Surviving in a Male Dominated Household

Happy Independence Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Sun, 06 Jul 2014 04:56:00 +0000

We were so happy to spend our Independence day walking in the Waukee Parade with our friends, Governor Terry Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds. State Senator Charles Schneider, State Representative Rob Taylor, County Recorder Chad Airhart, Congressional Candidate David Young, Senate Candidate Joni Ernst, Secretary of State Paul Pate, my wonderful mother in law, Diana Bowman...and others.

But enough with the name dropping. Here are some pictures.

The Bowman family with the Governor and Lt. Governor. Kim LOVED Harry in his oversized shirt.

Parade Ready!

Congressional Candidate David Young, when I approached him, said, "Hey, when can I read to your boys?" (referencing this http://youtu.be/3iMDxEb6NCo)

I replied, "Whenever you're available, David!"

I hope someone from his campaign will contact me soon! :)

And then we saw a VERY large Uncle Sam...Sam I am.

Harry crashed in the wagon halfway through the parade...

that's what happens when parades start at 2 PM!

What a great group of walkers in Waukee! We are so blessed to be in such a Conservative town and to be able to draw so many Conservative Candidates!

Now, to wash the T-shirts. I'm sure the red, white and blue between all of the shirts we wore won't bleed within each other...because they're all Conservative shirts.

It's well known that Conservatives don't run.

Primary Election Eve...

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 03:52:00 +0000

Yep...I am an unpaid campaign staffer. I support those I believe in.

The back of my minivan on primary eve....it's almost 11 and the van is parked in the garage. I did what I could today.

Tomorrow, get out and vote.

Road Trip and Birthday Party!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 19:15:00 +0000

Sunday was an excellent day! The boys have been asking about their cousin's birthday party for weeks! The day the invitation arrived, they were excited. A Superhero Birthday Party...we can wear our costumes in public? Yes. And yes.

We left Waukee and drove through God's country. AKA, Iowa.

We saw a hawk carrying a snake that had to be at least 3-4 feet long flying over us! So we stopped...and it flew off without the snake. The boys were so interested, we talked about it until we met Ma'am and Papa (my folks) at Hyde Park in Greene County, for lunch...and a bit of play time.

Harry decided to "swim" in the rocks. As any landlocked child in Iowa would do.

After lunch, we drove to St. Patrick's Church and Cemetery.

William A. found the gravesite of his Great Great Grand Uncle William J.

It's excellent to have your child have a family name. It's even better when he can visit one of his namesakes. There are Williams all over the Bolton and Bowman family tree. He was directly named after his Great Grandfather, Leander William as he is William aLExANDER. See what we did there?

It was in this cemetery that my mother decided to change into her clown costume for the birthday party. My boys scattered in fear. Because clowns are scary. I yelled to Harry, "Save yourself, son!"

Mom decided that she should change out of it...because she was scaring her grandsons and it was almost 90 degrees. I helped my mom change out of a clown suit in the middle of a cemetery. Yep. I can check that off of my bucket list.

We continued the road trip on to Asher's Birthday Party and it was SO much fun!

The male cousins were "Superheroes in training" (except Harry) and I managed to take a picture.
Liam is Superman, B is Batman, Sean is Thor, Harry is Baby Flash and the birthday boy, Asher, is Iron Man.

We thought we should get a group picture of ALL of the cousins together. How do you get 6 children aged 8 and under, dressed as superheroes in a line? Draw a chalk line on the floor and say it is the "Superhero line"!

Success!

Liam, Sean, B, Asher, Harry and Brynlee. AKA, Superman, Thor, Batman, Iron Man, Flash and Captain America.

The decorations were SUPER. The party games were EPIC.

But the love this family shared, is beyond words.

I LOVE my family. I love that we had such a great day together.

Making memories, as a family, is something that is beyond words.

After Mother Nature decided to end the party, we finished up our road trip.

It only seemed right to visit my Grandmother's grave site, the woman who gave birth to my Aunt, the grandmother of the birthday boy and my Dad.

Grandma Louise, you would have had so much fun with all of your children, to see what great parents your children have raised; your grandchildren and what great parents they are, and your great grand children.

To end this on a happy note, all of the Avenger balls that our boys won as party gifts, fell out when we stopped in Ames at Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner.

And yes, I did yell, "Boys! All of your balls fell out! Catch them!"

Thank you, Lindsey, for letting me hold Brynlee and "Papa" Mike for expressing, "Now, this is what it is like to hold a girl."

