Our little man turned 1!

So if you can believe it. Jackson is now 1 year old!

This year has flown by! I tell everyone that with the older 3 it felt like it took forever for them to turn 1. But not Jackson! Maybe we have had more time to enjoy all of his milestones. I don't know, but I do know that he is such a blessing in our life!

He waits for the kids by the door everyday to see them get off the bus. When they walk in, his face just lights up and he gets the biggest smile! The good thing is the kids are just as excited to see him!

They all have such a great bond with each other. The age gap hasn't seemed to phase them at all. I am so glad to have Jackson in our lives. We love him so much. He is a absolute doll baby. He is happy most of the time, a great sleeper, and I have yet for him to meet a stranger. He must be a Craig!

Happy Birthday little man.

Love Mom and Dad!

The Ants go marching....

Yep I said it. ANTS!!!
Right now I feel liket this is the only way I can express what I am feeling

I keep a very clean house. I know that when my kids come home it goes to crap. I know that after a long day it gets cluttered. I know that I have to do my dishes every night so I don't get bugs. I know, I know, I know. And I follow those rules to the letter.

So what the crap is going on in my house right now??? Oh nothing but some freaking ants trying to set up shop in MY HOUSE!!!!!

So it all started a few days ago. We found some in the kids' bathroom. We sprayed, cleaned them up. Had the talk with the kids about leaving candy wrappers around. yadda yadda

Then two days later they are making home in my kitchen 6am I might add that we are cleaning and spraying them up. Now I am getting a little frustrated. but I can't find the source of where they are coming from.

Next day. Find them in the pantry on the floor. Piece of dog food left out. Okay nothing on the floor. Got it.

Next day on my counter tops. Spray mop clean again. See a pattern??? I am pissed now. Because every time I find them, I spray the whole kitchen and think I got em!

Next day, in the laundry room eating cat food. AAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGG!

Next day, underneath and in the cabinets. Yep all my small appiances now gone! waffle maker, snadwich maker, bread maker, all gone because I don't trust the poison to not be safe on those things.

Today!, Under my sink in the kitchen (where the ant spray is!) in the dishwasher seal, and in my bathroom! What the freaking crap?!!!! All I can think of is in the bathroom maybe some were on me and they got transferred. I don't know! I feel like I have poisoned my whole house and they are just moving from place to place. I can't find the source either.

There are no trails! Just pockets of ants, ants, ants. I emailed the landlord and asked for an exterminator. Do they pay for that or us? I don't know. I am waiting for them to tell us that we are dirty or something!
Anyone who knows me, knows that a dirty house is not what I keep. I am so anal about it! So what can I do? I just feel like I have been so violated! I don't want people to think I am dirty. I do my homemaker duties to the fullest. So why oh why is this happening?
Some people have said that it is the time of year. It is getting cooler so they are moving to warmer places. But I haven't ever had that problem in the past! Why oh why is this happening?

Books, Books, Books

Wow so since girls camp is over, kids are back in school and Jackson is such a great baby, I have had some time to do my ever favorite hobby. READ! Oh I love it. I went to Liz's house a few weeks ago and borrowed Mocking Jay. (last book in the Hunger Games series) WOW it was great. The author had so many surprises up her sleeve still. I won't do any spoilers to those who haven't read or finished it. But I really liked the series.

Second she gave me a book called A Countess Below Stairs. This was a quick read. It was really good too. I loved the time period that took place and I couldn't put it down. Now remember most of the stuff I like is Young Adult novels. I love to see how authors explain life through a teenagers eyes. The classics are good too, don't get me wrong but I love how authors are able to explain teenage life in our time. However, this book is set back in England and Russia during the cold war. Great novel.

The most recent book I have borrowed from my personal friend's library was The Book Thief. WOW. It is a historical fiction book as well. Set during WWII and about an girl who goes to live with foster parents. Yes there is the typical holocaust stuff and the hiding of a Jew. But what people don't realize is all of the other Germans during the war. There were Germans who flew the flag on the right days and kept their noses clean as to not get thrown in jail or go to war. But they did not really believe in the Nazi party. This book is about them. I was riveted to the book. I was sad, and I laughed and I loved the narrator. It was death! I was kind of surprised at first and was wondering how that was going to work for me. But in this book Death has a sense of humor.

