imaginations

a little announcement

2011-08-08T06:53:00.002-07:00

When I announce something...

sometimes I like to make an event out of it.:)

It's true..coming December 8th, 2011 (yes, Maizie's birthday)..Baby BOY Comin. We couldn't be more thrilled.

AND yes, I really did make an event of it over HERE.

oh what do you do in the summertime?

2011-07-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

So here in Las Vegas, this is what we do some days in the winter:

lay on our backs on gravel piles...and it's fairly nice so we don't have to wear too much.

The summertime is a different story...

we TRAVEL to go to find nice weather we can play OUTSIDE...

and enjoy kayaking on the grass.

But to be honest...we spend a LOT of time INSIDE in the summer because it is too darn hot to go outside.

SO what would you choose? Cold winter, but play outside in the summer...or semi-cold winter (yes, it is still pretty cold in the winter..the wind doesn't help) and super hot summer (meaning stay inside?)

What would you choose?

here in vegas...

2011-06-01T11:35:00.009-07:00

Here in Vegas we have been SO enjoying this spring weather lately! It is actually cool at night which has been quite the treat!

Memorial Day was the best day ever...a thorough cleaning of the house with the promise of this at the end:

a fun little hike to explore old mining caves.

We definitely dressed ourselves that day..

Explored ancient hieroglyphs...

Showed off our muscles....

and really just enjoyed being with each other!

And all in one week here in the Comin household we have:

Made our first (almost) solo climb:

Graduated one preschooler who is SO excited for kindergarten:

AND FINALLY lost one tooth!

It's been one heck of a week here in Vegas!

made my day.

2011-03-29T21:21:00.003-07:00

I asked Lincoln to write me a story today...(in an attempt to divert his desire to watch a movie). I walked over to the table when he was done to find this:

"The Kiki mom is sweet and cute. She is good. She is fine"
Nothing cuter than a love note from my 4 year old.

well...other than watching him play flag football.

Can you believe how big he is?!

I heart my boys.

heroes.

2011-03-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

When I was young I had heroes. People I looked up to that did amazing things. The older I got, the more I realized that they really were not heroes. In fact, they were often the opposite. They were famous athletes, amazing musicians, big movie stars. And the lights on them faded the more I learned about them.

Fast forward a few years now and I have children. And they are starting to see people as heroes. And as a mother, I see some of the people they are starting to idolize and squirm. Except one.

You guessed it, Jimmer. An incredible athlete on the court, and a person to match that off the court. BYU has had so much limelight in the last few weeks from their decision to suspend Brandon Davies from the team..right after they were ranked #3 in the nation and going into the tournament as one of the favorites. People have criticized and made fun of the honor code that each BYU student agrees to. We see team after team make excuses and cover up the wrong doings of their stars for a taste of just one more win..or for a national championship. It's no wonder that so many of our "heroes" fall and fail when they get out of college. I feel for Davies having to publicly go through the time that he has had to, but let's take a look at Jimmer. He goes into the season as a pre-season All-American and has lived up to that title. He is a strong contender for Player of the Year this year. He came back for his senior year to see how far the team could go. And they had a GREAT chance with Davies to go far. So of all people who had a right to be mad..and I would say that Jimmer had a good reason to be..this was his response:

"He told us everything. He told us he was sorry and that he let us down," said BYU senior guard Jimmer Fredette, who scored 33 points in Wednesday night's loss to New Mexico and is likely headed to the National Basketball Association next year. "We just held our heads high and told him it was OK, that it is life, and you make mistakes, and you just got to play through it."

So when Booker wakes up in the morning and asks to put his jersey on again (even if he has worn it the last 3/4 days), I say yes. Yes, because there is someone who has lived up to the hype, dealt with disappointment, works hard, and when it comes right down to it..even when the "team" he is on has lost a valuable member..instead of getting mad and being angry, he supports them, steps up and leads the rest to be better than they were. And those are lessons I want my son to see and learn from his heroes. Because isn't that what we do in our families as well...we learn that "this is life, and you make mistakes, and you just got to play through it." Realizing that people will make mistakes is just the start of our journey, but lifting them and those around you to do better is one of our greatest jobs. And its nice to see some "heroes" doing just that.

an addition to the bruiser club.

2011-02-16T08:51:00.000-08:00

Hi! Welcome to my blog where you get to hear about projects and injuries.

Yep, we are at it again. She loves Booker SO much she wanted to be just like him.

All it takes is a slip of a foot at the park and you suddenly have THIS:

It's swollen shut..and she gets surprised every time she looks at herself in the mirror.

and yet, is still as happy as ever.

such a sweet little girl..with a black eye.

PLEASE.:)

2011-02-12T06:52:00.000-08:00

HAHA. you thought you were going to get rid of hearing about me and my projects, right?!

Well, I just found out that my duvet cover was picked for a knock off contest.

and I can tell you which project is mine. Voting ends next Friday. GO VOTE for my duvet cover, please..(you only get one vote). (click on the button above and it will take you there.)

and I PROMISE times a thousand, this is the last that you will hear from me...about this..unless I have your email address.:)

and for the rest of the family...

2011-02-11T16:49:00.000-08:00

I have been clogging up these airways lately, so on to the kids:

Yes, I dressed her:

I think she looks like a little happy gnome, and that makes me happy.:)

and you wonder if my artistic abilities (that is the ability to sometimes take unusual object and use them for practical things) pass on to my babies:

Lincoln begged Ben last night to make a sign for all of his "potions" so that people would know that they were "not for sale". It was almost bedtime, so Ben told him he could make it in the morning. Not satisfied, Lincoln took a few minutes being very quiet and Ben walked into this:

I added the words so you could see it. A perfect block way to say "NOT FOR SALE".

amazing, right!

a word about losing

2011-02-09T09:30:00.000-08:00

Well, here is the latest project. My favorite of the bunch. It is also the one that kicked me out of the competition. I told the boys this morning..Lincoln gave me kiss, Booker started crying, got mad and said,"Mom, maybe you should have done more". It certainly got me thinking.

Growing up, there are MANY opportunities to lose at something. I remember hating to lose (still do!):), but as I grew older, losing became a motivator for me. As teams I was on lost games, I worked harder to improve my own skills so I could improve the team. I tried new things. Things that were hard for me. I failed at some, but all of the time, I learned from failing. When I was a sophomore in high school, I tried something much different than a team sport...I ran track. I ran the 800 and 2 mile. Running has NEVER been my forte. I love running, but I am not fast. They called me "poky" in high school for good reason. But I worked my butt off. Seriously..I ran 2 workouts a day..one before seminary in the morning and one at track practice at night. 2 of my best friends..my brother and Richard, ran with me. My mom coached us until we couldn't walk! We trained through spring break..2 times a day. We cheered each other on and helped each other up when we failed. Toward the end of the season I started to see a little success. At the zone meet (the meet before state), I ran the race of my life, finishing 2nd, getting a PR(personal record), and making it to state. The next week was state. The race started and the first mile felt amazing. Then I hit a wall. Everything hurt. Everything. I kept going, but I finished dead last. I did still get a PR, but I finished last. I was embarrassed and humiliated. I cried and cried. Losing is not easy. And yet, from that experience, I learned that trying new things..or getting out of our comfort zone is GOOD regardless of where you place. I have tried many new things since that experience in high school..some I failed at..many I succeeded at, but in the whole scheme of things in my life, I think the most important thing is that I tried.

I am so glad that one night a month ago, I decided to put my entry in with Crafting with the Stars. These days, the opportunities to lose at something are more limited. When I found out last night that I wouldn't be going on, the first thought in my head was..I need to show my kids how to lose with grace. I need to show them that I will put myself out there and work my hardest and that life is not all about winning. After all, if you won at everything..there certainly would not be such a thing as "the sweet taste of victory". Glad for those hard losing moments, from both young and now, that make victories, small and big worth fighting for.:)

Thanks for your support and votes! It means the world to me.

PLEASE VOTE!

2011-02-07T00:42:00.002-08:00

Well, Round 3 is up to go vote! Great projects this week..Can you pick mine out of the crowd?

VOTE HERE.

i spent last week doing this:

2011-02-02T11:17:00.001-08:00

Did you guess it?

Round 2.

2011-01-31T06:47:00.000-08:00

Round two is up..

can you guess which is mine?

Go and guess!:)

Go HERE to vote.

if you wondered...

2011-01-26T13:03:00.000-08:00

This was my first project for the first week of Crafting With The Stars.

It all rung up at under $70!

go here to see my post about it.

and

YAY! I made it to round 2! Thanks for voting. Cannot wait to show you project #2...Decoupage..better go get my self in gear! ha.:)

makes me laugh.

2011-01-23T20:39:00.000-08:00

So I haven't posted about Santa yet. Haven't posted about Booker or Ben's birthdays..haven't even posted a lick of my family coming for Christmas yet..and yet I am still on here soliciting your votes. I got picked for an online crafting competition that starts tonight..(midnight). I had to do a project around the theme Thrift/Dollar Store..and I LOVE what I turned out in 3 days.:) Will you go vote for the one you think is mine (the projects are posted anonymously)? please?

Go HERE to vote.
You rock. Thank you.

in awe.

2011-01-17T11:06:00.000-08:00

I am constantly in awe how something like this:

can grow into this so quickly.

