chao twenty fourteen...

{Thanksgiving}

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Ryan had a huge family reunion! His mom's parents and siblings were all able to come together for it! There was about 75 people give or take at Thanksgiving dinner. Kind of a lot haha. We reserved a church building for it all or else we wouldn't have been able to eat together. We stayed in a hotel for a couple days for a somewhat "stay"cation to spend as much time with all these people Ryan hasn't seen in 5 plus years. We loved it! It was really fun to see everyone and learn more about Ryan's grandparents. On top of Thanksgiving we celebrated their 65th (I think) anniversary, and both of their birthday's the day after Thanksgiving at the church. Sadly, Ryan's grandmother Nyda has a very severe onset of Alzheimer's. She can say maybe one or two words in her rambling, however she still is so spunky and will smile and love on the grandkids. The highlight of it all for us was to see the love Ryans grandfather, Alec, show his love for Nyda and for the Savior. He is one of the most service oriented and thoughtful man I have ever met. To hear the stories their children shared, to see him hug his family for so long and not let go, to hear him pray, to hear him talk about his sweet wife, words can't describe. I was in such awe. We have a great example and legacy to live up to! :)

So adorable.

{Christmas}

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For the past 5 years I have been able to go to my mom's for Christmas. It is hard because, as I said before, we have a lot of family and everyone wants to see us. I actually did see some of my mom's family because my aunt put on a gingerbread house party!

 It is hard to see all our family sadly, we don't like it! However, this year we thought it best to visit my dad in Kennewick, Washington. He is always a fun guy to be around, lots of stories and thoughts on a wide range of topics. It is nice because we got to just do whatever haha no obligations really. I love that aspect and atmosphere my mom (pam) creates. We haven't seen them on a Christmas for awhile. It was a relaxing and enjoyable time, hanging out, making dinner, and chilling with my siblings that I never see. The weather was actually gorgeous (until we had to leave & mind you we left at the worst time possible because the blues were horribly covered in snow yikes!). We went to a couple of movies, Into the Woods (the boys didn't go haha get real). We liked Into the Woods, little strange at times. I do love the music though and I knew the story already so I was expecting the outcome it had. A lot of people I guess were hating on it. haha whatever I like musicals. Also, Ryan and I were able to go on a date and we saw St. Vincent (hilarious Bill Murray independent movie haha I would suggest it!). 

Yummy Treats!  

 

Ryan always writes me cute
notes for my presents :)

Dad & brooks so exhausted! :) 

{New Years}

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Ryan's uncle, Grant, invites whoever is around for a New Years Eve/Day get together! This year, Ryan's brother Glen and his cute family were able to come too before they go back to Washington. Grant's kids (cousins Ryan and Glen are close with), and his wife's kids were all there too! We played games, ate delicious food (always have some homemade Mexican in the mix) and stayed up probably too late haha after our simple countdown and I can't forget my New Year's kiss with my love! :) It was fun and hope we get to do it again. The next day we decided to go see the New Years Day sales, and oh my. Dillards is crazy. My sister-in-law Hailey and her family are all about this sale. She is always raving about how amazing it is! :) So this year Ryan's cousins (the girls) and I went to check it out. All I say is insane, it's like Black Friday! haha. Unfortunately we didn't find anything, we got there late. Now we know for next year what to do if we want anything! We were total rookies. 

Blaire & cousin Gracie!

Anyways, I always look forward to the end of the year because of all the family we get to see. This year was just that! :) With the holiday season, Brooks being born in August, a fun summer, etc. twenty fourteen was perfect. I do wish it could have ended on a lighter note. I had to close my business, but only temporary until we move.

Let me explain... 

When I first moved to Utah I got my Sales Tax license and thought that was all I needed. In Idaho, I didn't need to get separate license for the city I lived in to allow me to sell. However, I do in Utah. So I was sent a letter saying I would get a citation if I didn't get this license because I apparently received a letter I didn't respond to! Yikes! So I got it all situated and they were very kind about it all. No fines, etc. All I had left to do was get the property manager of the complex we live at to sign a form saying it was okay. Through a bunch of phone calls, and driving all over the city, the owner won't sign the papers because I would be liable? And they couldn't tell me how I would be. I am still waiting to hear back from them since they have been closed for New Years. Mainly, I was just frustrated because it was something I worked so hard for and tried to make it mine and it was/is! :) Not that it was the most popular, or the most interesting to others but I really like doing what I do for others using my creative side. I still don't have a full answer why and that doesn't make it any better. I was so upset I was mad crying! haha I don't recall ever doing that before, but the best part about it all is a couple things. 1. I called Ryan right away and he said just what I needed and told me he loved me :) and then 2. The city is actually trying to find an answer as to why the owner won't let me too. 

Despite these strange but fun past couple days, I have a happy life and marriage, I have two crazy, spunky children, and I have a Savior who loves me for me. The best part of it is I am still learning how to balance it all and I love the challenge!

Can't complain about that. :)

chao twenty fourteen,

JPB

{ps. my cousin Chandler got his mission call to Toronto Canada! He actually kept it a secret from his parents for a long time! Seriously, way hard to keep that secret haha. He surprised them with an early christmas present and opened it Christmas Eve! They must know he likes hockey or something, eh? :)}