My next saga I am borrowing is Dreamhunter and Dreamquake. I have just only started the first and I will give my feed back when I am done with them. But, I just needed to put my little opinion out there for a couple of great books. And a special thank you to Liz for feeding my hunger with books. I feel a bit like the book thief at her house ;-)

Carolines Birthday!

Yeah! Caroline turned 7 WOW!

Unfortunately it was a hard day for all of us with me finding out about the miscarriage. But Mark and Ria were there to save the day! (Thank you so much guys! It really meant a lot and we were able to end on a high note!)

So Mark and Maria took all of us on a Sunset Dolphin Cruise! It was amazing! It was 2 hours long. We took some amazing pics and Caroline, Hunter, Abbey, Sarah and Ben all got a turn to drive the boat! They even have certificates. They had a blast. We needed some good family time. The kids got to feed the birds of the poop deck(aptly named) and then see a bunch of wild dolphins in the gulf.

After the cruise, we went to dinner at a place called Fuddpuckers. It has all sorts of food. But the kids were more interested in the Live Gators you can pet and touch! Ewwww. But they loved it!

Caroline had a great birthday, We look forward to seeing her be baptized next year. WOW! I love you Caroline you are such a great little girl. Your smile is contagious. Your laugh is as well. You make me smile and laugh everyday. Just because you are who you are. Nothing is forced with you. Your hugs make me happy. I love you!

Mom

Hunters Birthday/ Baptism

Right so Hunters baptism.

I know long time comin

So Hunter had a great showing for his baptism. Aunt Pennie, Granny, Grandma and Grandad, Uncle Mark and Aunt Maria, Sarah and Ben all came to support Hunter.

It was a great day. He was nervous, but excited. Abbey played the piano when they were changing their clothes. She did a great job.

Everyone was such a great support. Thank you so much

Hunter got his own set of scriptures from us!

Tip's birthday was amazing. We had good food, people laughed, and it was just a chilled out day. We loved it.

Hunter, we love you so much! We are so proud of you for choosing to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. You are a very special spirit to us and your Heavenly Father. We love you. You will be an amazing young man who will serve Heavenly Father always. People flock to you. You have an amazing personality!

Happy Birthday

Mom and Dad

Time for school.

So I know I still need to update the kids' birthdays I am doing that next so you will need to read a few posts. Sorry.

Anyway, this week we started school. I am happy to say that both girls love their teachers! Yeah!

Hunter however is another story. For those who know Hunter, know that he is quite an intelligent little boy. He loves to read and do math. Of course there is the video games like most little boys, but all in all, the boy loves school. So imagine to my surprise when I walk into Hunters class to meet his teacher and the fireworks began

First. We go to the meet the teacher day before school. This should be the day that the kids have the most fun. New class, New School (for Hunter anyway), New School year. Right? Well no.

We get into the class and you know how there is a ton of paperwork to fill out. Well the teacher asks the kids to go and get a book. Hunter says he just wants to sit by me and watch people. Fine by me, but no miss S decided to tell my son he has to get a book and read. So I tell Tip to just go grab a book. He comes back, doesn't even sit down and the teacher says, "Buddy, that book isn't your level. Why don't you choose a book from this pile?" I kid you not. This boy comes back with a Berenstein Bear book!!! What? He hasn't read those since kindergarten, plus she said it in front of the whole class and parents. Of course you can imagine my look then right? "umm did you really just belittle my child" oohh I was angry.

So anyway, the teacher does her shpill on the rules and then states. "Your children are in this class for one reason. They can't read" WHAT? MY KID CAN'T READ?!!!!

I let her finish then she asks if anyone has a question. I raised my hand and said "yeah, I have a few". I said that it was a total shock to me that my son was placed in this class. I haven't ever received any information that my son was struggling. He has always been the head of his class. All of his grades have been A's through school. Where did you find anything to support him being in this class?

"Well his SAT 10 scores put him here"

"So you only looked at 1 test?"

