Sarah without an "H" is Incomplete

The Many Faces of Christmas...

2012-01-05T13:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays from the Bowles!

I've been a good boy all year, I promise...

Can we be done with this photo shoot yet?

I am spent...

Bowling with the Bowles...my scores were painfully low.

Grandma Bowles & Grandma great Hansen...Seth never wants for attention with these 2 around! He's one lucky boy!

Just missing Elder Nicholas...

Cowboy Up!

Dad & Seth snowshoeing

The hardcore snowshoers + Mike behind the Camera

Some of the highlights of our Holidays:

-Snowshoeing followed by El Tapatio with the Bowles...Rob's siblings came home for Christmas!

-Traditional Grandparent party with yummy food and beautiful music

-Christmas Eve at home with Grandma & Grandpa Wilson

-Christmas Day at the Bowles-Rob got to talk to Nick (Elder Bowles)

-Christmas Night with lots of Wilson Cousins...food, presents, fun, and chaos

-Hansen Family Christmas Party...minute to win it competitions and fudge

-Bowling, games, and good conversation with the Bowles

-Wilson Family Party... I am always grateful for the opportunity to spend time with my siblings

-I didn't have to go into work until 8 am on Christmas Day and got cut an hour early

-Justin & Rob Wrestling match

-Having Rob home over Christmas break!

-Although we had the flu bug at our house, we felt good enough to be able to go to our friends Leah & Davin's for New Years Eve

-Our first Christmas with Seth!

Happy 2nd Birthday to our Sweet Benton Boy!!!

2011-11-16T11:03:00.000-08:00

WE LOVE YOU very much Benton!

Love,

Mom, Dad, & Seth

Seth's Blessing Day

2011-10-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

Seth is 2 months old and was blessed on Sunday, October 23rd by his dad. He wore his daddy's blessing outfit and we had a wonderful day! Lots of family made it complete and Rob gave him a beautiful blessing!

Since I blogged last...

2011-09-30T12:22:00.000-07:00

Benton sent his little brother Seth down to earth to be with us!

Rob officially became Mr. Bowles and got hired on at Preston High School as a chemistry teacher! He graduates in December with his masters! We are proud of him!

My friend Jenna had a beautiful baby girl Macie!

The Stephans came to visit all the way from Mississippi!

My friend Jessica became Jessica S. Parker!

The annual Wilson Family Campout...all 6 of the Wilson kids were there this year and it was awesome!

Jenny, Shane, and Jake

Nicole and her boys

Kate & Heidi...cute girls!

Gracie wasn't so sure about the jumbo marshmallows after this...

We got to spend some time with my sisters and their families over the 4th of July...Lewiston Parade and all!

At least someone got use out of the boat this year...even if it was parked.

My sister, Nicole ran the Salt Lake Marathon and dominated! She has got some serious motivation and self discipline, and I am proud of her!

We conquered Fairview lake...in our backyard this last winter/spring-Yes this really is our backyard!

We went up to Northern Idaho and visited Farragut State Park which used to be an army training base during World War II. My Grandpa Wilson was stationed here as one of the dentists for all the new recruits before they left for the war.

Pretty sweet idea for our propane tank huh? We saw beautiful Coeur d'alane and even got to visit Annie and Justin in Moscow!

We went to Spokanne Washington where we went to the temple, saw Wicked, and went to a Cat Museum of sorts.

They had siberian tigers, panthers, cougars, lions, and even a bear at this Cat Museum...Justin and Rob fit right in with the monkeys huh?

I'm so grateful for my Family...

2011-01-19T13:59:00.000-08:00

Hansen Family Party 2010

Melissa & Pat

Mike, Melissa, and Cassie

The Nativity Cast

Justin & Annie

Grandma Hansen

Wilson Family Christmas Party 2010

By faces, I'd say Brandon's winning...

Zoned into the tube....the new generation of cousins

Amber Spring

Hyrum excercising his mad skills

The girls playing Bean Bonanza...and Rob...nice bow.

Mark and Mindy

Andrew with Amber and Ava

Me, Heather, Nicole, and Jenny...Thank you Nicole for all you do!

These things wouldn't happen without you.

Mom and Ryan...Best Mom Ever!!!

Thank you for all of your sweet wishes, prayers, and thoughts on our behalf...Yesterday was a good day!

2010-11-17T15:06:00.000-08:00

This photo album generated with Smilebox

Dedicated to my Benton Boy

2010-11-14T16:31:00.000-08:00

Mommy, Please Don't Cry
By Linda DeyMaz
Artwork by Laurie Snow Hein & Del Parson

Picture below unknown artist

Mommy, Please Don't Cry... A beautiful angel carried me here!

I met Jesus today Mommy! He cradled me in His big, strong arms.

He made me feel so happy inside.

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
Mommy, please don't cry...heaven is wonderful!

Did you know the streets are made of gold? Real gold!

I have lots of friends, mommy.

We run and play. We giggle and laugh.

I can't wait to show you my secret hideouts!

Mommy, please don't cry...when I fall it doesn't hurt!

There are no tears in heaven.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

I've met a man named Noah.

He told me about his big boat, all the animals, and the very first rainbow.

Have you heard of Noah, Mommy?

Mommy, please don't cry... We have lots of parties here:

With streamers and hats and the best chocolate cake ever!

When it's time to rest angels tuck us in, I never get scared mommy, there is no darkness here!

Jesus is the light of Heaven.

"Take heed that you do not depise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven."

Mommy, please don't cry...the angels are always singing.

I love to sing with the angels!
You'd be proud of me, I have a pretty good voice.

I must have gotten it from you.

There is a river, Mommy, in the most beautiful garden you could ever imagine...

and a huge tree with yummy fruit. The anges call it the Tree of Life.

Mommy, it is so wonderful to be alive in heaven.

Mommy, please don't cry...sometimes I just like to be by myself.

That's when I think of you.

Someday, Mommy, we will hold each other tight!

Then you will cradle me in your arms, and stroke my hair...

and once again, our hearts will beat together.

Mommy, please don't cry...

I'll wait right here for you.

Our Redneck Summer

2010-09-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

Wilson Family Campout 2010

What are little boys made of?

