March 28, 2006
Quinn is doing great!
Quinn was discharged from the hospital on Sunday afternoon after about 24 hours under the "Bili lights" and is doing great.
March 25, 2006
Quinn Update
Little Quinn has had to be admitted to the childrens hospital for the treatment of Jaundice. That nice coppertone that her skin has means that her bilirubin is elevated and she needs to have phototherapy. Nothing too dramatic, but she does need to spend time under lights that treat the elevated bilirubin. It is fairly routine treatment with 100% success, the only unknown is time, how long she will need to be under the lights. She will for sure be in the hospital until tomorrow. Sorry for all those that were hoping to see her today. :( Hopefully this will be a quick stay for her. Thanks to all for your thoughts and well-wishes.
Mitch
Mitch
March 24, 2006
There is a new Sheriff in Town!
Thanks Uncle Kevin for the cowgirl gear... that's a real Stetson y'all!!!
Pictures on Shutterfly
You can go to our shutterfly website to see new pics of Quinn and the family. The site is http://mjkqbenson.shutterfly.com/action/ (derived from Mitch, Jen, Kya, Quinn Benson) Enjoy!
Mitch
Mitch
March 22, 2006
Quinn Christine Benson is here!
Quinn Christine was born Sunday, March, 19th at 10:01 PM. She was 8lbs 13ozs and 19.5 inches tall! You can also find a picture of here on Meritcare.com in the BassiNet, search either by name or date. Both Quinn and Jennifer are home and doing very well, Kya is adjusting as expected. Loves her little sister and really likes being involved and helping. Look for more updates soon, or go to blogbenson.blogspot.com for more updates.
March 16, 2006
ND town quiz
I got this from one of my offices that I call on, I had a lot of fun with it, enjoy. Using the clues below, identify the name of the town in North Dakota the clue describes.
1. A man’s first name and a female horse:
2. A chicken village:
3. Below Lumber:
4. Goes first:
5. Toting 2000 pounds:
6. An angry insect:
7. It rings – where you play tennis:
8. A small, red furry animal’s residence:
9. One of the Great Lakes:
10. Magnificent eating untensils:
11. A large turn in the road:
12. Able to perform:
13. A French Ruler:
14. A long distance to travel:
15. Richard and his offspring:
1. A man’s first name and a female horse:
2. A chicken village:
3. Below Lumber:
4. Goes first:
5. Toting 2000 pounds:
6. An angry insect:
7. It rings – where you play tennis:
8. A small, red furry animal’s residence:
9. One of the Great Lakes:
10. Magnificent eating untensils:
11. A large turn in the road:
12. Able to perform:
13. A French Ruler:
14. A long distance to travel:
15. Richard and his offspring:
March 13, 2006
Marathon training.
As some of you know, for some reason I got it in my mind that I should run in the Fargo Marathon in May. I have really had to dedicate some time to the training, the running is the easy part, it is the time it takes to do the running that seems to be the hardest adjustment for us. Kya, the trooper that she is wanted to be involved and who can turn down those baby-blues? So here you can see a picture of us going out for a run with all the garb on. She hasn't gone all the time, but you would be amazed at how tough this little girl is! One time she even fell asleep in that bitter cold. I can tell you this we both love it, she is always telling me to go faster!
Quiz answers
1.Kenmare
2.Cooperstown
3.Underwood
4.Leeds
5.Carrington
6.Crosby
7.Belcourt
8.Foxholm
9.Michigan (or Erie)
10.Grand Forks
11.Great Bend
12.Cando
13.Napoleon
14.Fargo
15.Dickinson
2.Cooperstown
3.Underwood
4.Leeds
5.Carrington
6.Crosby
7.Belcourt
8.Foxholm
9.Michigan (or Erie)
10.Grand Forks
11.Great Bend
12.Cando
13.Napoleon
14.Fargo
15.Dickinson
March 7, 2006
Little help, here.
