Pumpkin Patch

Since all the family was here for Bradley’s blessing, we took everyone out to the Pumpkin Patch in Reedley. What a pumpkin patch! The best part…free admission! They had a little corn maze, hiking trails, pedal tractors, and opening weekend only - a train! Jack was totally into the trains so Dave took the kids on a train ride…courtesy of Gramps. Thanks! Here they are waving as they go by.

This was a little electric train that they got to ride for free. Dave's mom told Brooklyn to hold onto Jack so he wouldn’t fall off. How cute are they?!

We are at the pumpkin patch right? So it wouldn’t suprise anyone that we would want a pumpkin to take home. Well, apparently it would suprise someone…Dave couldn’t believe that I wanted 2 pumpkins for $6. Student budget you know. ha ha He is so funny - but, like a good father, he purchased 2 pumpkins for his kids to take home - we couldn’t resist taking a picture of him sitting over there with his purchases. Just wait until we have to have 3 pumpkins!

Here are a few pictures of the kids - they had so much fun!

Don't you just want to squeeze Bradley's chubby little cheeks?

Motherhood

Do you ever have one of those days where you read something that makes you feel so empowered that you think you could just run off and change the world? Well, today I finally read the blog that everyone's been talking about (thanks Erynn) and it did just that. If you don't know what I am talking about then check it out. http://www.nieniedialogues.blogspot.com and http://blog.cjanerun.com/ I can't explain exactly why it made me feel the way it did - but it had me laughing, crying, and everything in between. The blogger loves to write about motherhood and the simple things in life. It made me feel like motherhood truly is the best job in the world. I already knew that of course, but I always love a reminder and a little push to do better. Motherhood is rarely a glamorous job, but, with the right perspective it can be very magical and of course, the most important and worthwhile job there is. I know all you mothers out there know what I mean - but I also know that you also have those times where you wonder..."Is this really what I always wanted to do??" "Did I really choose to be puked, pooped, and slobbered on?" "To rarely sleep, hardly ever get to eat a hot meal, change 15 diapers a day, clean up the same room over and over again only to find it a mess again, and find it quite an accomplishment to actually get to use the bathroom alone?" Well you know what - that is the reality - that all happens - and happens often. But, on the flipside, you get the privledge of giving life to someone who is absolutely perfect and who loves you despite your faults. You constantly get paid in hugs, kisses, laughter, smiles and much more. I can honestly say that there really is absolutely nothing better I could be doing. So today, I renewed my commitment (again) to slow down just a little bit, let a few things go, and just enjoy the chance to relive childhood through the eyes of my kids.

I am re-dedicated

Ok, so just in case there are a few of you out there following my blog, I have to apologize for being so lame and not posting much. My loyalty shifted for awhile and I was trying out another blogging site with intentions of copying and pasting my posts here so people could see it, but I never got around to that part so I have decided to return to blogger because let's face it, it's more fun to blog when people read and comment. Thanks to those who played "Name that baby." I will be posting the results in a couple of days.

Name that Baby!

Ok friends and family - let's see if you can name that baby! Below are pictures of me, Dave, Brooklyn, Jack and Bradley - all about the same age. Don't be alarmed that some babies seem to have a head but no body - I took out any clothes that might give away the babies gender. To the winner will go a great big pat on the back. Good Luck!

JACKDAVE

BRADLEYKIRA
BROOKLYN

Bradley Skoy Bowen

Stats

Born: July 31, 2008

3:26 am

8 lbs 11 oz

20 1/2 inches

I am finally getting around to posting some pictures of our sweet little boy. A friend of mine came and took these pictures of him when he was 2 weeks old. He is the sweetest baby. He has slept well nearly every night since he was born and is happy and content during the day. The biggest difference between him and the other two is his size. Not only was he born almost 2 pounds bigger, but he has continued to grow much quicker than they did. At 2 weeks old Jack weighed 6 lbs 12 oz and Bradley weighed 9 lbs 9 oz! Wow - 2 1/2 pounds difference - no wonder he is wearing things that Jack took forever to grow into.

Brooklyn and Jack have done wonderful with him! I am so grateful that I don't have to deal with scratching, dragging, hitting etc... They have been great helpers and haven't had a hard time with the transition at all. We love our new baby boy!

Happy Birthday Dave!!

Today is the birthday of my favorite person! He's 29 today. What a great man, husband, and father. Seriously - I am married to him and I think he is perfect - except for his weird habit of trying to do 2 things at once (like talking and putting away the peanut butter) I find the peanut butter and other things in very strange places...like in the dishwasher or with the cups...I think it is hilarious! Thanks boy, for being such an amazing person and for taking such good care of me and the kids! We love you!!

I thought it would be fun to do the hubby tag

What is his full name? David Wayne Bowen

How long have you been married? It will be 6 years in November

How long did you date? Before we were officially engaged, 9 months.

Who eats more sweets? Probably me

Who said I love you first? He did

How old is he? He is 29 today

Who is taller? Him

Who is smarter? He is.

Who can sing better? Well, neither of us sing for real...so I'm not sure, and no one would be able to get proof out of either of us.

Who pays the bills? He earns the money and I pay the bills.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Dave does, although, depending on how the room is set up - I sleep closest to the door.

Who mows the lawn? He does 99% of the time.

Who cooks dinner? I do.

Who does the laundry? I do.

Who drives? Almost always him

Who is more stubborn? That one is hard, but probably me.

Who kissed whom first? He kissed me first-

Who asked whom out? He asked me

Who proposed? He did - flew in and completely surprised me!

Who has more siblings? I do

Who wears the pants? I guess it depends on the situation

Please come out baby...

I just realized that the baby counter I put on here is extremely small, so the only information you really get from it is that I am approaching the end. So, I thought you might like an update - or you might not, but since I am experiencing an extreme case of one track mind, I'm going to give you one anyway. My original due date was August 10th, but after an ultrasound about 3 weeks ago they told me they were moving the date up to July 31st. But, one week later I go back in and they had the nerve to tell me they were going to stick with August 10th. Am I bitter? Yes, actually I am. But, I suppose I will get over it...eventually. In the meantime I will just continue to get larger and avoid the public as the last week or so has produced many "Whoa, you are huge" comments. I actually think these are funny, I am just glad that I can tell them that I really am due soon and not have to tell them that I still have 3 months to go...although it would be funny to see their faces.
I discovered today that I have been vocalizing my discomfort a little too much. When I picked up Brooklyn from sunbeams today her teacher was laughing. "Do you know what she said today?!" the teacher says to me. Oh boy, I am thinking - who knows what she came up with. Apparently she randomly announced to the sunbeam class, "My mom is humongous!" The teacher couldn't figure out where a 3 year old would get a word like that. I guess maybe I have been saying that a little too much lately - man do they pick up everything.