Refreshing...

A weekend with family is always wild & crazy & fun & entails so much food I feel sick when it's all over haha.  Ryan's grandpa from Arizona was coming to Idaho & since we didn't get to see him at Ryan's grandma's funeral we thought it would be best to visit. And with conference it was a great time to be with everyone. We left Thursday night to get an early start on our adventure which I love doing. I hate leaving Friday then Sunday because you don't really get that vacation feel really.

Friday Ryan still had to work from home #lame but I took the kids up to Rexburg to see Ryan's sister Katee. Katee actually works for my old boss, the athletic trainer, so I got to see her on campus too! It was kind of nostalgic being back at BYU-Idaho, seeing the changes, etc. brought back a lot of good memories. I really did enjoy school there and those years are very precious to me. Ryan was bummed he couldn't come; too out of the way for being available for work & such. I wish we could have seen it together! Anyways, I was able to meet with a couple of great ladies for lunch at Millhollow. I love that place, oh my heavens not sure why haha but they have great sandwiches & ice cream! It was refreshing to see familiar faces & old friends, & their adorable kiddos! They always make me laugh & it is very easy to be myself around them. Despite my kids screaming, & escaping through-out the restaurant, it was a good time haha. Thanks for being patient with me guys!
[Not sure why we didn't take a picture? but love you Jess & Morgan!]

Later that night us adults got a babysitter, that was refreshing haha, & Ryan's grandpa took us all [Ry & I, Karly, Wade, Katee & Mike, Renae & Grandpa Allen]  to Olive Garden for some yummylicious dinner [as Ivy Mae would say haha aka: my new favorite word]. It was a special time. We sat down ordered our food and gramps gathered us as close as we could and talked about his sweet wife who passed recently. I won't say everything but he mentioned how he will set her place at dinner for company. And he talked about how they did everything together and the special moments right before she passed. Of course I was crying because you could honestly feel that love he has for her still and how the love of Christ shaped that love for them. It was tender and beautiful to witness. The plan of salvation is such a wonderful gift. :)

Nae Nae was getting us some ice cream haha

That night we just came home and watched the BYU game. Little stressful as always haha but we beat em! :) Always that 3rd or 4th quarter and we start playing how we should have the whole game haha. But hey new season, new quarter back, I think we are doing great. #tanstheman

Saturday we got up and Karly convinced me to get out and go run. haha yes I did it. Not sure if that's how far she wanted to go meaning, I ran about a mile & and half and walked the rest but she was nice & walked with me haha. Thanks Kar Kar! haha We talked and it was nice to kind of hear her story of being better health wise, etc. She has learned a lot & looks amazing! :) I always think she is gorgeous anytime of day, but it was to have that time to learn from her. Always admired her ambition!

Since it was conference we tried our best with the kids & watched it on the big screen! They can be distracting which is okay, there just little cuties, but I will have to re-watch all the sessions haha. Also, we only saw the first part & had to go & watch Koy play soccer against Madison. Jokes on us, they switched JV & Varsity, so the JV played first and Koy's game time changed. We went to the park & played. It was fun! :) Cute park kind of secluded, but the kids enjoyed it.

  

We finally got to watch Koy play and missed that second session of conference where they announced the three new apostles! [Ps how great is it that the transition of change is so simple & easy! The Lord knows we need these people to lead & guide us regardless of where they come from or what there careers/talents. Excited to hear more about them].  Anyways, Koy won! Madison is a little cray cray when it comes to sports. The parents think they can play too kind of thing & they are very aggressive & to be honest annoying. Yes I said it. haha They are obnoxious. Koy did really well! Since it is his senior year we may not see him play again, time flies for sure! :) Love you Koyboy!

Later that day we were trying to make plans for the boys being able to watch or attend priesthood & us going to have a girls night possibly. My mom wanted to see us so I was trying to fit that in as well. After some time we figured it out & the boys actually stayed at the house with the big screen. Before priesthood started, us girls [Dani, Katee, Karly & I] went & found a cute craft to do! I usually don't do wood crafts but these were simple & fun & glittery! haha we went back home & I grabbed the kids to go to dinner with my mom. Have you ever been to a restaurant where your kids are screaming the whole time? We were at Johnny Corinos so it was somewhat of a nicer place to eat. Usually they aren't that bad but oh my heavens I was actually embarrassed & had to leave asap because of the craziness. I know kids are kids but haha I had to get out of there. I felt bad since my mom & her cool bf Mike couldn't completely enjoy there time. However, they were supportive & understood the situation. Love you guys! haha thanks for accepting us crazies!