"Yes, Miss Craig"

"Okay, so if my son does need this class, how come I wasn't notified? Also, if he needs this class I will get him to where he needs to be. However, could it be, just could it be that he had a bad testing day?"

"Well I don't know Maam"

"ok, I will find out"

So I leave the class with Hunter. On the way to the car he tells me that the teacher hurt his feelings. Really? Tip can't blame ya. Mom will take care of it.

Okay, so I come home, lose it with Stacey. I was shaking! Can't talk to Brent because he was in a meeting so I had to wait until he got home.

He gets home. I explain what happened. He tells me that we have 3 options.

1. fight it

2. let him do the first weeks testing and have him prove he doesn't belong there

3. let him just be in the class.

Well option 3. was first out.

The next day I called to speak with the principal. Left a message (she was in a meeting). So I had a break between clients and I called back. I will say this for WNIS. The Principal and Asst. Principal really listen.

I explained what happened to Hunter, I then wanted an explanation as to why he was placed in this class. I said that I would get him help if it was needed but I just didn't see it with Hunter. The asst. principal pulled up Hunters grades, and saw that he has always been at the top. He did say that he most likely had a bad testing day. He was personally going to test Hunter at the beginning of the week, and Brent and I have a meeting with him today. I have been talking with some people who are teachers and they all say that Hunter is right where he needs to be with reading. He is just fine. So hopefully today we will have some answers.

Side note. the asst. principal spoke with Hunters teacher. She then called and apologized to me for her behavior. I told her and the asst. that even if Hunter needs to stay in the program I want him out of her class! I told her that if she spoke to him the way she did with me there, then what was she saying when I wasn't? So either way Hunter is out of that class as of today! Yeah.

WoW alot to get off my chest but soooo worth it.

I know I need to post more I'm getting on it

Okay so I will post on Tip and Liney's birthday in a few days. But I just had to share the best somewhat compliment I have.

One of my YCL's from camp has chosen a new life. She has decided to keep that spiritual high she had at camp. She then went to Youth Conference and was uplifted in her choice. Since then, she has changed who she is hanging out with. Her countenance is so strong! Her spirit radiates from her. Her smile is true and not forced.

She told me that it all started with the planning of camp, and the week of camp, really changed her outlook on life. I am so proud of her! She has started a blog about how she is changing. I am so encouraged that one life was touched by camp. I will post later about camp as well, but just know that it was everything I had hoped it would be and beat it out of the park by a mile as well.

Love, one proud serrogate mother!

My famous words of wisdom

Well they really aren't mine, but I have had to learn to say and live by them the last little bit of my life. Whether it is to cope with something, or to just calm myself down. Two little phrases come to my mind

"It is what it is"

"Just Roll with It"

I have had many times in the last couple of months to learn to do the above stated sayings.

Girls camp is not what it should be here in Pensacola and I am having to learn that the hard way. Luckily I am surrounded with people who think the same way I do on the matter and once July has rolled by, I will be done with it.
Don't take me wrong though, I love girls camp. It is my all time favorite part of the YW program. I am very blessed to work with some awesome adults and YW. But the politics of being a stake camp director can be testing to me. I know I am very headstrong, I know that I like things done my way, but somethings I am actually right on. I followed the book to the letter and I am some how wrong. But oh well. Next year they can do it themselves, then we will see how much Katie Craig actually knows about camp.

Just roll with it. Right?

Then this week we had just what no parent ever wants to hear

I am so sorry, you have had a miscarriage.

It is what it is.

Well right now, you are probably thinking "why is she posting this?" but for me this is my journal and I am getting it out. If you don't want to read this part I am ok and will not be offended. But it is something I need to do.

We waited to tell everyone we were pregnant with a few exceptions. (close friends, and family) We misscarried in 07 with a blighted ovum. This was sad, I had to have a D and C and everything was ok. Yes I mourned not being pregnant but there wasn't an actual baby in there so it for me anyway was a pretty quick recovery period.

This time however, I was 11 weeks pregnant excited for JJ to have a buddy to play with. I guess you could say that this one was somewhat planned. I know that we get prego really fast and all but this was just one that we were hoping for.

