Miracles happen

I've got a story to tell. (And there's a video to go along with it. )

So I met this boy, which I think I've mentioned. Long story made short... We are getting married. 

We met on his birthday back in September and I thought it would be pretty cool if we got engaged on my birthday. I'm glad he thought the same thing. Needless to say, it was my best birthday so far in life. I'd say it was a little miracle. I was coming to terms with being on my own for a lot longer in life. I'm sure I'm going to love reading my own thoughts about this day somewhere down the road so a blog about it has to happen. 

The boy, is what I'll call him, really loves surprises. I want sure he was really going to surprise me with an engagement ring on my birthday because I thought I'd already ruined the surprise by finding the ring in his house one day while I was there alone. I shouldn't have snooped, but I knew it was there and I was having a rough night. I thought it would make me happy to see it. Well, I was wrong. I just felt bad for snooping. I told him right when he got back. It wasn't my favorite night. Needless to say I thought that was going to push back his plans. I knew he was thinking about it because we talk and plan for the future, but.... Details were always something I wondered about.

The day of my birthday I woke up early and baked a pineapple upside down cake. It turned out pretty good actually. Then Brett showed up to my house so we could drive down to Rexburg together. He has a temporary job there in town. I'll skip the details of class. But then I decided I would go get some food since I missed breakfast. Then, in case the boy did decide he was going to propose I wanted to have a surprise for him. I had looked up online the last few weeks pricing these rings that I knew he wanted. I was glad I had just gotten paid and that it didn't cost too much at the book store. Yep, Brett, I just got it that day. And then when I got to work I printed off this resolution from the movie courageous. He had talked about wanting to sign it when we get married. So, at least now I was prepared with a surprise of my own... You know... Just in case. The day went on. I shared my cake with the class i work with. I was so antsy for the day to move on. 

At 3 I left to go get Brett. I guess this was the day he was walking towards me. The days all mesh together in the small details. The important thing is that we headed over super early for our pedicures at Evans....a beauty school in Rexburg. Hopefully I'll be able to include in all my pictures at the end. And if you follow me on social media you've already probably heard and seen all of this. My apologies. 

After the pedicure we went to Red Robin in Idaho Falls. It was a delicious meal. Not the greatest service. Oh well, you win some, you lose some. I was thankful that I could be using a gift card from my parents. Brett got some fiery ghost hot burger. I got a bacon burger. We shared an appetizer of jalapeno coins and mozzarella sticks. They came out at the same time. Fail=Red Robin. Then we waited forever for our shake. We shared a gingerbread shake. Then, here's my next secret that hasn't been shared with Brett. I had the ring in my bag and I wrapped it and put it in a card while I was taking a bathroom break. ☺ Brett took a bathroom break before we left too. Funny thing is that he took his coat with him because he was afraid I was going to snoop. Probably good that he did. Haha. When we walked outside he asked if he could drive. I honestly thought maybe we were going to an ice cream place or something. We already had dessert but that was my first thought. Then maybe I wondered if he really was going to propose or not. I didn't ask many questions because I was just trying to figure it out. I couldn't think of places that had any significance to us. Then he pulled up to the temple. I still didn't want to get my hopes up so I thought, oh cool, we are getting some pictures of the nativity. Another important fact is that he has been posting videos on YouTube. So he pulls out his phone and tells me to record him. Then he pulls out a piece of paper. I think that's when I was for sure that he was going to pop the question for real.  This is what it said: 

We met on Tinder the day I turned thirty.

You started with, "what's up," not very flirty,
But we talked about the movie, World War Z,
Then you asked where I was from and took a real interest in me.
We tried to meet in person but it wasn't working out,
At the fair we could have met up but you choose a different route,
In the end you came to my house and I introduced you,
To my newest friend the one and only doctor who.
The football game came next and then the fateful day,
You needed somewhere to watch conference so you came my way,
You brought along your table, a massage you gave to me,
Then we sat up in the  loveseat and I said that you're pretty,
After some conversation, you asked me where we stood,
I said I'd like for you to be my girlfriend if you would,
You said that's what you wanted so a couple we became,
and after that I knew my life would never be the same.
My love for you has grown from that first seed into a tree,
And it's not half as much as all the love you give to me.
And as they say, the rest is history,
So I have just one question,
Will you marry me? 

