The Bowen family

Baby Daisy

2012-02-03T20:09:00.001-08:00

I had my 20 week ultrasound today, and was so relieved when they confirmed that she was indeed a girl. I thought this profile picture was so cute, and you can see her little arm and foot with all five toes. I can't wait to see what she'll look like.

Goofy's Kitchen

2012-02-03T20:02:00.001-08:00

We took her to Goofy's kitchen a few days after Disneyland. She looooooooved it. She danced with Rafiki (that big hairy grey thing), Chip n' Dale gave her a button, and she loved hugging Balou the bear. Sadly we just missed snow white. I highly suggest this activity if you want to get close to some characters, because we didn't see any characters in the park.

Disneyland

2012-02-03T19:56:00.001-08:00

Mia's first visit to Disneyland was great, she was such a trooper and didn't give us one bit of trouble. We went on Peter Pan, Carousel, Dumbo, Nemo submarine, tiki room, splash mountain, pirates of the carribean, haunted mansion, swings, farris wheel, another carousel, and little mermaid. There were a bunch of rides we didn't make it on that I know she would have love...maybe next time.

She loved being there with Grandma and Grandpa Bowen.

California Beach

2012-02-03T19:49:00.000-08:00

We spent a few hours at the Balboa beach State park. It was a perfectly pleasant afternoon, the warm sun fealt amazing. Mia dug herself a little throne, and had fun digging up seashells with Grandma Bowen.

We saw a pod of Dolphins just off shore, it was so cool, they were jumping and spinning in the air and playing. I've never seen that in person before.

Pretty Costco Flowers

2012-02-03T19:44:00.000-08:00

I know this is so random, however I do love pretty flowers on the cheap. Quite often when I'm at Costco, if the flowers look good I will buy some. I bought two bunches and combined them, they smell wonderful and I made two arrangements. I thought these were especially beautiful this time, so I wanted to remember them.

children's museum

2012-02-03T19:38:00.001-08:00

I went with Mia on her fieldtrip to the children's museum in Salt Lake City. It was quite overwhelming for her because there was a lot going on. These were the only three activities Mia enjoyed. She also enjoyed the gift shop where I got suckered in to buying $30 worth of stuff...weezle ball, ribbon on a stick and of course the googley eyed cow that she chewed on before I could get it from her. We will not be returning to the Children's museum for hopefully.....never.

Christmas

2011-12-29T19:31:00.000-08:00

Mia was most enthusiastic about her Christmas morning treats, she just wanted to eat her fruit Gems and chocolate coins.

Smokey joined Mia on her trampoline.

Mia had a great Christmas day, got totally spoiled.

One of her favorite gifts was this teddy bear named Charlie.

Sugar cookies

2011-12-21T14:58:00.000-08:00

We made sugar cookies with Mia last night, she loved every minute of it.

She especially loved rolling out the dough.

The whole time she kept saying, "eat it".

When they were finally done, she only took one bite, that's it.

Say cheese

2011-12-12T14:11:00.001-08:00

Okay, I think I fixed the fuzzy photo, and enlarged it. This was at our ward Christmas party, Mia had so much fun. The minute we walked in the room she made a bee-line for Santa and budded right in on the kid that was with him. I had to make her wait in line. There was a dessert buffet, Mia kept asking for some "cakes", which she loved.

more lounging

2011-12-12T13:59:00.001-08:00

Mia and Smokey love to lounge together. Usually Mia is playing her i-pad, sometimes Smokey will lay his head right on the screen and then Mia gets annoyed with him, or she'll use his ears as wipes to clean her screen...Smokey is always a gentleman.

catch up

2011-12-12T13:46:00.001-08:00

I'm finally getting around to posting halloween. I know, pathetic....Anyhow, This was at Jake's work party that Mia always loves, she wouldn't leave this duck lady alone. Mia had fun dancing to the loud music and eating treats.

This is Mia getting angry at me for putting her witch hat on, as you can see the witch hat ended up on the floor.

Mia thoroughly enjoyed eating her candy, I just let her have at it all in one sitting, she especially liked the nerds, pixi stix, and tootsie rolls.

I just thought this was a cute picture of Mia lounging.

Autumn is here!

2011-09-25T20:54:00.000-07:00

Saturday we went for a family 4-wheeler ride in the Wasatch Mountain state park. It was the most beautiful perfect day, not too hot, not too cold. We rode for about 3 hours and Mia had so much fun and was such a good girl, she sat sandwiched in between Jake and I. Occasionally she would scratch Jakes back while we were riding, or lean her head back and smile at me.

The leaves were a rainbow of colors, so gorgeous. We even saw two wild turkeys, but I didn't get a picture of them, they were huge, just running along the trail.

We had a picnic...with the bees.

I've always wanted to do this, (though I don't condone desecrating nature), now we are immortalized on a tree. What a fun day it was, can't wait to do it again.

Circus fun

2011-09-25T20:44:00.001-07:00

I took Mia to the Circus on Friday, her favorite part was the Elephants. She asked for them the entire time. My favorite part was of course the horse act. However I was disappointed that there was no trapeze act, as that is also one of my favorite things about the circus. Jake teases me because I love the circus so much, so I tell him that I might just run away with the circus one of these days. I think I would have made a great circus star in another life.

Mia thoroughly enjoyed her $12 cotton candy, (so did I).

Mia is wearing her new glasses, I told her these are her big girl glasses, cute huh?

state fair

2011-09-25T20:33:00.001-07:00

It wouldn't be a proper visit to the State Fair without a pony ride.

Of course we visited all the animal barns, my favorite is when she asked to see the "kitchens"...(chickens).

