schedule

Soccer 8am, 9:30am 12:30pm and 2 pm(2 at this time potentially). This is our saturday without Baseball. Sunday Baseball at 1 and 3. Soccer at 2:30 and 4 for sure. Potentially more....was it me who said I like the busyness of our weekends? Well I need some "less" busy to mow the yard and till the garden.

Joe

Update on TV free week

At dinner tonight, our youngest, (and most precocious, I might add) said"can we keep doing TV free week? I like it this way." Whaaat?
I realized his brother and sisters have been playing with him more and I have sat down and played games and legos with him more. Rarely do they all play at something for a great length of time. I should have thought of a pile of dirt a long time ago. After school today the four of them, and the neighbor Haley, were all out in the dirt pile making tunnels. They have quite the elaborate set up out there. They say there next step is to bring the train set out. Not quite sure that will happen. Joe has been carrying 5 wheelbarrow loads a day to the front and hasn't made much of a dent in it yet though. Much to his shagrin and to the kids delight.
Long live dirt.
I wish I could get my pictures on here to show you.
dumb computer, dumberer user

qotd

This is from a friend of mine who has just moved across the world to China this week.
On the car ride from Shanghai to their new home in Suzhou their 8 year old daughter Becca said " Its like Chinatown, only bigger."
How sweet.
We wish the Wilcox's all the best!

Raccoon

Update on our raccoon situation. We have caught 3. Last night they got the cat food can stuck under the trip switch as to eat the cat food and not get caught. Since they thought they were so cool, they decided to sneak back into the garage were they had not been for a while. There they had a healthy snack of a box of breakfast bars and a box of capri sun. A very well balanced meal I might add. I found breakfast bar wrappers all over the yard. Have I mentioned lately how much I dislike raccoons? Hate is very strong word you know.

Shake the System

Our church has been doing a series on injustice, urging us to "shake the system". It is has been very powerful to me. God is preparing and working on my heart not only for Cost Rica, but for eternity, I think. I wanted to share one of the stories told this Sunday that I can't get out of my head. I hope I don't butcher it up too much.
A native of India is married to an American woman and they live in India. They are believers in JC. They are walking along a very busy and poor street somewhere in India. He sees a woman in her 70's crouched down on the street, and she looks like his grandmother. He goes to her to ask her name. She replies"Mong". He says"no , not your cast, your name, I serve a God of no casts". In India "mong" is the lowest of the low cast in the cast system. She says "Who is this God you serve?" He replies" Jesus Christ". She says" When I was a little girl , older women came to our village and taught us about Him and sang songs about Him. We then prayed to ask Him into our hearts. I have not heard of Him since then. I believe in your God." I cry as I type this for a few reasons:
1. Praise God we serve a God of Grace and Mercy who doesn't believe in casts.
2. Praise God He is a faithful God who doesn't forget His sheep, even after 70 years.
3. Praise God for missionaries who continue to go to hard places to reach people on behalf of Jesus.
4. Praise God for the Holy Spirit who led that man to that woman so she knows she is not forgotten.
5. Praise God that he listened to the Holy spirits leading, and that the Holy spirit is Alive!
Thank you to Missionaries past and present who are planting seeds that may not be sown for generations.

TV Free week

This week is TV free week at our house. For ALL of us. That means no tv for mom and dad after the kiddos go to bed. No video games either, which is only a big deal to 2 members of our family. I actually love this week and wonder why I ever turn the tv on in the first place. The kids get used to it and don't really seem to mind it too much. It makes them think of things to do. Now we are not a big tv family anyway , but tv is a no brainer way to spend time.
I was convicted about tv quite a different way this weekend at church. I will blog about that later.
We are having a load of dirt delivered today, so I can only imagine what they will want to do this afternoon.

qotd

On the way to my niece Tori's high school graduation I was describing the spread their Aunt Leann has planned for the open house the next day. I was telling the kids about the mexican food, cake, cookies and the chocolate fountain.
Annie pipes up" Can I drink from the fountain?"
That's a girl after my own heart.
Aunt Leann assured her it would be ok as long as no one saw her doing it, I quickly nixed it.
BTW Tori's graduation from Lawrence North High School was a new experience for me. 700 kids graduated at the Pepsi coliseum. Pretty cool. Way to go Tori- we are proud of you.