We went to the doctor on Monday, Liney's birthday (post to follow soon I promise for both Tip and Liney) we had an ultrasound. When we went into the room and saw no heartbeat we both just knew. The cute little lab tech said, "the doctor will come in and speak with you about the ultrasound" (code for: oh crap I don't want to tell them) and our fears were confirmed.

So the doctor came in and we talked, scheduled another D and C for Tues. Can I just take a moment to tell you how happy I am that I am surrounded by some amazing people? Thank you to all who keep babysitting me during this time! My surgery went well, except for a horrible sore throat. The tubes aggrivated something bad in my throat for sure. Anyway, we came home and Stacey, Missy, Liz and Mark and Maria were all here for us the whole way. From taking my kids, to cooking dinners, to offering to babysit me. They were all here. Then comes the next wave of people who are so close to us, Carrie, Carla, the Alvarez girls, Sarah Lazane, Dene, and April, even Natalia who I do not know very close yet, they were all here showing support. I do need to mention My family and Brents as well. I know you are not close to us but thank you for all you do and show your support.

The kids have taken this all on them. I have to apologize to them for seeing their mom spontaneously burst into tears all day. That is not something I want them to see. But we have had a few talks and they just want to make sure I am not in pain. Brent is the best too! He has said to me so many times "I just want to make you better. I know that we are not having a baby right now, but my priority is you" WOW. That is so what I want to hear. MY husband loves me so much that he even gets mushy with me. I love you moneymaker!

So thank you to all that are standing by us, by me, by my kids. You don't know how much we love you. I don't know if we will try right away for another baby, but we are not out of the mix just yet.

The great thing that I think about is very simple. It makes me cry to think of it. I have a beautiful family. I can have babies. I have a forever family. My marriage is eternal. I have a Heavenly Father that knows my needs and knows my weaknesses. I am supposed to learn from this and I will. I know that Heavenly Father knows what is best for our family. I am so blessed to know for sure that he has my best intrest at heart.

Sorry for the long post, but like we say "It is what it is"

Happy Anniversary

So this last week Brent and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary. Our original plan years ago included a wedding ring that didn't turn my finger green but only "if" we made it to this anniversary. It has been our little joke for a long time. However, on year 8 Brent found a screamin' deal at a jeweler going out of business, so I got that ring 2 years ago.

Or other plan was to go on our first cruise for our 10 year anniversary. Well, we had a beautiful baby named Jackson at the end of year 9 and I just can't leave him so young for our anniversary.

Year 1:

A night at home with a newborn Abbey.

Year 2:

A night at Anniversary Inn 8 months pregnant with Hunter in a bed shaped like an octopus and only I fit in it. Good times

Year 3:

Another night at Anniversary in pregnant with Caroline. This however was a huge bed! we made sure

Year 4:

A night at home once again

Year 5:

Spent apart. Brent helped Nate move

Year 6:

Once again spent apart. He moved to South Bend and I joined him 6 weeks later

Year 7:

Spent at home. lovely night

Year 8:

Spent in an apartment on the West side of Pensacola (New Wedding Ring Year)

Year 9:

Went to Crabs on the beach with Brents Parents! It was so much fun.

So what did we do then you ask?

Well, May, 13th this year fell on a Thursday. So the kids were at school, we dropped off J.J. to a friend and we went to lunch on the beach and shopped for the kids. WOW what a day. However, I got to spend the whole day with Brent. We really don't get much of that. Baseball, work, piano, church, life in general makes being a husband and wife a trial to spend an entire day together, but we enjoy every minute we get to be together.

So although we just got to hang out. It was a great day. I love you money maker. You make my life a blast. I truly am married to my Best Friend.

Love ya

Happy Mommy Day to me!

So this post is just one for the books of Katie Craig.

So Liz asked a few months ago if Abbey, Anny, Liz and myself could sing a song for Mothers day. Sure Liz no prob. Well there was a problem it is a beautiful song. When I first heard it, I couldn't stop sobbing! I am such a baby since I have had kids.