How stinking cute is that? 

So, of course I got teary. He's the best. He went to give me the ring and dropped it. It kinda made me laugh. And, no he didn't get down on one knee. He would've ruined the pedicure. He and I were still in flip flops. 

I'm going on and on.... Basically, then we went to the car and I gave him the ring and letter I had for him. I think I surprised him pretty good. 

Today after church we called Bro. Cannon who is a family friend to the Peterson Family. We want him to perform the ceremony and he said he can do it the day we want! He also performed Brett's sisters sealing ceremony a couple years ago. March 14th is the tentative day we have planned for the wedding. We have picked the Idaho Falls temple as the place we want to get married because Brett's grandparents were married there, and so were his parents and so was his sister. His grandparents were actually married there the first day that the temple was open for operation back in 1945. He would like to carry on the tradition. I have never had a favorite temple picked out so I'm perfectly okay with it. I like the idea of carrying on a tradition.

There will be plenty more to talk about later. That's all for now 

☺ 

November 11-30 / Thanksgiving and other things

I have sort of failed with this progression of thankfulness that I was trying to do. I am not really having a hard time of finding things to be thankful for, just finding time to figure out how to categorize them and record them all.

This month I have mostly just been looking forward to being done with BYUI. I have 2 and a half weeks left. I am really looking forward to getting a job and living the life of a working person instead of a working part time student.

I have no idea what kind of adventures this coming year will hold for me...but I always love a good adventure. I just hope I can keep my smile and keep a good attitude.


Thanksgiving was probably the most unusual type of thanksgiving I've had. I decided I didn't want to drive down to Utah so I spent my time hanging around Blackfoot with my boy. It worked out better that way anyhow because he had to move out of the house he was living in. So many truck loads of things to put in his parents storage room. We didn't have our feast on thursday like normal. Brett's parents were out of town until that day so we planned on eating together with his family on Friday. It was really good food and fun to be with his family. Actually his mom cooked us dinner on thursday night that was really good too. It just wasn't a normal thanksgiving meal. I think we had chicken patties with mashed potatoes and gravy. mmm mmm good. Then after dinner Brett and I helped make Key lime pie, and chocolate pie. His mom had made a cherry pie and pumpkin pie and his sister brought a pecan pie. We had turkey and stuffing and all of that normal stuff. I made corn casserole and there was veggies and potatoes and things. Leftovers happened the day or two after as well. I always love thanksgiving leftovers. Its been good. It was a long thanksgiving reading online about everyone  being with family. I do miss living near my family sometimes, but I have plenty of friends nearby. They don't replace, but my life is happy either way.

I might not get on to post for another week or so, but this november has been good. We have had great warm weather. Brett took me to see The Forgotten Carols by Michael McLean. I have always wanted to see that. Brett and I are also going to Lava Hot Springs this week...which is another thing I've always wanted to do. I may be stressed about school and other things, but life is over all pretty good.

If anyone wants to send some good thoughts and prayers my way so that I'll find a job...I'll gladly welcome them. That is one major thing that needs to happen in my life in the next couple weeks. Then my birthday, then graduation...then christmas...then...life.... Thanks for reading my ramblings if you made it this far.
till next time.
BB

Thanks again (8,9,10)...no original post names here

November 8 - 8 things I'm thankful for. The prompt for day 8 is infinity or eternity. So to come up with eternal things that I'm grateful for is the challenge of the moment. Eternal means Godly things, right? I just found out my parents are going to be temple workers. (1) I'm thankful for that. I'm also thankful for the chances that I get to go to the temple. (2) I'm going tomorrow with my boyfriend. I'm glad that when I went to the temple for my first time for my own endowment that I had so many friends with me. (3) I'm thankful that all of the temples everywhere have the same ordinances (4) and they are all a place to go do work for my family and to learn patterns of eternal things(5). I'm thankful that I was raised with the knowledge that God loves me (6). I'm glad that I had encouraging church leaders when I was in my teens (7). I'm thankful for religion classes (8). I'm not sure if all of those things connected or not, but they are all things I'm thankful for.