Thanks, Dad. Thanks. There's a reason my blog is called what it is.... :) But the next time we have silly string, you're my target.

My love/hate relationship with Pinterest....AKA, Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Tue, 27 May 2014 21:47:00 +0000

My parents are having their 35th Anniversary this fall, so I thought I could start early by spray painting wine bottles "International Harvester Red". I had a bottle that was blue in color, so I thought I could spray it, putting painters tape over the areas I didn't want painted.

My house now looks like a murder scene. I had no idea that spray paint was so sticky.

My gift to my parents, the rest of this spray can.

And my promise to NOT spray paint anything for them....ever again.

A Glimpse of 10 Minutes in our House....

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 23:52:00 +0000

Your house must be busy!!! Friends, you have no idea.

Tonight we went out to eat. After we got home from Chili's, David decided he was going to go out and get some Oreo ice cream sandwiches. Sure, I'll watch the kids if you get ice cream and I can take my work clothes off...bad idea.

Liam was occupying one bathroom, Sean was in the other. Harry heard the door to the garage open and took off after Dave. I sprinted (keep in mind I was mid-clothed--pants/bra) after Harry. I grabbed him before he got too far in to the garage and carried him back in the house...only to hear B yelling that he had "to pee willy willy bad-wee" (keep in mind both bathrooms were busy).

So I did what any mom would do--grabbed him, raced him to the sink and told him he could pee in the bathroom sink. Honestly, I'd rather clean a sink than cleaning pee on the floor. I had to hold him up over the sink and B thought it was the funniest thing...so he laughed...and then he farted...right on my bare stomach.

I heard the other bathroom flush, so I told B to hold it and go pee in the other bathroom, only to look over and see Sean STANDING on the toilet seat. He wasn't done yet, he just felt like standing up. I got Sean to sit down, admit that he was done and I cleaned him up.

Once I finished that, Harry had gotten into a bag of popcorn, given it to B, who was apparently finished, and walking around wearing only his socks, eating popcorn.

Dave called to let me know he was on his way home because they didn't have the ice cream he wanted. He was gone for MAYBE 10 minutes, folks. And I still didn't get ice cream.

Back to work....

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 03:46:00 +0000

Tomorrow will be my first day working outside of the home since July 2, 2010 (my last full day at Principal before Brendan was born).

I have worked on many campaigns, for a National PAC, helped to Save a Barn, worked to save the weather beacon and Floppy, along with writing, consulting and being a mom of 4...all of that IS a full time job.

Thank you, Bill, I mean, Senator Anderson, for wanting me to be your clerk, and Jacob for thinking of me.

THANK YOU to Diana Bowman, my awesome mother-in-law, for watching the boys, we couldn't do it without you (I mean, really, 3 in daycare and after school care for Liam??) and my father-in-law, Edd, who will be picking Liam up from the bus. You guys are great.

THANK YOU to my parents, Mike and Sherry Bolton, who always, always, always believed in me and loved me. You guys are the best.

Last but not least, THANK YOU to my wonderful husband David, for supporting my dream to stay home and now to go back to work. I WILL finish the next great American Novel. We may be retired, but I will do it. :) I love you!

It's been 11 years since I worked at the Capitol. Since then, I met my husband, got married, had one child, my husband was deployed and came home, we had 3 more children...and now I'm back at the Capitol.

I kind of feel like "Billy Madison"...."Ohhh, back to school...." http://youtu.be/uMtkiS1SU_c

A Mom's Version of "Royals"

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 04:15:00 +0000

You can view the original song here

Apologies to Lorde, a parody of "Royals", by a suburban mom.

I have a diamond on my flesh
I cut my teeth on a wedding ring in 2006.
And I'm proud of my address,
In a suburb town, no local envy.

But every song's like gold teeth, grey goose, trippin' in the bathroom
Blood stains, ball gowns, trashin' the hotel room,
We don't care, we're drivin minivans in our dreams.
But everybody's like Crystal sleeping with who now and who's the sitter
Airplanes, meetings, Tigers in the Boy Scouts.
We don't care, we aren't caught up in your love affair.

And we name our kids after royals (royals).
It don't run in our blood
That kind of luxe just ain't for us.
We crave a different kind of buzz
Let me be your ruler (ruler),
You can call me queen Bee
That baby I'll rule, and nurse, and rule, and nurse.
Let me live that fantasy.

[Verse 2]
Mom friends and I—we've cracked the code.
We count our dollars on the carpool to the party.
And everyone who knows us knows, that we're fine with this,
We didn't come for Barney.

