Cliff, Laurie and Chica

Sunsets on the Beach of Florida to Blizzard in Maryland

2010-02-09T21:39:00.009-05:00

It's hard to believe that last week at this time I was enjoying walking on the beach in Naples, Florida, enjoying the sunsets and cruising around the everglades and ocean. It was a nice break from the cold and snowy winter that we have had in Maryland. We arrived back home the day the blizzard hit. While it is beautiful to see all this white, white snow, it is not so fun having to shovel it. We got over 30" this last run on Friday and Saturday and it took Saturday and Sunday to shovel out of our driveway. Today, it started snowing again and we are expected to get another 12 - 20" by the end of tomorrow. It is around 9:30 p.m. and I just went out to shovel the first round of snow. It is beautiful outside....so bright, the snow falling and so very, very quiet. This is when I love the snow. I shoveled about 3" and I can barely throw the snow over the mounds that are already there....can't wait till tomorrow when we get the worse of it.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T23:20:00.002-05:00

Cliff was feeling good so we went to a New Year's party at some friends home and had a wonderful time. Cliff is off to a great start with his new hip and we have a new year to look forward to. You never know what life will bring....who new that we would be going from empty nesters to raising our 2 year old granddaughter last year. I decided not to make any New Year's resolutions this year, the first time ever! We had our traditional New Year's dinner to help us be healthier, wealthier and wiser in the New Year.....Corned beef, cabbage, and black eyed peas (which we all love). Chris, Ameerah and Trey were there and we were joined by some friends playing games to all hours of the evening. A good way to spend New Years....the only thing that would be better would be to have all our family and friends here with us. We wish you all a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

New York City with the Girls

2010-01-04T23:14:00.006-05:00

It was fun to start out December by going to NYC with a bunch of friends. We took the train (some the bus) and spent the day shopping, eating, looking at the lights and windows. A fun time was had by all!

The Holidays

2010-01-04T22:32:00.016-05:00

We were blessed to have JD,Shauna and Bo visit us over Thanksgiving. We went to Pennsylvania to spend Thanksgiving day with my sister's (Lisa) family and really enjoyed it. We took JD and his family to DC to see the National tree, which was from Arizona this year, and to the Temple to see the lights. It is a great way to start out the holidays. Shauna and Bo stayed an extra week and I got to spend alot of time with them. I love being around my kids and grandkids!

Cliff had hip replacement surgery so we didn't go anywhere for Christmas. We are lucky to have Chris, Ameerah and Trey living in MD so we spent it with them. It was fun to see Ariana and Trey enjoy all their presents and get excited for Santa. We got a huge snowstorm the weekend before Christmas so we made a snowman and the kids loved doing that. Christmas Eve we made reindeer food and spread it around the front yard for the reindeer and made cookies for Santa....he must of really liked them because they were gone!

Cliff's Hip Replacement Surgery

2010-01-04T22:27:00.002-05:00

Cliff had hip replacement surgery December 15. It is amazing how fast they can get up and walk. He was operated on on a Tuesday and was out of the hospital on Thursday walking up and down stairs. He is doing really well, the home therapist said he was doing better than normal and now he starts physical therapy. Although the doctor said he will probably be out of work until March (because of concern with blood clots and he travels alot) Cliff is hoping to be back by the end of January. He's off to a great start!

We Now Have Guardianship of Ariana!!

2009-11-05T21:54:00.003-05:00

We are very excited, we were granted guardianship of Ariana today.

Want to Buy a House? GREAT NEWS!

