Merry Christmas From the Bowles!!!

Dairy Farmers of America Young Cooperators

Rob and I got to go stay down in Salt Lake for a DFA conference. There is no question that we all stuck out like sore thumbs at Little America...since when did flannel shirts, wranglers, and cowboy boots go out of style? This is our second year going and it is always a lot of fun to play catch up with our friends that are heading towards the same career pathway as Rob and I. This year we got to go the Jazz game!

Jazz vs. Trail Blazers (not the Seattle Sea Hawks-Rob says they play football...oops)

Jazz Won!!!

Jazz warming up...I think that's Andre Kirilenko in the back, too bad it's not my boyfriend Kyle.

Dinner before the game in one of the boxes

Deer in the headlights

Playing Catch Up...

Ward Christmas Party

Rob and his buddy who entered the pie eating contest...

Our cute friends who moved away to a sunnier place...

City Folk at the Farm

I can't lie...I have a weakness for these stinkin cute little calves.

My cute little nephew and niece

Not so sure what to think of this thing...

Gucci, and Jar Jar were the favorites...

Favorite Aunt and Uncle...at least for the day.

Grandma and Grandpa

Glutton Fest

Rob's buddies from his freshman year...all striving to be Neanderthals for November...pretty successful huh?

D-Rock, Tyler, Rob, Nate (who pulls off a wicked awesome beard), and Eric (no Eric we are not getting pigs)

He's pretty with that flavor savor...being the non conformist he is...it only lasted a day.

Fall 2008 at the Bowles

Who said we're too old to trick or treat?

For those of you who have seen the movie "Hellboy" this picture explains itself!

Happy Halloween!

Wiiiiiiii!!!

Virtual or at the Bowling alley, I have yet to achieve a score much higher than 100...

So, my birthday was last week and my awesome husband gave me a wicked awesome birthday present!!! The Wii Fit!!! I got spoiled rotten, I will not deny it this time (being the youngest in a family of 6 means very little). So after being asked if I was pregnant one too many times I began feeling the full weight of every additional pound added since I got married, which mind you is not much, and definately not enough to equal a baby's weight. The night after the last prego question I went running out of anger and rolled my ankle about a couple blocks from leaving my house...to say the least working out is not my cup of tea.

Therefore the Wii is the most beautiful invention! I have worked out several times a week in the last 2 weeks and my Wii friend claims I'm losing weight, which I'm still skeptical about, but dang it feels good, and it is a lot of fun! I'm getting to be a pro hula hooper for your information and my yoga is improving too, not to mention I am now a boxing maniac. It is a brilliant idea to be rewarded for working out with additonal locked games! Our friends that live below us have a wii too, so we have parties and play DDR on the Wii too! I may not look a whole lot different next time you see me, but underneath my hoodie I will be ripped! :) Hee Hee! Thanks Rob for salvaging my figure, self esteem, and health! Wiiiiiiiiiii!!!

A little DDR action...

What Effect will Gay Marriage have on Your Family?

My sister-in-law sent this in an e' mail to me. If your wondering if the legality of gay marriage will affect your family, check this video out (click on link below):

From my Sister-in-law:
"I have really been struggling with this issue. Ryan is completely for Proposition 8 and I've had a harder time accepting it. A friend of mine sent me this video. It's very interesting and has helped me make my decision as to whether or not I will vote for it.

For those of you that don't know what prop 8 is, it is an amendment to the CA state constitution that will add the statement "marriage should only be between a man and a women".

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1352578267/bctid1784521903

A Little Pumpkin Poem...

One day I found two pumpkin seeds.
I planted one and pulled the weeds.
It sprouted roots and a big, long vine.
A pumpkin grew; I called it mine.
The pumpkin was quite round and fat.
(I really am quite proud of that.)
But there is something I'll admit
That has me worried just a bit.
I ate the other seed, you see.
Now will it grow inside of me?

Time for a Change of Scenery...

It's Autumn time, it's autumn time!
The leaves are turning brown!
It's Autumn it's autumn time,
There's colors all around!

Who Told Him Beards are Manly?

What I Consider Deep Thoughts...Sometimes I think I think too much

So I think a new post is well overdue. It is always the same problem that I have...what to blog about. So instead I just read all of yours, thus the last blog was written back in July. Maybe I will take the random thought approach today...

* How do we have open minds, but stand up for what we believe in a loving and non- judgemental way?

* This above question comes from a few different aspects of my life lately...

-Rob and I were discussing where we stand with gay rights. I finally decided that just like any other questionable choices, what effect does it have on society, and particularly a family?

-Who in this crazy election is truly going to represent what I believe? I think that Obama is very personable and I have been impressed with his wife, but he does not represent those policies and concepts that I believe in. Then there is McCain who I have no attachments to. I think that it is time to start researching more.