Booker is 7 today. He is truly one special boy. Each time I look at him in awe of all he does and who he is reminds me what a miracle he is. 7 years ago I sat in a hospital bed holding him.. not quite sure what I was suppose to do..how to do things just the right way. Booker has taught me how to be a mother. He has helped shape me into a better person..taught me to look at life with a grateful and detailed eye..and has shown me how to enjoy the simple things. His LOVE and ZEST for life is contagious. I am constantly saying that if I moved around and enjoyed my life as Booker does NOTHING COULD STOP ME! He is one incredible kid and I feel SO blessed to have him in my life.

Booker at 7:

favorite color: red, green and pink

favorite food: peanut butter and jelly

favorite animal: zebra

favorite movie: Star Wars

favorite place to eat out: McDonald's

favorite subject in school: art

favorite activity: play with Bob (his LARGE stuffed dog)

favorite sport: basketball and soccer

favorite team: Arizona Cardinals (because they have a red bird.)

favorite basketball player: Jimmer Fredette

goals to accomplish when 7: learn to ride his bike, running first 5k, taking over the world.:)

Happy Birthday, Booker!

the football game. boys style.

2011-01-14T10:58:00.000-08:00

One of the most enjoyable activities we had when the family was visiting was an impromptu football game played by Booker and Bodhe (his cousin).

The boys were SERIOUS when it came to putting their game together.

Here is the fly by:

The beginning of the game..Boise St. (Bodhe and Josh.my brother)

vs. BYU (Booker and Ben)

There were good catches:

Good planning:

Good Defense..or a good attempt:

This was Booker's first try at defense..Ben told him to not let Bodhe get the ball and this was his interpretation.:)

Good Scoring:

and Good Kicking:

Seriously, such a fun time..We laughed and cheered and can't wait till the next time!

They even had a cheerleader:

She may have been a bit of a downer for that game.:)

bruiser

2011-01-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

I know, I know..it's been forever. But the upside is that we are all healthy and back into the full swing of life.:) Have a lot to catch up on..but around here these days you will find Bruiser:

That's what we call him since his trip and fall into one of our side tables.

If you wondered..the side table won.

But he is one tough cookie. Love him.

so sweet

2010-12-30T10:20:00.000-08:00

Whew...Christmas is over. It came and went so fast. We were so lucky to have my entire family here for the holiday...21 of us. And we had so much fun. Until we got sick. Luckily it was only our family, but it was every single one of us. The last 6 days has looked like the picture above. On about the 3rd day of the kids being sick Booker said, "Maizie has been sick for so long. We need to get her better or else she will die."...and then quickly followed it up with "And I really don't know how we would survive without our little Maizie." So sweet. More Christmas coming once I get my munchkins moving around like normal!:)

win, win, win, win!

2010-12-17T20:03:00.000-08:00

Yep, I meant to write WIN 4 times. Go to Kristie's blog at BLUSHING BASICS to win one of 4 headbands that yours truly made. And check out what Kristie styled them with..seriously she is one fashion queen. LOVED THEM!

You know you have lived in Las Vegas too long when...

2010-12-11T21:57:00.000-08:00

This afternoon, Ben and I were eating our lunch when Booker came in the house from the backyard. He was yelling for Ben saying, "Dad, dad!" He came in the house and said, "Dad, you need to come out here right now." Ben asked, "Why?" Booker replied,"There is this very strange green thing growing up in our backyard. There are thousands of them everywhere. You need to come and see this!" Ben and I couldn't hold in our laugter as Ben replied, "Ummmm..that is GRASS, Booker." "We have grass?" he asked, "Wahhhhooooooo".

We've been in this brown wasteland much too long.

Though I did enjoy my run today in shorts and a t-shirt. Can't beat that in December!:)

Get a free print!

2010-12-10T16:40:00.000-08:00

Head on over to KIKIcreates for a free digital print. 3 days only..then only $2.00 in my shop!

can you believe it?!

2010-12-08T10:19:00.000-08:00

She's two.

Honestly, I can say it has been the quickest two years of my life. She has grown from a sweet little baby to a sweet little girl right before my eyes. There are so many things I want to remember about Maizie at this time, but mostly I want to remember that smile. Her giggle. Her scolding her older brothers. And them listening. She is one spunky, energetic, snuggly, sweet girl and I will love her to pieces forever!

Maizie at two:

Talks like a three year old.

Loves to dance and sing.

Favorite songs are "Hey, Soul Sister"," Dynamite", and anything Dora.

Loves Dora..and Boots..and everyone who comes along with it.

LOVES pizza and pancakes.

Adores her brothers.

Knows all her letters and their sounds.

LOVES to kiss and tease her daddy.

IS the queen of this house.

Happy Birthday, Maizie.

the good and bad of it all.

2010-12-01T22:18:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am copying my friends. There really is no better way to describe our Thanksgiving.

Let me tell you about it.

Wed. afternoon- Our goal is to leave Vegas by 1 pm. 1 pm we are in the car and as we are leaving our street, our car starts to shake. 1:30-Kids and Ben are at his office, I am at a car repair shop..just to check things out. 1:40- I am told we need 4 new tires. THE GOOD: we do not get a blow-out part way through our trip and have to pay for towing AND service. THE BAD: we start out our trip -$650 and at 6 pm.

We are now 15 minutes out of San Diego. THE BAD: Maizie throws up powdered donuts everywhere. THE GOOD: We are only 15 minutes away. And at least it was good smelling!:)..or maybe I was just tired.

Okay, maybe I don't have a lot of good and bad..in fact, I count the trip a TOTAL success with this being about the only BAD I can remember.

I did have fun with my SIL making up some fun turkeys..I really only did one thing on them, but it was fun watching her!:)

Making a quick trip to the temple..

Seriously having so much fun with our cousins...BTW what on earth did I do to Lincoln's hair?!!

Cannot go to San Diego without a trip to the ocean..so fun...

And of course got spoiled and loved enough until the next time..

It really was such a fun time..a great way to end our Thanksgiving season and look forward to all that the Christmas season holds. So, so excited for it!

day four: the simple things

2010-11-23T07:11:00.000-08:00

I love having the opportunity to get dinner together every night for my family. I love being able to go to the fridge and open it and there in front of me is a whole array of healthy cold food that I can put together for my family. I love being able to pull out one of a hundred pans/dishes to cook and put our food on and if I want to I can make my table as fancy or undecorated as I want. I can fill our cups with fresh pure water and refill them as many times as I need to, and as I sit around the table with my sweet family, I can feel safe and warm with a big, undripping roof over my head. And this is just putting together dinner. I could come up with a thousand circumstances everyday in which I am thankful for the simple things in my life..the ones often overlooked and forgotten about, until you read, hear about, or experience the ones who go without. The Lord has truly blessed us with so many simple things and for that, I am thankful.

day three: my peeps.

2010-11-22T08:36:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought that if words could describe you, which ones would follow you around? I put only one above each of their heads, though many would be there...

Among the MANY things my family teaches me:

service, patience, hardwork, selflessness, empathy, sense of humor, drive, ambition, passion, faith, miracles still exist, opinionated, friendly, positive, smile through everything, love deeply, helpful, focused, happy, and calm.

I'd say my peeps are taking care of me. And I will always love them for it.

day two: why him, of course

2010-11-19T08:42:00.001-08:00

So of course I cannot do a thankful week, without including him. All my life I dreamed of who my husband would be. How he would treat me and my children. What a good provider he would be. What a hard worker he was. How he served those around him. How he cared deeply for the world and how people lived upon it. How he would always be a good example for our children of faith, patience, love, forgiveness and trust. I really did dream of all these things.

I will never take for granted that I was blessed with him. He has exceeded all of my dreams and more.

Day one: being taught

2010-11-18T07:41:00.054-08:00

Every moment that I look at my children I feel thankful to be a mom and feel grateful for the experiences I've had to get me here. Bear with me as I tell a quick story.

After high school I had to choose between going to SCAD or to BYU. There were many things that led to my decision, but ultimately after going to Savannah and seeing the awesome facilities, history and art coming out of there, I felt strongly that I should be there. So I went. I enjoyed everything about the school..I played volleyball for them and had incredible experiences doing that, and just learned so much. I grew as an artist and a person. My number one goal was to come out of school and get a job designing logos and ads for large companies, including Nike. It was my dream to be successful and knew I could because I could put the time and effort in to being that good. My third year in I started to get a feeling that I needed to go to BYU. I questioned why over and over again, but while playing in a tournament one weekend, I dove for a ball, and a teammate dove at the same time and we collided at my elbow. It broke. How do you brake an elbow? I don't really know, but I was in pain for a long time (read months and months) because of it. I broke my right arm and am right handed so it would have been nearly impossible to finish the semester of designing, drawing and painting with my left hand. Through this and other experiences I transferred to BYU.

Fast forward to the next semester, I was at BYU and applied for the graphic design program and was quickly DENIED. The only word I can use to describe this time was shock. After getting over the disappointment and anger, I prayed to Heavenly Father to know what he wanted me to do. He told me to go on a mission.

8 months later you could find me in Alberta, Canada in a small town named Red Deer. We were working with a family whose mother had been meeting with the missionaries on and off for 15 years. She had many things that didn't allow her to yet join the Church, but we also started teaching her children as we were there. One day her 16 year old son broke down crying, telling us he would have to drop out of high school because of what was happening in his life. He told us he was up every morning at 5:30 to wake up his 15 year old brother for school, 6:30 to pack a lunch and get his 6 year old brother off to school, and then watched his 18 month old brother the rest of the day...and then did the cleaning and cooking on top of it all. While he was crying and telling us, the Spirit whispered to me and let me know that my number one priority in this life was to be a mother. I went home that night and wrote down how I felt, what the Lord had told me, and made a promise to make that happen.