2009-11-05T21:46:00.002-05:00

Congress has extended and expanded the homebuyer tax credit. Please click on the link to see the breakdown. You don't have to be a 1st time homebuyer to take advantage of this.
http://www.realtor.org/fedistrk.nsf/files/government_affairs_tax_credit_ext_chart_110409.pdf/$FILE/government_affairs_tax_credit_ext_chart_110409.pdf

Go A Team - Deep Creek 2009

2009-09-28T19:53:00.000-04:00

Chris, Ameerah, Trey and Alexa

2009-09-28T19:45:00.000-04:00

CLIENT APPRECIATION PARTY

2009-09-28T18:55:00.002-04:00

This year for our Client Appreciation party we did an interactive "Sound of Music". It was alot of fun and always great to see past and current clients. I made Cliff get dressed for the occasion... what a good sport! Ariana and Trey were "when the bee stings....when the dog bites"! Cute! :)

Alexa and Ariana in Jackson Hole

2009-09-28T18:52:00.000-04:00

Aunts and Uncles at Bowen Reunion

2009-09-28T18:51:00.000-04:00

Alexa

2009-09-28T18:48:00.000-04:00

Deep Creek 2009

2009-09-28T18:46:00.000-04:00

Ariana

2009-09-28T18:41:00.000-04:00

Nieces Weekend in Kaysville

2009-09-28T18:36:00.000-04:00

Baby Bo

2009-09-28T18:34:00.000-04:00

Mom's 70th Birthday

2009-09-28T18:32:00.000-04:00

Malad Hot Mamas - Friends from High School

2009-09-28T18:28:00.000-04:00

Jeff, Gayle, Cliff and Laurie in Amsterdam - 2009

2009-09-28T18:22:00.001-04:00

CATCHING UP

2009-09-28T17:36:00.003-04:00

Okay, so I am not doing so good keeping up with what is going on. Here is what has happened since April 1, 2009. Cliff is still traveling a lot for work. Real estate business has been better than last year and I have been very busy keeping up with my clients. Gotta love it!!! We've learned that just when you think things are going smooth in your life, something can come along and change things. One thing I learned along time ago is that "Change is good, change is your friend". Keep reading and you will find out why!!

Cliff and I got to go on another cruise, this time it was the "Tulip Time" cruise. We went to Amsterdam, all through the Netherlands and Belgium. We went with alot of family members and good friends and had a great time. I do love the river cruises!!! Can't wait for the next one.....at least, I hope I can go on another one!

We were blessed with another grandson this year so I took a few trips to Phoenix for baby shower, the birth and went back to help for a little bit and then went back out for the blessing of Thayne Bowen Barker or "Bo" for short. What a blessing he is to all of us. We can't wait to see him again for Thanksgiving!!! I was able to see our granddaughter Alexa while I was there too and she is getting so big and beautiful. They sure grow up fast. Of course our other grandson Trey lives here so we get to see him often and love every minute of it. Being a grandparent is the BEST thing ever!

I went to Idaho a few times too. The Bowen reunion is always over Memorial Weekend and I never miss it. There is always well over 100 relatives that come for that. I love being around family...can you tell!! Then we were back there to have a Hayden Reunion and celebrate my mom's 70th birthday and there were 41 of our immediate family there. It was great to see alot of my mom's friends from high school and all the family. We all went to Island Park, Yellowstone and then Cliff, Ariana and I all went to Jackson. So much FUN!!!! If that wasn't enough, I went back for the Bowens' Nieces Weekend which is always a blast and we had over 31 cousins and aunts there. It is great that all the family loves to get together so often....and oh, what a crazy bunch!! Since I was already out there I called some of my high school girl friends and we had a couple of sleepovers, where we ate,laughed and talked all night long.

In May, we were blessed to have our granddaughter, Ariana, come to live with us. She just turned 2 in July and has certainly livened up our lives. Never a dull moment here. Just when I thought that we were finally empty nesters and enjoying every minute of it, life had a way of surprising us. I am not going to lie and say that it has been easy and fun, it has taken me a while to get use to having a 2 year old around again and I have had to change the way I do things and what I do. I'm finally settling in and enjoying it though. Thank goodness for Emily, who came over the summer to babysit while I worked and tried to get use to all of this. Ariana is the most adorable and smart little girl and is certainly a blessing to everyone she comes in contact with. We have rearranged our house to make a room for her....just finished it and I must say that it is adorable. She absolutely loves her new room and loves playing in it. She loves to go to her babysitters, church and never misses blessing the food and saying her prayers at night. She is a good example to me...who would have thought it!! We just pray that we can keep up with her! :)

We went to Deep Creek, MD with a bunch of our friends. We try to go somewhere together every year. They are wonderful friends and we all get along so well. The weather was great and we had a beautiful home right on the lake and looking at the ski resort. The kids had a great time tubing and boating and we enjoyed just being there, sitting outside watching the activities. It was very relaxing.

