Dayplanner

Dear Andy and Emma,

Today is a day that we need to hang out.  For starters I would pick you both up and squeeze you like crazy and smother you with those slimy Grandma kisses.  After I put you down, I would do it just one more time just to make you giggle and squirm.  Then I would start taking pictures with the Grandma camera - the one that whenever I get it out everyone moans and groans - just like we did with my mom!  I would say funny things to you and make you smile, I would take pictures of Miss Emma - because she would probably be takin' a newborn baby snooze - and because she would be the one of the two of you that would hold still.  Then as she's sleeping, Andy, you and I would run outside and draw on the sidewalk with chalk.  I would love whatever you drew and then make sure it didn't rain for a whole year just to keep it there.  We would make sure that Grandpa was with Emma and then we would get your trike out and head out on an adventure around the block.  We certainly would have to stop for every rock, bug and friendly animal.  (Oh and a sip from your Capri Sun now and then) Some of our neighbors would come out and say, OH, you look just like your daddy, and you would giggle.  We would drag a stick along the fence- because it would make that funny sound you like.  Just about then a big truck would go by and we would stop dead in our tracks just to watch it go by.  We would look up the road and make sure that there wasn't another one coming.  You would be talking your head off and I would understand almost everything - but it wouldn't matter because you would be perfect in every way.  Then we would head home to check on Grandpa and Emma - they would be watching Snow White or something, and you would then have to change the movie to Toy Story or Cars.  I would have to pick sweet Emma up and remind her how beautiful she is and make sure she was smothered in kisses all over again. (Ooo Slobber!)  It would be time for some cheese sammies, and a cold drink of chocolate milk.  Of course - there would be cookies.  Oh darn, Mom and Dad will be late coming home - so we get to throw you in the tub and into your jammies - the two of you all snugly clean and warm, and we would sing, and read stories, and ok, you would have to jump on the bed.  All too soon, that last eyelash would be so heavy that you had to close your eyes - both of you - with you arms over your head of course!  Then I would take one more picture, and smile - and think that there wasn't a place on earth I'd rather be than standing right there, right then, looking at my Grandbabies.  Just wanted you both to know how much I love you.  Let you know that there is someone far away that cares.  Let you know that you are right here in my heart every single day.  (:  XOXOXO

This week in Hollywood....

FINALLY.... I have a moment to blog some bits and pieces of this past week.  Beautiful bits and pieces I might add as they are about my daughters.  It was wonderful to be a witness to both events as their mom.  Let's get this party started.

THE MANDY

BYU Senior Recital

Mandy has been playing saxophone for at least a hundred years or so.  At her young age - she has more composers, notes, movements, and rhythms in her brain than most people will ever know about.  Mandy not only  knows her stuff, but she puts all she has into making sure that you love it too.  Wednesday night was no exception.  A required for graduation Senior Recital, or many times during the past semester I've heard referred as the Recital of Death basically.  The adjudicators show no mercy, they take no prisoners - you do it or you do it over.  By last weekend - Mandy's lower lip was the envy of J-ZEE, swollen and bleeding.  But that's just an inconvenience for Mandy.  I've never met anyone that prepares herself so much as her.  The recital took our breath away - and left us wanting for more.  Sure - I'm her mom - but if you've ever experienced the talent this young woman exhibits - you have been treated to the very best in life.  There was a live recording going on - and even though everyone dare not even make a peep - her grandmother said out loud, "Beautiful" and she was right.  Now Mandy will have that captured moment in life on tape for ever. That night Mandy, (as always when you perform) you were beautiful inside and out.  I was very proud of you - and hope to always see that spark of life in you with your music.  Here are a few pictures from that night.

The only picture we were allowed to take during the concert....

Her accompanist was brilliant to say the least.

I'm pretty sure Ryan her hubby is glad it's over too!

He was her calming factor, and did a great job of doing just that.

You tell me - which is more beautiful - the flowers or Mandy?

Yep - you're right!

Grandma June Bowen - Beautiful

Mandy and Ashley - be jealous everyone... be jealous...

The momma and the chickas

Mandy's cousin Betsy (with a singing voice like an angel)

made a special trip with her hubby David to make sure

that Grandma June made it to the concert.  This meant the

world to all of us!  Thanks Bradshaws!!!

Everyone should have a Mike,

Lucky us!

It was wonderful to have Ruth and Randy Merriman

there - they jumped off of a plane from being in Texas

and drove straight to the concert - they are wonderful

in-laws to Mandy and she's lucky to have them too.