My cute Jake nephew

Amber girl...cutest little babe!

Abby flyin high

My cute Cami girl

Sisters

Grandma...and what ah.. is that? Amber Spring

Cousins

Best Uncle everrrr...

Ava wants a baby sister and was fascinated with Amber

Rob's Backpacking Adventure

High Creek lake

We're on top of the world...

Annie and Justin...ready for another day of hiking?

Justin's not so sure.

Stephens!!!
Visit from some of our best buds EEEEvvveeerrr!

Famous Preston night Parade and Rodeo

Cowgirl Abby

Rob all decked out for the rodeo

Aspen is ready to devour some candy!

Is the parade gonna start yet?

My cute sister Heather....I love having her live nearby!

Hope's best friend SueSue was given away to another family, but Hope and Sue spent a lot of hours together gnawing and slobbering all over each other, napping, and eating hope's food. We miss sue!

Motorcross races in Fairview

Thanks Gilberts!

Even little guys get on these little dirt bikes and tear it up!

Rednecks? mmm maybe but I love it!

It was awesome!

Boating Baby!!!

Leah...you go girl!!!

Davin lookin like a natural

Thanks Davin and Leah for playing!

We look forward to when these guys return from Pocatello...it can't come soon enough.

My friend Tiffani's son, Clayton...watch out girls he's still got a few years until he's 16

Check out that tower...pretty rad invention babe!

Rob in his happiest state

I still LOVE summer!!!

2010-08-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

What we've been up to this summer...
(Pictures to come...uploading not happening)

~Mx Races in our backyard...just one field over.
~Boating...and boating some more! Rob created a new tower to replace his old one and it has worked great! Rob is always the happiest on his wakeboard and I love to see him smile and enjoy it!
~Ragnar (Rob and Justin ran it, Annie and I volunteered)
~Justin & Annie got married and just moved to Moscow
~I ran a 10k for the first time
~Nicholas left on his mission to the Seattle WA Mission...I'm so proud of him and miss him of course.
~We went to Lagoon with DFA young cooperators and discovered again that Lagoon was way more fun as little kids! What is this motion sickness stuff?! We didn't even attempt the white roller coaster this year. Last year cured us of that.
~4th of July breakfast at Grandma and Grandpa Bowles...I look forward to this every year!
~Preston Famous Night Rodeo
~NO more school, no more books, no more teacher dirty looks (until today...Rob's first day of School)
~Preston Parade
~Canoeing down the cub river
~Preston Fair
~Rob's Birthday...He is a quarter of a century old now and still cute as ever!
~Wilson Family campout
~Working on the farm (Probably one of my favorite activities of my whole summer...just playing and working on the farm with Rob) I swathed for the first time this year...and I need a lot more practice...oops sorry about the rabbit ears.
~Gardening and canning. Our garden has rocked this year and we are just excited to have canned our own grean beans and froze our own corn....yummers! (We've had spinach, radishes, peas, corn, chives, cilantro, chinese cabbage, tomatoes, zuchinni, basil, and pumpkins of course)
~Rob & I had our 3rd year anniversary!
~Rob and Justin went backpacking from Tony's grove in Utah to Willow flats in Idaho. They slept in a large Elk family's bed of soft grass and listened to them bark all night.
~Working in the ER (I start part time officially in September and I feel really good about this change).
~Benton's nine month Birthday was August 16th...Happy Birthday baby boy! We think about you often and shed lots of tears because we miss you so much. But we know you are in good hands and that you are watching over us and doing missionary work! We love you Benton Boy!
~Mowing the lawn again and again...it never stops growing...thank you Udy Lawncare.
~Demolition Derby...I love em!!!
~Heather, Brandon, and kids moved back to Cache Valley after 7 years in Colorado and they live 15 minutes from us in Richmond! I love it!!!
~Jenny and Ryan moved back to Utah! Ryan commutes to LA and stays with Grandma Edwards during the week.
~Now all 5 of my siblings live in Utah! We are the only Idahoans (Don't tell Rob, but I'm becoming proud of this idaho country living).
~Charlie James Wilson joined Jenny, Ryan, Jack, and Grace in June.
~Emily, Isaac, and Eli came to visit us while in Utah!!!
~Trying to keep my flowers alive all summer... I lined my flower beds with bricks and we created some terraced flower beds in our frontyard.
~Bull Bonanza...Yee hawww!!!
~Ate lots of icecream and popsicles...Thankyou Caspers for your 81 cent icecream cones in July!
~Thank you Sunshine for bringing me pure rays of joy! I never get tired of seeing you and think you are one of God's Best creations!

Welcome to the Happy Farm

2010-07-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

It all started with Axel Rose back in 2008...Who says you can't have rabbits in the booming metropolis of Logan?

Then the 2 La Mancha goats...Gucci & Jar Jar

Even when your down to your last few dollars, there is money in the tip box left for these...

Then Laura and Derrick...this little piggy went to Theurers Market, and this one had babies galore

Mama Laura proud of 12 beautiful babies...

Including our adorable Willbur

Then came Hope this spring...

She used to be able to fit here...but her paws said differently

She's not little any more.

Meet our newest Happy Farm addition...Jackabee

It all begins with an innocent look Jackabee's way.

One of Hope's favorite cookie Jars

Also one of jackabee's favorites

Rob the Mediator...they often have to be split up

Our form of entertainment...Hope & Jackabee Act III

Each morning, that I am not at work, I wake up to the mooing of the 2 cows in our pasture begging for grain, Hope barking at anything moving, and Jackabee meowing to be released from the backporch to play. It's nice to be needed :)

Welcome to Bowles Happy Farm where all your dreams come true!

Meet Nebraska's Sky Cowboy, named Logan

2010-05-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to pause my noisey music below first. This video is beautiful...

Happy Cinco de Mayo

2010-05-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Mi Casa es Su Casa

Eleven months and four offers later here we are in the great state of Idaho. Nothing too fancy, but in comparison to our last and wonderful apartment we have upgraded to a mansion. Rob has an acre or so for his goats and Axel has a bigger Rabbit pen (her old one flew out of Nick's truck on the way to it's new home). And as my father-in-law says we have joined the idiots of America in getting in debt. We are happy here and love our home and having our own yard! Hevanely Father is definately in charge and I do believe that this is where we're supposed to be.

