Montreat Cavaliers Men's Soccer Team 2009-2010

Athletic Banquet

This years athletic banquet went three and a half hours... some how I always forget how long these occasions are!  The guys' soccer team picture is above, minus Howard who passed and Shaka who is now playing professional soccer in Puerto Rico.  We are so proud of all these guys!

Oh, and last weekend... Brenton saw his first wild black bear.  We had some friends over to our house Saturday evening that hopped out of their car and said there was a mama bear and her cubs just down our drive.  We headed down and apparently, the guys caught the mama with a rabbit (one Brenton and I had previously named, "Buddy") before heading into the woods.  By the time us girls got down the drive, the mama came back out and crossed the road behinds us to her little cubs.  They were beautiful, but I am more than thankful I was in a car!  And funny enough the guys got out of their cars... who does that?!

Happy Birthday To You, Happy Birthday To You...

... Happy Birthday dear family, Happy Birthday to you!!!

Today is Brenton's birthday for a few more hours yet, and in addition to his birthday is that of all Lexi's pups.  It has been our joke, for some time, that Brenton had to share his birthday with our youngest pup, Bentley, as he has slowly grow into himself.  He's becoming a sweet little critter but it has taken some time to get him to where he is... Hence the idea to make a cake of Bentley for Brenton's birthday. 

Ironically, B had a text from one of the couples who bought a pup asking if they could stop by.  So, we were able to see the smallest of Lexi's litter today, who is now bigger than his brother Bentley.  These critters terrorized our newly planted yard while we ate birthday sweets, as the couple had also brought Brenton birthday surprises.  (Side Note:  You can tell how quickly Spring has come as the trees are almost full compared to the bare trees in previous pictures.)

Another ironic twist is the Josh Mc Dowell was in town speaking at The Cove this weekend.  One of my Cove supervisors was unable to take McDowell's crew to the airport, so I offered my husband as he had previously worked for McDowell...  It was an early morning, which many of you know we are not morning people, but B enjoyed catching up with a few past connections and christian mentors. 

On top of this craziness, Obama was in town this weekend.  Today he was having lunch with Billy Graham and heading out of town, so we had security and cops swarming the freeways and freeway ramps. 

Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband whom I love more than I did when we married.  I treasure our friendship and marriage, knowing I always have my best friend at my side.  He has been a wonderful friend, husband, provider, and support; as he always takes care of me first, wanting to make sure I am able to acheive my dreams and have purpose.

Our LOVELY Lives

HAPPY EASTER  from the Benwares!

(Brenton, Kelly, Lexi, & Bentley)

Here is my best job at a panoramic view of our land...

And all the work Brenton has done.  We have added all the accent plants and shrubs.  The rest, Brenton has cleared out, especially the far patch in the very last picture (previously wooded and covered with wild brush and berry patches... no worries we have saved a number of raspberry and blackberry bushes for you visitors).  And again, Brenton has bordered the whole property with stone...

Property Updates

We have been busy little beavers bustling around our property the past few weeks. With Spring here and warm weather, we are taking advantage of the prime time to upgrade the yard. We are loving our view for the time being, as the trees are starting to bud and soon to close in. The view is amazing and pictures do not do justice; we will have a hard time saying goodbye to the city lights for a season!

However, we really are looking foward to the yard improvements and the reason we fell in love with the home... Being up in the woods and completely surrounded by "green".  We have spread grass seed in the far left lot surrounded by stones (picture above)... just waiting for the little blades to sprout out. I was so excited today when I saw a few sprouts, but B assured me they were only weeds. No good and a bit disappointing! In the mean time, it has been satisfying to see bits of progress. Brenton had to clear brush out of the whole area and surrounded the property with stone, both of which we still have an abundance.

As you can tell, our road has been paved! It has been just over a week and we are loving it. We both have said we LOVE our home ten times more with the improvement of our road. Ah, and the first picture was of the awkward space we finally made use of by pulling our table upstairs... You may be wondering, "Why the down low on the Benwares home?" This is more for those who saw it before and we are just obsessed with our home, because... We simply love it!

Charlie Bit Me

Congratulations Honey!

A word to my wonderful husband...

Just wanted you to know how proud I am to be your wife. I could not have asked for a better husband; you are a godly man of integrity and purpose. I greatly respect you and your desire to honor the Lord in all you do.

And a big CONGRATULATIONS on finishing your last masters class!!! You are done!