3 Months

 We have made it to 3 months! This is when I start knowing life is going to be okay. We are gaining a routine and she is sleeping through the night!! Life is so good! Carlee is still sweet, we all can't seem to kiss, love and hug her enough. She is a joy. She is starting to laugh and just yesterday she looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. We have put her in the Bumbo a little, she needs just a bit more neck strength to really love it. One thing she does love is watching football or basketball on the couch with her dad. He finally has some company during the Jazz games and he is loving it. She had a runny nose and cough around Christmas.  I was worried she would get a fever and become a lot worse, but she didn't. Hooray! Having a baby in the winter is a lot different, but she is making it through just fine. We love you Cars, Carl or CJ!

Gavin's Birthday

Gavin's birthday was perfect for him, basketball, basketball basketball!! First the kids and I made him breakfast in bed. Preston was so excited, for Gavin to eat in bed. It was way cute. Then later that night my mom offered to watch the kids so I assumed that we would go to dinner. Well, when I got in the car Gavin had other plans... first we went to the Desert Hills game, then we went to the Burns Arena and watched Timpview vs. Lonepeak. (On the way there we went through the Burger King drive through for dinner! Yummo!) It was a night filled with basketball. Not my idea of a perfect Birthday, but it was Gavin's day not mine!  I am just glad I was able to spend the evening with him. Happy Birthday Gav, I love you so much.

Another Flood...

I can't believe I saw another 100 year flood. The first time I saw one back in 2005 I really didn't want to see another. Lucky me, I did see and hear (very distinct sound) another flood.  The pictures above are what we woke up to on Tuesday Dec. 21st. This time I think everyone was more prepared for the flood and although there was a lot of damage done it didn't seem to be as bad. It was another great reminder about preparedness, one I probably needed. It's time to go through my 72 hour kits and make sure we have what we need when disaster strikes.

Annual Baking Day

Cinnamon Rolls, Toffee, Fudge, and Carmel Popcorn were all successfully made at the our Annual Baking Day! The divinity was another story... it couldn't have had anything to do with the fact that it was pouring rain outside and the recipe specifically states, do not attempt when it is humid or even overcast! Na, I don't think that was the problem! ;) Instead of white puffy balls it looked more like blobs of Big Hunk! But, it wouldn't be baking day unless we threw something away. It was kind of like my honey candy last year! 

I loved the day,  I love the girls and I especially loved the Cinnamon Rolls! MMMmmm!!

Bowler Family Christmas Party

The Sunday before Christmas mom always holds her annual Christmas party. This year was no different. Trains were made, the Nativity was performed, and really good Chili was consumed. It is a night my kids and I look forward to every year. Gotta love tradition!

This year my mom made a quilt for everyone in the family and she gave them to us this night. It was fun to watch the kids the week before Christmas play with their blanket. They built forts with them, wrapped up and watched movies with them and slept with them each night. I can't wait to take mine to the next Sliderzz game, it's perfect! I thought it was a great idea, to give them this gift a few days early because I don't think they would have appreciated it as much on Christmas Day. Thank you mom and dad for a great night!

Gingerbread Houses

Frei Family Gingerbread making was a success once again! I am all about traditions and this is one of my favorites.  I know Christmas just wouldn't be the same unless we made Gingerbread's at Grandpa Dennis'. It is a huge mess, and a lot of work but we are getting smarter when it comes to construction. This year we hot glued all the houses together and Bradi found this little village which turned out to be the perfect size for each child to decorate. Even Addie made her very own. She was into it a lot more than I thought she would be, she gave her house a wreath, bushes, a gumball roof and even added a deer for effect! It was fun to watch her create it all on her own. (I just placed frosting where I was told!) The boys did great too! It was a fun night spent with family!

Gingerbread Train with Dad and a Concert...

Carlee had her 2 month check up on the morning that Preston was making a Gingerbread Train at school. Thank goodness Gavin was happy to go in my place and help him make this really cute train! Preston was so happy he went, he came home and told me all about it. He said "Dad even read us a story, and he was the only Dad there!" I am so thankful Gavin is so involved in our kids lives, I don't know what I would do without him. Great job boys!

The PTA had a Santa Breakfast and the 2nd Grader's were invited to sing. We all went to the school had a fun breakfast, and watched Landon sign.  He did great! Gotta love that hat! ;o)