But every song's like gold teeth, grey goose, trippin' in the bathroom
Blood stains, ball gowns, trashin' the hotel room,
We don't care, we're drivin minivans in our dreams.
But everybody's like Crystal sleeping with who now and who's the sitter
Airplanes, meetings, Tigers in the Boy Scouts.
We don't care, we aren't caught up in your love affair.

And we name our kids after royals (royals).
It don't run in our blood
That kind of luxe just ain't for us.
We crave a different kind of buzz
Let me be your ruler (ruler),
You can call me queen Bee
That baby I'll rule, and nurse, and rule, and nurse.
Let me live that fantasy.

Ooh ooh oh
Our van's bigger than we ever dreamed,
And I'm in love with being queen.
Ooh ooh oh
Life is great with every care
We aren't caught up in your love affair.

And we name our kids after royals (royals).
It don't run in our blood
That kind of luxe just ain't for us.
We crave a different kind of buzz
Let me be your ruler (ruler),
You can call me queen Bee
That baby I'll rule, and nurse, and rule, and nurse.
Let me live that fantasy.

You can view the original song here.

Again, my apologies to Lorde.

So God Made A Farmer....

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Tue, 08 Oct 2013 03:06:00 +0000

Last weekend we visited our family farm. My husband helped my dad put wood into the barn, my kids ran and screamed their hearts out, we all got a little sun, fired some of our firearms and enjoyed some fresh air.

As Paul Harvey said, "So God made a farmer..."I need somebody with arms strong enough to wrestle a calf and yet gentle enough to deliver his own grandchild"

Our four year old (Sean) shouted, "I'M A FARMER!" Thinking he was helping Daddy and Papa move the wood from the trailer to the barn and fixing the hay baler.

Yes, son. You are. Because being a farmer isn't in having the same last name that is tied to the land, but having put in the work. THAT is what ties you to the land. Being a farmer is in his blood. I am a proud farmer's daughter and, if he so chooses, a proud mother of a farmer.

To quote Paul Harvey, "Somebody who'd bale a family together with the soft strong bonds of sharing, who would laugh and then sigh, and then reply, with smiling eyes, when his son says he wants to spend his life 'doing what dad does.'"

So God made a farmer.

Edit...Their Great Grandmother would be proud.

Bowman For Waukee

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 19:50:00 +0000

As many of you know, I am running for the Waukee School Board. If you live in the Waukee School District, I hope I can count on your vote on September 10th.

Today, I have released my list of endorsements. Endorsements you ask? Yes.

I know some may think "it's only a school board race. Why have endorsements?"

To me, it's not "only a school board race." It's the future of our children and our society.

You can read my endorsements below.

August 27, 2013

For Immediate Release

Contact Sarah Bowman

Bowman For School Board Announces Endorsements

Waukee, Iowa- Sarah Bowman, Candidate for Waukee School Board has been endorsed by Community Leaders and Parents in the Waukee School District. “I am overwhelmed by the encouragement and support of my neighbors, fellow parents, members of Church and community leaders in the Waukee School District,” Bowman said.

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Sarah Bowman for quite a few years. I’ve watched her drive, determination, work ethic and dedication to her children. Sarah would be an asset to the Waukee School Board.” –Chris Hagenow, State Representative

“Sarah Bowman would be a great addition to the Waukee School Board. She has four boys under the age of 8 and is fully invested in their education. I believe that she is the face of Waukee, a young and informed mother. I plan on voting for Sarah Bowman on September 10^th.” –Chad Airhart, Dallas County Recorder

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Sarah Bowman for the last 11 years and I’ve met her four children. She is a dedicated mother and citizen. She would be a great addition to the Waukee School Board.” –Becky Beach

“I want to publicly endorse Sarah Bowman for Waukee School Board. Sarah’s motives for running are in the right place. She loves her kids and cares for the future. With Sarah sitting on the Waukee School Board, I know my own children’s education will be taken seriously. The school will be held accountable for fiscal responsibility. I will vote for Sarah Bowman on September 10^th.” –Shane Blanchard, Waukee City Councilman

“I’ve been impressed with the work Sarah has done for her community. I know she’ll focus on making sure the district provides high quality education and keep students’ best interests at heart. “ Charles Schneider, State Senator

“I wholeheartedly endorse Sarah Bowman for Waukee School Board. Sarah will bring both her intellect and her common sense to every decision needing to be made. Our school systems need great leaders and great advocates for children and family. I am endorsing Sarah as a decisive leader and a committed wife and mother.” –Jeff Mullen, Pastor, Point of Grace Church in Waukee and Father of two in the Waukee School District

“Sarah Bowman understands what the Waukee School district needs. She has four boys under the age of 8, she’s a hard worker and dedicated to her commitments. The Waukee School District would benefit from her education, life experience and work ethic.” Rob Taylor, State Representative

“I’ve known Sarah for 12 years and watched her grow from a young professional and popular blogger to an impassioned mom of 4 boys, who, like all of us, wants a top quality educational experience not only for her children, but all children in the Waukee School District! Sarah is a researcher, communicator and implementer and will bring and encourage the best of ideas and solutions to the Waukee School District. –Cathy Sorensen, Mom of 2, hopeful Grandma of many!