A few years later I was back at BYU with a new resolve. I knew I didn't need to work for large companies, or be successful in the world's eyes. I had a new goal, and knew I had a lot to learn before motherhood which I knew wouldn't be too far off. I applied to the illustration program soon after and quickly got ACCEPTED with the same portfolio I had used a few years earlier. Looking back at these experiences have taught me quite a few things. First, that the Lord leads and guides our lives as we are willing to let Him do so. He knew what my priorities were at first, and knew that lasting happiness wouldn't come for me through that. He knew what one of my big purposes was here on Earth, and wanted me to remember, and as I let Him guide me, I came to know of them too. Second, I know that Heavenly Father knows and loves each of His children. I have heard over and over again, people doubting that God really cares or that He really knows what we do. Over and over agian, I am reminded how much He does. That is comforting to know and feel. And in this circumstance, I am so grateful He let ME know and come to gain a knowledge of my role as a mother and how important it truly is.

I mean, really, who wouldn't be happy waking up in your office everyday, (as it IS open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day) and seeing my cute clients who need so much from you. It is exhausting and exhilarating at the same time, but wouldn't trade it for any amount of "success" in the world's eyes. They are what make my job the best in the world:

So thankful today for being taught from on high and here at home.

he knows chinese?

2010-11-09T21:11:00.000-08:00

Ha! I'm laughing even before I tell this story. Ben took the boys out on a hike the other morning. They had been going for a few hours when they came upon a hill and Lincoln started singing, "Sube, Sube, Sube."..(now don't laugh..That's how you SAY "up" as in "go up the hill" in spanish..at least that is how Diego says it!):) SO they got to the top of the hill and Booker says, "Hey dad, I know how to say down in Chinese!"..I think Ben was pretty impressed for a second. And then Booker continued with a song, "Gubay, Gubay, Gubay!" Ben couldn't stop laughing and as soon as he got home, told us the story. I guess it explains his chicken scratching that I saw on his homework one day..I asked him what it was..and totally serious he responded, "Oh mom, I wrote all my homework in Chinese!". WOW.

In other news..My new Christmas cards are up in my etsy shop. Go check them out..and let me know which are your favorites!:)

something free!

2010-11-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

Head on over to kiki CREATES for a free thanksgiving print download!

I'm only giving it away for ONE week, then it will be normal priced in my shop.

november, yay!

2010-11-02T23:14:00.000-07:00

I don't know why I find November to be so refreshing to me. Maybe because it is "fall" here in Southern Nevada. Maybe because Halloween is over and all the craziness that goes with it. Maybe its the upcoming holidays which equals lots of family and memories. Whatever it is I am so thankful it is here!

Last year I did an "I am thankful month". It seemed like each day I wrote about something, 10 more things came to mind that I was thankful for. I loved the experience of doing it, so I decided to do it in a new form this year. Thursday, November 18-Thursday, November 25 I will be doing "Thankful week". Last year I had a few people ask me for the graphic I used..If you'd like to join me..even for a few days that week..or any other..feel free to go on ahead and use this.

(click on it, then right click and save it!)

Hope your month is shaping up to be fabulous!

Can't wait to share some of the fun things I have been working on.:)

through a princess' eyes..

2010-10-31T22:37:00.000-07:00

Dear friends and family,

I am sure most of you know me. I am my mom and dad's sweetest girl ever, Maizie, however, for the sake of this post just call me Princess Maizie. I LOVE pink. SO. MUCH. And I love playing princesses SO MUCH. My mommy knew this so she got me the perfect Halloween costume:

My mom even dolled me all up. She did my hair, put pink on my cheeks, pink on my lips and sprayed me with pink hairspray. (I told you I liked pink!)

I loved my dress. It was perfectly bubbly and happy, just like me!

Halloween was just the best ever. My brothers and I went TRUNK or TREATING. I didn't really understand it. I walked from car to car, said "trick or treat", said "thank you" and pretty soon I had a bucket filled with candy.

My mommy and daddy NEVER let me have this much candy, so as soon as I got home, I dug in! I had to see what everyone was putting in my bucket!

My mom unwrapped an orange tootsie roll..she thought I would like it...

but this is what I really thought of it:

So back to digging again..and this time I found just what EVERY little girl loves...

Yep, you guessed it..not one sucker, but THREE!
I found the perfect combination..big red, big green, little pink.

mmmm. perfect. Just like my Halloween night.

My brother, Lincoln, thought it was pretty great too..

He and Booker gave it TWO thumbs up!

And of course, I would have to agree. Can't wait to see what next Halloween will bring!

Yours forever,
Pink Princess Maizie.

the jedis.

2010-10-28T14:29:00.001-07:00

There are certain things that are serious at our house....

Star Wars is DEFINITELY one of them.

After officially introducing the boys to Star Wars this summer, they have been hooked. We had movie parties, watched all 6 episodes over and over again. We had a Star Wars party, including Yoda and Darth Vader cookies, gifts from Yoda, Yoda and Darth pancakes, Star Wars sandwiches..you name it, we have done Star Wars. The kids know every character by name and where they fit in the whole show..and don't you try to tell them something that is wrong..because correction is soon to come!

SO naturally for Halloween the boys would want to be nothing but the best.:) Let me introduce you:

Hello, I am Lincoln Wan Kenobi..Jedi master.

I am serious when it comes to training and defending the light side. And I look seriously handsome with my whiskers.

And I am Anakin. I am arguably one of the greatest Jedi Knights ever, and will just not mention my darker days.

I trained under Obi Wan and thus take my fighting very seriously..yet always with a smile!

We are always ready for battle (thus why we have been through 6 light sabers in our house in a little over 3 months!) and are always ready to defend the light side at a moments notice.

Can't wait to see these two in action on Halloween night!

Coming soon:

Introduction of pink princess Maizie!:)

cookies and friends.

2010-10-26T22:51:00.000-07:00

Booker has been begging for awhile now to have 2 of his good friends over to play, and with Halloween this week, we decided this would be the best time to have a cookie party.

The kids were so cute as I went to pick them up at school..they were so excited and giddy to get to come to our house and decorate cookies. Oh, what kids remind me...to love and be thankful for the little things in life.:)

They had a ball decorating their cookies..though I don't think some of the cookies could have possibly held more candy or frosting!

Although this picture is blurry, I loved seeing how Lincoln dumped his candy all over his cookie..and Maizie did just about the same. It was a nerd pile cookie!:)

Booker and his friends...they really are such sweet girls.

And of course the best part was eating them! Maizie was showing me how she was going to eat hers..yikes!

Yay for cookie parties! and yay for friends!:)

pumpkin heads

2010-10-25T21:34:00.002-07:00

Wow, today's Halloween activity was a success...can you tell?:) Maizie wanted to sit ON her pumpkin, not next to it..although Lincoln loved his job of having to hold her!:)

Well, I guess the pumpkins got done..don't you love the eyebrows on the first one? Ben decided it was best to break out the drill..kind of wish I would've let him do them all!

This was serious business. Thank goodness I am not a photographer! ha..I couldn't see the boys..it was too dark so I just guessed..3 times and this is the best I could do! YIKES!

So excited for cookie decorating tomorrow..maybe I will get FACES in those photos!

yucky spiber.

2010-10-25T07:56:00.001-07:00

What a better way to start out this HALLOWEEN week than with a new friend of ours.

Meet "Spiber".

Our friendly tarantula.

Luckily he is already dead.

A few days ago, we were out on a family run and ran by this guy. The boys (read Ben) wanted to bring him home so bad to look at him under the microscope, but he was still moving..and moving spiders and Kiki DO NOT do well together. So yesterday, the boys went out on a walk and brought this guy home.

And after seeing him up close, I do not ever want to see a "yucky spiber" like him again!

a few guests, a few gifts.

2010-10-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

This last week we had a fun time with my mom in town. My dad showed up for the weekend, and we went to visit my uncle. It was so fun.

My brother ALSO came and unloaded a ton of girls things for Maizie. Can I just tell you how much she LOVES pink and princesses?! You can probably only guess what she will be for Halloween!:)

The kids LOVE their new pj's. They glow in the dark, so when you go in to check on them at night, they look like little glow worms. SO CUTE.

And of course, we loved having all of our visitors. The boys LOVED book time at night, play time all day, Flagstaff (even the dog that scared Booker to pieces!), and all of the gifts that came with it all. But of course the best was just having lots of time with family. Don't you LOVE visitors!:)

dear checklist.

2010-10-17T15:43:00.001-07:00

Dear Ms. Checklist,

Remember last week when I wrote you down, and didn't really know if I could finish ANY of you? You really made my week busy. I haven't said hello to my best friend across town in 10 days, my angel mother has been in town to lend a hand and play, my husband has been busy, busy at work, and to be honest, I didn't know, even with my normal schedule if I could even look at you.

Little by little I did look at you, and one by one I checked you off! And it felt so good. Jury duty ended up only being 6 hours long..(So thankful I am a stay at home mom with no babysitting!), Halloween decorating was made mighty fun with my mom here..(pics to come!), but really the rewarding things were making the little pieces for family pics. Lake Las Vegas was a dream. Melynda, the photographer, was amazing..so patient and energetic with the kids. Wow, thank you, Ms. Checklist for keeping me on track.

Can't wait to make another one of you soon!

xoxo, me.

PS..here is some of the proof of me conquering you:

family picture time..

2010-10-08T13:53:00.000-07:00

EEK...here we are coming up on that most stressful time of year again..FAMILY PICTURES! I have so many things swimming around in my head for clothes for everyone..and the "look" and "feel" I want for the pics. So excited to pull it all together. I know I have a few photographer and clothing/makeup friends and gurus out there...any advice to make the experience as family friendly as possible or some definite to do's or not to do's in the fashion department? Seriously, let me know!