November 9 - 9 more things to be thankful for. I wanted to just name nine people who have been an influence in my path with massage therapy in my life and who I wouldn't be where I am today without them through it all.
1. Rachael (wimmer) Garff.
2. Clary my first massage instructor
3. Taylor Lamont
4. Randy Mike
5. Isaac James
6. Ken
7. Mama "D" (Destiny)
8. Tiffany Zuroweste
9. Amanda Thorum

November 10 - 10 more things to brighten my mood and day.
1. Thankful for my ten fingers
2. Thankful that I have been able to break my habit of nail biting
3. Thankful for my toes and that as crazy looking as they are they remind me of my mom and grandma
4. Thankful that even though I sprain my ankle pretty good when I was 15 that it still works properly. It pops almost every morning, but it still works.
5. Thankful that I was able to be in show choir in high school.
6. Thankful for some fun memories with my little brother in that choir.
7. Thankful that my body didn't completely shut down in high school when I was doing that choir thing because it seems threatened at one point when in the morning one day I couldn't get out of bed. I'm still not sure why I had some issues with my back and I had to go through some physical therapy, but it didn't get in the way completely and I didn't have to quit choir.
8. Thankful that I don't have any diseases that get in the way of my everyday life.
9. Thankful for Sunsets (even though I'm not a fan when they come at five o'clock)
10. Thankful for curling irons :)

Thankful posts 6 & 7

I haven't gone back to my prompts lately but this might get out of hand if I don't keep up with recording all the things I'm thankful for. 

Nov 6- senses are what I have to be thankful for this day. Most say there are only 5 senses but I'm thankful for six of them...Intuition being the sixth. It has served me well in practicing massage and in other areas of my life. I'm thankful for my sight as limited as it is without glasses. I've known blind people and have spent time reflecting on all that I would miss without it. My hearing has helped me hear beautiful music. I'm thankful for touch because it helps me feel hugs. I'm thankful for smell because I have so many wonderful memories associated with smell. Not to mention who doesn't love the smell of a loved one that lingers. Not the dead body kinda smell but the freshly showered up and clean boyfriend smell :) just thought I should clarify. And last but not least of the senses ... taste. Thinking of tasting holiday food makes me happy. 

Nov 7- I'm thankful for 7 days in a week to get things done. Monday's I'm thankful for family home evening. I'm glad this day is a day set apart at my church to bring family together at their home. Tuesday I'm grateful that Tuesday's a work day for me.and that you can always find cheaper movies on a Tuesday. Wednesday is a day I'll always remember for going to institute or other church activities. It's not generally what I use it for anymore though. Thursday I'm thankful for it acting as the last day of my school week for now. I made a decision to drive a half hour m-th to get to school and it's been hard on me. Friday has always been a play day. I'm thankful that it's the official start of the weekend. Saturday's are always a get ready for Sunday day. I've liked to bake and rest and reset and do laundry on this day. And I've been thankful that I've been able to travel lots on the weekends too. Sunday is a day that I'll forever be thankful that I can go to church and take the sacrament. I'm thankful that I was baptized and that I can renew those covenants that I made to mourn with those that mourn and to stand as a witness of God at all times when I take the sacrament. Hopefully I'll always do a little better each week. 

Thankful posts... 1st of many

I went to a conference on November first. I got a book to read that will help me with prompts to talk about things I'm thankful for. I don't have the book with me, but I didn't want to delay  my writing about things I'm thankful for. The goal this year is to write as many thankful things as the number of the day in November. Not necessarily things on that day but just as a guide for multiplying the blessing counting.

