SCHOOL DAYS

My Wyatt started kindergarten today! Kindergarten! Although I am sure he was ready for all day I couldn't bare the thought of having him away for so long, so I signed him up for half day. He slept in this morning (due to his excitement last night and not wanting to go to bed) and quickly ate breakfast and dressed (he picked out his clothes the night before) and was compeletly ready with a few hours to spare. He was ready to go! He couldn't wait to ride the bus! I did not want to miss the bus on our first day, (I am sure we'll miss it during the year), so we got a little anxious and headed out to the bus stop like 10 min early. Thankgoodness Wyatt had to go potty (it was too hot to wait out there) so we walked home and then back out to the bus stop a little later. Best part of my day?...watching Wyatt get on the bus. Once he stepped onto the bus he got a little nervous all of the sudden and didn't want to sit down right away. I snapped a few (ok, a lot) of pictures. It was really cute. I reassured him that everything would be OK and he did great! One of the things I really admire about Wyatt is how he decides to be brave.

When we were walking back home Luke was laughing and told me he thought Wyatt's bus was "funny" (it's a short bus). I was amazed at how much more Luke was talking. He talked non-stop while Wyatt was at school. I loved our time together and am looking forward to getting to know Luke more.

I drove to Wyatt's school just to make sure he got to class without any trouble. He got off the bus looking a little nervous, but I knew he would be fine with his 2 little friends by his side!

Luke and I couldn't wait to talk to him once he got home from school. His favorite part of the day?...RECESS! He didn't tell us too much about his day, except that when they went out for recess his teacher told them not to touch the hand rails because the bees could sting them. Good to know...

Luke Boy

BEFORE: ALMOST THERE...

JUST A LITTLE MORE TO GO...
OH NO! WHAT HAVE I DONE?

OH, I THINK I LIKE IT!

I'M FEELING SO MUCH LIGHTER..AND SNEAKIER? (Is that even a word?)

Luke boy

AFTER:

I gave Jared the "go ahead" before I left for mutual one night. Wyatt gets regular buzzes, and Jared has threatened to give Luke one, but I never wanted him to. I just couldn't imagine my little boy with the "lovely locks" buzzed, but was tired of always having to "style" his head full of hair! He was already in bed when I got home, so I had to wait till the morning to see him. He was really excited about it and so I had to act happy, but I was truly sad to see his hair go! He looks so different and much older now. I sure do love him any way, though! He's still cute as can be!! Love all those faces.

LUKEY BOY

3 years ago on June 14th, 2007 Luke Bowman joined our family. He looked so completely different than Wyatt with his dark hair, dark lashes, and tiny face. Oh, I can't believe how much he's grown! What a handsome little guy. Everyone (especially all of the little girls) adore Luke. He is a quiet one (around people), but keeps us entertained at home with his silliness.

Luke is a happy boy.

He loves to cuddle.

He is a tease.

He idolizes his older brother Wyatt and copies everything he says and does.

He loves books, movies, puzzles, cars, bikes, taking things apart, and tools.

He is smart.

He is thoughtful and likes to please.

Luke likes to sleep.

Luke told me that he didn't want to have a party. I thought that sounded fine and was excited to do our own family thing and make it fun. Wyatt heard us talking and couldn't believe Luke didn't want a party, so he proceeded to talk Luke into having a party with friends! Wyatt is quite persuasive. So, Luke (and Wyatt) decided on a Lightening McQueen (Cars) party. Monday, June 14th was a busy one. Earlier in the day the boys had swim lessons. Once we got home we quickly ate lunch and prepared for the party at 1. Thankfully Jared had the day off. I wouldn't have been able to pull it off without him. Once again he decorated the cake (he does every year) and it turned out great!

13 kids, cake, presents, pinata, movie...

The party was a success!

But the partying didn't stop there. Ladd and Janet had family over for a BBQ, more swimming, and more cake. Fun!

Luke we love you!

