ALL BECAUSE TWO PEOPLE FELL IN LOVE

A Hill Hike

2009-03-31T18:24:00.003-06:00

Mark was home for a few days and we hiked to the "A" Hill from our house twice! For those that don't know the "A" hill is the hill in Adrian with the big A! The kids had a ball! What fun we had!

Daddy Daughter Dance...Well Grandad Grandgirl dance!

2009-03-13T14:36:00.005-06:00

The Daddy Daughter Dance at the stake was last night. Ashlee isn't 10 till April, but she got to go with Mark's dad Jerel. He is the high councilmen over the primary and he invited Ashlee to go with him. She had a blast! Her first comment was..."Mom is was sooo fun...Grandad even tried to dance!"

Aren't they cute!

2009-03-13T14:34:00.000-06:00

Just had to share this one! So Sweet!

Pinewood Derby!

2009-03-13T14:25:00.004-06:00

Sage had is first Pinewood Derby! He did Great! He was one win from being 2nd! Way to go! All his design!!

FHE!!!

2009-02-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight Ashlee wanted to do the game and came up with a right and wrong cards, and you have to draw them out of a bag and decide if it is right to do or wrong....anyway we are going to play it again tomorrow as time ran out on our day! Here is the treat and loving it....ice cream with chocolate syrup! The only thing that would make this night better, would be Mark...thank heavens for web cams and skpe! We can call him and see him and still have prayer with him at night!

V-day!

2009-02-16T19:52:00.001-07:00

Tyson's Valentine for Mom and Dad! He sang the cutest song to go with it at preschool! Love it!

Sage's First Pack Meeting!

2009-02-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

Sage had his first award at cub scouts! He earned his bobcat in about 3 weeks time! He absolutly loves scouts,,,(just like his dad)! Tyler Wagstaff is his leader and Sage truely loves him! Tyler is a great leader, we couldn't ask for a better leader! The surprise for me was I got a mother's pin! That is what is on my shirt! So Proud of Sage!!! WAY TO GO!!!

Please Excuse This House!

2009-02-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

EXCUSE THIS HOUSE
Some houses try to hide the fact

That children shelter there,

Ours boasts it quite openly,

The signs are everywhere.

For smears are on the windows,

Little smudges are on the doors

I should apologize, I guess

For toys strew on the floor.

But I sat down with my child

And we played and laughed and read

And if the doorbell doesn’t shine,

Their eyes will shine instead.

For when at times I’m forced to choose

The one job or the other,

I’d like to cook and clean and scrub,

But first I’ll be a mother.

We sent Mark off!

2009-02-08T20:31:00.000-07:00

Well the day as come. The day we hoped wouldn't, but Mark needed to leave today for Wyoming. We were sad. Sage had a tough time and so did mom, but between all of us we sad our goodbyes and gave our hugs and kisses. The kids and I spent the day at Bowen's. Kept my mind of it as much as possible. Andy and Amy took Ashlee, Sage and I up on the hill to shoot Ty's 22 gun. They had fun! Mark called after being on the road about an hour and said....let my kids know that every mile was harder and harder to go. This is hard on all of us, but we are grateful for the great job Mark has. I appreciate Mark's willingness to do what he needs to to support our family. It will be so hard on him being away, we know he will miss us, but we also know that this is all for the greater good.
Mark is the hardest worker I know and I love him so much for each sacrifice he makes. Jerel came over and gave Mark a very nice Father's blessing, and Mark was able to give each of the kids a fathers blessing before he left.....isn't the priesthood GREAT!
Thank you to all my friends and family and ward family for all the love and support that has been extended to me and my family!
We love you all!

Wyoming...here comes Mark!

2009-01-20T12:00:00.001-07:00

Mark has been offered a job for Halliburton in Rock Springs, Wy. He starts training on the 9th of Feb. He will be gone for training for 5 weeks and then he will work 2 weeks straight and come home for a week. So he will work 2 weeks on and 1 week off. This has been an answer to our prayers. There is just no work out there and he has been trying so hard to find some. The company offers benefits and the pay is good, so we are excited. Not excited for him to be gone so much, but excited for the job. This could open doors after he finishes his degree next year. I have been emotional about the whole thing, but we are told, Heavenly Father does not give us more then we can handle, and I pray I can do what I need to do while Mark is gone. Bishop Peterson called us in on Sunday and told us that as a ward family they are all here to help me and support me as Mark does what he needs to, to support us. I appreciate all the help that has been extended and appreciate Mark's willingness to work so hard to make a good life for us! It is sure a small world, Mark's good friend from high school works in Rock Springs a few days a week to and then goes home to his family too, so they are sharing an apartment, and that is where my brother in law Andy grew up and my mom did too. I have grandparents there, an aunt and uncle too, so family is near for Mark! This is a blessing and we are grateful for it!

