new post...

It's been three months since I last wrote (not six! haha)A lot of crazy was happening all at once in such a short time, you can read about that crazy right here.

But of course, life is always crazy and these past couple months have been nothing short of the madness we call happiness.

new JOB:

With Ryan's hard work and patience, which I admire, he was offered a position at Clearlink! He actually wasn't planning on working there but stepped out of his box and just counter-offered for them. The worst they could have said would be no, and we heard that a lot so it was for sure worth a shot. The shot worked and he gladly accepted! It is located out by the airport and he is on their marketing team learning more skills each day! Go Ry! :) 

Honestly, he is a much happier and family oriented man. Not that he wasn't before, his work was just demanding and he noticed he was slowly changing in a way he didn't like. (He talks about it on his blog here.) How grateful I am for his diligence in keeping his head up and looking at the situation with a positive attitude. Also, he made it to 18th grade! :) haha Hooray! Almost done with grad school!

new RESULTS:

This is about our cute BQ. She is learning and talking much more these days, understanding how to do things herself, solve problems to things, etc. Our therapist is one in a million and teachings our family skills we will always use. Not just focused on Blaire, but things to help us work together, and communicate better with one another. Blaire still won't potty train, but I am not worried as much as I use to be; she isn't ready yet. Whether or not other people outside are home understand that or not, I don't really care haha. We are doing what we can, it really is the little things that matter. 

On a side note, she did run away from home and was missing for 30 minutes. NOT FUN. Scariest thing in the world. We were outside having popsicles with neighbors and I turned around for one second and she disappeared. We looked in our houses around our area and I thought she probably ran to the park possibly? And sure enough my amazing neighbor found her there. Of course I cried when I saw her I don't wish this upon any parent. She didn't realize it was wrong and still doesn't grasp the concept but the therapist has taught us some new things to help her stay by us. We have to play the stop & go game outside while holding hands, give her specific choices, etc. There is hope haha! But Blaire is honestly a wonderful, independent, beautiful and busy girl. We are excited to see what her energy and excitement about life will bring to this world.

new HOUSE:

I thoroughly enjoy having a place to call our own. As you can see below, still pretty empty. We finally put up some curtains with the help of our amazing neighbors! I just got white because I couldn't take it anymore. I am extremely picky/perfectionist but it works. I am nervous to put holes in the wall too. Which is why nothing is hung, etc. It takes time and money to get what we need/want which I am fine waiting, more times than others. We will get there :) 

new PERSPECTIVE:

As with everyone, life is always teaching us to learn something new, challenge us to new heights per say. I knew I was a perfectionist but I didn't realize how damaging it can be. My anger was becoming more constant over simple things. I was putting a wedge between my relationship with Ryan, my kids, and all things spiritual. I began believing the lie that everything had to be right, perfect, then, and not later. I knew something had to change or life was going to get more difficult for me. Ryan and I kept talking and suggested I talk to his uncle Rex who has worked for the church being a counselor, among other things. I had this constant battle for a couple days about calling him, being anxious about it, you name it. I finally just called him I am so glad I did of course!

I learned within minutes that being a perfectionist is a weakness of mine. I hold myself to a pretty high standard which can be difficult when I make the smallest mistake such as forgetting to read my scriptures in the morning. In 3 Nephi 12:48 (Or Matthew 5:48) it says, "Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect." This is an interesting verse because it isn't possible to be perfect right now, only through Christ and his atonement is it made possible. But not even in this life is it possible. We will be, and are constantly told, we make mistakes. Satan uses this concept and makes us think that mistakes so small make us unworthy to follow Christ, or pray to know he loves us, etc. With that said, I have to constantly tell myself:

1. Perfectionism is a Lie
2. I can know this is a lie if I pray continually about it, I will feel and know it is a truth.
3. Prayer is key and the Lord still loves me for my weakness.

I was totally in a therapy session over the phone. #noshame and it's working! :) I am slowly, not easily, coming to understand how to change my weakness to a strength. This is kind of more personal than I usually share? But with conference coming and my depth within the gospel lately, I just hope everyone knows they are loved. Despite their weaknesses. Sounds like a broken record but I know that if you pray and ask for God's love. You will feel it and you can't forget it. I made this quote by Elder Holland below to keep me on track, it really works with anyone whatever they are going through! :) (there is a watermark on the print haha thats why it may look funny) 

SIDE NOTE: I taught myself a lot of new things to do with illustrator and such for my Etsy shop. I kept asking a talented friend who is beyond adorable from home to do some family portrait stuff for myself and family members my family never got back to me, etc. Long story short, I never had her do it and I totally forgot about it. Six months later Ry lost his job, and other things, we didn't have too much extra cash flow for extra wants. I thought maybe I can do it too? So I essentially taught myself and went from there! I hesitated showing people because I get so nervous about stuff like that. Being vulnerable and sharing your talents. 

