A Bountiful Weekend

We just returned from a wonderful thanksgiving visit home. It is always so fun to be with friends and family. On Wednesday afternoon we went to our traditional pre-thanksgiving movie with all of my siblings, their kids and grandma and grandpa. It was Coleson's fifth birthday, so we went to the Mayan for dinner afterwards. The kids just loved being together and the three little boys (Cole, Braxton, and Bowen)just couldn't keep their mitts of each other. I love being with my family, especially because Nate and I rarely see each other. He cracks me up!
The next morning Carter, Courtney and I braved the 19 degree weather and ran a little thanksgiving race organized by my friend Amber, and sister-in-law Corie. Too cold for me, but fun to see all my old friends. Later, we enjoyed a delicious thanksgiving dinner with the Bowen side. My Aunt Melissa and Uncle Bruce were the gracious hosts. Their home is beautiful and great for a large crowd. I love catching up with my cousins, they are all hilarious and so entertaining. It is fun to see what they are all up to. The Bowen women are amazing cooks! We just couldn't believe how delicious everything was. That night Ashley and I braved the midnight crowds at Fashion Place Mall. DUMB. We ended up at Wal-Mart, more my style. We didn't get the amazing deals that started at five in the morning, but we did have a blast together and got a lot of shopping done. Later that morning my mom, sisters and I shopped together. Nate was on his anniversary trip with Heather, so we missed them. We stopped at THE most Amazing little Bistro on 3300 South, called Zin's. Trust me, just try it. They brought us a bread basket with at least 5 different types of breads and pastries. Everything was delicious! I loved it.

On Friday night we went to Mutual Dell up American Fork Canyon where we had a belated thanksgiving feast with Carter's family. The kids ran wild and played until they couldn't play any more. We played games all night and had so much fun.
That brings us to Saturday. Because we will not all be together on Christmas, my mom had our annual Christmas party on Saturday afternoon. Santa came, and the kids were in seventh heaven. Kate was petrified, Luke was stunned, Cooper was fascinated, and Jackson is a believer all over again.



There is nothing like a large dose of all the people I love to make me feel grateful and so abundantly blessed.

A New Holiday Favorite

This is one of the best Christmas books I have seen in stores in a long time. Where did I find it you ask? At none other than the local Wal-mart. I was toe tapping in one of the notoriously long lines, when I happened upon this Christmas classic. Granted, it looks a bit cheesy on the outside with the plastic gold ring on the cover and the crystal on the spine, but I'm a sucker for Christmas books and I dug deeper. I am glad I did. It is the classic story, "The Night Before Christmas". My gripe about most Christmas books is the illustrations, they never can depict Santa Claus like I picture him in my head. Not so in this book, the illustrations are eye candy. Each page has extra little tidbits. For instance, page one: there is a fold out naughty and nice list, a little slit with a removable folded fact sheet about Santa, a card that opens with a letter from Virginia to the editor asking "Is there a Santa Claus?", the editor's answer from the newspaper. and that is just page one! Each page has a part of the original story, and then something extra. A envelope with a letter to read, a recipe for Santa's favorite cookies, fun Christmas activity ideas, historical facts about Christmas all over the world, answers to how Santa could possibly reach each child in one night, or where he gets his flying reindeer, real websites that follow Santa sightings on Christmas eve, Santa humor (jokes), even Santa's passport. My kids absolutely died over this book. Their ages range from 3-12, and all of them just pour over it. Of course, if you have very small children, you would want to put it up high, as it also has one page that pops out. This book was a little on the pricey side, I paid 17.96 for it, but I did find it cheaper online at Barnes and Noble. I knew all that time in Wal-mart would pay off. Happy Reading!

Gratitude

I absolutely love President Eyring. His gentle, thought provoking sermons press me to improve and strive to live the Gospel more fully. His talk this conference "O Remember, Remember" was so beautiful. It may be that I needed to hear his message. He talked about writing down how he had seen the hand of God in his life. EVERYDAY. He Said, "I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done. More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance—even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened."


I loved this concept so much, I wanted to try it in our family. For family night tonight we studied President Eyring's talk and made gratitude journals. It was amazing how responsive the kids were. Each one has already added their first entry. Bowen's said "I am glad I am even in this world." Me too. I am often quick to forget when things are abundant and great, and quick to remember in times of trial. Hopefully these little journals will be a daily reminder of the never ending blessings from a loving Heavenly Father.















"Tonight, and tomorrow night, you might pray and ponder, asking the questions: Did God send a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life or the lives of my children? I will do that. And then I will find a way to preserve that memory for the day that I, and those that I love, will need to remember how much God loves us and how much we need Him. I testify that He loves us and blesses us, more than most of us have yet recognized. I know that is true, and it brings me joy to remember Him." President Henry B. Eyring

Is 13 Really a Lucky Number?

