Our Crazy Life!

Ben's 2nd Birthday...

2009-11-17T15:42:00.001-08:00

He loved it!!

Opening his gift... a cash register.

Beautiful baby blues!

I really like this picture.

We tried to include Ben but he was "busy"!

Benjamin's 2nd Birthday Pary...

2009-11-16T14:49:00.000-08:00

We had Ben's 2nd birthday party at my mom and dad's on Sat Nov 14th. It went great and we all had a good time. Here are some pictures from our day!

Me and my baby!!!

The McQueen cake that I made! I think I did pretty good!

Red Velvet cupcakes with homemade cream cheese icing! Yep... I made them!

Yellow cupcakes with homemade coconut icing that... you guessed it... I made!!

Ben's smash cake that I made... even though he didn't care about smashing it at all!

Yep... I made that cake too! With HOMEMADE chocolate icing!

The cute Lighting McQueen candle mom got.

The great decorations that mom and Rachel did. Thanks yall.

Me and Les.

Me and Rachel.

Me and my mom!

"Hey dad..."

"Wait... you aren't my dad..."

The great grandmothers... Mamaw Kerr and Mimi #2. (Les' mom is Mimi #1)

All 3 of us from youngest... and tallest... to oldest... and yet the shortest! ha!

Rachel and Otis.

MSU and Ole Miss...

Rachel and Jeff.

Peggy and Mamaw Kerr.

Giving Aunt Rachel lovin'.

All the "men". ha

Just me!

Jeff gave him this mug set! It was SO cute!!

Opening Aunt Rachel and Uncle Otis' gift to him.

Handing him a little truck that he got.

Doing what he does best!

Playing with the truck Aunt Rachel and Uncle Otis gave him.

I thought Rachel was just getting a picture of the football... I look like I am trying to sell it! ha

Johnny and Otis liked the football.

The santa PJs that Linda got him.

The Cars plate set that we got him.

Showing Daddy.

And of coarse he wanted the cup out right then! ha

The dumb truck that Uncle Johnny gave him.

MY favorite gift!!! LOTS of clothes!

His favorite type of PJs... with the footies!

"HHhhmmmm... was that a car I saw"...

"Let's get that shoe back on you"...

"Let me give you a kissie"...

"Thank you Daddy"...

Writing down what everyone got him.

I pretty much opened his gifts since he was too busy playing and ignoring everyone.

Ben's first sleeping bag! Thanks Mimi.

Linda "getting" Ben.

Pop telling his wild story!

Brutis stealing sugar!

Jeff and Brutis.

My favorite people!

Words can't explain what these 2 men mean to me!

By the end of the party... he was so tired!

Mic the Mighty Mocking Mouse...

2009-11-08T23:01:00.000-08:00

OK... no pictures this time but I had to share this.

We have a mouse that lives in our garage. I have named him Mic. Mic is a mighty mouse. He is a mighty mouse because he has managed to go about a month detected but not "captured" by Les. This drives Les crazy. He is also a mocking mouse. He is a mocking mouse because every time Les sets a trap he baits it with peanut butter which Mic manages to eat without setting off the trap. So yesterday Les decided to change tactics. He set his normal traps baited with peanut butter... but he also set out a large sticky trap baited with none other than his son's favorite snack... Cheetos! I noticed this when I walked outside a few minutes ago to get a coke from the outside 'fridge. I just had to laugh at the trap... the Cheetos... and the large area of coarse mouse hair that was caught in the sticky trap next to the Cheetos.

I think Mic's days are numbered!

Halloween Fun...

2009-11-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

Last year Les had to work on Halloween so I took Benjamin to Winona and Mathiston by myself. We were so excited when he didn't have to work this year!
We first went to Winona and had lunch at Les' grandmother's house. We visited for a couple of hours and Benjamin... being the nosey little boy he is... had a blast exploring the house and yard.
Then we went to Mathiston First Baptist's Fall Festival. We had such a great time but Benjamin's favorite part was going back to GiGi and Papa's house and playing with all the toys they have for him.
All in all it was a great trip!

"I don't know why I bother..." lol!

Sneeky face...

Les' dad (pawpaw), Benjamin and Les. I love this picture.

Playing with pawpaw.

Mimi is so funny!

"You want me to WHAT?"

"Take him on THAT slide??"

Yep... talked him into it!

"Wwwweeee"

Me and my baby!

As close to a family photo as we could get.

Dustin... the MFB youth leader.

Yum Yum... icing!

"No no... I can get it"!

His favorite part of the day... playing at GiGi and Papa's.

Good day!

Birthday fun... my birthday that is...

2009-11-04T08:20:00.001-08:00

The night before my birthday, Johnny came and stayed the night with us. We had so much fun carving pumpkins!

Benjamin laughing at Uncle Johnny!

Uncle Johnny carving his pumpkin.

Me and my baby!

Me and my other baby! ha! And NO... I have no make-up on!!

"I'm with stupid"

My pumpkins looks better!!

Me and my "little" brother!

Playing with Uncle Johnny!

Benjamin and his Uncle Johnny.

"Wwwooo Hhoo!!

The next morning Benjamin slept in! lol

About to go out for my b-day.

"No... I haven't been eating cake... why do you ask"?

"so good... can't stop..."

Yep... he's done.

Yum Yum...

"I think I'm gonna fro up"...

How does he know I live to clean up after him!

What a difference a year makes...

2009-10-22T21:54:00.000-07:00

Yes, what a difference a year makes! Oh yeah... and 40 POUNDS!!! Yes that's right! As of today I have officially (that's means doctor's office scales) lost 40lbs! Here's to 40 more...

This picture was taken October of last year (10/08).

This one was taken weekend before last (10/09). I have actually lost about 5 pounds since this picture was taken.