 

L - R - Me, Betsy & David Bradshaw, Grandma June,

Del, Mandy and Ryan, Ruth and Randy Merriman (Ryan's

Parents) and Mike and Ashley.

THE ASHLEY

THE BRIDAL SHOW!

Now when Ashley isn't busy being an Engineer at a local Rocket Motor Corporation... she loves to model for Urban Talent.  This weekend was a dream job for her as she was asked to model the bridal dresses at a Bridal Show at the Union Pacific Station.  It was a beautiful setting for these beautiful models to strut their stuff!  Now if you would like to actually SEE Ashley doing her job beautifully, you'll have to see HER blog located at the right under Doxstaders.... because you see, Mandy and I went to watch her but at the last minute we were asked to help dress, change, and prepare the models to go out again as they each had 3 changes to make in NO time at all.  So why not!  This meant no pictures of my beautiful daughter modeling - but it also meant having a total blast back stage!  Ok - so I've never seen so many naked tops and thongs in my life, all of which reminds me to pick up some slim fast tomorrow.  We zipped, upzipped, tucked in here, tucked in there, laced up, tied up and picked up and then did it all again. These dresses were about 2 grand a piece and the heaviest things I've ever seen!  I had to pull them over their heads just to get them off.  I think next time I'll volunteer to dress the men... (:  Never the less - I did get to peak out and snap one picture for my memory.  Just can't download it from there!  But I do have this cute shot of Mandy helping her sister.  Ya - look at that waistline... holy cow - I think I had one like that when I was 12 or so.  Mandy was great help as her little long fingers could unlace all of the 'tied up from top to bottom' dresses.  Everyone looked beautiful - I just wish I had more pictures of the day! 

aaaaaaaahhhhhhaaaaaaa Lee Lee just posted her pictures,

so I have PIRATED one to share with you!

oh ya.... beautiful

I actually wanted to dress the beautiful chocolate man behind her...

oh - so fine...

After the show they all posed for a picture.  Ashley is

of course the pretty on on the far left - this was her favorite

dress and boy did she wear it well.  Nice thing about Ashley?

What you see is what you get - all real - all hard work -and

all pure beauty as it was handed to her from heaven.

That's what I love about her!

Great week with the chickadees.

Next week?

We're polishing up our pink stelletos to wear when

we go to see "Legally Blonde" Broadway style!

Thanks for sharing this week with your mom girls!

I love you!

Emma Lynne - Makes an Entrance!

I am excited to share with you a sneak peak at this new arrival!  I do want to respect the privacy of her parents, they have a private blog.  I have had a few requests to see the newest member of our family so I will let you just look for a minute ok?  Miss Emma Lynne made a grand entrance into this world last night (March 12) at 10:10pm.  Bethany started pushing at 10:00pm - um, ya, ouch - she was a little torpedo!  Her mom will win the 'holy cow' award by bringing in this 9 lb 6 oz 21 inch long beauty to this side of the veil, without drugs, there was no time!  I'm completely convinced that it was very difficult to leave Heavenly Father's side and come to earth - but just look at the parents that prayed her here safely!!  Can you see just how beautiful this mom is?  I am so grateful for her! She's put her own life on the line to bring these beautiful spirits here.  I love her so much, and I am so proud of her.  Now - check out my handsome son.  Please look past the 'Uncle Eric' growing on his chin - and look at that joy in his eyes.  Matt is a wonderful dad, and now their family has one of each kind.  A holy terror (whom I adore!!), and a sweet lil' thing (whom I am already in love with)!  Andy will look huge!  He was on his way there this afternoon to see his little sis - who no doubt will become 'MY BABY' to him in no time.  That brings our family to a grand total of 11!  CONGRATULATIONS! 

By The Way - just for the record that makes

Me the Grandma of my first Granddaughter,

and My mom's first Great Granddaughter!

Sweet.... Joy....

Welcome Emma - The world is as it should be today,

because of you!

Want Ad

I keep looking back and turning into salt.

I need to start looking forward to something.

I need a SUPERPOWER.

What if I was to call in a few pirates?

I do loves me a good pirate, argh.

(ok - to some of you, PIRATES might not
be actually known for their

- superpowers -

so where's your imagination?)

Anyone have any good superpowers I could borrow?

It must come with a complete description of the

costume I would be wearing.

It's raining and my salt is melting.

That would make my superpower be...

disappearing

Not so 'Wonderland' today.... a rant on several levels of random distain

I just returned from seeing Alice in Wonderland.  Not a particularly awesome show - but never the less one that as soon as the show was over, I snapped.  I seriously seen life as it really is for me and I believe that I'm not as crazy as I thought I was, I'm worse.  I saw myself in Alice.  Totally.