Quote of the Day(qotd)

Andrew: "Mom, don't ever buy a donkey"
Mom: "Why "
Andrew: "It might kick the car"
This conversation was had while driving home from the bank. Where does he come up with this stuff?
He is standing here while I am posting this and said "I'm hilarious"

Oreck

I am not sure if you are all familiar with the vacuum cleaner company Oreck. They have some annoying commercials? Anyway, I love their products. I trialed my first vacuum 5 years ago (to get a free lamp) and loved it. I, however, did not love the price of $500. so I sent it back after the 30 day free trial. I have been pineing away over it and finally trialed it again ( to get a free cordless iron). This time we have a dog in the house and even more active kids. It was awesome, I moved ALL of the furniture in the house to vacuum under it before I sent it back. I cannot justify $500. Joe even gave me the ok to keep it. My giddiness makes him happy I think. You see, I vacuum almost every day. I admit I am a little OCD.
After I reluctantly sent the vacuum back, they sent a flyer in the mail for a special. "For Oreck owners only: you may buy one additional vacuum for $199." I jumped at the chance. I got it on tuesday and have been, again, giddy with excitement. My family thinks I am nuts. My rationale for $199 is this: you not only get a great vacuum, but also yearly tune ups and belt changes and can trade it in at any time. You don't get that with a dyson. I just vacuumed the upstairs, now off to do the downstairs. Happy Vacuuming!

A Blessing

To the left of this post Joe has started a list of 5 ways to Bless your child. At church this sunday the sermon was about this. We went to Andrews preschool recognition service at Hazel Dell Christian Church. Very nice church, the people there are great. It was a great reminder of the ways to bless your child. Our kids were in the service with us, which is unusual for us. The older 2 were funny listening. Blessing your kids is very "intentional". On our own we would be selfish pigs. We really have to be "intentional" about touch, praise, prayer etc. It gets busy at our house and I sometimes go to bed and think: "did I laugh today?, did I hug the kids today? " I tend to beat myself up a lot. I really need to remind myself regularly of Gods Grace. My kids will "turn out" fine without me. God has big plans for them- we tell them this often. I need to beleive it and get out of His way.

Raccoon

Well we caught another coon. Joe had an interesting day "disposing" of it. I was crying at work, I was laughing so hard. Ask him about it if you see him. We will continue to set the trap. One of our neighbors said he caught 30 last summer. I sure hope we don't have to catch that many.

cubs fans

First place.... and the SECOND best record in Baseball on May 19th. Lou's boys are playing well!!!!
this is the year!!!!

busy weekends

9:30am, 10:30 am and 2pm on Saturday were the times of our soccer games. We had a baseball game at 5:30pm. Then on Sunday we had a recognition luncheon at Andrew's School (hazel dell christian church) Then soccer games at 1, 2:30 and 4pm and baseball doubleheader at 2 and 4.

Very hectic!!!

But I really enjoy the weekends and the time at the kids activities. Whenever I share with people our weekends they look at me with disgust or despair, I cant tell the difference sometimes. I actually enjoy the coordinating of the schedules with Tia and watching the kids play.

I often talk aloud to God to give us discernment as we go through our weekend. To use the busy times for good talks. Anyone else feel like they are being pulled a lot of different ways yet enjoy every minute of it???

Survivors

Last night, my friends and I, did the unthinkable. My own Mom even doubted us. We survived a night with the raccoons. Now, we actually didn't run into a raccoon, but it was still a little scary. We heard these strange noises and started screaming, we heard one of the neighbors cats and held hands while screaming. We were such girls. It was very cold, so we all were shivering when we woke up. It didn't rain, thank goodness. If it did we would have run inside screaming. My mom would have ran inside when it got a little chilly. That's just my mother. Wimpy. Haha. Just Kidding. Anyways, it was a fun, energetic, hyper, hilarious, talking about guys type of sleepover. So awesome. I had a blast. I hope all my friends did too!!