I have a long way to go... but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!!! "OLD ME... HERE I COME"!!
Oh... and did you notice how much bigger Benjamin was too? Ha!! :-)

More from the film...

2009-10-22T21:37:00.001-07:00

These are in no particular order. This is just how I happend to scan them to my computer. Some are a little grainy... but it is my scanner, not the picture. I really need a new one.
This is for you GiGi and Papa... happy anniversary!! Have fun this weekend and next week. We love you!!

Just an old film camera...

2009-10-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

I found my dad's old Canon AE-1 camera that he bought new in 1981. He let me borrow it and I have been snapping pictures with it ever since. It is a manual adjust, which has taken some getting used to, but once I did, I don't know how I took pictures without it!
Some of the pictures are a little blurry because my "subjects" wouldn't stay still! There is also a little orange tint to some of them due to the lighting in the rooms and the fact that I was not using a flash. There will be more to come!!

I love this one.

He wanted out of his seat!

I love how dark his eyes look in this one. They are normally a beautiful blue but I love them here too.

Using his big boy spoon.

Needed a bath after that!

Just another normal day.

Playing hard!

My silly man! He gets it from his daddy! ha

"Show me your GGGRRR face"!

He loves his daddy!

My handsome hubby! It is so blurry because he was rocking.

Going to pick the pumpkins.

It was too muddy for him to get down.

"5 little pumpkins"... that was all that made it through the rain!

Fall has arrived!!!

2009-10-02T06:46:00.000-07:00

Benjamin came strutting out of his bedroom yesterday like this. Yes he put his own shoes on and yes they are on the wrong feet!

He was so proud of himself that when I picked up the camera to take a picture he did something he NEVER does... he walked right up to me and... SMILED! Well, smirked... but that works!

I didn't have the heart to take them off and put them on the right feet for him, so he walked around for about an hour like that.

This is as close to a "sweet" picture I could get!

Benjamin actually took this picture. He is always trying to take the camera from me so he can take a picture... so I put the timer on 2 seconds and handed him the camera. It is straight because the flash pops up to take the picture and it caught his attention. ha!

Waiting on Daddy to put in Ben's Indiana Jones DVD.

This and That...

2009-10-02T05:22:00.000-07:00

"I know you didn't just drip on me"!

"Well I'll just show you"!

Giving Mamaw 'Clure some sugar!

"Yeah... I'm bad"!

Cool dude!!

His favorite play area in the whole house!! Ha!

Best of our vacation...

2009-09-25T23:15:00.000-07:00

I know it is a little late, but here are some vacation pictures. We went camping at Choctaw Lake in Ackerman the first week in September. We had a BLAST! Benjamin was MADE for camping!!

First day at the camper.

"Let's go"!

Papa says... "hhmm... I don't know what you did this time"

His rainbow pop matches his shirt!

My 2 favorite men!!

Daddy getting an ant off his hand.

Exploring the first day there.

They had so much fun!

"Hey Mom"

"Gitty up daddy"

My pretty little man.

They walk just alike!!

Daddy's naptime!

Trading the coke for the tea...good trade!

"Don't look at me... I didn't do it... but I think daddy did"...ha!

I love this pic!

Ben's first boat ride.

Boy do I have a handsome hubby or what!

Les was getting irritated at me taking so many picture...

Playing hard night or day.

This is how he gets what he wants!!

Uh Oh...

There we go...

Playing pat-a-cake.

Driving with Mommy.

"Playing" the fish finder.

He was sleepy and cuddly... I loved it!

"You better stay outta my way"...

My handsome man!!

"Look ma... no eyes"...

He had a bug on his hand!

"What did I tell you"??

My Pop! Yep... I love him! He is such a great POP!! :-)

Some of our friends came and spent a day with us... unfortunately it was the ONLY day it rained! So we snacked while it rained!

"I think you start it here"...

Benjamin and his buddy Hayden.

Hayden's first boat ride.

Rivals cooperate on touchdown for player with Down syndrome - Kansas City Star

2009-09-18T21:05:00.001-07:00

Rivals cooperate on touchdown for player with Down syndrome - Kansas City Star

Shared via AddThis

Just an average day at the Griffin house...

2009-09-07T20:06:00.000-07:00

It's a hard life! lol!

Why would you want to grow up?

Yum Yum...

Just because...

2009-08-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

Sticker face!

Daddy in the "house" with Ben.

2 peas in a pot!

I love this child!!

Ben's phone conversation...

2009-08-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

The video speaks for itself. I don't think I want to know what he is saying!! :)

Just playing around...

2009-08-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

I know I say it all the time... but I have the BEST HUSBAND!!! He is an amazing person inside and out! I loved him when I married him but I don't think I TRUELY loved him until he became the daddy to our son! He is a natural when it comes to fatherhood. It melts my heart to see him play with Benjamin...who loves his daddy as much as I do. And here is why.

This is why I love my life...

2009-08-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

Yum yum... chips and cheese dip!

"I can do it myself"!!

The most handsome man I know...

Me and my little man.

We kinda look alike! :)

We weren't ready!

Trying to sneek his baba out... he only gets it at night time when we put him in his crib.

Getting my feet.

His new thing is squeeling at the top of his lung! It is SO annoying! And he always makes this funny face!

Visit with family...

2009-08-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

Me and my beautiful cousin Mary.

Rachel and Otis... we have to work on his fashion...

My Mimi, Mom, and a very cranky Ben!

Me and Rachel... we actually look alike in this pic!

My beautiful baby boy!

Poor Pepa Dog... he gets drug around everywhere.

Saggy butt... someone is in need of a diaper change.

I can remember playing in this truck when I was little.

His daddy missed him!!

He missed his daddy too.

Play hard sleep hard!

Look close...