Here are a few of my ideas that WILL be pulled together this week...

and that is just for Maizie! The colors at the bottom are the colors I am planning for.
Excited to have HER as our photographer this week. Yikes..better start working!

Think I can get it done??..
plus jury duty,
and luckily a timely visit from my mom!

Wish me luck.

purple jacket found here.
pink dress found here.
hair accessory found here.

how does time go so fast?

2010-09-25T01:23:00.000-07:00

Looking at their pictures tonight made me realize...

*Time moves too fast.

but it also made me realize...

*How much I enjoy being their mom.

So the question is..How do you slow down time?

this just in!!!

2010-09-23T16:36:00.003-07:00

I was sitting on the couch snuggling with Booker, when this sweet boy walked up to me and said...

"Hey, mom, look at my BIG muscles!"

and of course I had to take a picture of it!

the not-so-many words post

2010-09-21T19:15:00.001-07:00

Because some things need not explaining, but need to be shown to the masses.

i survived a bite!

2010-09-20T07:51:00.001-07:00

First off, thank you so much for all your sweet comments and suggestions. We've decided we will MAKE this a great place to be...and I will be taking some of your suggestions and putting them into action!

Sickness has been sweeping through this family again. It always seems to get each of us before its run its course. We thought this would be no different. Lincoln started throwing up 2 Wednesdays ago, then Ben started in on congestion, etc. on Saturday and Maizie quickly followed suit. Last Wednesday morning about 2 am I woke up with the craziest stomach cramping I have ever felt. Then the throwing up started...but the worst part was the cramping. It lasted for 2 whole days. I prayed and prayed for the cramping to subside..and it finally did. The only weird thing about this sickness is that I woke up on Wednesday with a little rash that I couldn't figure out..but on Thursday I woke up with this on my wrist:

The bullseye started out less than a quarter inch around and has grown to this..this is 6 days after the initial BLACK WIDOW BITE! The rest of the bumps and redness are just an allergic reaction to the poisonous bite. After reading up on black widow bites, that cramping and vomiting were all related to that tiny little bite I recieved 1-2 hours before waking up on Wednesday morning. We haven't been able to see any spiders at all..but figure they must be coming from our attic. You can imagine how freaked out I have been to sleep at night. I even kept lights on last night, figuring since black widow's don't like light, I would be safer. You can bet we will be bug bombing every floor of our home ASAP! Crazy, Crazy life, I'm telling you!

advice, please.

2010-09-14T22:43:00.002-07:00

Have you ever felt this way going into a new ward:

"Hi, what's your name?"
"Kiki Comin"
"Are you new?"
"Yeah, we just moved in"
"Oh, that's great."
"Where did you move from?"
"10 minutes north"
"Oh, great"
small talk, small talk, small talk...

and repeat 30 times for the next 4 sundays.

I think instead I should have walked into my new ward 4 weeks ago and when asked my name reply and hand out my friendship request form:

WANTED:
a normal, fun friend
FOR WHO:
kiki comin
HOW OLD:
doesn't matter. i'm 32, but I don't discriminate against age. I have good younger and older friends.
MY REQUIREMENTS:
not too much..just someone who has a sweet, happy disposition, definitely sarcastic, not too needy, and listens to my crazy ideas patiently, . i love energetic moms or moms to be. i love creating, do you? (this is optional, but it could make it really fun!) i have 3 energy filled kids and my life can be chaos, but i love them to pieces, and you have to too! we don't need to hang out too much, but lets get together to talk during the day sometimes, so we can have some NORMAL conversation. I love to play ball...organized or not. I'd even take a pickup game one night a week at church... Do you like to run? maybe at 5 am, train for a triathlon, etc.... I can tell you about many amazing women I know..friends I miss so much that it hurts. Do I sound too needy. Maybe I am. Okay scratch the above. ~~I just need a happy, smiling face I can say hello to every now and again, but~~ Really all I am looking for are some new friends to go along with my new house and surroundings, and adding you to my dear friends list would just be a bonus.

The difficulty with this situation now is that I was just put in as a nursery leader, so it takes away the socializing in sunday school and relief society away. It seems like every time we move I go through this period of adjustment. YUCK! Any advice on making it go smoother? Really, I'm listening.

and now for the rest of the story...

2010-09-08T14:09:00.001-07:00

Warning: this post has A LOT of pics.

The rest of the weekend we did a lot of this:

We spent an evening at a certain game..Go Cougs..

and the kids and Ben were so delirious after the game..this really is what they looked like!

And I know this is fuzzy, but this is Maizie's new face for the camera. um..cute, but not for a picture!

we oooohed and ahhhed over the newest baby.

played in the park,

got up close and personal with the camera..

even emily wanted to show the camera her light saber skills..

we tried to play games..

and when that didn't work, we made up our own..

mostly, though, we relaxed and enjoyed every second we had with our family.

definitely a photo worthy weekend.

another goal down.

2010-09-06T21:45:00.001-07:00

Here is where I was this weekend:

running a sweet 1/2 marathon with my sister.

I ran a 1/2 a few years ago and hated every second of it. I vowed at the end of it I wouldn't ever run another..but lately started feeling like that was a silly thing to do and since my sister was running this one and wanted someone to run it with her, I obliged. And it was a great experience. My brother and sister-in-laws race management company put on the race..and it was awesome.

we ran it on the salt flats, out of Wendover, NV...and the scenery was beautiful..

Here I am at the halfway mark..love those mountains!

and finishing the race..such a fun time, and great sister bonding time..right, em?!:)

And of course the take home lesson being that just because you don't like something the first time, doesn't mean you should just quit..just simply try again, and maybe..just maybe the experience will be great!

a celebration.

2010-09-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

September 1st has been special to me for a while. Today marks year number 11. As I woke up 11 years ago, I woke up with butterflies in my stomach, not knowing what was going to take place that day but certain that the decision I had made would change my life for the better from that day on. I woke up in my brother's home and quickly got ready so I could spend every last second I could with my family. You see, this day, eleven years ago was the day I left to serve a mission for my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I had quite a ride in life to get me to the decision to serve a mission, but knew from the moment I made my decision to go, that it was the right one for me.
I grew up in a fantastic, supportive family...a family who had faith, had trials, stuck together, grew and who found happiness in being together. My parents converted to the Mormon faith when I was 4 months old and my very first memory ever, was when I was 16 months old and was sealed to my family for eternity in the Idaho Falls temple. I find it fascinating that this is my first memory. I can remember the weather outside riding to the temple. It was gray and stormy. And I remember the LIGHT that I saw and felt while in the temple with my family.

Throughout my life I can say that I saw my share of "storms", but that I always felt that light and warmth when I walked into my home. My life has been truly blessed through my membership in the church, through serving my Heavenly Father, and by doing my best each day to follow my Savior, Jesus Christ. Eleven years ago, when I found myself walking away from my family in the Missionary Training Center, I walked away with a little fear of the unknown, but full of faith that the message I would share and the service I would render in that 18 months ahead of me was in response to my testimony of my Savior and the great knowledge that my family had been given 21 years previously in a small town in Washington. Part of which is "In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally."(Family Proclamation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)

This morning I again woke up with butterflies. Not because I was nervous or because I was leaving my family again. This morning I woke up with sweet memories which sparked those butterflies. And as I laid in bed and reflected on the amazing life I have been blessed with, I soon had 3 little munchkins piled in next to me, snuggling and getting warm and I remembered that those 18 months were worth every sacrifice I gave up. And though my life still has storms every now and again, my duty and privilege now as a mother, is to make a place where my kids can come home to, to feel the warmth and light of love, both from an earthly family, and from their Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

This month marks the 15th anniversary of the Proclamation to the Family. A few times during the month I will be posting my thoughts and testimony of this beautiful document. A few awesome ladies are putting a celebration on all month and can be found here or here. They are having guest bloggers, giveaways and more!

yep, they are special!

2010-07-29T12:00:00.001-07:00

they:
are special,
crazy,
best buddies,
imaginative,
and kooky.

and bring a smile to my face everyday.

july 4th?

2010-07-28T22:29:00.000-07:00

As you can see from this first picture alone, our 4th of July pictures were HORRID! oh well, we had such a great time in Utah visiting friends, going to a wedding, and having a 4th party with Ben's brother.

Lincoln's favorite parts: waking up to friends every morning, his dragonfly he got painted on his face, his first race ever...and of course, fireworks.

Booker's favorite part....Gracie, cousins, his fish on his eye, his race and...fireworks.

Maizie's favorite...playing, eating, sleeping..and maybe not so much the duck pond, or should I say mud pond she fell into face first..yuck..and of course, loved the fireworks.

I loved being with our friends (thanks, Remingtons), and family..and I loved making Maizie's dress in 20 minutes..from 2-50 cent bandanas..and of course the fireworks..

See, Drew, your "show" was a hit!:) Thanks, guys.

the first race...

2010-07-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

The fourth of July brought a new first on for the boys:

What a fun event! The boys were so excited to race with their buddies, Grace and Jay, and it was so cute watching them prepare themselves.

The supporteres were loud! Poor Maizie, she is freezing to death..we were in Utah for the fourth and forgot that it actually cools down in other places in the world! oops.:)

After the gun went off, it was mass chaos, but we were so proud of the boys. They both ran the WHOLE race and finished. We were a little worried about Lincoln, but he ate the whole thing up!

i wish...

