Becky and April

Almost a year ago I made two new friends, April and Becky. April has a five year old named Caleb. Caleb's brain didn't form completely before he was born and he has hydrocephalus. Becky's son is named Ben. He is seven and was born with microcephaly. Obviously, both of these sweet boys are SO much more than their diagnoses-just like Hunter, but it was our special calling as caregivers that brought us together originally. After Thanksgiving, Becky came to Utah to visit for a week (she lives in New Hampshire). The three of us got to spend some quality time together while Becky was here and it was SO fun. It was more than that too, though; like a balm for my soul. Spending time with these lovely ladies convinced me that not only will we enjoy the same "sociality" (D&C 130:2) in heaven as we did here, but also that we probably developed relationships before this life. And while our minds may not remember, our spirits definitely do. BYU v. Utah football game - go Cougars! April, Becky and me

Becky snuggling with Hunter.

GNO to Farr's Fresh. Yummy!

Me and Becky

Hanging out at April's, holding Caleb. Thanks for hosting the whole crew at your place that week April!

"Real friends share the gospel—the living of it and the loving of it. No stronger bond nor higher compliment can be given from one friend to another." (Elder Holland, New Era 1998)

Excellence

In a book I read recently it said the following:

"...she had piano lessons which she enjoyed, she passed her exams, but she had a need of excellence which she herself could not provide." (The book was The Morning Gift by Eva Ibbotsen.)

This really struck me. I can totally relate to what is being described. I have a need of excellence in so many areas-art, music, literature, etc.-that I could never provide myself. I'm so grateful for the talents of others which resultantly produce my favorite books, my favorite works of art, my favorite songs. I love feeling awed and inspired by someone else's capabilities. I only had a handful of truly exceptional teachers in college, but I will never forget any of them. They practiced their craft with excellence and it left an enduring mark on me.

I think that is why I love general conference so much too. I adore basking in the blindingly bright testimonies that the general authorities exude, even through the tv. I feel so inspired by their strength.

I'm so grateful for glimpses now and then of excellence. For a moment, I'm lifted to a higher sphere.

A quick glimpse...

Been wondering what the Bennetts have been up to? Here's a very brief review. This is Eleyna with her cousin Kyser at Dave's (Bry's bro) wedding. The whole family looking pretty for the camera at the reception.
Eleyna is much more aware of Hunter lately. She surprises me with her love and concern for him. So cute!
Bry and I on our 5th anniversary. We had dinner at Communal. Love that place!
The family on Thanksgiving at Aunt Mary's house.
Mom and Hunter on Thanksgiving.
Eleyna has taken to walking around in mom's shoes recently. I sure love this little girlie!Bry and Hunter on a usual evening at our house. Bry's snuggling skills are legendary! This is me and the kiddos at the Make-A-Wish family fun run. I ran the 5k. One of my proudest accomplishments of '09.
Eleyna with her new uncle, Danaan Clarke, and my sis, Heather, on their wedding day. I finally have a married sibling-yea!
Momma and her boy.
Eleyna in her new snow duds. What a sweet smile she has!
We've had tons of snow to play in this winter. (Which makes my snowboarder hubby happy and me unhappy at the same time.)

Daddy-daughter camping trip

Bryson took Eleyna up to Snake Creek in Midway for an overnight camping trip at the end of September. (Hunter and I enjoyed a quiet night just the two of us for the first time since she was born!) They slept in a tent and everything. The next morning Bry cooked breakfast and took Eleyna for a ride on the fifty. She loved it!

I thought it was so neat of Bryson to plan this and execute it all on this own.

Holly and Rowen

Good friends make life so much more enjoyable! Lately, we've been able to spend some time with two dear friends, Bryson's cousin Holly and her son Rowen. Our activities have consisted of lap time at the Orem and Provo libraries, and trips to the Bean museum and Thanksgiving Point. I love hanging out with Holly! We have a lot in common, but my favorite thing is probably our shared love of good books. Holly is very understanding of my need to do things at a certain pace because of Hunter and accomodates me so that we can get together. That means a lot to me. At the Bean museum the kids got to feel different animal skins,
see pictures of animals,
and even meet a friendly lizard. Hunter was the only one brave enough to actually touch it (with some help from mom).
We saw lions and tigers and bears, oh my!

On our visit to Thanksgiving Point's Farm Country the kids got to go on a pony ride. It was a little scary at first but by the end Rowen didn't want to get off.
Eleyna didn't want to touch the saddle for some reason so I had my hands full making sure she stayed on the pony during her ride.

Thanks Holly and Rowen! We sure love you guys.

Fishing at Tibble Fork

Before it got cold, we went on a family fishing expedition to Tibble Fork (up AF canyon). Jon and Sarah came with us. We love hanging out with them! They are so fun and sweet with our kids. Eleyna was in heaven playing in the mud and picking up rocks. The girl loves rocks-she may have a future in geology.
Sarah and I just talked while the boys did the dirty work of fishing. It was so fun.

We almost gave up hope of catching anything. Then, right before we left, Jonny got a bite! Yea!

Funny face

Over the last few days, Eleyna has started making a new face. It seems to appear when she is concentrating on something.I'm so glad we have her to make us laugh!