2009-07-06T17:15:00.000-07:00

Our house...

2009-06-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

Les and I moved into our dream house about 2 years ago in Nettleton. It is kind of in the country and came with 2 acres of land. It is an all brick, 2 story house that is about 2600 square feet... which is a LOT to clean! It has 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. It is about 3 years old which is good because it has newer appliances but bad because the house is just now settling and leaving cracks in our tiles! I am so proud of our home and have wanted to post picture to... well... brag, but the house is always a MESS!
So... my mom was nice enough to keep Benjamin this weekend so Les and I could do some MAJOR cleaning! We cleaned for 2 days straight! Everything from the baseboards to the cabinets were cleaned. We also steam cleaned the carpet and mopped ALL the floors. It was a job but now my house is TOTALLY clean. So here are some pictures of my wonderful home... well when it's clean at least. Sorry for bragging... but I am SO proud!!!!

The front door and entrance way. There is a door to the left that leads upstairs but we don't use the upstairs much so I didn't take pictures of it... but it has a bonus room, bedroom, and full bath.

Our livingroom. (View from the entrance way)

The livingroom.

Our entertainment center. We want a flat screen tv but always seem to have other things to spend that money on. Maybe someday...

Benjamin's play area... at the far end of the livingroom. It is NEVER clean but this is what it is supposed to look like.

The diningroom view from Ben's play area.

Kitchen view from the diningroom.

Kitchen view from the reading area.

My reading area.

Yep... those are the curtains I made!

Benjamin's bathroom.

Benjamin's room (when it's clean). View from the hallway.

Benjamin's crib... or should I say trampoline.

Benjamin's toddler bed.

The cute wagon night lights I got Benjamin.

The master bedroom. (view from the hallway)

My WONDERFUL temper-pedic bed!!

The blankets and pillows at the end of the bed are where Benjamin plays and watches TV.

I guess I could have closed the entertainment center for the pictres.

The master bathroom.

The shower.

MY tub... I want to put in a whirlpool tub but that is low on my "needs" list! LOL!

Bathroom counters.

Our bathroom cabinets. You don't get to see the closed! LOL!

So now after 2 years I have finally shared my home.

Just for GG...

2009-06-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

OK Mama... I know you are probably missing your favorite grandbaby so here you go. See, I am taking good care of him! LOL! We love you all and will see you soon!

Creeping up on the ball...

"Pretty colors"!!

Snuggle with dada!

This looks like a mugshot! LOL!

Daddy did his hair style!

Bath time!

He pays close attention to whatever his daddy is doing!!

Bunches of Pictures!!...

2009-06-10T14:32:00.000-07:00

OK... so I know it has been a while since I have posted pictures but we have just had so much going on!! First, we had a great Mothers Day even though I worked... can't beat time-and-a-half!! Then Les and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary on June 6th! And everyday life has gotten so much more exciting now that I have a walking, talking (well sort of) toddler. Never a dull day in our house, but we LOVE IT!! So here it is... the long awaited picture show. Love you all! Enjoy!

My sassy little man in his cute little PJs.

Les riding Ben's tricycle down the drive-way.

And I wonder where my son got all his silliness!! I guess it's genetic!! But boy do I love him!!

Benjamin tellin his daddy that he was too big for the bike... in "Benglish" of coarse.

Playing in the rocks.

"Oooo your in trouble"!!

While we were getting ready to go get my plants for the flower garden we let Ben play in the truck... he loves to pretend to drive and isn't strong enough to make the gear shift move. After a few minutes he got kinda quiet... an if you have kids you know what that means! I opened the door to find him happily enjoying the cookies I had packed for him... THE WHOLE THING!!! Oh well... he was quiet! :)

He didn't like the conversation I guess.

He was putting his fingers in his ears.

Watch out... he's got a stick!

Yes... I had to dig that rock out of his mouth later!

I'm gonna get 'cha!!!

Our alpha-humming bird! He guards the feeder from other humming birds! Les named him Fred.

My pretty man!

Our house...

Daddy putting his shoes on.

His guilty face...

Playin with the stick in the mud.

He might have eaten a little dirt...

All boy!!!

"No daddy... I wasn't eating that dirt!"

"If I had a hammer"...

Yes... that is a battle wound on his head!! I promise I don't beat my child!

Yum Yum!

Cheetos, cheetos everywhere!!

Laid back in his toddler bed... he still won't sleep in it all night though...

Cuddlin' in daddy's chair!

Kristenology...

2009-06-03T21:05:00.000-07:00

Kristenology

FOOD-OLOGY
What is your salad dressing of choice? Ranch or honey mustard
What is your favorite sit-down restaurant? Harvey's... me too Lori!!!!
What food could you eat for 2 weeks straight and not get sick of it? fried rice from kyotos... but not the one Tupelo. It sucks!
What are your pizza toppings of choice? sausage and extra cheese
What do you like to put on your toast? Butter, sugar, and cinnamin

TECHNOLOGY
How many televisions are in your house? 4
What color cell phone do you have? red
What does the first text message in your inbox say and who sent it? "Charlee is wearing the tutu you gave her and she loves it! I miss you!" Nicole Turner McCartney
Who was the last person to call you? my daddy... and prime care beeped in wanting to know if I could work in Starkville.

BIOLOGY
Are you right-handed or left-handed? I'm a righty
Have you ever had anything removed from your body? Benjamin :) and my wisdom teeth
What is the last heavy item you lifted? Benjamin

BULL CRAP-OLOGY
If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? Probably...
If you could change your name, what would you change it to? Queen Elizabeth... LOL!
Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000? man yeah!!

