We have a 2 year old!

Last Wed. Dec. 10th Mr. Bennet Toufiq turned 2! Honestly he had a really crappy actual bday, we had to take him to the doctor to get shots. I know, what a mean mommy, but it was the only apt. they had for a really really long time. He was a trooper though.

That Sat. we had a party for him and totally made up for it. It was animal themed and we had cookies, and cake, balloon animals, presents. What could be better!

He is definitely a two year old. Fits and all. He loves to tease his sister and then follow that up with a little tap which sends her into a screaming fit, "MOM, Bennet HIT ME AGAIN". I hear that phrase about fifty times a day. He loves to touch everything he's not supposed to, over and over again. He likes to run and hide under our bed when he has a dirty diaper. Yep, we have a two year old! He is such a funny boy though, he makes us laugh daily and love loves loves his momma. He follows me from room to room saying "mama" over and over. He is such a cuddle bug and give the best bear hugs ever! He's only been home for four months but it seems like forever.

On a different note, we had to put our dog Ralph down last week. He almost ate another one of Ella's cats. I mean he was a second too late. He has been on this major animal killing spree lately, including catching and killing a vulture. That's right, the dog caught a bird that was equal in size and killed it. WOW, so gross. The last straw was when he growled at Bennet. He was sleeping but bennet thought he should wake up, apparently Ralph disagreed. Jason and I really struggled with this decision and have gone back and forth but we just didn't feel safe with him around the kids anymore. And we just weren't willing to risk it. Jason took him to the vet last Friday. It was a sad day and still seems weird not seeing him in the yard. He has been such a pain in the ass the last five year, but we've really loved that Ralph A Roo Roberts, there will never be another one like him.

Lastly, the family that has lived in the barn apartment are moving to Florida. They have been with our family for the past 8 years and have been far more like family than employees, renters, or even friends. The barn and Sahalee is going to be so different without them. They have a little boy that is Bennet's age who is such a doll. He was born here, and Becha and Johnny were married here. There is so much history and we will all really really miss them. Ella said "but mom, our family is going to be so small without them" She couldn't have said it better.

2008 has been such a year of change. We moved, went to Africa, was given a son. My dad had a heart attack, and was blessed with more time with us. My sister moved here as well (we all live on my parents ranch), she was out of the country for a 5 weeks and brought home two sweet young ladies making me an aunt to five! Now Becka and Johnny are leaving, along with our office help whom has been with us for 10 plus years. It really makes me take a step back and thank God for all our blessings, big and small, for all the amazing people that have blessed our life.

Now its time to get ready for Christmas, Ella is counting down the days!!!