Shelby Bowman

Here she is..

Treasures from the Outlet

I love the outlet..if not for no other reason than I can spoil my kids without breaking my bank account..and seeing as the dog has cost us a small fortune..I have no bank account to break so to speak..so on Saturday when we found a Snow White dress for Emma..and a batman (BRAND NEW) costume for Connor..I couldn't resist..

Any readers left out there??

Hi all,
I'm sorry it's been awhile..there's been a lot going on. For some reason I've just not been in the blogging mood. Odd though, because I have so much to brag about..like Hayley..gosh..what a freaking blessing she is..in the past few days especially I've been filled with this overwhemling love for her..I look at her and she smiles back at me..her expressive little face causes this flood of emotion to bubble up..I love it..I'm savouring..she makes me so happy..

We have another new member of the family..Shelby..she's a lab(mix) puppy. All black with the exception of her two front paws, her breastbone area, and a few hairs at the tip of her tail..we had an incident the first week she lived with us..and Shelby broke her leg..so she's cost us a small fortune..and has been casted up for longer than not..she's a beautiful dog though..and very very loyal to us..she's going to be a good dog..even though many people feel I should get rid of her..I can't..she's a Bowman Brat now and forever..

I was suppose to travel to Canada this summer..unfortunately there's been issues with immigration..keeping me stranded here stateside. I'll get home one day though..I miss my friends and family. I missed a very dear friends wedding because of all this..looking at pictures just isn't the same. I'm heartbroken about it..but thrilled their day went off so perfectly..Brad and Tara..Congratulations..you two are a beautiful couple..and I know it'll be a wonderful forever for the two of you. xoxo

Another big change, is that I've started attending Church..my Mother couldn't be more thrilled..I'm excited about it..I feel like I'm actually starting to learn..retain..and FEEL it..

Storms are brewing here in VA Beach..my head is pounding..I hate headaches like this..

Anyway..I'm rambling...perhaps next time I'll get a few pictures up here..love to my readers..if there's any still out there after my hiatus.. ;o)

Emma Art

Emma drew this yesterday..I tried adding what she talked about when showing me. The text on the picture isn't large enough..oh well..

This is her family, under a rainbow, Daddy, AJ, Connor, Emma, Mommy (with baby Hayley Nicole in her tummy) and there's some pretty flowers. I thought it was really cute, and wanted to share.

The Navy

ugh..where do you begin to explain to someone what it's like to live in complete limbo?? IT SUCKS!!

First Allen was suppose to be gone for 7 weeks..happened to be over the due date..we were emotional..came to terms with it..but knew he'd be home and Hayley would be 5 weeks old..and he'd have lots of time with her then..

THEN..it was 7 months they were going to go..that was a hard pill to swallow..thankfully shortlived..we then went back to 7 weeks..

THEN..less than a week before the original date of departure..it was CANCELLED..he wasn't going ANYWHERE..YEEHAW!! We were THRILLED...Daddy was going to see his last baby being born..

THEN with not a weeks notice they were leaving again..for 5 weeks..unfortunately we knew he'd likely miss the birth..his return date was not too long after my due date..however..I've never gone late with babies..we came to terms with it..easily as we'd already pretty much emotionally prepared ourselves for it..

THEN..while on this little surge deployment..his boss..and HIS boss come to him and tell him that while in Port..if I were to go into labour/have the baby..they would get him home..let me repeat..THEY CAME TO HIM..

Last night..again..one of the big guys pulls him aside and says..decision time Bowman..if you want to go..you gotta go tomorrow..we didn't know what to decide..burn leave with him coming home and waiting for baby..or maximize leave with him home with baby upon his return..we opted to wait until we knew how far along I was dilated etc..finally made the decision..moved money around so he could have enough to get himself home if stranded somewhere etc..only to find out..the bosses boss hadn't ran it by his boss and it turns out he says no..so Allen is not coming home early..will miss Hayley's birth after all..and I feel so emotionally drained from the ups and downs..that I could bury my head in my pillow..blah..

I'm mad at myself for ever getting my hopes up..but it's hard to do when these pretty high up guys tell you one thing..then change their minds..we didn't ASK for Allen to come home..he was given the offer..and thought it was legit..coming from the sources it was coming from..oh well..you live and learn..as far as return date for Daddy now?? I wont believe it until I see it..

