Gilbert Temple

We were able to take some time and go down to Phoenix and visit with family and see the Gilbert Temple.  To be honest, it was gorgeous, but I REALLY love the murals that are painted, like in the Snowflake and Draper temples (and others, I'm sure, but these two are my favorite), and this temple doesn't have any of that.  Even still, it seriously was amazing and so beautiful.  I am glad we got to take the kids to go see it.  Calvin didn't want to go, so it was just Dallen and Ashton who went and we were lucky enough to have Mike and Laura and their family with us, too.  Scott tiled Heidi's bathroom (shower and floor) and we were there for "Omelet" with the Bowler clan and we also got to go to the park and hang out with everyone.  It got in some Chipotle, and that makes me very happy!  We had a great time and really didn't want to come back, but we had to.

Monday, when we were driving home, it was just me, Dallen and Ashton.  We stopped at Krispy Kreme on our way home because that is what Ashton wanted for his "birthday cake".  They were pulling them off the line just as they were coming out.  Dallen inhaled 3 before we got out of the parking lot!  Needless to say, it was a fun treat.  Scott stayed to finish the bathroom and I was picking him up the next day.  So, we were driving home and I drove to Payson because Ashton still makes me nervous in the city.  He doesn't seem to pay attention like I need him to and it freaks me out.  He asked if he could drive home from Payson, and I said "sure" because it's pretty much and straight shot.  So, we left Payson and started up the mountain rim and it started to snow, but it was just flurries and the ground was still VERY wet.  We were traveling up the rim and I was explaining to him the different sounds of the road (wet roads vs slushy, etc.).  I said "see, right now it is just water" and then we turned the corner and the roads were WHITE!  There was no in-between. He had to make his own road.  There weren't even any tracks to follow.  It was crazy.  So, I said a quick prayer "Heavenly Father, I need to be calm because if I'm not calm, this will be bad" and so after that, I was able to talk Ashton through it.  It was pure white roads for the next hour (in the dark, mind you!), but he handled it like a champ.  He was glad when it turned back to normal roads...and so was I!  Here are some pictures from the weekend...

February Birthday kids...Matt (12), Ashton (16), Emily (18), Abby (9?), Jeremy and Dallen (14)

Dallen hanging out with some of his cousins.

Dallen pushing Brianna with Cami, Hayley, Audrey, and Sam.

Dallen, Sam, and Matt

Gilbert Temple Open House

 Other things that happened this week...

Ashton turned 16!!!  This was the weirdest birthday ever.  He wanted all the money that I spend on his birthday (including cake, ice cream, etc.).  I told him if he does that, then we won't be having anything on his birthday.  He didn't care.  He wanted these headphones for his xbox and they were expensive.  So, he got the headphones, and then found out they didn't work.  He was so bummed.  So, now we have sent them back.  So, on his birthday, he went to school, went to a friend's after, I went to go get Scott, no ice cream or cake...nothing.  We hugged him and said "happy birthday", and that is all.  It was really weird for me, but Ashton didn't seem to mind.  He's so much like Scott in that way.  I guess every child is different.  He was ordained a Priest today and so he will be able to bless the Sacrament next week.  I can't believe he's 16!

I lost my job this week (on Ashton's birthday).  Construction business with no work...I know they will get work, and actually it is a blessing in disguise.  It was time for me to go.  We did okay, but it was like oil and water some days and she needs someone that is more compatible.  The more I am away from it, the more I realize this was best for all involved.  I pray she finds what she needs. So, we'll see what happens.  I just keep praying and hoping that there is something out there because we have been working really hard on keeping on our budget, but it doesn't work too well when a chunk of income is gone.  I applied for a position at the local bank as a teller, but who knows.  I tried to go introduce myself to the manager, but missed her each time.  I guess I'm not supposed to meet her!  But, I heard she is aware of my application and there are a couple friends here that have already called, knowing I need the job, and have told her about me.  I'm feeling loved, for sure!  Even if I don't get that job, I know we'll be okay...we always are.  Some days I just want to know how :).

Calvin started working at Sonic and likes it.  He loves that there is order and everyone knows their jobs and what is expected of them.  I guess he didn't feel the last place had that.  I told him Sonic has been around awhile and they know what works and doesn't work. Glad he is able to work again.

We found out our cat is pregnant.  For months we had been talking about needing to get them fixed and low and behold...she's fat!  We had caught her brother (whom the neighbors adopted) in our garage and didn't know if brotherly love was going to be a factor...well, it was.  We are just hoping it is the one and not both.  So, as soon as she has her litter...guess what is going to happen to her?!?  Never dull with our animals.  Oh, and our stupid chickens (see picture below) who have not laid a single egg, laid 4 of them while we were on vacation.  What the heck?!?  Have they laid any since we got back...NO!  Dumb chickens.