Nov 1-Me :)  that is a good place to start right? I am thankful that I am who I am. I could be many other things, but I like who I am. I may not love all of my flaws, but I'm a pretty good person. I have a good heart and I try.
Nov 2- Opposition. I'm thankful for Good and Bad. The contrast has made me realize that although my life hasn't always been sunshine and butterflies that I am still able to be happy through it all. Perhaps I wouldn't be as happy as I am right now if I hadn't experienced all the crazy times before.
Nov 3- Book of Mormon, Bible, Pearl of Great Price. I'm thankful for all 3 books of scripture that I read/study from.
Nov 4-
Nov 5- (I'm not sure of what the prompts are for this number, but I have an idea anyway) I'm thankful for Joe, Jake, Jared, Jordan and Justin. My brothers are pretty great. They have helped me so much in my life. They make me laugh and we always have a good time when playing games together and when getting together for family dinner things. (I guess that hasn't happened for awhile, but the last times we did it was good)

To be continued....

Maverick Benson 7/11/14

I just wanted to take a minute to post a few pictures from this week. My sister found out on Tuesday evening that her baby's heart stopped beating. I think a little of hers stopped that day too. It was a long week to say that least. This week my parents were in Chicago on a business trip and so my sister in laws and the ward family stepped in to help support my sister. Brittany (Jordan's wife) went with Tina to her doctor's appointment on Wednesday. They decided to induce her on Thursday evening. Wendy (Joe's wife) came to spend time with Tina on Wednesday and Thursday. Then by the time Tina had to go in to deliver Nikki (Jared's wife) had come to help support as well. By Friday/delivery day my Aunt Linda and cousin Nikki had come to be with Tina as well. My Mom and Dad got there little while after baby was born.

 Just as everyone got to the hospital they text me a few pics.

 Maverick Benson was born 7/11/14 at 1:35 pm weighing in at 5lbs 2oz and 18 in long. I still have yet to get the complete story. It was an emotional day and so details were not so quick to come. I talked to Wendy after Maverick was born to get the update that although things were emotional, Tina's health was fine.

 Tina has always loved making little collages. This was one she put on facebook.

 Felicia Williams from Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (an organization to help families going through this hard time of losing a little one) was able to come be there just after Maverick's birth to photograph some memories of the little time they got to spend together. I am so glad my friend Wanita shared this website with me. I actually emailed a photographer on Wednesday and within an hour or two she had called me and said her schedule was full but that she had already found someone else who wasn't on the directory yet who would be willing and able to help our family. I got a phone call from her and we talked a little bit and then I put her in touch with my sister. With so much going on I spaced the fact that this was Felicia's first experience getting to volunteer. I am so thankful for her and her willingness to help and hear that she did a wonderful job. My sister sent me these photos that Felicia took. They plan on using them at the funeral services that will be held on Tuesday of this coming week.

Here is a link to Felicia's Facebook Page. Thank You again so much.

I'm kind of glad I don't know all of the details yet. It isn't really my story to share, but thank you everyone for taking care of my sister and my nephew. Can't wait to meet you someday Mav.  Love, your favorite Aunt Beth

The Slight Edge

I'm reading a book by Jeff Olson. I have never heard of him and I'm not sure if my friends would've ever heard of him. As I was reading this book he is talking about other successful people. It's funny how I recognize other names of people he has associated with but never heard of him. My friend Bob gave me the book to read. I agreed to read it if he sent it to me. I'm thankful I agreed to it. It was just what I needed right now. It is nothing that I haven't heard before, but I'm just hearing it in a different way and under different circumstances.