Thank GOD for the friends in my life..

May...seriously??

Is it really May already?? Where has the time gone?? It's been quite some time since I've blogged..I've been busy though. Allen left the day before Good Friday, and the kids and I have been enjoying lots of time with friends and family. First we had Nana and Uncle Tyler here for Easter weekend. We went to Lowe's for their clinic and built bird houses, and enjoyed some fun times in the backyard (see previous posts for pics). Then we've enjoyed several awesome playdates, at friends houses, at parks, here at our house etc. We have some wonderful people in our lives. I truly feel blessed, even by people I've never MET before..that I know through the Mommy Network I used to belong to, and who I've kept in contact with since leaving that world. They have put themselves out there..seriously willing to help in anyway they can while Allen is away. I thank God for the blessings I have everyday.

Speaking of Allen being away. We are on the homestretch. We're on day 25 of him being away. It feels like FOREVER though, I think it's just because of the impeccably TERRIBLE timing of this month away. I'm not dealing as well with some things as I would if I weren't VERY pregnant, and very tired. I got to speak with Allen briefly last night, before the phone lines went down. It's always refreshing to hear his voice, and his reassurances. He makes me happy. I slept well after that, it was already really late though, so I'm suffering a bit today. Slow, sluggish, and low patience level.

Connor has pink eye. It looks 100x better already today after a day of drops. I've also been putting drops in the other kids eyes. Emma is RIDICULOUS about it. She's waiting on the couch right now for a drop to be put in her second eye..I had to walk away..such a drama queen. It's IRRITATING!!

We have no real plans today. We'll likely go to the grocery store, return the movie we rented yesterday, I really want to get some things done around here, but I'll probably take them to the park for a bit..if it doesn't rain..like it's been calling for, for the last 4 days..with not a drop in sight. I seriously do not understand how the Weather people in this area keep their jobs, it's BRUTAL how wrong they are..and how often that happens.

Ok..must go put her drop in and let her get back to playing.

Hopefully my next post will be to announce the arrival of Hayley. Anyday now...

Emotional Video

This was sent to me by my Aunt..as I sit here and wipe my tears I wanted to share..powerful message, powerful pictures..

I miss Allen. Thankfully he wont be gone long.

Catching up..

April is nearly halfway done..and I haven't done many posts..so here is a slideshow..catching up on all I've missed...

Highlights...
*Connor opening his birthday gifts...
*Parker/Bowman BBQ...
*Lowe's Build & Grow Workshop with Nana & Tyler...
*Backyard playtime with Nana & Tyler...
*The Easter Bunny comes early...
*Maternity & Family Photo shoot by Lori

Tyler and Mom are on the road home to Canada. I'm sad..I miss the company..I miss watching my kids have TONNES of fun with them..it doesn't help that we haven't heard from Allen in over 24 hours..I'm assuming it's stupid technology and an issue with the email network..but blah..it certainly helps keep them feeling closer when you can hear from them everyday..gets a bit lonely when there's no communication..I can NOT imagine how it was back in the day when there was only snail mail..I'd not have survived..

Allen and I met online..so we're used to the being apart thing. Heck we've been together for almost 5 years now..and only LIVED together almost 2..so yeah..we can do the a part thing..we knew how to survive before..I'm sure we can reteach ourselves this time..I'm just having a pity party..

Happy Easter Everyone!! Have a BLESSED day!! xoxo

Connor's SECOND Birthday

Just a few choice pictures from Connor's birthday. I've been slacking at blogging..not sure why..probably has something to do with Bejeweled or Tri-Towers Solitaire taking up all my time. :S Anyway, Connor's birthday..it was small (thankfully..not sure I could have handled it any bigger in my state..a month away from another baby)..it was typical of me..unorganized..chaotic..and crazy..the kids seemed to enjoy themselves though..no major snafu's..and everyone got cake..my dear friends helped me clean up afterwards so I could crash when the craziness was over..and that I did..flat out on the couch..watching my soap.

We ate cheetos, popcorn, and juice...



Made Sports door hangers...



Had Football cupcakes..



Played on the swings in the yard...





Shot some hoops in the living room...



Even had some quiet reading time...



