New Job

About two months ago, I quit my full-time job at Grand Canyon University to become a stay-at-home mama. Since Brooks was just 6 weeks old, I have always had to work as well as take classes for my master's degree. It was so hard watching him grow up and not being able to be there for the growing up process. I missed so many milestones that I would have loved to be there for, because I was slaving a way at a job that I had no passion for. Being a working mom was a huge trial for Tyler and I and we both knew that the right decision for us as a family was for me to quit my job, even though it meant that we were taking a huge leap of faith financially.

Now, after some time has passed and I have settled into my new role, I can honestly say that it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I didn't know I could love Brooks more than I already did, but being with him 24/7, being able to do mundane things with him and for him, has truly strengthened that love. I love him and Tyler so much and feel so blessed that my sweet husband has given me the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom. Here is what we have been up to lately....

During Halloween time we bought this "Spooky Gingerbread House" but never used it, so one boring day we busted it out and had ourselves a grand ole time!

Brooks picked out this cowboy hat at Gymboree a few months back and always wants to wear it. When I was in first grade I bought two pairs of cowboy boots (sparkly black and tassled white) with Christmas money from my grandparents and wore them literally every single day. I like to think Brooks's cowboy style comes from his mama.

This is a very, very, sleepy Brooks, just barely up from his nap dragging around his two favorite toys, his big and little sock monkeys! He loves these little guys so much and can hardly sleep without them.
Since I became a SAHM, I have had plenty of time to learn how to cook. On one particular night, I planned a fondue date for Tyler and I! We have a special love for the Melting Pot and go there on every special occasion, so this was an extra delicious treat. I made a delicious cheese fondue for dinner, and followed up with yummy chocolate fondue and all the fixins!

Tootin' my own horn.

Yesterday Brooks and Tyler were taking a little nappy nap, so I hopped on the ole blog and decided to type out an "Ode to Janey" if you will, about all the great things I have been doing lately. Right, and when I say "right" I mean RIGHT as I was about to finish and post the dang thing, B man woke up from his sweet dreams covered in vinegar smelling rhea. So I saved my clever little post, wiped the boy's bottom and scooted my little booty right back to the computer to post my newest adventures. Alas, it was gone. GONE GONE GONE. So folks, instead of hearing lots of wit and charm accompanying the pics of my travels from crapalicious cook to Martha-in-training, you're just going to get pictures. Enjoy : )

Okay I know this is like the worst picture ever but helloooooo who needs to dress up homemade cinnamon rolls?
Also a terrible pic, but check out this little cutie banner I made for turkey day, it says "Thankful" and is made from scrapbook paper, and twine. I had all the supplies on hand so it was free to make. It was so easy, I still was able to devote my full attentions to Real Housewives of Atlanta while completing it, which is always a must.

I handmade all the fabric then stitched it into the gnome costume for Brooks. I even pulled apart cotton straight from the farmland to make the beard. Aren't I amazing? Jkkkkk. I totally bought the costume at Targ, but I DID make the child AND gave birth to him (exactly a year and a half ago today, I might add).

My latest obsession is m.e.t.a.l.l.i.c.s. Ohmyyummm. So, to go along with this obsesh, I spray painted two of these little beautes in a chevron stripe-ish pattern to go over our nightstands in the master bedroom. Pretty simple, but I loverly them.

Last, but not least are a couple pillows! I am currently working on all new pillows for our sectional, but only have these two little guys done for now.

I have a ton of new crafts and creations to share, but those will have to be saved for another day.

back on track

Officially, I have been the worst blogger ever in the past, but watch out folks thats all about to change. There is so much happening with the Bowyer fam that I'd be just plain silly not to bloggity blog about it. So, here's the deal...I am going to give this blogging thing one last try and if I still suck in a month, I'll throw my dang white flag up and surrender my blog. Deal? K great.

Now that we have that little problemo out of the way, its on to the fun stuff! Quick familia update...Brooks is doing wonderfully, if I don't say so myself! He's 4 days shy of 18 months and is an absolute dream boat. He is so smart and funny, and full of personality. Tyler and I love him to pieces and can't get enough of his chubby little cheeks! My dear Ty is doing well too, he stays super busy with school and being el presidente of ASU's College Republicans. As for the Queen Bee of the Bowyer house, I have been cooking, cleaning and crafting up a storm! I have dozens of pictures of my new domestic skills to come that I can't wait to share. All in all, we as a family are simplifying our lives and trying to get back to basics. It's a lovely life we lead and I can't wait to start sharing it with my many, many, many blog readers. ( yup, and by many I mean my 3 faithful followers)

just a little sneaky peaky...

With Tyler in Romania and busy with school I have been crafting up a storm! I am great at taking pictures but less than great about actually uploading them so here's a little snippet of one of my recent projects! If you can't tell (that would be embarrassing for me) it's a wreath for our front door. Lately its been displayed on our sofa table, but whatevs. It was super easy and CHEAP which, hello, is the best kind of craft! I used a wreath form and ribbon from good ol' Dollar Tree, left over buttons from projects I had good intentions about starting and/or finishing, and burlap!

As of late...

