Well isn't that so? Part #2: Mrs. Bethany

now that you've gotten to know a little bit more about Mr. Bethany....here's a lil' somethin' soemthin' on the Mrs.

10 things you may or may not know about Mrs. Bethany

1. She does not like carbonated drinks. Or more like, she can't handle it. After going 5 years without drinking soda, any sort of carbonation is extrmely intense for her, resulting in multiple facial expreissions, shaking of the head and noises of discomfort.
2. She rides the unicycle and dreamt of being an acrobat in the circus or Trapeze artist
3. She is OCD about brushing her teeth, especially after she eats anything. Sometimes that means carrying a tooth brush and toothpaste in her purse. If she does not have those things on hand, a minty gum that leaves her breath feeling fresh will suffice.
4. Has Raynaud's Disease. If you don't know what it is, check it out here
5. While using the public bathroom, she can easily get pee shy. In order to overcome this "pee-shyness" she developed a saying (at the age of 10) that helps her pee.

The Phrase: "Pee now or never or I'll punch you."
(repeat rapidly unil pee ensues) It's a little weird, but it's proven over countless year to be a success. Now if you ever find yourself unable to pee in a public restroom, you have my permsion to use this helpful saying.
6. She gets the hiccups. But not like most people in which your hiccups last anywhere from 10-40minutes and happen only every now and again. She gets hers daily, multiple times a day and in sets of 2 or 3 hiccups. So if you hear her hiccup, rest assured it won't be the last time you hear her and that it won't last longer than one or two hiccups more.
7. When sharing a room with her sister, Ruth chose to sleep on the top bunk. Not because she wanted to be high up or even because she felt like she was in a tree fort but because she had figured that if ever a robber or kidnaper came into the house, they would naturally grab the person on the bottom bunk first: a.k.a her little sister, faith. Also, another plus to having the top bunk is that if the bed were to ever collapse, Ruth would still be alive on top. I know, i know....awful, selfish motives. Thankfully faith never had to experience a kidnapper or bunk bed collapse.
8. She has never had braces: the only person in the Blanchard family to not need them
9. Was part of a neighborhood band composed of girls ages 5-8 years old. We sang classic Disney hits from The Lion King on our proch to the adults of the neighborhood and our name was.......GIRLS TO WOMEN. (oh yeah)
10. Greatly dislikes socks, slippers, tights, or anything that covers her feet. When she was little, she used to cut the toes off of all her tights (for ballet or church) so that her feet were "free". She still desires to have "free" feet and cannot tolerate sharing a bed with someone that wears socks.


We hope this was beneficial in getting to know us, Mr. and Mrs. Bethany, a bit better. That you feel a tad bit closer to us (even in a quirky way) as you follow us on our mishaps and misadventures.

Signing out,
Mr. and Mrs. B

Welll, is that so?! Part: #1

It has been quite some time...NAY I say an eternity (in the blogging world) since we last posted! The Culprit: Mr. and Mrs. Bethany were away on a Cru conference in Panama City Florida, returned and Mrs. Bethany found herself very sick and adjusting to her new work schedule (I'm a night nanny for infant twins from 11pm-8am). With all that said, I'm glad to announce I have found some sort of routine and will recommence our blogging with:

"Well, isn't that so?"

For those of you who read this blog, I thought it was important that you got to know who both Adam and I are. Even if you do know us personally, or we interact regularly and are friends...the following facts may provide some new information and fascinating facts about ourselves. They may be random. They may be quirky, they may cause you so say "well, isn't that so?", but neverheless they are true. and let's face it...we all have our own little quirks and truths about ourselves that make us who we are. So without further ado

10 Things You May or May not Know about Mr. and Mrs. Bethany

Part #1: Mr. Bethany

1. He cannot stand his clothing EVER being inside out....EVER. (OCD??...yes.)
2. He loves anything that is cuddly, furry, and walks on four little legs (or waddles on two): kittnes, puppies, baby goats, baby lions, bear cubs, etc. I mean He LOVES furry little creatures. He gets birthday cards with fuzzy kittens on the front of them and one of his top sites on the worldwide web is cuteoverload.com...no joke. Here are two images that Adam has picked to exemplify his fondness for all things furry.