Thanks to everyone who was able to attend..Connor loved all his presents..he plays with his firetruck every day..is going shopping with uncle Tyler to spend his gift card..and pretends to fix the bikes out back while wearing his had hat and goggles...and Gina..even though you couldn't attend..thank you so much for dropping off his guitar..he loves it..me..well..just remember..your children have birthdays too..there is such a thing as sweet revenge!! :D

Shower Pictures

Thanks again Ladies!!

THANK YOU!!!

Thank you to everyone that came to Hayley's shower yesterday!! It was a fabulous morning..I loved how laid back it was..it was so nice to get to visit with everyone. You guys were way too generous with your gifts. THANK YOU!!! 47 days to go...yippee!!

Fox's Red Eye Show..

Ok..so I'm hardly a political activist..and only got involved so passionately in the past election because of my family now being so greatly affected by our relocation here to the USA. Typically I'd have voted for whomever my Dad told me to vote before..I trusted him..I trusted he knew what was best for me..and went along with it. As I got older and out of school and had programs and issues with the goverment myself as a professional (worked in daycare and with children who had special needs) I started to actually pay attention...then I moved..and now it doesn't really matter what I think..I don't vote here in the USA.



Anyway..this clip was pointed out to me of a Fox "talkshow" called Red Eye..a 5 minute clip where they mock, and belittle the Canadian forces that are over in Afghanistan..and those working hand in hand with the USA to keep our (BOTH) borders safe.

I did some research on the show..and found the wiki website to be pretty informative.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Eye_w/_Greg_Gutfeld

You can tell just from watching the show..they are a comedy show..satire..mocking..and any topic they get on would be mocked with the same stupidity as they do the Canadian Armed Forces..who hasn't joked about the Canadian Armed forces before?? Especially compared to the USA (larger population..more money to spend on Military etc)..everyone I know has told Allen if he joined the Canadian Navy he'd have to learn to paddle a canoe. I digress though..this show is on at 3am...and obviously their Neilson ratings prove that there is a reason this show is shown at this time slot..it is NOT a news show..nor is it the American VIEW..while I completely agree it is in total DISTASTE to mock people who are serving our country..your country..their country..any country..and the fact that people are dying..and while it did offend me to a degree..I can't let it get my panties wound so tight I can't focus on the real political issues..(which I just don't have the energy at the moment to post on here).

Basically my point being...the men on this show..are immature..comedians..with little journalistic experience. They come from Maxim and Stuff magazines..and Doug Benson was merely a contestant on Next Comic Standing..what more can you expect from them??

**Added after initially posted..why wasn't there this much uproar made over Obama's Special Olympics comment made on the Jay Leno show which has a much higher Neilson's rating..and was done by the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES..not a bunch of punks?? Obama is "allowed" to make errors in judgement..hrmmm..the people HE offended are people living with special needs..who can't help who they are..and who are sadly and unfortunately mocked..and have negative stereotypes that are extremely hurtful..this show..while mocking the Canadian Military..are a comedy show..at 3am..representing nothing more than the need to get viewers..Obama is the one the Americans elected to represent them..bigger issue..bigger fish..but why was it ignored and swept under the rug??

Where are they??

The Parker Princess birthday pictures?? I fully expected to have a full inbox today.. Are you that busy Lori?? lol ;o)

Happy St. Patricks Day

Highlights of the playdate:
*Finding Ireland on the Globe
*Learning about St. Patrick (he told Ireland about God and scared away the snakes)
*Talking about rainbows, leprachauns, pots of gold and shamrocks
*Dancing and Irish jig
*Going on a St. Patricks Day Parade
*Making rainbow necklaces
*Eating green jello, popcorn, celery

Thank you Carrie for a wonderful morning...

Pretty Tulips...

Pizza Party

Daddy was in charge of picking up something for dinner..I wasn't surprised in the least he went for pizza..but I was thrilled to hear him having the kids help him put it together..I shouted from Emma's room (I was cutting in) for him to take pictures..and that he did..check out the slide show below..they had a great time..and the pizza was YUMMY!!

**I've had to take out the slideshow to get rid of the music..hopefully one day I'll get around to making a new one without music.

