Family Pictures

While my sister was in town, I asked her to take some family pictures for our Christmas cards. Here are just a few of what we got. I love them all!

Vision these days

Vision is one of those things I really am so very grateful for and yet hate at the same time. Who knew that having "bad" vision could cost so much? I find it funny that out of my 2 siblings I'm the one who got the horrible eyesight! What a bummer. I'll be saving up now for lasik eye surgery!

What snow means to me...

I don't know who this person is but... not fun!

I must say that I HATE when it's really cold outside and there is no snow falling... what's the point in it being cold, well it was like that for a while. Now it is cold and snowy so you would think I would be happy. Yes I am happy that outside is covered in fresh white snow. But here are the things that snow means that maybe aren't so great. Can't we just have the best of both worlds for once?

Snow= scraping windows (Mike does this for me cause he loves me a lot), shoveling (Mike also does this for me because let's be real you think I can carry that much snow in a shovel... ha ha that's funny), horrible Utah drivers who think they need to go 2 miles an hour on every road whether is been plowed or not, snow plows = pot holes, realizing that you need new windshield wipers and 2 gallons of windshield wiper fluid because you have to use it after every car you get behind because of all the dirt they spray on your car, wet shoes... well now that I have uggs that's not much of a problem (in fact I think everyone in Utah needs them), the hardwood floor never looking shiny and beautiful because you have a dog with wet paws who doesn't understand the concept of wiping it's paws, and last but not least (drum role please) snowmen (which if you think about it shouldn't be a bad thing but I always want to make a really pretty one with all the accessories and then I'll see one down the street from us and it's huge and beautiful and I just give up!!!)

Well, that's that. I LOVE the snow... don't you? I love it so much I think I would like to move to Hawaii.

Hot Chocolate by the Fire...

Yes it is finally here... the Christmas season. It's the greatest! The music, bundling up in warm clothes, wrapping presents, and for some odd reason I always think a lot about babies. Maybe it has something to do with baby Jesus... who knows. Anyway, our fireplace finally got all fixed and revamped and now I can sit by the fire and warm my (all the time cold) feet, and drink hot cocoa, and maybe if he's feeling up to it Mike will rub my back. That only happens if I beg! I can't think of anything better to do. The crackling wood and bright flames gives my heart warm fizzies. Thanks Mike for paying to get the fireplace fixed, your wife and future baby appreciate it!

My Sister's Coming...

I am so excited that my sister is coming out here for a couple of days to spend time with me around Christmas. She'll be here the 15th-20th and she's working on her portfolio for her photography, so.... if you need a family picture, maternity photos, baby pics, or whatever she would love to take them for you. She's only charging $50.00 a session! Amazing I know, and you get a disc with all of your pics! If you want her to take some pics just send her an e-mail cbowlden@gmail.com. You can check out her website and blog at www.courtneybowlden.com.

The End

I finally had time tonight to sit down and watch the very last episode of Jon and Kate plus 8, and I must say I am sad. Sad because I loved that show; it was refreshing to have a REAL family who had real problems being shown to the world to help us feel like our families are just as dis functional; and also because I was sad to see it all go down the way it did. I hate to see families break a part, as my family did at a young age. It's never a happy thing seeing two people who once loved each other fall out love. It's never a happy thing to see young children being split between parents' time, and it's never a happy thing to see how much the media has a negative effect on you. Now I'm not saying that I think the reason their marriage ended is their show, but I do think that fame can get to you, make you a different person, change your perspective on things that are more important than others. I wish their family nothing but the best for years to come. I hope and pray that they will be able to pull through the hard times and realize that all the crap can actually make you stronger.

Sick...

Here I am at 6:00am with a coughing attack from an upper respiratory infection, and instead of staying in my bed and keeping Mike awake while I hack up a lung I thought I would come do what I haven't done in quite a long time... MOVIE REVIEWS! I know I know you all got really excited so just calm down, there aren't that many to go through.

Man, I think if the world really ended this way we would all be way over our heads. This was intense and hilarious. You know how some action movies can get. Every bad thing that could happen they just luckily missed. You know what I'm talking about? So I found myself laughing a lot in this movie, but still it was pretty good. Well, ok I'll be honest... I'm not going to see it again!

The passion this man had for music is amazing. I felt a little weird watching him practice, with his funny glitter pants and Chinese inspired shirts but it was interesting none the less. May the legacy live on...

Oh Gerard, you are scary and beautiful in this movie. Seriously though I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. It's great from beginning to end and you'll find yourself rooting for the bad guy in this one. Not a movie to be drinking any soda in, cause I swear if you have to pee in this movie you'll be missing something good.