Anyways, again my perfectionism can get the best of me with all aspects in my life but don't hesitate to be you people! :) You would be surprised what you can learn about yourself haha. 

new YEAR:

We have 3 summer birthdays! Ryan, Brooks and I! It is kind of fun with lots of celebrating to do! For my bday we didn't do anything too crazy! I hung out with my aunt haha she is pretty great and we have the same birthday so... it's kind of a must! Also, it happened! BLAIRE AND I GOT OUR EARS PIERCED TOGETHER! haha I have never had them before? Who knew, haha. It was fun. She did great too! She only cried for one second! :)

For Ry, we were actually on our way to Idaho since it was July 4th weekend! So we did a lot of family stuff for his birthday! And poor Brooks. haha Ryan had to work all day so I went to the park with some neighborhood friends and we played. He got some gifts but I didn't even have a chance to decorate or anything! WORST MOM EVER! I felt so bad! haha But he is loved I promise :) He started walking around his 1st birthday, now running. He still laughs 24/7. He is excited about life. His personality is very bold and outgoing from what we can tell so far. If anything he over exaggerates every emotion right now which is hilarious and so sweet! Bad note, he loves to bite. Little weasel. haha but he is still a cutie! 

new MEMORIES:

With all that said, we had a lot of fun this summer with new friends and family togetherness. I am grateful for those close to me and far! Isn't life just great? :)

We love when Karly Katee & Mite come visit

Side Note: Blaire never says Katee, always Karly or only Mi't'e
(Never says that 'k' haha) 

Go Gougs! (With our adorable BSU fan) 

4th of July with Ivy Mae! 

These amazing peeps running races! :) (PS: the couple next to ry are having a baby and it's pretty rad since they have been trying forever! :) :) :) You should read her story here! It's so tender!)

Grandpa Bennion's Funeral

Olsen Family Reunion

Ryan's Sweet Grandma who passed away recently after his Grandpa. 

Lagoon!!!! :) (Cannibal was legit ps.)  

Shouldn't have gone on that Cliffhanger... 

That time my mom took me to see the Kristen Chenoweth. Oh my heavens. Amazing. 

Love the park with the babes! 

Until next time!

Much Love,

JPB

Ps. Is fall here yet! That means, Halloween is coming. haha HOORAY! :)

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

10 things I hate about me...

Weaknesses can get the best of us sometimes, from small to big it can all add up. However, it feels accomplishing when you handle those weaknesses to the best of your ability and see the end result. That you can overcome them. Some of these weaknesses are silly, some are more serious, but all in all this is me and my imperfections. Not in a specific order, just 10 things I have thought about before, some too often, but now I realize how I am better because of them.

1. "You can dance if you want to..."

Many of you know, or don't, but I danced for 18 years. This isn't a weakness mind you but a talent that I tried to perfect. I really enjoyed dancing, it got me out of my element. Helped me escape a lot of things I was going through in my environment and personally. During high school I kind of lost who I was. Everyone goes through that and probably knows what I am talking about. I was angry, frustrated, and wanted things now spiritual and worldly. I was not patient. It fed into my dancing and I became lazy and just didn't care. I worried too much what others were thinking, how I looked, what they were saying. Now by all means I wasn't the greatest dancer haha but I could have been better. However, I had those moments when dancing when I felt the most beautiful, myself, etc. It may not have shown :/ haha but I am thankful for those who I danced beside with. I had the best of friends/instructors and I new I was welcome regardless of my small dancing talent and the frustration. I know now to live in the moment, be myself at all times. Finding happiness is much easier than attempting to hate it because I don't have it.

2. "...I am only resolved to act in that manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute happiness, without reference to you or to any person so wholly unconnected with me..."
-Elizabeth Bennet (Pride & Prejudice)

Oh man was I very rude to boys haha. I didn't give myself a chance to open my heart. I was very guarded in letting myself get to know people. Even if a guy just wanted to be friends I would always think their intention was more. It scared me and I shut myself out. I for sure had commitment issues in the simplest ways. I could have accepted more date offers, more friendships, etc. But as I got older I realized those close to me who had made relationship mistakes, didn't reflect who I had to be. It took some time but I found my guy! Ryan was someone who helped me fully open my heart and accept that I can make happiness work.

3. "I don't think we are in Kansas anymore..."

I am slightly obsessed with movies/TV I get so intrigued with the story, but I also am curious on where how the movies/shows are made, the director etc. Not that this is bad, but when my time was more focused on that than other priorities I realized I had to change this habit. I sometimes would rather be watching something than sleeping, chores around the house, and other simple things. It has never gotten to the point where I neglect my husband or children thankfully. I realized way before this time how important family time is. I guess growing up, being the only child for sometime, being alone a lot, I would put on movies and let my imagination be where they were. I was always imagining, making my own movies, writing stories, etc. Pretty sure if you ask me about a movie/TV show I will know something about it. There are so many stories told, many ways to encourage creativity, many ways to touch others personally in their hearts, teach life long lessons, I love it! But when it consumes you be wary. There are more important things to consume your life with.