2010-07-23T19:58:00.000-07:00

We've had a fun time this summer taking quick little trips to different celebrations..weddings a plenty and family trips galore..the kids have LOVED it! They love being around their cousins, friends and family and have cried EVERY time we leave.

A few weeks ago we were up in Salt Lake and had a great time taking the kids to Temple Square. I tried to take a few pics of them together.. I always wish they would turn out perfect (even one of them!). But to be honest, everytime I look at these pictures, they remind me of real life..and that is pretty darn great.:)

Yes, Maizie is the queen...

and doens't take ANYTHING from ANYONE..

They are pretty stinkin cute and I feel absolutely blessed to be their mom.

what exactly do you use a 6ftx8ft porch for?

2010-07-22T20:53:00.000-07:00

Why....setting up a mini Sea World...

for all of your important friends to see...

making sure that each one had a great view...

and here's the show!

and the finishing act.

I guess you CAN do some things on a 6x8 porch.:)

what these feet have been up to...

2010-06-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

so i'd say that the reason i have been so bad at blogging in the last month was because i am just busy..which i am, but who isn't? my next excuse is my real excuse. i've been tired. and NO, I am not prego. I had a friend call just over a month ago and ask if i'd be interested in doing something with her. So I said yes, not knowing exactly what I was getting myself into. The weekend before this began, I was SICK with worry..literally sick. And so this is what I have been doing... a little workout regimen known as:

BOOT CAMP.

I haven't worked out like this in years..meaning in 10 or more. 5 days a week. At 5 am. Which puts the alarm clock at 4:15 am. Not only did this test me physically, but tested my will and mental power. SO what kind of workouts did we do?

How about a day where we harnessed a tire to us and dragged it behind us and ran with it over curbs and hills..and this was just the warm-up. We were bear walking backwards UP a hill, with a push-up every 3 steps, and followed that up by being a crab UP the hill doing tricep dips along the way. We army crawled through our teammates-made body bridges, played leap frog, and walked like a duck. (not as easy as it sounds)

We did repeats of 100 pushups. 100, and I thought that was a lot until yesterday when our workout consisted of running up a hill to a field where we did 3 push-ups at every tree..and there were just over 30 trees, followed by 20 body pull-ups, tricep dips, sets of 10 push-ups, burpees, and dive bombs..and then did it all 2 more times! It ended up being over 330 pushups. CRAZY and INSANE!

A week ago we pulled a truck AND trailer up a 3/4 mile hill, followed by a crazy squat challenge, which included 702 squats.

Cardio days included hill days..running repeat hills, then repeat stairs, then sprinting in sand..forward AND backward, then repeat hills again, except we got up the hill by putting our hands on the ground and hopping up to our hands..like a frog.

These are just a few of the workouts that I got to do in the last month. It has been grueling, but so rewarding. I have so enjoyed working out with new people and getting to know them..being pushed by really in shape people, and inspired by people who just want to change their lives. Changing my view of exercise has been so good and am so looking forward to incorporating these new workouts into my own daily routine. I've decided hard things are good not only for your body, but for your mind as well. And I am one happy girl that I took this challenge on.:)

a graduate.

2010-06-17T08:08:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, Booker finished up his first year of schooling and they had a celebration for the entire kindergarten.

Here he was on the first day of school. A little nervous, but really excited!

And here he was on his last day of school this year. A seasoned veteran.:)

And this is ACTUALLY what it was like each morning...

Booker got to talk and tell his name and his favorite thing about kindergarten.."writing in my journal, math time, centers, and reading."

Here he is with his class and his sweet teacher, Ms. Peacock.

And as a year end gift, Booker really wanted to make Ms. Peacock a book..here is a quick peek at

some of it:

What a year! Summer is already into full swing. We are enjoying having Booker home to play, but he cannot wait to start 1st grade..especially because he gets to eat lunch at school!

cuatro

2010-05-22T09:35:00.000-07:00

So the story goes like this.

4 years ago, on May 21, I was 10 days overdue. 10 days. Do you know what that means in baby terms? Well, not much..but what it meant in mommy terms was that I was SO ready to have this little guy out!

and out he came..at 10 pounds and 11 ounces. He made a BIG entrance and hasn't disappointed since. We love every piece of him and were so excited to celebrate the beginning of his 4th year!

And we figured out all we had to have to have a perfect celebration was...

a silly boy,

requested green cupcakes,

a fun game,

a few treats,

the hired photgrapher,

and fun friends.

Put all those together and you've got ONE HAPPY 4 YEAR OLD!

we love you to pieces, lincoln!

Lincoln's favs at 4:

Favorite colors: Red, Yellow, Blue

Favorite food: Bananas, noodles, lobster, celery, broccoli, and apples

Favorite game: PBS Kids online

Favorite movie: Alvin and the chipmunks-the squeakquel

Favorite cartoon: Dinosaur train

What makes you so special: My heart.:)

nursery bound!

2010-05-09T20:45:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it?! 18 months old and so ready to go to the nursery. Mom and dad were ready to go to class too!:)

can't believe how fast she is growing up! Slow down, baby girl!

some cuteness.

2010-04-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

We had some cuteness happening here the other day.

Involving him:

Booker's class has been working on some musical performances for a program they did last night. He had 2 performances yesterday..one in the morning for the school and one at night for the parents. He was overly excited before going to school and when I went to pick him up he was BEAMING! I asked, "Booker, how did your performance go?" His reply was simply, "Mom, I rocked everybody and tonight I am going to rock you too!" Love him. Love that he loves to sing. And play rockstar. And rock everyone..even when they are singing about freedom and being an american. LOVE. IT.

follow-up

2010-04-27T16:24:00.000-07:00

After talking to one of my friends the other night, I figured I had better put a quick follow up picture of Lincoln's nose since I left you with such horrible pictures last time.

He looks pretty great, I'd say. Now all we have left is Mederma + band-aids for the next 3-4 months so the sun doesn't make that scar permanent! Kind of a hard task when you live in one of the hottest places in the US!:) Oh well, I'm not complaining because his nose doesn't look like 2 posts down!:)ha!

another fun day...no, really.

2010-04-22T15:29:00.000-07:00

We love Saturdays for more than one reason. We love having Ben home for the day, and the spring is just beautiful here. Last Saturday we took advantage of a really fun canyon only 15 minutes from our place. Red Rock Canyon is just a short drive but has a ton of family friendly hikes and places galore for little kids to explore. IT WAS AWESOME.

see for yourself:

Yep, he was that hot.:)

We love being able to pack Maizie along..she loves to hike around.

It really was a fun day...Booker rated it like this:

boys, boys, boys.

2010-04-14T16:54:00.000-07:00

Do you remember when this happened.
Yep, I do too, only because it was ONE MONTH AGO!

Fast forward a month to see a little boy on his scooter..he falls and his nose catches on the scooter's handle and rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrip...and scream, i run in time to see his nose bleeding. I look closer and touch it to see how bad it is and the whole nose comes apart. Okay, this is bad. I call Ben, (once again so greatful he is 30 seconds away) and ask him to come quick. 5 1/2 hours later, 6 stitches later..I get delivered a happy boy:

well, as happy as you can be!

the damage:

And all this time we thought it would be Booker that followed in his dads ER king footsteps. I think we were wrong!:) Man, I love this kid!

a weekend jaunt.

2010-04-13T08:28:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we took a short trip up to Utah to visit some family we haven't seen in forever. It was such a fun weekend filled with...

crazy hair,

bonding time,

structural engineering,

conch blowing,

CrAzY boys,

but mostly SWEET smiles and hugs.

We really need to do that more often.

Drew and Melinda, you ready for us again?!haha.:)

a giveaway.

2010-04-09T09:30:00.001-07:00

GO HERE NOW.

a fun giveaway is happening at my new blog. head on over there and enter to win...

then and now.

2010-04-04T16:31:00.002-07:00

Today I had a chance to download some pictures from another camera we have, and found these pictures on it from a year ago. SO many memories came flooding back in an instant..I love that we have pictures, just for that reason.

So many things about this picture make me smile..Booker's outfit. That tie and coat were a staple in Ohio..and I loved it! Lincoln's face. Whoa, he has changed so much to me..and his outfit..yikes. I hope he dressed himself.

This walking path holds so many awesome memories for me.

Playing on "the hill" after the walk.

This was Booker to a T the whole time we were there. There wasn't a moment we went walking that he not only found a stick to hold, but a TREE as well!

Yikes! Was she ever this small?

Because this is her favorite activity now..

well, that, and looking cute.

and one year later, here we are...

All grown up, thinned out (well, most of us!), and happy.

I can't wait to sit and see the difference next year!

Happy Easter!

makes me smile.

2010-04-02T18:57:00.001-07:00

i love more than anything starting the day with a breakfast, a few tunes...

and some dancing.(imagine "party in the u.s.a."..maizie's current favorite)

"so i put my hands up...."

nothing better than dancing..and peanut butter.:)

Come and sign up!

2010-04-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

Just 35 more followers over at my NEW BLOG and I will have a giveaway.

Come and sign up!

it's official!

2010-03-30T05:18:00.001-07:00

The day and time has finally arrived. Even through last night..literally..still haven't been to bed yet, I wondered if I could get it all done! Yay for not having to be a perfectionist all the time. I will be updating my shoppe in the next two days, but if you haven't heard..EVERYTHING IS 20% OFF THE NEXT 2 DAYS, MARCH 30-31. So go check it out and tell me what you think! Some of you have asked if I have a blog button for my shop..well, here it is:

Just copy and paste this code right into an HTML code widget on your sidebar and you should be good to go! Thanks for all the encouragement in getting this shop up and running. Any referrals would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!:)

And my new creating blog, KIKI CREATES will hopefully be up and public later today. After getting it just perfect, my layout decided to mess up late last night, so we will be working things out today!

eeeeek! look what she let me do!