Our Backyard

Side yard

Other side yard...garden and rabbit pen back there

We've planted some fun stuff in the yard since this picture...this is where some of my favorite free time is spent, outside in the sunshine.

Part of the fam room

Other part of the Family room/Living room

Bedroom

Spare room, no longer a storage room (it only took 2+ months:), Benton's room

It took forrrever until I finally found a shower curtain I like. If you saw our last shower, you know why this was such a big deal to me :)

El Bano

I have a place to plug in my blow dryer and it's not in the kitchen or in the bedroom. After 14 years of having no plug in the bathroom we have an electrical outlet.

The place I sometimes even cook in. Dishwashers and freezers are THE BEST!

I love having an oven that works!!!

There is an upstairs also that we plan on completing at some point in the future...room to grow. The last family that lived here had 3 kids in one room so we are good to go for several years down the road.

Thank you Judd and Katie for letting us buy your house and for doing all the dirty work before we bought it!

Happy 5 Months Lil Man...

2010-04-20T08:59:00.001-07:00

Rob and I went to visit Benton's grave last Friday and this is what we found...Benton's headstone had been placed!!! We didn't expect this until closer to memorial day and were so delighted!

This is Baby Land in Logan Cemetery that you can see behind Rob. It is an incredible place that has only babies buried there. The graves are covered with toys. We are so grateful that Benton gets to be here in this sacred spot.

Benton is starting to get an awful lot of toys...We get a lot of joy out of bringing him all kinds of fun!

Benton has his own farm up there thanks to Daddy especially. He owns more animals and tractors than any other Five month old I know. :)

This poem is really special to us because our sealer said it in our temple ceremony. It has hung on our wall since we were married and it's full impact came even more to life when our little man passed away and so we had it engraved on the back of his headstone.

This poem is on the back of the below angel. This head stone is the main headstone for babyland. I don't know who donated it, but it is beautiful and represents all of these beautiful little miracles.

This is engraved above the angel.

Thank you very much to all of you for your love, generosity, comments, prayers, and support! We have been so blessed! And thank you to Brown Monument for doing such a beautiful job on our little man's headstone! We couldn't have asked for a better surprise that day!

Wilbur

2010-03-23T11:52:00.000-07:00

"The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new." ~Rajnees

"No gift to your mother can ever equal her gift to you-life"

"Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother." Lin Yutang

"The mother love is like God's love; he loves us not because we are lovable, but because it is His nature to love, and because we are His children." Earl Riney

“The strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.”-Barbara Kingsolver

“Before you were conceived I wanted you. Before you were born I loved you. Before you were here an hour I would die for you. This is the miracle of love.” -Maureen Hawkins

“When you were small and just a touch away, I covered you with blankets against the cold night air. But now that you are tall and out of reach, I fold my hands and cover you with prayer.”-Dona Maddux Cooper
This our mother pig Laura the morning before her babies were born. She had escaped from her faroing crate, walked all the way around the barn and this is what we found her doing. She would go over by the stacks of hay and gather it up in her mouth, back out from the narrow space she was getting it from, and return it to the nest she had built. The nest was as big as her, and she must have been working on it throughout the night. She would have to lay down in between trips as she was having contractions. What an incredible mother she is! You cannot tell me that the desire to mother and that this instinct is not powerful. We have been so impressed with her as she gingerly (as gingerly as a pig can move) moves into position to feed her babies and tries not to lay on top of the little things. After we got her back in the crate (which allows her to feed her babies without squishing them so easily) and pounded stakes into the ground wired to it, she lifted the one end up leaving the crate suspended in the air. She had gone to work yet again creating a nest for her babies. We let her stay put and just monitored the delivery carefully. Laura delivered 12 baby pigs, 2 girls and 10 boys. "I am woman...hear me roar" I think is appropriate for such an act.Here are 11 of the 12 pigs learning how to eat. They were born about 2 weeks ago and are growing quickly. As odd as it seems, they are just the cutest little things and i consider each of them a miracle. The ability to deliver and create such an incredible thing, whether animal or human denotes without doubt that there is a loving Hevanely Father.

This is our little Wilbur. When he arrived he was half the size of his brothers and sisters and didn't even have his eyes open. Forgive me as I get sentimental, but you don't have to read this. It is for my own journaling just as much. Wilbur brought me incredible joy. We took him home and bottle fed him with a premie nipple. Soon after he arrived, Rob placed him inside of his sweatshirt in his coat to keep him warm. He slept soundly there. Then I got to hold that sweet little guy. I put him in my front pocket of my sweatshirt and zipped up my coat...just his little nose stuck out.

Forgive the mess, but I had just helped deliver 9 or 10 baby pigs (2 were already waiting for us when we got done eating lunch).

We had a box with a beach and bath towel in it that he slept in. The first night we heated up a rice bag up several times to keep him warm. Just like we would if Benton were here, we got up in the middle of the night to feed him. He had this high pitched little squill, almost a little horse at times. I fell in love with this little guy. I held him a lot that first night and let him nuzzle up under my chin where he liked to stay warm and would stop squilling. As soon as he got hungry that squilling would start again. I had to work my normal 12 the next day and was excited to come home to that little guy. As soon as I got home I changed into my jammies, climbed in bed and layed him next to me close by my face, where we both fell asleep.

Wilbur filled a little piece of that emptiness I have experienced because I did not get to nuture my Benton. I did not realize the deep hunger I have to nurture something until Wilbur filled in a piece of it.

Rob text me the third day we had him at home and told me to call him before I left work. I called him as i was sitting in the car in the parking lot and he told me how Wilbur had gotten sick over the last 3 hours or so, was labored in his breathing, not eating, foaming at the mouth, and lethargic. He asked if I could get an antibiotic prescription from one of the doctors...but I didn't even know what the dose would be or how much the little guy weighed. I went back into work and made some phone calls. Rob and I finally decided to take him into the veternarian after hours. You have to understand that I have never even really liked animals very much, but this was a whole new experience for me. I have never had such love for an animal.