***

I Am Me.

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 23:06:00 +0000

The best part about knowing me, political or not, is when I say I am going to do something, I do it.

I had a child out of wedlock (being pro-life).

I stayed true to my vows when my husband was serving in Iraq.

I saved a barn.

I teach Faith Formation because I believe that children should be exposed to the love of Jesus.

I try to save taxpayers money by exposing fraud.

I hunt ghosts, because I believe all spirits should face their final destination.

I nurse(d) all of my kids from birth until they self wean.

What you see is what you get.

Love me or hate me, I am real.

First Day, Last Day, First Grade

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Tue, 28 May 2013 17:34:00 +0000

I can't believe it. I'm a mom of a second grader. When did that happen? It seems just yesterday I was 10 days overdue and going to the hospital to be induced. At that point, I thought I was going to be pregnant with William (Liam) forever.

He just finished his last day of first grade. He has made me so proud already. He was my rock, my buddy, my friend, when he was only 1.5 when Daddy deployed. He grew up, faster than any 2 year old should have to during that year.

He made an impression on his preschool teacher, so much so, that she and I are still friends on Facebook.

He voluntarily participated in a Science Fair last year AND this year.

He earned more "golden tickets" for going above and beyond in his classroom than I can count.

He loves his Faith Formation classes and can't wait for next year when he receives the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion.

He's a great big brother and handles change well. Including the arrival of three younger brothers.

He is such a good kid. He is so smart, so funny, so clever.

But in Second Grade? How? When?

I tried to pick out clothing that he would fit into so we could have "bookend" pictures for the first day and the last day. As you can imagine, his first day was busy, because after we put him on the bus, we dropped his younger brothers off at Grandma's house and welcomed Baby Harry that afternoon.

As kids do, his shorts no longer fit, his shoes no longer fit, but his shirt does.

I can't believe how he's grown, how much has changed in our family, in just one school year.

It was rather bright that morning. Next year I'll try to get a picture without the little brothers.

Last day. New shorts, new shoes...but my, how he's grown.

Monday, Monday...

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Mon, 06 May 2013 17:40:00 +0000

It's a Monday. While I was nursing Harry, B and I were watching "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood". Sean was getting dressed.

Suddenly, B was tapping my arm. I looked over at him, he had tears streaming down his face and I could tell he was choking.

I put Harry in the bouncer and grabbed B (in one "mom swoop"). I gave B the Heimlich and smacked his back. He puked all over the floor and a penny came up. Thank goodness for my lifeguard training!!

While I was tending to B, calling Ma'am (my mom) and making him drink water to see if his throat was sore, Sean went out into the garage. I went to see what he was doing, and as soon as I opened the door, I hear, "I so, so, sorry."

Yep. Pee. In the garage. Again. This is the second time he's felt the urge to pee in the garage. I asked him why he did it and he said, "I don't know, Mommy. I so, so sorry."

One choking, one peeing...all before 11 AM.

Garfield was so spot on...

But at least it is over with, right??

My Expectations of President Obama

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 14:49:00 +0000

Obama won a second term. While I'm not pleased with the results, it is what it is. That being said, as an American citizen, I'd like to lay out my expectations for President Obama.

1. Transparency. We were promised a transparent Obama Administration in 2008 and we don't have it. I'd like to see the transparency we were promised.

2. A budget. I expect our Country to have a budget, just as every American family must have. President Obama, please call Harry Reid and get this done.

3. The truth of what happened in Libya. The election is over and you don't need to sugar coat anything anymore. Please, just be honest with the American people and tell us what really happened in Libya.

4. Replace Eric Holder as Attorney General. This is pretty self explanatory.

5. Cut the deficit. President Obama, you promised to cut the deficit in half back in 2008. Our National debt has increased to 16 trillion. And when I say cut the deficit, I mean the deficit amount you promised to cut in half back in 2008, not the one you just inherited from...well, yourself.

