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? :)}

a little bit of this and a little bit of that...

Yikes. I totally lied. Apologies! 

I said I would be returning more often (in my mind I was thinking once a week) but it has been about 3 1/2 weeks). Life of a mother is taking over, but I couldn't be more happier about it! :) 

I was folding clothes tonight and I couldn't stop smiling because I love the craziness my two littles bring me. Ryan and I are constantly laughing/gushing about the things they do. We truly are pursuing happiness and it is great, bumps and all! 

Let me just catch you up on little things here and there that have been occurring in the Bennion home:

{Blaire's Birthday}

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Our baby turned 2! She had such a fun day too. We went to wiggle worms in the morning and got a yummy cupcake after with a friend at the sweet tooth fairy!

(Blaire and her buddy Packer!) 

Later she opened some presents and we waited for Ryan to get home. Her favorite gift was probably her magna doodle. I shouldn't have let her open that first haha. 

That night, we went to City Creek and met up with Ryan's sister Danielle, and her hubby Tyler and their little girl Ellie. We just ate there and then let the kiddos run around in the play area while the adults could chit chat!  

(Cousin Ellie and Blaire! All she did was poke her cake.)

(Aunt Dani and baby Brooks!)

It was a simple day but a fun one. I cherish these memories we have with her. She is only this little once. I love how curious, adventurous, and spontaneous she is. At her check-up her head was in the 99% range. haha as always. She is healthy and more active than ever. She talks and phrases some words together but not too much. If it doesn't improve she may have to start doing some simple speech therapy. We read a lot to her, practice our words, colors, numbers, etc. every day. I think as long as I know we are doing what we can that's what matters. A little extra help doesn't hurt! I am thankful each day that I get to spend the time I do with her. We have become such good friends. Especially since I cut her TV time in half to only an hour but it is amazing how much that has changed things! She is more obedient and willing to do more things with me. Her happy attitude makes my days so much better. And she is so sweet to Brooks! She kisses his little head any chance she gets! 

We love you Blaire Quinn and can't wait to 
see where year 3 takes us! 

{Halloween: LEGIT}

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I have a hubby who loves to dress up just as much as me! :) We try to do a theme each year, last year we were "Where's Waldo" and this year we did a "Wizard of Oz" theme. Mainly because Ryan wanted to be a monkey haha. He had the whole costume head to toe (we have never spent so much on a Halloween costume before: those prices are a little ridiculous). He road his bike to work in the costume as well that day, proud moment for him haha.

(Trunk or Treat!)

 I was the wicked witch (yes painted my face green), Blaire was cute little Dorothy, and Brooks was her little cowardly lion. It was such a beautiful night too! We went to my aunt's neighborhood which was perfect. Blaire was so excited Trick-or-Treating. She would start shaking and not know what to do; smiling ear to ear! Of course she wouldn't say thank you because of how excited and anxious she was. She would keep grabbing all the candy she could until the person would take the candy bowl back too. There was even a house that had a whole scone station in their garage; it was delicious and a fun night. My mom was able to come that night too and take Blaire the next day for us. It was a fun Halloween this year and glad we got to make the best out of it :)

{Hockey}
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My cousin Chandler plays hockey for Utah State and we get to see him play randomly! Halloween weekend he played at the U. Just a fun reason to get anyone together! Go Aggies! 

(The sisters are grandmas!)

(Mom's with their babies and their babies, babies!) 

(Chels had fun with my phone.)

(Baby Brooks and Cousin Trey!)

Well until next time! And lets hope it isn't 3 plus weeks later. We have a lot coming up with the holiday season so I will have more things to splurge about soon. 

Much Love,

JPB

{PS: I have written about Brooks Blessing because I don't have the pictures yet. Ryan got a new phone and getting the pictures off of his old phone hasn't been a priority of late. I will hopefully get on that soon! :)}

it's getting hot in here...

I can't say anything before I give a HUGE thank you to Ryan's dad and stepmom Lori! 

They let us borrow their AC window units and life is much more cool. 

{see what I did there?}

Ryan and I have never lived on a top floor before. Our apartments have always been fairly cool and comfortable. Love life at Murray Place but not so much in the summer! It can get up to 95 degrees in our little humble abode; also my pregnant body no likey. 

Again, thanks to the parentals, it stays in the 70's which is perfect. 

I LOVE COLD AIR AND I DON'T CARE WHO KNOWS IT.