I met Dani, Karly & Katee at a couple places to have more girl time. We ended up at Ross & actually found a lot of cute stuff there! In Utah I hardly do now, it's more of a hit or miss. Of course we had to find matching shirts. I actually have never done this before with anyone I don't think? But it was fun! New tradition? haha

Honestly, I don't know why but every picture I was smiling like that. haha

Sunday morning was quite an event. Brooks hadn't slept all night for some reason so I was kind of out of it & Blaire didn't go to bed until midnight! But she came in Ry & I's room & said, as always in her cute voice, "Hi momma, daddy!" But I could tell she had something all over her face. I was worried it was blood, oh but no. It was pink. Her hands, feet, & face were covered in bright pink. 

I was thinking it was just marker? So I left her in the room & got up to go see the damage. What I found was not expected. I was honestly shocked. haha I opened the door and found this!

My mouth was open for 5 minutes I swear. I didn't know where to start. She found the pink paint and went a cray cray. It was all over the carpet, treadmill, & other things here & there. And I am pretty sure she drank it. Thankfully, Karly's neighbor had Norwex stain remover stuff. haha apparently this stuff is gold? :) But it is! It helped a lot! Everyone was kind & helped us clean the mess up. When I found it I had so many things running through my head. I became really anxious & stressed not knowing what to do first. I was nervous to tell Karly & Wade Blaire had decided to do some redecorating. But of course me & my perfectionism got the best of me. Karly just laughed it off & Wade gave me a hug saying it would be okay. I wanted to cry because of how patient they were &  the accepting of the situation. Of course I cry now because I realize how grateful I am to have married into a wonderful family haha. Simple acts of kindness are always needed in our life, whether we realize it or not. Anyways, so the cleaning crew got the pink cleared up & we got to enjoy our morning crepes! haha :) At lunchtime between conference, we got to have moments with Ry's grandpa again. He talked about the wonderful country America use to be but how saddened he is that it has turned into a selfish, self-serving place to live. But he also talked about how many great people still try to live that way & how thankful he is for them. Of course he talked about his sweet wife & how he misses her. Tender moments for us to learn from for sure :)

Conference was great from what we heard this weekend. Watching President Monson speak was a little heart wrenching seeing him become pale & not able to stand fully. His strength just kind of left but his words were strong & powerful. :) What a great man with a great burden. Grateful for him & all the sacrifice he has done being the prophet. As well as the apostles & our other leaders. They are truly gifted men & women. Their testimonies shape us & help us feel that spirit & love of Christ. That is one thing I love about this gospel. The spirit, regardless of who is speaking, can tell us the truth the speakers share. It is up to us to respond to those truths & feelings to know for ourselves. And I have & continue felt those truths. Christ did die for us, he did show us how to be kind & loving. The Book of Mormon has words of strength & power to overcome our weaknesses. We are never alone! :) I will for sure have to re-watch conference since I couldn't take notes this time! But we have the resources to listen & keep reading these wonderful testimonies & witnesses of Christ.

We got to say one last goodbye to everyone & Ry's grandpa. We called Glen & Hailey & Olive on Facetime to talk with them too! It was a bummer they couldn't make it with everyone together. :( Not fun to have someone missing out. haha it actually sucks. But I hope they know we missed them & they are loved! :) Yakima is lucky to have them! :)

Ry is holding up the phone capturing Glen in the photo haha

 I would say this weekend was one for the books! Love my family more than ever. Of course miss all the ones I know & love! I do know that having Ryan & his family in my life is very unique & just what I need! I really did luck out. Love you peeps!

Until next time,

Much Love,

JPB

A few F Words.

Finally.

Hooray! I have finally committed to the blog once again after a six-month (or more let’s be honest) hiatus! Hopefully the blogging readers/world/mainly myself who probably only reads this accept me with open arms!