6. Respect the American public...not just those who voted for you. Please, respect ALL Americans.

7. Go to your meetings. This really shouldn't be that hard and shouldn't have to be said....but I guess it does.

8. And last but not least, UPHOLD AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION, don't try to wiggle your way around it. We have a great system in place.

These are the expectations I have off of the top of my head after a long night watching results. You've just inherited a big mess from yourself. Get a mop and roll up your sleeves. And please, cut back on the rounds of golf.

Why I'm Voting For Romney...

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 06:07:00 +0000

Yes, during the Iowa Caucus I was a Santorum supporter. But here are the reasons I'm voting for Romney.

I'm getting really tired of people pegging me as an anti-woman's rights, all about the bottom line, Conservative.

So I care about babies. I believe that life begins at conception.

So I believe that people should be responsible for their decisions, it's how I was raised. I was raised Catholic and we're raising our boys Catholic. Even though my husband and I skewed from our faith by conceiving Liam before we were married, there was no discussion of abortion. We both knew we were going to be parents. And almost 7 years later, I couldn't imagine my life without him.

So I think that people should live within their means, again how I was raised. I drive a van that's 19 years old but you know what? It's paid for. It runs. It gets me and my boys from point A to point B. Our "new" car, the 2005 Corolla is paid off. Granted, it can't fit everyone in the family anymore, it's a good to and from work vehicle for my husband....and speaking of work....

I believe in hard work. I work hard. My husband works hard. He works a lot of 12-16 hour days and provides our insurance. I'm often up at 2 AM working on articles. We work hard. Granted, we're not in the coal mines in America, but we work hard.

So I don't think people should live on the Government assistance if they can work for themselves.

I nursed all of my babies and have always given away my formula samples (from the hospital/Doctor) to my Church and woman's shelter. I've worked in a soup kitchen. I coupon like crazy and give my excess to my local food bank. I'd much rather donate out of my heart rather than "donate" out of force (taken from my paycheck).

So I have faith in our military. My husband served in Iraq and was away from me and our first born for a year. I had so many sleepless nights waiting for the call that didn't come....and I went to work and took our toddler to daycare the following day. It was tough, but I did it. Because I believed in America. In the America he was fighting for. In the change that he was bringing to the women of Iraq. They deserved the same freedoms that I enjoyed. While it would have been great to have him safe and sound in my bed, that would have been selfish of me. I'm not sure how many lives he saved while he was over there (he's a medic) but what's he has discussed, it was a few.

So I don't believe in the Government State. I believe that Americans are a very prosperous, educated, intelligent people. I believe they are a God fearing, independent, freedom-loving people.

So I'm voting for Romney for all of those reasons and the hope that my children will know a free America, the same America I knew growing up.

I'm mean...

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 19:52:00 +0000

I just sent Dave with Sean, B and Beckett to get Beckett's shots (Beckett is our cat). Pray for Dave.

BPA? It's Not What The Media Wants You To Think

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 16:53:00 +0000

I'll admit, I'm a news junkie. Baby Harry sleeps in the bouncer while I work and all of the commercials he hears on Fox News during the day, I'm pretty sure he's going to be an attorney for women who've had a bad experience with vaginal mesh or those with Mesothelioma....and then he'll take his earnings to buy gold. I only hope he never has to use a catheter (even if it does lubricate itself in the package).

So when news breaks on something that can effect my kids, of course I research it. While I'm nursing Baby Harry and he has yet to have a bottle, I'll admit, I got a little swept up in the BPA scare. But me being me, I did the research. And guess what...it's not bad for you or your kids.

Shocker, right? After all of the media scare, after tossing bottles and buying new ones, you could have saved quite a chunk of change by doing your own research. And with three (yes, three) in diapers, I'm all about saving money where I can.

Canada, one of the first Nations to ban BPA are now saying there's no real direct link between BPA and health issues. But that's not what the media would have you believe. I suppose on a slow news day they have to run something, but it is important to know the facts as parents.

Do your research, you could save a lot of money (and sleepless nights) by reading the actual reports instead of just believing the reports from the media.

My First Grounding...

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 20:29:00 +0000

It's official. I'm a mean mom. Or so I've been told. Because I just grounded my oldest child for the first time. Why, you ask? Oh, there's a good reason.

When Liam (our 6 year old), gets off of the bus, most days (unless we have Faith Formation), his Grandpa is there to pick him up. If Grandpa isn't there, he knows to walk home (less than 1/2 of a block).