That's all for this week.  Derrek and Alec are doing good (check out their blogs).  Alec is going to see a therapist.  I always said that we shouldn't bother saving for college, but for their psychiatry bills.  I know I did the best I could, but they come from me and Scott, and they have had to deal with our inadequacies.  I am grateful that he is able to help straighten things out.  Therapy has done wonders for me and Scott.  It's just nice to have someone there to take the thoughts that rattle around and help make sense of them and give direction.  We hope that for Alec. I am proud of the boys.  They aren't afraid to face things and they are humble enough to admit when they need help.  I am so grateful for a wise mission President that is able to really listen and help.  It's a process going from a boy to a man, and sometimes I think it's a little harder these days because the boys haven't been required to step up like they are and a world that thinks they are silly to do so.  They are brave and have more to them than they know.  

 

Can we start the new year over?!?

I can't believe December is gone and so is January!  Well, I won't tell lots of stories, but we'll just do the highlights this week and then hopefully get back on track next week (not making any promises!).

Christmas was great.  We took fun pictures and then Scott's SD card crashed and they are all lost.  I was sad, but oh well...  We got to Skype my parents, Derrek, and Alec who are all serving missions.  We were on Skype for at least 5-6 hours that day, and if any of you know me...I don't like doing Skype, but I was so happy to see them and talk to them.  We had fun.  We tried to set it up so that Alec and Derrek could Skype each other, but Derrek couldn't hear Alec and so they were just able to wave to each other, which I thought was just as cool.  I think Alec called Derrek later.  Alec was VERY homesick that day.  It was really hard for him, but he made it and is doing good (go see his blog!).

We just hung out for Christmas break.  Scott and I had to work and so did Calvin, so Dallen and Ashton did what they do most...Dallen hung out outside and Ashton inside!  There is NO snow here, and it is almost eerie in a way.  Last year, the kids were sledding and having a great time, but not this year.  Dallen went on a Klondike campout with Scouts and there was NO SNOW!  I have NEVER heard of a Klondike campout without snow.  They raced their "sleds" in the dirt.  So crazy!  He had fun, though, and that's all that counts.  We do hope we get some moisture (snow or rain...we don't care at this point).  I hope we do because this area has been known to have some pretty nasty wildfires and lightening storms that start them.  We'll see what happens.

Calvin lost his job with Celebrations a couple weeks ago.  He handled it like a champ.  I really was SO impressed with his maturity in the whole situation.  He talked with his boss face to face and they both came to a mutual agreement that it was time for him to move on and he just told her that he really appreciated getting the opportunity to work for her and the things he's learned and just asked that she would give him a good reference.  She agreed to that.  I don't know all the details and I only hear his side of things, and even though he didn't feel it was completely fair with how he was let go and why, he handled it so much better than I have seen some adults handle it.  It was really a privilege to watch.  Someone said, "way to go, mom" and that is not correct...it was all Calvin.  We just found out today that he now will be working for Sonic in town.  I told him that my boyfriend in high school worked there and his hands always smelled like onions.  Funny the things we remember!  He thinks he'll be a cook and he's excited to start earning money again.  He likes the freedom.  That's the other thing, too.  He seriously has been amazing to watch through all of this.  He knew that he had one last paycheck to get and didn't know when his next job would be.  So, he chose to ride the bus to school and not waste his gas.  It's things like that where I think, I am pretty sure I would have thrown a fit!  Like I said, he has just been so fun to watch and I love seeing the young man he is.

Ashton turns 16 next week.  He's so bummed that he waited to get his permit.  We just left it in his hands as to when he was ready to take the test and he chose to do it 2 months after he was allowed.  So, he will get his license in April and believe me...he's counting down the days.

Work was CRAZY for Scott during the holidays.  It is interesting to see that people wait until they get through Christmas or New Years and then decide they are done.  We had a great Christmas day.  It was quiet and we really were able to enjoy it.  Then Friday hit and I think Scott had 7 cases between Friday and Monday.  Then New Years was kinda quiet and then the same thing.  I almost lost my job with  my neighbor because during the week of New Years, I was gone to Tuscon for trips every day.  One of the Police officers at the Medical Examiner's office in Tuscon said "I think I have seen you more this month and people I work with!"...he wasn't lying.  It was crazy.  So, I had to have a heart-to-heart with my boss and it was good.  I really needed it and so did she.  It was one of the hardest things I have ever done because there was a real fear of losing my job and it really is perfect, but I understand that my mortuary runs do take a toll on her, especially when we are so busy.  Everything is back on track for now and I am a little more conscious of her needs and she realized a lot of things, too.  She's a good person.

Okay, one last little story.  Last Sunday I was getting ready to walk out the door and this is what I almost stepped on...

Presents from our cats.  To the left is the bunny's head, then the body and a mouse.  I love our kitties.  They are awesome hunters, but please don't leave them at the door!  If you look close, you will see the guts of the bunny coming out the top (it looks like it's the head, but it's not...remember, that's to the left!).  Anyway, we came home and it was gone!  Licked clean!  So, now we think the cats were bringing gifts to Shep and Angel because that's who cleaned up the mess.  Dallen was glad because he was the designated cleaner of the mess because he has the most animals, but the dogs did it for him.  So gross!!!  Good ole' country life!

This week we get to go down to Phoenix and Mike and Laura are coming with their family and new addition, Marcus.  We are so excited to see everyone down there.  We get to go through the Gilbert Temple open house, too.  Calvin has to stay home because he has too many absences at school and now he has a new job he is starting.  We will miss having him, but grateful for the job.