A lot has happened so I can’t go into much detail? However, I can touch on the big notes of life as of late.

First.

It happened! We did it! We bought our first home & made the official signings on Friday, May 15^th! We finally have a place to call our own & it’s a big deal! We felt really good about the whole process and where we ended up. It was very time consuming but we had amazing help with Heather our bomb realtor, which was referred to us by my good friends husband. She truly made everything smoother & a comfortable process; less stressful than I would have thought. We are forever grateful for everyone who helped us in one way or another! Our neighbors are legit awesome & very welcoming. Our ward is massive, which is probably an understatement. It is very similar to stake conference every Sunday with the addition of five nurseries’, crazy. Sounds overwhelming, which it was at first, but we love it since everyone is in the same boat! We are all newbies! It feels great being in a place where you know you are supposed to.

I will post pics of the insides soon!

Five.

Ryan & I have been married for 5 years, on May 20th. Honestly has flown by! He is the most patient man I have ever met. It isn’t easy living with someone like me who worries about the little things too much, get’s frustrated easily, sometimes has too much to say haha, I can be a handful. However, he never forgets to tell me he loves me, he calms my nerves by his jokes & wackiness, he listens to me blab, he is a father I always pictured for my children, & I know that through our struggles & love of Christ we will make it. I am grateful I found him for my forever. (He actually wrote a freaking sweet blog post about our marriage the last 5 years! Here is the link if want to read about it:Five Reasons Why a Man Needs a Best Friend in His Life).

To celebrate we didn’t go on a wild crazy adventure, sorry, boring us haha.

Buying a house was a pretty sweet thing to do so that was our major gift to us. We did go out to dinner to Johnny Corinos since it was one of the first places we went on a date too. Also, thanks to some friends still watching the kiddos, we added grocery shopping on our date. Haha it was a perfect night out. 

My best Friend. :) 

We are so little! (Year 2010!) 

Year 2015. 

A lot can happen in 5 years :) 

Fertility.

We were blessed with another niece who graced our presence 4 weeks early! Ryan’s sister Danielle & her husband Tyler struggled with fertility for sometime. This past thanksgiving they finally told us they were going to have another baby! This is their second after Ellie who is 6! We all were so happy & crying of course.

She was supposed to be born June 19^th, but came the day after our anniversary on May 21^st.  They named her Isabelle May Thompson, & we all call her Izzy! She was 6 lbs & 19 inches. Which is awesome for a premie baby! She is currently still in the NICU with breathing/eating complications & other little things here & there. However, she is doing great & we love her to pieces! I was able to hold her & she was so tiny but so strong & perfect!

We love you Izzy! Congrats Dani, Ty & Ellie!

Frustration.

We have been living in our home five or six days & Ryan calls me. He proceeded to tell me that he was laid off from work. A lot of things were going through my mind. I kept saying “okay, okay….okay.” haha kind of awkwardly. However, I stopped & told him I loved him, it will work out, you are a great team player, it’s okay…okay… haha jk. But seriously it was a shock to us both. We had no idea it was coming, which was really hard to take, not really understanding why. I won’t go into all the details but you are more than welcome to ask me in a more private setting. For Ry, obviously the responsibility of taking care of the family, amongst other things were first thoughts, & the fact we now had a home to pay for each month. For me, the same concerns, but my heart hurt for him. He dedicates a lot of effort into work. He enjoys working & being in the position he was in. Not being able to be in control of that was again a major shock. We didn’t tell anyone except close family for a couple days. That actually helped, prayers were felt. Love & support were what we needed more than I think we realized at the time…

Our feelings about life for a couple days. 

Faith.

Now it being 2-3 weeks later, Ryan has had multiple interviews, second interviews & many options available open up. Right away, he applied, & applied, & applied, & applied. Non-stop. I admired him more these past couple weeks with his dedication to take care of us. His love is great, & we grew together much more in a sense. Mainly, it has been our faith in Christ we have been relying on, & dedicated prayers of thanks/help. To know that we would be okay, that buying a home was right at this time, that Ryan being laid off was a blessing in disguise, & other things were difficult to see at first. Over the past couple weeks we have felt more okay in our situation than we ever would have thought in that first moment of “okay…okay what next?” The unknown is frightening, but with the help/comfort of the Savior’s love we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else at this time in our life.