DUMB-OLOGY
How many pairs of flip flops do you own? too many to count!
Last time you had a run-in with the cops? I went through a road block in Nettleton the Sun before Memeorial Day on my way home from work.
Last person you talked to in person ? Les
Favorite Month? October... Halloween and my birthday

CURRENT-OLOGY
Missing someone? Yes... my sis! I havent' seen Rachel in forever!!! And my Laura!! :(
Mood? wide awake!!! Need to be sleeping!
What are you listening to? the furnace lighting up while the neighbors spy on The 'Burbs (in case you haven't seen it, you need to! It is hilarious!!)
Watching? The 'Burbs... I am addicted to that movie!
Worrying about? if my shifts will get cancelled this month... I hate getting cancelled!!

RANDOM-OLOGY
What’s the last movie you watched? In the movie theater... Grand Torino. But want to see UP!
Do you smile often? Everyday!! Benjamin is constant amusement!!
Do you always answer your phone? Lord no!! Some survey people have been calling 2 times a day even though I tell them I don't want to do their survey!!!
It’s four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it? I have no clue!!!
If you could change your eye color what would it be? I love my blue eyes!
What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? cherry
Do you own a digital camera? Yes
Have you ever had a pet fish? yes... a beta fish that lived for years!!
Favorite Christmas song? "Carol of the Bells"
What’s on your wish list for your birthday? a pedicure and manicure!! Something I love to get but never choose to spend my money on.
Can you do push-ups? I don't have to... thanks to 2 bubbles on my chest I am constantly up! :)
Can you do a chin up? I can lift my chin up very easily!
Does the future make you more nervous or excited? both!
Do you have any saved texts? yes... a couple of addresses.
Ever been in a car wreck? several
Do you have an accent? I am southern to the core!
What is the last song to make you cry? suit for cello solo number 1 in g major
Plans tonight? need to be sleepin! it is 11:30
Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom? yes... after I misscarried before I got pregnant with Ben
Name 3 things you bought yesterday. I didn't buy anything yesterday.
Have you ever been given roses? Yes
Current hate right now? the fact that Les can just close his eyes and go straight to sleep and I toss and turn
Met someone who changed your life? several
What song represents you? I am not real sure...
Name three people who might complete this? Anyone who has insomnia
What were you doing 12 AM last night? watching tv
What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? Benjamin's up...

It all started with a diaper change...

2009-05-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

OK... so Les was about to change Ben's diaper when he took the opportunity to jump up and bounce on the bed. This is a typical day in our life. Enjoy!

Easter Sunday...

2009-04-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

Yes... he is rolling his eyes! :)

Being silly...

Re-arranging GiGi's furniture...

My two men!! I am lucky!!

My handsome little man.

Ben was upset because it was raining!

Puddin' and a hair cut...

2009-04-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

I think I did a pretty good job!

So much blonder now!!

Daddy had to chase him down so I could get a good picture after his hair cut.

Gimme yur GGGGRRRRR face!!!

Just chillin' out!

Ben LOVES pudding!!

Ben and the spaghetti...

2009-03-24T16:32:00.000-07:00

I worked at Eupora Sunday and left Benjamin and Les at home. Les decided to make spaghetti for lunch. Ben loved it... well he loved making the mess!!

Spring Break at Choctow Lake...

2009-03-19T21:30:00.001-07:00

For spring break we went to Choctow Lake in Ackerman for Ben's first camping trip. We had the BEST time!! I think Ben is made for camping!

Daddy getting in some snuggling before we go.

He passed out on the way to the lake.

Look at that lip!

Found something dirty!!

"No thanks... I'm fine".

GiGi is the guardian of the fire!

Doing what he does best... getting dirty!

"OK GIGI... That's enough"!!!!

Bedtime... sort of!

That sun is bright!

Visiting with family.

Beautiful Choctow Lake.

Laid back.

My little man is so big!

"I see you Mommy!"

"What!"

Giving Mommy good sugar!!

He is so ticklish!!

Loves his thumb... like his Aunt Rachel!

Pepa dog is a good snuggler.

Watching a little TV.

When Benjamin doesn't get his nap...

2009-03-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

Benjamin has gotten on this kick of not wanting to take a nap during the day. This is what happends when he doesn't get his nap... this was taken yesterday at about 7:30pm. It is a short video because I couldn't stand to see him "bob" anymore and we put him to bed. Bless his heart... he was SO tired!!

Let it snow...

2009-03-02T10:28:00.000-08:00

I was scheduled to work Sun in Starkville but at the last minute my shift was cancelled. I think God had a hand in that because Sunday turned out the be the BEST day!! Les and I bundled Benjamin up and played in the snow all morning. It was Ben's first "real" snow. As you can see we got a lot of fresh, powdery snow! We had so much fun! Here are some picutres of the day.

After playing in the snow he needed some sweet tea!

Les bought these for me last year! Aren't they cute!

Benjamin and daddy ready to go down the hill!

Les had more fun than Ben... he went down the hill SEVERAL times!

Me and Ben after going down the hill.

Yes... we took apart the wheel-barrell to slide down in.

My pretty boy!

We couldn't find his gloves... so daddy gave him his!

He wasn't sure what to think about all this white cold stuff!

This is how much snow we got!

Ben's First Birthday... I know it is late!

2009-02-09T20:57:00.000-08:00

Benjamin had his first birthday November 12, 2007!! We had his party the Sun. before since his actual birthday was on a Wed. It was wonderful! Thanks Mama and Daddy for letting us have it at the house... I know we had to twist your arms! LOL! Thanks Rachel for helping decorate and thanks Johnny for just being there. We has such a great time and are blessed with an amazing family who loves Benjamin as much as we do!! Here are some pictures from the day. Enjoy!

My heart just broke...

2008-12-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

OK... I know you are expecting sweet pictures of Benjamin and I promise I will post some soon. But right now there is something else that has burdened my heart.