Well into the Holidays!

Let's see...some things that have happened since I last wrote (I'm getting lazy!).  I got to go to Time Out for Women in Phoenix.  That was fun.  I hitched a ride with a lady in our ward and her sister and mom.  It was really fun getting to know them.  Her poor mom was sick on the way down and we had to stop a couple of times so she could do some business on the side of the road.  Luckily it was from her medication she was taking and not an actual bug!  I got to hang out with my friend from Mesa.  She just recently got divorced and so it was good to spend time with her and see how things are going.  I am just reminded how lucky I am to have a husband that continually wants to do what is right and do his best and even when he finds out he's wrong, he does everything he can to make it right.  I really am blessed!  Anyway, it was fun hanging out with the girls (Scott's sisters and cousin).  We always like to hang out :)  A couple weeks later, we went down to Phoenix for Thanksgiving.  We had a good Thanksgiving.  We went to Phoenix.  We really enjoyed our time there.  I think because we can't go anywhere as often as we used to be able to, we seem to soak up the time we are able to be with family and friends.  It is hard, though, because it never seems like we have enough time to sit and chat with everyone individually.  The girls didn't do their annual shopping and breakfast because we recently found out that some of the guys really don't like when we do that (haha...I don't know why?!?).  So, instead, we decided that we would rather sleep in and go shopping that night instead...so we did.  Around 10:00 pm some of us went.  I went to Khol's and the line was ridiculous!  It was probably an hour and a 1/2 wait in line.  It was PACKED!  Anyway, I found my nieces in line and gave them my extra debit card and they purchased the items for me so that we could go to Target and Walmart.  That was so nice!  It seemed good because the next day we were able to hang out more with everyone, although, Scott and I went and saw his dad for 3 hours.  It was good and he is happy.  His wife, Ivy (or Terry), is very musically inclined and she played some of her music that she has written.  We enjoyed our visit.  It definitely is different than it was with Ruth, but I realized while sitting there that they are happy and being watched over, and for that I am grateful.  We went and saw "Frozen".  It was entertaining and cute.  We also found out that Chris and his new wife (married in July) are expecting their first child 3 months after Amy (Chris's mom) is due!  We are excited for them all.  Here are some pictures from Thanksgiving...

Calvin entertaining himself while waiting to eat 

Ashton sitting with Heidi's neighbor, Will, who joined our family for the day

Played lots of Volleyball and other sports

We were conversing about reading Grandma Bowler/Jacobson's personal history...great read!

The spread 

Some of the cousins (Dallen in the middle of them)

Ashton showing off his volleyball skills

the players (most constant ones, anyway)

Planning our shopping trips

We really had a good time.  Then we went home and it seemed like the world was falling around us for the day!  Our car broke down on the way home.  We found out it was the power steering pump (didn't know there was such a thing) and that was $400.  Then we went to check on the animals and found out that all but two of the chickens had been eaten.  Something broke through the chicken wire and ate them all.  One that was injured, died in the coop and the kid watching our animals tried to save it, but Shep was protecting it and he couldn't, so it died.  The other two were injured, but seemed to be doing okay.  Then the next day, I came home from work and the chicken pen was open!  I had specifically told the kids to leave them in so that they could heal.  We had no idea where they were.  Then Dallen went to the neighbor's house and their dog had half our chicken.  We didn't know how she got it and we had no idea where the last one was.  Around 9 that night, we checked to see if she had tried to come back to the pen, and sure enough, there she was.  She was injured REALLY bad.  She ended up dying a couple days later.  We learned that the neighbor dogs had learned how to open the pen through the door that we have and they got in again, after I had gotten some more chickens on Facebook (for free!).  Two more down!  So, now we have the pellet gun out and these chickens squawk really loud, so we know when something is there.  Sure enough, today, I heard them squawking and Dallen ran out there with his gun and started shooting at the dumb dogs...they were back.  I am not sure what we are going to do, but for now this is working.  I'm hoping that with enough pellets in the butt, they will get the message.  If it's not the neighbor dogs, it's the coyotes or the hawks...joys of living in the country!  The poor kid watching the animals felt so bad.  He thought it was his fault...what?!? Shauna got out (phone call on the way home from Phoenix) and he thought that was his fault, too, but the strap we had holding the gate broke, and so his father helped him make something more secure.  Crazy week, for sure!  We were sad that all the chickens were gone.  We really liked collecting the eggs.  These new ones are more wild and they look like a cross between a road runner and a chicken.  They haven't started laying, yet, and I'm not sure when they will.  They are about 9 months old, but they are a different breed than before, so I am not sure what to expect.  But, they were free and if anything, we'll have some nice chickens for food storage :)

Boys are doing good.  Calvin is playing basketball (well, hopefully...he had a fall-out with the "friend" that is in charge of the team and he hasn't been telling Calvin when the games are...kind of a bummer).  Ashton is getting good at driving.  Only 6 more months until Scott takes his Funeral Director license exam.  I am excited that it will be more "final".  We are so grateful for all of this experience, though.  It's been one of our hardest, yet best journeys!