Bench Family

Bono Blog

2010-03-24T21:09:00.002-06:00

This is my first blog post ever. Up until now I have left this to Wendi but from now on I hope to be a regular contributor. We have a private joke that sometimes I talk too much and that I tell her too many details at times that she's not ready and that most husbands typically do the opposite and never tell their wives much about what's going on. Maybe this can be my place to let it all out.

I posted some random pictures that show a some of the fun things Wendi and I have done over the past few months.

A bonfire or "bonofire" holds a special place in our hearts since we met each other at one up Logan Canyon back in 2000. The Second Dam campsite is the spot that Wendi caught my eye and I never looked back and every time we sit by a fire somewhere else I fondly remember that night. It seems that everyone loves a good campfire. We love to cook hot dogs and roast marshmallows and just sit around and chat. We brave the rain, the cold, and even skunks or a feisty raccoon for the chance to relive our special moment. I used to organize the bonfires and most of the time one of my friends played the guitar and we'd all stand around the fire and sing and laugh. I wish I played the guitar so I could add that piece to complete the perfect memory. Note to self: learn to play the guitar or always invite someone that plays one. When does the snow melt up the canyon because it's high time we had a bonfire.

After four years without a vacation Wendi and I finally got to spend a week together in beautiful Bear Lake. We were hoping to be snowed in but never got more than a few inches at once except on a scary drive back "home" through Logan Canyon. We pretty much had the place to ourselves but mostly just stayed inside and relaxed and watched movies and read. We made a daily trip to the hot tub and even ventured down to the lake one day but mostly just enjoyed our time off work and together. I've learned a new type of vacationing since I married into Wendi's family. I had grown up with the idea that going on vacation meant a period of time full of planned activities and sights to see and it was great but now I've moved on to another way of doing it. Now we go to one place and stay there the whole time and may not even leave the immediate neighborhood and have a great relaxing time. Our biggest adventure was to drive to Logan (our college town) go shopping at all our favorite spots (cheese factory, bread store), and have dinner with my college roommate and his family. The drive back was a nightmare through blowing snow and darkness but we made it safe and sound to cuddle by the fire. The week passed much too quickly and we can't wait to go back.

I like to cook. I am still learning and stick to the basics but am always pleased to see how self sufficient we can be when we do a few simple things. My mom gave my siblings and our spouses cooking classes for Christmas last year, a great recipe book and some necessary dishes and let us loose. Thanks to a barbecue and a crock pot we have been able cook for ourselves and actually like it.
We're on a diet right now where we are avoiding sugar and high carbs so we're staying away from bread and dessert items that once were a mainstay for us. We found that we actually like fruit and veggies and that with a little prep can have something healthy for lunch and dinner. Sugar free chocolate pudding with air pump whipped cream is a wonderful treat and we actually found Sugar Free Peeps and Chocolate covered marshmallows that taste good for a little treat too. We cooked a roast in the crock pot today and it was great to come home from work to the sweet smell of roast beef, ready and waiting. I need some suggestions on other crock pot ideas.

Well, Wendi was right again as I've experienced diarrhea of the mouth again tonight. I'll stop for now and try again later.

Beautiful scenery, sweet treats and sisters!

2009-11-17T21:14:00.000-07:00

We had the most perfect weather....

2009-11-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

If you think it's cold in Utah...Go to Idaho!

2009-11-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

We packed up all our girl crap and found the most adorable cottage style hotel in Cascade, Idaho. Sister's weekend went fabulously!

Sunshine and Rainbows!

2009-11-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

I laughed so much I peed a little!

2009-11-12T17:55:00.000-07:00

My new job is teaching me a lot! Sometimes more than I even think I want to know. I feel like I'm a little out of place, today a patient asked me what the occasion was...I didn't understand the question. Apparently my Pink flower headband and my 80's charm necklace looked a little too unconventional. I told him every day was a special occasion to me. I don't think he was amused. Another cute patient told me she liked my "hat"...she was talking about my headband too. I had to smile.

Pure and Simple This Year.

2009-11-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful for my family this year. My mother who is selfless and generous with her love and energy. My dad's legacy of hard work and nutrition runs. (Candy splurges) My sweet siblings who are all so different and yet have the same common goals, who can laugh with me on the new "laugh diet 09" and scold me in the next breath. For my in-laws who are like blood to me, who's kind words and gentle backup support keep me going. My darling, handsome, adorable husband who just gets better with age and who plants new ideas and adventures in my thoughts daily. I am so thankful for the love you can feel without talking and the feelings that can be expressed in glances. Family is what I am grateful for this Thanksgiving.