I was at work last night and happened to find a free moment to catch up on my celeb gossip... yes, I am addicted to the trashy tabloids. But in the midst of reading about Brittany's turn around, this year's fashion do's and don'ts, and weather or not Lindsey Loghan is a lesbian... I know, I have no life... I came across a picture that stopped me dead in my tracks. It was of a distraught 23 month old child clinging to a little stuffed basketball being consoled by a family member while he cried out for his mother. If you know what I am talking about than I know you are recalling the photo in your mind now.

I don't usually read about world terrorism... it is so depressing... but I have a new found sympathy for those who have been effected... in ANY way... by some sort of devastating act of mindless carnage. This particular article brought me to tears.

As many of you know on Nov. 29th, the lives of 195 innocent people were taken from their families by cowardly terrorists in Mubai. While I was aware of the attacks, I selfishly thought, "well that is so far away and doesn't really affect me so why read such depressing news". While it may not have affected my life directly, I was moved to tears right there at the nurse's station on PCU in Grenada Lake Medical Center.
While there are many accounts of selflessness and heroism through-out the world, this one hit home.

This is an exert from an article that was posted on www.momlogic.com/2008/12/mubai_nanny_saves_toddler_li.php

The Mumbai attacks on November 26 took the lives of at least 195 people, including the life of young mother Rivkah Holtzberg. She and her husband, a rabbi, were murdered. Their 23-month-old son Moishe Zvi was surely next ... but a quick-thinking nanny named Sandra Samuel saved him.

"I heard Moishe. He called me: 'Sandra! Sandra! Sandra!'" she said. "I decided to go upstairs despite the shooting and find him. The guy who was with me didn't want me to go upstairs, but I was scared that if Moishe kept calling me, somebody will hear him, get to him and harm him.

"When I got upstairs all the terrorists were apparently on the roof. I found Moishe standing next to his parents. Everything was full of blood. I grabbed him, went outside the room and ran outside."

"When the baby emerged with the nanny, he had blood stains on him," Benjamin Isaac, secretary of the Indian Jewish Federation, told Reuters. "Thankfully it wasn't his blood. But we knew someone's blood had already been spilled."

The toddler was reunited with his Israeli grandparents on Friday.

Shimon Rosenberg, Rivka's father, thanked the Indian nanny at a memorial service. "With her great resourcefulness, Sandra saves my grandson's life. If she hadn't grabbed him, he would surely have been murdered," he said. Rosenberg broke into tears as he spoke, when his grandson Moishe Zvi also began crying and searching for his mother.

"Ima! Abba!," Moishe said, using the Hebrew words for mother and father. Then the boy burst into tears and cried on the shoulder of his maternal grandmother.

"Gaby and Rivka dedicated their life to bring light selflessly and joyously to our world. In a very short time their house became a home away from home for Jewish travelers from all over the world," said Rabbi Simcha and Shterna Backman of the Chabad Jewish Center in Glendale, California. "Friday, their little boy Moishe Tzvi, whose life was miraculously spared, celebrated his second birthday. Over the past two years, every Friday night, the Shabbat candles lit by Rivkah shone brightly in the Chabad House in Mumbai. Now these lights have been replaced by blood stains and destruction."

The heroic nanny Sandra Samuels arrived in Israel on Sunday and was granted entry by the Interior Ministry. Army Radio reported that the interior minister was considering bestowing Sandra the 'righteous gentile' title, which would allow her to remain in Israel for an extended period of time.

Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by this horrific tragedy in Mumbai. If you would like to help, the Chabad organization has set up a fund for the Holtzberg family and other victims.

If you weren't moved by this act of pure love, just look into this toddler's eyes and tell me that he doesn't understand what is going on. For those of you who are mothers, I know you will do the exact same thing I did when I saw this picture... gasp and suddenly think how much that poor sweet baby looks like your very own child... male, female, black, white, blonde, or brunette...

God bless those who put themselves in harms way to save the innocent; God welcome those who's lives were taken all too soon; and God lead, guide and protect those who are left to make sense of such tragedy.

When I walked in the door this morning I hugged and kissed Benjamin and looked at him in a different way. I hope you do the same.

God Bless!!

Happy Halloween...

2008-11-06T09:40:00.000-08:00

Ben's first steps...

2008-11-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

Just playing around...

2008-10-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

Ben is now 11 months old and we have less than a month before he is one!!!! Just makes me want to cry!! He is growing so fast. He is also FULL of personality!!!!!

Chocolate cookie are Yummy...

2008-10-29T08:34:00.000-07:00

Ben LOVES his chocolate cookies! After his snack he HAS to have a bath! :)

Some pictures of Ben at 10 months old...

2008-10-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

Kitchen Curtins...

2008-10-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

OK... so as many of you know by now, I love to sew. I have been looking for the perfect curtins to go in my dinning room and haven't been able to find them... so I just made them.:)

Fall fun...

2008-10-01T22:45:00.001-07:00

GiGi gave Ben some cute new Halloween PJs and he was so adorable!!

So one day last week the weather felt so good in the late afternoon that Ben and I decided to play outside.

My handsome man!

Ben has learned to pick his food up with the "pinching" fingers. He is BIG on "I can do it myself"! lol! In this picture he is picking up Cheerios.

Oh how I love my life...

2008-09-26T00:54:00.000-07:00

OK, so I was sitting at work Thurs. night, wishing I could walk down the hall and peep in on Ben sleeping then crawl into bed next to my cuddly husband when it hits me... I have a pretty fantastic life!! That's pretty much all I have to say! :)

Bath time...

2008-09-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

Bath time!!

Yes, I can sew...

2008-09-03T14:52:00.001-07:00

For all of those who really know me, you will be in shock to know that I enjoy sewing!! I have made Ben serveral blankets and are in the process of makin more. Here are some... a couple are done and I haven't started some. Let me know what you think.