The big slide is always a favorite, I could have gone down it a whole bunch of times.

Mia was quite spoiled, she got to ride all the rides she wanted. Her favorite was a cobra roller coaster which she called the dragon ride. Overall another fun State fair, can't wait for next year.

first day of Kindergarten and other stuff

2011-08-29T19:31:00.000-07:00

Mia was a little apprehensive about school today, lately her thing is to say NO to absolutely everything. I know eventually she will look forward to school every day, as I do.

Poor Mia is the first to get on the bus, and the last to get off, she rides the bus for almost 2 hours combined.

Here is Prince, the horse I am leasing for a while. He's short, and old, and ugly...but even with all that, it feels so great to be riding again, it's been too long. Mia enjoyed riding with me the other day, she kept saying "more fast", the girl loves the thrill as much as I do.

I know, it's hideous. I got stung by a yellow jacket twice, my foot was so swollen and itchy for several days. This is actually exactly what both my feet looked like when I was pregnant...sad.

summer school and face paint

2011-08-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

I took these this morning of Mia getting ready to get on the bus for summer school, she was excited today and emphatically said hello to the bus driver, isn't she so cute.

Here are some pictures of Mia's party, she actually let her face get painted, and she loved her cousin Hayden's skeleton face.

Happy 5th Birthday Mia

2011-07-15T22:08:00.000-07:00

Happy 5th Birthday to our precious Mia!!! We've sure been through alot together, but my how far she's come along....

Oregon reunion

2011-07-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

Mom brought Kevin over for a while one day, Mia liked him, in fact there's a down syndrome boy that rides Mia's summer school bus, and she calls him uncle Kevin. I think it's so cute.

Mia never adjusted to Oregon time, she woke up every day at 5:30 am!!! This was ludicrous to me(it also meant I was a bit cranky sometimes, sorry fam) so I would just put a movie on, then Ed would come and join her

Mia liked the beach the best that first day, she had fun digging in the sand and playing in the waves. She would have gone all the way in if it was up to her.

The suspension bridge on the hike was so amazing to me, I've been on one before in Yellowstone, but for some reason this was so scary to me this time, but I loved the thrill. Mia was not fazed at all she walked across it several times.

Oregon reunion cont'd

2011-07-15T13:29:00.001-07:00

It really was a beautiful hike, and would have been quite easy....if I hadn't had to carry Mia the whole time. She was wearing white sandals with white socks, with light jeans and a light sweatshirt. I was NOT prepared for mud and rain, and yes I felt as horrible as I look here.

it was so much fun to get out early and see the tidepools, there were a couple of stranded sea stars we took advantage of, we did actually re-home them back on the rocks when we were done taking pics of them.

these are all little hermit crabs, I thought they were so cute, they came in all colors and sizes.

This was the best "paid" ride I've been on. The horses were fresh and ready to get out and run. It was fun to go with Andrea and Jen, wish you could have been on it with us Danielle.

Easter Day

2011-05-30T22:39:00.000-07:00

Mia enjoyed picking through her Easter basket, asking me to open every piece of candy she encountered, she's eyeing her "peepsickle" here.

Thanks to Grandma Val, Mia had the cutest Easter dress EVER!!! I'm in love with Mia in this dress.

I just thought this was adorable of uncle Karl and Mia having a quiet moment together.

Twinners.

Everyone helped out with Easter dinner, Andrea made her herb crusted pork loin, and Johanna helped me make the deviled eggs, and my kitchen was a complete mess.

It was so much fun to have my family visit for the Easter holiday. Although my house was packed to the gills, I wouldn't have traded it for anything. I loved spending time with my sisters, just being our silly selves. The cousins all had a blast together too, Mia particularly love hangin out with Livlia (mia's name for Olivia).
I wanted to post pictures of the biggest messes, but I didn't even get photographic evidence of half the shenanigans that went on.....Ed attacking my tree, the "hole" in the wall, poor Joren's nose accident and subsequent bloody hallway, the basement sleeping area, the shoe's and socks EVERYWHERE (even a pee pee sock). I guess the memories will always be there. Thanks again everyone for coming, I loved it.

Wheeler farm with Fam

2011-04-28T21:46:00.000-07:00

we all went on the tractor ride and enjoyed the freezing weather.

Andrea just thinks she's too good for wheeler farm, talking on her phone, so hoity toity. (JK)

Mia LOVES grandma's cane, she's always trying to steal it from her, she's pretty good with it too.

Here comes Grandpa, watch out!!! Dad had a lot of fun on that tractor, he gave Mia a ride on it's bouncy seat, and then he had one too, I do believe we have footage of that, right Andrea??

dressupalooza

2011-04-28T21:34:00.000-07:00

We had one big daddy of a dressup!!! Grandma, Grandpa and Smokey(of course), even got in on the action.

cute Mia

2011-03-21T15:03:00.000-07:00

This is last year's Easter Dress, I'm glad it still fits because it's so cute. I actually used a styling tool on Mia's hair, I loved the way it turned out, however, only about an hour later, it was all limp, flat and frizzy again. It does make her look more grown up though, huh?

"extreme" snowshoeing

2011-03-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday night Jake and I went night snowshoeing with some friends in the ward. It was so much fun, and I felt very adventurous. It's been a long time since I've actually been "out" in the snow. It was a beautiful night and snowing lightly, we hiked to these great big boulders that we jumped off of, so fun. Then we hiked up to a peek where you could see the Salt Lake valley all lit up and had hot chocolate and cookies. My only regret was that Jake was wearing Jeans, so he couldn't jump off the rocks with me, sad. All in all it was a great night, and I'm only a little sore from landing hard once.

my first jump, my friend took this great picture.

we call this the lady train.

all of us at the top.

family pics

2011-02-18T09:06:00.001-08:00

I know you've all seen these already but I wanted them on here anyway. We spent over an hour freezing our behinds off and took a thousand photos, and these were the only two that were slightly acceptable.

it's been a while

2011-02-17T14:10:00.000-08:00

Mia's favorite Christmas gift, the i-pad. She can't get enough of this thing.