Anyway, you would think months of practice would desensitize you of the whole beautiful song right? Hey Liz and I even did a practice run through on Mothers Day right before sacrament. No problem we say to ourselves. Then the water works began.

Abbey started the song solo. It was beautiful! I just love it when she sings. (Not like other kids that sing and you think aww thats nice) But she can actually really sing! I love it! Anyway I was looking around and a few people started to get teary eyed. I was fine.

Then Anny sang her part. Still doing okay.

Then the girls sing the chorus together. I look to the back of the room to see a sister BALLING in the back. Thats it for me. I start balling too!

So I try to sing my part. Try being the operative word. I struggle through but it wasn't horrible.

Then Liz sings her part and she is balling too! Oh my, could we have started the whole chapel balling? Yep we did. Anyway we finish strong by singing with the girls the chorus. It was a great song. I am posting the lyrics at the end just so you can cry too.

It is in the Childrens songbook, but I had never heard it. Thank you Liz for bringing such a beautiful song into the Craig family!

Teacher, do you love me

(we substituted Teacher with Mother)

Abbey

Mother, do you love me?

Mother, will you care for me?

Even if I turn away, or disobey, or go astray?

Then will you love me still?

Anny

Mother, will you teach me?

Mother, help me choose the right

When I do not understand the Lords command, please take my hand

And lead me safely with his light

Girls together

I need you love, I need you light

To show me how to be like Jesus

The Saviors love will light the path

To lead me safely home

Me

Oh yes, my child I love you

My child I'll always care for you

And with the savior as our guide, I'll share the light I feel inside

And you will feel his love for you

Liz

Oh yes, my child I'll teach you

My child I'll help you choose the right

And when you do not understand, the Lords command, I'll take your hand

And he will lead us with his light

All of us together

I need your love, I need your light

To show me how to be like Jesus

The saviors love will light the path

To lead us safely home.

Anyway, I just thought I would share my mothers day blubber with everyone. I hope it touches you the way it did to me

Found a pic I took!!!!

A birthday wish come true

I know it is almost a month since her birthday. I know I didn't take any pictures at all. I know, I know, I know. And that is what makes this post suck that much more. However, Abbey said it was the best one yet!

We decided to take our ENTIRE tax return, and go to Utah for Abbey's birthday. We went for a week. We saw all of the family out west including driving up to Idaho to see Bryon and his family. It was a world wind trip. Brent and I even saw Grandad for a whole 3 hours! (He flew in to ordain Will to a high priest). Wow it was a great trip but back to the birthday girl

Abbey is now 9! WOW I have really mixed feelings about it too. On one hand, I am so glad she is growing up. She helps me out so much with Jackson. She is so smart and it shows, and she is one of the most compassionate 9 year old I know. She is always willing to help out with the kids, and is now dabbling in the art of cooking with me at dinner. I have had to hand over the reins a little bit too. I know she is still a little young, but I want to encourage her learning to cook. Last night in fact, she helped me make spagetti. I wish I took some pics while we were in Utah, but I didn't bring my camera. We went to church and then had spagetti at Pennie's. Then that evening the Oakesons came out for brownies and ice cream. It was great to see everyone.

So for now, big girl, I love you. Dad loves you too. We know that you will become a beautiful daughter of your Heavenly Father. While we get to raise you, you will be in our hearts and prayers everyday. You are on your way to be a great young woman with a personality that everyone will crave to be around. You are such a great girl already!

Love you

Mom

Just because she so knows me

Okay so this is an email I got from an awesome friend who just knows how to brighten my day. I love you Dene.

This just goes to show how much I really don't have any secrets! Especially about being messy!

I was a little bored today so I Googled myself - yes, that's right, I Googled "Dene Brooke." I like to see what other people see if they were to ever Google me.

Well, imagine my surprise when I saw something about Dene Brooke recipes. You are so funny. You do know that I don't make them up, right. I just change

the names (sometimes) and then make it so often that everyone thinks it's mine.

There's a new one I tried called Cake Balls. So easy and the kids would have fun making them. Found it on a blog called Bakerella.