Lately, I have been hearing mission stories from my cousin in Toronto, Canada (which I love by the way, missionaries are the best). He is always telling us of people who need Christ in their lives & don’t have it, & the miracles that happen when they meet these people at the right time/place. I just keep thinking to myself how hard it would be for us right now if we didn’t have that hope. That love of Christ to keep us moving forward. He truly does love us at our worst/best moments in life. In all things. I am thankful for the knowledge we have to hold onto that faith & pray that others kind find it too.

Elder Cattelain! 

Fortunate.

Ryan and I truly are fortunate with the children we have been given. They are for sure busy, wild, but have a great love & passion for anything they want. BQ stops at nothing to get what she wants. I found out recently that she has a cognitive/speech disability right now. Long story short, we had a woman come in our home & do some testing. Mainly, Blaire doesn’t understand consequences & can’t express her emotions/behaviors in ways she should at her age. Now we have the opportunity to do more testing & to find solutions to overcome this disability. It was hard at first with everything going on & having to add this on was very overwhelming. Of course I cried off & on about it not knowing what else I could differently to help her. It broke my heart that she couldn’t understand me in certain areas. However, it made things more clearly as to why her communication was off & why Ry & I were having difficulty with discipline. Thankfully we are heading in the right direction, & will have answers overtime. Brooks was having a hard time sleeping through the night, but amongst the crazy two weeks, he had multiple ear infections, constipation, & was teething. Poor little buddy! However, he still laughed, smiled, & was nothing short of a good comfort we needed.

Date with mommy! 

Park time! 

Finale.

Last weekend I had the opportunity to dance again! It was scary, but fun, & exciting, however my body was so sore, yikes haha. DSDS had an alumni dance, so for the finale at the annual TDT concert (aka: Tullerettes) We danced to “uptown funk” and put it together within a couple days really. I loved seeing familiar faces, for sure missed some people, but really loved being in the studio again. It was very much needed after all our crazy up’s & down’s at home. Memories kept flooding back & I am forever grateful for the time & dedication put into something that changed so many lives for the better. Thank you DSDS! 

My little fans! Missing our Ry guy! :) 

Anyways, until next time & not 6 months later I hope!

(as I use to say in my dancing days)

1, 2…Love you!

JPB

what time is it?...

I have figured out that my time has been challenged lately haha.

I have two children now, mind you one is a little busy compared to most, but they are doing great on their own schedules. Blaire has always been good with a schedule, but now with potty training in the mix these past two days we have had to adjust a little. 

Anyways, with being at home, running errands, having fun play dates, making dinner, (the list goes on as most people know), I blink my eyes and oh freak it is already 10pm. 

Honestly, I LOVE IT. 

I have always been a busy body myself, hmm wonder where Blaire gets it. (Okay, she is still the craziest and people who know her would agree with me). About a year ago I would feel so lazy all the time being with Blaire, just sitting around or cleaning the house. 

Overtime, I realize that my time has been dedicated to being a mother instead of my 2 jobs, homework, my husband alone, and other things. I am thankful to be able to have my time shared with Ryan and our two littles. Some don't get the privilege of family, marriage, or bearing children. Our given time and what we choose to do with it is precious and it varies from person to person. What a great blessing that is to have choice, find what our talents and gifts are, use them to our best abilities. 

On that note, we have been up to a lot of fun things these past couple of weeks...

{RYAN} 

............................................

He had a work party at Wheeler Farm. It was great! However it was pouring rain the whole time. And of course BQ wanted to still play in the water. Her and I got soaked for about 2.5 hours. I was very tired and exhausted haha but it was fun. Ryan couldn't run around with her and switch me every so often because he sprained his ankle playing softball! It was a really bad sprain and he had to wear a boot :( but he is doing a lot better. He also took Blaire on their first daddy daughter date. He took her tailgating and to the BYU game. Adorable! They had such a fun day. Thankful he wants to do those things, I love him more all over again.