I love doing puzzles in the winter months, it's such a cozy passtime...however my back hurts for a week after I'm done.

Mia playing with i-pad again, this would have been a darling picture except the nose thing.

This was on the hike Danielle and I did when I met up with her in Sedona. We had so much fun together, it's the first time we've been able to hang out together without kids since kids. I really wish this could happen more often, and with all my sisters.

good 'ole Smokey, he's good for a cuddle anytime, anywhere.

pictures of Mia

2010-12-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

Grandma and Grandpa Bowen bought this carousel for Mia and she LOVES it and wants it allllll day long.

Mia played with the playdoh for an hour, by the time she was done, all the colors were smashed together.

This is my one Thanksgiving photo, Uncle Mic is the Mia whisperer, she loves to just chill in his arms.

I love these pictures of Mia just hangin with Smokey, I love that her arm is around his neck, so cute.

Halloween

2010-11-12T15:00:00.001-08:00

I can't believe I actually got one of her smiling in her costume, she hated wearing it.

Mia was a very cute peacock princess, we took her to the facility party and she had a blast, all the old folks were giving her handfuls of candy, and she kept handing me the candy and saying "open now". This was Mia's first halloween walking and she made us proud.

Jake was an outlaw, I wish I had better pics. My favorite part is the blonde mustache. He was very popular at work, especially with the old ladies.

Mia had fun "carving" pumpkins this year, she loved gushing the stuff in her hands, and she kept grabbing the carving knife and trying to carve.

P.S.

2010-10-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

I've named her Agnes.

little visitor

2010-09-30T21:19:00.001-07:00

Doesn't this little scene remind us all of a bird named Jo? Mom, this one's for you. Just think, he could still be out there living off the kindness of humble bird philanthropists. Anyhow, I'm kind of in love with this little bird, I haven't named her yet. It's been fun watching her for over a week now, I always know where she is because her tweet is unique, and she loves to fly crazy, and she's been "adopted" by a little band of sparrows, however, she bosses them all around. I hope she'll survive the winter.

First day of school

2010-09-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

I love that Mia's backpack is bigger than her. It's so nice to have her back in school, she loves riding the bus, she calls her teacher Miss Stephanie, and the best part is they get to change her morning poo.

pretty rainbows

2010-09-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

This was a few weeks ago but it was such a beautiful rainbow, I want to remember it. It was so cool to watch the rainbow change colors and brilliancy as the sun was setting, there was also some mist floating around the mountains. Mia love's rainbows too, when the sun is coming through my big window in the morning it shines through my chandelier into Mia's room. Now every morning she asks for a "pretty rainbow".

DISCLAIMER!

2010-07-22T00:06:00.000-07:00

The following SIX!!! posts were produced at an obscene hour, the writer might have been under the influence of exhaustion/dimentia/emotion, please read with caution and forgive any spelling or grammar mishaps or stupid humor. Thank you.

Baby Shower

2010-07-21T23:58:00.000-07:00

I threw a surprise baby shower for my sister-in-law Lindsay today. It turned out so well. Lindsay was surprised and had no idea, an incredible feat when you consider all the potential slip ups. Anyhow, I had so much fun putting it together and I believe a good time was had by all.

4th of July

2010-07-21T23:52:00.001-07:00

Well this is the only picture of the entire holiday I have. Mia had fun with her cousins(Crissy and Brinlee pictured) I believe they're watching Snow White, which Mia loves to say. We watched the IdahoFalls fireworks show from Grandma Clement's front yard which boasts one of the greatest lawns to watch from. (I think I just created a toungue twister?) Mia loved the fireworks and kept saying, "again, again" throughout the show.

Happy Birthday Mia

2010-07-21T23:14:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th Birthday my precious little Mia. The past year was a busy and accomplishing year for Mia, she has made so much progress in her physical and intellectual development. She really communicates with us now and even has a funny sense of humor.
At school all of Mia's teachers, aids, and therapists fell in love with her and always told me how they enjoyed working with her and how all the kids in class would rally around her.
We go to Shriners hospital each week for speech therapy services, Mia has really fluorished under Laura's great skills, and as always I've learned alot too.
Mia's crowning glory in the last year of course has been learning to walk by herself. It's been so much fun to watch her gain more balance, control and confidence. (she still prefers to crawl though, it's much faster)
In all my memories from the past year, my favorite one's are usually quiet fleeting moments when she lets me snuggle her, and I can smell her little head all I want, or when I get an unexpected kiss, or a look that tells me a thousand things, and I know she loves me, or at night when she's sitting on Jake's lap and he's reading her a book and she's pointing at the pictures and saying the cutest things and making her favorite sleeping sound effect. These are the moments I hope I never forget.

Mia had two cakes this year, on accident.

I got her this cute little kitchen set for her b-day. She also got a dollhouse, a farm set, a camel puppet, Dora beenie babies, and a bike. What a haul.

Thanksgiving point gardens..aka...HEAVEN

2010-07-21T22:58:00.001-07:00

This really is one of my favorite places in Utah, I could live in a tent on these grounds and play hide n' seek all day, find shapes in the clouds, day dream about riding horses through the green grass and trees, catch frogs, chase squirrels, have a tea party in the secret garden, log roll down the big hill, make endless bouquets, dance while no one's looking...get the idea.

sorry about the rant, Mia loves it here too, she played in the fountain forever and got soaking wet.