I used a box Red Velvet cake. Bake it according to the instructions on the box. Don't get fancy and make layers - just a regular

cake pan. After the cake has completely cooled, crumble it up (yes, Katie, with your hands) into a big bowl. Then take a can of

cream cheese frosting - see, I didn't even have to get anything dirty making the frosting because I used the ready made kind.

Anyway, mix that can of frosting in with the crumbled cake. Come on, Katie, let the kids do it with their hands. You might even

need to get your hands dirty too.

After the frosting and cake are completely combined then roll it into small balls and place on a cookie sheet that has been lined with

wax paper. Put the cookie sheet with the cake balls on them in the fridge - or the freezer to speed up the process. When they are

cooled and set enough - melt some Almond Bark - the same stuff you use for the Elk Droppings. Roll the cake balls in the melted

Almond Bark so they are completely covered.

Depending on the season you could melt some white Almond Bark and put food coloring in it and drizzle it over the chocolate covered cake ball,

Like pink and red for Valentine's day, green for St. Patrick's day, Red, white and blue for 4th of July, or red and green for Christmas.

Whitney is make this for her Book Club in Columbia. They are reading Twilight - again. Whitney is going to call them "Blood Balls."

Can you believe she sent that? Well I can. I love you Dene!

My little Phineas and Ferb addiction

Okay so if you have kids, you have to have seen at least one episode of Phineas and Ferb. I think it is hilarious and of course Jackson absolutely loves it. I know he is only 4 months old. But I can put him in front of something else and he cries. Phineas and Ferb, he is kicking his legs when they sing, and totally in awe the rest of the time. Even Brent has his favorite episodes. Dr. Dufinschmirtz is his favorite!

So in honor of Phineas and Ferb, here are my favorite clips.

Squirrels in my pants

Gitchi Gitchi Goo
Busted
And Brents being the one where Isabella has her tonsils out. Dr. Dufinschmirtz is the best in that one.

When I figure out how to post the video on here I will. But for now please look at them on Youtube. They are hilarious!!!!

March Madness

I know if you are a college basketball person then you know what March Madness is, and believe me we do too! GO WILDCATS! But that is not the meaning of this post.

March is just going to be absolutely crazy for us. Hunter and Caroline started Tball and Baseball this week, we have piano on Tues., Branch presidency, Work, and Girls camp planning, and Abbey's birthday to look forward to. Oh yeah and we are going to Utah for a week at the end of the month.

Needless to say we are going to be busy.

I also moved to a new salon. I was a little nervous about the move, but I am so happy there! The owner is so good to me. She lets me come and go as I need to. I have learned a lot from every stylist there. All of them are totally okay with me asking questions, and observing if I am not busy. They say they have even learned from me too! That makes me feel good.

Jackson turned 16 weeks on Sat. He just got his 4 month shots and did great. He is sleeping through the night which is awesome. He is such a good baby! He is so happy and loves his entire family. Brent said that J.J. likes him more than the others did at this age, but that isn't true. They all loved him and being with him, he was just gone a lot so it didn't seem like it. Now however, Jackson is quite content with just hangin with dad.

Caroline's reading is coming along great! I am so proud of her. She has worked really hard to get better at reading. Now if we can just stop kissing boys in class and getting caught we will be okay.......

Hunter is amazing! He is such a great student. He brought home his report card with straight A's I was so proud. He loves to read which is great and his math is just like dad so what can I say. Super stud Tip is on a roll.

Abbey is busy studying for FCAT (State standardizing tests). She is working really hard to do well on the tests. She just wrote a 2 page paper on Teddy Roosevelt and it turned out really well. Her piano is coming along just great. We have an excellent piano teacher who is also in the primary at church. Abbey has been playing for us at FHE and doing a great job. Her next recital will be coming up soon I can't wait.

As for Brent and me we are just trying to keep our heads above water with the kids right now. We love having them active and doing things, it just takes it's toll on us old foagies. But we love it.

Paul moved in with us this week and is hilarious. I really did miss having the Irwins around and now we will be getting them back with us. Paul will be staying with us until the end of the school year when Stacey will bring the kids down to live in Florida. I am so excited to have them around again.