11/11/1994. Our wedding day exactly 13 years ago. We were blissfully in love, and blissfully naive (good thing). I remember our engagement and wedding so fondly. We had so much fun planing our wedding and our life together. I was definitely not looking to get married, but when I met Carter I KNEW. He was different from every boy I dated, a good different. My mom always said she thought we were soul mates. The last 13 years have not all been easy or without challenges. Marriage is definitely like a roller coaster, it has its ups and downs. What I appreciate about Carter is his willingness to improve and work on himself and our relationship. I hope I will always be willing to do the same. We went out to dinner and shopping last night. Today was the primary activity, so the day was spent in anxiety and frenzy. Last night Carter surprised me with roses and a new dress for the program. Thoughtful guy. We plan to officially celebrate next weekend when things have slowed down. I am so blessed to share my life with Carter. Here's hoping that 13 really is a lucky number.

One year Older and Wiser Too....Happy Birthday to You!

Today is Carter's 35th birthday-I love that he is older than me! What can I say about Carter that you don't already know? It seems like everyone likes Carter. He is quiet (unlike his wife), patient, agreeable, cheerful, and funny. I feel so blessed to have his calming influence in my life. My favorite thing about Carter is the wonderful father he is. He is a hands on dad for sure. He does baths, gets kids dressed, combs hair, does homework, plays, cleans, disciplines and spends lots of time with our kids, and never gets ruffled. They love him. When they get up in the night, they want Carter (yea!), when they get hurt, they want Carter, and when something exciting happens, they want Carter. Not all kids grow up with such an involved dad. He is blessed with a job that is very flexible. He often takes one of the boys to the job site, or makes it home for a game, or recital, or helps out at school. He lets our kids work along side him, and I can often hear him teaching them a life lesson or a gospel principal. He has a tender and loving relationship with his only daughter, he takes her and her giggly friends lots of places and always makes them feel welcome in our home. He is extremely popular with the tween girls. What a calming influence he has been in our family, it is a blessing to be around someone who never loses his temper, rarely raises his voice, and is constantly cheerful. What amazing gifts Carter is blessed with. Carter works hard to provide for our family, never thinking of himself and his own desires. He has willingly sacrificed so much for us over the years. Carter you are a joy to be around, a constant crack up, and great husband and father. Like good cheese, this guy just gets better with age. Happy 35th Carter! We love you!

Halleluiah, Halloween is Here...and Gone!

Since it is November 6th, I thought it was about time to blog about Halloween. We have been extremely busy around our house because of a fundraiser bake sale, and an upcoming primary program. More on those later. Halloween is always a fun time here, I love it, and the kids love it more. The festivities lasted extra long this year because of our ward's trunk-or-treat which was on the Saturday before Halloween. Carter and I dressed up this year--we just couldn't resist. Our costumes were especially poignant, because of where we live. If you have ever been to the Wal-Mart or Costco in St, George, you know exactly what I am talking about. We live in the land of the polygamists. Carter tried to find a sister wife, but we couldn't talk Courtney into dressing up. Too bad you can't see my Levi's under my dress and my sneakers. We had the most talked about costumes of the evening. Lately, our kids have been on a huge Star Wars kick, which is new to me, as I have never really been in to it myself. All of the kids wanted to be a Star Wars character, even Courtney. Courtney was Leia, Jackson was Obi Wan, Bowen was Darth Vader, and Coop was Yoda. They had a blast acting out the movies in their costumes. For family night, we dipped caramel apples for the kids teachers, and pretzels for the bake sale. On Halloween day, Yoda and I went to the elementary school to see Obi Wan and Vador in a Halloween parade. Obi Wan took Yoda along and lots of people made a fuss over them. Jackson said people kept saying how cute Cooper looked, but Cooper look at me and said "Mom doze yadies fink I am Shrek! (Those ladies think I am Shrek). Earlier in the morning I shut all the blinds, to make the house dark, and I "spooked" out the kitchen. There were spider webs, spiders, glowing lights, and terrifying music. The kids were excited to come home and see the transformation. I was dressed as a witch (not a stretch, I know) with orange and black striped tights, green hair and spider rings. We had an all orange dinner and started making doughnuts for later that night. Carter loaded the trailer on the four-wheeler, put hay on it and picked up most of the neighborhood kids. Off they went trick-or-treating. I stayed home to man the door and fry doughnuts for all the neighbors. It was so much fun. Our house was filled with all our friends and neighbors enjoying doughnuts and each others company. It was balmy weather, no coats, not even jackets! I love holidays, and I know why..I love being around all the people I love, doing something fun, breaking from the norm, relaxing, having fun....oh, and all the good food. Hope your holiday was full of fun too, bring on the turkey!

My First Tag

Thank you to my lovely cousin Emily for my first tag. This must be payback for always getting to "marry" her brother Scott when we played house. (We always fought over him, sorry Jeff.) Here are the rules:

1. The player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves - try to find 6 you haven't already posted about!

2. At the end of the post, the player tags 6 people and posts their names, and then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog for the rules.

