Sweet Baby Evie

Sweet baby Evalyn Jayne, or Baby Evie for short. Gosh, I get kind of choked up thinking about this sweet little baby! She's pretty perfect. Time kind of stands still when I'm holding her. Evalyn is a special little name, and so is Jayne...names of some pretty special women in my life. How is it that a new baby can bring so much peace and evoke so much love?

It's been amazing watching her older siblings fall in love with her! Claire is a natural little mother to her, and Bubba is quite protective. The bow in the picture lasted for almost a week, til the Bubba-chub Monster decided she didn't need it any more!

Life sure is good.

On Family...

Ever have those moments when you're overwhelmingly grateful for someone or something? Right now I couldn't be more grateful for my family and the influence they are in my life!

On Sunday, Katie, Joe-Joe, Claire and I headed up to Salt Lake to spend the afternoon with my brother and sister-in-law. It was so fun to just be together as family and enjoy each other's company. We Skyped with Mom, Dad and Sarah at home, and for a few minutes, we were all together. (Marshall was with us in spirit :) We weren't together for anything in particular, but just being with the people I love--in person and virtually!--was just what I needed on Sunday. I wish we all lived closer so we could be together more often!

While I was at school in Idaho, I had no family near by, and was lucky to make it down to Utah a couple times a semester and visit with aunts, uncles and cousins. I get asked fairly regularly how I ended up in Provo if I didn't go to school here. I have a few different reasons why I'm in Provo, but one of the main reasons is that I'm near family here! Before Marshall left on his mission, 4 of the 5 of us Bowerman kiddos were within about 45 minutes of each other. Pretty impressive, huh? Living close to family at this stage in my life has been such a blessing. I'm grateful everyday to have a brother and sister so close!

Last night after Family Night, we (naturally!) had the Olympics on. If you didn't get the chance to see the interview with Kevin Pearce's family and Tom Brokaw, take a few minutes to watch. I couldn't help but hold back the tears as I watched this family pull together during such a difficult time. What an example of strength, courage and faith this family is to so many people. This was such an inspiring interview and made me want to be a more positive person during tough times.

{Pearce Family}

It's all about family, isn't it?

Hope

Have you seen the MormonMessages Channel on YouTube? I love watching the short videos the Church has put together--short, inspiring videos that are a good reminder of what is really important in life. A new video was just posted a couple days ago, and President Uchtdoft shares his feelings on hope: "hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness..." Enjoy.



Oh...and want to see another great MormonMessages video? Check out that little video on the right of the blog. The little baby in that one?? Oh yeah...that's baby Claire and Katie!! :)

Love You, Mom!!!

Trying to get a normal picture of all of us 'Utah' kids is almost an impossible task...and here's the picture to prove it!We love you, Mom!!!

Easter Sunday

("He Lives" by Simon Dewey)

It somehow seemed appropriate that after the stormy weather we've had over the last several days here in Utah, that on this Easter Sunday we would have a beautiful and (semi) sunny day! My thoughts have been turned to the Savior and His life and how He so willingly gave his life on my behalf. As I was getting ready for Church this morning, I was listening to Elder Holland's talk from General Conference last weekend (probably one of my favorite talks from conference), and was so touched by his thoughts on the Atonement. Parts of his talk were paired with words and music and it's worth taking a couple minutes to watch it.

(Grandma Bowerman and Grandma Huber)

This weekend also marks 10 years since both of my grandmas passed away. A lot has happened since their passing, but it hardly seems like it was 10 years ago! My dad's mom--"Grams"--lived with us for her last 6 months. I was a freshman in high school and would come home from school and spend time in grandma's room...chatting, doing her nails and hair, watching tv. We'd typically watch 'Fresh Prince of Bel Air' and she learned all the words to the opening credits ("in West Philadelphia, born and raised...")! I'll never forget when she wanted me to take her to the market across the street so she could buy some Spam!

I didn't know my mom's mom as well, but I could always count on a beautiful, handmade card (with pressed flowers on the front!) every year on my birthday. It was easy to tell that a lot of love went into each card that she sent. I think I inherited my love of handmade goods from her. It seemed she was always working on something when we'd visit, from painting to sewing to making cards.

What will happen in the next 10 years? 20 years? I wish I knew the answer! :)

Grateful

I'm feeling so grateful tonight for so many prayers that have been answered in the last couple of weeks. I know when I put my trust in Heavenly Father, everything seems to work out in one way or another. With the arrival of sweet baby Claire to Dad's health scare and a few other experiences along the way, I have gained a deeper appreciation for prayer, faith, scriptures, family and good friends. I find myself laying in bed at night counting my blessings and become overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude.
Last night, I was able to babysit Claire--granted, it was only for about 5 minutes--and we just hung out and had a good conversation! Katie and I have had some *interesting* moments with Claire, and we just have to look at each other and laugh ourselves silly! Marshall was so cute when he was leaving to go home last night. I think he said "bye" to Claire five times before he actually got out the door...he sure is loving his status as an uncle! I wish there was a better way to capture all the funny moments that we've had in the last few days with Claire. She's such a sweet baby. Somehow time seems to stop and everything is perfect for a brief moment when Claire is in your arms.