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

Sexy Basketball Star and a chubby little Witchy Poo!

Change is in the air....

2009-11-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

I am sad to announce that I am leaving the cutest Baby Boutique on the planet...Sassy Babies. I had so much fun there and loved being around all the new babies and mommies. Thanks for the memories! I have just taken a new job on with IHC. I will be a Client Service Rep with the Urology Institute. It is familiar, stable and I have a great friend I get to work with there...Yay! Bonus: the next kidney stone should get VIP treatment!
This is the beginning of a few big changes I see for Bono and I coming up. We will keep you posted on the rest. I am going to get psyched for a great Holiday season and a few self induced changes (....dedicated to MJ for reminding me to take a look at the Wo"Man in the Mirror"! ) Watch out World!

Wishing Kimmy was here!

2009-05-10T11:08:00.001-06:00

Mama- Mom-Mommy-Saint Mama Mia

2009-05-10T11:06:00.000-06:00

Just a Few Queenies At Tea

2009-05-10T11:05:00.000-06:00

Sweet Baby Elsa

2009-05-10T11:04:00.000-06:00

Cute Gwynie

2009-05-10T11:00:00.000-06:00

Eve attempting a smile with princess Elsa

2009-05-10T10:59:00.000-06:00

Tea Party With the Girls

2009-05-10T10:57:00.000-06:00

Andy Got His Masters Degree! Rocket Scientist

2009-05-10T10:55:00.000-06:00

Medallion Dinner At The Josph Smith Memorial Building. I love being in Young Womens

2009-05-10T10:53:00.000-06:00

Lucky Ju Ju my friend Cricket gave me...Good Stuff For The Adoption

2009-05-10T10:50:00.000-06:00

Fun At The Slumber Party

2009-05-10T10:48:00.000-06:00

Girl's Weekend at Women's Conference

2009-05-10T10:47:00.000-06:00

Christopher and his Mom, Pat

2009-05-10T10:45:00.000-06:00

Lovely Ladies

2009-05-10T10:44:00.000-06:00

Our 1st Annual Christensen-Louder Easter Egg Hunt

2009-05-10T10:43:00.000-06:00

All the girls at WICKED....It was GOOD!

2009-05-10T10:41:00.000-06:00

Brandon's Birthday Party Cake!

2009-05-10T10:39:00.000-06:00

Queen of Hearts At Posh

2009-03-02T16:26:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for parties, they force us to dress up and act like kids! Our little store really sold a lot of frippery and better than that...we had a great time with our friends and customers!

My super cuper birthday cupcake!

2009-03-02T16:20:00.000-07:00

I had to put my hand next to this cupcake so you could see how large it was! My Posh friend Lisa brought me this extra huge cake with caramel in the middle. I cut it in half and took part to Aaron (Suzie's hubby) cause he has a birthday around mine. It was so fun to get! It is wonderful to be close to talented people who make birthday's special even when I'm 32!

Honestly this kid is so stinkin' adorable!

2009-03-02T16:14:00.000-07:00

If I could kidnap Elsa I would. Look how cute she was last week when we went to take lunch to Bono at work. She sang itsy bitsy spider about 20 times, we played with a princess dress up doll and I fell in love with her again and again. Shelly and Eric, you make sweet babies!

Pack Accordingly, It's The Last Trip Of The Year....

2009-02-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

Girl's Weekend In Las Vegas!

2009-02-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

Giddy Up- Las Vegas Style!

2009-02-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

Yes Mr. President-I did vote for McCain

2009-02-03T20:37:00.000-07:00

Zach, you're a bit young for me...

2009-02-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

Johnny Depp!!! Look who we saw in Vegas!

2009-02-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

How hot is he? I mean sure he looks upset but he is a beautiful man!

Oh man I love these kids

2009-01-10T19:36:00.001-07:00

Just a few of my favorite pictures of the nieces and nephews from our trip to Afton, WY.

It doesn't seem possible but JJ is now even more fun to snuggle with!

2009-01-10T19:33:00.000-07:00

JJ was so good this year that Santa brought her a super sweet soft blanket from Sassy Baby at Gardner Village.