Cliff's brother, Stan came to visit and they hung out with Ariana all weekend while I was at my Nieces Weekend. They must have had a blast. Ariana keeps talking about Uncle Stan and I think Uncle Stan fell in love with her too!

I think this brings us up to date! Hopefully I will get better at this.

Real Estate Picking Up?

2009-04-01T06:46:00.002-04:00

This has been a crazy 3 weeks in the real estate business! Is it just the spring rush or are things really turning around? Who really knows the answer to that....all I know is that I have been extremely busy and loving every minute of it. Interest rates are at an all time low, housing prices have dropped and first-time home buyers or anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last 3 years can receive an $8,000 credit if they purchase before December 1,2009. I'm seeing multiple offers on properties again (nothing like at the peak of the market)....there are great deals out there so if you or someone you know is looking to buy have them contact me (but not until after April 13), they don't want to wait until everyone else is buying.

Phoenix....Here I come!

2009-03-10T23:10:00.004-04:00

After our wonderful ski trip, Cliff flew back home and I drove to Phoenix with JD ,Chris and Brandon. I love being with my boys and there is nothing like and 8 hour drive for a great bonding experience! I only got to be in Phoenix for one day so didn't get to see many people but I did get spend some time with my granddaughter, Alexa, who just turned 4 and I got to see Shauna and the little bundle of joy that she is carrying (our 4th grandchild. Alexa is a beautiful little girl and full of energy. JD and Shauna have a very nice home and I fell in love with their dog, Roxy.

Skiing in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

2009-03-10T22:53:00.008-04:00

We met my mom and dad; brother, Jeff, and his family Gayle, Olivia, Gabby and Hannah; Gayle's brother and his family; JD and Chris and Chris' friend Brandon in Pagosa Springs for a fun weekend of skiing. It was great company, beautiful scenery, and couldn't ask for better weather, the skies were blue, sun was out, snow on the ground and the temperature was in the 50s and high 60s. Who could ask for more!!! The skiing was GREAT, we all had a wonderful time and no one got injured. The only bad thing was that all good things come to an end!

Visit with The Lewis Family

2009-03-10T22:35:00.003-04:00

Cliff and I got to spend a little time (and I mean a very little time) with Cliff's niece, Traci and her beautiful family, Dan, Madi and Jenson. Traci is Cliff's brother (who passed away last year), Glenn's, daughter. It was so good to see them and catch up on what the family was doing. Madi and Jenson were just toddlers the last time we saw them so it was fun to hear what they are up to. We flew in to Albuquerque on our way to Pagosa Springs to go skiing and since we got in so late, we spent the night and got to see them before they left to surprise Phil for his birthday in Phoenix. We hope they come out to visit us sometime soon!!!!

ReMax 100 takes a Ski Trip

2009-02-22T16:16:00.004-05:00

A group of co-workers at ReMax 100 decided to take a ski trip to Liberty Mountain in Pennsylvania. To tell you the truth, I've only heard bad things about skiing on the east coast.....ice skiing and short runs! I love skiing but I don't like to fall down so therefore, I'm a cautious skier. Ice skiing was a little scarry for me but, it was a great chance to get to know some of the people in my office that I don't get to see much. I'm all for trying new things and was very glad that I went. It was a cold day but the sun was shining and the skies were blue. Our first run up the mountain I got quite a chuckle looking down (while on the chair lift) and seeing nothing but rocks and grass.....where is the snow? We saw the snow machines working hard and sure enough, on the top there it was....SNOW! It certainly isn't skiing like I know it, because I've only skied out West, but all in all... it wasn't bad. It didn't take long to get down the hill and there wasn't any lines to get on the chair lift. Some of my co-workers were kind enough to hang with me while I tested the snow on the green runs a few times and then we went to the back side of the mountain where the snow and the runs were much better. It was a GREAT day! I hear that the conditions aren't always as good as they were that day... we were lucky not to have too much ice on the slopes. All in all, if I want to go skiing and I can't get out West, I would certainly do it again!