I need some help, I need a very funny short joke. Something like this: Q: What did the elephant say to the naked man? A: How do you breathe through that?
Doesn't have to be Adult rated (but it can), just funny.
Doesn't have to be Adult rated (but it can), just funny.
Hmmmm
Allow me to pose a question. Hopefully nobodies spirits will be crushed or feelings hurt by this one. It is a political one. If you are a a true Democrat, shouldn't you vote Republican? Allow me to explain. Simply from the financial perspective, if you voted for many of the things Republicans believe in, low taxes and less govt, wouldn't this allow you more ability to actually improve the things that Democrats typically want to improve. This would empower you to personally do more to support those interests. For example, afford better education, tutoring, give more to charity, support an ailing relative, get an education, and so on. Interesting concept, don't you think. I read about this 'idea' in a book called "The World is Flat", by Friedman. He is very liberal in his thinking and writing, and the book is fasinating and eye opening. But this statement really stuck with me. It makes some sense, whichever side of the isle you fall.
February 24, 2006
Hey All
I just wanted to give a quick update even though there is not much to report. We are about 3 weeks away from the new edition to the family. Jen is very much so ready to have the baby, she is much tougher than I could ever be. You women are amazing and I sure am glad Eve ate the apple and not Adam. :) Hope everyone is happy healthy and warm!
February 20, 2006
January 31, 2006
Front page of The Forum
Jen, Kya and I were all interviewed for, what turned out to be, a front page story in the Fargo Forum. This is the picture that was published above the fold covering a good portion of the paper. It was quite a bit of fun hearing from all the friends and family that saw it. It only took Kya 2 1/2 years to make the front page. Watch out world, this girl might just take over the world!
December 4, 2005
Wanna buy a truck?
I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to try to pimp my brother-in-law's truck when I had the chance. Here it is, a real beauty. Let me know if you are interested.
December 1, 2005
Holiday Crash
Taken directly from the Wishek Star website.
Holiday weekend crash injures local family
Six members of a Wishek family were hurt Friday when the van they were traveling in rear-ended a snowplow on Interstate 94 near Barnesville, Minn.The crash happened about 10:30 a.m. in an eastbound lane, approximately 24 miles east of Moorhead, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.Patrol officers said the van was driven by Debby Brandner, 52, Wishek. The other occupants were Ronald Brandner, 58; Curtis Brandner, 39; Darcy Brandner, 37; Miranda Brandner, 15; and Alexis Brandner, 8, all of Wishek.The Brandner family members were taken to a Fargo hospital following the accident, with an assortment of broken bones, bumps and bruises. Everyone except Curtis Brandner had been released by presstime. He remained hospitalized with a broken leg.Marshall Christensen, 61, Barnesville, the driver of the snowplow, was not injured, the State Patrol said.
Holiday weekend crash injures local family
Six members of a Wishek family were hurt Friday when the van they were traveling in rear-ended a snowplow on Interstate 94 near Barnesville, Minn.The crash happened about 10:30 a.m. in an eastbound lane, approximately 24 miles east of Moorhead, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.Patrol officers said the van was driven by Debby Brandner, 52, Wishek. The other occupants were Ronald Brandner, 58; Curtis Brandner, 39; Darcy Brandner, 37; Miranda Brandner, 15; and Alexis Brandner, 8, all of Wishek.The Brandner family members were taken to a Fargo hospital following the accident, with an assortment of broken bones, bumps and bruises. Everyone except Curtis Brandner had been released by presstime. He remained hospitalized with a broken leg.Marshall Christensen, 61, Barnesville, the driver of the snowplow, was not injured, the State Patrol said.