Thanks

Amy

Raccoon

We caught one raccoon last night. It was a little one, but mean. Joe took it a couple miles away to a very wealthy golf club. I am sure it will find lots to do there. Actually everyone we talk to says it will be back.
Amy is having a slumber party tonight with 5 girls. They are sleeping in a tent in our backyard. If I were a betting person, I would bet they don't make it out there all night. I for one wouldn't sleep out there with the raccoons, they're nuts. Too cold for me too. I like my comfy bed.
It should be an interesting night at least.

Cleaning.

Today is a cleaning day. Again. Oh well. *sigh* I gotta go clean the basement.

Westfield Rocks travel baseball

it's Aaron, I am on the Westfield Rocks travel baseball team. We are 10-3 and my dad said that we could be the best team in the state. We have really good pitchers and if we win , we just crush them. When we lose, we just lose by like 1 or 2. Last night we played against the Westfield Indians. They were 4-4 so they weren't so bad. We crushed them 10-4. We had about 4 or 5 long balls in the outfield. I hit 1, Kaden hit 3, and somebody else hit one. Their pitchers are really good too, but they didn't even throw their no. 1 or 2 pitchers. We had 10 hits and 10 runs. They had 4 hits and 4 runs. We were all so cold when we were in the field. When we got to the bench we put our hoodies on. They struck us out 11 times and only walked us about 4 or 5 times. We play the same exact team on Saturday, but it's at home instaid of away. Our whole team together is batting .297. That is a good batting average for a whole team. We are going to play in about 4 more tournaments. My dad always tells us that if you have a good attitude and effort, you will win, but if you don't have a good attitude and effort you will lose. We have beat teams that are better than us when we have a good attitude and effort, and we have lost to teams that we are better than, when we don't have a good attitude and effort. Our team hopes our season goes well, because we want to be the best team in the state.

Thanks,
Aaron.

cubs

With Lilly and Dempster pitching well the last two games the Cubbies took 3 of 4 from the Padres. They also picked up a new player, Jim Edmonds. He is actually hated since he is a former Cardinal player but I m sure the first diving catch he makes or the first home run he hits, all will be forgotten. Welcome Home Jim to chicago... where many think you are almost in Heaven when you are on the green grass of Wrigley Field.

Ive enjoyed this blogging stuff... not sure if anyone else does... but nonetheless.

question

My question of the day is this: How can three incredibly talented athletic boys in my home, who can shoot, hit and kick a ball accurately anywhere, cannot hit the toilet bowl with their urine!? Does it really get that out of control?
When asking three said boys about this, their reply: Wasn't me. I guess we have even more talented girls in our home.

I have spent most of my morning cleaning, I had been working a lot and let a few things slide. I actually love spending a few uninterrupted hours cleaning. The house smells good, things look clean an I feel good about it. I think God puts this love, or maybe like, in most women. We are the "keepers of the home" we take pride in it. I am glad he gave me that pride, because he definitely didn't give the love of cleaning to my husband! I love him anyway- God gave him other loves, like providing for our family. I don't have that desire.
I am off to wal mart with Andrew we NEED a few things. I love that I can keep my families need met on some level. Andrew has a need spend his .50 cents on something great.

4-3

Took it on the chin last night... got up 3-0 but couldnt hold onto the lead. First place on May 14th......With the Cubs legacy... 1st place at this time of season is a welcome sight. Need a victory tonight to win the series vs. the Padres.

Officially 12.

Today I am officially 12. That is a good thing and a bad thing. Its is good because I have a whole new year to live, the bad is that my 11 and younger days are over. Oh well. Anyways, just wanted to share.

Amy

Amy's Birthday!

Hello All. Today is a wonderful holiday. I like to share this day with everyone. Yes, *wipes away a tear* another birthday has come in the Bennett household. But this time it is Amy's birthday! So far it has been a great day. (minus piano and band recital) But, overall, pretty good. I am turning 12. Just in case any of you were wondering I was born exactly: May 13th, 1996 at 9:57 pm. So interesting I know. Well, I better go have my birthday cake with my mom before I go to my band recital. *sigh*

Amy

Cubs Fans

4 in a row.... need I say more?????