Just The BFF's

2009-01-10T19:30:00.000-07:00

Marni, Katie Sue, Kara and of course Katie's Baby Elsie Mae!

Sad...the big pink blob goes back to the garage til Christmas 09

2009-01-10T19:26:00.000-07:00

I have to feel a little sad when the tree gets taken down.

The Nativity Scene

2008-12-28T20:52:00.000-07:00

One of our many family traditions is the cousins party at the Carmelle reception center in Salt Lake. We have over 100 people in the family now and that just means more wise men and angels. I love this part of the season because working in retail you sometimes get caught up in the present part and don't stop to remember how wonderful and amazing the birth of Jesus Christ was. After this adoption process I believe that each and every birth is more than a miracle, and how lucky we are to be part of it!

The boys trying to get on Santa's Good List!

2008-12-28T20:07:00.001-07:00

Here Bono and my nephews along with my brother Andy are acting like they have been good all year long. I love that Andy looks so much taller than Bono in this picture....they are adorable!

The Best Little Elves I Could Ever Ask For!

2008-12-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

These angels were so fun to work with this year! They were part of our amazing team at Posh Frippery that just made each and every retail day fun and exciting. I know that sounds cheesy but they really were great! I feel so lucky to have people working for me that are more like family than employees!

Fa la la la freezing!

2008-12-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

These caroling fools really earned their money the night of our Moonlight Madness at the store! My cute sister Michele is always so supportive and came down to be part of the "shop til midnight madness"!

Merry Christmas To All!

2008-12-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

This is our favorite pink tree! We had such a great holiday thanks to our sweet family and fun friends.

Creme Brulee Class At Lorkin Food Finery..YUM!

2008-12-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving!!!

2008-12-01T11:58:00.001-07:00

I'm giving thanks to you all for caring about me enough to read this silly little blog! Other things I'm thankful for are....
1. Bono- amazing, fun, sweet, giving, loving, precious.
2. My family, they are so perfect for me. I am always learning a lot from them.
3. My sassy dog JJ. She's 16 and adorable, we snuggle with her every night!
4. Posh Frippery-our store at Gardner Village-it has taught me to be responsible and stressed out and in love and excited and how to give impossible dreams a go!
5. My dad, heaven doesn't seem so far away when I know he's there.
6. Good friends. You know who you are...Marni and Rob, Juli and Jeff, Dar and Kelly, xoxo
7. Winger's Sticky Fingers Salad....ummmm
8. Peeps
9. Original2....of whatever....ART, toys, etc.
10. Spiritual journeys, Testimony of Jesus Christ
11. Love, Love, Love---there's enough to go around!

Call me crazy!!

2008-12-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

This little pic is of the Bench kids. Love them all, love the Bench family. Check out the tiny ORB on my big bum. It's not as obvious as the one in the next picture down but still visible. What the?

Unexplained ORB!!

2008-12-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

OK, Maybe I've been watching too much of Ghost Adventures on TV. But what about the blue light above my head at the Bench home???? We zoomed in and this is for real! It didn't show up in all the photos but this is freaky. What do you think?

JJ tried to ignore me..but the outfits were for her own good.

2008-10-30T22:38:00.000-06:00

It's important to dress your best.

Bono and Brittany share some family time together!

2008-10-29T12:37:00.000-06:00

Finally Chris got to go hiking. He was so excited to go, you would have thought it was his birthday. Thanks Brittany for taking your brother to the hidden mine. Thank goodness for the adventure spirit of the Bench family, without it I'm sure I'd have them a tied down safe and sound on the ground.

2008-10-29T12:35:00.000-06:00

As always my theory is "The bigger the better". My cute pumpkin turned out better than I thought it would. And along those same lines, I was a big pink butterfly.

Halloween Party at the Bench House

2008-10-29T12:29:00.000-06:00

I believe the prize my pumpkin won was most glamorous. I was just happy Chris finished his before midnight...but look how awesome it turned out! Great job babe!

YES! WE DID IT!

2008-10-26T21:49:00.000-06:00

This photo is honor of one of my employees..Mindi the cheerleader. It also expresses my feelings about all the frippery we sold this weekend. Economy worries??? Not at our village!

My "Man-wich"

2008-10-26T11:11:00.000-06:00

Isn't Bono adorable? Like he needed another 10 inches of height!