On Monday, I get a panicked call from Grandma. Grandpa had called her and Liam didn't get off of the bus. I called the school, who radioed the bus, and said yes, "William" (which is what he goes by at school cause he's a 'big boy') got off of the bus. Panic.

I immediately ran two houses down to his friend Kaiden's house. Kaiden's sister answered the door and said, "Yeah, William got off of the bus with us. And then he went to play with Kaiden. But Kaiden is here. I don't know where William is."

PANIC.

I turn around to walk home, tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. And then I see him. Sauntering down the sidewalk, kicking a rock, on his way home. I screamed "WILLIAM!" Somehow I managed to hug and spank him at the same time. We went inside, I called Grandma to have her call Grandpa (who was already on his way back to the school) and let him know that Liam was safe. In trouble, but safe. Grandpa came by to give Liam a talk...and then it was back to his room.

And yes, I used the "Just wait until your father gets home" line.

For the rest of the week, he's not allowed to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Except for dinner, showers and school, he's in his room. And I'm a "mean mom".

I couldn't help but find the irony in the fact that this all happened the same day I gave Grandma the free "If your child is lost, use this card as a photo for authorities".

Maybe I shouldn't have given her the card?? What I do know is he won't run off again. So, do you think I'm a "mean mom"??

Last Day of Kindergarten!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Wed, 23 May 2012 13:26:00 +0000

It's been awhile since I updated the blog, but today's post is a good one to start blogging again.

Today is Liam's last day of Kindergarten. I found the same outfit he wore on his first day and thought it would make a great bookend of pictures.

I can't believe he's going to be in first grade this fall. I can't believe all of the changes we went through this year. We moved, they all got bigger and I'm expecting baby boy #4. What a crazy couple of months! Here's the blog about his first day of kindergarten.

As promised for comparison, here's the first and last day pictures.

First day!

And last day!

He's so big!!! This fall, FIRST GRADE!!!

Power of Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 21:06:00 +0000

I won't go into the messy details of why, but the last few days I've found myself praying a lot more than normal. Of course I pray every night with my boys before they go to bed, we always make sure to pray before meals, but over the last few days I've been turning to God more often, praying for guidance. Praying for understanding, both for me and others, and praying for strength.

Today was different. After I took my youngest two to visit with Grandma so I could work, rather than going straight home, I took a detour. I went to our Church. I needed to refill my holy water, but I also knew I wanted to pray. Maybe along with the holy water, I also realized I needed to refill my spirit.

As I entered the Church, something told me that the appropriate prayer for my situation would be the prayer of St. Francis. Having been brought up in the Catholic Church and being a singer, it's a hymn I know by heart. I filled my holy water, made the sign of the cross and knelt in the pew. I began to pray.

Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me bring your love,
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord,
And where there's doubt true faith in you.

Make me a channel of your peace:
Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope,
Where there is darkness, only light,
And where there's sadness, ever joy.

O Master, grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved, as to love with all my soul!

Make me a channel of your peace:
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
In giving of ourselves that we receive,
And in dying that we are born to eternal life.

"To be understood as to understand" and "It is in pardoning that we are pardoned" really struck a chord with me. And yes, I cried. But I felt better.

I tweeted that I had just been to Church and said the Prayer of St. Francis. A former co-worker responded, "Thanks for sharing that. I just looked it up online and said it at my desk. Great to stay grounded throughout the day."

It was nice knowing that my tweet helped someone. So I shared the prayer on my facebook wall when I got home. I thought I would share it on the blog too. If it helped one person by tweeting it, maybe others would be helped by the blog.

It's about helping others.

I hope the power of prayer helps everyone.

Listening to your body...

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:55:00 +0000

Originally posted over at Mommy's Recess.

I know, I know. This should be a no brainer. But for moms, it's not. We often put ourselves (and our health) on the back burner. And we shouldn't. I have to remind myself of the instructions on a airplane. "In case of a lack of cabin pressure, put on YOUR oxygen mask first, and then help others." But I failed to do that.

As you know, I'm involved in politics. And the Iowa Caucus? That's like the Superbowl for us Iowans...and it only comes once every four years. Between moving in November, hosting my six year old's birthday party and Thanksgiving, a house warming party, preparing for Christmas and the caucus, I've been busy...and been having low back pain. But I put it off. "I'll get it checked out after the caucus" I kept telling myself. And being tough, I refused to take anything for it. That was probably a good call on my behalf.