-There was an interesting letter to the editor in the HJ newspaper (yes I acknowledge it is not the most unbiased source) about social revolution and what stance the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints takes on gay marriages. There were a lot of mud slinging comments from readers to readers of the article. The Church has established a Proclamation to the World on the Family and they will stand by this. I share these beliefs. The challenge is how do we show love in a way that does not force our opinion on others, or should we be more vocal in our beliefs and actively fight the right to marry the same gender??? Lots of questions. It is such a fragile balance beam that we walk. President Hinkley was such an amazing example in the way he encouraged us to be non-judgemental and to love everyone.

"But there are many other things we must do as we move forward the work to a new and promising century. Simply put, we must be better Latter-day Saints. We must be more neighborly. We cannot live a cloistered existence in this world. We are a part of the whole of humanity.

A lawyer cometh unto Jesus, asking: “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
“This is the first and great commandment.
“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
“On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matt. 22:36–40).

Let us love the Lord, yes, with all our strength and power. And let us also love our neighbors. Let us banish from our lives any elements of self-righteousness. Many regard us with suspicion, as having only one interest and that is to convert them. Conversion is more likely to come as a consequence of love. Let us be friendly. Let us be helpful. Let us live the Golden Rule. Let us be neighbors of whom it might be said, “He or she was the best neighbor I ever had.”"

As I was looking for a quote like the above I found that the whole article was quite applicable so here are a few more paragraphs.

"Now, what of the future? What of the years that lie ahead? It looks promising indeed. People are beginning to see us for what we are and for the values we espouse. The media generally treat us well. We enjoy a good reputation, for which we are grateful.
If we will go forward, never losing sight of our goal, speaking ill of no one, living the great principles we know to be true, this cause will roll on in majesty and power to fill the earth. Doors now closed to the preaching of the gospel will be opened. The Almighty, if necessary, may have to shake the nations to humble them and cause them to listen to the servants of the living God. Whatever is needed will come to pass.
The great challenges facing us and the key to the success of the work will be the faith of all who call themselves Latter-day Saints. Our standards are certain and unequivocal. We need not quibble about them. We need not rationalize them. They are set forth in the Decalogue written by the finger of the Lord on Mount Sinai. They are found in the Sermon on the Mount spoken by the Lord Himself. They are found elsewhere in His teachings, and they are found plainly set forth in the words of modern revelation. From the beginning these have served as our code of conduct. They must continue to so serve.
The future will be essentially the same as the past, only much brighter and greatly enlarged. We must continue to reach out across the world, teaching the gospel at home and abroad. A divine mandate rests heavily upon us. We cannot run from it. We cannot avoid it"

"Perhaps our greatest concern is with families. The family is falling apart all over the world. The old ties that bound together father and mother and children are breaking everywhere. We must face this in our own midst. There are too many broken homes among our own. The love that led to marriage somehow evaporates, and hatred fills its place. Hearts are broken, children weep. Can we not do better? Of course, we can. It is selfishness that brings about most of these tragedies. If there is forbearance, if there is forgiveness, if there is an anxious looking after the happiness of one’s companion, then love will flourish and blossom.
As I look to the future, I see little to feel enthusiastic about concerning the family in America and across the world. Drugs and alcohol are taking a terrible toll, which is not likely to decrease. Harsh language, one to another, indifference to the needs of one another—all seem to be increasing. There is so much of child abuse. There is so much of spouse abuse. There is growing abuse of the elderly. All of this will happen and get worse unless there is an underlying acknowledgment, yes, a strong and fervent conviction, concerning the fact that the family is an instrument of the Almighty. It is His creation. It is also the basic unit of society.
I lift a warning voice to our people. We have moved too far toward the mainstream of society in this matter. Now, of course there are good families. There are good families everywhere. But there are too many who are in trouble. This is a malady with a cure. The prescription is simple and wonderfully effective. It is love. It is plain, simple, everyday love and respect. It is a tender plant that needs nurturing. But it is worth all of the effort we can put into it.
Now, in closing, I see a wonderful future in a very uncertain world. If we will cling to our values, if we will build on our inheritance, if we will walk in obedience before the Lord, if we will simply live the gospel we will be blessed in a magnificent and wonderful way. We will be looked upon as a peculiar people who have found the key to a peculiar happiness."
...President Hinkley gave this talk clear back in 1997

* In the ER we have people that come in frequently seeking narcotics. As a nurse it is a huge challenge to ignore what others are saying concerning your patient, and just do your job. On the other hand, how do you take care of such a patient with the equality and respect any patient deserves, and yet avoid the manipulating that often coincides with these patients.

* I love the career I have chosen and love the Emergency Room. I love taking care of people. It is so very fullfilling! But my question is: why in the world did I choose a career and unit that revolves around a never-ending changing world; new equiptment, new protocols, new cases everyday, etc. For anyone who knows me well, you know that I do not like change. Apparently I am in the right career then huh? My safety bubble has been massacred.

* There is no room for OCD and perfection as a brand new nursing student or any nurse in the ER...you are always learning from your mistakes. Why does society expect nurses and doctors to never make mistakes. If you know anything about the medical field you will quickly discover that it is not a perfect science.

*On a similair note...No matter your financial circumstances, the Emergency Room is NOT a walk in clinic. Do not forget that instacare also serves a purpose. But do not go into instacare for chest pain either. Be Smart.

