Ben's Eating

Dad works such long hours and so hard to make sure all his family is taken care of. He had a couple hours of work he had to do so the rest of us decided to watch Sam's movie, Astro Boy, together. We are so grateful for all Dad does. He sacrifices so much for us. Dad is our HERO!

I want to share a little about Ben today. He is such a delight!

Ben always tries to get the special attention of his older brothers. He loves those big boys and they love him. This weekend he got to spend very special time with Axel and Brandon. He watched a movie with Axel (they watched together in a brother hug). Ben sat on Brandon's legs during Stake conference. Unfortunately they fooled around a little but it was neat for Ben to get so much attention. Brandon loved it too although he would not admit it....you know, 15 year old boys have to seem cool at all times.


Ben has also made huge progress in his eating habits. He is overcoming step by step his mental blocks where food is concerned. I will share some examples that give us great hope!

A month back we went to a wedding. There Ben chose his food at the buffet line. He chose his regulars...crackers, cheese, and lots of cookies and cake. He also chose something very unusual, spring rolls. He had to eat all the food before the desserts. When he took a bite of the spring rolls he could not stop raving about how good they were and that he wanted to have them for breakfast also!
He then asked;
Ben: What is in this mom?
Mom: It is lots of little stuff Ben.
Ben: Is it vegetables?
(when Ben asked this he had already eaten 80% of the spring roll and loved it)
(What was I to say? The truth was my only option.)
Mom: Yes Ben it has carrots, and lots of other vegetables. Isn't it yummy?
Ben then immediately put it down and almost threw up. What saved the day was that I then had a talk with Ben and showed him how it was all in his mind. His taste buds had loved the spring roll before he knew what it was. Ben could not deny that. So he asked if he could leave the spring roll that he had almost finished and start a new one where he could not see what was inside. You must understand that I just chuckled. But after getting permission he ate the next one just never once looking at it. Success at last!!!!

Now Ben has eaten what the rest of the family eats a couple of times. He eats normal chicken now. A full meal with no special menu for Ben. He drinks a full glass of milk every morning. He will still argue and try to get out of it but he now has a better attitude that it is not just about trying new foods but about actually eating new foods and moving on to the next challenge. Mike and I are so happy that Ben is maturing and overcoming his blocks.