Great Wolf Lodge

**Slide Show at the bottom of post if you don't feel like reading**

As most of you know we just got back from Williamsburg VA, where we took the kids on a mini getaway to Great Wolf Lodge. This place is AWESOME..and the timing could not have been better..Thursday was the first COLD day after a bunch of days of summer like weather. It rained on Friday too, so while we were in the bubble of the great wolf we weren't missing out on some fabulous weather.

We didn't tell them we were going until Tuesday night. We gathered them around the good old desk top and pulled up the website first. Showed them pictures, and what the room was going to look like. Then we pulled up a youtube video of the splash area, the crazy slides, wave pool, MagicQuest etc. They were in AWE..and knew they only had 2 sleeps until we left. The next morning the first words out of Emma's mouth to me were "1 more sleep Mom" she was doing the count down. Thank goodness we didn't tell them sooner. That might have got annoying.

On Thursday Allen was off..but we sent AJ to school for the morning. We packed up and cleaned up..and had a nice relaxing morning. Then headed off to pick up AJ. Once all together, we started off our vacation by stopping at Mi Casita for some Mexican lunch, then got on the road to Williamsburg. We pulled up and the kids (and us too) were amazed at the size of this place. It was HUGE. We pulled out our swimming bag and headed in to get our wrist bands so we could enjoy the water park before check in at 4pm..and to our surprise our room was ready. It was so nice to be able to settle into our room, get changed, and then head to the waterpark.

Once inside Emma who has no fear was off...the free spirited little girl went exploring. I lost sight of her a couple of times..which scared the heck out of me..so we then had to lay down some ground rules. AJ who knows how to swim..went wild..as expected for any 7 year old set loose in a room full of fun stuff. He needed a few reminders how that we need to pay attention the people around us. For the most part he was really well behaved. One minor video game mishap later, and he has learned his lesson.

Connor was surprisingly cautious of the whole thing at first. Held on TIGHT to Daddy or Mommy, and seemed almost afraid of the water. For the kid who LOVES his bathtime and would go headfirst into Lori's pool clothed or not..I was somewhat taken aback by it. It didn't take him long though to warm up to the idea of the water fun, and soon it was Daddy one way..and Mommy the other way watching our babies have the times of their lives. It was stressful at some points..trying to keep them coralled..making sure they are in your line of sight, but really I enjoyed myself watching them have fun.

We splurged and allowed them each to spend some money in the hotel. Emma chose a wand "like Harry Potters" and loved being able to make tress light up..animals wag their tails or howl all around the hotel. We opted out of the game part of Magic Quest..maybe next time. AJ unfortunately signed our room up for the Nintendo games..which of course comes with a fee..and that was what he spent his money on. Connor..well..we walked into the gift shop..and he went STRAIGHT for the footballs..he knows what he likes and likes what he got. He was playing with it in bed this morning.

We ate a FABULOUS meal in the hotel restaurant...it was a great buffet..and the caesar salad was to DIE for. Well worth the money. Considering we only stayed one night..I wasn't worried so much about the price of our meal..just the convienience etc. I really didn't want to pack the kids up in the truck and travel away from the hotel. Allen got himself some beer..and I ordered it to come in a funky cup that lights up. The kids LOVED it..Allen liked the fact that it was 22oz of beer, and refills were "cheap" to him. haha

We truly had a great time, and even though my camera took some crap (some nice) pictures..the memories in our heads will last a life time. We plan on doing it again..perhaps this time again next year, who knows. We'd love to do it with another family next time too..this time it was nice just the 5 of us though. We just thought next time..with a family and spending two nights..each couple could take an evening to themselves, while the kids watched movies in the room together.

This little trip was just the refreshment my family needed. It was so nice to step out of the ordinary and have some fun together.

Fun at the Park..

We went to Bow Creek Rec Center park today, and met up with our friends Miss Nanette, Katherine and Allison. Everyone was very well behaved and seemed to have a good time. I'm amazed at how much little Allison is talking these days. Full on sentences, and such a happy little toot. Katherine and Emma were off and doing stuff princesses do, and Connor was obsessed with the swings. My back hurts just thinking about having to lift him into the swing. It was another beautiful day here too..I think I got more sun..but I love the feeling of getting out of the house and actually DOING something. We had a great picnic lunch, and the kids ate themselves silly!! It was a GREAT morning.

