday "life goes on." He is doing much better tonight, of which I am very glad of. I hate to see him hurt.

Life Goes On

Let me see...what has happened since Tuesday? Well on Wednesday we went to the pool. I always love the pool. I talked to the instructor and she gave me more good suggestions. I could stay in the pool all day, but I can't because life goes on!

On Thursday night we had book club. I love book club as well. I find it interesting to have discussions about the current book and other life experiences. The women in book club are amazing. We are all different ages and at different stages in our lives, but we can talk about anything. They are all so intelligent and interesting. I learn so much from just sitting back and listening. But you know me, can I keep my mouth quiet for long...no! I have to get my two cents worth in. I need to listen more and then I will learn so much. I have grown to love these women so much and I am glad to call them my friends. Isn't it wonderful that life goes on when you have wonderful people to surround you?

Yesterday (Friday, Oct 10) was our Temple wedding anniversary. I love my Rudy so much. He is such a good man and he treats me like a queen. To start the day off, Rudy kicked my butt all the way to the pool. I was feeling a little lazy, but he knew how much I needed to go. Thanks Honey! After the pool, we stopped in to see Mother. It was a good visit, but a short one. I had left my swimming suit on under my clothes (lazy again) and I was freezing! When we got home, we did our Friday house cleaning. It was hard for both of us...my knee and back and Rudy's back and knee. What a pair!!! But life goes on. For dinner we decided to save money and eat at home. Rudy had the fabulous idea of french bread pizza. How good was that? Very good. Rudy made the pizza with lots of gooey cheese and love. Just the way I like it! We ate our dinner in the living room with our legs up! Even though we did not do anything spectacular, we spent the day working and having fun and spending time together. Isn't that what it's all about anyway? I love that life goes on with my Rudy!!! And I know life will go on for eternity with him. I am so blessed!

A Little Lonely Without Bryce

I have been feeling a little lonely the last little while. Then I finally figured it out. I miss my little friend Bryce. During school time year last year he would come over to visit me every day. He was in Kindergarten so he went a half day, in the morning. We would play guessing games and tell stories and just visit. I miss him more than I thought I would. His family bought a new home in American Fork. I am happy for them, but a bit sad for me. One day Bryce asked me what my wedding rings were. I told him that it showed I was married to Rudy. He told me he would marry me, but I was already married to Rudy. How cute was that. At Christmas time we had our Nativity out. I told Bryce who each figure was...he knew Baby Jesus...and when I got to the Three Wise Men, I told him that they brought the baby gifts. I had him repeat after me...gold, frankincense, myrrh, several times. Then I ask him what the wise men had as gifts. Proudly he said, "gold, Frankenstein, and myrrh." I love that little guy. When Rudy would go to the store, he would find little goodies and treats to give Bryce each day. I think his favorite treat was candy corn. I hope he is getting his candy corn now. Bryce even had his own water bottle in the refrigerator. He knew where it was, so anytime he needed a drink he went and got it himself. I was happy he felt so at home he could do it. Bryce had the best manners. Every time he came in, he took his shoes off. I told him he could keep them on, but he said it was better if he took them off so he wouldn't get anything dirty. I guess now he is in school all day (first grade) so even if he lived near he might not come as much. It is much more fun to play with friends anyway. But I am really thankful I had that time with my special little friend, Bryce. They moved so quickly, I didn't even get a hug, I could only wave goodbye. I hope he remembers a little about the Benoits. We will always remember him and his unconditional love for us. Love you Bryce

Sunday

Conference was wonderful. How do they know what I need to hear? Every talk was especially for me! I love President Monson. He has such a spiritual and soft way to teach the lessons we need to hear. How lucky are we to have a living prophet on the earth today. Between the sessions of conference there was a special on the TV about the Panama Temple. (Oh, the other temple announced was Philadelphia Pa.) Every boat or ship that goes through the Panama Canal sees the the temple. It is up on the hill in the most beautiful setting. Pres. Hinckley was so inspired when he chose that spot. They also told about an Indian Tribe (I think it is the Kunas...I can't remember for sure)that lives on this little island. Most of the inhabitants are LDS. You could see in their eyes and hear in the voices how wonderful it is to have the church and now a temple so close to them. All the Panamanian members felt the same way. It was a testimony building program. I love conference time. The two hours for each session goes by so fast. All of the music adds to the spiritual nature of the meeting. I cannot wait until the Ensign comes out. With all of the turmoil in the world, it is comforting to hear the words of the Brethren.

