There is just a little bit of Laura in there!!

So I swear my kids have none of my genes in them. If you know Jakob then you know he is a miniature Colin. Conner is looking more and more like Jordan and my Dad. Alexa now she might have more of me then anyone, but some of it I don't want to take claim for. But lately I have been noticing more and more of my sister Laura showing up in her. Maybe its because I miss Laura so much that I looking for it, but I don't think I'm going crazy. Growing up Laura was constantly getting after me (and everyone else) to not touch her. Its not like we intentionally bugged her but if I was sitting next to her in church and my long hair some how touched her she would get mad. Or if you sat too close to her, or looked at her ( ok maybe not that bad). But guess who has been doing this at my house latley. Yep Miss Alexa throws a huge fit if her brothers, or Dad sit any where near her, or if they touch her or her blankets ( which she now calls her Medecine blankets and her heart blanket, go figure). Recentley Alexa has taken to wearing her bathing suit under neath all her clothes and once again this is soooooo Laura. You see when Laura was younger her and her best friend Melissa had this theory that if they wanted it to snow they would wear their snow suits to bed, to school, anywhere they could get away with it. And you know what it some times worked. And then of coure they also did vise versa, if they wanted to see the sun they would wear their bathing suits under their clothes for days!!! I have really been having flashbacks when I see Alexa being so Laura. Now maybe if Cameron starts making brady doing excersises on christmas mornings, or saying "go back in my histroy" Laura will know that Cameron has a little bit of me mixed in there.!!!

Laura holding Alexa And baby brady ( about 2 years ago)

Alexa in her bathing suit phase!!!

Laundry, How do you do it???

I have serious laundry issues. It seems I always have piles, dirty or clean. I feel like I have tried it all to stay on top of things. I have done all the laundry in the house One day each week. It made for a long day of washing folding and putting away. Then I switched to Doing laundry by room. Colin and mines on Monday, boys on Tuesday, Alexa Wednesday, towels and bedding Thursday. But it seemed like I never had full loads, and I can't just mix whites, darks and reds all in one load for the boys. So Next I went to doing a load or two each day. Now I just do it when I have time. But here is my major problem. I am really good at getting stuff washed but getting it folded and put away is a different story. I have found that I like folding the clothes and putting them away after the kids go to bed and I am watching my shows that are recorded. But the problem with that is that I have baskets of clothes sitting around all day and my kids some how always mange to dump them out and make an even bigger mess. So I want to know what works for you? What is your routine? How about socks? Do you throw them all in a big basket and then mate them all once a week or how do you work it? How do you guarantee the same socks in the same load? Do fold as soon as it comes out of the dryer, or does it sit? Tell me your secrets cause seriously I need a new routine! Help!!!

Proof

Here is some more proof that my husband is superman ( I have always known but for you doubters, you know who you are, here is further evidence). My husband who is going to school full time, working full time and seems to squeeze in enough time to make sure that our kids are really clueless as to how busy daddy is, got employee of the month this month at work. I am so proud of him. Because he is going to school he has to leave work 3 different times each day for classes. But it seems that that doesn't hinder his work or what the other employees think of him. Way to go my superman. I actually think that he really loves him job. He gets to work with all the city employees, including the fire department, police department, and mayor. Its hard not to miss how fast he runs out the door when either department calls him for something. I am amazed at how much info and things that those guys tell him. Stuff he probably shouldn't know being the computer guy. But Colin loves it, and I love that he enjoys what he is doing, and even more I love that they recognize what a hard working great guy he is. He has been getting a lot of calls from co- workers to come help with their home computers, and they all offer money which is great and has Colin thinking of starting a side business. So we will see what comes of that. Here is the link to the article that was in the city of rexburg newsletter about Colin. I never in a million years could of predicted that Colin would find a job that he loves while on our adventure here in rexburg. I really thought we would just be surviving until we could get out of here. But Colin seems to be thriving, which really helps him get through the long nights of school work, and the small amount of sleep he gets every night. If he didn't love it we would all be miserable!! So Congratulations babe, you deserve it!!! And thanks once again for being our Superman!!! I love you!

Time for an Update

Wow it has been way to long. I hope to be better at this cause I know that all our family that is in different states like to hear and see pictures of the kids. So I will try harder!!!

We have had so much that has happened since our last post that I think that I will just give you the highlights in the form of a list. I don't feel like spending all day typing out all the details, to much to do. So here it is!

- We had our first solo Christmas. It was just our little family. And it was great, we missed grandmas and grandpas tho. But it was nice to not have to go anywhere and just stay and play all day!

-We had both sides of the family come visit us after Christmas. The entire Bowler Family minus blake. Then a few days after they left my parents and April came to drop April off at school. But we sure missed my sister Laura and her munchkins, it wasn't the same with out her.

- I have now seen Twilight 4 times. Crazy I know. But each time it was with someone who hadn't seen it yet, and I couldn't pass it up. It did help that they moved it to the $2 theater;)

-My kids have all been to the dentist, Jakob had his 2 front teeth pulled. Alexa and Conner did great. I am so glad that our insurance covers our great pediatric dentist. The kids sure love going there. And all the staff is very complimentary of my kids so I love going there too!!