I met Rob at the vet clinic where little Wilbur was laying on the table. The veternarian was rubbing him, giving him dextrose in his gums for energy, and had an oxygen mask right in front of his little nose. He did not look good, and just kept getting worse and worse. The doctor even gave our little guy epinepherine (a heart stimulating med), but Wilbur was too tired and passed away. I am sad I had to see him so sick and struggling, but I am so grateful I got to say goodbye to him before he went to go join our little Benton.

I know that it sounds ridiculous and absurd, but even as I write this I am crying. I think that Wilbur filled a spot of a big hole that loosing Benton left. I am so grateful for the opportunity to love this beautiful little animal who just wanted to be loved so much. The thought went through my mind several times why he had to die, why I had to hold another little limp body in my arms, but I also couldn't help but feel that Hevanely Father sent us Wilbur as a tender mercy.

The quote at the very top of this post describes a little of how I have felt as I delivered Benton and held him. There is no describable love like that of being a mother. Love that I didn't even know existed was unearthed when Benton joined our family. And Wilbur reminded me of this love.

Thank you Willbur...We love you...

Robert Benton Bowles

2010-03-05T11:25:00.000-08:00

Happy 12 weeks Baby Boy! We love you so much and think of you often! We are so excited to get your headstone set as spring approaches! We know you are staying busy through the veil teaching and cheering others up! I Love you Benton! Thank you to Heavenly Father and to you for helping us find happiness again...

Lots of Love,

Your Mommy and Daddy who love you so very much

Portuguese Chickens to Plump Pigs

2010-02-11T07:52:00.000-08:00

We didn't, but tourists can kayak down this river.

This is a stinkin portuguese chicken. These silly birds are protected on this island. Nope I couldn't even kill them at 3 in the morning when they were cocka-doodling! And they are EVERYWHERE...they pretty much run the island and instead of stopping for crossing pedestrians you stop for the chicken crossing the road.

Hanalei Beach...a few blocks from where we were staying

Plantations of Taro

Jane & Tarzan

Hello Mr. Crab...this is actually just the skeleton of one.

Queen's Bath...an incredible place where we got to hang out with the sea turtles...incredible.

He couldn't resist.

Gotta love these signs scattered around the island...

BRRRR....

Secret Cove

This is Mr. Peacock

Smith Family Luau...

You get to tour their garden before the food and hula-ing.

Sorry if this bores you to death, but I was fascinated to see where all of our produce comes from...it was Awesome!

Just missing my coconuts and grass skirt

Hybiscus

Bamboo!!!

Coconuts

Ape Man

I searched this tree to no avail

Taro...similair to the potato, but definately not as tasty. They use it to make poi a paste-like substance that they use as a condiment type of thing.

Banannas!

Star Fruit...not bad tasting

Pineapple!

Dumb dumb want gum gum... here come Hun Hun...dumb dumb better run run

We're cute

Kauai Part II

2010-02-11T07:22:00.001-08:00

Random cave

There were way too many of these type of nasty spiders around.

The beginning of our hike along the Napali Coast

The color of the ocean here is incredible!

It was right at this time that a lady also hiking said..."How far along are you? This ought to put you into labor.." Oh my! I have thought of some great responses since, but said nothing at that moment. Why is it that people that I don't know from Adam say the most tactless things?

This was our destination of the hike...then we had to go back...a serious sweaty work out.

These are just one awesome type of tree in Kauai

Kauai is about 30 x 23 miles wide. In the middle of the island there is a mountain where it rains about 360 days of the year. We totally lucked out and it was sunny almost every day!

St. George? Nope Kauai.

The Grand Canyon of Hawaii...awesome!

More of the amazing Hawaiin Grand Canyon...

Ask Rob about this picture...I'm pretty sure that I started crying because of how close he got to the edge...not funny...

I was trying to get a picture of the forbidden island that you can sometimes see from Kauai...hard to see in the picture. Word on the street is that if you try to come on this island that is privately owned...you will be met by very large men that will tell you to leave. I believe they take matters into their own hands if you don't.

Old faithful of Kauai...the tides come in and this is the result...so way cool.

Oh my...the beautiful scenery of Kauai...I told Rob that we need to move there for a couple of years and I will work as a RN and Rob can do construction...it's everywhere. I met an ICU nurse who is married to an ER doctor in the LDS branch there. Bring it on! It would be AMAZING!

I am amazed by all of the different vegetation here in Kauai

Tree Tunnel

Rob's first attempt at Surfing...he Rocks!

Rob really wanted a picture of this farm.

On the airplane home...Thank you to Dr. Matt Harris and Rob's parents for making this possible! We are very grateful!

Vegas to the Garden Island

2010-02-10T08:32:00.000-08:00

Because of a very generous friend and family, Rob and I were able to get away shortly after Benton passed away. We were able to visit the beautiful "Garden Island" of Kauai! We are very grateful! But first we drove down to Vegas because it was considerably cheaper to fly from there.

This bear behind me was created completey out of carnations. There were some incredible Christmas displays here at the Belagio.

We left Logan after Rob got done with his last final, drove to Vegas, flew out at about 2:30 am, got to Oahu, flew on another plane to Kauai, rented a car, drove to some sights, and weren't able to get into the place we were staying in until about 5:00 pm that evening...None the less...I was in Hawaii!!!

Christ through the Eyes of a Child...

2010-01-11T16:22:00.000-08:00

Yes, Christmas is over, but I want to share this video I found on a friends blog. It is our challenge each day to strive to remember Christ and the beautiful gifts He has given us. Who better to tell the story of Christ's birth than through the eyes of a child? They are so very close to the veil and much more in tune than I think we often realize.

What Makes A Mother

2010-01-06T08:46:00.000-08:00

I thought of you and closed my eyes

And prayed to God today

I asked, "What makes a Mother?"

And I know I heard him say

A Mother has a baby

This we know is true

But God, can you be a mother

When your baby's not with you?

Yes, you can he replied

With confidence in his voice

I give many women babies

When they leave it is not their choice

Some I send for a lifetime

And others for the day

And some I send to feel your womb

But there's no need to stay.