Ben's friend and girlfriend!

2008-09-01T17:09:00.001-07:00

Ben and I visited with a friend of ours in Carrollton. Hayden was so sweet! They actually played very well!

"OK Hayden... this is a HAND"

Hayden says, "hey... that is My toy"!

Holding Hayden's hand.

Ben is saying... "Dude, are you OK?" Ha!

A friend of mine from nursing school just had a sweet little baby girl... Ella. She was unexpectanly early and was 4lbs at birth. We went to meet Ella once she was able to go home. Ben isn't around a lot of children and I don't think has ever been around a little baby. He loved on her at first then kind of got annoyed that she was getting all the attention. So to devert the attention back to him, he decided to stand ALONE for the first time. He was able to balance himself just long enough for me to snap a picture... I know, the camera is growing from my hand. lol!

Ben is 9 months old ALREADY...

2008-08-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

My beautiful baby boy!!

Ben and that thumb!!

So sweet!!

Just a little smurk!

Some pictures of Ben at 8 months old...

2008-08-11T01:16:00.000-07:00

My sweet baby!

Silly Man!!

"These are mine!! Get your own"!!!

It was so hot that Les crawled into the pool with Ben!!

Making their "mean" faces!!

Ben loves his bathtime! He kinda looks like Mr. T!! He he!!

SuperBaby Needs a NAP!!

"Superbaby"!!

Aunt Ra Ra aka the "photographer"...

2008-06-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

Aunt Ra Ra took the best pictures of us on Saturday!! Here they are. Hope you enjoy.

Visiting With "The Grandmas"...

2008-06-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we got to visit with Ben's GiGi, Mimi, and Mamaw McClure. It was great! It is so special to me that Ben has the opportunity to know his great great grandmother. I would have loves for Papaw McClure to be here for this, but I know he is watching over us! We love our wonderful family and wished we lived closer to see them more.

Swimming Pool and Sun Block...

2008-06-19T12:21:00.001-07:00

Thanks to GiGi for the wonderful swimming pool and duckie float. Ben has so much fun in his cute pool! It combined his two favorite past times... being outside and getting in the "bath"!! I think he may have thought I was forgetting something when I got him out of the pool without shampooing his hair!!! Thanks again GiGi... it will be a "cool" summer!

"Say Daddy"...

2008-06-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

Les wants Ben to say daddy so bad! This is what he does every night!!! I think it may be working! lol!

Life on a diet...

2008-06-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

OK... so for those of you who care, I said I would keep you updated on the diet. Thus far I have lost 13 POUNDS!!! I am so glad to see my hard work is paying off! It is real hard to stick with a diet when you have a husband who can eat WHATEVER he wants and not gain an ounce! But I must say, Les is being very supportive. When I started my diet, I had a heart to heart with him. He has never had a weight problem so doesn't truely understand the "big deal" with losing weight. Whenever I used to "be on a diet" he would say, "why... you look good to me". Although that is very sweet, it is not very helpfull! lol! But this time is different. He tells me everyday how good I look and his favortie thing to say is, "you look like you have lost more weight from this morning!". I love him so much!
I have been allowing myself 20 grams of fat and 1000 cal a day. It has been easier than I thought it would be. For exercise, I have been cleaning house... which makes Les very happy... and painting my bedroom, bathroom and soon my livingroom. I have also been playing in my flower bed (which looks great). Once it stops raining, Ben and I will be walking in the afternoons.
Please continue to pray for me that I stay on my diet! lol! Thanks for the support!

My first official Mother's Day...

2008-05-14T18:52:00.000-07:00

So... I now have a new favorite holiday!! MOTHER'S DAY! It was the best! We started the weekend out going to Jeff's birthday party at Trace Way. The next day for Mother's Day we went to church in Mathiston and participated in the baby dedication. Ben was so good.. I was so happy!Then we went to eat Mexican in Starkville. And last... we went to Winona and had a great visit with the "in-laws". Even though I had to work that night... this year's Mother's Day is one to top!!

Let the diet begin...

2008-05-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

Okay... Ben is almost 6 months old and I haven't lost a pound since his birth!!! It is time for a change!!!! My diet officially starts today! I am telling everyone this for 2 reasons... #1: I will need all the words of encouragement that you can give and #2: If I am unusually cranky... well you know! I will keep an update posted on the weight loss... as if you would care... but it makes me feel better to have support. Even if it is across cyberspace!! Wish me luck... and pray for Les (it won't be easy for him either!).

Ben's first tooth...

2008-05-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

We have suspected for some time that Ben was teething... our suspicions were confirmed today! We were on our way to get some plants to put the finishing touches up on the front of our house when Ben began to get fussy. Les asked if I had felt inside of his mouth lately to see if he had any teeth. So, I rubbed the front of his gums with my finger and Ben bit down HARD on it with one lonely little "toofie"!! I hasn't come completely through yet, but you can feel it and see it a little. I almost started to cry! He is getting so BIG!! Here are some cute pictures that I just had time to upload.

Great visit with Jeffery and Papa Gilliland...

2008-04-25T17:42:00.001-07:00

When Ben and I went home last weekend, we decided to go by to see papaw and Jef. He LOVES Jeffery!! At one point, papaw picked him up and he was quirming trying to get back to Jef! It was a great visit!

In the first picture, Ben is in his new car seat... he OUT GREW the old one!!! kHe is getting so big!

Family Ties...

2008-04-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

Ben just loves his Papa and GiGi!!! Here are some picutres of what they do while mama sleeps after work!! Keep it us mama and daddy... he loves it!!

My John Deere Men...