2010-03-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

I was so excited yesterday when doing Maizie's hair, when a braid actually worked. It was a bit hard to get started, because her hair is SO fine, but ahhhhhhh...it looked so cute. Definitely one of those things I looked forward to doing when I found out I was having a girl.

Then she started being a ham for me..

This is that sweet smile I get to see every single day! (ignore the runny nose..she is teething..AGAIN!):)

Man, I love this little girl!

and she is wearing a few goodies that will be in my shoppe that opens up tomorrow! yikes, better get working!

the feeling of home

2010-03-26T11:29:00.002-07:00

Two summers ago was a summer I will never forget. Ben left for Las Vegas for 15 weeks...I was 15 weeks pregnant with Maizie, and I will never forget dropping him off at the airport and feeling an aloneness that I cannot quite describe. The boys were crying when they understood they wouldn't see dad for awhile and when I pulled onto good ol' Kilbury Lane, I had tears in my eyes, not knowing quite how I would deal with the next 4 months. On my doorstep was a sweet note and gift from a friend, letting me know she would help out at any time. And within the next 4 hours, unexpectedly, a few more of my friends showed up with gifts and notes of love in their hands. There were a few great things that came from that summer. One was that I KNEW I could count on my friends in Columbus...in any situation..they were family to me. Two was that because Ben flew back and forth so much that summer, we got a free roundtrip flight!

Skip another year and a half forward and I was headed back to Columbus to visit..and what an awesome visit it was.

First, I cannot tell you how awesome it felt to fly with no children...I read a magazine, I worked on the computer, I drank my own drink..with no kiddie spit in it! It was liberating!(not to say I didn't miss them..just maybe not so much on that portion of my trip!) As we were flying into Columbus, I had just the most warm, excited feeling...not a nervous feeling, but a feeling like I was coming home. And not in the sense of my family being there (as we all know home really is where your family is)..but it was precisely that feeling of seeing my family once again. I don't want to go into too much gushy detail, but Columbus will ALWAYS have a special place in my family's hearts because we really feel like in Columbus we really set patterns and traditions and relied on each other and our friends like we have no where else..and that brought us closer as a family than ever before. ANYWAYS...:) needless to say, I was so excited for this trip and it didn't disappoint.

Jessica had planned a perfect weekend of Girl's Nights, Girl's Days, relaxing, shopping, eating, playing, etc..it was perfect.

We ate at Figlio's one night..heavenly...and the company was...TOO PERFECT.

Kara took pictures of me for my new business...All I can say is it is kind of intimidating being in front of the camera BY YOURSELF.

There was a day in downtown Powell...

where we visited the most delightful shops..

really it was awesome..made me dream!:)

we also visited some interesting shops that had interesting shop policies...

REALLY?? a cat in a store?

it was no lie.

disgustingly enough, they were not lying!

There was a girls night IN..which was so fun to sit and chat and catch up..

Playing with and having conversations with Jansen and Natalie could not have been more entertaining.

The chili chocolate cookoff was a non stop conversation place for me..so fun!..

then off to Jeni's for some of my favorite ice cream ever..

i really can't stop dreaming about it.

there was plenty of OOOHHing and AHHHHing over babies.

plenty of laughing and smiling....

and reconnecting.

Sunday could not have been better. I saw my sweet neighbor and caught up with her. I sat and held little Bexley for 2 hours straight and marvelled at what a miracle she is and remembered just how blessed my life has been.

And getting back on that plane headed back to Las Vegas..I'm not going to lie that there were tears..but I felt like I had just had a weekend of rejuvination...of new resolve...of feeling normal...of optimism...of inspiration gathering..of smiling and laughing..and that warm, excited feeling is exactly what I did feel all weekend long..and it could not have been more perfect. That same realization I came to two summers ago was realized again over a quick weekend. Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who gave me the greatest weekend ever..both here in vegas and in columbus. Love you!

who is she?

2010-03-24T13:35:00.003-07:00

I don't know who she is.
She could have been a mother,
a grandmother,
rich or poor,
a friend,
a leader or a follower,
she could have been anyone.
But I do know what she has been to our family.
She has been a giver,
a life extender,
someone filled with much love,
and with little selfishness.
She has given my mom a part of her that my mom had to have.
And for that I will always be grateful.
My sweet mother underwent a liver transplant last night and the experience has made me grateful for so many things.
For the time we live in.
For doctors and the time they have had to spend to get things just right and their families who had to give up MUCH time to let them gain that experience.
For donors who give when they could have easily not have given.
For my sweet mom and her will to fight and live, her patience to deal with mortal frailties, her optimism and always her love.
For my family who understands the "stick together" thing.
For prayer and feeling closer in heart than in reality because of it.
And mostly for a loving and understanding Savior, who understands pain, worry, sickness, and weakness, and who is, in all senses, the ultimate Healer.

the story of a relationship

2010-03-21T08:41:00.002-07:00

This is Lincoln. He is definitely the instigator in the story.

This is Maizie. She is the helpless victim in the story. But don't feel too bad for her.

This is a story about their sweet relationship.

This would be Maizie living in her blissful world....

..when Lincoln sets his sights on his target.

In not any way was she aware that she would soon be steamrolled..

..until she heard his laughing coming upon her.

At which point, she just RAN!

Then came the first hit..

and he didn't stop there.

Apparently she didn't think it was too bad..

and he rewarded her for being so brave.

And despite all of the harrassing, she is growing up to be quite the OPINIONATED,

HAPPY,

WELL-ADJUSTED child.

The end.

it's here.

2010-03-18T12:47:00.001-07:00

which means less housework,

bigger mess,

less yelling at the kids :),

more yelling at the tv,

less caring about the #1 and #2 seeds...

and loving the underdogs!

I LOVE MARCH MADNESS!

announcing....

2010-03-14T23:07:00.002-07:00

only 14 days and counting...

yikes, the time is creeping up fast. i am so excited...and busy!:)

just when the day has gone perfect...

2010-03-10T22:35:00.000-08:00

IT happens.

Booker runs out the door to find his friends, not realizing Lincoln is right behind him and slams the door...

on Lincoln's finger.

The aftermath: (graphic picture coming)

example 1:

example 2:

So at 4:00 in the afternoon, Ben rushes home from work (I was so appreciative of the 30 second commute..especially today)..and takes him to the hospital where they are for the next 5 hours.

After stitches, x-rays, screaming, etc..he came home a much happier child than when he left. (Mostly excited to show me his REAL Batman band-aid and that he got to see his bones)

And ready to feed his newly acquired bear from the nurse, which he appropriately named....wait for it....Teddy Bear.

And just how sweet is Lincoln...in his prayer tonight he said, "thank you for the doctors and that I could get a new bear, a new band-aid, and some new stitches." Sweet boy!

ahhhhhh!

2010-03-02T23:00:00.002-08:00

ahhhhh....i am so excited. the end.

all in 30 seconds.

2010-02-23T10:51:00.000-08:00

In 30 seconds we went from this...

..to this...all without me having to say (or shout) a thing!

I just simply kept taking pictures every 5 seconds and the tantrum stopped. Lesson to me: take my camera with me everywhere!:)

some new firsts!

2010-02-16T16:23:00.003-08:00

First: a cute picture from valentines day...so sweet..

our FIRST picnic at the park for the year...

Maizies first rocket launch...(and yes, she is always with her dad..she IS a daddy's girl..which will work quite nicely for my upcoming trip to OHIO sans kids..yay!)

Booker getting ready for our FIRST swim outside for the year...

Maizie's FIRST time verbally refusing to let me take a picture of her!ahhh!

Lincoln's initial dip was very reserved..

Booker's was very, well, BOOKER!

and yes, she loved it too!

Here's to a new season of FIRSTS! yay!

a few valentines projects

2010-02-12T19:32:00.004-08:00

Valentine's day is here already..it seems like this year is just flying! I made some quick little valentines for Bookers class, and a sweet little house as a gift for his teacher.

I love things that look organized when they are all put together. After getting the valentines all made, i made a quick little box up to hold them, which made transporting them so simple!

I love these little designs from papertrey ink..love how you can do a little or a lot to them and they look fantastic regardless...

and of course signed by the big boy himself!

and this is the sweet little house i made...

all valentined out...

with some sweets inside, of course.

i don't know about you, but i feel so greatful there is a day i can spend thinking about all the people who i love and make a big difference in my life.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

I NEED YOUR HELP!

2010-02-11T12:05:00.008-08:00

I have some exciting new things coming up in the next few months..which WILL be talked about later, but first I need some help. I am working on designing some birth announcements, but need some pictures of babies. If you have just had a baby or know of someone who has, who has had pictures taken of them, AND wouldn't mind a FREE baby announcement designed, send them my way, PLEASE! I need 6 volunteers, both boys and girls. Just leave a comment with your contact info and I will send you the details. Thanks!

cheap much?