Jake's a good sport to accompany us.

And of course ice cream at the soda shop after. What a great day.

Where is my dog

2010-07-21T22:52:00.000-07:00

Where is Smokey......I know I just put him on the bed a few minutes ago?.........

oh, there he is, in the middle of the sea of pillows.

cute pillow

2010-07-21T22:49:00.000-07:00

Mia is displaying the cute pillow Jen made for me for my birthday.....yes it was 6 months ago, I am just very slow to post stuff sometimes. Anyway isn't it darling, LOVE it. Thanks Jen.

2010-06-15T15:21:00.000-07:00

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FINALLY!!!

2010-05-21T21:11:00.001-07:00

These photos are out of order but I'm too tired to fix them, so the Iris is not more important than Mia walking but I just thought they were gorgeous. This plant didn't bloom last year so I had no idea what color it was. I was pleasantly surprised, I love the smell of Iris when I walk out the front door.

So here we are. Mia's first independant steps at age 3 years and 9 months. Very very exciting.

Plus I love this outfit, Thanks Grandma Bowen.

Good job Mia, we're so proud of you.

Spring break in Oregon

2010-05-21T20:46:00.000-07:00

We spent a day on the Oregon coast. Of course we had lunch at Mo's, afterword we played on the beach. The kids had fun playing with the sea foam, I think we all left with foam on us. We enjoyed watching the stormy waves at Depoe Bay.

This was Mia's first official Easter egg hunt. She loved that there was candy inside.

I made dad play house with Mia up in the gazebo.

Mia had a lot of fun playing with her cousins.

The Hoff

2010-02-26T12:57:00.000-08:00

Mia had a great time while Grandma Hoth visited. However, Mia now refers to mom as just, Hoff, that's all just Hoff. I think it's kinda funny, and since mom wore a hat everyday Mia started to call her Hoff hat.

I haven't posted a picture of Mia for so long because she's becoming increasingly hard to photograph. I got lucky with this one.

Smokey Love

2010-02-26T12:51:00.000-08:00

Smokey is obsessed with Mom, he just wouldn't leave her alone while she was here. Every morning when I'd let him out of his crate he'd run straight to her room and jump all over her and try and lick her face. No wonder she didn't sleep in much here.

AARGH MATEY! Doesn't Mom make a great pirate with Smokey as her "parrot"

Pictures with Santa

2009-12-08T10:39:00.001-08:00

I thought these turned out pretty good this year, I haven't done this for a few years because they're usually a waist of time and turn out aweful. Anyway, Merry Christmas.

Glasses for Mia

2009-10-11T19:44:00.000-07:00

So here she is in her new glasses, she's been leaving them on, yay. I hope these will help her, maybe with some other things she's been struggling with too, like walking.

When she first had them on, she kept saying, "eyes" "eyes"

Now all she needs is some tape in the middle

San Diego

2009-10-11T19:32:00.001-07:00

Hotel Del Coronado, Horseback riding on the beach, seaworld, seaport village, Disneyland/California Adventure, Sea kayaking in La Jolla, leopard sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, caves, Cheescake factory, laying on the beach, hot tubbing.....all of that and only one lousy picture to show for it all. When will I ever learn to take more pictures when we're out having fun!!! Anyway we had a wonderful time, it was great to get away for a bit without Mia and spend some time with Jake.

Beautiful day

2009-09-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

I wish this picture did our surroundings justice (and me too) Anyway, we went riding with our friends (also Jake's cousin) Mike and Kali on Saturday, it was the most perfect fall day, the leaves were turning and falling in the breeze.....if heaven could be so good.

Kali and I on Goldie and Chief. The boys took a smaller loop while Kali and I went on a longer ride. Great friends, great ride.

more random stuff

2009-09-27T19:42:00.001-07:00

We went to the circus Friday afternoon, we went early so we could see the animals which was cool, however Mia was not interested AT ALL in the circus, she just wanted to crawl on the filthy floor, lean over the seats and reach for someone elses cotton candy and wiggle and squirm. So needles to say Jake took her about a half hour into the show over to Brad and Vals condo. I think we will take a few years off from the circus and try again when Mia is older.

Every Thursday after school Mia's bus driver gives all the kids suckers, she loved it and Smokey did too. She got to the tootsie roll center and handed it to me and said "all done". That's the best part???

Jake was watching a BYU game a while back and was getting all excited and stuff, and was shouting at the tv. Smokey thought Jake was yelling at him, so hid himself behind the pillow.

Silly pup.

Mia's first day of pre-school

2009-09-03T15:05:00.001-07:00

Well it's finally here!!! Mia's first day of riding the bus pre-school. She was actually quite crabby this morning, I tried to explain to her that she would be riding a bus (which is like her favorite word right now) So I was a little worried that she would not be happy.

She looks a little freaked out right here, she looked at me wide eyed when I got off the bus and waved good bye. However, when she came home the bus driver said she did great. It was so nice to go to the gym today and just have a little time to myself. School is going to be a great thing for the both of us.

Rasberries

2009-09-03T15:00:00.001-07:00

This actually happened a few weeks ago, I forgot how cute this was. Jake and I were watching TV and I noticed how quiet Mia was, and of course I turn around and there Mia was feasting on the rasberries I had forgotten to put away.