2008-04-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we went to town to pick up some things after I got off work and Les wanted to go by Scruggs... aka the John Deere store! They have some cute western wear for children! We got Ben the most adorable John Deere hat! It looks just like Les'!! They are so cute!!

Today was such a pretty day that Les decided to take Ben outside. They rode the 4-wheeler and lawnmower all day! Ben was so tired from spending the day with his daddy that he fell asleep on the 4-wheeler!

Ben is getting so big!!! Here are some more pictures of my Big Boy at 5 MONTHS!!!

Sweetest sound...

2008-04-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

I love to hear Ben laugh!!! He is so ticklish under his neck and on his sides and back! Les' "scruff" tickles him when he rubbs his face on him. This is a video of Ben being tickled by Les. It is so cute!!! I also have it on my myspace page with some sweet music. I couldn't figure out how to get the music on here... go figure! My myspace page address is www.myspace.com/kgmsu... feel free to visit it.

Great Pictures by Dejavu Photography!!

2008-03-26T16:45:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all... here are some more pictures that Sarah and Melissa from Dejavu Photagraphy took of Ben. He was 3 months old in these pictures. They're SO GOOD!! I am also trying to get some families together for a "Portrait Party". I need 5 to comit, so if you are interested, you can leave a comment or e-mail me at kgmsu@yahoo.com. Hope you enjoy!!

Love and Music...

2008-03-12T13:35:00.000-07:00

Music has always been an important part of my life. From an early age, I was introduced to many different types of music. I can remember my mom playing Hotel California for me on 8-track and Elton John's Crocodile Rock on vinyl! Good times! But you don't have to be a music lover in order to feel a certain way when you hear the "right" song. I can hear a song that instantly reminds me of some place and time or someone. So... since this is MY page and can do what I want... here are some songs that remind me of certain persons and things.

When I was six years old, my great grandfather past away from cancer. He was such an important person to me. Even at such a young age, he left his mark on my heart. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him. I only wish he would have been around to meet my husband... he would have LOVED Les... to be at my wedding.. and to see his great great grandson. I miss him desperately and can't wait to see him again.

The song that reminds me of him is sung by Brad Paisley and Dolly Pardon.. When I get where I'm going. The most meaningful verse to me is this one... "I'm gonna walk with my grandaddy. And he'll match me step for step. And I'll tell him how I 've missed him every minute since he left... and then I'll hug his neck".

This picture is of my Papaw 'Clure holding me when I was a baby. He was so proud! He called me pumpkin! I love him and miss him.

Every time I hear "Give me the beat boys to free my soul, I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away" I think of my husband. When we first started dating it was obvious that we were meant to be together! He used to play Doobie Gray's Drift Away ALL THE TIME. Even now after being married for almost 5 years, my heart still skips a beat when I hear that song!! This is the very first picture that Les and I ever took! It was at Rick's Cafe in Starkville in April of 2002.

When Rachel and I were little, we were thick as thieves... sometimes literally! We also used to sing in church. Of coarse Rachel loved it... Mama MADE me! The song that comes to mind it He's still working on me! Rachel will get a big laugh out of this!!! We would stand up in front of our church congregation in our Sunday best and sweet kiddie voices and belt it out at the top of our lungs!! Here is a picture of Rachel and me when we were little. We weren't in our Sunday dresses, but this picture shows us in "real life"!! I love you Rach!! P.S. Sorry Johnny.. you weren't born yet! lol!

Here you go Johnny... I have one for you! I think the best thing I ever taught you... that mama didn't get on to me for... was the words to Alan Jackson's Chattahoochee! Only you couldn't say Chattahoochee and it came out more like Chattapoochee!! You were so cute... don't expect to EVER hear that again!!! lol!! OK Goober.. here is my favorite picture of you! You were TRYING to look sweet and Innocent!! I love you!

As I mentioned before, I love my great grandfather! But... he wouldn't have been the man he was without some polishing from my great grandmother!! He thought he wore the pants in the family and she let him think that... in public!! lol!! She is a pistol.. and she has one too and can't hear very well, so if you are going to her house... MAKE SURE SHE KNOWS AHEAD OF TIME!!!! lol!! (NOT kidding!!) She says that I remind her of herself! I just hope that I am half the woman she is!! I love her so much and I know that Papaw 'Clure visits her in her dreams! The song that reminds me of her actually reminds me of both of them! I'm not sure who sings it... but the song is perfect! In the song, the wife passes away first, but in this instance papaw passed away first. But the meaning is still the same. It goes... "If you get there before I do, don't give up on me. I'll meet you when my chores are through. I don't know how long I'll be. But I'm not gonna let you down. Darling wait and see. And between now and then until I see you again I'll be loving you. Love me". This picture was taken at Mamaw's 90th birthday party in Jan. 2007. It was held at Ackerman First Baptist. In the picture is my Mimi (mamaw 'Clure's only daughter), my mom ( mamaw 'Clure's grand-daughter), and me and Rachel (her great grand-daughters). 4 Generations of women!

As I have mentioned before.. my mom dad are just as in love now as they have ever been!!! I can remember my mom telling me how her and daddy don't really have the same taste in music.. but, they did go to the same concert before they ever knew each other! Wouldn't it be wild if they were supposed to have met and fallen in love at that concert, but didn't! I guess God wanted them together pretty bad.. he gave them a second shot! The song that reminds me of them is one by the man who they both saw in concert.. James Taylor, Fire and Rain!! This is a picture of them at my wedding! They look so good together!And last but not least... for my precious little boy!! I love you Ben more than you will ever know! Because of you I am a better person!! The song that reminds me of Ben is by Louie Armstrong.. Dream a little dream of me!! This is Ben dreaming!!!