(*he especially likes them when they are wearing different articles of clothing*)


3. When he was younger, he dreamed of playing in MLB
4. Slept with his baby blanket until he was married (because there was no way that was making into the marriage bed!)
5. His ears are slightly lopsidded: one being higher than the other
6. Is INSANELY ticklish. INSANELY. There are times where Mrs. Bethany can't even hug him without him squirming and/or flailing about.
7. He is the son of a baptist preacher
8. His intitials are ACB. The "C" stands for Cooper
9. He has been told by multpile people, multiple times that he has really nice hands and feet. Which is really true and one of his features the Mrs. Bethany found attractive (kinda weird) But next time he's wearing flip-flops or running around barefoot..check out his FINE feet
10. As most of you know, Aaam is a personal trainer. He has tons of knowledge concerning the human body, diet and exercise. But even with all that, he hates cardio...especially just going for a run. He hates running "just to run"..he only enjoys it if he's playing some sport. I, his wife, just recently found out there was a particular time in his life where is abhorance for running stems from.

It all begin with Karate. You see, Adam took karate from age 5 until 14. His final test in order to receive his Black Belt was a very intesen and trying, 10hr long test. It began at midnight and lasted until 10am the following morning. It included tons of sits ups, push ups, memorization, blocking attacks, breaking boards, sparring, etc. The final round of this test was running 5 miles....already afer having done 6+ hours of challenging physical exercises. Adam couldn't move at all (and I mean...at all!) the next day...and ever since then, he has disliked running.


tomorrow 10 things about Mrs. Bethany...until then..ciao!

Untitled

I don't even really know how to begin this next post (hence the title: "Untitled"). I could start by saying how wonderful it was to have my parents in town this past weekend, how much we laughed, how much I miss them, or how they are the best. I could begin by talking about my excitement for going on BIG BREAK or even the adventures that lay ahead with the job God provided.

orrrrrrr I could forewarn you that this post may be borderline risque? borderline offensive or possibly sketchy? But PLEASE rest assured that it is all done with innocent motives. Confused yet? LET me clarify.

A long, long time ago, when I was in my mother's womb, I was destined (some might say predestined) to be a homeschooler. My whole life I was homeschooled, even through high school. To this day, I am still VERY proud of that and thankful that my parents (especially my mother) poured the countless hours, love and patience into giving me an amazing education. I didn't turn out socially awkward or people shy...I actually love people! But I was sheltered, and with the protection I didn't learn alot of things or term that many highschoolers and even middle schoolers learn throughout their education. This aspect of my life has made for some very interesting, very funny and sometimes very embarrassing moments. Add that with my dyslexia+enthusiasm to speak without fully thinking and you have a dangerous mix!

Another "instance" happened just today (not even 30minutes ago), and I felt I should share with you these phrases/words/comical revelations since they are a form of mishap or misadventure. So like I said, these may be a little sketchy or risque, but they were never intentionally meant to be. Read with your own discretion.

*You have been fully warned:)*

-Today I used the phrase "Jungle Fever"........and my husband informed me that that would never happen between us...I, Homeschool-Ruth, was left confused. I inquired about what he meant....annnnd I will never say the phrase Jungle Fever again, unless, of course, I contract a disease from Africa causing me to have a temperature higher than 98.2 degrees

-Yesterday (yes. they happen frequently) I was simply trying to say the word "Procrastinate"- definition:To put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness

....but with my dyslexic skills....out slipped "Pornasticate" (ahhhhhh!)

-Go back in time with me: I am a Jr. at Virginia Tech, and was entertaining a group of friends. We got to talk about our latest infestation of cockroaches (yes. big Eeew) in our town house. And from there started talking about different fears people have such as arachnophobia (spiders) Acrophobia (heights), etc. So I had the bright idea of coming up with a name for the fear of our infestation and proudly shared with the group: "Cockaphobia" yeah...found out what that actually implied after my not-so-shining moment.

Lastly I would like to share one "Ruthism" story that will be forever ingrained in my mind....and most likely the cashier at Sbarro Pizza in Squires.

I was accompanying a friend to Sbarro so he could get some food for dinner. While he was ordering his food, I was completely occupied with admiring the size of Sbarro's meatballs. I mean they were GINORMOUS. I even said "Those are big meatballs" But "BIG" just wasn't sufficient enough. Between that comment and the next one I am about to make ( note: only 5 seconds pass between each) My mind starts to race, thinking of what to one ought to call such a HUGEMONGOUS meatball. I quickly recalled the term "Mancake", (used only when a pancake is outlandishly large) Or there is also the popular "Manwich", describing a sandwich that is so colossal, only a true MAN could eat something of that size.

"DING DING DING" ( i bet you already see what is about to unfold)

Just as we reach the register...I state quick frankly (and loudly) "Man! those are big meatballs!! (5 second pause noted above)... MAN BALLS!"