 

The hubs also started school! :) Hooray! He is gone all day on Tuesdays and his time is devoted to homework on Saturdays mostly and then when he gets home from work. I do still get to see him though, not as often as I would like but I can't complain :). IT WILL BE WORTH IT FOR MANY REASON! I will say it again and again, but I am very proud of him. He has wanted more education for sometime now and it has finally arrived. He has great personal goals and I fully support him. I can't wait to see where his MBA takes him. I love my marketing man! :) 

{BROOKS}

............................................

He had his first BYU game! Ryan loved taking him, but daddy was heartbroken! His mancrush, Taysom Hill got injured as well as a bunch of other players. We were playing USU and lost. Bad day. We got a Cougar Tail and life was good. (For me at least haha). We didn't bring Blaire since it was a late game at 8:15. My friend Jessica was willing to watch her. Very appreciated! :) 

Brooks is two months now and staying a string bean! He can still fit in newborn clothes but I have started dressing him in 0-3 months. Development wise, he has started talking a lot more, smiling more than ever, and has a cute lil giggle. Sleeping, not through the night yet. It's a bummer haha but hopefully he will be like his sister soon. (She was and still is the best sleeper, always wakes up around 8ish even when going to bed around 9 :)

(He hates baths :( I try so hard, but if I keep
him clothed for a bit then slowly move the
clothes off, he does okay. haha)

We were able to bless Brooks this last Sunday. Seriously an amazing day. I will post about that in a couple days when I get the pics! 

{BLAIRE}

............................................

This little spit fire has a mind of her own. She started the terrible twos a couple months ago but her attitude has changed more; good and bad.  She just runs away from us thinking it's hilarious, which it is. But she is still jealous of the babe. It isn't as bad as it was. She will just want something all of sudden when I am feeding him or holding him. She will continue to cry until I put him down and see what she wants.

  

 

Blaire will officially be a "terrible two" at the end of October, 2 years goes quickly!

As for big changes for her, she is now in a big girl bed. LOVES IT. She does destroy her room every morning/night but she has gotten better. However, last night Ryan went to check on her and she was sitting in the 2nd top drawer in her dresser. We honestly have no idea how she does the things she does. A new surprise happens everyday with her haha. 

Her potty training has started officially yesterday. It is going a lot easier than I thought. We have a chart and stickers for her when she completes a task (washing hands, flushing, pulling pants up and down, etc.). I have to sit in the hallway and keep an eye on her or else she will escape and go pee in the living room. Her second day was better and she was more excited about peeing in the toilet. The first day she didn't really like it. What kid does though. Potty training is no joke though. So hopefully in a week we will have progressed a lot. It really amazes me how quickly Blaire can learn things. I for sure underestimate the mind of a 2 year old haha.

{In Other News}

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Ryan's little, little sister Katee got married! :) She married a great guy Mike! It was great too because all of Ryan's siblings were able to be there which won't happen often anymore. We all (minus Koy) were able to go through the temple with Katee and see them sealed. It was a fun weekend to be together and I am glad we all got to be apart of their special day. LOVE YOU GUYS! :)

This was kind of a catch-up post but I am now able to make time to write more often than I have which is nice. I don't know who all reads these haha but if you do thanks for being patient and I hope you will like hearing from me more often! :)

Much Love,

JPB

PS: Conference was amazing. I could devote a billion posts to how much I learned. If you missed it you can find all the talks here. I have been trying to build a better relationship with Christ which was one of my "questions" or things to look for during all the talks. Well, I better have learned something because everything was about the Savior! It was amazing. My eyes were opened and I do know that He loves me :) If you have a chance, listen to Elder Hollands talk :) It was a favorite of mine.

PSS: I am jealous of all those able to go to "Meet the Mormons" already. Ryan and I have yet to see it! :) I love hearing about it and if you want a chance to learn more about those of our faith (as I have heard it isn't about our doctrine but the lifestyle we choose to follow) go watch it! It is a great way to see how we devote our lives to becoming followers of Christ. 

I do know that my Savior lives, He loves us despite all our faults. Thankfully, he carries our faults and I know he died for me, atoned for me that I may live again. He is my light, and I am thankful that I have the little family I do. The plan of happiness has a greater meaning to me. To know I will be with them forever is a great hope, and it is all because of Christ. He is the Christ and I can't deny that. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.