a very merry christmas, indeed

It sure has been a Christmas to remember!  I think we maxed out on our Christmas celebrating...if that's even possible to do.  With a little bit in Utah, a little bit in D.C., and a little bit in Boise, we sure packed it in! Here's our Christmas season in review...

I grew up on "The Forgotten Carols," and when I was a little girl, I was even in it!  It was such a fun trip down memory lane to see it again for the first time since then...12 years later! I loved every minute. 

Next, the annual visit to the fabulous Christmas lights on Temple Square.  Never disappoints!  

Our company wasn't too bad either.

Then, we made our way back east!  One of the coolest things to do in D.C. leading up to Christmas is seeing the "ICE" display at the National Harbor.  After bundling us up in huge, blue parkas, we were sent on a 100-acre walk through an entire Christmas display chiseled completely out of ice.  

Always a treat!

Another treat was to see my ANNA! After living together for the past 5 years, she moved back to Virginia this summer.  Boy, was it good to see her and get us 3 original roomies back together! We took a boat ride back to the National Harbor and were blown away once again by all incredible Christmas lights and decorations.  I think the Gaylord National Resort takes the cake for the best Christmas display I have ever seen.  New tradition--set. 

We also spent a night downtown walking around the monuments and seeing the National Christmas Tree.  In Ryan's protest of "no more pictures," this was the best I could get. 

Then to top it all off, the Washington D.C. Temple.  Christmas wouldn't be complete without a visit.  And of course, what better way to remember the true meaning of Christmas than to walk the beautiful temple grounds. Christ is the reason for the season. I am so grateful for this wonderful time of year to reflect on His birth, His life, His example, and His sacrifice for us.  May we all keep this wonderful Christmas spirit all year round.  

proposal story

It's funny how many little "anniversaries" you have before your REAL anniversaries start kicking in. Anniversary of your first date, anniversary of your first kiss, anniversary of the proposal, then every month of your first year married. (Ryan's a pro- he knows every one!)  So silly, I know, but sometimes you just can't help it.  Let us have our year of being crazy-in-love-newlyweds, will you?

Humor me in our latest milestone- one year ago today, Ryan popped the question. 

It's been fun to go back through my journal and relive all the details and feel the excitement all over again.  Here's the story...

So, I knew it was coming.  We had been going ring shopping, and I was even THERE when he bought the ring when we were in Boise for Thanksgiving.  Ha, I don’t think we really meant for it to happen that way, but as everyone always says, once you KNOW, it’s not really about the surprise anymore…you just want that ring!

Even though it wasn’t exactly a “surprise” anymore, he sure kept me on my toes those next 3 weeks waiting for it! The suspense was almost worse knowing it was coming. I knew he had the ring, I knew he had talked to my dad—but when was it gonna happen?! Talk about torture! Of course Ryan was LOVING it, and drew it out as long as he possibly could.

The MEGA-tease started about 7 days before he really proposed.  Every night he had some big, elaborate date planned.  ALL my favorite things—he nailed it every single night. Malawi’s mac & cheese, Rocky Mountain Chocolate apples, Riverwoods Christmas lights, Chipotle, Temple Square, a carriage ride through the Christmas lights at Thanksgiving Point...HELLO! Every night was set up to be the perfect proposal—any one of those things would have been just fine. Looking back, it was the BEST week ever—it’s a shame I could hardly even enjoy it! Wearing all my cutest outfits, painting my nails every day, preparing the perfect “reaction”—goodness, I was a wreck.

After all the fake-out dates, came Tuesday.  The BUSIEST day of my life.  All 3 of my finals were on Wednesday, so naturally, the day before I was beyond stressed.  We had plans to go up to Bryce's house in Draper that night with all our friends for a Christmas party, but unfortunately, it was on that dreaded Tuesday night.  I crammed ALL DAY so I'd be able to go, but when it really came down to it, there just weren't enough hours in the day and I was completely overwhelmed.  I had to bail. This is coming from the girl who NEVER backs out of social plans—especially for homework... NEVER. Since this was a first for me, I thought for sure Ryan would understand and let me off the hook, but he really pushed it! Not in a way that would make me suspicious at all, but kind of guilted me into going since we'd had these plans for a long time and everyone was expecting us to be there.  He promised we'd just make a quick appearance, so, what the heck, I just went. We got up there, hung out, had a cute little hot chocolate bar, played games, had a great time.  