Later Sunday night the Smiths come over and we played games. Well, one game to be exact...Trivial Pursuit. Rudy loves that game and is so good at it. He had been waiting a long time to play it again. We had such a good time. We laughed and laughed. Ardis won, with a "little help from her friends". We all got clues from each other, so no one really had an advantage. Nyle does not like "give-aways". But it is like playing "Trivial Pursuit Charades". Finally he came on board and decided it was almost more fun to play that way. After the game, the "boys" exchanged card tricks, while the "girls" retired to the living room. Ardis did her homework while CJ and I gabbed. After Nyle had a short nap, they left about 11:30 (which by the way is very late for Rudy). It was such a fantastic way to end the day. Fun was had by all.

Saturday Night and I ain't got Nobody

Yes it is Saturday night and I am home alone...Kevin!!!!...Rudy has gone to the Priesthood session of Conference. So here I sit! I guess it is a good thing I am home so I can catch up on blogging. Nothing much has happened that last few days. Same old, same old!

It has been raining all day today, which is good cuz we need the moisture. I don't mind rainy days. I love to cuddle up with a good book. But, I didn't do that very much today because I watched Conference. President Monson announced 5 new temples to be built. The one that caught everyone by surprise is in Rome, Italy. That is wonderful!!! The others (that I can remember) were...Calgary Canada and the greater Kansas City area. I think there was one in Argentina, but I cannot remember the last one. I will find out tomorrow in the newspaper and report back. The Church is really growing. Pres. Monson asked us to pray for those areas that have not approved for the church to be there, to open up their hearts and boundaries. I can't remember exactly what he said, but that was the jist of it. So I will do just that.

I have been working on my children's book, "Carlton". Rudy and I have been dividing it into pages, deciding where to put illustrations and revising it. I can't wait to see what Rudy has up his sleeves for the illustrations. He is so good at that. I think I need to figure out a title for it instead of just "Carlton". That is to boring. I need something about the dog house.I am trying not to let this seem like a pipe dream...but who knows what will happen.

I think I hear some popcorn calling my name...yes there it goes again. I better go answer the call. Later, gator!!!!

Back in the Water

I have been swimming twice this week and it is only Wed. I went Mon. with Marianne Hampton. Rudy went with me today. It feels good to get back into somewhat of a routine. I talked with the instructor of the class about my knee. She gave me some really good pointers, so I think I will be doing the deep water class tomorrow. I love how I feel in the pool. It makes me feel so good!

I have been working on my children's stories. I like the concept of the Carlton (the dog) books I came up with. I have a bunch written. Now I have to decide how to divide it, revise it and where to go with it. I also have several short rhyming stories in mind. I have written "Relax Max", "Way to Go, Joe" and "Sit Still, Jill". I want Rudy to illustrate them, so I can see how they will look. I have a few more rhyming ones yet to figure out. It has been fun and challenging for my brain. That has been all I have thought about for the last week. No wonder why I haven't blogged since Fri. I guess I am not as good at multi-tasking as I thought.

For Super Saturday (which is really "Fabulous Friday" in our ward)I am teaching a card making class. You get to make 6 cards for $5.00. I think that is a fair price. Anyway, the Relief Soc. asked me to teach. Ha Ha Ha! What do I know about it? I just sit down and see what paper I have and go from there. I have made a bunch of examples for the sisters to see. I hope they will be okay. I am not a pro and I am sure there are many, more qualified than me. But, I love to make cards, so I hope it goes well...more later. I wish I had a camera. We could take pictures of the cards I make (RS B-day cards etc). Then I could see what I have done and get more ideas. Oh well, maybe for Christmas. I would like to post some fun pictures of family and friends on our blog. That would make it so much better. Do you hear me Rudy? I want a camera!!!!