So many things to be Thankful for

Yes this is the season that we all start thinking about all the things that we are thankful for. This year has been an interesting one in that we have heard a lot of doom and gloom. Everyone is worried about the Economy, how to raise our children in such a world, and so on. Today I have had a little time to put things in perspective. So bear with me because this post is more for my benefit.

Let me just start with the fact that Billy and I have always been very blessed, but looking back at the last year I think has been an eye opener for me.

1. Last year at this time Billy was drenched with tons of work. I can remember wondering if I would ever get a date night out of him. He was however bringing in quite a few nice paychecks that we had a lot of fun with.

2. Last year I knew we were suppose to have another baby, but had come to the conclusion that it would probably never happen because I wanted Billy to also know it, and he was just not feeling it.

3. Last year we had quite a few loved ones who were going through a really hard time. It is really hard to watch those you love struggling.

This year.....

1. Because of the economy Billy's work has changed a bit. Many of his clients are really struggling, so the Rowley's aren't having as much fun spending money. (Before I go on, just let me note that we are doing fine. I don't want anyone picking the Rowley family as a Christmas project or anything. Lol.) We are however spending a lot of time together as a family, and let me just say, this is soooooo much better than not ever getting to see Billy. Our kids are learning that they can't have everything that they want, and the thing is they are being so great about it. Sometimes I don't think we give our kids credit. I feel like we are becoming so close as a family. WHAT A BLESSING FOR US!!!!

2. Billy came to me in May and said, "Karen I really feel like we are suppose to have another baby", OK, where did that come from? In Billy's defense his biggest worry on having another baby was my health. So I went and saw my doctor in June and he said everything looked surprisingly good. It didn't take long because in August we found out we were expecting our 5th. I guess this little spirit is ready to come. In our home we have lots of discussions on whether we get to have a boy or a girl. We also have lots of options for what I would call interesting names.

3. We have seen our loved ones lives change dramatically for the good. We have become closer to family members and have really gotten to see the best in the ones we love. It is amazing to see in our own lives how trials bring us closer to our Heavenly Father. I have gained a stronger testimony of our Heavenly Father's plan, the power of forgiveness, and I have really come to know for myself how much he loves each and every one of us. Even more though is seeing my children's testimonies strengthened. They have prayed and have seen our Heavenly Fathers mercies. They have such simple faith and it just reminds me that I need to become more like them. I have seen them serving each other more, playing with each other more, and developing relationships with each other that will carry on forever.


These are just a few of the blessings the Rowley's have received this year. Aren't we so blessed!!!!!!

To top it off tonight Billy and I got the chance to go to the temple and go to a sealing. Our friends Fawn and Devon Mortensen just adopted their 4th little boy. Tonight they got to bring all their little boys to the temple, and have Jack sealed for Time And All Eternity to them. I remember about a year ago they thought they weren't going to get Jack. Tonight in the temple though, there was no question that he belongs in the Mortensen Family. Thanks Fawn and Devon for letting us be there for your special day!

Now that is true happiness!!!!!!

SURPRISE!!!!

I just had a friend get after me for never posting about our pregnancy news. So here it is......

SURPRISE!!! WE'RE HAVING A BABY!!!!

We are expecting our 5th, (as if everyone didn't already know), and yes we are only having 1. I have the pictures to prove it. I will have to blog though about the weird dreams of multiples that I have had, (not right now though cause I just don't want to. Hee Hee)

I am thankful for.....

No I haven't blogged for awhile, and yes it is because I am a loser. No really I lost my cord to get my pictures off my camera. So someday I will blog about Karynn's birthday (happy birthday forever ago Karynn), Halloween and all the fun happenings around the Rowley household that I have yet to blog about.

Today I think my blog needs no pics.

Let me just start with the fact that my first 3 kids were potty trained at around the age of 3 (give or take a month or two). So I thought I was amazing the day that Garrett decided that he was a big boy and was easily potty trained right before he turned 2. Yes, I did feel like mother of the year for quite awhile over that. Well now Garrett is 3 1/2 and still has accidents at night. We are not talking little accidents. We are talking flood the place. (See I told you we didn't need pictures on this blog).

To go on with this exciting blog, Wednesday night we forgot to put a pull up on Garrett. Thursday morning he woke up soaked. Aargh!!! I stripped the bed and went to go put the bedding into the washer, but forgot I had already been woman of the year and started a batch.

Yesterday was a busy day, so I forgot laundry and went on with the day. This morning I woke up and went to go start laundry yet again and opened the washroom door. After puking my guts out, and rewashing what was already in the washer, I was able to wash Wednesday nights bedding. Yea for me, I am accomplished.