Witchy Woman!

2008-10-26T11:05:00.000-06:00

My cute mom and sister Suzi came down to be part of Witches Night Out!

Just Putting The Finishing Touches On The Store!

2008-10-21T21:18:00.000-06:00

That's right people...I am making the store look sassy and sweet for who??? YOU! You stalk me on the blog why not come see me in person? I've got the pumpkins and witches on the outside and a few spooky secrets inside as well. Now please don't be upset but the Christmas tree is up too. I put it off as long as I possibly could but the retail world won't wait. So if you've been sneaking those Christmas songs onto your IPOD all year, come enjoy a little Christmas cheer at Gardner Village. We have our huge event this friday and saturday from 6-10 pm Witch's Night Out. Sorry fellas this ones for the ladies!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-16T01:09:00.000-06:00

What Is Your Costume This Year??

The Birthday Fire!

2008-10-16T00:54:00.000-06:00

After a beautiful birthday party my mom was able to put out a few fires. Having four daughters can't be easy and yet somehow my mom loves us all. I found out this weekend that we are silly, mean, funny, selfish, sensitive, loving, crazy, put-together, caring, girls. I wouldn't have it any other way. Sorry we couldn't calm all the hormones down and have a normal birthday party...but how boring that would have been.

Men And Dogs

2008-10-16T00:49:00.000-06:00

This is what happens when Bono gives the dog a treat. He A) puts peanut butter on a B) paper plate. After she spent a half hour trying to get the paper plate to stay in one place this is the uncomfortable situation I find my sweet dog in...trapped between two stools under our kitchen table. They always make things harder than they need to be...LOL.

Dare You To Ask Me A Political Question....

2008-10-16T00:47:00.000-06:00

Honestly, can we be done with the debates? This is my post debate face...does anyone else feel this way?

Book Club Anyone?

2008-10-03T00:48:00.000-06:00

My in-laws will shiver but I am starting a new book. Stori Telling by Tori Spelling.. Let me just say, she is hilarious. More people should write like this. She is honest and silly and not afraid to just be fun. I love it so far...more to come on this!

Memories....like the corner of my mind.

2008-10-03T00:44:00.000-06:00

I need your help. Phen Phen has killed my long term memory. Which animal goes with which character and what are their names? I bought these off e-bay back in February for the babies room and I need to know!

Adoption Home Study Forced Creative Use Of Space.

2008-10-03T00:39:00.000-06:00

After trying to clean our entire house in 1 week I was forced to admit that I may have a small shopping addiction. I found a few too many purses to put away in my closet. Chris and I rigged up this awesome art piece, half the bags fit and it only took two small holes in our ceiling to hold the wire mesh up. Funny. I was sorta proud after we were done.

2008-09-15T13:13:00.000-06:00

We took a quick trip to Logan this weekend for the fabulous Utah Vs. Utah State game! After the Utes made me proud, Bono dragged me to nature, tried to get me to hike and then gave-in and took me to dinner! But not before we stalked some poor young couple who thought they
needed a moment on the "A". We tried to make it as awkward as possible for them so that they would kiss and get off the Utah State landmark. We took my old employee to dinner and hung out with Landon
Bench. Overall it was really fun. We might have been a little sad to leave. In Logan we are young and carefree. At home in reality we are responsible bill paying, stress eating, time crunching adults. One thing is certain, we have lots of great memories in Logan and we plan on making many more there! Love you baby!

2008-09-06T19:11:00.000-06:00

I had to add a shout out to my amazing father-in-law. I call him "Mr. Bench" but to you he might be Curt. He is intelligent and funny. One of his many accomplishments this year is writing the introduction to The Parrallel Book Of Mormon. I am so happy to be related to such an smarty pants. He is so bright that I am only letting him read my blog if he promises not to proof-read it. Love you Mr. Bench!

The new scoop on poop!

2008-09-06T19:03:00.000-06:00

I have decided that this is actually adorable! It is called Poo-Pourri. You spritz your bowl before you go. Honestly, must we feel bad about our poop smelling so bad that we have to spray before the odor has a chance to get to even our own nostrils? It made me laugh and I'll probably order some for the store.

Pay no attention to the woman behind the shades.