November 21, 2005
Christmas Gifts
What is the most memorable Christmas gift you ever received? It may be memorable for a variety of different reasons, good or bad. I can tell you my most memorable and this is good. Those who know this story are probably already belly laughing. It was back in '94, my first year out of High School. I was going to Univ of Mary, in Bismarck. I took on a job at Scheels Sporting Goods. It was a great job and I loved a lot a things about it, but few things more than the discount. I offered to my Mom and family that if they needed to buy any gifts for friends and family and they found it at Scheels I would buy it for them because I get a great discount. Mom took me up on this and I bought a couple items for her. One of the gifts was a pair of roller blades for a relative that is about 6'2'' tall and goes a good 260 lbs... a big fella! I asked why she was getting him these size 10 roller blades. She told me that Jim was going to try to exercise more and thought roller blades looked like fun, and she said that was his size. Immediately I pictured Jim stumbling down the street trying to use these roller blades, not a graceful sight, but I thought whatever, he just wants to get more exercise and that’s cool. Well wouldn't you know here comes Christmas and I have this heaping helping of presents sitting in front of me and I can't wait to dig in. About half way through the pile and I open up this rather large box, you guessed it Roller blades. I say to Mom, you know I could have gotten you a discount on these, why didn't you have me get them for you. She says... You did! I guess the joke was on me.
November 19, 2005
Family... A Philosophical discussion pt.II
Here are my thoughts on the previous posting. I appreciate everyones candid comments. DK you crack me up. If you found yourself being very upset about the post, maybe it is you that really needs to look at the questions and think about what you think of the topic. There is a reason that I chose to do this post. Most of the people that look at this blog are my family, and this is a conversation that has never been had.
What is your idea of a faultless family? No such thing.
What is a parent's role?
I do think the role of parent’s changes. I do not think that a parent has the same goals for their influence on a 35 year old as when that child was 16. Their role changes from disciplinarian and life skills guide to be a parent that is there for advice, insight and to be a role model.
Do these roles change when you have a family of your own or when others do?
I think the role of a parent changes drastically when their children have a family because the children’s’ role has changed; they are parents and have spouses. Your time to shape them into good people has passed now you are there to support them and to spoil the grandchildren. Enjoy the product of your parenting.
What is a sibling's role?
Siblings are to be the best friend even when they really get under your skin. A sibling is there to beat the hell out of one minute and throw the football to the next. Siblings also give the tough advice that parents can’t get away with, like quite rolling your jeans, they look ridiculous.
Do you extend more/less than you expect back?
A kind generous person never gives with the expectation of receiving something in return. To teach a child to give without the expectations of getting something in return is one of the greatest life lessons a parent can teach a child. All that being said you have to know that family member and know what to expect in return for your efforts, why would you set yourself up for disappointment?
Do you have higher standards for yourself as a parent than you did for your parents?
I think this is difficult to answer without my parents being offended. But, I would ask my Mom and Dad what their response is before they judge me about mine. Did you ever wish your parents said ‘I love you’ more? What did you do about it? Did you tell your children more? I do think you can set higher standards for what you expect of yourself as a parent. I also know that many people look to their parents and just hope they can be the kind of parents that theirs have been. So this answer is subjective.
Is part of a parent's role to establish and maintain harmony among everyone? How?
I think that it is a parent’s role to establish harmony among the family. Parents can create an atmosphere where harmony can manifest itself, with family trips, gatherings, vacations and holidays. Along with the gatherings, the parents need to promote positivism and good will. If the gatherings are fun and full of love then harmony will take care of itself.
Is there such thing as good will within families? Yes, it is necessary. By the way I define good will as doing things, small things and big things, only with the hope of making that person happy. Sending roses to your wife for no reason is a good example of good will.
Should your good will be returned or is there no need to return the good will, no obligation?
Yes you should return good will, but there is no obligation.
Is it “do unto others only as they do unto you”, no more... no less? I think good will should be the rule, but when this is taken advantage of, or abused it will probably become more difficult to initiate good will.
Maybe so, because you see your role (as a child, parent, brother, sister or whatever) is to carry more of the burden than the other.