On New Years Eve, an Uncle of mine unexpectedly passed away. They scheduled the funeral for the day after the caucus. On caucus day, we had the Huffington Post follow us around and get the point of view of caucus attendees. You can watch our caucus experience here.

It was a whirlwind day. Interviews, caucus, victory party...and I was named a Washington Post Reader Favorite Top Iowa Political Tweeter (you can follow me on twitter @bowmama, and our blog is also on twitter @mommysrecess). At our caucus location I spoke on behalf of Rick Santorum...in front of about 1200 people and a slew of reporters. Did I mention I had to follow Rick Perry (himself) and Ann Romney (wife of Mitt)? Yeah, no pressure there. All the while, I had to mentally prep myself as I was doing the readings at my Uncle's funeral mass the next day.

Our boys spent the night at Grandma and Grandpas (thankfully) because we didn't get to bed until after 1AM and had to get up at 6AM in order to make it back to the funeral in time.

I made it through the readings without crying, but after I read, I saw my mom crying and, well, you know how it is when your mom cries...you cry. So I cried. At the luncheon after the cemetary, we learned that my great aunt had been in a car accident and was being life-flighted to Omaha. She had two collapsed lungs, broke her C2 and C3, compressed disks, etc etc. The remainder of the week was spent checking in with mom to see how my Great Aunt was doing, and trying to get back into a normal routine.

And then Saturday night happened. My husband worked on Saturday. When he got home, we had dinner. At dinner, I stood up to get a napkin and started bleeding. Heavy. Fast. I raced to the bathroom and even my medic husband was concerned. I called Mercy Nurse and she told me to come in. I explained the back pain and we both thought an ovarian cyst had ruptured (I have a history of cysts). My husband dressed the boys and called his parents. We rushed them over and went to the ER. The nurse took my vitals, asked for a urine sample and took blood. They hooked me up to an IV because I was dizzy from all of the blood I lost. And then it was time for an ultrasound to see where the cyst had ruptured.

But there was no cyst. There was, however, a strong heart beat. And a 7 week 5 day baby inside. Surprise.

The first thing I said? "Holy CRAP! There's a baby in there!" Not the most eloquent thing I've ever said but I was in shock!

My husband and I were both so surprised. And so was the ultrasound tech. And the nurse. And the Doctor. The amount of blood I lost, we had prepped ourselves for the possibility of a miscarriage. But like his/her mom, "Noodle" (what my oldest has nicknamed the baby) is strong.

They did find a bleed and called it a subchorianic hemorrhage. My instructions were to take it easy and monitor the bleeding. I go to the doctor today for a check up.

Long story short? Listen to your body. Had I gone to the Doctor when I had the pain weeks ago, this probably couldn't have been avoided but at least I would have known.

I've had enough drama in 2012 to write a whole Christmas letter. You hear that 2012? No more drama. And I've learned to listen to my body. Don't put your health off. And be sure to put on the oxygen mask first, and then assist others.

2011...A Look At What I've Learned and Done

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:10:00 +0000

2011 was a crazy year.

I continued my work with Mommy's Recess.
I continued my work with The SoapBoxers.
I made new friends.
I made new enemies.
I started using my twitter account more.
I spoke in front of a school board (for the first time).
I continued to speak in front of the school board.
I spoke at a City Council meeting (for the first time).
I continued to speak at the City Council meetings.
I made even more friends.
I made even more enemies.
I helped save a barn.
I did the readings at my husband's Grandfather's funeral.
I read a letter from my mother in law to her dad at the funeral, and I publicly cried.
I used my writing talent to write Conservative articles and was promoted to Communications Director of a National Political Action Committee, all while working at home.
I attended my first Conservative Writers Conference (and made more new friends).
I learned more about couponing and started my stockpile.
I followed a passion of mine and joined a Ghost Hunting group.
I made even more new friends.
I went Ghost Hunting.
I had a physical paranormal experience (was scratched on a Ghost Hunt).
I didn't pee my pants after said experience.
I learned how to do audio review after a Ghost Hunt.
I went to my first Iowa State Homecoming Football game.
I learned how to fill out form upon form to get us into a home that not only saved us money but is much bigger and much nicer than what we had.
I learned how to throw things away (I had to--we had too much stuff).
I learned how to get a kid transferred from one school district to another.
I learned how good it felt to have all of our credit cards paid off.
I learned I shouldn't have closed the accounts after paying the credit cards off.
I started writing even more for Yahoo! News...and made even more enemies.
I had an anti-me tweet hastag created about me.
I was on THREE radio shows, twice about the barn, once about a Yahoo! News article (and Ghost Hunting).
I learned how to bless a home with the traditional Catholic blessing and Holy Water.
I met A LOT of Presidential Candidates.
I re-learned how to be comfortable in TV interviews.
I learned how to wrap Christmas presents---fast.
I attended my first Iowa State Basketball game....Court side.