It has been so much easier these last few weeks to get up in the morning and read. When I find something I like to read it helps motivate me to read other things as well. I have been reading this book, the Ensign magazine, May/June/July issues, and I have been reading from the scriptures more often as well. It was a good reminder to read at least 10 pages from a good book everyday. I've always been one to say baby steps will help get me somewhere. I guess this book is just helping me see how little consistent things everyday do lead to success. And success in different areas mean totally different things, but it's all the same method to get there. If I want to get closer to God, I have to do those little things that help build my relationship there. If I want to become a healthier person I have to do the small things everyday to get there. It is funny how it makes sense in money to me. You can't just keep a penny on your desk or in a piggy bank and expect it to grow for you. You have to take it out and make it multiply. You have to let interest grow. That is the main ah ha moment for me. Doing small things everyday is adding up or multiplying what I can do or can become in other areas of my life. I'll slowly get my financial self figured out if I do small things everyday. I'll be healthier slowly but surely because I am making small decisions and doing better a little bit at a time. Life is going to suck sometimes because it just does. I can't control that, but I can control what I do with it. So I'll take a break here and there but then after my break I get back on my own personal wagon. I can't give up.

Some days things look they will never change and I will be in school forever. Let's be real...I know it won't last forever. I am trying to make the most of my days and keep doing good things for myself every day. So as a reminder to myself....just keep swimming Beth. You got this. Baby steps. Now go enjoy your day off!

Lost...and other things...

Blast.

I lost my micro sd card. I'm sure it will turn up eventually. It isn't like I own a whole lot right now anyway. I decided to cut back in some areas and back to using a flip phone instead of a smart phone. Which means I put my lil teeny tiny micro sd card in a different smart phone that my sister gave me that is laying around the house somewhere. Hmmm guess I just lost a whole ton of pictures if I can't find that card. There are worse things in this world. Just wanted to post something on my blog and that is the first thing I had in mind. I had to tell you that was lost because I can't post anything from my NYC trip. You could just go to my fb page and see things from that. I was going to post the stuff that didn't make it to Facebook.

Other updates. I guess you could say I'm a little lost in other areas too. Can I talk about my personal stuff here? I only have a couple people who really read this anyway, right?
I don't make it private because I trust the public. I don't think anyone has need to stalk me. And if they found me interesting enough to stalk well...really, what would you find? I don't have kids to try to protect identities. I have had some creepers find me in other places, but via my blog = never. (so basically I'm just lost in my thoughts)

So I've been in Texas for about 7 weeks now. I have gotten to do a few fun/interesting things. I have helped with a few service projects on a few different weekends. I have helped plant stuff at a Houston park, did some weed eating at the Houston temple and I have gotten to work at a peanut butter cannery assignment. I am so glad I have been able to do these things. I like doing things like this because getting out and making a difference is a good thing for my heart and mind :)  Thankfully I can know about these opportunities through church. And speaking of church...this is the only reason I have done much of anything in Houston. That is the reason I know most anyone that I know here. My second week at church I was introduced to what I believe is the only single guy in the ward who is my age. Between him and the sister missionaries I have friends to text and do things with.

I went to an appointment with the sisters one night. That was interesting to say the least. I bet they meet lots of interesting people out here in Houston on a day to day basis. And as for David...He and I have done quite a few things. We went to the Midsingles devotional/dinner twice together now. We have gone to the movies, to ice cream one night, to the record store. I guess it probably feels more than it is. He has also come over for dinner with the missionaries one night too.

This is my first week of watching the kids. We watched a movie and went to the pool. The kids have spent quite a bit of time doing things with their friends. I know that's what kids do during the summer. I just gotta find a way to make em play over here more so everyone else doesn't have to take care of them.

I could go on and on about other things, but I'll just post this for now and try to update this more often.

Texas...

It may look like I haven't posted in over a month. BUT... I do post on another blog with some of my old roommates from apartment 14 at the Pines. Click here!