This may not be fair, but it seems that the role of parents of young adults may be out of balance. The parents seem to have to do more than the young adult.
Are families supposed to be tolerant of each other? I think tolerance does have a place in families. Only if you agree with everything anyone does and says, do you never have to tolerate within the family. I know that my family has to tolerate many things about me. Anyone smoke in the family, do you tolerate it? Do you tolerate things about your spouse? Hunting, candle parties, tennis lessons, golf, 4-wheeling and etc. I know my wife does.
What is your idea of a faultless family? No such thing.
What is a parent's role?
I do think the role of parent’s changes. I do not think that a parent has the same goals for their influence on a 35 year old as when that child was 16. Their role changes from disciplinarian and life skills guide to be a parent that is there for advice, insight and to be a role model.
Do these roles change when you have a family of your own or when others do?
I think the role of a parent changes drastically when their children have a family because the children’s’ role has changed; they are parents and have spouses. Your time to shape them into good people has passed now you are there to support them and to spoil the grandchildren. Enjoy the product of your parenting.
What is a sibling's role?
Siblings are to be the best friend even when they really get under your skin. A sibling is there to beat the hell out of one minute and throw the football to the next. Siblings also give the tough advice that parents can’t get away with, like quite rolling your jeans, they look ridiculous.
Do you extend more/less than you expect back?
A kind generous person never gives with the expectation of receiving something in return. To teach a child to give without the expectations of getting something in return is one of the greatest life lessons a parent can teach a child. All that being said you have to know that family member and know what to expect in return for your efforts, why would you set yourself up for disappointment?
Do you have higher standards for yourself as a parent than you did for your parents?
I think this is difficult to answer without my parents being offended. But, I would ask my Mom and Dad what their response is before they judge me about mine. Did you ever wish your parents said ‘I love you’ more? What did you do about it? Did you tell your children more? I do think you can set higher standards for what you expect of yourself as a parent. I also know that many people look to their parents and just hope they can be the kind of parents that theirs have been. So this answer is subjective.
Is part of a parent's role to establish and maintain harmony among everyone? How?
I think that it is a parent’s role to establish harmony among the family. Parents can create an atmosphere where harmony can manifest itself, with family trips, gatherings, vacations and holidays. Along with the gatherings, the parents need to promote positivism and good will. If the gatherings are fun and full of love then harmony will take care of itself.
Is there such thing as good will within families? Yes, it is necessary. By the way I define good will as doing things, small things and big things, only with the hope of making that person happy. Sending roses to your wife for no reason is a good example of good will.
Should your good will be returned or is there no need to return the good will, no obligation?
Yes you should return good will, but there is no obligation.
Is it “do unto others only as they do unto you”, no more... no less? I think good will should be the rule, but when this is taken advantage of, or abused it will probably become more difficult to initiate good will.
Maybe so, because you see your role (as a child, parent, brother, sister or whatever) is to carry more of the burden than the other.
This may not be fair, but it seems that the role of parents of young adults may be out of balance. The parents seem to have to do more than the young adult.
Are families supposed to be tolerant of each other? I think tolerance does have a place in families. Only if you agree with everything anyone does and says, do you never have to tolerate within the family. I know that my family has to tolerate many things about me. Anyone smoke in the family, do you tolerate it? Do you tolerate things about your spouse? Hunting, candle parties, tennis lessons, golf, 4-wheeling and etc. I know my wife does.
November 14, 2005
Family... A Philosophical discussion
I would like a little feedback on this one... On the content, not anything directed at me or my family. Don't get pissed because you think it is about you, just having a healthy discussion here. Remember my, blog my rules :) If you are easily offended by things that aren't meant to offend you.... do not continue to read!
What is your idea of a faultless family?
What is a parent's role?
What is a sibling's role?
Do these roles change when you have a family of your own or when others do?
Do you extend more/less than you expect back?
Do you have higher standards for yourself as a parent than you did for your parents?