Front of the house spruce up..

Spring was in the air..and seeing as Allen leaves in 2 weeks for 7 weeks..we needed to get to work..I'm no longer embarrassed by the front of our house. It looks clean and tidy (hopefully the grass will green up) and once those rose bushes bloom..it'll be beautiful..the roses will be my little project this summer..keeping them fed, pruned and looking stunning..I'm looking forward to the new hobby.

I'm not sure why Allen and I never take before pictures of the projects we do..but here's some of the pictures from when we were cleaning up and then done.

Enjoy.


Finally something other than weeds in the "triangle garden"..a Quince bush, and some tulips. I need more..but only so much you can squeeze out of a budget in a weekend. ;o) Stay tuned..once everything starts blooming..you'll see more.


Mulched the bush part of the garden..planted Rose bushes where the Azalea's were.


The whole view.


Daddy hosing down the dirt and rocks.


Emma and Connor playing in the water.

Lori's House..

Mommy - "We're almost at Lori's house"!
Connor - "YAY"!
Emma - "I'm going to be nice today Mom".
Mommy - "That would be great Emma".
Connor - "Lori's house..YAY!"

Slide show tells the story..it was a good morning..great morning..the kids were good, the company was good..and the chicken nuggets were FABULOUS!! Mmmm..

Chuck E Cheese Fun

Lori invited us to tag along with her and the girls to Chuck E Cheese. The weather was rough..but the drive was worth it. The kids had SUCH a good time..and we had the place to ourselves..

Again..thanks to Lori ;o) here are a bunch of pictures..enjoy..

I smell...

Over the last 24 hours Emma has been smelling EVERYTHING..last night after the kids were in bed..I popped myself a bag of popcorn..20 minutes later..Emma opens her bedroom door..

"Mommy I smell popcorn". ugh..BUSTED...

This morning..I was trying to surprise the kids with cookies after our trip to Target..until Emma shouts from the family room..

"Mommy I smell cookies". ugh..surprise RUINED...

And finally for dinner I threw in a frozen pizza for the kids..hoping to keep the kids out of the kitchen with the oven was on I did it on the sly..until Emma comes walking into the kitchen..

"Mommy I smell pizza". ugh..all 3 were in the kitchen right quick with that statement.

Auntie Becky...

Connor kept saying what I thought was "blankie" but it's in the washer right now..I've not switched it over yet from all the washing I did in the middle of the night so I kept telling him that it needed to go in the dryer..but he took my hand and lead me over to the mantle pointed up and was saying again what I thought was "blankie" until I saw the picture..of my Brother and his wife BECKY..so I said "you want Becky?" and he nodded..so I handed him the picture...and now he's sitting on the couch..holding the picture..saying "Becky..Becky..Becky" soooo sweet!!

What am I doing??

Having another baby?? Emma threw up again tonight..anyone heard of this evil little bug that goes away for 24 hours..makes the kids act normal, eat normal, appear to be over it, then comes back for one last little hoorah 48 hours after the initial episode??

Connor's turn now..so if you think about it as this time next year..I'd have a FOURTH that'd have to go through it..

We've ALL had our flu shots this year too..WHAT GIVES?? I could cry..it's 4am..I'm waiting on the dryer..so I can move onto another round of laundry..which I'd normally leave until I was rested in the morning..but it smells..and I can't stand THAT smell..ugh..

Please pray that this particular little bug decides to not hit me..Allen is going to be gone for a week..and now that it's hit all the kids..I need to be able to keep up..which on my best day NOW is hard..let alone fighting something..

Catching up with the Bowman's..

Here is a slide show of recent pictures taken in 2009...I've been a slacker at posting..my apologies..I'll try to be better..some pictures included are from a Superbowl party at Lori's, playdate at Lori's, Valentine's Party at Lori's (see a theme yet), and Lori watching the kids here..I'm not sure I'd have any pictures of the kiddos if it weren't for her..THANK YOU LORI!! ;o)

Emma..

...her turn was last night..hopefully it's out of her system..and doesnt come back to haunt me again..now just to watch Connor..I think we'll lay low for the rest of the week..keep ourselves away from other little babes that could get sick..it was a long night..and lots of laundry..it'll be a long day..good thing the coffee is brewing..