Whoa whoa whoa...I still have a blog? Yikes! So since I think long recap posts are pretty boring I'm going to skip all the details of the Bowyer's Summer and just highlight the main events!

Obviously the most important event of Summer 2010 was B's big 1st birthday! I cannot tell you how much fun I had planning, decorating, and throwing his party. I loved how everything came together and it was just so fun celebrating my sweet boy. Brooks is now a walking, talking, machine and is the absolute love of my life.




Right before digging into his own special cake!


Getting smooches from Auntie Mads!



At the beginning of Summer we had the awesome opportunity to go to the Lake with some friends! I was worried about how B would do there but he LOVED it. The whole time we was perfect and just enjoyed the boat ride.


For 4th of July we went up to Tyler's parents cabin in Greer. For the past two years we had gone to my parent's place in California but decided to mix it up this year and are so glad we did! The small town parade and activities were a blast!

Doesn't my baby look so big here?!


This was right before the fireworks started, Brooks is under the blanket, and I kid you not this is probably the last time hes let me hold him like that...and he was asleep! Brooksy is such an active little guy, he wants to be a part of everything around him! Luckily, hes a good baby just very interested in his surroundings!

Anywho now that I got the boring Summer recap out of the way, the next posts should be a delight!

oh mama

Once upon a time there was a girl. She was a selfish girl. She loved shopping, spending huge amounts of money paying for nothing of importance just designer clothes and jewelry. Her afternoons were spent at the tanning beds, hanging out with friends, or working out, nothing of real value.

Then one day this girl met a boy. This boy turned her world upside down. This boy made her want to be a wife. This girl became his wife.

Just a short year after she became his wife, this girl had transformed. She was 19 years old and 9 months away from finishing her bachelor's degree. She was working two jobs, cooking, cleaning, and spending far less money than ever. About this time, selfish girl found out her eggo was preggo.

As soon as selfish girl saw the two lines on the EPT she morphed almost magically into selfless girl. Her little tiny baby became her world.

Soon her little tiny baby was born, and she spent hours and hours nursing him, bathing him, cuddling him, reading to him. She had to go back to work to provide for little tiny baby and this broke her heart. Even sooner, she was back at work AND school.

Her days were now spent up from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm to make sure everything for little tiny baby was just right. Every night she went to bed exhausted, but still with a million things running through her mind. Despite her circumstances she was happy. Beyond happy. She couldn't imagine her life without little tiny baby. She wanted to get up early and she wanted to be up late because it meant time with her little tiny baby.

This girl had truly transformed. This girl had become a mother. This girl loved her life. This girl found the purpose to her life...his name was Brooks Everest Bowyer.

Happy Mother's Day...only a little late : )

I choo choo choooose you

See this guy?

I absolutely adore him.

This guy also provides for me and my babers.
This guy works full-time, and goes to school full-time.
And when I say "goes to school" I mean this guy is taking 18 credits and still has a 3.9 gpa.
Oh, and did I mention this guy is the new Vice President of ASU's College Republicans?
Those are just a few of the reasons I absolutely adore him.

.I <3 TSB.

Keepin' it Classy at GCU-Bud Light Tattoos

To save money, and to decrease my love handle size, I usually just have a slimfast in the break room or at my desk during lunches at GCU. Well on one such break room lunch I overheard the most amazing of amazingly hilarious conversations. Let me set the stage for you....

Two women, one with acid washed jeans and birkenstocks and the other with the saggiest ta-tas ever nestled nicely in a way too low cut cheetah print silk top and a black pants exposing a massive underwear line, are sitting talking. Both are in their mid-thirties. They are discussing how both of them have their ten year wedding anniversaries. Now this is where it gets good...

Birkenstocks: "So for our ten year anniversary my husband and I are wantin' to get matching tattoos."

Saggy Ta-Tas: "OMG! That is SUCH a cute idea, what are you getting?"

Birkenstocks: "Well since 10 year is supposed to be the tin one, were gonna get Bud Light cans, cuz they're made of tin and Bud Light is my husband's favorite beer."

Saggy Ta-Tas: "Thats so cute! Have you thought about doing something like...I dunno maybe the Tin man from The Wizard of Oz?!"

Birkenstocks: "Thats such a good idea!! But I think my husband wants to stick with the Bud Light cans."

I literally had to keep downing my slimfast to prevent from laughing out loud! Can you believe it?! People these days! Anyways, I'm sure reading this has disturbed you so I've included a cute picture of Brooksy to ease your poor, now tainted, mind. Enjoy : )

Blonde to Brunette!

Can you believe that this used to be.....



that?

I can't either, but I love it. Dying my hair was the first step to the new me, and I could not be happier with it. Thoughts?

New Year, New Blog, New Things

As one of my many, many New Year's resolutions I have vowed to be better at my blogging. As someone who holds a BA in English, writing should come second nature to me right? So I'm going to do this, and I'm going to love it. The rest of my New Year's resolutions are as follows....

1. Be the best wife and mommy I can be
2. Get in shape (typical, I know)
3. Craft like I've never crafted before
4. Change up my look (DONE, I went brunette!!)
5. Cook better meals, and cook more often

So far I think everything has gone smashingly well. I'm posting from work, on my lunch break, so pictures will come with my next post : )