Is Fear A Factor for you?

Now as I try to recall, I am not even sure how it even happened. How did I end up hosting a fear factor activity with a ton of kids (16 to be exact)? Was it my crazy idea or did I somehow let my kids talk me into it? Not sure, but for some reason I said yes. Thinking it would be a good way to keep the kids entertained during the 3 days of early out they had from school. So here is how it went:

I went to the effort of decorating the door with some of the same stuff that was on their invitation, but the kids did not even see it. They entered our house different ways than the front door.

Max competing in the transfer the fish team challenge. This was the first event they participated in as well as that generated vomit. (not off to a good start)

Max and Asher competed in jumping jack competition then had to roll a dice to see what they "got" to eat. Luckily Asher got pickled beets, unlucky Max got cocktail onions. Hence, second event that generated vomit (not a good track record 0/2). At this point I was honestly contemplating quitting the events.

The shot that was close to vomit

Against my better judgement I let them talk me into eating the baby food. It was getting pretty ugly so I made Asher and Emily quit. I was done with the vomit at this point, and we had just started.

Asher convinced he was going to finish the baby food (he never made it)

Next event was wall sits. This was one tough group of kids. Those kids were determined not to quit. After 8:30 minutes I finally made them quit, they were not getting close at all.

Asher and Passion competing against each other on the wall sits. Neither one of them was going to give up.

Next event was raw egg relay. This was voted one of the kids favorite. This will be a repeat if I am ever talked into doing this again.

Max being brave to fish peanuts out of a pan of spaghetti, onions and pigs feet. Asher was brave enough to taste the pickled pigs feet and did not care for them.

Last but not least Max and some of his friends hanging out after the worm challenge

The kids loved it and are ready to plan another one. We will see how long we wait until we do another one.

Random Bowen Happenings

It has been awhile since my last post. The month of January seemed to go by way to fast. Here are a few random things that got caught on camera.

Maybe one of the not so good habits we got our kids into was that of making an ice slide down our back stairs. Whenever we get enough snow, the stairs are instantly packed with snow. It is one of the kids favorite snow activity. They spend hours and hours on their slide with jumps included (at the bottom of course). If I state one of us had to get stitches you may now why- I already fell all the way down it once this year.








After 6 months we finally got Max's basement room completed. I can't say that we really worked on it for 6 months, we did not. It even came down to the point of finally having to pay someone to do some of the work for us. Max is finally glad to be down in the basement in his new spacious room. Now lets hope it does not take another 6 months to get blinds and decorations in the room



I decided it was about time to start fall/spring cleaning what ever I call it when you have missed all the deep cleanings for the past year. Asher found it necessary to see if he still fit in his 18-24 month snow clothes. My vote- looking good!!

Each kids has different jobs they have to do around the house. One of Asher's is the recycling. I was in the garage and heard a faint cry for help. I turned and noticed the little predicament Asher had gotten himself in. Of course I had to run and grab the camera before I could help him out. He had thrown the whole bucket away and was trying to get it out.

That is just a few things for now. Stay tuned I am sure next month will be just as adventurous.

A New Year

A blog I recently read talked about creating a word for yourself to basically describe your goals. I decided it was a good idea and in one second thought of the word that would fit me best this year.................

FOCUS

This basically sums up a lot of resolutions I want to work on for 2012. For example, when I have a lot going on I catch self making a to do list from my to do list- really? Then I just run around starting 5 different things really never focusing on one. If I would just focus and complete one before I started another, I could get a lot more done.

Often in my running, when it gets tough I catch myself wanting to just quit or mentally saying it is tough. There have been a few I wonder why I even run. If I would just "focus" on my destination/goal it would help me get through those "walls" that I run into and help me be better.

With all spiritual aspects in life, it would benefit me greatly if I would just "focus" on what matters most. So as for now "Focus" is the word I am going to work on for 2012.