4. Call me the D.U.F.F. (Dude's ugly fat friend.) 

In high school I was always the funny, weird friend jumping from group to group (literally). I saw all my beautiful friends get boyfriends, date, be liked. I wasn't jealous but I just put myself in a situation where I pretended not to care what I looked or felt like.  Mainly because of the above #2 but also because I didn't think I had a chance. I enjoyed wearing my sweats to school but I could have groomed myself in a better manner. I am sure I stunk sometimes, haha but as I got older I realized that I am beautiful. I can feel pretty with the little I have. I can have my own voice on what I like or don't like. I want my children to have that too, I want to feel beautiful for my husband, I want to feel pretty myself. I want to feel how my Heavenly Father and Christ feel about me. And I do! (Now, I am a woman haha so sometimes it can get the better of me, BUT I am much more positive about ME than I have been before.) Which is normal right? I think that is what you do as you get older, realize your worth in a new perspective. 

5. "Ommpa loopma doopady doo..."

Yikes I love chocolate. Sometimes I don't know when to stop when I get a treat. My mom always makes yummy desserts, her sister does, and I do too. Not sure what it is but we love the sweets. Not sure if being danish has anything to do with that? But anyways, I do know when to stop. I have been eating much more healthy, which in turn, helps my family realize how to eat better too. Dessert every now and again doesn't hurt however :) 

6. What was that? I couldn't hear you...

Oh, my voice. Sometimes I can yell and it isn't pretty. I do really hate this about me. However the past couple years, since marriage and children, I have come to learn that if I don't pray for patience and to have a calm voice in all things, yelling is more likely to happen when I am frustrated. However, those moments of frustration aren't something I want my family to remember me by as little moments they are. Prayer has helped me greatly because of this, our home is filled with more love because my willing to try and be better each day. It works and I can't deny that. 

7. "My precious..."

I don't know what it is but I love thrifting. It once got to the point of where I could of had my own shop. haha seriously! I would collect things because I had an idea in my head but then could only finish half the project. Mainly because I didn't have enough $$$ to put into it, I didn't make the time, or I actually thought I could do it and couldn't haha which really makes me laugh. I found that this wasn't healthy. I saw it a lot around me, the idea of promising something or doing something and not following through. It became a habit of something I new I needed to change. For quite sometime now I have a rule, if I don't do the project within that month I bought it for it goes away! Bye bye! I do this with clothes too. It really does help, keeps my house clean and less clutter. I hate that clutter. 

8. "I want the truth..."

I am very quick to assume. Assume someone is upset with me, or someone doesn't like me and I thought we were good friends, etc., usually assuming the worst case scenario. I think it is just my imagination but it can over shadow what I truly do know deep down. Whether the assumptions are true or not, I can tell you first hand letting those things consume you is exhausting! I have learned since that doing this, allows others to in away control your life is somewhat weird and strange. It is much easier to put those thoughts away and live your life happily with what is in front of you, and not others who could or could not be saying what you think. Really is awkward having this problem but I am pretty sure it is more common than I think haha. 

9. "You can't handle the truth..."

I get offended quickly! I don't know what it is about me but like I said in #8 I quickly assume which leads to getting offended, which leads to confusion, which leads to a mess! I use to jump to many conclusions all at once but now I stop and think. Sounds simple and easy enough to step back and think about what I am saying but it can be hard to focus on what the problem really is. Can you imagine me focusing? haha jk. But in all seriousness I have a wonderful patient husband who has helped me understand that my thoughts get the best of me when I get upset with others. 

10. "I want the world...I want the whole world..."

Okay I am not evil, haha but I am very impatient at times. I have gotten in trouble because of it. Or, I missed out on something better because I couldn't wait. These are little things but they can add up to what I recognized to be a concern for myself. If I am impatient outside the home, I will be inside. It can cause a lot of strife if you don't wait on any level of patience, from waiting to buy a house, or to see if your pregnant, etc. we all wait for things. Some do so better than others which I admire. I mentioned before if I don't pray for this each day, my day doesn't go as smooth. I get frustrated because I can't have what I want or need right then. BUT, good things come to those who wait and I have realized that more and more each day. :) 


This was a lot longer than anticipated but hey might as well go all out. And of course I can never just say one sentence haha. What are your weaknesses? Or vices? Spill the beans! Always good to know I am not alone...

Much Love,

JPB

chao twenty fourteen...

{Thanksgiving}

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

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}

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

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}

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

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? :)}