Then Garrett woke up this morning, and yes he wore a pull up last night. I did warn though that he could flood the place. So he got up, changed his clothes and ate Lemon Cake for breakfast while I washed his bedding from last night. Now I feel very accomplished.

So on the the point of this tale..... I am thankful for mattress covers, and the fact that I don't believe in sleep overs with friends. Garrett you can wet your bed till your 12 and none of your friends will ever know. (So long as your brother and sisters keep it quiet, but we have alot of dirt on them to, so I think you're safe).

The World according to Reagan

Funny story that happened this morning. I walked the kids to the bus and our next door neighbor Jaren who is in third grade runs up to Reagan. Here is the conversation....

Jaren: Reagan you are sitting by me on the bus today.

Reagan: Jaren I sat by you yesterday

Jaren: Sit by me today

Reagan: Jaren, we have to take turns so that everyone gets a chance to sit by me

Jaren: Oh, well can I sit by you tomorrow

Reagan: We will have to wait and see if it is your turn.

This is a perfect example of how Reagan sees her little self. Ofcourse everyone wants a turn to be a part of her magnificence. The thing that makes me laugh is people usually respond that way.

KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS

Well today I got a call from one of the members in the primary presidency in our ward. She wanted to talk to me about Dallin. "Okay this doesn't sound good". I just want to note that I realize that Dallin can be a bit energetic. (That is putting it mildly). Anyways thankfully that is not why she was calling. She wanted to tell me about a incident that happened at our ward's primary activity day last Saturday. Now I'm wondering if I should be really scared. He's probably telling all our family secrets. Well anyways here is the incident. There was about 10 kids sitting at a table with a few adults. One of the adults name is Valerie (this is the member of the presidency). Well Valerie decided to take a bite of one of her kids snack. Well they got all grossed out saying that she had cooties. She was like "Mom's don't have Cooties" Anyways Dallin pipes in "I'm pretty sure my mom has cooties, and so does my sister Reagan." Valerie then asks "Why do you say they have cooties?" Dallin replies, "Well one time I saw Reagan come out in just her shorts on, with no shirt, and I saw those cooties." He then proceeds "I'm not sure if Karynn has them or not, but I think my mom might have them too."

I love to hear the funny things kids think in their funny little brains.

Back To School

Well it seems crazy, but school is here. The kids were all ready to get back. I guess Billy and I are pretty boring. Karynn is starting 4th grade, Dallin 3rd, Reagan Kindergarten, and Garrett will be going to Preschool soon. This is a picture of the kids right before meet the teacher.

Karynn's teacher is Ms. Novotny. Karynn has loved the first couple days of school. She has informed me that Ms. Novotny is the coolest teacher ever. On the first day of school they had Messy Monday where they do science experiments. Karynn loved it. She was also excited that quite a few of her friends are in her class this year. GO KARYNN!!!!!!

Dallin's teacher is Mrs. Weinstein. He has really liked her so far. I wonder if bringing him to meet her with his Mohawk gave the wrong impression. Hee! Hee! Dallin is also excited that he tested into the ELP program. We hear they do some pretty cool stuff in there.

Reagan is a big bad Kindergartner now! She is soooooo excited to be in school with Karynn and Dallin. We were a bit worried about sending her all day with her having such a late birthday. We expected her to come home wasted. Boy were we wrong. She comes home jumping, chatty, and so excited. Her teacher is Ms. Moody. Ms. Moody was Dallin's 2nd grade teacher, and we love her. Reagan has also found a new best friend at school. The funny part is that Reagan is the shortest in the class and Addy is the tallest by far. She talks about her nonstop!

The first dy of school. The kids woke up so early. Billy woke up at 5:30 and Karynn was already dressed and ready! I guess maybe they were a bit excited. Garrett thought the whole morning that he was going to be able to go too. When the kids got on the bus, he cried and cried. He felt a bit shafted. He will start preschool in 2 weeks! He will love it!

Dallin's Baptism

Okay so I'm a little behind on my blog (Sounds about right). On July 12th Dallin was baptized. It was an awesome day. We had a lot of family and friends there to support him. We appreciate how everyone is so supportive of us. Billy did the baptizing, I did the confirmation (just kidding). No Billy did the confirmation as well. I sat on the bench and watched. We had a dinner afterwards. All in all it was a really great day. More than anything I just wanted to post the pictures. Oh but the cutest thing Dallin said to me afterwards was "Mom are all those big huge sins I had all washed away?" I was thinking "what did you do, kill someone?" Dallin's a pretty darn good kid. We love him and ton and are thankful for the decision that he made to be baptized. Congratulations Dallin!!!!!!!!!

Billy and Dallin in front of the font!

Dallin and Billy and Karen before the baptism!

Our family after the baptism.