..side note..I'm totally craving some homemade strawberry jam..is it that time of year again or is Hayley just playing some terrible tricks on me??

Friends..

..I have several that fully fit the definition of friend..and I have a few of those that go beyond friendship and have become family..I'm so thankful for the people I have in my life..the good the bad and the ugly (those no make up days) they love me no matter what..no matter how many favours I ask them to do..no matter how much drama I bring into their lives..they love me..my kids..and the craziness that has become my life..they lift me up and get me through it..put their own lives on hold to do so..thank you to all my friends..you know who you are..THANK YOU!!

Craving..

A juicy bacon burger from Outback with a loaded baked potato as a side dish...is it too early??

A Nightmare...

First I just want to say I appreciate all the phone calls, emails, and Facebook comments in support of what has been a living nightmare the last two days.

I will recount the course of yesterday in a mass email only in order to give all of you, my loved ones, an idea of what has happened, and to avoid an emotional phone call, chat with individuals.

Yesterday I had a play date at my house. We were putting shoes on the kids to take them to Chick-Fillet for lunch when my friend and I heard screams...it was a beautiful day..all windows were open. We looked outside but didn't see any commotion at that time. Connor, decided to take off out the front door and ran towards the street..after I chased him down..I looked over to the commotion on the neighbors lawn..and saw the wife/mother from two doors down..laying on the front yard and another neighbor on the phone..distraught..obviously on the phone with 911. I quickly ushered everyone back into my house..and was locking doors, windows..when the police began arriving at such a high speed that I didn't think they'd be able to stop..they ran out of their vehicles with guns drawn...and then ran towards the neighbors home...within probably 15 minutes they had taped off 5 houses (mine included) with police tape..we were not allowed to leave our home..and Allen and AJ (who was at school) were not allowed to enter the crime scene until much later into the night...I watched them work on the wife/mother and take her away in an ambulance..and turned on the news..on the news they were confirming one person was dead...and that they had arrested the husband/dad behind our house...I immediately felt sick to my stomach..because after watching them work on the wife/mother..I figured she had not passed...and knew..I'd not seen the children come out of the home...my friend and I were interviewed by two very kind detectives. I asked..knowing I wouldn't get a direct answer...what happened..all he told me was he couldn't tell me anything..I'd have to watch the news..but that it was bad..I knew..at that point..it was a child dead...Allen rushed home..to be interviewed by the same detective..and still not allowed past the crime scene line..he was then harassed by a bunch of reporters..where one told him some of the horrific details..he went and picked up AJ from school early and took him to the nearby military base and waited it out...at one point they were letting my neighbors home..so I told him to come home..but they were still not allowing people in and out of the "sealed" crime scene of the original 5 homes taped off...Allen and AJ were eventually escorted on foot to the house at about 8pm...

Below are the details..please be aware..they are shocking..

The father felt that he was saving his 5 year old sons soul..by brutally stabbing him. Conflicting news reports are that he in fact decapitated his son, these details are unclear at this point. The mother had serious lacerations on her hands, obviously while attempting to save her son. She was taken to the local hospital and had emergency surgery on her hands.

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/mobile/Neighbors_shocked_VB_man_accused_of_killing_son_2009_09_10

Please beware if you watch the video attached to the below news story..it is disturbing..and I found quite difficult to watch.
http://www.wvec.com/news/topstories/stories/wvec_local_021009_vb_fatal_stabbing_.17bc749.html

The paternal Grandfather of young Joshua..is quite good friends with Allen. They are in the same Masonic lodge. Allen has spoken with him today..and while obviously still in shock Allen felt he was dealing well considering. I have flowers and a teddy bear to lay at the home..unfortunately..I'm just waiting for a private moment to take them over there..right now there are too many reporters around. I have not been home most of the morning. I spent it in Chesapeake at a dear friends..trying to get my mind away from it all. I had an enjoyable morning..and loved hearing my babies playing so happily..but had moments where I still found myself thinking of that poor boy two doors down being attacked..while we were enjoying a beautiful warm sunny day.

As for Allen and I..we are ready to move..we have not fully enjoyed the neighborhood..and especially the schools in the area. This is really just icing on the cake for us. Unfortunately with the markets the way they are..we are doubtful we will be able to sell..we are looking at all of our options and are considering renting this home..and then renting another home in a better area. We will keep everyone posted.