I just don't understand this God

I want my baby here

He took a breath and cleared his throat

And then I saw a tear

I wish I could show you

What your child is doing Here
If you could see your child smile

With other children and say

"We go to earth to learn our lessons

of love and life and fear, but

My mommy loved me so much

I got to come straight here!"

I feel so lucky to have a Mom who had so much love for me

I learned my lessons very quickly

My Mommy set me free.

I miss my Mommy oh so much

But I visit her each day

When she goes to sleep

On her pillow is where I lay

I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek

And whisper in her ear

"Mommy, Please don't be sad today

I'm your baby and I am here"

So you see my dear sweet one

Your children are okay

Your babies are here in My home

And this is where they'll stay

They'll wait for you with Me

Until your lessons there are through

And on the day that you come home

they'll be at the gates waiting for you

So now you see

What makes a Mother

It's the feeling in your heart

It's the love you had so much of

Right from the very start

~Author Unknown

Guess Who???

2009-12-13T19:50:00.000-08:00

Yep, Glen Campbell... Rob and I had the pleasure of meeting him today. I'll admit I had no clue who he was until Rob sang this song for me. He was a big deal back in the day it turns out and still is in Branson. He sang with some of the best...Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys, etc.

This music video is growing on me and so I share this classic with you...Nice to meet you Mr. Campbell...

Our beautiful Benton...Daddy & Mommy's purest joy...

2009-11-21T09:23:00.000-08:00

Families are truly forever

We love our little Benton!

Robert Benton Bowles

Born November 16th, 2009 @ 5:15 pm

19 inches long & 5 lbs 8 oz

Returned to his Hevanely Father and Savior's loving arms...perfect and beautiful~

Bestest Husband Ever...

2009-10-22T20:55:00.000-07:00

For my birthday Rob planned a secret get away to St. George. I have never been to Tuacahn and have wanted to go for a long time, so Rob got us tickets to Annie and Aida. They were both awesome and it was so fun to get away and play!

Rob didn't know when he planned it, but Annie was my movie of choice to rent for my birthday as a little girl!

I am 31 weeks or 7 months at this point

Wow! The stage and scenery is awesome! There are even waterfalls in the background that turn on and cover the stage with water...Next year they're doing Tarzan for the first time on stage at Tuacahn!

I love Rob's posing

Rob and I also visited Temple square and the visitor's center. This was one of the highlights of our trip for me! No doubt that we do most certainly have a loving Heavenly Father and Savior who do live.

Mental note for Sarah: 3 things that I want to teach Benton: He is a Child of God, His Heavenly Father loves him, and that we can be a family Forever through our Savior Jesus Christ...bringing so much hope to us!

These pictures were in Brigham Youngs office to the east of his home and I thought that they were so perfect together...more of a mental note of something I want in my home.

My Grandma and Grandpa Edwards traveled from Los Angeles California to be sealed in the St. George temple! Some cool things I learned about this temple: Underneath the white plaster is red rock bricks. The tower was originally shorter, but Brigham Young instructed the members to build it taller. After Brigham Young had passed away the tower was struck by lightning...it is now taller. And of course the awesome story about the founders of our nation appearing at this temple to assure their temple work was done.

Kitty corner from Brigham Young's home

Random picture I know but this is a cotton plant. I had no idea that this could grow in Utah. The early saints grew cotton and grapes as well as fig, almond, pecan, silk worm (to create silk), and pomegranate trees. All of these plants are present in Brigham Young's yard.

Happy Birthday Grandma!!!

2009-10-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

My mom Linda is yet another year younger and Heather and Brandon came into town for a very short but sweet time for a brother's wedding. So we celebrated Grandma's Birthday!
Just in case you didn't know I have the most beautiful woman as a mother who is an amazing example of so many things to me. I look up to and adore her!

The girls and the newest Wilson addition Aspen...and Benton of course

Rob & Bum...this is also 3 years to the day that Rob & I met!

A few of the cousins hanging out

Oh my what a big mouth you have Miss Ava...

Happy Birthday Grandma Linda!!!

WE LOVE YOU LOTS and LOTS!

Prego and Sixy-one more days to go...

2009-10-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

Here is Sarah Marie at 6 months...I am now just past 7 months and am starting to feel what it's really like to have a human being inside of me. Benton does not approve of the lack of space in my tummy and likes to hang out right under my ribs, but I continue to be delighted at the movements which are just getting stronger. It's pretty cool to see your stomach move in abnormal ways!

Eyes closed as usual...

A lot changes in a month...I will post pictures again soon...

Once Upon a Time...

2009-08-31T12:16:00.000-07:00

We thought we would look into buying a house. We looked and we found...House #1 in Lewiston clear back in March...nope the owners wanted 25,000 dollars more than we offered...bye bye little Lewiston home, library, and july 4th lewiston parade...So we looked some more...The house in Richmond #2 I fell in love with. The process began in May...we offered...we negotiated...we were approved by the shortsale/foreclosing home's bank finally...I thought we were going to close on our house on Aug. 13th....but then the appraisal and more renegotiating...Approved on Thursday, Aug. 28th at the new and lower appraised price...oh wait...based upon ridiculous conditions on the 29th...bye bye my cute little house in Richmond...hello my cute little apartment in Logan...you need not miss us...we are here to stay...but where shall we put the baby?
-Disheartened, but not in debt

24 weeks of Strange Sensations...

2009-08-20T10:31:00.000-07:00

It all started when I had to wake up to go potty in the middle of the night...WHAT?! I pride myselft on my incredible bladder capacity (way better than Rob's :) until now...it's pretty crazy how it works... as soon as your pregnant it's like you've started a diuretic. Dr. Vawdrey can you identify this pill for me without looking it up?

My undergarments, some t-shirts, and even some of my scrubs have turned into belly shirts...so not in style. I like my tummy hid away... no peek a boo for me.

Hungry Hippo!!! AKA Sarah...I like PB & J's...yummy!!! The first day I noticed my increased appetite I was just finishing my first plate while everyone else was putting their forks down! And I am not a slow eater..."What?!!! I'm just getting started!!!" I still can't decide if my doctor thinks I've gained too much or not enough when she says "just make sure you're eating good and excercising."

