Blog Moved!

Hello,

 If you have found me here, I would jump over to my new blog, The Benson Street. Here are an example of some of my past posts.

I hope you will love it. It is crafts, life, and fun. Can't wait to see you there!

Merry Christmas for the Benson's!

We want to wish you all a Merry Christmas who are near and far. We hope to see some of you this holiday season. I wanted to share with you our Christmas card, because we didn't have enough to send to everybody.

Here is our Christmas message this season, "Do you have room?" Watch this beautiful video to explain it more fully.

Try and make room for the true reason for the season. It is easy to get caught up in all the craziness of the holidays. I invite you to take a few moments and ponder the life of Jesus Christ.

Merry Christmas!

Love, The Benson's

Growing Old

I had wanted to share this experience a while ago, but time slipped on and I got busy. Then I was reminded of this sweet older couple yesterday and just knew I had to record this experience.

In the first of November I was working one Friday afternoon when an adorable older couple came for and eye exam for the wife, Lucy. Lucy had dementia but was very sweet. They were early so I asked if they would like to pick out frames for new glasses. Poor Lucy was struggling being in a strange place, but Fred (her husband) held her hand and kept saying, "Let me see that smile!"

Lucy went right over to the frames and picked out a very pretty frame. She was sold. Didn't even need to try any others on. She then hugged me. Fred said, "She's a hugger." It was so sweet. As we waited for the doctor to finish his last exam, Fred told me, "I knew her before she was like she is now. I can't leave her. I love her." He was so gentle and caring with Lucy I could just see how much he loved her.

I continued with my work as the doctor did the exam. When she was finished I had to take a couple measurements and square away what type of lenses she would like. With everything ready to go for her glasses, Lucy hugged me several more times. Then she held my shoulders and looked me right in the eyes and said with all sincerity, "I love you." I told her how happy I was that she could come see us and that I would see her soon in a couple of weeks when she came to get her glasses.

This couple touched my life that day in more than one way. First, I was touched my there love and how caring Fred was for Lucy. Second, Lucy taught me that you can love someone even if you don't know them. For her it was as simple as me just talking to her and giving her hugs. It should be more simple for me to express my love to others as she did to me. Third, my grandfather had Alzheimer's, and this experience reminded me of him and the memories I have of him.

Yesterday, Fred came in to the office to have his own eye exam. I noticed he didn't have Lucy, but I didn't ask at first. I started chatting with him and he told me she passed away peacefully right after Thanksgiving. I was floored. I couldn't believe that she was gone. He explained that they had hospice in helping and some other healthcare professionals. Fred related his last moments with Lucy, "I went in on Sunday morning, gave her a kiss and told her I loved her and that I would be back in just a minute. When I came back she was gone." He started to cry when he told me this and I about did too. It probably was much more touching to experience this myself than what you will get about writing about it, but it is sort of like the love of the couple in the movie, "The Notebook." This is a lesson in love for me. To always be caring and kind and always show love. This is what love is about. Life doesn't always go as planned, but we can always love and learn to love others.

Peanut Butter and Jam Bars! YUM!!!

I am loving ourbestbites.com. It is a cute cooking blog with great recipes. So tonight I tried out the Peanut Butter and Jam Bars. A) I love PB & J always. B) Wouldn't it be sooo good in a cookie bar (YES!). C) I thought it would be fun to make a little something for Andy and I to enjoy. You can find the recipe HERE. Let me know what you think!

Superbowl Commercial Maddness

I guess my minor in college still holds strong. I really enjoy watching for great commercials. As the superbowl is one of the most watched televised events in America it is the best for advertising. Overall I thought the commercials could have been better, but here are a couple that I liked.

HONEYMOON!

For our Honeymoon we went to California. We spent a couple of days in Anaheim and then a couple in San Diego. On our first night we drove to Vegas. On our one day in Vegas we went to the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay and looked at the Hoover Dam. Then we drove the rest of the way to Anaheim.

In Anaheim we went to the All Star Home Run Derby and Disneyland. The home run derby was a lot of fun. Andy loved it except the winner. He also loved Disneyland (it was his first time). We went all day and just had sooo much fun. We then made our way to San Diego.

Our first day in San Diego we went to the beach and explored a little in Old Town. The next day we went to the San Diego Temple, downtown and to Croce's to eat. Here are some pictures of the wonderful trip!

Wedding Details

Date: July 9, 2010

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Place: Idaho Falls Idaho Temple

Colors: Purple and aqua with peacock feathers

Reception Location: The Rose Shop

Bridesmaids: Rebecca Gray, Katie Dyet, Nancy Mireles

Groomsmen: Alex Baldwin, Stephen Benson, Casey Jordan

Cake: Three tier square buttercream with raspberry filling

Refreshments: Veggies, chicken salad cream puffs, roll-ups, mint brownies, white cake

Our Song: Can't Help Fallin' in Love with You by Elvis

Overall, the wedding was a beautiful success. There were some frantic moments of getting last things in order, but otherwise it was perfect. I woke up in the morning and was able to get ready at a relaxed pace. One of my bridesmaids, Nancy, did my hair. She gave me a wonderful updo. Then my other bridesmaid, Katie, enhanced my natural beauty with some makeup. It was then time to move to the temple. When I got there they got me dressed up pretty quick. We got some records in order and than had some time to relax while we waited for the sealing. It was one of the most amazing experiences. I was able to have many of my family and friends present as I was sealed to my best friend.

As we exited the temple we were greeted by a larger crowd of supporters. Our photographer posed, moved and directed us to help us preserve the memories of our day. I was so grateful that the luncheon followed. I was starving and thirsty! The luncheon was very special. a nice lunch was provided and the bridesmaids and groomsmen shared touching remarks as we started our life together.

The reception was then held at The Rose Shop. It was all around gorgeous. There were spectacular arrangements throughout the reception center. It was such a blessing to then share our evening with many special friends. Thanks to all those who were there to support us in the beginning of our new life! It means a lot to us!