Happy Birthday Mia

2009-07-19T10:44:00.001-07:00

Mia turned 3 on July 16th, I tried to make her day fun by letting her watch the fish (at the gym) and taking her to ride the ponies at Thanksgiving point, unfortunately it was so hot she could barely hold on and didn't seem to care like she usually does. Aunt Lindsay, Uncle Aaron and cousin Crissy came over for cake and ice cream and Mia played in her birthday sand box (oh why did I get her a sand box, messy, messy messy) Overall I think she had a good birthday.

Here are some of my favorite pics of her from the past, I wish I had her birth photos on this computer but here she is.

the helmet days, I don't miss that at all, even though she looked cute.

This is her first documented smile, it cracks me up.

Growing up fast

2009-07-19T10:42:00.000-07:00

I'm loving watching these little babies grow up, pretty soon they'll be flying away and I'll be an empty nester.

baby birds

2009-07-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

I went to water my flower baskets and to my surprise, the baby birds hatched. I'm so excited to be able to have these little guys to keep an eye on, I hope they survive and that no Magpies get to them. They are so cute and helpless, there are two of them in case you can't tell. I will try and post more pics as they grow up.

4th of July

2009-07-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

Mia surprised me again. I thought it was going to be almost impossible to keep her up until ten at night for the fireworks, but she had a blast thanks to her cousins entertainment. She loved the fireworks.

We went "camping" in Island Park, Idaho, on Jakes grandmas property on the buffalo river. Jake fished all morning and caught lots of fish, the weather was a little cold so we didn't get to swim at all. Mia's cousins, Spencer and Hayden caught lots of frogs and put them into plastic cups and Mia loved them, she would reach into the cup and grab a frog and then laugh. We went on a little hike, I think it was called the Targhee creek trail, anyway it was beautiful, I would have liked to hike longer but we got out kinda late and it started to rain on us, quite heavily towards the last 15 minutes back. Mia loves to sit in the backpack, I can't wait to hike some more this summer. We headed back to IdahoFalls Saturday after noon so we could watch the big fireworks show.

This is the trailer we stayed in, I don't know how old the thing is but I do know that we smelled like skunks for days and some of my stuff I had with me still dose.

Dream night at the Zoo

2009-07-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

This was a while ago, but I had some things to say about it. We were invited to attend the annual "Dream night at the Zoo". Hogle Zoo sponsors this program for children and families with "issues", the zoo was open after hours, they served dinner and had live entertainment, and a few special shows you could watch. Jake and I had a really hard time the entire night holding back tears (for different reasons). #1 This was the first time Mia had an actual appreciation for being at the zoo, she had a complete blast, she loved all the animals, especially the Owl (her favorite animal) and I wish I wish I wish I had my video camera because when we got to the squirrel monkeys she laughed and laughed, histerically for ten minutes, I had to hold back tears I was so thrilled to see her come alive. #2 there were so many kids there with major health problems and diseases that I don't even know about, and watching their parents and siblings interact and love them was really special. I wish I was more articulate because it really was a special night that I will remember for a long time and I wish I could describe more fully the things I saw and the feelings I felt.

Graduation!!!!!

2009-07-11T09:36:00.001-07:00

After two long years of hard work and lots of time, Jake graduated on June 30th with his MBA. I'm so proud of you Jake for sticking it out and working hard to provide a better future for us. I love you.

spring pictures

2009-06-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

These are the pictures we had taken of Mia this spring, they turned out pretty good, now what to do with the dress?

nest update

2009-06-07T10:43:00.001-07:00

So, Jake wanted the nest out of the house, he said it was filthy. I put it out on the deck and the wind blew the nest off the bench, Smokey ate the eggs and Jake said if Smokey ever licks Mia on the face again, he'd skin him alive. Poor little egglings, and watch out Smokey. P.S. Smokey didn't even get sick, yet.

Nest

2009-05-29T21:05:00.000-07:00

Today I was out watering my hanging baskets, usually I just reach and dump the water as close to the middle as I can, but most of the water just hits the leaves and runs off the side, and gets me wet. So I decided to actually bring my kitchen stool out to stand on and water. I have to pry the leaves apart so the water will actually reach the soil, and in one of the baskets I saw these little white eggs, at first I didn't even comprehend that they were real bird eggs, they looked exactly like Cadbury mini eggs, I really thought thats what they were. Anyway there were four of them and then I realized there was an entire nest too, all the eggs were out of the nest though, (we had a windy night last night). I have been seing the parents on my basket, but never imagined they would build a nest there, by the way these are house finch eggs. It was so exciting to find such a fun treasure in my basket, yet tragic because obviously I had to remove the nest. Anyway, now I don't know what to do with it. I wish I had taken a picture of it while it was still in the basket.

plants and Trouble with a capital T.

2009-05-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

Cactus and Tropicals finished planting my urns and I LOVE them, the ones out on my deck are a little different but equally gorgeous. Now I hope I don't kill them too soon.

Doesn't Dad's bird house look good? Oh yeah, and Andrea's welcome sign. I'm so glad to have such a crafty family, good for me.

This is one of Mia's favorite things to do, sneak into the bathroom when I'm not paying attention, and unroll all the T.P. and then drag it around the house with her and eat it too.

She got into the pantry and got herself a little treat, oh yes, and Smokey too. (actually, I'm surprised he's not in the picture pigging out on fishies).

Zumba Fight!!!!