I know potato bugs feel helpless on their backs, but what I wouldn't give to be able to just sleep on my back...Sometimes I sneek a minute in here and there but feel like a bad mommy if I do much more than this. So for all you men and non prego women Live it up!

Some describe it as butterflies....I think it feels more like my tummy rumbling and digesting...nope it's a boy!!! And it's pretty awesome!

Sometimes I think that being pregnant feels like I just ate a gigantic meal...full and tight to the brim...and I know I have yet a long ways to go :)

Lately at work I have really mastered being easily annoyed with and at people...I hate Politics and backbiting! You'd have to ask Rob if I am ornery to find out the real truth!

I love this...

I have to say that I have been so blessed not to be puking my guts out as my job really doesn't cater to this type of behavior! I have felt really good thus far and am quite content! I am very grateful and happy! Little Benton is getting bigger, measures appropriately, and has a good and normal heart rate. I know I am just in the beginning still, but I do think babies are truly beautiful miracles!

Rob continues to be excited and blows rasberries on my belly because he thinks he is talking to Benton in their own language. I have yet to convince him that babies are beautiful from the moment they hit the world...even covered in all that fun stuff!

Today we took a peek and this is what we found...

2009-07-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt about it...he is proud of what he's got and he is not afraid to show mommy and daddy. It reminds me of a home video of Rob when he and his brother were in the bath tub and Dirk said "Show em what your proud of." Those two had no inhibitions (nothing's changed) and stuck there little bellies out there! We are excited and the name game has begun...

There is no doubt that babies are a miracle! Rob and I were in awe of the technology of the ultra sound capabilities and so far Baby Bowles looks strong and healthy, which we are very grateful for. He is definately his dad's boy...he moves all the time. He had his hands in front of his face the whole time and even had his little toes up to his forehead. I swear he was sucking his thumb and had his fingers around his toes at one point. Rob says he has my nose. What an awesome opportunity to have this little guy growing inside me! I am grateful that Hevanely Father has allowed us this opportunity at this time...there is no doubt that He is in charge!

I just have to say that yesterday was a monumental day! Rob and I went to a play at the Caine Lyric Theater and a guy we know from Preston asked without any prior knowledge as far as I know, "So when are you due?" This time there is not only fat on my belly, but a baby inside too and for the first time in my life this was a compliment to me! I am delighted! In the last week my belly has grown so fast! I am glad to be getting past the awkward tween stage.

2009-07-20T11:31:00.001-07:00

Make a Smilebox invite

Help!!!

2009-07-07T09:21:00.000-07:00

So I could really use any ideas you would care to share...Rob's birthday is on Sunday! He is gonna be 24 and all the ideas he's given me are: shoelaces and socks...wow!

HELP!!! I realize as his wife I should probably know what he wants but I have hit a roadblock very quickly! Thanks a Bunch!!!

Today is a Sad Day...

2009-06-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

I just finished 39 hours in the ER over the last 4 days and got up early (4:45AM) with Rob to get ready and head out for the SLC airport. The company Rob works for was flying us out to Omaha Nebraska to meet with the owner of the company and Rob's boss Skip. This would be the first time Rob and I got to fly together. We got to the airport in plenty of time (about 7:30) and were to fly out at 9:30 am. Then I discovered the quart bag/30 oz rule...dangit! So I had to chuck my hairspray (suave is really expensive ;) and got to security where they asked for my ID.

ID?!!! What?! Mind you I had remembered our camera, tylenol, toothpaste, and of course too many clothes...I just forgot the most important item! Poor Rob had to put up with a very wraunchy and then tearful Sarah. As we explored our options we found out that you really can't just come up with a government approved ID in a 2 hour period (turns out the flight didn't leave until 10), and i just didn't have the heart to ask anyone to drive 2 hours to bring me a stupid plastic card...so it was decided. I took the bus back to the parking lot and cried as I watched a plane take off while relocating the jetta. Rob went to Omaha and I am still in Utah...this is my sad story.

I have always struggled with the idea of "I miss you" because you just deal with being apart right? Today I understand and have a newly developed sympathy for you amazing wives of our armed forces servicemen as their husbands leave to a foreign and often dangerous country for 14 months and longer. Thank you for your sacrafices on our behalf!

I will pick up Rob tomorrow night so it really should'nt be that big of a deal. I just have to clarify that this is our first night apart and I forgot what real sadness is because I've had constant sunshine by my side for the last 2 years-Robert Bradley.

I know this all sounds so silly, but I just have to say how much I love this man. He treats me so beautifully and better than I deserve at times. He truly is my sunshine and has brought me pure joy, unlike anyone else. I know that I would be miserable without him in my life and miserable for a very long time...Rob I do miss you and am sad without you! I am so blessed to have you by my side and love you so very much more than I understand...I came to a new realization of this today. Thank you for being you, for all you are to me, and for all you do for me!

Love, Bear

B-A-B-Y

2009-06-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

Well friends, to Rob's surprise the birds and the bees don't just produce cows... We are having a baby!!!

I am officially 13 weeks or 3 months along and the baby is healthy and quite the mover. That little thing bounces up and down, taps his/her foot, and scratches his/her head. It is the coolest thing!

December 13th is the official estimated date of birth...which I can't complain about since I am scheduled to work Christmas and Christmas Eve this year!

This makes # 19 for my parents and #1 Grandchild for Rob's parents and it was a lot of fun announcing our happy news!

***You really need to check out Rob's announcement on his blog...well worth your time..Vote for our baby's name...squirrel, zoibling, and blob have already been used...try again.

Me??? Tagged??? Are you sure I'm the right Sarah?

2009-04-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

It made my night to be tagged...why do I care? Really? I don't know, but thanks so much Jen! :)

ABC...TAG YOUR iT!