MUD, MUD, MUD!!!!

2009-01-20T11:48:00.000-07:00

You can only imagine what happens after all the snow we had received melts!!! YEP!! MUD MUD MUD!!! Mom was busy cleanig house, and dad was in the shop "working". Looks like work! Anyway all the moms can feel for me, when I say the house was sparkling....cleaned ! Went outside and found my heard of a family covered from head to toe! NO WORRIES I said...they had a ball of fun and that is what matters! They all had to strip at the back door and then run into the bathroom, where mom showered them all! Mud clumps in hair and everywhere! Ashlee's was the worst...but she is a girl with lots more hair! They had a ball! It only took washing their clothes 3 times in the washing machine to clean them! It's fun to get dirty is what Tyson told me!!!
HAHAHA!!! Leave it to Mark to make sure they have fun like this!!!

Haven't Posted for awhile!

2009-01-16T14:17:00.001-07:00

Well haven't posted for awhile...holidays kept the store way busy!

Here are some fun pictures over the last couple months.

Noah got into frosting while I was distracted...

Our ward's Christmas party was out behind the house we rent in the old barn and they did a live nativity...the whole community came and Ashlee and Sage were Mary and Joseph. Sage had to see "when joseph came to bethlehem" and Ashlee rode the donkey. All the boys wore costumes and Noah loved the treats. Tristan lost his first tooth and the second one came out a week later! The tooth fairy came and he was happy!

Ashlee, Tristan, and Sage had their christmas program at school. Ashlee got to play the recorder! We loved hearing her practice in the houseLOL! Noah loved it to!

We are lucky were we live. The christmas program was a christmas program not a holiday program and at the end we all sang "Silent Night". The true reason of Christmas!

Prob. won't be long before we won't be able to do that, but we will enjoy it while we can.

It's Great To Be Eight!

2008-11-21T14:37:00.000-07:00

On Nov. 1st Sage made the choice to be baptized!He was so excited! You can't tell by the picture, but his siblings were excited for him to! We are so proud of him! He carries his new scriptures around with such pride! He is such a great kid! He tells me everyday that he loves me and how beautiful I am. He will sure make a great husband for a young lady in the future!
He bears his testimony almost every month, he is an example to all of us!
LOVE YOU SAGE!!!

Corn Husk Doll

2008-11-21T14:20:00.000-07:00

Ashlee was sent home with corn husks and had to make a doll.Mark boiled them for her and she did the rest! Didn't it turn out good?

Death of a Friend

2008-11-17T12:37:00.000-07:00

We have recently gotten 2 kittens. One of them was the runt of the litter. The kids named them Rambo and Sonic. Sonic is the bigger one and a fast little guy. Rambo was the smaller one. He was up and playing the last week and Saturday morning before I went to work. Saturday afternoon he took a turn for the worse. Mark nursed him Saturday and I did Saturday night, holding him and keeping him warm. I was sick on Sunday so I stayed home and took care of myself and the kitten. He was seeming to feel better. Sage was pretty sad. Before he went to church Sage asked if we could kneel as a family and pray for Rambo. He said the prayer and asked Heavenly Father to take care of Rambo and if his will was to cure him please do that, but if it is time for him to return to live with Heavenly Father he asked that he take care on him and love him. Rambo passed away Sunday night. I told Sage Monday morning. He was pretty sad. I told him Dad was going to build a casket and we could bury him when he got home from school. His only request was to bury him up on the hill behind Granny and Granddad's. That is where Apache (a beloved dog of all the Bowen kids growing up). He also chose this place, because Mark tells the kids he wants to be buried on the hill too. It is a sad day, but a day that I realized Sage understood Heavenly Fathers plan.

Vinylly Finished Blog

2008-09-26T16:40:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to let you know I started a blog to show the vinyl items that I carry in the store, or that anyone can order. Please pass it along, I would appreciate it!
Thanks~
www.vinyllyfinished.blogspot.com

School Pictures!

2008-09-25T10:30:00.000-06:00

ASHLEE 4th Grade SAGE 2nd Grade TRISTAN Kindergarten
TYSON Preschool age 4
NOAH age 2 1/2

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

2008-09-24T17:32:00.000-06:00

So alittle late, but these are pictures from the first day of school!