Now on to more summer adventures

{Adventures 1-5 can be found here}: 

Adventure #6

{Hogle Zoo}

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Ryan's stepmom Lori and stepsister Brookell were around the area and asked Blaire and I if we wanted to go to the Hogle Zoo. Of course we said yes. Besides the fact Blaire hates loathes DESPISES her stroller, it was great! 

She was adorable. She wouldn't stop jabbering, laughing, pointing, or smiling at everything she saw! We think her favorite was the monkeys and the polar bear because of how much she screamed with excitement. It was very entertaining and perfect. 

It was pretty roasty outside so we had her play in this splash pad place at the zoo. I think we were quite jealous she got to do that haha. 

Lori is so giving and great! Blaire loved being around her and Brookell. We are so thankful for how kind her family has been and welcoming to all of us crazy kids. WE LOVE YOU GUYS! :) 

Adventure #7

{Ryan's Birfday}

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In past posts, I have talked about Ryan having an off the wall work schedule. Because of this he took a 4 day break this week. We weren't complaining! :) It just so happened this time fell during his birthday...smart move @ryben3 

His birthday started out with homemade breakfast burritos. HOWEVER, I was bummed because we didn't have any more strawberries for strawberry waffles {Ry's favorite}. Thankfully, he loves Mexican food so it worked out great.  

We then got ready for the day awaiting the time for our one-hour relaxation massage. 

IT WAS HEAVENLY {understatement}. 

We couldn't do them at the same time so Ryan went first and then I got mine. Both of us had never been graced with one before, they will probably be a more regular thing in our life. When Ryan came out he had this "massage drunk" look on his face, haha he was loving life. 

Right after my massage we went to drop off Blaire at my cousin Aaron and Caitlins house. They were very generous to watch Blaire for us because they gave us a one-night stay at a hotel in downtown Salt Lake. I had been watching their kids for sometime and they kept offering to do this for us. We didn't think we deserved it by any means but they kept pushing for us to use it. So thank you Caitlin and Aaron! :) VERY much appreciated. 

By that time we were hungry for dinner and the birthday boy chose none other than SUSHI. We ate at Simply Sushi, which was litereally 10 seconds away from our hotel haha. Worked out perfect. I am personally not a fan of sushi and just order the breaded vegtables everytime. I do however like watching what people get, there are cool names and crazy colored foods haha. Ryan had 4 rolls and loved everybite. Oh, our server's name was Nemo. He was pretty legit. 

After dinner, we took the trax to temple square and walked around. We also found the family history center in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and Ryan learned some knew things about the program! It was fun. It also was a goregous and beautiful day. And a perfect day because the time we got to spend talking and reminicising. You don't get that time very often alone when kids come into the picture. They do make life better of course but it is nice to have time together.

It was getting late so we ended the day relaxing at the hotel. We even got the hot tub to ourselves!

I am very thankful for Ryan and all he does for our family, he deserved a good day :) 

Adventure #8

{America's Birfday}

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America day started outside our apartment watching the parade. Yeah, we lasted 30 minutes. The child wouldn't sit still for too long and anyways it was almost 90 degrees by 9:30. But hey, we did get some salt water taffy's. 

 I usually go with my mom's family to party all day. So this year we of course we had the fam BBQ, and end the night going to Stadium of Fire. This year Carrie Underwood came. No I am not a fan of country, but she does a good job singing. And I do admit I sang along with the songs that I knew {Jesus Take the Wheel, All-American Girl, and the beloved Before He Cheats!}. 

Oh and she has a rockin bod! 

Before Carrie and the BIG firework show, they have little things here and there for entertainment. They always have the american flag come into the staidum by skydivers! It is pretty neat :) And Studio C came from BYU. It was alright, just more corny than funny with their skits and stuff. People are really obsessed with it though. A little side theme was superheroes so they had Batman, Superman, and some other superhero greats, do a jumping acrobatic trick show. It was fun to watch. The only thing I think we wish we could change was the traffic. It takes a way long time to get out of parking, very annoying haha but you know you have to deal with it. 

It was great to celebrate America's birthday! I love the reminder of the freedoms we do have, the history of it all. Just feels good to have pride on this day. #murica
(everyone loved saying this for some reason haha did u notice? Didn't know we turned to hicks)

Adventure #9
{I Hate Goodbyes}
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Ryan's bro Glen got into medical school up in Yakima, Washington! So we had a surprise get together to say goodbye and hang out before they left us for awhile. We spent the day going to lunch, talking, relaxing, just normal stuff. It was harder than I thought to be honest to send them off. I didn't think I would cry, it wasn't because I was preggers either. Just the idea that they are farther away and we won't get to see little Olive and them as much is very bittersweet. Happy for them, but selfishly want them to stay close! :) WE WILL MISS YOU GUYS!!! :) LOVE YOU!