* In my kindergarten class picture I was captured holding hands with the boy next to me. (I always liked boys A LOT)

* I am way funnier in a large crowd. Alone, not so much, just ask Cart.

* Carter is my favorite person to hang out with. I still call him too many times during the day. I still get butterflies before he comes home from work. Silly, but true.

* I always wanted to be a mom, and although it is not always easy, I absolutely love it. I have never once wished I was doing something else. There is honestly nothing I would rather be doing.

* When I was in high school, I organized a rally at the Utah State Capitol with over 1,000 high school students. We were instrumental in helping pass the "No Smoking in Public Places" bill.

* I am the only person I know who had, senior portraits, bridals, wedding photos, and an ultrasound, in the same year.

Now I'm done and chasing you down: TAG! Ashley Wood (you have to, you're my sister), Valarie Cluff, Liz Sullenger, Amber Peck (you obviously need a subject to blog about), Jonelle Morris, and Alisa Foy (I'm sure yours will be much more interesting).

Cooper's Three!

Super Cooper is Three!

Can you believe it! Time surely does fly when you're having fun. Cooper was born on "Octover 26" (as he likes to say it) 2003. He was born five weeks early, which I thought was a brilliant idea -at first. Brilliant that is, until I found myself surrounded by respiratory therapists and NICU doctors in the delivery room. Cooper entered the world in a whirlwind, and was whisked off to the NICU. He was cute right from the start. He was tiny, had dimples and the most clear blue eyes you have ever seen. Watching him struggle the first few days of his life, was honestly one of the most frightening and trying things I have experienced. He quickly recovered and we were overjoyed to bring him home. He was an easy, happy baby. He is calm, like his dad, happy and funny. This kid quotes Nacho Libre, Brian Reagan, and anything else that strikes him funny. Even at three, he really gets sarcasm. He cracks us up. I go shopping with some ladies in our ward, whose children are all grown. I always drag Coop along. He says " I wuuuuv shopping with the yadies." They love shopping with him too, they can't believe how he just sits quietly and enjoys himself. I really wanted Cooper to be a girl, I am so glad he was Cooper instead. For his birthday we had to make a quick trip up north, so when we arrived at Grandma Bowen's she had balloons, and cupcakes all ready for Cooper. We got to party with all the Bowen cousins. Later, we visited Build-a-Bear, where Cooper, without hesitation picked a turtle in a Jazz uniform. He has not put it away since. We had such a fun time. I think we enjoy Cooper so much because he is number four, maybe it is neglect, maybe we have calmed down, whatever it is, we all love him. Happy Birthday Super Cooper!

Passion

No, this post is not about Carter and I. My nine year old has it. I have never seen anything like it. A passion for the game of football. Jackson just cannot get enough. He plays it, he watches it, he listens to it, he collects football cards, he wants football jerseys and hats, and he never quits talking about it. It boggles my mind. How can a nine year old kid know so many stats? Carter loves sports too, but he is not one of those guys that absolutely cannot miss a particular game, or has a game on all the time. We rarely watch TV at our house, so it is not like Jackson has grown up over exposed to football. It seems as though he was born with the passion. Shortly after Jackson was born he took and insane liking to any kind of ball. Cute, right? Sort of. Until you hear "Mom, what if I don't make it to the NFL?" everyday. My response? "Jackson, we will talk about it after your mission. You might want to think of a back-up plan."















Jackson is good at sports. When we put him in soccer at age three, we were worried. He sat in the center of their field and stared blankly down the field, until he accidentally scored a goal and the crowd went wild. It was all downhill from there. He must have liked the attention. He loves to golf and has a great drive. He shoots hoops endlessly, he loves to skateboard, he is good at soccer, but doesn't really like it. He loves baseball, though it is not as action-packed as he likes. But football, my bony, little Jackson LOVES football. He just gets it, he knows how it works, on his team this year he called plays, explained to his team the fundamentals, and knew when the other team was going to "blitz" (whatever that means). He is torqued at me because a would not let him play tackle football this year. Besides the fact that it cost two hundred dollars and they practiced EVERY DAY after school, and had more that one game a week, he is skinny, fast, but really skinny. Do I want a nine year old with a knee of back injury, I think not. I know I sound like one of those over protective moms, but seriously, do we have to start all this already. Secretly I take pleasure in Jackson's success on the football field, I picture myself dressed in his high school colors, Carter next to me with Jackson's number painted on his bare, not so youthful chest, cheering, as Jackson leads his high school team to victory. Would I be disappointed if this did not happen, absolutely not. Jackson likes the piano, loves to read, and is a great student. Oh, and now he has a back up plan, he and Courtney are opening a dental office together (painted the Colts colors). He will find success, where ever he goes, if I can channel his football passion into whatever he does. Just think, I have two more just like him. Rah! Rah!