Ashlee is in 4th grade

Sage is in 2nd grade

Tristan is in Kinder.

Tyson is in Preschool!

11 years and Counting!

2008-09-04T22:42:00.001-06:00

Mark and I celebrated 11 years on Aug 30! Hard to believe it has been that long! It hasn't always been easy, but hey who was it that said, it wouldn't be easy, but it would be worth it! It had truly been worth it! Kelsy Zimmerman gave me the idea of writing 11 reasons why I love Mark......so......here goes! Not in any particular order!

1. He thinks I am the most beautiful person (even when I have been sick all day and haven't showered for 2 days) that's love~

2. He has helped given 5 beautiful kids!

3. He was a great example of the church and has given me the gospel in my life, and an eternal family!

4. He is a priesthood holder in our home and helps out with his blessings!

5. He is patient with me! Boy I have needed that!

6. Mark is a very hard worker! He will do what it takes for the job to get done and bills to be paid~

7. He is always willing to help with the kids. It's rare now, that I have to ask him to help, he usually sees what needs to happen and does it! (poopy diapers and all).

8. He has made it possible for me to open my store. He stays home with the kids when I am working, so we don't need daycare! I wouldn't have the store if my kids had to go to daycare~

9. He is willing to clean up throw up! I CAN'T or I WILL throw up too.

10. He is a great dad!

11. He is always willing to help, no matter what the reason someone calls!

I have loved the last 11 years and am looking forward to the next 11 years~

Storytime Play!

2008-08-07T21:39:00.001-06:00

Tyson's 4th b-day

2008-08-07T21:30:00.001-06:00

4th of July Fun

2008-08-07T21:18:00.003-06:00

Feeding with Grandad and Granny

2008-08-07T14:31:00.001-06:00

The kids love feeding with Granny and Grandad!

The boys were worried when we moved out, that Granny would

be all a lone with Grandad went to Elko for work, so Granny comes

and gets a couple of boys and lets them go spend the night, so they can

"HELP HER OUT!"

ACCORDING TO SAGE!

2008-07-22T20:31:00.000-06:00

In Primary on Sunday in Sages's class they did this cute little questionnaire and I wanted to share what Sage said.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPERPOWER WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Healing Powers!

WHAT DO YO LIKE TO EAT FOR BREAKFAST OR LUNCH?

Ashlee's scrambled eggs!

WHAT IS THE NICEST THING YOU'VE DONE LATELY FOR SOMEONE IN YOUR FAMILY?

Help Tyson put batteries in his new train!

WHAT MAKES YOU MAD?

When my brother (Tristan) kicks me in the car for no reason!

WHAT DO YOU DO BETTER THAN ANYONE IN YOUR FAMILY?

Climb Trees and Run!

WHO IS THE SMARTEST PERSON IN YOUR FAMILY?
My Dad...actually I think I am!

We've Moved!

2008-07-19T21:46:00.002-06:00

For those who don't know, we have been living at Sandy's and Jerel's for a while. We have found a home about 5 minuets outside of Adrian. The view is great and the deck is nice with a nice big lawn for the kids, and a great view of the valley. We appreciate Sandy and Jerel for the opportunity of living there and we will never forget their generosity.

Bowen's New Home

2008-07-19T21:46:00.001-06:00

July Fun With Terry's

2008-07-19T18:52:00.001-06:00

Cousins!

2008-07-19T09:17:00.000-06:00

My mom sent me this picture of my kids with their cousin Peyton (my sister's son). Grandma and Papa love taking the kids and having great fun! Notice the cool paintings on their faces!

Noah's Bath TIme

2008-06-30T15:41:00.000-06:00

We were out riding horses and before I new it...Noah decided to take a bath! Isn't he cute!!!

Noah & Spongebob Squarepants

2008-06-30T15:32:00.000-06:00

For those who don't know...Noah loves spongebob! We found 2 pairs of PJ's with spongebob and he loves to get ready for bed now! Here he is showing off his spongebob! By the way... he got Grandad addicted to the cartoon too!!! Noah will go around and start sing WWHHOOOO lives in a pineapple under the sea SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS!!!!

Sage's Field Trip to Wings!

2008-06-30T15:18:00.001-06:00

Tyson!

