vices...idaho...conference

My Vice

{What the randomness:}

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Confession time, I totally gave in and started watching Vampire Diaries.

What in the world did I do to myself. I always said I would never cave-in because it just seemed corny and lame. Oh, and it is, but of course I can't resist. 

Team Damon?

Team Stefan?

Now I know the struggle every teen/adult woman has. Probably some men too, but anyways I am not a hater anymore. So thank you Netflix is what I really should say.

AND...

Ryan has been wanting to watch Scandal forever, so we started that too. It's not to bad haha. Oh late night TV what would we do without you. Definitely a VICE. 

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Idaho

{Always be Idahome to me:}

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Ryan suggested going to Idaho for this past weekend, and it worked out because his sister Karly was graduating from BYU-Idaho. Everyone had dinner together at Pizza Pie Cafe {aka: craigo's} and then we headed to 'the burg'. We couldn't have been more excited for her! She worked really hard for her degree and totally deserves it, the graduation was a little different haha but it was awesome seeing her accomplish her goal :). 

On a side note, it was somewhat fun going back to Rexburg and having all those memories flooding back in. The good ones haha. But I do take pride in going there regardless of what many say. BYU-I for life yo. 

Anyways, the rest of the weekend we just hung around. Ryan played some golf, we had dinner at the park, then went to movie, and had some yummy ice cream after! 

{We saw Draft Day, it was entertaining! We liked it, not the best movie ever but it was a fun one to watch.} 

It was nice to see people I haven't seen in awhile, to catch-up on their life. Also sad because there is always so much I want to do but I never have enough time to make my to do list complete. 

BUT Idaho, don't you worry, we will be back! 

{some leavitts and bennions, and a peck?} 

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Conference

{Ending on a lighter note:}

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General Conference is honestly a great way for anyone, members of the LDS faith or not, to find a new light in their life. A fresh start in a sense. There were many questions I prepared myself with and I did find the answers. The Lord does work in mysterious ways and I love IT! 

{traditional homemade
cinnamon rolls}

{Picture of Kent's doppleganger} 

{BQ taking notes with us}

I am going to share 3 things that stood out to me most, you may have heard these ideas or not, but that is what is great about these 'mysterious ways'. We may have the same question but hear our answers in a different way.

1. Richard G. Scott "I have Given You an Example"

Elder Scott said a sense of this: 

"If you focus on the most basic principles, you will gain a better understanding of what the Lord needs from you" 

We get so caught up in the world, the fast pace it moves, we can forget to stop and realize what our priorities should be. It was just a simple reminder for me that the finding the light of Christ in your life is simple and a very easy task to take part in. 

2. Robert D. Hales "If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments"

Elder Hales, like many others, talked about obedience. He acknowledged 3 types of obedience:

Natural Man's Obedience

{rejecting God's law for our own desires/popularity}

Selective Obedience

{picking and choosing whichever commandments we want to follow}

Mature Obedience

{the Saviors obedience, willingly obeying Him} 

At times I think we can fall under each one of these categories, I know I am not innocent. However, being a disciple of Christ requires learning mature obedience or we cannot become that disciple. 

3. Dieter F. Uchtdorfs "Grateful in Any Circumstances"

 There is always a need to be thankful, especially in our current circumstances. 

Elder Uchtdorf talked about how we need to be thankful in the now and not to worry about our endings for we only have 

"everlasting beginnings". For me, I can find myself thinking of the future and what kind of mother I will be, wife, the home we will have, mainly possible FUTURE blessings. BUT I have so much to be thankful for in our humble apartment, little Blaire and our future little boy, Ryan and his dedication to work hard and get into grad school, and much more. Our life is a simple one but there is great happiness if I let it. 

{testimony}

I am thankful for a Savior who loves me, faults and all. His Atonement is the one sure thing in this life I can always count on. I know without my testimony and the knowledge I have gained so far about the gospel, I would not be the person I am today. I am thankful for my weaknesses that bring me closer to Christ. It helps me understand the unconditional love He and our Father in Heaven truly has for us. 

