Dearest Blog Followers,

After purchasing a Mac Computer it has become so increasingly difficult to upload pictures on wordpress that I am officially moving to google blogspot. In one day I was able to upload pics to their blog site for the past 4 months whereas before this it would take a painful 30 minutes to get a blog posted on wordpress….too long in my world. Plus, I couldn’t for some reason get the pics to rotate the right position. Therefore, if you would like to continue to read the fun-filled adventures of the Hall Family please click HERE!

Here is our URL:   http://bandjhallfamily.blogspot.com/

SEE YOU AT OUR NEW PAGE!

Hammy “The Ham” Hall passed away in her sleep on January 29th, after nearly a year full of trauma and joy spent with Lizzy D. Hammy was loved by all, dropped by all, squeezed by all, starved by all and most importantly, held at all times by Miss Lizzy D. Her favorite past time was chewing holes through each of Miss Lizzy D’s shirts given to her by her Nana. She is survived by Miss Lizzy D, Sammy (our newest hamster received for Miss Lizzy’s bday), Soph, Ebug, and Drew. She has been buried in the back yard lovingly by her father and Miss Lizzy D.

Harry “The Hamster” Hall passed away in her sleep in February 4th, after not even one week of trauma and joy with Miss Lizzy D. Harry was purchased to replace the late Hammy Hall and truly was a joy for 6 full days. She was a short haired hamster, black and white. Her presence was so brief that no pictures were able to be taken and buriel occurred in the dumpster (shhhh…). Autopsy results will most likely put the cause of death related to the giant tumor protruding from her butt. She is survived by the 4 healthy Hall siblings and Sammy the hamster.

Fuzzy “Wuzzy” Hall unfortunately met her demise while being played with at a neighbors house. Neglect lead to her escape at which time the lovely Miss Lizzy D was heartbroken. No buriel will take place as Fuzzy is MIA. Fuzzy was received to replace Harry “The Hamster” Hall who replaced Hammy “The Ham” Hall.  The neighbor boy who was the culprit in assisting Fuzzy’s escape has repaid his debt to Miss Lizzy D with the latest addition of Nibbles “The cutie-pie” Hall. Fuzzy is survived by 4 crazy Hall children, and Hamsters, Sammy and Nibles Hall.

In leiu of flowers, donations to the Hamster replacement fund can be given directly to Miss Lizzy D’s father.

(Pictured above is dear Hammy who after so many spinal cord injuries due to fall was able to sleep peacefully with slumbering Lizzy.)

As a family during the holidays we all went bowling with some good family friends.

The girls got the hang of it but preferred the ramp that Ethan used.

Brian took it serious and it didn’t help.

Yep, that’s right, Hot Mamma knows how to bowl…not really.

The highlight of the event was the slurpee drinking contest. Note to self, never challenge a Bennion in anything. Brian and Sarah went after the win and in the end…well…just take a look at Brian and you will know who won…

Sarah!

What you are looking at is 12 dollars in waisted slurpees!

But Ethan enjoyed his!

Here are some of the bowling elves we went with!

Christmas 2008 was spectacular. There were presents, there was paper, there were tender gifts made from the heart, and there was family….oh, and there was the best Eggs Benedict ever.

Aunt Anne with an ‘e’ made this lovely apron for Lizzy and one for Sophie.

Grammie Toodie gave this to Andrew. We all know he is desperately needing more legos.

Roger and Roger sat there were half smiles just enjoying the morning.

Lots of family sandwiched in our Living Room.

Blaine is aspiring to be as good as his mom and dad in the culinary arts.

Ethan could have been happy with one set of cars and lots of wrapping paper.

It’s hard to put to words how special this day was. How fortunate Andrew was to have 3 sets of grandparents present. To have aunts and uncles there to show their love and support. And most importantly, that Andrew made this choice and understood what getting baptized as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Andrew has always had an inclination to make correct choices. Living here in this valley where he has to explain his religion and defend it at times, has been a great testimony builder for not only him but also all of us. We are proud of the example that Andrew is making for his siblings and family.

Andrew turned 8 in November. I told him he could have a very special birthday party and that I would do anything he wanted, thinking we would go bowling or to a movie or out to eat. But, my little man wanted a Super Hero Party. I let him have his closest friends over for the party (2 girls and 6 boys). We bought white t-shirts and let his friends decorate them, then they decorated red capes, all looking like their very own Super Hero.

After they had all created their costumes, we had a Super menu and each guest was very surprised with either a U.F.O. (mini pizza) or Light Saber (corn dog) for lunch.

Afterwards we had two superhero games. The first being super string power (hit the superman poster with silly string), and the next being super silly actions (name that superhero).

Andrew had a super hero blue cake complete with spiderman on top and never stopped smiling. He was a happy boy.

Things I will most remember about Andrew at this age is his willingness to be obedient, his task oriented mannerisms, his amazing skills on the piano, his flourishing math abilities and amazing, heartfelt prayers at dinner time and also at bedtime.  Happy Birthday my dear sweet boy.

Slumber parties at Nana’s are the most popular event in this household, especially for a little girl named Sophie. Throw some popcorn, a very dated Barbie video, some R&R with R&R and it is the perfect combination. The “Yo” is Sophie’s favorite bed and it MUST be at the bottom of the bedroom in Nana’s room. BUT, that can occasionally be usurped when the Aunties from Orem arrive. This trip was no different and the kids spent many nights at Nana’s while Netster, Chels, and the Eeners were in town who also just HAD to HAVE a Slumber party at Nana’s Too!.

We went to JC Penney for our annual christmas picture. Yes, many of you just barely got it. I was so proud of my little pack that I made them walk the whole mall with me to 1) show them off; 2) return an item at the opposite end of the mall. Santa yet again somehow managed to scare Sophie when he appeared around the corner at Macy’s. Tears were replaced with smiles with a cooke from Cookie Connection….mmm….chocolate marshmallow cookie…..mmm. I’m dieting today. Very grumpy.

Anyways, aren’t they cute?

No trip to Oregon is complete without my family having an excursion to the Hall Family Ranch for some good old bonding with the horsies!

Ah, what a cute couple, so romantic there at the ranch!

That is one hot lady on a horse.

Ben doing his prince on a horse imitation.

Nettie, well what do I say, so sexy!

Tina and her impression of a princess on a pony!

Sophie, soaking in all the attention from her aunts and loving her time at the ranch. She is still, definitely, my cowgirl.

So I know for those of you who read my blog that I am now posting many November and December events. I have gotten woefully behind but am convinced that I should post these many wonderful events. I intended to not post anything current until I was current, which is only about 10 posts away…all drafts….all in progress. That was, until last night. I just got to post this now.

I was in the boys room saying nightly prayers with my son Andrew when he asked me to say the prayer for both him and myself. I said sure. The room got quiet, then Andrew quickly looked up and said, “Oh, and Mom, don’t forget to repent of all of your sins.”

I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry. Truthfully, I laughed internally, trying to keep the quiet reverence present in the room. Then, later, reflectively, I cried. He is a wise boy.