Saw... I can't get enough of you. Yes the acting can be quite horrible but the story line just gets me every time. The creator of these movies is a genius. I know it's a horrible habit to be watching these movies, especially considering there are 6 and still more to come. If you can handle blood and guts them have a look-see.

I'm not sure where to begin. First this is an older movie so I'm sorry if you have already seen this. I was so upset with this movie. I thought it would be really funny and instead I walked away offended a little. It was just too sac religious for my liking.

What's New

First I must say thank you to everyone for your kind words. I have received so many questions from people about my pregnancy so I thought I would just tell the whole bit!

Question...

1. Where you still on Clomid to get pregnant?

Yes, in fact I would recommend it to anyone! I loved being able to know that my body was doing what it was supposed to when it was supposed to. I was also taking estrogen and then progesterone to keep me from miscarriage. I am still on the progesterone til 14 weeks. That's the story about meds.

2. How far along are you?

I am 12 weeks 3 days today!

3. How are you feeling?

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones because I have not experienced morning sickness. The only sickness I have had is with food. Some things just don't smell good if you know what I mean. I am still really tired. Actually tired doesn't do it justice... I'm exhausted. Everyday I feel like I've ran a 500 mile run by the time it's 2:00 pm. I'm still waiting for that to get a little better.

4. What are you craving?

It's sad to say this but fast food. I know I know here come the lectures. I guess what I'm really craving is salty things. French Fries are delicious.

5. Are you showing?

Not really and here's the picture to prove it. I was told by my ultrasound tech that my uterus is retro flexed meaning it sits really far back in my back so the only time I really show is after I eat.

6. What do you think you are having?

Here's the thing, I think I've been brainwashed by Mike to believe it's a boy because he is 100% positive. I'm leaning more towards a girl. I don't know why but I am. That and the two times I've heard the heartbeat now it's been 169 bpm and 165 bpm. Following old wives tails that means a girl! Who knows if that's true. At this point I really am happy with whatever Heavenly Father gives me.

Well I think that's about it. Any other questions, just ask... I am an open book!

Cravings...

Is it too early to be having cravings?  I mean I am only 10 weeks but man these things are what I dream about eating everyday.

Tangelos.... if you have not tried one of these you are missing out more than you know.  Amazing!
Lay's BBQ Potato Chips.  Oh my mouth is watering just thinking about them.
Honey Crisp Apples and caramel dip!  Yummy!

Baby on Board!

That's our little gummy bear baby at 9 weeks 4 days old. We are so excited! I feel great, not sick at all, just exhausted! I would love to hear what you think it is... so take the poll. Love you all!

and we're off..

So here we are again... it's birthday time for me!!! And we all know that means a trip to Cali to visit family and of course go to Disneyland. So we are on the road and off we go!!! Can't wait to tell you all about it!

Movie Reviews

It's been a long time coming. Some of these movies are on the older side but hey they're still in the theater right?
Who doesn't like the dry humor of Ellen Page? Well I do anyway. It was really fun to watch, the jokes were really good, and Drew Barrymore was funnier than I though she'd be. I'd see it again!

There's nothing like seeing a really cute uplifting movie. That and leaving the theater more hungry than you though you would. I laughed so hard. Really cute.

Oh where to begin? It started off boring... got more boring...and ended well...I fell asleep. Enough said.

Two words... Seriously Lame. I kept thinking the whole movie 'where is this going'? Just a really sadly made movie. One to never see again.

One of the best movies I have seen... ever. It was a little bloody, but what movie made by Quinton Terantino isn't? If you can stand the blood you must see it. It's how I really wish Hitler died!

Jean Sale Weekend at Soel Boutique

We have marked tons of jeans down to 50% off.  So come in and find your perfect pair... ON SALE!  

Buy one pair of SALE jeans and get a top at 20% off.

You can feel it in the air...

There's something about Fall that excites me. The leaves changing colors, the cool breeze, the fresh crisp air. Still, every time Fall comes around I feel the urge to go school supply shopping. I stock up on all the books I want to read during the season, and I get so excited for my birthday, which most people dread the older they get but I am always so excited.

I woke up this morning and took Raven out and I could feel Fall coming in the air. It's just around the corner and I can't wait. I believe it's the best time of the year and sad to say... here in Utah it's the shortest season.

What we've been up to..

We have been up to quite a lot but I'll admit I never bring the camera with me. So these are just a few things we've been doing... camping, cleaning the house, girl's night, moving the rocks in our front yard (finally), and that's just to name a few. Enjoy the pics!

Soon after this rock was moved Mike got in the driver's seat. He said it was so scary driving something that big around our yard.

We went camping up American Fork Canyon. Ahhh wonderful. There's nothing like the smell of camp fire, marshmallows, and tin foil dinners.

I have been hanging out with my little girl Raven. She posed so nicely for me in this pick. Yes that's really how she sits.