It wasn't until after the words had spilled out of my mouth did I realize what I had just said. I am eternally sorry for the friend I accompanied...and the Sbarro cashier that had to try with everything he had to keep a straight face after I had made that wonderful observation.

These aren't even all of them, but I will do myself a favor and stop with that.
So if you happen to be around me when one of these "special instances" happen, you can't say I didn't warn you:) Also, please don't take it personally or as an offense...I can promise you, it will have been an accident!

Signing out,

Mrs. B

Birthday post: #2 "Favorite Day"

I know. I know. I know....

Nothing can quite possibly top a post that contains videos of Adam consuming a TON of pie on his birthday, getting two-thirds of the way through, and the fateful aftermath that follwed:) (pretty darn HILARIOUS)

Nevertheless, titling the previous post as "Birthday Post: #1" insinuates there will be another part, thus here I am writing Part #2.

Scene 1: It's 7am in the morning on February 19, 2010 (Adam's birthday). I have been up for about an hour, preparing for "Favorite Day" while Adam is peacefully sleeping in our bedroom. 50 balloons of every color fill up our office (a.k.a the birthday room) and I begin spreading out the various "favorites" throughout the room.

You see, Adam Bethany is my "favorite". We often tell each other throughout the week (usually daily) that we are eachother's "favorites". It may sound like a very simple word/name, but it has come to mean a lot to the both of us ever since we started dating, were engaged and now are married. I love Adam deeply, but I also greatly enjoy him. He is the one I laugh with, share life with, my encourager, protector, safe place, and my best friend. I'm so blessed to have him by my side in marriage. So on his birthday, to remind him that he alone is my favorite, I created "Favorite Day" for him :)

Throughout the day he was to open different "favorites". The morning began with this:


a red ballon, inside contained instructions of where he'd find his Favorite #1:
a breakfast of corn cakes (definition: pancakes made out of cornmeal...sooo delicious!)

After he ate breakfast he was led into the birthday room :


Every 2 hours, he was allowed to pick a favorite present to open *note: he did not have to go in numerical order.....but of course he did:) *


some of his favorites included: swedish fish, goldfish, his favorite sheets to sleep on, a coupon to watch his favorite movie- Dumb and Dumber- with his wife, an entire pan of chocolate eclaire pie , a pint of B&G's Chunky Monkey icecream, a bottle of Moscato wine, etc.

At the end of the day, after he had opened all 7 Favorites, he naturally assumed Favorite Day was over. But little did he know what was awaiting him when he came to bed.
(NO! NOT THAT!! SHEEESH...)

I had hidden one last surprise envelope hidden in his pillowcase that led him to his last favorite gift that hidden behind a chair in our bedroom. The Favorite:
An adult-size onesie. Complete with grip footies and drop seat.

The Design: Three Wolf Moon (..... RIDICULOUS) .

He had no idea and it was such a joy to end Favorite Day like that for my Favorite:)

Here is some footage of Adam in his onesie (IT doens't get much better than this huh?!) *Disclaimer: This footage is taken after Adam has spent 15 minutes stomping and kicking balloons, (in his onesie), in the birthday room....annnnnnndddd after having eaten half of a bag of swedish fish*




yes...that is a balloon I stuffed into his onesie.

Mrs. B

Birthday post #1: That's ALOT of pie

Adam's Birthday was this past Friday and I had written about one wish he had for his birthday. You can read in depth here .

Pretty much he wanted to eat an entire pan of Chocolate Eclaire Pie in one sitting....all by himself and for himself:) I have footage of this epic experience and instead of writing about it....I will let the videos speak for themselves. Enjoy!

*note: when trying to accomplish a feat such as this, I would (and speaking for Adam) HIGHLY recommend not having 2 bowls of chicken and dumpling prior*




and this is him about 1/3 of the way through...



can't seem to upload the "him beginning to feel it" video clip :(

but here's the final footage and the result of adam's wish:)





guess there is always next year! Next time we'll forego the dark chocolate and stick with the milk chocolate:)

One wish...

Tomorrow is Adam's quarter-century birthday...meaning he'll be 25!

When I asked him what he would like for his birthday, I wasn't surprised to hear him request Chocolate Eclaire Pie.