-I pretty much flew solo (everyone els was on the commitee was out of town or busy) for the January enrichment, setting up, teaching, clean up, refreshments. It was alot of hard work but it was so much fun to see how creative the sisters are!

- Went through the house again, and did another D.I . run. Our apartment is to small and we have to much stuff so I am constantly going through stuff trying to minimize.

- took the kids to High school musical 3 at the $2 theater. Did not like it.

- took the kids to go see Bed Time Stories. Loved it!!!

- I have been loving having my sister April here and 2 sister in laws. But I'm still waiting for Laura to move here. It wont happen but a girl can wish, right??

- Colin started school back up, and it seems as if this semester will be the hardest yet. Crazy schedule, Crazy amounts of homework, and no sleep. Really I don't know how he does it. But he does it all very well with no complaining. He's our super dad!!

- Artic circle is adding a play area to their restaurant in rexburg. I am very excited to have somewhere besides McDonald's to take the kids during the frigid winter months!!

-Conner gets to go to the preschool on campus again, and he is so excited.

ok I think that list should get everyone caught up on what they have missed. Maybe my next post will be pictures!!

the wedding

The Saturday after Thanksgiving my brother Brian got married to an awesome girl. They got married in Twin falls. SO we got to go on a little overnighter. The kids had fun in the hotel. They loved the bath tub!!

The next morning we were up and at them early to get to the temple on time. The kids sure looked cute all dressed up!!

Right as they came out of the temple!!

Lacy was so gorgeous!! And these to have so much fun together!!

Heres our attempt at a family picture in front of the temple. It was so windy

Brian and Lacy at the Luncheon. It was so nice. Good job Mom and Dad!!

Natalie and Alexa

Cute kids!!

Conner and April

After the luncheon was over and we were cleaning up, conner helped by collectin the left over treat buckets. But he never wanted to put them down. Eventuyally we talked himinto hiding them them in my purse. So we came home with mayber 30 treat cups!!

Brain and Alexa at the reception later that night!!

Congratulations you guys, we love you!! And Lacy welcome to the family, I couldnt have asked for a better sister inlaw!!!

Twilight .... Finally

I know I'm late, everyone has already seen it, I decided to wait and see it with my sisters and mom when they came in town. And that we did. My Mom, Laura, Natalie, Lacy, and I went to go see it. The only person missing was April and we sure missed her. But we loved the movie. Laura wasn't crazy about Edward. But both Natalie and I loved him. I wasn't crazy about the guy they picked for Jacob, but Laura loved him. Other then that I thought it was really good. Sure there were a few things that were off from the book. But over all I walked away from the movie with the same feeling as when I finished the book, ready for the next one. And I will definetley be seeing it again!!!This isn't at the movie( we tried to get a picture but cameras wern't working), so this is us minus Lacy, at the wedding luncheon!!

November in pictures

Wow has this month been crazy, but so fun. We have been doing tons of stuff. So instead of a long typed post I thought I would just show you pictures of the stuff we did.

We decided to go bowling. The kids loved it and had so much fun!!

Conner had fun hiding among the balls

Waiting for their turns

Alexa's Turn!!

She does the slow grandma roll

Next we decided to make the kids breakfast in bed!! That was a lot of fun, and now they want it every Saturday.

Conners breakfast in bed

Cheese!!

They all ended up in Jakob's bed of course

Jakob now has to get all bundled up to go to school!

The last day of taekawndo

Hi-ya

yep they all broke some boards

Alexa had some help and conners board had a crack in it. But Colin and Jakob did the real deal!

( if you want to see the videos of all of them doing it let me know and I will email you!!)

Pilgrim Jakob

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful this year. And it was so fun to have all of my family here and get to spend some time together!!!

If you lover her as Much as I do...

So if you love Girly Do's by Jenn like I do then you need to go leave a "love note" Comment on her blog, she really needs it. She has run in to some meanies out there in hair do land and has said she is going to quit. Maybe just maybe if she gets enough love notes she will reconsider. I have watched this happen with some of my favorite hair bow stores and I just sat back and watched. But not any more. I am tired of all the mean people who are putting these people down. I mean as far as I am concerned Jenn is doing us all a favor. She doesn't need to do it for herself it for us, I love seeing all her creative hair ideas. So we need to fight to keep her around. Go leave her love note!!!!

An idiot living among smart people

Here's your warning!! In this blog I will be doing a lot of bragging so if you don't want to hear it don't go any further.

