Good things come....

Holy cow, where to start? My last post was last year.. in August.  A LOT has happened since then..
In February 2012, Tim decided to stop by the bank and grab an appliation for a home loan. I snickered.. thinking we wouldn't have a chance.. but he completed the paperwork anyway.
In April we found out we were approved and starting looking.. We found this one house, through one of Tim's coworkers. We both felt it was the one.. almost immediatley.
We had no idea of what laid before us..
We had to get 8 signatures (this home was left to 8 hiers- 3 of which lived in Jordan!).. just when we had that done, and finally ready to close (in JULY) ..we found out one of the sellers went thru bankruptcy and had three liens against the property. So all of this work and frustration seemed to be for nothing. The debts were too much for the seller to settle. We had spent upwards of a thousand dollars..
September comes around and we are in midsearch of a new property, trying to put this situation behind us.. and there is NEWS... seems the seller was able to negotiate a settlement with his debtors. This could really happen??!! After another survey, pest inspection and another hunt for home owners insurance and appraisal.. we finally CLOSED on September 28th!!
Life is so good. We are so happy.. and to top it all off.. my brother and his sweet family have moved from Alaska to Georgia.. and after 16 years of seperation, we were all reunited!!!!
Thanksgiving was so sweet.
None of this would have been so amazing if it was just handed to us.. sometimes when you really have to work for something you want so badly, it is just that much SWEETER!

What's been going on at the Bowen house!

These shots are from our recent photo shoot...

We had a really good time taking some great shots .... We've never done this before, but it was fun. :) Take a gander at some of my favorites....

This summer we had the opportunity to be chaperones with the explorers of bay county on their trip to atlanta, ga .. we went to a braves game and the world of coke.. that was a lot of fun.. the twins had a good time.. quick over night trip.. fun fun fun!...

We also went down to Orlando for the twin's first temple trip!! They were super excited. This is the first time we all went in together... it was special. The boys are all growing up so quickly.. Another six years will find us with all the boys out of high school!!! You think back, life just goes by so so quickly...  I can look back on pictures from just a few years back and think, wasn't that just yesterday??!!

Here are some pics from the Orlando trip...

And NOW... we are getting ready for school to start.. this year Austin will be a SENIOR in high school.. and yes, he will be graduating EXACTLY 20 years after I did.. ( '92 for me.. '12 for him)  Logan will be a freshman at Bay High.. and the twins will be entering 7th grade... All four in band.. Tim is still pluggin' along at the Sheriff's Office, working with the youth  (he is amazing) .. I'm still at Gulf Coast State College.. now as the Senior admin. assist. for the natural sciences division.. love my job... soooo.. we both have a full plate, but wouldn't have it any other way.  Our life is grand,.  Ups and downs.. ins and outs.. sometimes a little twirly... but we have a firm foundation to stand on... how people manage without the Gospel is beyond my comprehension.. I love my family..  what a blessing this life is. .. ..  :)

March ALREADY???

Can't believe it is March already!! Time doesn't stop for anyone..that's for sure. We are all just pluggin' a long.. Work has been super busy for Tim.. He is now in charge of the Jr. Deputy's and the Explorers of Bay County (Sheriff's Office).. plus he has picked up some of the security at the golf course for some extra money (most of which is going towards getting his VW bus running). The boys are ready for spring break..and so am I .. It has been a little rocky at work.. but I am hanging in there..  .. Things aren't always going to be perfect.... butterflies and rainbows, but you gatta keep going..  cling to the things you know will get you through.. and the remarkable thing is.. you will get through it, and most likely, grow from the experience. I have started reading my scriptures and it has made me stronger..I can tell a difference.. in my demeaner, my tone of voice, .. my patience.. it all seems to be a little easier to control. I know this is not by accident.
So no cute pictures, or interesting stories to tell this time around.. just me.
Spring has sprung, and it's time for fresh new beginnings.. I hope new things come my way, too.  If they don't, I'll just continue to be a happy, positive person.. I do love my life, every day is a gift. :)

Christmas Day!

Merry Christmas!!
We had a really nice Christmas.. the boys got spoiled rotten of course..
Cobie and Jacob got netbooks and Austin and Logan got iPods.. had to take out a loan..but hey, that's what it's all about right??!!! lol

Yum Yum Yum

Had fun with all of the Chrismas baking!! Hopefully those who received them were happy too~!

Lucky boys with their new iPod's!!

Pose for the picture~ Had a wonderful time

with my big sis and the whole family.. treated us to a movie "True Grit" ..it was awesome..

if you haven't seen it, you need to! :)

Netbooks.. These boys

have it rough, don't they?? lol

Universal Studios

Our trip to Universal Studios was wonderful..it was part of the boys' Christmas present..
We had such a great time!!!

We were able to be the "first family" in the park.. opened both parks both days! Got a souviner photo to prove it.. still have to get it scanned..

We really had a great time!! Made lots of memories...

A lot going on...

Well.. December has been very busy for us.. We rescued a sweet Boston Terrier named Bailey..

She is such a super sweetie.. not to mention a great cuddle baby.. loves to play and romp around with Sysco....
 

October.. soo busy.

October started with FBA

competition in Troy. The band did a superior job, hence, earning the highest

score..straight "1's". We were so proud.

Uncle Jack and Hunter were able to join us .. of course the grandparents

as well. :)

Jacob is in his first season of fall ball.. he is learning so much and has amazing coaches this time. We are at
the ball park every Tuesday and Thursday for practices and every Saturday from 8:30 - 3pm for double headers..(2games). It's a long day.. but it's worth it.. .. and ...

Here I am at the dumb doctor's office about to get stitches..worst part of the whole experience. Of course it had to be right smack dab in the middle of my forehead..and of course they had to shave some of my hair away.. so I feel a tiny , eety beety bit self consious about this big huge white bandage in the middle of my head.. on top of everything I have my job interview on Friday.. should make for good conversation.. goodness. The good news is.. they got ALL the cancer. So happy about that. I know everything will be alright.. :)