100 years of futility.... this is the year!!!!!

Outsmarted

The raccoon outsmarted us again. We woke up to find the can empty and the trap moved but not tripped. We need to video these rodents. It is becoming a quest....

Costa Rica Update

We received $410. dollars in donations today in the mail. It is really cool to see God work through people who don't even know Him to help the people in Costa Rica. Praise God.
We have to have $1800. by June 9th, we are on our way!

Prayer Requests

Please pray for 2 of our friends who are adopting. One from China, which had an earthquake today, and the other domestic, whose birth mom is having second thoughts. I keep thinking about the verse where it is says "He came to bind up the broken hearted." for some reason today. I pray their hearts will not be broken today.
Dear God, you know our friends are hurting and scared. Come near to them tonight and grant them your Peace that passes all understanding. Protect the 2 babies and draw them to your side. We believe your timing is perfect and that you are a faithful God. You have proven it to us over and over. Thank you for your provision for us today, physically, and emotionally. Amen

Day 2

Ok, the raccoon outsmarted us twice last night. Dr. Crabb told me to use a can of food, so they can't get it out. So now it is set with a can of food under a bush. I camoflauged it, lets see if it works. I feel like we are living "The Great Outdoors". No hotdogs in the trap though.

Guitar Hero ROCKS!!!!!

It's Aaron, and I'm here to talk to you about Guitar Hero. Guitar Hero's songs are like the hardest songs on EARTH!! I am on medium and we just got it on Saturday because I beat like 38 or something songs on Sunday. My whole family tried to play but me, Amy, and Dad were the only ones that could actually pass a song. Amy and Dad could only beat songs on easy. But I was the only Bennett that could beat a medium song. SO YEAH!

Cubs Fans

After a sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks the Cubbies are back in their rightful place. FIRST!!!!!

Sweet revenge was the payback from the sweep out of the playoffs last year by the dbacks.... Lou has the boys playing well!!! I am feeling like it might be time to take in another game!!!!

Zambrano tonight..... He has been very very good this year.

adios.... to post number 2.

Raccoons

We have had a nightly visitor in our garage for the last few months. It is a momma racoon and her 2 "teen age" kids. They love our dog food which is kept in a garbage can in the garage. Living in a wooded area, it is not uncommon for us or our neighbors to have them visit. We are tired of them though. They have gotten so brazen as to break our doggie door into the garage.
When you start costing me money, your in trouble. We tried to poison them(sorry PETA ), I think they grew. We tried sprays and home remedy concoctions to no avail. Tonight, we are coon hunting with a live trap.
Joe and I are the biggest, goofiest city kids. We set the trap with their"favorite" dog food and some pizza. We have been out to check it 3 times now. The last time because I heard something when I opened the window to listen for them. One was down there, it had eaten the food and set the trap, but escaped it. "Screwjob" as our friend Brad would say.
We have since reset the trap and hope the big fat one is dumb enough to go in there. One of our neighbors feed the raccoons, so we are in for a long summer.
As for now, we wait.....

Cubs Fans

We are Cubs fans. This is more of a statement of pain than of hope. As I (Joe) grew up watching WGN day games as a boy in Northern Indiana I was disappointed more than rewarded. Here are 3 early memories of those long ago days of Cubbie watching.
1. Haray Caray being a "cub fan and a Bud man". Being probably 8 or 9 years of age when I first heard this ad call I didnt understand its meaning. I guess 30 years later I still only subscribe to the first half.

2. renkcub...... or Buckner backwards. This was quite enjoyable to a 10 year old boy.

3. Jack Brickhouse on WGN talking about Dave "king kong" Kingman. Strike out or homerun was the rule of his at bats.

There it is... my first post devoted to my beloved cubbies. My first and who knows... maybe my last. We will see.....

Getting Started

This is our first try at a blog. It could be interesting. Now, this is obviously the Bennett Family Blog. We have friends who have blogs and decided to do one. It could be quite dull though. Not much goes on. But when things do happen, we will try to keep you updated.
Thanks!