How about Grandparents, grandchildren, cousins, Step-parents (since we all have them; must have been the in-thing back in the 70's and 80's) That is intended to be funny!!!!!! Don't get mad, laugh!!!
Is part of a parent's role to establish and maintain harmony among everyone? How?
Is there such thing as good will within families?
Should your good will be returned or is there no need to return the good will, no obligation?
Or is it do unto others only as they do unto you, no more... no less?
For example, if you rarely hear from a family member, can they expect you to contact them more than they contact you?
Maybe so, because you see your role ( as a child, parent, brother, sister or whatever) is to carry more of the burden than the other.
Are families supposed to be tolerant of each other? Obviously they are, but to what extent? For example, if you don't hear from them for a while; you aren't invited to parties or gatherings, etc. Are you to still unconditionally love them and accept them for who they are and how your relationship is with them? Because you are never invited, does this mean you are less loved? Can you be upset about never hearing from them? This is just how your relationship is and always has been. Do you have the right to be upset about it? And if you invite someone to these things, but they don't come for what seems to be legitimate reasons, should you be spiteful of that? Should you even pass judgement?
Now, is it possible to respond to these questions without assuming: a) it is about you or b) you know my answer to the question? I don't have answers, you don't have answers we just have opinions and beliefs. I challenge you to put your two cents in without being offended. After all, I am just putting this up as a conversation point.
You will have to control your eagerness to read into any of the questions, they are just questions that where on my mind. Don't make this something it is not. Think of this as a positive forum for exchanging ideas and gaining understanding of what each of us expects from family, your family.
Sorry for all the cautions and requests for checking your temper, but you may remember that once upon a time I ranted about Xmas lists and suddenly I was a idealistic scrouge that may never recieve a gift for the rest of my life! I love every gift I have ever recieved! Even the carolina blue fleece vest.
What is your idea of a faultless family?
What is a parent's role?
What is a sibling's role?
Do these roles change when you have a family of your own or when others do?
Do you extend more/less than you expect back?
Do you have higher standards for yourself as a parent than you did for your parents?
How about Grandparents, grandchildren, cousins, Step-parents (since we all have them; must have been the in-thing back in the 70's and 80's) That is intended to be funny!!!!!! Don't get mad, laugh!!!
Is part of a parent's role to establish and maintain harmony among everyone? How?
Is there such thing as good will within families?
Should your good will be returned or is there no need to return the good will, no obligation?
Or is it do unto others only as they do unto you, no more... no less?
For example, if you rarely hear from a family member, can they expect you to contact them more than they contact you?
Maybe so, because you see your role ( as a child, parent, brother, sister or whatever) is to carry more of the burden than the other.
Are families supposed to be tolerant of each other? Obviously they are, but to what extent? For example, if you don't hear from them for a while; you aren't invited to parties or gatherings, etc. Are you to still unconditionally love them and accept them for who they are and how your relationship is with them? Because you are never invited, does this mean you are less loved? Can you be upset about never hearing from them? This is just how your relationship is and always has been. Do you have the right to be upset about it? And if you invite someone to these things, but they don't come for what seems to be legitimate reasons, should you be spiteful of that? Should you even pass judgement?
Now, is it possible to respond to these questions without assuming: a) it is about you or b) you know my answer to the question? I don't have answers, you don't have answers we just have opinions and beliefs. I challenge you to put your two cents in without being offended. After all, I am just putting this up as a conversation point.
You will have to control your eagerness to read into any of the questions, they are just questions that where on my mind. Don't make this something it is not. Think of this as a positive forum for exchanging ideas and gaining understanding of what each of us expects from family, your family.
Sorry for all the cautions and requests for checking your temper, but you may remember that once upon a time I ranted about Xmas lists and suddenly I was a idealistic scrouge that may never recieve a gift for the rest of my life! I love every gift I have ever recieved! Even the carolina blue fleece vest.
November 13, 2005
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