DAD'S DAY

Lucky dad of 3 handsome little boys who adore him!
Connie and I had the awesome idea of dressing our kids up in their dad's clothes and taking pictures (OK, we copied someone else's idea). It was a lot of fun, and a lot of hectic too. 2 moms trying to dress and snap some decent pictures of 6 crazy kids. We ended up with some cute pictures, though. Here we have Jared with his new camp stove. I don't know who was more excited...
Jared or the boys.
The boys were pretty excited to play in the boxes too.Later that night we invited family (including my dad. Jared's dad is in WY on a mission) over for dessert. No pictures, but I like to think it's because we were busy having such a great time!...and we were.
I love my dad and am grateful for him! He is a wonderful example to me of service. He has a good heart and is always willing to help others in any way that he can. He is forgiving and compassionate.
He is my friend.
Also, I couldn't have asked for a better dad for our boys. Jared is everything I think a father should be. I am grateful our boys have such a good man to look up to.

A DAY FOR MOTHERS

Mother's Day 2010 consisted of my husband and boys letting me sleep in and then waking me up to open my presents. Wyatt and Luke were excited for me to see the pink beach towel and punch bowl they picked out for me. It was really cute. Jared said that's what they wanted to get me. Jared then surprised me with a beautiful bracelet!

Later that day he made some delicious cookies for all the mothers who would come over for dessert.

Jenny was out of town (Cameron still came and brought each of us flowers!). Here we have the newest mother (L to R) Connie, me, Carrie (who announced she is pregnant the next day!) and Mickey (soon to be mother of our half brother!).

I absolutely love being a mother.

I had the best example of a selfless, loving, caring, and compassionate mother... my own mom. I will cherish her example forever.

I know that all she ever wanted was to be a mom. She loved her kids (me) very much.

I am also thankful for all of the other examples of righteous women/mothers in my life. I am blessed with a wonderful mother-in-law, beautiful sisters (who I am glad to have so close-by), sisters-in-law, friends, and a new step mom who I consider a great friend. I am very lucky.

The 4th

For Jared's birthday/ the 4Th of July we gladly ditched the 100 degree weather for much cooler temps in Heber. Jared was itching to use his new camp stove (Father's Day gift), so we hauled it up early Saturday morning to "Pine country" and had ourselves a fantastic breakfast!

Eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes.

Once Porter and Karla, and Ladd and Janet plus kids arrived, we drove out to "the dump" (aka- a large field with lots of trails) and hung out while the boys "attempted" to mountain bike. I say,"attempted", because they came back 30 minutes later looking quite beat-up and tired. I guess the hills, rocks, and altitude didn't agree with them. Karla and I had better luck when we strapped on our running shoes and ran around the neighborhood for a nice run. We're not sure the exact distance, but with our wrong turn, it had to have been at least 3 miles. I loved being able to run and not sweat like a pig! The weather was perfect!

After cleaning up a little we then fought the crowds (Heber is becoming the hot-spot for all of us valley folks) for a parking spot for the fireworks! Once again the fireworks did not disappoint. I have never been to better fireworks! Who would've guessed that a small town would be able to produce such a fantastic firework show! My favorite part? Restless Levi sat in my lap the entire time and watched the fireworks without moving or crying! I was shocked. He loved them.

I am proud to be an American. Where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me....There ain't no doubt I love this land.

God bless the U.S.A!

I always get choked up when I hear or sing that song. I will never forget singing it to Mrs. Bush, 1990, Ft Campbell, KY. when my dad was out flying/fighting in Desert Storm. Thank you to my dad, and all of the other men and women who have and continue to fight for our freedom!

After the show we all drove up to Taylor where the Shumways opened their house up and let us crash. We were all so tired, but had a blast hanging out and visiting till past midnight. Thank goodness church wasn't until 1 the next day! Instead of staying for dinner we decided to get home, thinking Jared had to work the next day. I am glad we went home, because that night I experienced the worst stomach flu I have ever known. I will spare you the details.

It was bad.

I was exhausted the next day and wondered how I would be able to care for my kids. Lucky for me Jared realized he actually didn't have to work! Hallelujah. Good for him, because later that day he got sick too! Yuck.

A couple days after his 1st birthday, Levi started walking!

It all happened so fast.

Weeks prior he had been standing up and balancing...

then he took a step here or there...

now he's attempting to run and

DANCING!

We're so proud of you Levi!