A. Attached or Single: Attached FOREVER (sandlot) and I like it!!! :)
B. Best Friend: Robert Bradley Bowles
C. Cake or Pie: mmm...rough decision...both!
D. Day of Choice: The day's I get off...best case scenario...a whole weekend without any ER in my life!!!
E. Essential Item: Can I choose more than one? Rob and Sunshine!!! Terminator and Acne free are essentials of late.
F. Flavor of Ice Cream: Aggie blue mint...mmmm mmm mmm
G. Gummy Bears or Worms: Probably worms(the white and red ones)...because of their size, I eat gummy bears way too fast...although they are dang good in strawberry icecream...a little hard.
H. Hometown: Smithfield UTAH...don't let Rob fool you...it is NOT in Idaho
I. Indulgences: Sleep...ice cream....more than 2 or 3 days off in a row...taking in the sunshine, playing outside in the yard...I'm more like my Mom than I thought I was :)
J. January or July: July of course!!!
K. Kids: 2 goats and a Rabbit...yep for reals...I wish I was kidding sometimes...Gucci, Jar Jar, and Axel Rose.
L. Last movie I saw in a theater:"Taken"...intense...If you like the Bourne Series I would reccommend it!
M: Musician: Any layed back and relaxing music...listen to my blog if you really want to know.
N: Number of siblings: 5 siblings and me at the end...If I counted right that makes 33 people in my family...That is why gettting together with my family is so very important to me!
O. Oranges or Apples: Both...I buy more fruits and vegetables than we usually eat...I even bought kiwi's this week...all part of the weight loss plan and cheers to good health.
P. Phobias or Fears: Yep, not a big fan of heights and I fear failure...an essential ingredient of life...makes life a little complex for me.
Q. Quote: You can wake up every morning with the sun shining brightly before you...just stay in the straight and narrow! (I can't find the exact quote...anything about hope!)
R. Reasons to smile: There are a lot of big changes headed our way...even with staying in Utah for grad school...we've even been house shopping!
S. Season: Springtime makes me so happy, but my favorite has got to be the rays of Summer!
T. Tag: Rob, Eric, and Betsy
U. Unknown fact about me: They're probably unknown because that's how I like em :)
V. Vegetable: Asparagus
W. Worst Habit: I hate it...I am almost always late...so do not take it personally...work, friends, husband...I am pretty much equally unbiased in my lateness.
X. X-rays or Ultrasounds: They both kind of scare me at this time in my life.
Y.Your favorite Food: Food is one of the Biggest joys of my life...we're in love although I wish it was only a one sided relationship...too many to choose from!
Z. Zodiac Sign: Libra...I do enjoy reading my horoscope now and then :)

Stupid Dreams...

2009-02-23T10:46:00.000-08:00

So I'm not gonna lie...I'm disturbed. I had another one of THOSE dreams. For some reason I continue to dream about boys I dated previous to marrying Rob. Usually I am dating Rob also and am either engaged to him or have been dating him for a year and a half or so. I truly am disturbed. Rob tells me that we can't control our dreams and makes me feel better, but the problem is that dreams are so realistic sometimes that your feelings are effected. So to all the stupid boys that keep walking into my dreams....I'M a Happily Married Woman and LOVE Robert Bradley Bowles and ONLY Rob! Boys, the exit is out to your right and don't stop until you are out of sight and mind!!!

There, it's out! Just tell me that I'm not the only one that has this problem! Or do I need to consult a therapist?

Rob and I are Expecting...

2009-01-29T21:14:00.000-08:00

...to hear back from Washington state soon. Yes it's true! Rob spoke with one of the professors up at WSU and they are winding up the final deciscion on who gets to come play at their school for the next two years. If we get accepted we will be living in Pullman Washington, 5 miles from Moscow Idaho...where Rob's little bro Justin hopefully may return to school when he gets home in June. Word on the street is that it is similar weather to Utah. Then the second year Rob will spend researching and writing his thesis somewhere in Washington...between Tachoma and Seattle. Rainy whether...no good, The coast waaayy good! My goal if we do move there is to go to Oregon, Cordelaine (which is said to be absolutely beautiful, and has skin heads), and if I'm lucky hit Canada, then Maybe we'll swing over to Niagra falls, New York, Novia Scotia, Florida, and down to Brazil. Rob has also applied to Oklahoma state, Texas tech, and USU. We shall see...We are excited that he is graduating earlier than planned (May instead of December).

Some pictures of the Pullman Washington area...

Merry Christmas From the Bowles!!!

2008-12-21T13:45:00.000-08:00

Dairy Farmers of America Young Cooperators

2008-12-21T13:30:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-12-21T12:32:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-17T14:52:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-03T10:38:00.000-08:00

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

Happy Halloween!

Wiiiiiiii!!!

2008-10-17T10:37:00.001-07:00

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?

2008-10-03T12:32:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-09-18T11:12:00.001-07:00

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...

2008-09-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

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?

2008-09-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-24T11:38:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-07-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-07-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-07-16T11:25:00.000-07:00

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...

2008-07-03T11:23:00.000-07:00

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!

Graduating Goats...

2008-06-18T08:40:00.001-07:00

My new buddies

Gucci and Jar Jar think Rob is thier Daddy...little do they know that they are in training to be packing goats

Whoever said Dogs are a man's best friend was wrong...Rob's are his goats

Jar Jar and my pants

Gucci...As far as i can figure, goats do eat pretty much anything

My Amazing husband and his Sugar Momma...me

My amazing Parents...I could not have survived without them...especially my mom who pretty became my handkerchief through the hardest times.

Pat & Dirk, my wicked awesome In-Laws

USU/WSU Nursing Graduates 2008... We SURVIVED!!!

One of my best friends from Nursing School...Mandy, an amazing girl!

Awesome Quote

2008-05-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

"It is by faith that you can lay hold upon every good thing. I pray with all my heart that your faith will be increased that you are a daughter of a loving God. I testify to you that you have been one of the valiant ones to reach the point where you now are in this journey of life. Just as you are marked as a target by the enemy of righteousness, you have been protected and watched over by your Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. They know you. They know all of the forces and individuals around you. They know what is ahead of you. And so They know which of the choices you make, which of the desires you decide to satisfy, and which of the circumstances around you will make the most difference in keeping you walking in the light. I testify that by the Spirit of Christ and by the Holy Ghost, you may walk confidently in whatever difficulties will come. Because you are so valuable, some of your trials may be severe. You need never be discouraged or afraid. The way through difficulties has always been prepared for you, and you will find it if you exercise faith.
You must have faith to pray. You must have faith to ponder the word of God. You must have faith to do those things and go to those places which invite the Spirit of Christ and the Holy Ghost.
I promise you that within the next few days you will feel the illumination of the Spirit of Christ and the Holy Ghost in your everyday life. When you walk in the light, you will feel at that moment some of the warmth and the happiness that will finally be yours when you are welcomed home again with the hundreds and perhaps thousands of others whom you will bring with you, who have walked in the light because you did." ~ President Erying

Hey! Who Stole Summer and Snowcones?