Thomas S. Monson is true Prophet of the Lord and speaks on His behalf. The Book of Mormon testifies of Christ and helps me learn how to become a true disciple. I am thankful for the temples and the beauty they bring inside and out for my family here and on the other side of the veil. I know that I am loved and that I can become a better person because I know Christ. In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

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Much Love,

JPB

ps. don't forget it is EASTER this weekend. AND that

Anything is possible #BecauseofHim

first things first-baby blues-happiness.

FIRST THINGS FIRST
{Update on Utah Life:}
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I have definitely been absent from the blogging world. Just haven't made time, or made it a priority which is actually sad when you think about it. 

Anyways, of course things have happened because about 4/5 months have passed. My last post was about my cute family moving to Utah. We made it and are loving it:

1. There are many more options for activities.
2. We have seen our family more it seems than when we were in Idaho, they love to visit or family here in Utah invite us over for dinner, which is VERY much appreciated.
3. Our ward is great, older, but very welcoming and comfortable.
4. Ryan is loving his job at Telarus. My marketing man :)
5. Blaire and I love to walk to the library, play with cousins on Wednesdays, go to the park, and the list goes on. {Haven't been able to go outside because the weather is lame, whatever it is still beauitful outside haha, just chilly!}

All in all we are thankful to be here.
It feels good to be in a place where you know you should be.

{adventures and many not pictured below}

{all of us at RITA's yum} 

{my cousin chandler is a hockey pro}

{one of many BYU games}

{the superbowl with aunt Stacy,
yes we are still broncos fans}

{cute baby olive}

{wedding day for the cousin!} 

{dinner our family's favorite place - the pie}

{park time with cousins}

{chuckie cheese}

{black bear diner with these babes}

{temple square}

{us and "kent"} 

{womens conference with brit}

BABY BLUES
{Oh the joys of pregnancy:}
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I found out I was pregnant at about 8 weeks, sometime in January. I am going to be honest with you all, pregnancy doesn't look good on the inside for me. Let me explain.

I am very very very extrememly moody. Some might call it the "baby blues". Those first 12-15 weeks I am not fun to be around, I am sick, I am selfish, and I feel worthless. It is hard hurdle to get over. Even my relationships with those I care about gets all screwy, people walk on egg shells around me in a sense, especially my adorable hubs. There are tears {uncontrollable ones mainly} and I don't know how to get a hold of my priorities or my grasp on life.

{Geee this is depressing haha}

Having that feeling of being overwhelmed, comparing myself to other mothers who seem to have it all together, amongst other thoughts consume me. I worry I won't be able to be the mother my children need in all honesty. HOWEVER, thanks to a loving Heavenly Father and Savior I know that this doesn't have to be the case; especially a husband who puts things in perspective and is patient beyond words with me.

I have learned PRAYER is key. Also, not being "pretty enough" or "motherly enough" should never be thoughts to cross my mind. I am a good mother and I do try my best. Being a perfectionist is a curse, but a blessing. MAKING MISTAKES are acceptable.

I thought to share this little insight because feeling this way these past couple months, I have hindered myself to grow spiritually, and closer to those around me. I look back and realize how much happier I could have let myself be. It is hard to choose to be happy. I don't know if I am the only one that goes through this, seems like many love pregnancy haha I don't at first but I do find that happiness.

Choose it though, it is worth it.


HAPPINESS
{If you're happy and you know it:}
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It wasn't that I lost my happiness because of pregnancy, but I lost how to let myself be happy which is sad haha. BUT I recently have overcome this roadblock that seems so silly now thinking about it. I have many blessings to look forward too, especially a new little boy in August!

The Bennion name lives on!
{Ryan's family was getting a little worried haha}

What a joy it is to know our family is expanding and there is already so much love for this little boy. Similar to when I was pregnant with Blaire, this joy of having a child to call my own, to share that with Ryan is really wonderful. We are blessed to be able to have this experience.

Life has been amazing to me, blues and all.
 I couldn't have asked for a better one, and the best part is, it isn't over :)

Much Love,

JPB

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{ps: don't forget it is conference this weekend, watch it!
COME LISTEN TO A PROPHETS VOICE}