2009-05-14T10:49:00.001-07:00

So this morning in Zumba, I arrived when I usually do, about 20 minutes before class. Consequently it doesn't really matter how early you arrive because there is a class in session right before Zumba, so you can't enter the room until they are finished anyway. So I'm waiting outside the door to go in and claim "MY SPOT", meaning the exact same place I've stood for the last two years, REALLY. Anyway, so I'm polite and waited for the previous class to be done, I enter when they're done, and..........to my absolute horror there are two ladies in MY SPOT, what's worse is there are no spots left in the general area of MY SPOT. These ladies are new to Zumba and weren't aware that it was my spot, so I told them it was my spot, and they said they pay the same amount of money that I do and therefore can stand where they want. (which of course is absoulutely true) but it's my spot. Anyway I felt stupid for saying anything and I pretty much just pouted the whole class, I tried to put a "happy" face on, but I'm not good at faking, I was raging mad inside. So the moral of the story is, I guess I'll just have to arrive even earlier and not be polite and just move on in so I can maintain my spot. Zumba is getting exhausting. (I feel better now that I've got that out of my system, and please don't think the worse of me for being a sore loser, it's just how I am.)

Eulogy for Babs

2009-04-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

Babs (-April 20, 2009) My very special beloved kitty, Babs was humanely euthanized on Monday, due to old age pain and discomfort. He was my constant companion and friend from the time we got him to the time I left home. Babs was my shoulder to cry on and my comforter when I was sad, and someone to play with when I was lonely. Babs loved catnip, chasing string, catching birds, mice and other small creatures, meat, being brushed, sleeping, and head rubs. For the last 10 years he's been in the care of my parents and they took great care of him. I will miss you and love you forever, I hope that you are rolling in catnip and chasing string to your hearts content in heaven. You better be waiting for me when my time comes. Love you Babs. Goodbye.

FINALLY!!!!!

2009-03-03T21:37:00.001-08:00

This is Mia blowing everyone a Kiss saying thanks for everyone's prayers for her because....she's finally crawling, like functional hands and knees crawling, this is something Eunice and I have been working on for about a year and a half, honestly. Now on to the next big thing, walking, I'm expecting this to take up to another year, (hoping less though) so everyone please keep on praying for her, my back can't take it much longer.

She's still pretty new at crawling, she wobbles and gets top heavy sometimes, it's hilarious, and the hardwood floor is a challenge, but I can see her getting stronger and faster at it every day.

Look, perfect form, I'm so proud.

She is also pulling herself to stand, this is also a very BIG thing. She is pulling herself up to anything she can get a grasp on. It was kinda funny and scary, I was making her dinner and I turned around and she was hanging from my glass console table, just hanging like a little monkey, as soon as I looked at her she got all scared and let go and landed on her little bum. I have to keep my eye on her now (what a change).

"self indulgent nonsense" Simon Cowell

2009-03-03T21:28:00.001-08:00

I have no picture for this post because all the public pictures I could find didn't do the subject justice. If anyone is interested in viewing my most recent desire go to the following website, utahragdolls.com, and you will see feline perfection. I WANT a ragdoll kitty soooooooo bad, they are the most perfect cat for me, (besides my Babs of course) they are great with kids and existing pets (smokey) they are gentle and laid back (hence the name) they are like dogs, in that they will follow you around the house and jump on your lap whenever you sit down, I mean what more could you ask for? Please don't think of me like Angela from The Office, I will never own more than one (well, at most two) cats at the same time, and I don't give cats baths with my own tongue. So please help the "Katy wants a ragdoll real bad" cause. Thanks.

Mia, Mia, Mia...Who Else?

2009-03-03T21:16:00.001-08:00

Funny Story about the "button" shirt...

Jake says, "she's gonna eat the buttons off!"

I say, "no she won't" (very sarcastically)

and of course....that's the first thing she goes for whenever I put this shirt on her, this was before lunch one day and she was ripping on those buttons with a vengeance. I guess I'm not always right.

These aren't the cutest pics of Mia but, I wanted everyone to see that she love's her dolly that Aunt Danielle made for her. This is one of her favorite toys right now, she hugs it and says love, and pats it on the back and says mama. It just melts my heart. Plus Smokey was being really funny too.

yellowstone by snowmachine

2009-02-08T19:45:00.000-08:00

So I forced myself to take some photos of our little trip, even though I look like I weigh about a million pounds all geared up and hideous to boot. Oh well. We had a fabulous time, Yellowstone is absolutely breathtaking in the winter, I would recommend it to anyone. We saw lots of buffalo, elk, bald eagles and swans, which I have posted a picture of because they are so beautiful. We were able to hear Old Faithful erupt (I say hear, because it was snowing so hard you couldn't see it) and we took a few walks around some of the water features in the park. It really is a fascinating place. It was also nice to spend a few nights away from Mia, she was great for grandma and grandpa Bowen, I don't know why it's taken me 2 1/2 years to make this happen. Anyway, loved it, loved it, loved it.

Here's one of the swans we saw, not the greatest picture, but you get the idea.

a few pictures

2009-02-04T10:13:00.000-08:00

Here are a few random pictures from the last couple of weeks. Mia has been so much fun lately especially at night when Jake get's home from work. She's starting to really interact with us and mimic and tease even. She says Ilove (all one word) over and over again, she even said ilove.....dada once. She pounds on her chest when she sees herself in the mirror, and if you ask her, "how much do you love me" she'll open her arms as wide as they'll go, it's adorable. She can climb the stairs all by herself, (you just have to be close enough, just in case) Oh yeah, I have these flach cards of animals, she can pick out and say, Owl, Sheep, Hawk (except she says Hot) Dog (except it's pup for her) She roars for the lion and hisses for the snake, she has a really funny sound for the turtle, and when you say Porcupine she laughs histerically. That's about it for the flashcards. Anyway there's a little Mia update.

Tomorrow Jake and I are headed to go Snowmachining in Yellowstone, WITHOUT Mia. This will be the first time since She's been born that I will have spent a night away from her (not by choice). I hope Grandma and Grandpa Bowen won't be too overwhelmed and that they will get to bond a little. I'd like to say I'll post pictures of the trip, but more likely than not, I won't take any.