*If you have to wait for 15 minutes in the ER waiting room, I am sorry. But did you know that "across the country, the average emergency room wait time is now 222 minutes — that's 3 hours, 42 minutes." (NBC News, Tom Castello. And that is just to get into the ER. Don't get me wrong, each case is important, but keep in mind that someone down the hall may be in cardiac arrest.

* As a perfectionist how do I learn to be happy with being very imperfect?

* Why do I care so much what people think? I have never been able to "blow things off" or "let the water roll of my back." That's what ducks do and I just can't quite get my quack down.

It feels good to get a few thoughts down. Please do not be offended at any of my thoughts as that is exactly what they are...Sarah's brain cycling.

Wilson Posse Campout

Make a Smilebox photobook

I am so glad that we were able to do this...it means A LOT to me to get my family together. Here's some pictures...For you Wilson's plan on next summer :)

Mission President Homecoming

Rob and I headed down to American Fork for his Mission President's Homecoming and I met "the chosen missionaries" :) of the Florianoplis Brazil Mission. I am so grateful for the hard work Rob excercised in serving a mission. What an enormous blessing for our family! More pictures...

President Dansie

Some things never change...

Sister Dansie...what a woman to mother all of those crazy 19 year olds in a foreign country!

Some of the Florianopolis' Great :)

Lots of little tots...

Rob and I went down to Salt Lake to see niece/nephew number 16 blessed, Hiram Bradley Wilson. Robert Bradley claims that Hiram was named after him and vows to remind poor Hiram on a regular basis. Here's some pictures...

The Wilson Girls...oddly enough Melissa reminded us that she is the only Real Wilson...gotta love my lady like pose huh?

Tiny little Hiram and Amazing Mommy Melisssa

Julianne wanted us to take a picture of her doing a headstand...this is like take number 5 and we captured it!

Some day Rob will be a really cute Daddy...not anytime soon though...No I'M NOT PREGNANT...and don't ever assume and ask if a woman is...ouch it takes a hit to a woman's self esteem.

My oldest Bro Mark, Hiram's Proud Daddy...5 girls and finally a BOY! He wouldn't let me take his picture so this is what we captured :) He's great!

Camilla wanted me to take a picture of her spinning the sash of her dress :)

Kaitlinn Marie my oldest niece...What a sweet middle name :)

It's almost too good to be true...

So I used to spend quite a bit of time soaking in all of the Mystery Diagnosis and Trauma: Life in the ER that I could. Now I get to not only watch it in real life, but also get to get my hands dirty and get to help patients. I am so excited and truly found a passion in the ER during my clinical hours/internship. I accepted an R.N. position in the Emergency Room!!! As if I would do anything else. I am so very blessed and so very happy about this! Although I love the ER please don't make it a point to come visit me there....one of my worst fears. How much better does it get than this?!!!

I can't deny that my name with the initials RN by it does have an awfully nice ring to it...

It is truly a miracle!!! I passed my RN boards and am officially a Registered Nurse!!!

I walked out of a freezing cold Ogden testing center feeling like I had failed miserably after 41/2-5 hours of testing. These boards were an incredible guessing game. I said to the lady at the testing center front desk..."and why did I go to school for two years?" The only reason I passed it, besides my tintsy wintsy guessing ability and knowledge that I could apply, was truly due to a loving Heavenly Father. I am also so grateful to many who prayed on my behalf...every prayer appreciated. I am so very grateful that I was able to pass them, I cannot even express it! I jumped up and down and ran around the house screaming, maybe that gives you an idea :)I am so excited to finally get to utilize a huge career accomplishment for me that I have been dreaming about since middle school!

I love interacting with my patients, I love starting IV's, the medical field, and of course the emergency room. I am so happy! But watch out...it's been said that "nurses always get you in the end" :)

My brother Shane also passed his boards...I am soooo happy for him. He deserves it so very much! I am so grateful to my Hevanely Father who has been with me in some big decisions and lots of emotional roller coasters within the last couple of months. He really does know what we need and the appropriate time for these events. I also have a wicked awesome husband who has put up with me through all of this, especially the last 48 hours of waiting...and waiting...and waiting! I am blessed to have a husband who truly feels what I feel...frustrated when i am, sad when I am, and happy when I am. I love Rob! He is now 23 years old as of Thursday!

You Aint Seen Nothin Yet...

Welcome to Logan's First Rodeo of the Summer...

Some people would call this a "white trash" event...Call it what you want, but I get a kick out of them!

Come on, where else do you sit behind a guy wearing this kind of shirt?

Look Familiar?

To think that the weekend before this we were watching cars, suburbans, and trucks duking it out ...one of the best events in Cache Valley-The Demolition Derby. This is for real!

I love the unforgettable events that take place during beautiful Cache Valley Summers!

This week end is the 4th of July, Styx concert, and the Big "Cache Valley Cruise in, cache valley cruuuiiise innnnn!" (sorry you can't hear the music along with this). Just use your imagination!