On a side note- Since having the girls in our house a number of our appliances etc.. in our house have broken. We are building a new room in the basement, had to replace a computer, fix a vacuum, dryer, faucet etc.... Beginning of 2012 I did learn I am not as agile and young as I used to be. As usual our house was filled with the dozen kids that always meet and hang out. The kids had the bean bag at the bottom of the stairs and where jumping into it. On one of my journeys to the basement to get supplies for dinner I told the kids it was my turn to jump. I even thought in my head -make sure you dive down so you don't smack your head. It appears I am not that talented because my head smacked the dropped part of the ceiling. As I lay in the bean bag with a pounding head and kinked neck I saw pieces of the ceiling on the floor. I instantly realized this venture went bad, fast. Not only will my neck and back pay for my decision, but now my husband will be repairing the ceiling I cracked with my head. I think from now on I will retire my bean bag jumping skills. I used to be a master when I was younger.

Christmas Eve and Day

I think we carry the same tradition that most people do. On Christmas Eve the kids get one gift to open. Ofcourse, it is always pajamas. Here are the kids getting ready to open their present. Before we opened them we told the kids to not get upset/jealous with what each other gets, because nothing is the same.












Passion was on the verge of tears as she thought she was getting pajamas. She is not a fan of pajamas. When she realized she got sport shorts with pockets her smile returned. Max for some reason was excited about his.
















To me the best part of Christmas Day is watching the kids and all their excitement. This year was no different. I often caught myself a few times on the verge of telling them what they got, I was that excited. Asher was super funny this year. He wanted some of the oddest things: disco ball, large nut cracker etc. As you can tell as soon as he opened his googles for his air soft gun- he wore them the rest of the time. He was the silliest about his disco ball. He has carried that thing all over the place.












Max for some reason can not have enough stacker cups. Although he already has a set he wanted more. Do you think he looks happy? He also got his own jet boil for camping and camera/camcorder. He was most extatic that the camera is water proof.













Can you guess what passion wanted? The kids spent hours boxing of course by the light of the disco ball. She was happy with all that she got.












After a great day at church we were able to go visit family and spend time with them. Max and Nelson at the Bowen's house









Pictures with Grandma & Grandpa Bowen










It was a great day and we are so blessed with many blessings and wonderful families

December Happenings

Man this month has come and gone so quick. I have to admit it has been a different month for me. Life has been pretty crazy around our house and the holidays, well make it crazier. I am grateful for the things we were able to do to help us feel the holiday spirit and enjoy the company of our family and friends. The things listed below were things I needed to help me avoid the bahumbug attitude I would have otherwise tried to maintain.

At the beginning of the month we were able to get together with our friends from Nelson's high school. Unfortunately we don't see them enough but love getting together with them.- Christmas 2011












Christmas atleast 12 years ago, makes me sad to see how the dynamics of the group have changed. We really miss having Travis with us











We were able to take the girls to the lights at Temple square for their first time as well as enjoy the company of some great neighbors. The kids always love riding the Trax and enjoy the spirit of Salt Lake.













We were able to watch Max in his choir performance. Their choir teachers put a lot of time into this and the program turned out great. Max has loved being involved in choir. He was even able to do a dance and of course it was cool to him because he was paired up with the girl he thinks is cute. For some reason I am not a fan of Christmas music, I don't really like it. But listening to little kids sing I do enjoy.













We are blessed for Max to have one of the best school teachers this year. She goes above and beyond for those kids. Each Christmas season their family turn their barn into a Nativity for 3 mondays of the month. Max really wanted to go and be apart of it. I very selfishly insisted the exact day hoping since it was closer to Christmas it would help me get in the spirit. Our journey did not start out so great. By time we backed out of the garage and were in the driveway 3 out of 4 kids were crying and Max was screaming lets just stay home. I laughed the whole way we drove because of the circus I often feel like we are living in. I still insisted we go since it was the plan for us to feel "the christmas spirit". Maybe I should have given in, but it turned out great and the kids loved it. The teacher let the kids be involved in the live nativity. The kids loved every minute of it. I have been humbled this year to see all the selfless giving people have been doing to help bless others lives.

