It's so hard to get a good photo these days...

"Melmo"

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

A visit from the Gav-ster

My old twirlin' buddy from high school and college came to visit this week. She brought with her a cute little peanut named Gavin. We had so much fun, but the visit was way too short. We miss you guys already!

'after dinner belly'

Guitar Hero

Oh, how much fun we had Saturday!

Some friends came over for a nice afternoon grill out

and we played for a few hours before going on a hayride.

We LOVED that hayride! So exciting!

When it got close to Trick or Treating,

everyone headed back to the house to get ready...

Tanner was so proud of his costume.

ANOTHER HAYRIDE !?!?! Yay!


Daddy let the lil guitar drive some on our way
to the Neighborhood Party.

Getting tired...

But we still need to Trick or Treat.

So we only hit a few houses on our street before it was time to go home.

(out like a light in no time)

The End.

October Update

Lot's going on these days in Bowman world.

The Georgia Bridgemen took Grand Champion at competition TWICE this month!
Jon has worked so hard. He deserved this more than ever. Congratulations, Honey! Ya'll earned it!

right side of the field...

... aaaaand... left side.

Oh, and we bought a house. www.5349Harlow.com.

We're still unpacking and getting settled, but ahhh it feels

so good to be out of that rental and have a dishwasher again!

Tanner was bumped up to the "toddler" class Monday.

They tell me he's adjusting well. (I'm hoping there will

be less biting in this room.)

and if you decide to purchase one of these Ball Pits for your child, I would suggest an extra pack or two of balls. Can you believe that's literally what came with it? Come on now.

A Mushy Mom Post

Tanner is one year old.... jeez ... I can't get over how fast this year has flown by. And yet, it's hard to remember a year ago without him here and what my life was like then. Everyone says it. But these past four days have been....different...sad...along with reflective feelings of sheer gratefulness.

I love being a mom. I will say, I'm a much different mother than I thought I'd be, though. I thought I'd be the mom to dress her children perfectly each day with the creases and matching shoes. I thought I'd enjoy the fun, cutesy party planning. And I must confess, I used to talk about those mom's who let their babies run wild and barefoot with only a diaper on in public. I'm my mother. Ha! She never cared about those things. She spent time with us. She taught us things. She cooked. (ok. maybe not exactly like my mother) But those were the important things she spent her energy on.

I've been thinking a lot this week on my sweet baby boy and how next year will fly by just as quickly as last. I love so many things about motherhood. Here are a few.

I love:

Waking up to a six tooth grin every morning.

Chasing a naked, squealing butt down the hall.

Having jibberish conversations.

Instantly stopping the cries after shots by singing his favorite song.

Having my hair sucked at bedtime.

Feeling needed even when it hurts to leave him crying.

Teaching him words and watching his little brain at work.

Moments of reciprocated giggles when a tiny finger finds my nostril.

The expression of utter and explosive excitement when I pick him up at school.

Sloppy, open mouth kisses with a "mmmmwwoah" at the end.

A hardy belly laugh from deep down that's just contagious.

And most of all, I love how much I never knew I could love. And it's crazy to think that kind of love is only a glimpse of how our Father loves us. wow.

You would cry too if it happened to You

Happy 1st Birthday, Tanner!

We had a few meltdowns.

(Tanner's to follow)



Thoroughly enjoyed the train rides.

Racked up on some presents.

Right about here was the full on, birthday boy meltdown.

Abruptly ended party due to Monkey Park Monsoon.

(no chaos photos available)

Proceeded with cake fun at home with family.

This is the extent of his mess.

He was definitely not willing to waste any good sugar.

Bounced off walls for the next three hours while

Mommy and Daddy headed out to the bar for liquor.

To those of you who used to make fun of my "puffy paint" creations.......

I'm pleased to announce that my artwork is now being sold at Toads n' Teacups in Valdosta, Georgia. These are a few I just finished.

S.O.L.D.

Closing in three weeks...ahhh...feels good to be able to move on with our lives.
I'm no more special than any others out there who took a hit. But after wiping the tears,

Perspective: Thank you, Lord for allowing us to Borrow (from you) a little money for a short amount of time. It was never ours to begin with, but you allowed us that pleasure. Nothing gained. Nothing lost.