Vegas to the Garden Island

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...

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

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???

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...

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...

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!!!

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!