Pictures of Ben

2008-03-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favorite pictures of Ben... from birth to now! Hope you enjoy them.
This was taken the night Ben was born. I think it has to be my favorite picture!! I had to have a spinal block during my section, which meant afterwards I had to lay flat for 4hrs to keep from getting a spinal headach. During that time, the nurses brought Ben to me. I laid him next to me so I could see him but after a while, he started to cry. Les picked him up and cuddled him. This is how I found them when I was able to finally sit up. It was so sweet!! I was such a proud mommy when Ben was born. I was in shock that I had such a beautiful baby!! Here are a couple of pictures that we took in the hospital of sweet Ben.

We had lots of family who was anxous to meet him!! I don't think Johnny new exactly what to do with him! lol! But that's OK... Neither did we!! lol!!

When we got home, we had more family who wanted to meet him! As you can tell, I am blessed with a large, loving family!

Last year was Ben's first Thanksgiving and Christmas. Les didn't want to get him out AT ALL!! But, I talked him into letting us go to some family functions! :)

When Ben was 3 weeks old, we took him to Dejavu Photography in Mathiston to have some pictures done. Sarah and Melissa did so good! Here are a couple!!

In these next pictures he was 1 month old.

When Ben turned 2 months, he started smiling! He has the most adorable smile I have ever seen!! In order to make him smile I have to kiss under is neck.

Now Ben is 3 months!!

Those who don't believe in love at first sight, never gave birth to the love of thier life!

2008-03-06T13:52:00.001-08:00

In case I haven't mentioned it... I am a first time mom! I never knew how much it would change my life! He is absolutelyy perfect... spoiled... but I wouldn't have it any other way! He is growing more and more everyday!

My pregnancy was not exactly what I had expected! I knew that I would gain weight... but I looked ridiculous! These pictures were taken the morning that I had Ben. I also Had pregnancy induced hypertension. It began when I was in my 7th month and was controlled well with medication.. until my last month. My BP gradually began to rise even with my medication. So, my doctor decided to induce me on November 12, 2007. I was SO HAPPY!! I was 5 days away from my due date. I began the induction at 6am that morning and was completely dilated 12 hours later. I had an epidural which made everything better, until I began to push. I started having excruciating pain in my right side and back that the medication from the epidural was not helping. The nurses said his head was turned in that direction, and he must have been pressing on a nerve. I pushed for an hour, but the pain was so bad that I couldn't quit throwing up! So, my doctor said that I could push for another hour or go ahead and have a C-section. I opted for the section!!

John Benjamin Griffin (Ben) was born at 8:28pm on November 12, 2007 via C-section! I can't describe the feeling of hearing my baby cry for the first time! I am about to cry just thinking about it!! He was absolutely perfect! He was 7lbs 14oz and 19 1/2 inches long... not HUGE, but big enough! The nurses said that I had some extra fluid which was why my belly was so big. My feet were hardly ever swollen when I was pregnant, but after I gave birth they were so swollen I could barely walk and couldn't wear ANY of my shoes! Les was such a proud dad and very relieved that we were both OK. He was so protective over Ben and couldn't quit staring at him!

Adjusting to a new baby was a little difficult, esp. when I had a section. The soreness and stiffness took forever to go away!! But now I feel like an expert! Our lives have changed, but for the better! I can't imagine life without him!!

Kinda new at this!

2008-03-05T22:17:00.000-08:00

OK folks... I am new at this, so bare with me! If you are reading my blog, then you are someone who knows me... or think you do! Ha Ha! Here is a little background for everyone.
I am from the best small town in the world... Mathiston! It is LITERALLY a 4-way stop on a highway! I was raised in a very, shall we say, well known family! Being a Gilliland meant a couple of things: 1) Family ALWAYS comes first!!! 2) Work HARD for everything 3) Help those in need even if they don't deserve it and 4) The customer is always right!! Ha Ha!! I had a little bit of a hard time with that last one!! If I wasn't one of the boss' daughters, I don't think I would have been employed at Piggly Wiggly for long! Speaking of which, the grocery business has been good to my family! As much as I hated working there in high school, if it wasn't for that store, I wouldn't be where I am now, have the family bond that I do now, or have the work ethics that I have now.
I have a great family! My mom and dad have been married for over 25 years and are still in LOVE... which used to gross me out, but with the divorce rates climbing I am thankful that they still kiss in front of us! My older sister, Rachel, recently married a great guy and they are living in Jackson. She has her dream job.. which is oddly enough somewhat in the food industry.. and her husband Otis is a cop in Morton. My little brother, Johnny (aka.. Goober), is no longer the pesky kid that used to annoy the crap out of me! He is now a 6 foot grown man.. who annoys the crap out of me! Just jokin'!! He is probably the sweetest young man I have ever met. He is thoughtful and kind and growing up so fast! He will graduate from East Webster this year and become a COLLEGE BOY!! (tear!)
After I graduated from high school, I went to Wood for a semester. My second semester was spent a MSU, where I had fun, fun, and more fun! If you ask daddy why he sent me to state he will tell you "so she could find a husband". And that is exactly what I did!
My husband is Les Griffin and I am convinced that God made him just for me! We only dated 8 months before he asked me to marry him and we will have been married 5 years in June. We have lived in several different places since we married, but now we live in Nettleton (20 miles SE of Tupelo) and like it. He is an industrial engineer and works for Phillips (previously Day-Bright). I graduated with my LPN in 2005 and decided to continue my education and graduated with my ADN (RN) in 2007. Being a nurse is what I was meant to do and I praise God that I found my true calling!!! I have worked in many facilities, but have found that agency work is for me. I am not good with the he said, she said BS nor the politics that come along with almost ever staff position that I have worked. It also allows me to be at home with my baby during the week so I don't have to put him in a daycare right now.
Speaking of my baby... well, I think I will save a special entry just for him!!! Goodnight all!