Well Go Cats. Go Craigs. March Madness here we come!

In the spirit of Valentines day

Brent and I met the night of Brent's homecoming. After serving a mission in Jacksonville Fl.

He came to a YSA dinner (not official) but we were all there from the singles ward. He came in with another girl named Holly. They were not dating, just lived in the same home ward. She brought him to the dinner and game night but left him hanging all by himself! Me being the not so shy person that I am, walked right up to him and said, "Hi, my name is Katie" Brent being the new guy says in the most southern of accents "Hi, my name is Brent"

OOOHHHH, I love me some southern accent!

That night I hung out with him. He played some games with the crowd (I know now that he would never play those cheesy games ever again, but he played them none the less).

We said good night and he was gone just as fast as he came.

The next night was family night. We met in the mountains for a bonfire FHE. Brent was there when I got there!!! Yea! I was all dressed up in my work clothes, but I still had fun. Brent was sitting by the fire and I went to sit by him. We started talking but then he said that he was kinda warm by the fire and he excused himself to go sit by a picnic table. Me not wanting to show him how much I liked him waited a few min. before going to sit by him again. Next he asked if he could ask me a weird question. I said sure. He then asked if I liked professional wrestling. The funny thing was, that I did. My dad used to watch it and it was one of the things I still remember about him. So it wasn't that weird to me. Any way we ended up talking most of the night.

Tuesday that week, we played volleyball. The YSA's were all there. No Brent. So I asked if anyone had his phone number to call and invite him out. Luckily someone did. So Brent came and we had a blast playing Volleyball.

Wednesday that week we went to SLCC to a murder mystery night. Of course I positioned myself next to Brent (are we seeing a pattern here? I am not a stalker!) The actors did a great play, and on the dinner tables, there were these note cards. On them they read, Who did it? Who died? Motive? So after we all filled them out, there were a few left on the table. I snatched one up and wrote the following:

Who did it? Katie Bowman

Who died? Brent Craig

Motive? He wouldn't ask for her phone number!

I turned it over and slid it in his direction.

INTERCEPTION! I friend of mine grabbed it, and read it. Then he flipped it back down, slid it over to Brent and said "hey man you need to read this" So Brent picked it up, and read it. Then finally he leaned over to me and said "so whatcha doin on Monday? Do you want to come over and watch Monday night RAW?" Of course I do!!!
"sure that sounds great"

So on Monday night, I go to his house. I ring the bell and he is home alone. We go to the basement to watch tv. His parents were supposed to be home anytime.

Every red flag in my YW head is going off. No one home, in the basement. WHAT??? Oh well he is cute!

So we go to the basement and about 30 min later, his parents are home. His mom comes downstairs to introduce herself and I instantly loved her! She was so nice. His dad was parking the car. So then Brent's dad comes downstairs. UMMMMM WHAT THE HECK?

"well hi sister Bowman, I really enjoyed your talk last month, how have you been?"

"very well thank you sir."

"Okay well you kids have fun. See you later"

"Okay..."

and they go upstairs

My heart is pounding. Brent's dad is the high councelman for my home ward!!!

So I say to Brent "you could have told me your dad was a high councelman!"

"oh I thought you figured that out"

"dude, Craig is a pretty common name"

"oh, sorry"

And so at the end of RAW, he walks me to my car and asks if he can call me again. I said sure. and then he leaned in and kissed me goodnight! WOW!!!! He finally got that I liked him!

Brent and I saw each other everyday after that crazy week. We dated steady for a month and then he asked me to marry him. We continued to see each other everyday until he went to Owensboro for a week. Longest week of my life, but he came home to me.

We met on Oct. 11th, and were engaged by Thanksgiving, and were married on May 13th. This year we will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary! I am so happy to have him in my life! I love him and he is truly my best friend. He makes me laugh everyday. And I am glad to have him as my eternal companion. We have a beautiful family and I am so happy that he is the priesthood holder in my home.

I love you Moneymaker!!!!!

Gulf Breeze, Florida, Local Weather

Gulf Breeze, Florida, Local Weather

Quilts by Katie

So funny story. Well not really funny just coinsedental I guess.