When I met Colin I knew instantly that he was very smart, not just book smart, but smart and logical on every level. I am not. I am logical most of the time, very, very observant to little details. And I like to believe, really good at faking being smart. But I know I have some siblings and my parents who know the truth. As I started having kids I have always prayed that they would get his smart genes. And I have suspected for along time that my wish came true, But as a mother you always think your kid is smarter, and just all around better. I, on a daily basis, am at awe at what my kids know and can do, or invent. This morning was the first time I got some actual facts. Today was my first parent teacher conferences. Jakob was so excited for me to talk to his teacher. When I first walked in the door and sat down, she said " First of all, I want to know what you are doing and how you are doing it, cause I want to do the same with my son, and maybe share your secret with some of the other parents." Wow what a way to start off our little meeting. But in the back of my mind I thought " she probably says that to every parent to make them feel good about themselves". It worked!! She then proceeded to tell me how impressed with Jakob she is. How he is a leader in the class room, and when she introduces a new sight word Jakob is usually the first one to get it. She said how impressed she was with his knowledge coming into school, and wishes every parent took the time to prepare their kids like I did ( thank you very much!!) . As I sat and listened I kept waiting for the "but". I mean come on we all know Jakob, he can be a handful, a weirdo, and a very big worrier. The "but" never came. Instead she asked if I would like to see how he did on his state testing. Umm of course. So she shuffled some papers, looked up some numbers then reported to me that he was tied for first in his class for the highest score. There now I have some proof. After that she asked what my secret was? I told her I don't have one, he just got my husband genes. She laughed. She then told me that they retest in January. But that she was not worried cause Jakob can already do all that stuff and he beats the time easily every time. So now I know, Jakob is officially the smartest kid in his class (well tied for first!!)

Now on to my other 2. Conner amazes me every single day. He is different from is older brother in every way. But its been so fun to see him develop his own interests and hobbies. I seriously amazed at some of the objects he can combine to make something. I cant wait to see what he will do with that mind of his. Alexa, oh dear Alexa. we call her crazy lady. And I know people probably think I am horrible mother to call her that. When people come to visit they are calling her that by the time they leave. She is just a whirlwind of energy and drama. She is the girl, drama, version of Jakob. She is my little miss independent and I know that when she wants something she gets it. So if i can get her to focus on the right stuff she will amaze us all. Just you wait and see.

So there you have it. I am the idiot living among geniuses. At least I done a few things right. Hey the smartest thing I have ever done was to marry a very smart man!!

Fun Pictures

Well we survived this last weekend. Both Colin and Jakob got sick Saturday night, but that was fine. We were able to attend both of the schools carnival and the wards trunk or treat. It was really fun and the kids seemed to have a blast! Here are some fun pictures of our weekend adventures!!!

Rose( sleeping beauty) Iron man, and Handy Manny

He is just so darn cute

She still wasn't feeling quite herself

Iron man with scary teeth

now he's flying

Handy Manny

Alexa and her favorite friend Roxy

The boys, Jakob, Eli, Trevor and Conner

Fun group picture

A big Princess Hug!!

The Worst Timing...

Well both Conner and Alexa are sick with the flu. Alexa is worse off then Conner for sure. I keep waiting for a phone call from Jakob's school saying your son just threw up all over the classroom. Jakob swears he fine, but hey both Conner and Alexa seemed fine then they threw up. And pretty much I am so scared I am going to get it. Let me tell you about the rest of week, and you will see why. Today I have scouting for food with the scouts, putting flyer's on all the doors in our ward boundaries. Tomorrow morning I am helping to set up for our ward Halloween party. Sometime after that I have to get to Sam's club and get stuff for enrichment on Saturday that I am in charge of all the food. Friday night is Jakob's schools Halloween carnival, and our ward Halloween party that I am taking chili to, and also trunk or treating. After that is done Friday night I am helping to get set up for super Saturday which starts at 9 am Saturday morning. So then of course Saturday I will be at the church all day making crafts and setting up lunch. That is due to over around 3. So at 4pm on Saturday I can then get sick, for that matter my husband can get sick then too. But please not till then. I have been popping vitamin c pills to help keep me strong so hopefully I wont get it. I feel like my hands are gonna shrivel up and dry out from washing them so much, and all the chemicals I have been using to clean up messes, and just bleaching as much stuff as possible. So wish me luck this weekend, and please flu stay away from me.

I just cant believe it

First off, I know I have changed my blog skin like 12 times in the last month. Sorry I just wasn't happy with anything. And a Big thank you to Colin for taking a break from his hours of homework to finally get a picture up for our header. I love it babe, Thanks!!


It snowing here, and I just can't believe it. It too early. I was enjoying my kids playing out side all day. But no more. It just makes me so sad.

And I can't believe that it has been a little over a year now since we sold our home, and moved to Rexburg.It has gone by so quickly. And something has happened that I never could of imagined a year ago. Our family seems to love it here. Colin loves school, he loves learning. He also loves his job. Working for the city of Rexburg has sure had some great perks for our family. We love our ward, and our callings now that we are out of primary. It has been so fun to watch the kids grow and love it here. The parks and all the fun stuff to do. But most importantly all of the fun friends they have made. It is so nice to know that most everyone around us is a member and for the kids to have lots of friends close by. I also cant believe that Colin only has 2 more full semesters and 1 semester of like 4 credits left. It really is flying by. And i just can't believe it.

Here are some cute pictures of the kids we were able to take at the gardens the other day!!

The big 3-0!!

I just wanted to tell Colin happy birthday. And to thank him for all that he is to me and the kids. I love you so much. You are my Everything. Here are some fun pictures of you!! Enjoy!!