2010-02-09T22:12:00.004-08:00

Tonight we had the funniest thing happen. WE REALIZED JUST HOW CHEAP WE ARE ABOUT SOME THINGS. haha..it just makes me giggle thinking about it.

see this is exhibit A....what rabbit ears are suppose to look like:

enter exhibit B...what our rabbit ears look like:

you see, our rabbit ears started out nice and long and had really great reception until lincoln pulled them down a few too many times and the antennaes kept busting off. did we get new ones? nope. so you might be asking how we make it work..well, it's a bit complicated. As we tried to watch a show tonight, it was comical to watch Ben turn the antennae around in almost a scientific manner..he turned, twisted, raised an arm, stood 3 inches to the right..all to get a picture on the TV. we started laughing and couldn't stop when we realized just how badly we wanted to watch a show and couldn't. And realized we are just cheap about some things, and this is DEFINITELY one of them.:)

By being cheap about some things, though, we have learned some lessons about where NOT to be cheap. As we were eating our Great Value peanut butter one day, I turned the jar around to read the allergy warnings on the back...and it read to the effect: This product has been manufactured in a plant with nuts...yada, yada, yada...and ANCHOVIES. sick, gross, and wrong. the thought that I had sick little fish in my peanut butter changed us forever....
and JIF will win out over price on this one anyday.

SO, what are you cheap and NOT cheap about?

boys vs. girls

2010-02-05T14:21:00.005-08:00

Tell me, Booker and Lincoln, how do you play?

"Anything rough, tough, and fast. A competition is always good...

going as fast as we can go...

down the hill, and starting all over again."

Maizie, Maizie, how do YOU play?

"I like to sit and get my crayons out....

and color a pretty picture with lots of colors..

and that is how I like to play!"

note of disclaimer: this is not to say that Maizie can't be found eating rocks, running all over the place and going as "FAST" as she possibly can..and not to say that the boys are not sometimes (read rarely) up for a little coloring outside, but the other day as I watched the 3 of them play, I was blown away by the differences of their preferred methods of playing.

lovely emails.

2010-01-30T09:10:00.002-08:00

i got this cute email this morning in my inbox:

kiki,
if you are missing the COLD of O H I O , i will be happy to send some. we are at 11 deg this AM. but at least we do not have the snow and ice that some of the country is having.

dear michele,
i actually am NOT missing the cold, and just got back from my morning run in shorts and a sweatshirt..and was HOT! can't beat that in the middle of the winter!

dear our friends in cold weather,
if you are ever feeling the need to get to warmer weather, feel free to come and visit. i can't promise swimming pool weather, yet, but give us another month and a half and i bet we will be close!:)

some cuteness.

2010-01-28T21:56:00.003-08:00

I love cuteness in ALL forms in my life.

I love my CUTE clone trooper boys..

I love my CUTE smiling, teething baby girl.

I love that my CUTE boy worked on Booker's Transformer for an hour just so he knew how to do it!

And I just LOVE making cute things..in any form. This one happened to be for our New Beginnings night for Young Women's. This made it REALLY simple to make! love that.:)

yum

2010-01-24T22:17:00.003-08:00

So Ben ended up having 2 parties for his birthday....

This was his cake the first night...

And THIS was his cake the second night...

quite a change!

yum, yum, yum...and very bad for you!

the last one.

2010-01-21T17:40:00.008-08:00

The best decision of my life...hands down, happened this day.

And so, as I close out our 30 posts for a 30 year old today, you may be able to see why it should be called 30 posts for an incredible 30 year old. I am so happy to have had so many guest bloggers today (thank you, thank you!), and think it just made my case in point to what a great man that I married. You didn't just have to listen to me go on and on, but could hear it from many. 30 years old is just the beginning.. I can't see what the next 30 have in store for you!

Happy, Happy Birthday to you!

Jason

2010-01-21T17:20:00.004-08:00

I've been thinking about a variety of experiences that BJ and I had during several months of overlap in Mira Mesa between his return from the mission and heading off to Utah for school. He was good enough to train with me in 2000 for the Camp Pendleton Mud Run as I recovered from knee surgery. I'm sure BJ wasn't challenged much by the pace early on, but I have fond memories of our talks during runs in Penasquitos Canyon.

The experience I really want to share is indicative of his willingness to serve. BJ accepted a calling to serve as my counselor in EQ even though we knew he would eventually move to Utah. One night I received a phone call from a brother that I home taught asking for a priesthood blessing. It was late and last minute, but I knew BJ would be willing to join me. The brother had suffered a seizure and had severely injured his tongue which was swollen such that he could barely speak. He had been asked to speak at a funeral for a relative the very next morning and wanted to do everything in his power to keep his commitment for he felt the need to share his testimony. BJ and I administered the priesthood blessing. Later, the man recounted that people tried to talk him out of giving the funeral address that morning because it was clear that he could not do so. However, when he stood and walked to the podium, his "tongue was loosed" and he was able to speak and deliver his address. This good, faithful brother recounted this story to me in tears. "Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders..." (James 5:14). I am grateful for BJ's willingness to serve the Lord, for his friendship and brotherhood in the gospel.
Happy Birthday, bro!

Jason Griffin

good ol times

2010-01-21T17:00:00.007-08:00

remember these:

*the broken Jesus bust in sacrament meeting
*the singing talk
*spider spray
*hammering a nail into our wall at 1 in the morning, and the subsequent phone call from our neighbor
*booker's delivery room nurse "oh by the way, have you..." experience
*burt and mary poppins
*the osu scavenger hunt nascar race

too many things to smile about. and remember.

Care

2010-01-21T16:40:00.007-08:00

Hey Beeje Louigee -

I know that I am your "most favorite aunt" and yes, I know that I deserve that title, but really? Do you have to put me on such a pedestal? It's a lot for a gal to have to live up too. It also make the other aunts feel bad(but my therapist says that "we are not responsible for the way others feel" so I guess it's not our problem anyway!). You have been a little yum yum since you were little. I have enjoyed watching you grow up with your toe head blond hair and your chubby cheeks. Your stitches and scars, baseball games in the HOT sun, your speedo's through water polos(never did get used to that), playing with fire when Marriner happened to be tending, obviously your fashion sense and your sweet, sweet baby blues! You have always been such a gentle, fun loving person. You were always kind and still are today. I am very proud of the man you turned out to be, I am sure I had a hand in that somewhere. You are a good father and loving husband(from what I hear). I love you and hope you enjoy this little milestone birthday. Wait until you are MY age - that's when the fun really begins. You may even start looking like your dad...EVEN MORE!! Ha!

Love -your FAVORITE Auntie Care

The Griffin Family

2010-01-21T16:20:00.004-08:00

okay...so i think i've been around BJ more than any other family member on our side of the family. so i have a list of funny memories about BJ: not all of them directly included me, but nonetheless, were memorable.

1. BJ calling every night while they were dating from San Diego from his roof because his family was renovating his house and they didn't have much privacy

2. BJ coming to get me at the dorms, in the saturn, so i could hang out with them

3. Getting mad at me for cleaning their house and folding his laundry while kiki was pregnant with Booker

4. laughing at my boy stories and saying, "Drama, Drama" while shaking his head

5. being the designated spider killer at their first basement apartment in Provo, and calling the Spider World woman and making fun of her for saying in a breathy voice, "Thank you for calling Spider World, how may i help you", and then having her get mad and chew him out...or maybe that was kiki...

6. working Loss and Prevention and hiding from kiki at night with black eyes and scratches from being attacked by people trying to steal stuff and get away

7. catching kevin and i kissing in the driveway, and waving awkwardly, and walking back inside, totally embarrassed

8. watching the newer Pride and Prejudice together for the first time, and in the opening scene where it shows the scenery at sunrise with the birds chirping, BJ announcing, "Oh, this will be a great movie!"....seriously...:)

9. BJ's stinky princess theory stories

10. BJ chucking his kids across the room onto the couch...resulting in the fearless Booker and Lincoln

11. he has to have dessert after every meal

12. the only other person in the family who appreciates the wonderfulness of reggae

13. owns the most political books i've ever seen

14. always willing to help and be nice and laugh at whatever stupid stories we tell him

15. always takes great care of his family and puts them first, and works hard, and has accomplished so much

thanks for being a part of our family! happy birthday!

love Kevin, Emily and Channing

Lincoln

2010-01-21T16:00:00.003-08:00

how old is daddy? 15

what is the best thing daddy does? ummm.. work.

what does daddy love to do? play hide and go seek
what do you like to do with daddy?wrestle and get tickled and play with him

why do you love daddy so much?because he is my best daddy ever.

love, lincoln

support.

2010-01-21T15:40:00.003-08:00

Some of the great memories in life, I think, are those when your children are born. In my life with Ben, this has been no exception. He has always been the supportive, sympathetic type. Thank goodness.

When Booker was born, labor was difficult and long. Booker's heart rate would dip and I could see concern on Ben's face...even though he tried not to show it. I had tried to do a natural birth with Booker and so the contractions were extremely hard to get through for the first while...he would coach me and count for me and help me take my mind off of it however he could. Once I got the epidural his role turned into one of just supporter. When he saw Booker for the first time, his eyes welled with tears. He couldn't stop staring at him and smiling.

When Lincoln was born it was a totally different labor. I had a midwife who coached my contractions and so again, Ben was my #1 support. He was much more confident with this experience the 2nd time around and this time, helped me so much when I was pushing Lincoln out. He again, got sweet tears in his eyes when Lincoln was born, and just couldn't stop touching him and rubbing his little hands and tummy.

When Maizie was born, Ben was studying every second he could (because he had a final the next day). That didn't stop him though, from offering his laptop to watch 3 seasons of the Office while we waited. Let's just say that not too much studying got done DURING labor, but what a fun memory. When Maizie came out, Ben had never been so smitten in his life. He would not put her down. And still won't.

These memories are still so clear in my mind. I love experiencing difficult things together where we help each other reach goals. I appreciate having him cheer me on in the seemingly impossible feats of life and love having him there when we accomplish them together.