2008-05-29T10:22:00.000-07:00

So I've been trying to figure out where summer went...does anybody know? My friend Jenna and I were reminiscing about what our highschool summers were like. Mine consisted of working at the snow shack/logo shop, painting my toe nails, drooling over my favorite year book signatures, playing, playing, and more playing. Oh how I miss these days... bonfires at newton dam, in Jeron's backyard, or on the beach in California. One of my favorite things in this life is feeling carefree, whether it be playing in the ocean, boating on a small lake, or laying on a hot sidewalk with a slight breeze blowing.

Carefree: Free of worries

Since I graduated I feel like I have been caught in a nasty spider web of worries and that spider just keeps spinning me up in that web. I miss working in the Emergency room and realize that this was a slice of heaven for me. I just haven't figured out how to convince the manager there that he needs little me in his emergency room and IHC is still in a hiring freeze. So I continue to work at the Pediatric Treehouse with some awesome people and am grateful to have a steady paycheck. Yet I just feel empty at this job. I miss interacting with my patients, helping them, and starting IV's. Sorry if this sounds like a sob story...this is why I haven't blogged for a while...I didn't want it to turn into Sarah's Sad Saga. But I continue to push forward and strive to turn to my Hevanely Father and Savior. I am so grateful for a best friend who would support me if I wanted to be the president of the united states or a garbage woman. Rob is truly my sunshine...somehow he always manages to wipe my snot and tears away and get me smiling and often laughing.

Our 1 year anniversary is coming up and so I have decided that this means we need to go on vacation, although I don't know where to. It has to be somewhere I can be a bum and Rob can stay busy...a challenge :) Any ideas?

Life is not full of endings, just new beginnings

2008-04-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

How true is this title? So I retired the weber state nursing badge, just to enter another world full of challenges and lots of mom's and children.

I started at the Pediatric Treehouse on Monday and worked again today as i had class yesterday. Working a 8-5 job is a whole new world...and I am not sure exactly what I think about it, but I am definately looking forward to the paychecks and am so very blessed to have the opportunity to work at an awesome place where the benefits are wonderful. The income ought to be much more consistent and steady than a poor cute little firehouse waitress's wages. Those were good days and I thank all of you who realize that servers make 2.15 cents an hour, 3.00 if your lucky and work long enough at FH to get a raise. High schoolers and many mothers with messy children just don't understand this. So I thank all you wonderful tippers for making my night! Fire House was a perfect place to work at in college and they were really flexible with my schedule. Thank you Fire house!

Rob and I have some new and exciting challenges ahead of us and I am kind of excited! We are going to do a 40 mile bike ride for a multiple sclerosis fundraiser. Rob wants to do like a 70 miler, and he says a 100 miler "would really push me." 40 Miles will push me just fine...in fact if anyone is willing to help pull me across the finish line that would just be great!

I found out at work today that the Pediatric Treehouse sponsors it's employees if they want to run a half marathon (Top of Utah)...so I offered this challenge to Rob and he accepted it! Man, if this really plays out I will be droppin some pounds and I feel really good about that...marriage has taken a toll on my body. :) The training is the stuff that might kill me or more likely kill my newly developed high aspirations. Rob and I did ride up 400 north though today and past 1st dam and up and around the temple...not bad huh? It was a good 45 minute ride...go team! Any ideas for a sweet team name?
Have I ever mentioned how awesome my husband is? He is cooking me dinner right now while I blog my night away... I love you Robert Bradley Bowles! Honestly, he is a serious killer cook...and it is a good kind of kill.

Our Humble Abode

2008-04-18T09:09:00.000-07:00

Here's a glimpse of our sweet living room...like the paint color? We do! As for our landlord...we shall see...
This is our wee little kitchen with. I know that everything looks miniature, but that is the actual size of our fridge. The freezer space is made up of an ice box...yes it is true.
Happy yellow kitchen...I guess we followed the Grandma Edwards trend!
The best part of our humble abode...the view out of our kitchen window!

The Latest & Greatest...

2008-04-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

It finally looks like spring today! So here is the latest and greatest! I passed my ATI test, which is a test I have to pass to graduate. I only have one more day of classes and then finals and then I have to be a big girl...I graduate officially on May 1st, but decided against walking. I am an aggie and definately not a Wild cat. Go AGGIES!

I also got hired on at a Pediatrician's office, called the Pediatric Tree House. I feel so lucky! I will start out as an receptionist, then float to medical assisting, and then a registered nurse!!! Who knew that two years of yucky yucky yucky nursing school would actually pay off! Full time at this job is 9-5 three days a week and health and dental insurance are part of the package. Wendy that interviewed me informed me that family comes first at this facility...wow! That is unheard of!

I finish up my 135 hours at the ER on Saturday...happy and sad. I lOVE the ER! I could not ask for a better place to do my precepting! There is a chance that I may be able to get a job there and work one day a week with my other job...but we shall see. :)

My friend Jenna that pulled of my whole wedding with her side kick Jessica is getting married tomorrow!!! This whole "waiting for your missionary" thing does work out once in a while after all!

Included are some pictures of our only child...Axel Rose! I'm not sure how I feel about her at this point in time as she can't come play in our living room anymore. Apparently once bunny's are adolescents and in heat they loose all control and go potty EVERYWHERE!

Happy Spring!

Beautiful Music

2008-03-18T17:25:00.000-07:00

So if you haven't checked out David Archuleta yet...now is the time. Rob and I don't have fox but I check out the american idol website now and then. David (only 17) has a beautiful voice and has some great taste in music too, not to mention that he is from the greatest state in the union (Utah Rob...not idaho). Colbie Caillat is worth your time to check out too...If you've heard "Bubbly" that is her. Check out my play list below for some new stuff to listen to.