Thanks again for all the phone calls, emails, and comments. I love all of you for your support, and hope you all can understand that while I wish I could speak with each of you individually...at this point it makes me more emotional to talk about it..an email seemed the easier way to let everyone know what has happened (as some of you are very far away), and how we are doing. Please pray for Joshua..and his family..they need strength for what is going to be an extremely difficult journey ahead of them.

Love,
Christy, Allen & Kids

Baby Mama...

...is on the phone with AJ right now..I'm thinking evil thoughts..so I need to blog..she is such poison to AJ..gives AJ a hard time because all he wants to talk about is his video games..and movies..well DUH..that's all you ever had him do when he was with you..so of course he's going to ASSUME that that's all you want to hear about...

...he tells her about school..and that he struggled with his math homework..so then she says.."I never did well in math either..don't worry though..I did ok with it in college..so will you" WHAT WHAT WHAT?! You are going to tell a kid in grade 2 to wait to worry about math until college?? Honey..I just sat with your kid for 40 minutes while he "counted" 21 dots on a page over and over again because he couldn't even count the right number of them...he came up with 85 at one point..

...she asked if he's talked to his Grandma lately..nope he hasn't..nor has he talked to you lately..she says its because no one answers the phone here..typically I don't answer the phone for you "baby mama" when Allen isn't here..because I want to have to say NOTHING to you..that and..I can't recall the last time you actually called..maybe last month..when you called 24 times in one day..apparently that's making an effort on your part because you haven't bothered since.. (we weren't home for those of you reading and thinking I should have answered after the 13th call..but to her we should sit around and wait for her once a month effort at being a mother)...

ugh..so many people are pissing me off today..is it hormonal or what??

Diversity...

OK..I just read an article on CNN about how this guy is pissed that Obama's choices for office are not "diverse" enough. In his opinion there are not enough "Blacks or Hispanics" in the House.

I haven't paid a huge amount of attention to who Obama chose, lost most of my interest when he won..but that's politically driven..and has nothing to do with the fact that he is Black so no hate mail please.. I know Allen is impressed with the fact that for the most part his choices have been pretty middle of the road party wise..but seriously?? We're going to pick apart the choices based on race now??

Should someone not get a job because they are BETTER for the job??
Is it Obama's fault that he didn't feel a Hispanic was the perfect candidate??

I'm sorry..perhaps this is racist of me..or prejudice..but am I so wrong in thinking that just because you are Black..shouldn't mean you get chosen over the other guy/girl who might be better suited for the job??

This Country certainly does still suffer from Racism..and frankly..it goes ALL ways nowadays..hatred is not aimed at only one race..but we really need TOP NOTCH leaders..we should absolutely NOT be looking at their race as a reason for them to "get the job" it should be performance, achievements and experience.

This all is "in my humble opinion" only..what do I know?? I just know that this angered me. The article is quoted in saying "just because we have a Black President now does not mean we should stop diversity there it should be everywhere". Sure OK..it SHOULD be..but when your choices are what you have..I would much more appreciate the person be chosen for the above mentioned reasons than race. If the better person is Black..great..pick them..if they are white..great..pick them..but please don't overlook someone who is going to be better for the job because your choices might not appear "diverse" enough in doing so.

OK..I've vented..really it just seems all so backasswards to me..lets be more "diverse" but lets do what we've hated happening all along and judge people based on their race..and only choose people because it'll be more "diverse" looking. HUH?!

validation...

on my feelings..as I layed them out there with brutal honesty..takes the weight off..

"disengage emotionally" ... I would have never guessed after hearing me..that would be what someone would say..I thought that's where I was lacking..that was where my guilt came from..I wasn't there emotionally..ha..turns out I don't have to be...right now..

gonna try it..gonna let you know..

Music

After a few years of marriage..the hustle and bustle of the "real" world..our gaggle of kids..I still get that flutter in my tummy when I hear a special song on the radio!!

I love you hubbs!!

Baby Girl Bowman

I had to take down the other one..Melissa let me know the ultrasound pictures had Allen's social in it..seeing as this is way out there public..had to revamp the pics..so here they are..for your viewing pleasure.. ;o)