Myrtle Beach Marathon - WE DID IT!!!

2009-02-16T22:21:00.008-05:00

Ninon, Debra, Lisa and I have all been anxiously awaiting the Myrtle Beach Marathon. This was the first marathon for all but Lisa (who actually runs and has done 4 before). We decided to break into this easy and signed up to walk the half-marathon. We drove 8 hours on Friday to get there....great company and it was a nice drive. Got there just in time to get registered and pick up our packets, have a really late dinner and get to bed.

Just to give you a little background of why this is a big deal for me, Ninon and I were walking last week, the day of the "melting ice" and I somehow hurt my knee only 3 miles into the walk, probably not the smartest thing, but I continued to walk another 6 miles on this hurt knee because I wanted to get that longer walk in before the half-marathon. I let the knee heal the rest of the week and it felt pretty good the day of the marathon. I took my knee brace but felt that I could probably do it without it....big mistake!

The marathon started at 6:30 a.m. on February 14, Valentine's Day, and we were all excited for the race. The crowds were huge, I think I heard around 6,000 people and we all started at the same time, the runners and walkers, the half-marathoners and the marathoners, so it was a bit of a bottle neck at the beginning. We decided that we would at least run across the starting line and the finish line....just to say we ran a little :). We get about 3 miles into it and Lisa and Debra get the itch to pick up the pace. I didn't want to put more stress on my knee so I stayed back and Ninon, being the good friend that she is, decided to stay behind with me. It was soon after that that my knee gave out. I had to walk another 2 miles before I could find a first aid station to wrap my knee. The Dr. told me the wrap probably wouldn't help but I was determined to continue. We walked about 1/2 mile and I had to call Cliff to bring me my knee brace...by the time he found where we were (we didn't stop walking) it was another 2miles. The knee brace helped alot so we continued but not at the fastest pace. It was fun to have everyone on the sidelines cheer us on and I certainly wasn't going to stop after coming all that way. Since we had our cell phones, we found out that Lisa decided to run after about mile 4 and Debra continued her fast pace walk and found a nice family to walk with. Lisa made it in 2:46 hours, Debra in 3:20 and Ninon and I in 3:46 with still around 100 people behind us. I feel pretty good that 1, I finished and 2, I wasn't last!!! YEAH!!!! It started raining the last 3/4 of a mile so we were soaking wet, cold and by the time the race ended, my knee was killing me but I was still smiling and glad I could mark one more thing off my Bucket List.

Our husbands took us out for breakfast, shopping at the outlet mall and to a nice restaurant for dinner then we went back to the condo to play games. We had a wonderful Valentine's Day and one we will never forget! After we all went to church on Sunday, we drove the 8 hours back home. Next time, we will have to go a day or two early so we can see Myrtle Beach!

I can see how people get addicted to the marathons. We are already planning our next one!

Sounds of Ice Melting

2009-02-12T19:44:00.005-05:00

Have you ever listened to the sound of ice melting on a lake? Ninon and I were taking our walk around Centennial Lake on Monday, it was around 8:30 a.m., it was really cold but the sun was coming up and getting more intense, the skies were blue, and it was going to be a beautiful day. That's when we heard the strangest noise. At first I thought something fell in the lake but we didn't see anything so we continued to walk. Then we heard another noise, almost like a long screeching sound....I thought maybe it was some kind of bird but we couldn't think of what bird would make that kind of noise. The noises continued, there we were hypnotized by the icy wonder of the lake. The sound was nothing that I have ever heard before....almost like an electrical boing echoing under the water that was followed by strange pulses and crackling. That is when we realized that what we were hearing was the sound of the lake melting. As we watched the shoreline, we could see that it was the sound of the ice breaking up. It was a magical moment and probably one I'll never hear again. Who would have ever thought the sound of ice melting could be magical, but it was! The lake was very crowded that day and we could see people all around the lake stop and try to figure out what the sound was. I hope I have the opportunity to hear that again!