2008-09-06T18:15:00.000-06:00

$10 bucks at Nordstrom...Brass Plum. Everywhere I went in these funny glasses people stopped me. They were a huge hit. From the server at Cheesecake Factory to the customers in my little store. There is something problematic about them though...you can't see through them very well and they make me dizzy. Lesson-cool stuff is not always practical, save your money for more cheesecake!

Sister Time

2008-09-06T18:10:00.000-06:00

One of the few moments I got to spend with Emily this summer. Fun in the sun. Relaxing and peaceful....just what we needed. I'm not used to posting pictures of myself in a swimsuit but ya know...I love my body no matter what it looks like, and I dare everyone to love themselves that much too!

Boating at Jordanelle!

2008-09-06T17:27:00.000-06:00

I love these kids! Just out for a boating trip with the neices and nephews. My sister Michele and her husband Eric are a very giving family and are always inviting us to join in the fun! Thanks guys!

Fun Daddy on the Run

2008-09-04T11:18:00.000-06:00

This picture makes me laugh so hard. My brother Andy was trying to be a good sport up in Afton last weekend. We woke up to snow but his babies really wanted to go out. Being the tough man that he is, he went out in his shorts and flip flops. This picture is classic....after he had just run to find Tanner, he turned around to see that Cannon had taken off running the other direction. My step-dad has a huge back yard. Needless to say, it was very sweet and entertaining for all. After the ordeal he warmed up with a sweatshirt and jeans. Apparently he has been hanging out with Katie Holmes Cruise, nice roll-up. Love you And.

Family Weekend

2008-09-03T12:40:00.000-06:00

Loved the two day fast trip to see my mom and Eldon in Star Valley, Wyoming. It is so peaceful up there. We basically sat around and ate the fabulous labors of my sweet mom. We loved the snowy morning and milk steamers. Can't wait to go back! Thanks for a great weekend mom!

Fancy Babies!

2008-09-03T12:33:00.000-06:00

These might be my favorite baby item ever! It's a pair of soft high heels for an infant...0-6 months! I am sure I will be purchasing them for a future child as well as every new baby girl I know! What will they think of next? I'm just waiting for the baby make-up. Pucker up wee ones! This is great!

Ding Dong!

2008-08-28T16:57:00.000-06:00

Do you ever feel like this? I have been slightly witchy lately, but in a good way! I am getting all geared up for the fall shopping season at my little store, Posh Frippery down at Gardner Village. Last year we had people begging us to sell our little witch feet but I really think it fits best at our place. After all I do have four sisters. I don't think I'd ever drop a house on them, but when they invite me to get a massage and pedicure and then they go without me I am less than happy. Just keep in mind Michele- I have boating pictures from last month and I now know how to download them! Sadly you look good in them so I won't. Here's my love going out to all the sister witches out there smelling the beginning of the fall shopping sprees!

2008-08-28T16:49:00.000-06:00

Who is Bono? I thought his name was Chris.

2008-08-28T16:06:00.000-06:00

Many of you who met Chris and I after we were blissfully wed may wonder why I have him listed as Bono on our blog. Truth is, I didn't even know his real name for the first month of our courtship...everyone just called him Bono. The nickname goes as far back as his first year at Utah State. He roomed in the same hall as many of the athletes, and of course they all had little nicknames for each other. His stereo-alarm clock was always set to his favorite band, U2 and after waking up to it for a while everyone started calling him Bono. (Because, if you've been in a hole-that's the lead singer's name) He decided that Bono might be a more memorable name than Chris and much more unique....so he kept it all through his college days. It's a name I fell in love with. It has started to dwindle in the past 7 years because of official business or otherwise non-sentimental circumstances. I'd love to have you call him Bono, I actually commanded my family to do the same. So there you have it. (I must add for Bono's mom that Christopher Adam is a lovely name, and you and Mr. Bench have great taste.) I've had nicknames too... Wendella, Wenders, but nothing as fabulous as Bono. Please share your nicknames with us!! We'll post our favorite next week!

The Beginning Of A Beautiful Thing

2008-08-22T19:24:00.000-06:00

That's right, the Bench duo has actually started blogging. We aren't making promises to you that we will send you recipes and care about every blog you write about your toddler pooping but we will let you stalk us at will. We understand you loving our chubby buns...it's hard not to. We hope your time with us will be entertaining and will keep you off other sites you might actually learn something from. Love to all!