Then Ryan wanted to take me to see the Draper Temple! He had mentioned a few days earlier that he wanted to go look at the Christmas lights at the temple while we were up there at Bryce’s, so I didn’t think anything of it. Besides, “temple grounds” were one of my only requirements of where not to propose, so there was no suspicion.   Bryce’s house is right in the neighborhood of the temple, so Ryan wrapped me up in a blanket and we started walking.  He took me on a back pathway behind the house and said it was a “short cut.” Lucky for Ryan, I’m completely directionally challenged, so when we started walking the complete opposite direction of the temple, I hardly noticed.  It was super cold and extremely windy, but Ryan was just being so adorable, I just ate it up and let it happen! After we had been walking about 15 minutes, trudging through the snow in the freezing cold, and were no where near the temple…I started to catch on…which was luckily right around the time we arrived at our destination.  We turned a corner and kind of came up over a snowy hill, and….there it was!  The snow was covered in candles and roses.  After gigging and squinting and smiling uncontrollably, Ryan took me into the middle of it all, told me the sweetest things he’s ever said, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him! I only wish I could remember all the details… It was cold, and windy, and I wasn’t even dressed cute (dang it! After all those fake-out nights!), but I’ll never forget how happy I was. After we had our moment, all our friends ran out from the woods and started celebrating with us. It was the perfect set up…just “us” for the proposal, but all our friends close by ready to attack us with hugs and tears and tons of pictures.  We spent the rest of the night making phone calls, gushing about plans, and toasting with sparkling cider.  Wouldn't have had it any other way. 

Don't even ASK how all those finals went the next day...like I'd ever be able to contain my excitement and actually focus...but who cares! I was engaged! We were married on April 27th, and I still couldn't feel luckier to have such an incredible guy ask me to be his :) 

marcie's wedding

My best friend is MARRIED!  Talk about the happiest, happiest day :)

Here's a little background on Marcie and I... We've been friends for over 18 years. 

Friendships like that don't come around everyday.  

We rode the bus home together in elementary school for playdates, had lemonade stands, rode our "first airplane all by ourselves" together, and ate a bowl of ice cream almost everyday after school before dance team practice. We love Potbelly's sandwiches, lifesaver gummies, Bagel Cafe breakfast sandwiches, and went through obsessive phases of Zac Efron and The Jonas Brothers.  

We bawled our eyes out together all night long the night before she moved. 

From dance recitals, Halloweens and Achievement Days skits...

...to countless sleepovers and photo shoots...

...to girls camps, proms, homecomings, dance team, concerts, boyfriends, vacations, cell phone curfews and zillions of other high school happenings.... 

...to our WEDDINGS.

Talk about a lifetime of memories.  

It was so fun to get away for the weekend and road trip down to St. George to celebrate this girl's special day.  In the sealing room, after filing in towards the back, Marcie's mom stood up and said, "Lisa! Get up to the front! You're family."  I was so touched.  She was right; to say we're best friends just doesn't cut it.

I remember when I was engaged, Marcie told me that my wedding would be "the second best day of her life," only after her own wedding.  Having experienced both now, you were right Marcie-- experiencing the joy and happiness of my best friend's wedding has absolutely qualified as the second best day of my life.  

I love you, Marce! Couldn't be more thrilled for you :)

trick-or-treat

Happy Halloween from "Betty Crocker" and "The Pillsbury Doughboy!" 

(I felt like a mom taking a gazillion pictures of "baby's first halloween" --but I just couldn't resist. He cracks me up!)

six months

Well, we made it half-a-year! Six months ago today, I married my best friend.  I still can't get over how lucky I am to spend forever with a person as incredible as Ryan. To commemorate this little "milestone" of ours, here's a little tribute to the happiest day of our lives :) Enjoy!

Temple Film:
https://vimeo.com/75603188

Reception Film:
https://vimeo.com/77549314

(The password is "2" on both.)

five things i love about fall

1. My birthday

As soon as my birthday comes around, it's time for fall! With September 21st being the first day of fall, my birthday has always been a great way to ring in the new season. I've always loved my birthday. Thanks to the best friends and family, it's always the happiest day of the year.  This year was no exception :)

Self-timer fail. Sorry Stace, had to :)

2. Football games

Don't be fooled, everyone knows I'm not much of a sports fan myself...but there's just something about football season! Chilly nights, school spirit, hot chocolate, the fight song and of course a little high school dance team nostalgia-- some of my all time favorite memories.

HHS Dance Half-Time Show

^For  your viewing pleasure^

3. Pumpkin

"Everything pumpkin" has been my motto this fall.  The other day I went to the store to pick up one thing, and ended up spending $37.63--all on pumpkin treat ingredients.  Whoops :)  So far, I've made pumpkin chocolate chip bread, pumpkin snickerdoodles, pumpkin donut holes, a pumpkin spice bundt cake (well, 3 if I'm being honest...), and pumpkin chocolate chip waffles!  Always something to look forward to this time of year.

4. Fall colors

Gotta love fall colors!  Mustard yellow, sage green, burnt orange, plaid flannels--nothin' better.  Although it's always depressing for me to put away the sandals, there's something about getting warm and cozy in a sweatshirt that makes it a decent trade. But of course, the best fall colors are those changing leaves! It's hard to beat the Alpine Loop, but Logan is sure holding its own :)

5.  Corn mazes, hayrides and pumpkin patches

This girl loves to be festive. No matter the occasion, it is absolutely necessary to go all-out.  You better believe I'm dragging Ryan to every "fall festivity" in town.  Time to whip out the fall crafts and halloween decorations and enjoy the season! If cold weather is coming, might as well embrace it with apple cider, yummy soup, and of course all things pumpkin :) 

Happy fall!

never forget

Hard to believe it's been 12 years already... I wasn't even 12 years old when it happened.  