Jake was tickling her and she was being so cute.

I think this picture is hilarious, she has no neck, and she looks mischevious or something.

Mia and I were just playing around one night in her furry vest, I love this smile of hers.

I finally retired Mia's baby pictures, so I had to redo my mantle. It's basically a shrine to Mia.

Smokey's new favorite place to sleep, looks so cozy.

Smokey's one year anniversary

2009-01-05T19:43:00.000-08:00

We've had Smokey for a year now and he's such a part of our family that I can't imagine not having him now. There was a time early on when I didn't think I could handle Smokey and I wanted to wring his little neck and sometimes still do, but we made it through potty training so we're good now.

Although he can be very very naughty (eating Mia's socks whole, chewing on garbage, "messing" up the front yard, running away, jumping on and licking guests, bad breath, etc..etc..etc..) he's a great dog, loves attention, is good to Mia, has never ever growled or been agressive to her and finally Smokey cuddles me when I'm feeling down. So here's to one year and hopefully many many more.

New haircut

2008-12-05T11:24:00.001-08:00

So here is my haircut, it's actually better when my bangs aren't pinned, but I thought I'd flat iron them this day....BAD idea, so I had to pin them. I took a bunch of pictures of myself by using the timer on the camera, it felt funny posing to my camera with no one around, but it's the only way.

Christmas Tree

2008-12-01T20:29:00.001-08:00

My sister Jen wanted to see how I decorated my tree, so here it is. I still have some more peacock feathers to add. I wanted to put some ribbon on the tree too, I have this beautiful teal ribbon with gold glitter peacock feathers imprinted on it, but I forgot to put it on before the rest of the stuff, so I think it's too late now. My goal is to not have any tree showing by the time I'm done decorating (just kidding)

day at the farm with Grandma

2008-12-01T20:16:00.000-08:00

My parents have been in town for the Thanksgiving holiday, so I've been taking them around town and trying to entertain them, so today we went to wheeler farm since the weather was so gorgeous. We fed the ducks and geese moved on to the chickens and piggies, next the goats and sheep. Then we had a little "accident". We were at the horse pasture and Mia was standing at the fence holding on to the wire so cutely so I thought I'd take a picture of her and I turned around to get the camera and then Mia started screaming in pain, so I turned around and the little Mule had bitten her finger, there was a little tooth mark and her finger was all red and swolen. I felt so bad and stupid because right on the fence post there's a sign that says "do not feed your fingers to the horses". Anyway, she recovered and hopefully will not be afraid of the horses the next time we go. P.S. Andrea, this is one of Johanna's hand-me-down jackets you gave me, do you remember it? Mia looked really cute in it today.

busy, busy, busy

2008-11-23T20:25:00.000-08:00

The last week was one of the busiest weeks I've ever had before. I've been trying to get ready for Mom and Dad to come and menu plan for thanksgiving dinner, thoroughly cleaning the house, family pictures, haircut, babyshower, midnight showing of twilight, sick Mia throwing up in the night, christmas shopping, plumbing issues, vents cleaned, couches steam cleaned, grocery shopping, baby and me class and Bunko night. I was so busy I didn't even make it to the gym once....great....there's another five pounds for the holidays. P.S. I'll post a picture of my new haircut soon when I'm feeling a little more love for it, I'm still having mixed feelings about it, hopefully no more sobbing tantrums though.

halloween fun

2008-11-05T14:29:00.000-08:00

Palm reading anyone? I don't get this child, I can wrap this scarf around her head any old way, and she loves it and will wear it forever, yet I put a flower or a headband on her and it's a major freak out. Anyway, I thought she looked like a fortune teller here.

This headwrap I call the Mrs. Butterworth.

Here's Mia at the Halloween Carnival at the Jordan School. This was really the only game Mia could do, but she loved it, she sat there for about 20 minutes and threw candy and beans everywhere.

My cha-cha diva. Thanks uncle Cory for bringing us the cute dress from Spain.

random pics of Mia

2008-10-25T21:06:00.001-07:00

I acutally put her hair in pigtails, it was so cute I wish I had a better picture of it.

My little mop headed child.

Quality time with Smokey

odds and ends

2008-10-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

Jake took the first bath in our new tub. I thought it was really cute because he ran the water and got in and then asked me if we had any bubbles. How cute is that, just like a little kid. I found some and poured them in, mmmmmmm happy husband.

I stopped at the hostess outlet on the way to wheeler farm and purchased 2 loaves of bread and 8 bags of hamburger buns for one dollar. Mia, the geese and the goats were in heaven. I was flinging buns like nobody's business. As you can see the goat really wanted that piece that Mia quickly shoved into her mouth. I LOVE wheeler farm.

This was at Sundance. Mia saw the water and wanted to touch it, she didn't realize it would be so cold, I dipped her toes in and the screaming started. It's not the best pic.

It was a beautiful and HOT day in September, we rode the lift at Sundance and got off at the top for a "mini" hike, those of you who know Jake, know exactly what "mini" means. hee hee.

This was way back on Labor Day. We drove up to the buffalo ranch because Jake was missing it. I just thought Mia looked sweet here, she loves to cuddle dad.

Train ride

2008-10-25T20:29:00.000-07:00

Today was one of those rare "perfect" days. We rode the Heber Valley train today, and it was so much fun. We could'nt have asked for more perfect weather, and what was even better was that Mia actually enjoyed it, the whole hour and a half ride. She stood on the bench and held on to the bar almost the whole time. This is big for Mia.