I have officially moved to Texas. I never thought this would be in the plans for my life but its been a good first few days. Now I just need to make the most of my first weekend here. I am almost all the way unpacked. I have already went to a few family functions with my sister in laws family. And there is another one today. I guess I better go get some more done so I can go play more. I need to get some shelving units for my room. I am loving the king size bed. I feel spoiled in this conditions. We watched a movie on their big projector screen last night. We went out for pizza after Bryce's baseball game last night too. I have my own bathroom. We set up a new air hockey table up in the kids game room this morning too. That was a dangerous feat getting that up the stairs in one piece. It is nice being busy, but I just need to make sure I stay busy with the right things. I am taking two classes online and I need to study for my CMA exam as well. I really need to get organized and stay that way. hmmm all this typing is not getting anything done. I'll post more pictures from my NYC vacation and my trip out to texas from my phone later. till next time world! I'm out!

Be Thou Humble...just a reminder for myself

This scripture was in my last few weeks of my Doctrine and Covenants class here at BYU-Idaho.

Section 112:10  Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.

Of all of the scriptures that I have read recently this is one that has the most meaning to me. I need to share it to remember the significance for myself. I forget so much what it means to be humble. I have opinions and ideas that lead me to do things. Sometimes that's great and sometimes I get carried away with my own agenda. That's great that God has blessed me with the personality and talents, but these words remind me that I really should ask for His opinions and direction a little bit more (okay a lot more). If I ever expect to have my prayers answered I need to go with the promptings I get even if they hurt my ego or plans a little bit. It will be better for me in the long run. I really do believe that He can do more with my life than I can ever hope to do alone. 

That being said...
I get frustrated that I can't always explain the things I do (but can anyone ever do that really?). I'm trying to do the right things for the right reasons. If I don't explain that well....my bad....maybe next time. 

Miranda sings....in Utah

Everyone keeps asking me how the Miranda sings show was. I knew I was going to post a blog, but life has had other priorities for me.

I finally got this blog post up. Its not fancy, but I did get some pictures and links to videos up. Now I have to get to campus to study and go to class..

 

You can't really see how cool this shirt is. But I had to get one. And, she signed it.  

 

Sorry, I had a video of this cute lil boy singing with Colleen, but it didn't turn out.  

 

Jacob was the cutest part. He brought up a lil suitcase to stand on. 

 

Then they sang a song from Frozen together. 

THEN>>>>> Miranda was finally ready to make an appearance. THIS is the video where she sings Defying Gravity to do the switch. 

 

Then she had a guest come up and they acted out how she came into this world.  

 

The nurse....i'm not sure what she was doing exactly. I cant remember. 

 

Then she sang Born This Way. 

 

She was always famous :) 

 

Then Bailey came up to sing Do You Want to Build a Snowman with Miranda. Good stuff. 

 

I think I was just taking pictures while they talked before starting to sing. 

 

Two guests came up to demonstrate what is porn dressing and what is not. So this is Miranda with her No Porn Horn. 

She also sang us these Songs that have porn words but she put her own words in.

sorry for my crazy laughing.

 

Booty = Beauty haha  

She talked about talent and how she could do magic. Then sang Think of Me while doing this lil magic trick with Colleens brother Christopher. It was good.

 

I'm not sure when she sang this song from Chicago. But the guys next to me loved it. 

 

I dont know where this fits in....and again...sorry for my voice and singing :)

But... Seasons of Love. as sung by Miranda 

 

This was so gross....she was having a chubby bunny contest with some girl that dressed up like her. Then she had the girl spit them out into her hand and she took a big bite and then was like...ewww what did you eat before this game. 

 

Jacob posed for this picture for me :) 

 

I got a hug from Miranda and then I gave her a lil gift, got a pic, then got the kids autographs too.  

 

awful pic, but thats pretty much what I was going for. 

 

So much concentration on signing his name. 

 

Bailey had also taught herself to sign her name in cursive. She is only 6. Those kids are fun. 

 

Only thing that would've made it better is if I would've had someone come with me to enjoy it. I think I'm one of the few of my friends who find her funny though.