2008-06-30T14:44:00.000-06:00

I was going through my pictures that I uploaded from my camera, and I found this one of Tyson! Tyson is almost 4. He makes me smile and gives me a lot of joy! About 2 years ago, was the time he stopped breathing on me and I had to call 911 and the ambulance came and a long story short....he is fine now. I still find myself going in his room in the middle of the night to check on him and make sure he is breathing. Moms can relate to that. As I think back to the time that I thought I was losing a child...my heart stops. Sometimes we need the reminder of what is important. Is it a clean house, laundry done, dinner in the oven on time...or is it the time we take to PLAY with our kids and to teach them about what it means to CTR! I am grateful for all of my kids and I hold them a little closer everyday!

Thanks Jen!!!

2008-06-26T17:06:00.000-06:00

Well, I have been lacking in doing this blog! Life has gotten away from me, between Mark's work and school schedule, my store, and 5 Kids!!! I am not a person who takes time in writing in a journal, or not a scrabooker, but Jen had a great idea from Karli Cleaver and that is keeping up on your blog and then turning it into a book! Thanks so much for the easy way to preserve memories JEN!!!
GREAT IDEA!!!
So I am really going to try and keep up on this blog!

I'VE BEEN TAGGED

2008-05-16T15:28:00.000-06:00

Rules? Answer these 8 questions and tag 5 people.

1. What was I doing 10 years ago? Before kids??? Can I remember? Mark and I were planning a cruise for our 1st anniversary in August 1998. We came home and found out we were pregnant with Ashlee
2. 5 things on my to do list? Play with my kids, Laundry, Store stocking, Lunch w/Parents, Scrub bathrooms
3. Snacks I enjoy? Anything Chocolate! Jalepenos cheese dip and chips. (restaraunt in Nampa)
4. If I were a Billionaire what would I do? Make sure my parents and Mark's parents never had to work again, and could enjoy and do anything they wanted. Buy each of our siblings homes, make sure my kids had a college fund, Go to the Daytona 500 in Flordia, and probably a few other Nascar Races.
5. 3 Bad Habits? Taking on to much at one time, thinking I am the only one who can do laundry for my family..(mark doesn't complain that I want to do it.) Wanting my kids to have everything they want (I don't give them everything they want, but I wish i could)!
6. Places I've lived? Sioux City Iowa, Boise Idaho, Meridian, Idaho, Adrian Oregon, Nyssa Oregon, Redmond Oregon.
7. 5 jobs I've had? Albertsons, A1 International, Being a Mom, Mark's secretary, STORE OWNER!!!(a dream come true!)
8. 5 things people don't know about me? I am obsessed with organization (maybe you know that), I am adopted and love it!, I love cage fighting UFC, NASCAR fan, I would love to be musical...I can't carry a tune in a bucket!

I AM TAGGING Tricia, Jen, Kelsy! Sorry not 5 but I am new to blogging!

Ashlee's Weekend Out

2008-04-28T14:58:00.001-06:00

Ashlee had a big weekend. She got to go the Grandma's and Papa's and going shopping and eating out for her B-day...Then had soccer and we went and eat at Carl's Jr on Sat. To follow that up she got to go Saturday afternoon and evening with Grandad to the HORSE EXPO. She had a ball. Her and her cousin Liv got their faces painted. WHAT FUN!!

Carter's Visit

2008-04-10T13:41:00.000-06:00

Over spring break Janet and 5 of kids came to visit for a few days. All the cousins had a ball. This is the night we decided to let them make their own pizzas for dinner. My kids were sure sad to see them leave...tears were shed. THANKS FOR COMING JANET!!! LOVE YOU!!!

Grandad's Surprise

2008-04-10T13:33:00.000-06:00

Grandad came home and said he had a surprise in the pick-up, and Tristan spent all night trying to guess what it was. He never guessed until Saturday morning when Jerel and Mark put up the swing set! The kids love it! THANKS GRANDAD!!!

I am supposed to mention that Sage helped to and pointed out that a pole was put on wrong and so Mark and Jerel had to take it apart again!

Ashlee, Dad & Lady

2008-04-10T13:25:00.001-06:00

This is Ashlee, Mark and Lady! Lady of course is the horse! Mark has been working with Lady and trying to get her to the point where Ashlee could ride her too. Ashlee has fallin in love with Lady and makes sure she is fed and watered when she is around. When Carters cam to visit Ashlee and Josie were on Whiskey and Mark was on Lady and believe it or not...Whiskey decided to buck Josie off and then Ashlee held on for about 5 jumps and over is head she went! She was not happy dad put her back on, but I think she understands why!