Grandma Lynn

2010-01-21T15:20:00.001-08:00

Dear BJ:

Are you only 30??!! It seems like you have been in my life forever! Maybe I am remembering a time in our far-away past. Beej: You have always been one of my most favorite people. Those summer months you spent with me -- when all we did was PLAY are my own best memories!Thank you for who you were, who you are, and who you will become. Wherever I go in the future (and I will be SOMEWHERE) I'll peek in on you and yours and rejoice in your accomplishments. Happy 30th Birthday. I love you so much.

Grandma

Julie

2010-01-21T15:00:00.003-08:00

I have two stories about BJ that I would like to share. The first on took place in the delivery room when Booker was working his way out to greet the world. Kiki was struggling and did not have an epidural yet. She was in a great deal of pain and not feeling really cordial. BJ was hurting for her and was looking for ways to ease the pain. In his dearest, most compassionate voice he found the outfit that Booker would be coming home in and held them up to her face. I believe she was in the middle of a big contraction. He said something like " look Kiki, this is all worth it, this is what our new baby will wear really soon". I understood his intent and it was done for all the right reasons. I think Kiki grimaced, finished the contraction and ignored his comment. I was thinking while this was going on, I hope Kiki doesn't let him have it. She restrained herself. The frustration he felt by not being able to make it okay and was very compassionate. Soon after, the epidural arrived and the experience completely changed.

This second episode happened in Utah when they lived at the storage units. It was Christmas, Toby and his family, Megan, Emily, and John and I were at their home. Now this was a great house for Kiki, BJ and Booker but when we added 8 more people plus a kid who was proposing to Emily you can only imagine how smashed were were. BJ accepted this as normal, although I know his real feelings were not normal at that point. The boyfriend came, proposed and stayed at the house also. We had a great dinner. But early in the morning the upset stomachs and intestional tracts began to erupt. Thank heavens there were 2 bathrooms however at least 7-8 of us ended up with the flu. We were laying all over the house feeling horrible. I don't think there were many places to walk. I believe this was his first introduction to our family. Josh and Kristin had not made the trip thank goodness. Through this ordeal BJ remained calm, collected and acted like this was nothing. I'm certain when we all left he was hoping to never repeat the "family" experience again.

We love you BJ.

Julie

a name.

2010-01-21T14:40:00.001-08:00

I love looking at Ben's name when written out. Benjamin J. Comin, Esquire. There are so many things that I am proud of in Ben's life, one being his graduating from law school and passing the bar. Ben was always busy, busy, busy during law school, and didn't get to spend as much time as he would have liked doing extracurricular law school activities, but because he was always worried about spending enough time with his family. Once he finished law school, he then had the task of working full-time and study the rest of the time for the bar. What a crazy time it was, but as I look back, I think of it as a fond memory because he completed yet another great goal in his life. No matter what his name says, and what is written behind it, to me the greatest thing that could be written is Benjamin J. Comin, Husband and Father..and that is worth more than anything to me.

Bryan

2010-01-21T14:20:00.002-08:00

Ben is, from my experience, a perfect mixture of serious and fun loving. Ben really knows how to throw a party and the Halloween extravaganzas at the Comin's were a highlight of our social calendar. I can't say much about those parties because, as we used to remind each other, "What happens at the Comin's house, stays at the Comin house." I can say, though, that I have never been so surprised as I was in 2008. I was dressed as Paulie Bleeker and Ellie as Juno. I entered the Halloween party to see that Barack Obama was to be in attendance! I was sorely disappointed to learn that this was, in reality, just Ben, in a stunningly realistic (yet tasteful) costume. There is also, however, the serious side of Ben. When Ben lived in Columbus, I used to love talking about ideas with him. He was thoughtful, reasonable, and fair minded. He seemed to genuinely care about what was happening in the world, and he stood ready to lend a hand to make it better, when necessary. He was a fine friend and we really miss him in Ohio. Long live Ben Comin!
Bryan

Booker

2010-01-21T14:00:00.005-08:00

der dad,

i luv yu as a dad becuz yu r osum. yu giv good hugs. yu play with me. yu ar the best dad in the wurld.

luv,

booker

Tyler

2010-01-21T13:40:00.001-08:00

I have many memories about BJ. Some of which come from the trouble caused between seminary and school. I would never have guessed that so much could happen in such a short time. For example, the drive by doughnuting and soap in the school courtyard fountain. Beyond the memories, is the person BJ was while we were young and continues to be today. I remember gaining the courage to bear my testimony of the restored Gospel after BJ would share his. He has the courage to stand for what he believes in. It is his natural ability to be a true friend. He never failed to stand up for me when I was in need. BJ simply living his life helped a young friend develop a testimony.

Tyler Fox

service.

2010-01-21T13:20:00.001-08:00

It doesn't matter if he is given a month's notice. A weeks notice. Even a minutes notice (and I have seen this one on numerous occasions). He always reacts the same. With gratitude to be able to serve whenever and however he can. Nothing makes me happier than to see him do this. He has many great examples of this in his immediate family. Which is why I say that the apple does not fall from the tree. And in this case, that is a very good thing. Because I know his kids are watching him, and will hopefully have the same ferver for service when they grow up.

John

2010-01-21T13:00:00.002-08:00

BJ,

Now if you want something really funny and hilarious I could get into Beej’s golf swing, but that is a story for another day. Maybe B-day #35!!

Today, I want to write about the wonderful 2383 mile trip BJ and I shared in 2006 when we made the cross country trek to Columbus for law school.We had had the pleasure of having BJ, Kiki, and Booker stay with us for several months after their graduation from BYU and the addition of Lincoln John to the family during their stay in Seattle.

We made the trip in 2 and a half days driving a filled to the capacity Penske truck while pulling the Galant on a trailer behind. Though they recommended 55 mph, the Penske sometimes even touched the ground as we cruised eastward at an average 78 MPH! We were quite a sight! We were real truckers!!

I enjoyed BJ’s company and wit as we put in 900+ miles per day through the likes of beautiful downtown Burley, Idaho, Laramie, Wyoming (home of the Cowpokes) and picturesque Peoria, Illinois.One of the highlights was buying Beej his first Midwest corn fed steak in Hastings, Nebraska. I don’t think he believed me when I told him you could cut your steak with a butter knife!

The one thing we were able to testify at the end of our expedition was that there is a whole lot of corn grown along the way!We worried about going over 8,000 foot passes and windy roads, but we didn’t have one problem over the three days until we got 50 miles out of Columbus, with serious cases of TB (tired butts) and the tire on the car transporter blew out on Highway 70. Of course it was 98 degrees, with about 210% humidity, but we could see our destination in sight and we were only slowed for an hour or two. We were feeling right at home as 2 million cars and trucks passed by us at Mach 4 speeds giving us a whopping 6-12 inches of clearance as they cruised by.

Seriously, I have been so pleased to have BJ as a son-in-law. He is a terrific father, husband, and golfing companion. I am just not sure which order I need to put those three occupations in!!Have a great 30th birthday and please stay away from the perm aisle at Target. It would really cut down on the glare in Vegas, but just might not be your best look Beej!

Papa John (No, the other one)

Hagbergs

2010-01-21T12:40:00.002-08:00

Happy Birthday Ben,

Hey, I wish we could be there to celebrate with you guys. Thirty years old, that's crazy. Well I was trying to think of a specific great memory or story to share about Ben for his Birthday, but there are just too many. So, I thought I would mention a few of my favorites: I will never forget our weekly Buffalo Wild Wings runs, Obama, the Hypnotist Show, our many Car Pool discussion about The Office and LOST. I will definitely miss having someone to talk to about LOST because no one else follows it quite like Ben and I do. I also wanted to mention that Ben is one of the most honest, caring, fun, and easy to get along with guys I know. He is a great person to have as a friend, so if he is not your friend yet you better get on it. He is also a good example to me of how to be a great father and husband. We miss you guys and we hope you have an awesome birthday.

Landon, Kara, and Bexley

The Woods Family

2010-01-21T12:20:00.001-08:00

I asked a few family members what they had to say about Benjamin Comin and I was so touched at their answers. Obviously Ben is a very rich man for he has the highest esteem and admiration of those that know him best. Addie immediately shared an indelible memory with Ben. When she was just three or four years old she was playing in the backyard of Grandma Lynn’s house. A big metal table tipped over onto her little finger and crushed it badly. She remembers BJ grabbing her up in his arms and rushing her inside for help. She said that BJ has always been the kindest cousin to her. She admires him greatly. When Fred responded I couldn’t believe the flow of compliments and adulations that came forth! He feels that Ben has always been very teachable, upright, honorable, gentle and kind (to name a few). Ben has always been respectful and gracious. In short, our whole family loves and admires Ben very much. We are all in agreement. Happiest Birthday Ben! You have done amazing things and you are an amazing man!!!

Love, the Whole Woods Clan

dedicated

2010-01-21T12:00:00.004-08:00

One thing I learned from the beginning of knowing Ben..and yes, this was a long time before we were dating is that he is a dedicated person. No matter what the situation he is in, if he is in, he is in 150%.

When I knew him as a missionary, our zone was going caroling to an old folks home on Christmas day, and the Assistants decided to come along as well. After we had finished singing to one group, we were looking for another room to sing to, and we came around the corner to see Ben knelt down by an elderly lady who was blind, I believe, and she only spoke Spanish. He was talking to her and comforting her, and then suggested we sing to her as well. You could tell by the look of her countenance as we left that her soul had been lifted.

And this was before we really knew each other very well. And now that I do know him, I see that this is just who he is..it comes naturally. And I adore it.