You see, Adam developed his fondness for Chocolate Eclaire pie when I made it for social gathering. He tried it, LOVED it and the rest is history. So WHENEVER we are invited over to someone's house for dinner and we're asked to bring dessert..duh nuh nuh, we make Chocolate Eclaire Pie. I've made it so many times since we've been married (for others..but mainly for Adam) that I have it memorized and can whip out a pie in a matter of 8-10 minutes...especially with Adam's help. And by help, I mean his amazing ability to lick bowls, pans, and spatulas clean of pudding and choclate:)

So chocolate Eclaire pie it is for his birthday...and he doesn't just want one piece, or two, or three.

He wants the ENTIRE pan.

yes. the WHOLE pan. It's been a dream of his to sit down to a
9 x 13 pan filled with graham cracker, vanilla pudding, whip cream, and choclate goodness and have the freedom to eat it all in one sitting...not having to share it with anyone or save it for a social event...it's all his.

I'm excited to help him fulfill this dream. (Documenting footage to follow!)

Here is the recipe for Chocolate Eclaire Pie. Please try it....I'm serious. It is a VERY easy and DELICIOUS dessert!

Ingredients:
-1 box graham crackers
-2 4oz. boxes vanilla instant pudding mix
-3 cps. milk
-1 8oz. thing of Cool Whip




Chocolate Topping:
-Bag of chocolate chips
-1 T butter
-about 2T half and half or milk

Directions:
Blend vanilla pudding and milk. Fold in Cool Whip. Line a 9x13 pan with graham crackers. Put half of the pudding mix into the pan on top of the graham crackers.



Put another layer graham crackers on top of pudding mix.
Pour in remaining mixture and put on final layer of graham crackers.



Melt butter in small sauce pan over low heat, add chocolate chips. As the chocolate and butter melt, stir continually while adding in the half and half or milk until smooth.Top pie with chocolate covering. Refrigerate for a couple of hours (or ideally overnight *this allows the crackers to absorb some of the pudding mix, softened and taste DELICIOUS*)






oh and here is me with the soon-to-be-birthday-boy:) love him and being married to him!

El Fuego

It didn't even take 24 hours since the first official post of the "Marvelous Misadventures of Mr. and Mrs. Bethany" for a mishap to take place.

The story goes as this:

Ruth, a.k.a: "Wife", is getting ready to make dinner for Adam, a.k.a "Husband". She has selected to make a delicious glazed salmon recipe from Allrecipes . And as she always does....tries to improvize and add her own Pizazz to a meal. This "flair" would all too soon backfire on her.

Glaze includes:

- 2tsp. Butter
- 2T Honey Mustard
- 1/4 cp. Brown Sugar
- Swig of Brandy *Ruth's added ingredient*

Directions: combine ingredients in small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Glaze salmon and place in preheated oven under broiler for 10-15min or until golden brown.

After the broiler had been heated, I (ruth) proceeded to put the glazed salmon onto the baking pan and into the oven.

yes. the oven....

I heard a big bang, but thought it was just the oven making noises since it's OLD and continued getting the rest of the meal ready.

(I know you are probably yelling "ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?!)

After 6 minutes had elapsed, I started to smell a distinct burning scent. Opened the oven to check on the salmon and was exceedingly shocked to see my salmon engulfed in flames!!!!

yes. flames. (I know many of you saw this coming)

I turned the oven off and in disbelief that this was all happening, called out, "uh.....Adam... FIIIIIIIIIRRRREEEEE!!!!!!!"

As Adam ran down the stairs, I grabbed the torched and still flaming baking pan and pulled it out of the oven. The house rapidly filled with a dense smoke and smoke detectors started blairing! We rushed to open all the downstairs windows, allowing the winter air to sweep through the house and turned on the living room fan. The "BEEP BEEP BEEP" eventually came to a halt and we were able to catch our breath. That breath ended up turning into laughter and then thanks to God for keeping us safe and the house from burning down.
The salmon survived el fuego and actually turned out to be VERY delicious! (go figure!)

When I aksed Adam what his thoughts were about the events that had just passed he said:

1) "I'm glad you're okay."
2) "I'm glad the house is still standing."
3) "annnnd I'm glad the salmon is okay."

all in all it was a good misadventure.
And may this be a lesson to us all (most likley just me since you all know far better):

DON'T PUT ALCOHOLIC GLAZES IN THE OVEN

or any alcohol for that matter.

Thanking God we are alive, still in the shelter of our home, and our stomachs are filled with delicious brandy-glazed salmon.
Now a bit wiser,
Mrs. Bethany

here is the aftermath of the scorched baking pan...we think with a few hours of soaking we will be able to salvage it.