Adventures in Bennionland

That’s amore!

As most of you know this gluten-free (GF) journey has been a strenuous one for us. So when we discover a new product or a new food item that will make our life more flavorful it is magical. This week we had a moment like that when Eric and I were on a date on Friday.

We went to the Old Spaghetti Factory – a place that usually repels Celiacs like garlic to the vampires. So it shouldn’t be a surprise (especially to those of you who have spent more than ten minutes with me) that I cried when I discovered in the upper-left corner a note saying that at the restaurant offers many ‘Pastabilities’ such as (are you ready) GLUTEN-FREE noodles for most of their entrees! Yep, I teared up. Right there at the table.

Yet as wonderful as that moment was it was nothing like the following.

Two weeks ago, exactly, Eric decided to make dinner with the boys. I had bought some GF pizza crust mix (Arrowhead Mills) several months ago but we haven’t dared to make it. Partially because it takes a lot of time and partially because pizza is a sacred meal for Eric. He worked in a pizza joint for a while and ranks pizza as a top five food. There was a lot resting on this. Plus having a bad GF experience can be disheartening.

With that in mind Eric and super-helper Will set out to make a great GF pizza. And they more than succeeded. While the food was good, watching Will scarf down his pizza was almost more than Eric could handle. And watching Eric beam at having a new tradition with his boys was almost more than I could handle.

I have been wanting to post this video for a long time – but with all of the other fun and adventures we’ve had, I have always had something else to post!

However – tonight is one of those kick-back nights where I find myself trying to find something to do. Oh sure I’m doing the laundry, just cleaned out the fridge, and got the boys to bed…but still, I’m a tad bored. Maybe it’s because Eric is working late and we usually do crosswords, watch a movie, or yap our ears off.

So here we go – now you all get treated to this magical video! Both Will and Walker are at phases in their life where their imaginations are wild with activity and their learning ability is ripe. I LOVE it. This is the best time to be a parent – and an observer.

In August Eric and I put the boys down for a nap – and decided to do our favorite activity…OH GET YOUR HEADS OUT OF THE GUTTER! We played Trivial Pursuit. It is by far one of my favorite games…even though Eric kicks the patootie out of me every time.

During the game Will woke up from his nap – came out and joined us. Within a few minutes of watching he was ready to take over. And here is what happened (watch round 2 if you are short on time):

Round 1: Warming Up

Round 2: The Challenge Begins

I am SO glad that Eric finally lost!

I posted this already on the site for my Grandparents – but wanted to post it here as well. In case you don’t know my family – my Grandparents had six children (some are mentioned below): Gene, Dory, Kaye (my Mom), Patti, Mark, and Steven.

Shelly

Family & Friends,

Thank you so much to those of you who could join us on Saturday for Grandpa’s funeral.

It was such a tender and honest memorial to a man who touched so many people’s lives.

We met as a family – after the morning viewing – to say our goodbyes. Gene led us in a family prayer which put our hearts at rest.

The meeting was started with a song, sung by a dear friend of Grandpa’s, Simon Bolivar. It was soft, yet powerful and set a nice tone for the meeting.

Steven gave the invocation. It was moving to watch him as he signed – his hands gently asking for comfort for the grieving and guidance for the speakers. It would have been apparent what he was saying by the very movements of his hands, face, and body and was confirmed by the words his wife Krista relayed.

Mark spoke next reflecting on the moments from Grandpa’s life that he might want us to remember. Mark was humorous and sweet – and included many traits of Grandpa that had us all laughing and crying. It was tender to see him read his notes, smile with a memory, and then share those thoughts through his own tears and laughter.

Patti followed Mark reflecting on the life that Grandpa led. She touched on three things that she knew he would want remembered: 1) his love for Grandma, 2) his love of family and, 3) his unbelievable work ethic. She was right when she said that Grandpa ‘would get as close to people as they would let him’.

The speaker portion of the program paused as we were treated to the amazing talent of Sarah (Mark’s daughter). Playing Grandpa’s favorite song, Clair de Lune, she guided our minds to experiences we had with him.

After Sarah we were treated – and I do mean treated – to remarks by Grandpa’s younger brother Garth. Garth and Grandpa were the best of friends growing up, a bond that continued through their life. Garth touched on the man he knew, and the gospel that Grandpa cherished.

We sang as a congregation – a song which include the fitting lyrics – ‘When such a friend from us departs, We hold forever in our hearts a sweet and hallowed memory’.

Doug (Patti’s husband) closed the meeting and prepared us all to let go of Grandpa at his burial.

Below is the life story video that was played at Grandpa’s viewings. It is eight minutes long so if you want to watch it, pull up a chair and relax.

Thank you again for all your words, letters, calls, and shows of love. He was truly an amazing man, one who will be missed.

Best,
Shelly