2008-09-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

me in a pumpkin, I think I was about nine months old here.

Autumn in Oregon

2008-09-29T09:58:00.000-07:00

I miss being a kid. I especially miss being a kid in Oregon during the autumn months. I remember the burnt smell in the air, playing in the leaves with my sisters, Dad's big pumpkins he always grew. Thinking that raking leaves was fun, the dried cornstalks in the garden, eating apples and caramel for dessert. We used to pluck the seeds from the marigolds and sell them to the neighbors for 50 cents a bag. I had a wonderful childhood.

2008-08-27T22:15:00.000-07:00

I just had to post this picture of me and my sisters. We took this while I was in Oregon for my family reunion, which was "mostly" fun. We had some good fireside chat's and lots of good home made fresh berry pies. I guess my only complaint would be that I didn't get enough quality time with my Sis's. That's why since next year is my turn to plan the reunion, I "delicately" excused all husbands and children from attending. We are going to have a sisters retreat. I have fun thinking in bed at night of all the fun things we can do, shopping (it's a must), pedicures, dessert at melting pot, hiking (weather permiting), wicked, roller skating (if we run out of things to do), talking, talking, talking. I'm open to suggestions anyone. Can't wait.

one more year

2008-08-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

So today was Mia's annual heart exam. She had a couple of chest x-rays taken and and EKG done as well. The results for both were the same as last years, that's a good thing, that means her heart has not gotten any worse, yay. So once again we don't have to go back for another year. One more concern off my mind for another year. Now if only her development could be so encouraging.

Eunice

2008-08-17T08:16:00.000-07:00

Eunice came into our lives at a point when I was hopless and depressed about the situation with Mia. It was about a year and a half ago when Mia was only six months old, I knew her development wasn't where it was supposed to be and I felt so alone and I truly had lost hope. That's when I got enrolled in early intervention and was assigned Eunice to be Mia's occupational therapist. At first I wasn't sure about Eunice, it was hard to understand her and I didn't get what she was doing with Mia either, I still felt frustrated. However, I stuck with her and as time went on I could understand her english much better and our relationship improved with each visit. Today I have come to rely on Eunice so much, not only for Mia's progress but for the emotional support she provides for me. Eunice is always reassuring me that Mia is doing well and has come so far from where we started, she gives me piece of mind that Mia will continue to do well and that everything will be okay. I also love Eunice for the way she love's Mia, every session we have together proves to me that it really does take a village to raise a child. I don't know what I would do without Eunice, I'm so greatful for wonderful people like her.

breaking dawn

2008-08-05T15:34:00.000-07:00

Don't worry no spoilers here, but I just have to blog about the book. I know there are a lot of haters out there but I couldn't be any happier, everything I wanted to happen did, and then some too. I don't care if it wasn't "good literature" because I LOVED it so much. It makes me happy just thinking about it, but sad because it's over now. What am I going to obsess over now? Please don't even tell me you didn't like it, I'm not listening.

Saloon pic

2008-07-31T11:41:00.000-07:00

I told you it was ugly.

Cute Mia

2008-07-24T22:32:00.000-07:00

I just had to post this picture because I love it. She was supposed to be napping and I heard her up in her room just laughing away, she does that sometimes, it's one of my favorite things to hear her laughing by herself. Jake and I always say she's playing with the angels.

Busy week

2008-07-24T22:17:00.000-07:00

Well it's been a very busy week, what with all the birthday's and our anniversary I've been running around crazy trying to get everything done. I already posted about Mia's birthday so I won't mention that again. Our seventh anniversary was on July 20, I know seven years is like a drop in the bucket of life, but I still feel like it's an accomplishment. Jake gave me a beautiful anniversary band to go with my wedding ring, I love it, (you all know me, the more sparkles the better). Anyhow, Jake's birthday was July 22, he's got one more year to enjoy being in his 20's. Kinda scary to think we'll both be in our 30's soon. I'm so excited I got him (well, us really) tickets to go see Coldplay in November, can't wait. Jake also had the day off for his b-day so we got a babysitter and went to Lagoon for the day. We spent the majority of the day at Lagoon-a-beach, it's our favorite thing about Lagoon. There's one water slide in particular that we love, we try to knock eachother off our tubes and try to take out as many people as possible too, it's really fun. Like a couple of kids in a candy store. We also had an oldtime photo taken of us, I was a saloon girl and Jake was an outlaw, it turned out ugly of me but it was fun anyway. Sorry this was so long.

Finally started

2008-07-17T20:13:00.000-07:00

Our neighbor was finally able to come over and start working on our master bathroom. He tore out the tub and shower in a matter of minutes. I can't wait until it's finished. I'll make sure I post pictures when it's done too. Keep in mind, it might be months from now though.

Mia's second birthday

2008-07-17T19:59:00.000-07:00

My little girl is 2!!! I can't believe it, what a journey the last two years have been for us. I tried to make the day special for Mia, so Jake came home early from work and we took her to a petting zoo and gave her a pony ride too. She loved the little goats, one in particular was trying to eat her dress and she thought that was really funny. I made her waffles for dinner, which she loved and then we opened her presents for her(she wasn't interested in opening them herself, she was a little overwhelmed I think). After presents we let her have a cupcake and she demolished it very quickly. Happy Birthday Mia.

my first post

2008-07-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

This first post is so scary, in fact this whole blogging thing is scary because I read all my friends and families blogs and everyone always seems to have interesting/charming/funny etc... stories to tell and it makes me feel very boring. I guess I'll just have to get inventive. Anyhow, I hope you all enjoy reading about my life in the future as much as I've enjoyed reading about yours.