I believe that I have become what everyone said I 'should be' instead of what I dreamed of being. (because I believed there was a plan, but there isn't)
I believe that grand kids should be allowed to live close enough that grandparents can go to a soccer game or a ballet recital or hug them tightly or read stories to them or sing songs to them....or just hold them in your arms while they sleep.  (because that's something I've dreamed of doing forever)
I believe that a child should not have to find an article about 'potential', because her mother thinks that she can touch the stars just the way she is. (because you keep trying to convince me, instead of yourself) (I think you are magnificent...)(some people will never know the 'you' I know)(and that's tragic)
I believe that when you lose a child, it's ok to cry, and try again, and celebrate that your husband is always there when you wake up, even in the hospital. (because I believe that you were destine to be an awesome mom, even without a tattoo)  (:
I believe that when you have to tell your son on a mission that his x-girlfriend was married 5 minutes after she broke up with him, sucked. (because you did exactly what you said you would never do)(there I finally said it)
I believe that people who take advantage of your kindness, don't deserve it anymore. (because people really do know when you are doing just that)
I believe that watching your parents grow old, changes you as a person. (and I refuse to live that long)
I believe that being picked last to play, still exists, and still hurts. (because last time I checked, I was someone)
I believe that the last dozen times I've been to church, it seems like just don't fit in there. (because the glove isn't always for the resurrection) (and I wanted to find a hole and jump into it)
I believe that today..... was a really sucky day.  (because today I finally saw the 'big picture' and I realized that I wasn't in it anywhere, and I didn't have a sword to defend myself)
Today the world is just too "Mad Hatter' to me....(because, 'we're all a little crazy sometimes' and 'I'll never be anyone's champion').  Off with her head....

Just for today...

  If you are reading this on March 5th, 2010 - the counter at the right for my ever so handsome missionary now reads...... 300 days left.  But only for today - it's like a special in a store - just for one day - except there is only one and I claim the product to be mine.  As the new mission starts procedures to split into the Tucson Arizona Mission and the Albuquerque, New Mexico - it's time to trust the Lord again.  If Elder Hillary goes to the New Mexico Mission - the place where he's spent most of his entire mission - (El Paso, Horizon, Texas, and Hatch, New Mexico) it will be the 4th mission he's been assigned to just over a year ago.  Previously called to Chihuahua Mexico, MTC referral center (during recuperation from surgery on his lung), Tucson Arizona and ??  Each day, each e-mail, each letter humbles me and requires great restraint some days - to not just go and bring him home.  But he's been blessed with the Hillary/Bowen stubborn gene, and refuses to quit.  It's just not in him to do so.  If anyone has ever read something written by Ryan, you are witness to the smallest writing on earth.  The tougher his day is, the smaller the writing on the page.  This week.......... under a microscope..... I read the following.  "I had a strange dream the other night.  I sat up in bed, I was in a big bed with a mattress, a box spring and a frame for the bed.  But I knew it was a dream, because when I woke up - I was still on the mattress I sleep on, on the floor."  I stood next to my bed last night... it was tough to get in it.  I love this Missionary.  I love that when this kid devotes himself to something - he doesn't flake out.  He doesn't let people down.  He sleeps on the floor because he's grateful to just have the mattress.  He lives off of oatmeal cookies - because that's all they had that week.  He knocks on every door in the town in 3 hours time in the morning, and because he's not a quitter, he knocks on them again in the afternoon.   He's baptized people in this town in which every said - it could not be done.  He's the best at writing "I love you" on every corner of the envelope knowing that his mom needs every one of them.  Today - he's out knocking on doors, serving, training a new companion (of which I told him that if he decides to kill him, bury the body deep) and awaiting news about his future mission assignment.  I just barely figured out how to spell Chihuahua - and now I need to maybe take on Albuquerque.... So - take a minute and send off a prayer for this kid... 300 days left only today, 299 more nights on a mattress, on the floor.  I love you son.

Really folks... just what's in a name?

 

So my beautiful daughter in law will be bringing into the world...

my new Grand Daughter very very very very very soon.

I was talking to Matt about names.

I suggested "Lucky"

since she will probably be born in the

beautiful green month of the Leprechaun...

Then I retracted my suggestion!

Simply because when she's 21

and finally allowed to date....

The handsome young Return Missionary

will arrive at the doorstep

to pick her up and say,

"Hello, I'm here to get Lucky"

and Matt said,

"I'll need a shotgun!!"

Anxiously awaiting the Lucky Day!