I did a lot in 2011. But overall, I learned more about myself. What my limits are and what they are not. What I thought was something I couldn't do, I did. I surprised even myself.

Here's looking forward to an even happier 2012.

My latest Yahoo Article!

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:31:00 +0000

Yes, I've made a decision. I'm supporting Santorum. Gasp. Read more about it here and how I met Senator Santorum here.

I'm SO not ready for REAL silverware

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 03:35:00 +0000

Liam turned 6 this weekend. On Saturday. And I did okay. I was more stressed about hosting my first Thanksgiving (and cooking my first turkey) on Thursday and having a birthday party for Liam on Saturday (not to mention Black Friday shopping).

I suppose, in my own little way, I kept my mind busy. As long as I was occupied, I wasn't focused on the fact that my first baby, my little "dooder" was turning SIX on Saturday.

We filled his room with green and yellow balloons and gave him a Green Bay Packers blanket, along with surprising him with Aunts, Uncle, Ma'am, Papa and Grandma and Grandpa at his party. And yet, it never hit me. I even lit all six candles and carried the cake to him.

But tonight. At dinner. I asked him to set the table and handed him the plates and silverware and he said, "Mommy, can I have a real fork?" I realized I gave him two adult silverware and three toddler silverware.
"But can't you use the one I gave you," I asked.
"No, Mommy. I'm a big boy. I'm six. I need a real fork."

I don't know what it was, but the "I'm six. I need a real fork" really hit me. He IS six. He DOES need a real fork. And then, I started thinking (which is always dangerous). He's SIX. In ten years, he'll be driving. In eight years, he'll have a permit. In three years he'll probably be taller than me....where is my little baby?? My little dooder?

And I take a breath. Because, only once in a while now, but he still does, after his bath, he asks me to cradle him and sing "he's my baby, he's my baby" like I did when Daddy was in Iraq. He still remembers. I hope he always does. Whether he is 6 or 66.

An Update: A Move, A Conferences, A LOT

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:34:00 +0000

Sorry it's been so long since I updated the blog...but we've been busy.

We moved. To a house. With a garage. And it's AWESOME. I can't wait to get some pictures on the wall to help with the acoustics. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the vaulted ceilings. But the toddler screams? The echos? Yeah.

The house is about 500 MORE square feet than what we had before. And TWO more bedrooms. And a two car attached garage. And a doorbell. And a vegetable sprayer. And a yard. And a closer bus stop for Liam. And no stairs to haul kids, groceries etc etc...

And it is LESS than what we were paying at the apartment.

Blessed. I feel so VERY blessed. And speaking of being blessed, we had Liam's first Parent/Teacher conference. To be honest, I felt a little weird. For the first time, I was attending a parent/teacher conference in a elementary school...and I wasn't the kid at home sweating bullets.

And here is where I turn into the mom who brags. Don't like moms who brag, stop reading. You've been warned.

Liam is in Kindergarten. We were informed he's reading at a 2nd-3rd grade level. They even removed him (and another kid) from the class during reading time for a special 2 on 1 with a specialist. Because he was "a reader" as opposed to the other kids in his class. And, as the teacher said, "he even blew me away with words that he knew. Words that didn't follow the normal rules, he got them."

Yes. This is my kid. I remember reading books in first grade and thinking "This is SO stupid. I don't care about Dick and Jane. Can I go home and continue reading my chapter book? Please?"

I even had my first grade teacher call me a "liar". No, really, a liar. We were talking about clocks with hands. I told her we had a clock at my house that had three hands when she said that "clocks only had two hands". I came home crying and the next day, my dad (and hero), came to school with the clock that was my Great Grandmother Sarah (and name sake's) clock in her one room school house. It had three hands. Minute, Hour and Day. She had never seen anything like that.

Most parents say, "My child is brilliant" and as much as I try to NOT be THAT parent, I am. Because he is. He wants to go to Harvard, Notre Dame, Iowa State (because that's where Mommy went) or The University of Texas (because that's where Woody went).

Yeah, he's a smarty pants. Just like his mom. Speaking of mom, I attended a fundraiser this week with Jeff Mullen, my new political job, and had the opportunity to meet Newt Gingrich.

Smarty Pants.

Wordless Wednesday: Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Bowman) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:58:00 +0000