Memories

So I'm a little bit of a procrastinator when it comes to printing pictures. Well I have so many frames in my house that are empty and hanging on that wall. I thought it was about time to get some wedding pics printed. I know... almost 2 years later. Here are just a few that no one has probably seen. Thinking back on the memories we made that day bring a huge smile to my face. I am so grateful for Mike and all that he does for me. He is such a huge blessing in my life.

I'm so Proud

My sister has taken up photography. I am so proud of her for many reasons but really I am so proud that she has stuck with it. It's not as easy as people think and she really has studied and experimented with her photos. I'm so proud to show all of you guys some of her photos.

House Season 5

I am so freakin excited to watch this! I'm going out to buy it right now and I'm going to spend all day watching it tomorrow! Yeah wahoo! Can't wait!

More movie reviews!

uhh... I really liked this movie. I mean, I really LOVED this movie. Zooey Dechanel is gorgeous. The story was funny, sad, and made me angry at times but all in all I loved it.

P.S. the soundtrack is amazing!!! It's a must have.

I thought I would cry but didn't. Well... ok I did just once but it was so good. Sad, yes, but so good. I mean who doesn't love to watch a love movie... other than boys.

This movie is just adorable. It made me want to eat, cook, and go to France. Meryl Streep is a genius.

I finally have peace.

After many weeks of wanting to talk with my bishop about my baby struggle I finally did so on Sunday. It's hard talking about something so sensitive with someone that I hardly know but he is there to talk to for comfort. I told him everything. Seriously I just let go of worrying about how dumb I looked crying my eyes out and told him my world. I'll be honest. For the last couple of months my faith and testimony have wavered. I have felt abandoned by my Heavenly Father for not giving me what is the true desire of my heart and never really realized that I wasn't trying to recieve my blessing. If that makes sense at all. My bishop really made me realize that sometimes Heavenly Father gives us trials we may not realize are there for our good. The question..."why do I deserve a baby?" came to mind. It sounds stupid but really I don't deserve a baby right now. What have a done that's good enough to recieve blessings? I have not attended the temple in who knows how long. I haven't read my scriptures regularly. I haven't taken my calling seriously. Why in the world would Heavenly Father give me a baby when I haven't tried hard enough to serve Him? So that's that. I have changed my attitude. I am going to try harder to be a better person. I need to no longer talk ill of anyone...that includes the dumb movie start that bug me that i don't even know. I need to be more honest with myself in how I feel. I need to work hard at my calling and take it seriously. I need to be a better, more supportive wife and friend. I need to be a good example to everyone around me, whether I know them or not. I am going to change!!!

'There's only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving, and that's your own self' -Aldous Huxley

Shopping can be rough...

So I have successfully sold all of our bedroom furniture and got new furniture. It's so cute I can't even stand it. All that's left to do is make the headboard and buy pillows. Can I just say I have now been to 4 different stores and have not found one pillow that I like! What's a girl to do? Well of course look online. Guess what I found? NOTHING! I guess this means I'm out of luck. I think I'll have to make my own.

Oh Man...

I went to the grocery store to get one thing and one thing only... Shallots. I came out with a whole two bags full of stuff. I guess that's what I get for going to the store hungry.

I'm in a funk

I know it's crazy to already be like this but I'm in the mood to redo my bedroom. Yes I just bought a whole bedset not even 2 years ago but it's just not me anymore. You know how that is... I just need a change. I feel like every room in our house represents us perfectly except for my bedroom. It's blah!!! Really blah. So there a few ideas I love.
I love the colors. I want a white bed and mismatching nightstands and a cute dresser; tons of colorful pillows. Maybe a mix of all the styles?

My Movie Reviews Are In!

Most of you know that I love movies. I could watch them all day long. Mike and I seriously see at least one new movie a week. So here are my reviews for the movies we have seen.

Hilarious. Even thinking about this movie makes me laugh. If you do see, make sure you leave before the credits. Just trust me on this!!!

Oh Shia LeBouf. I just love him. Any movie he is in I must see. This one was awesome. Action packed fun. Although... I really hate Megan Fox. I think you can tell why in the above picture. The word slut comes to mind.

Disappointed. I thought this movie would be really funny, but it was just a little funny. More crude then anything.

I love the Harry Potter movies. It's sad though because Harry started out being really cute and now he's just getting... well... not so cute if you know what i mean. That Ron though, he's a handsome guy. You know how I feel about redheads. This movie was not the best one yet but it was close. I loved all the magic and the love stories too.

I have only two words about this movie. REALLY STUPID!

So there you have it. These are not all the movies we have seen but just about. All in all, I'm still hoooked. I must see more movies. My next is definitely Julie&Julia. Cooking, Meryl Streep, and a movie all in one. Slam Dunk!