Adventure #10
{July 24th}
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Utah loves this holiday and for a good reason! In Idaho I just remember going to a simple field of wards/stakes that had booths and food. In Utah, people get the day off, everyone has parades, its a huge party all over! I went to the Mapleton parade with the babe and my moms family. My uncle built a WWII authentic jeep and he was in the parade. He does all those Saints and Soldiers movies, he loves the war stuff. So it is always fun seeing someone you know in a parade makes it more exciting! Blaire was actually pretty good at this parade, MAINLY because I had my aunt Stacy literally chasing her around the whole afternoon at the park and all the festivities. I don't know how I could have done it without my family. Being pregnant you can't run around as much haha. I was so thankful!! Blaire kept running away from Stacy though saying no over and over again because she of course wanted to venture on her own. Typical but I love that little personality of hers :)

It was a good first official Utah Pioneer Day for me and I loved it! Hot, but fun to be with loved ones.

Adventure #11

{Graduate School}

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Well, this adventure has been a challenge. Ryan worked really hard in trying to get in his top choice schools, unfortunately to simply put it he didn't get in after taking part in the whole process even after the interview. It was hard because he did all he could and felt discouraged, defeated, etc. I don't like seeing him like that. HOWEVER, I have never seen him more encouraged to try again. He took a week to think about his next step in achieving this goal and found a solution. He talked with the University of Phoenix and went through their submission process for an MBA with an emphasis in Marketing and he GOT IN! :) No, it isn't the way he thought he would be getting his MBA, but he didn't want to put off another year of time wasted when he could have been in school. 

I totally supported his decision and couldn't be more proud of him. It was a struggle for him at first but he realized that his goals are possible and everything does happen for a reason. 

Faith definitely played a role in this process, as well as prayer and support from many family members. It was a neat perspective because we had that support but the end result didn't rule in our favor. Sometimes it is easy to think "oh we are doing everything right...etc...so it will all work out a this or that way." This experience was a good reminder that the Lord truly is always there for us and knows what is best at the time even though we can't see the whole picture.

 It is a great comfort to know that we have the Savior to lean on if we allow ourselves to do so, why wouldn't we want to have that type of perspective in our life. FAITH is very very key in this life. And I have learned that more being married to Ryan and the experiences we have shared. 

SO...September 30th is the first day of school for the hubs. :) He will take one class for 6 weeks, and move on to the next for a year and a half and then finish out that second year working on his emphasis. He will work full-time while going, but work is very lenient and support him going to school 100%. I am thankful that I will be able to still stay home with Blaire and the future babe still. Seriously, Ryan is my hero haha as corny as that sounds. No,  life isn't perfect we are poor, we want things we don't need, we need things we can't get, but I wouldn't change it for anything. Love you sweetie! :) 

Thanks for bearing with me with all these words, I can't get my pictures to load so this post may have been a lot to take in! :) If you read the whole thing, thank you. If you didn't, understandable because I don't know if I would have haha.

Until next time!

Much Love,

JPB

Baby Update:

August is going to be amazing because a babe is on the way very soon! I am due the 5th which has already passed, haha it is the 7th today. I was expecting this to happen so I was already prepared for it. I haven't had contractions, or other signs he is coming. Besides the fact I have to pee a lot more and kicks me in my crotch constantly. Silly kid. But I am hoping by Sunday I will start progressing more. I haven't these past two weeks. Still at a 2, same effaced percentage. So we will see. Our life will be changing in a great way though I KNOW FOR SURE the 14th of August! That day I will be induced. On the 11th I go in for a stress test to see if the baby is still functioning okay, if not I will be induced that day. The reason for the 14th is because Tuesday and Wednesday is full of women already taking up time to be induced. There is a lot more people in Utah than Rexburg, Idaho. Especially at IHC haha. But SERIOUSLY WE can't wait!!! :) 

As for cravings: mainly ice cream, Neapolitan which is strange haha but I love it maybe too much. Also, re-watching The Office for the 4th or 5th time in my life. Seriously the greatest.
Domestically: went crazy with the nesting. Cleaned out my whole house it feels great haha. And I sewed a car seat cover that I love. I did one for Blaire so I figured I shouldn't use the girly one for the baby boy.
Names: No idea. Sad, but true. You will all know his name right when we do! :)