 

I remember the day perfectly... I was in 6th grade, Mr. Modan's class.  Since we were still in elementary school, nothing was announced and no one was allowed to tell us what was happening.  But of course, as a 6th grader, I was old enough to know that something was going on.  

Throughout the day we'd catch teachers crying and watching the news behind closed doors... Kids we're being picked up by their parents right and left. Being the curious 11-year-old I was, I would beg my teachers to tell us what was going on.  All they would tell us is, "You're safe. That's all you need to know. You're safe here at school." Well, that was real comforting to hear.  Way to leave us even MORE terrified than we were before.  

By the end of the day, I was one of 6 kids left in my class that hadn't been picked up by their parents.  It was a scary, scary day...to be old enough to know that SOMETHING bad had happened, and not having a clue what it was.  I literally ran home as fast as I could to find my mom in tears, glued to the TV.  Our country was under attack, and it was happening just miles away from home.  New York City- 250 miles away.  Washington, D.C.- 20 miles away.  Dulles Airport, where one of the planes took off- 6 miles away.  Just down the street. 

Luckily my own dad wasn't one of them, but everyone's dads worked downtown...many even at the Pentagon.  (Of course all the parents were pulling their kids out of school).  I don't have any personal connections to anyone that was killed, but I do have plenty of close connections that have always given me a much deeper prospective...

A friend's dad that was a firefighter at the Pentagon.

A friend's dad who was next in line to fly the plane that was hijacked and crashed in Pennsylvania. 

A police-officer neighbor who was hospitalized due to burns and smoke inhalation after pulling several people out of the burning Pentagon.

A close family friend that was deployed multiple times to fight for our country in Iraq. 

Heroes.  

I will never forget that day.  The fear, the terror, the devastation, the loss.  But I will also never forget the way our country joined together, and emerged stronger and more unified than ever. I will never forget the patriotism and the unity, and the determination to live our lives in freedom. I think it's important to look back on these moments and keep these memories fresh so that we never forget how blessed we are to live in this free country. 

"Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others.  It's a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning.  But not only loss of mourning.  It's also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend--even a friend whose name it never knew."

-George W. Bush 

Feeling very proud to be an American today.  Thank you to all those who have fought, sacrificed, even lost their lives to protect our freedom.  Land of the free, because of the brave. 

summer in review

It sure has been a whirlwind of a summer! Talk about busy, busy, busy. It’s hard to believe we packed in as much as we did…but summers always seem to go that way, don’t they?

Here are a few highlights… It’s been a good one!

We started off with a little trip to Cancun. Not a bad way to kick off the summer :)

Then, after only being married 3 weeks, I left my brand new hubby to go on tour with the Folk Dancers.  It was sad to be apart, but Nauvoo never disappoints.  One of my favorite places in the world.

I started my new job! I love, love, love it.  I work for the Utah Valley Expos and it is just the perfect fit for me. I make my own schedule, choose my own hours, and get to meet with some of the coolest people on the planet.  It’s flexible, fun, DEFINITELY keeps me on my toes, and has already opened up tons of new opportunities for growth and potential in the future. I am loving it.

Went to a different county fair every weekend. Literally. (Strawberry Days, Rodeo Days, Draper Days, Freedom Days, Steel Days, Fiesta Days, Swiss Days and Peach Days to name a few…)

Went to Stadium of Fire!  I had always said that I must make it to Stadium of Fire just once before I left Provo.  Thanks to Al’s family, right at the LAST second, I got my wish :) As patriotic as I am, and with 4^th of July being my favorite holiday, I loved every minute of it!  And now Ryan will have to forever live with “Kelly Clarkson” as his first concert :)

Celebrated the most important, looked-forward-to day of the year in the Bench family—KIDS’ DAY. That’s right. There’s Mother’s Day, there’s Father’s Day, and in this family we celebrate KIDS’ DAY! This year the theme was “Western Round Up”—and boy did they go all out!

Got invited down for a quick getaway to Lake Powell with my awesome boss and her family!  (Did I mention how much I LOVE my job?!) It was beautiful. And a blast. We’re obsessed.

Celebrated Ryan’s birthday!  26 years old.  Joint with his best friend Austin.  Best friends, same birthday. Cute, huh?

Celebrated these adorable newlyweds/best friends of ours :)  Two of our favorite people in the world marrying EACH OTHER—how great of a set up is that?! Such a happy, happy day. 

Totally hit it off with one of the groomsmen ;)

SO much love.  Can't wait to be “best-family-friends” for the rest of our lives :)

Now we’re just kickin’ it here in Logan!  Not too much to report yet, but it’s been kind of nice to take it easy with just the two of us after such a crazy, fun-filled summer.  But, so far so good!  Getting settled and staying busy!