Asher and Lily waiting for it to start, Max as Joseph and Asher as a shepherd









My oldest brother Mike lives in Iowa so we don't get to see them often. My nephew Cameron has always wanted to surround himself with family. It has always meant a lot to him. So when it was time for him and his wife to be sealed in the temple he chose to come to Utah for many reasons, but being with family was one of the biggest. Although they could have saved 15 hours each way in the car and gone to Navuoo they chose to come out. We were blessed to be apart of it. Yet again, that was another thing I needed this season. Sitting still in the temple was what I needed to remind me all the small day to day things are not what matter. The peace of the gospel and temple blessings is where it really is at. We were glad we were able to spend the day with them as well as introduce the girls to the temple.










After the temple we were able to celebrate Christmas with the family. My mom official received her first electronic device (other than a cell phone). She is now the proud owner of a Kindle Fire.







Last but not least on Christmas Eve day were loaded up and headed to Pine View dam to skate on the ice. The elements outside were perfect. Because it was so good the dam was a little freaky. The ice was so clear you could see all the way down to the bottom. You could see fish, rocks etc.. It was a little spooky but super fun. I am glad we took the break and got away. The whole family loved every minute of it.























The day before Christmas I had someone tell me they have enjoyed watching me have my hands full. I will be the first to admit, yes I do have my hands full. But, I am thankful for those "hands full" moments that help me learn, be stronger and most of all strengthen my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I am truly blessed

November Happenings

I have had good intentions to get things updated but I feel like the month has been whirlwind crazy and it does not seem to be slowing down. Here are a few highlights from our month of November:

My boys- being crazy and inventive as ever. I have no clue what made them decide to see if they fit in the toaster cupboard. You can tell they have the personality of their dad complete hams and all.










Rain gutter Regatta- this year was the first year in Scouts that Max was able to participate in a rain gutter regatta, it has always been the pinewood derby. He had a fun time getting ready for it and even painted his boat pink. He decided to do that because the secretary at school has breast cancer and he wanted to support the cause. Max had just started parkour (free running class) the week before so had to miss part of scouts. Good thing Asher was more than willing to stand in for his brother. He was proud to participate in some of the races.
Max's boat ended up getting the "pink lady award." For a boy that is not all that impressive, he was pretty ticked. He was determined to rip up his certificate in the gym. I thwarted his scheme before the picture below was taken. Who can tell he had been throwing a fit? I can't, but he sure was upset and cried after. We had a chat about not worrying about it, he knows the true reason why his boat was pink and the award was all in good intentions. All in all it turned out to be a decent night.

















Choir- We were able to participate in performing at the Christmas jubilee. Max loves singing and being a part of the choir. Luckily he did not inherit his singing voice from me. Note- I have told him he is not allowed to have a girlfriend but if for some reason he wants to think a girl is cute he could pick Megan (blonde girl 2 people from him) she is a super cute girl.










Thanksgiving- as always we are extremely blessed and love being able to surround ourselves with family during the Thanksgiving season. We have been blessed with so many things and definitely know our Father in Heaven is aware of us. Spending time at my parents (Weston's)- Kids hanging out with the cousins and of course you cant forget the nap after drowning yourself in all the food.















Foster- As mentioned before Nelson and I attended Foster Care classes earlier in the year in hopes of eventually being able to adopt. We know we have been blessed with so many wonderful things in our life and it is an opportunity to share. The day before Thanksgiving we received a call asking if we would be willing to take in 2 little girls. WOW what an emotional roller coaster that day was. You never can anticipate how it will happen. I cried many time unsure of what to do and if I was capable. A co-worker had told me to listen to the spirit for all of our decisions with this. We knelt as a family and had prayer to know what needed done. Next we took a huge leap of faith and called back saying we would take the girls.
For the next few hours we frantically rearranged all the bedrooms to make room. Later that night we were able to go to the Christmas box house and meet them and eventually have them signed over to stay with us.
This whole experience has been fun, eye-opening, interesting, scary, challenging and many other things. It is crazy to instantly double kid number over night, double the time to success completely lunch and get out of the house with 3 girls hair successfully done. It has been an adjustment phase but we are ready to take on the challenge.
Who knows what HF has in store for us and how long they will be in our home. Each day we remember we have a loving Heavenly Father that knows how things are suppose to work, and we leave it up to them. Our family is truly blessed and we know it.