I started reading my girlfriends blog and she happened to post about quilting. I had been thinking of this post for a while, and now I have to post it to show off my new amazing hobby

Liz turned me into a quilter I guess. I was looking for a baby quilt for the baby and couldn't find one that I liked. So Liz said, "why don't you make one? They are not that hard and you get to pick the fabric".. Yeah, Liz, I don't even sew the button's on Brents pants.....

After some encouraging words and her promise to help me I went to the fabric store. I spent like 3 hours picking out the right fabric's (its hard to pick out the ones that all go together) Anyway, after picking out fabric Liz said okay lets go home and rip them up/

WHAT??? Rip $40 worth of fabric? um Liz, are you sure?

Yep, it gives the straightest lines.

Okay....

So we rip and then she says,"Now you have to iron the strips"
Ahhhh, Liz, I don't even own and iron!

Ok, you can borrow mine

So here I am ironing and finding that this is not what I signed up for at all

Then the fun part started. Liz had this book that walks you through how to make a "Log Cabin" quilt. I loved this book! It made sewing the squares a piece of cake!

So after the squares were made, I had to sew them together. Not hard at all.

Then I had to put the batting and back on and pin each center square to the back.

Then Liz taught me to hand quilt. Not hard just time consuming

After that was done, we added the binding. (This was the hardest part) just because the binding can slide. YOu have to keep it pinned on and sew over the pins. But the finished product was one of my proudest "Homemaker" moments

So Liz made the comment, "I have to warn you, that this is an addicting hobby" sure, Liz....

WEll it is and as soon as I finished JJ's I started on one for Stacey's baby

And I loved it too!

As I was finishing Stacey's, Brent said "when will you make me something?" "You always make things for other people, when can I have something?" So I embarked on my hardest project yet.
A king size quilt for our bed with Utah fabric and KY fabric. After having Pennie and Rosie get the most important pieces, I was off. It is not finished yet. I sewed the squares together and sewed the top together, now all I need to do is the borders and finish the edges off and my crowning achievement is done.

I have to say that this is my new favorite thing to do. In fact I might be embarking on a huge project here, but I can't post it just yet. I will let you know soon

Sometimes being a mom has its complications

Okay so here is the story.

Abbey comes home from school and says "Mom, I really hate to tell you this. But I got a note from school. I just know you are going to hate it."

So in my freaking out mommy moment all things go through my mind. From "What did you do?, to How bad is it?, and What is broken?"

Oh no, nothing like that at all. Abbey has to make a volcano!!! Out of some baking clay.

Now if you know me at all, you know I don't do messy, or clay and really not paint or playdoh. AAAAAHHHHHHH! This is my worst nightmare.

So I have to play it cool for Abbey and tell her no problem we will work it out. Now originally I was going to make Brent do it with her, but he was all tied up with church stuff that week (secretly I think he just wanted to see me suffer).

We got the clay and I called Pennie to ask for advise on how to make a volcano. In telling her the story, she busts out laughing at me!!!! Thanks a lot Pen. But follows with, "Katelyn in 16 and we have never had to make a volcano. Good luck!" And thats it.....

Wow so here we are on our own. I look on the box and there is a website to learn how to make a volcano! AWESOME right? no. the website has since taken off the procedure, but you can pay to download it. Ummmm no.

Back to the internet... I find a way to make it with tin foil and a canister. So we undertake this "volcano" and get started.

Abbey had a blast playing with the clay. I got to roll it out, and she put it on the foil.

We had to buy a lot more clay than expected, but it worked really well.

Next we baked it. It came out kinda soft at first, but the package said in bold letters not to over bake it. So we took it out.

I am glad we did to. As it cooled, it got really hard. (thats what she said).... lol

Anyway, the next day, we painted the "Volcano" and Abbey wanted to take it on the bus to school instead of having me drop it off.

She got on the bus and had a great time in class that day. They "erupted" their volcano's and the whole project was worth 100 points. Abbey got full credit and I am so glad that is over. She did bring it home that afternoon where it met the garbage can full force.

So glad that is over..