A Whirlwind Trip to Utah!

2009-02-03T19:24:00.016-05:00

The whole purpose of going to Utah was to attend the Miche Bag Conference... the nice thing about having family there is we always have many more people to see and places to go. Lisa went out on Wednesday and I arrived on Thursday. I got into town and we immediately went to see our Uncle Bob who has been very sick and in the hospital for over a month now. It was great to see both him and my Aunt Ruth and to see for myself that he is doing better. They are very special people and I love to visit them when I can. After we left there, we went to my cousin's(Peggy) house so we could meet up and go to dinner with her, Dixie and my Aunt Kathalee. She lives in a beautiful home that overlooks Bountiful and the valley. The sunset was beautiful as we stood on the back balcony and looked down into the valley. I wish I could have gotten a good picture.....they were all blurry!!! We went to a place called Iggy's for dinner, where they had big screen TV's and I got to see JD on TV at the Sun's game. We got to our hotel late and got up early to head to the conference.

Friday was the first day of the conference. It was a wonderful conference, very informative, they have a lot of new products coming on and have developed systems to make our lives easier. They took us to dinner at "The Roof" restaurant which overlooks the Salt Lake Temple and that was a beautiful site....the dinner was really good too!! The conference finished up early on Saturday afternoon. We were going to go skiing but both Lisa and I got a little stomach bug the night before and didn't dare! Besides that, we had alot of people to see. Lisa's daughter, Emily, is going to school at BYU so we went to Provo to pick her up and then met my other sister, Amber, and her family at the grand opening of a new bakery called "Sweet Tooth Fairy" (it was featured on Rachel Ray's show). I blew my diet and had to taste almost everything they had......very good!!! Another friend, Ruth, met us there too! I think we took up the whole store.

Sunday we went to the blessing of my Nephew's (Kyle) son. Morrison is sooooo cute and such a good baby. The blessing was at a spanish branch and we didn't understand a word they were speaking but it was a very special day. I even sang the hymns in Spanish! I think most of the congregation was family! Amber's parents were very kind to invite us to dinner with all the family and we spent a wonderful afternoon visiting.

The Superbowl came on and we still had alot to do so we saw a little of the first quarter and then headed for the hospital again to see Uncle Bob where we watched until half time. There were more of his family there so we got to visit a little with more family members....I love big families!! As soon as half time came on we left to drive to Springville to see Lisa's brother-in-law and I got to see a little more of the game. Only 8 minutes left when we left. I wish I could have seen the whole thing, it was an exciting game....the Cardinals did GREAT!!!! We took Emily back to Provo and headed back to our hotel in SL. It was an exhausting weekend but tons of fun! Everytime I go out there, I want to move back. The mountains are amazing and were so beautiful with all the snow on them.

Shoveling then shoveling some more!!!

2009-01-28T12:43:00.004-05:00

Normally, this wouldn't be any big deal. We only got an inch of snow! Yesterday, before my whole hair fiasco, I shoveled that beautiful dry snow off the sidewalks and the driveway and enjoyed it. The snow was a nice change from the ugly dry cold weather we have been having BUT then came the sleet and rain and then it snowed a little more. I woke up to a half inch of solid ice on my driveway and sidewalks. I took Chica outside and realized that my beautiful snow was frozen solid and we were sliding all over so I decided that I had better get back out there and shovel some more! My back and shoulders already ache from yesterday......great exercise! I managed to get half the driveway cleared and all the sidewalks (don't want anyone falling on my property....ouch!) I ache all over and now would like a good massage. It never fails, when Cliff is gone, the snow and ice comes!!! We are suppose to get more rain this afternoon and then it will freeze again tonight.....tomorrow I may have to pay someone to clear it for me!!

The Hair Dilema

2009-01-27T23:25:00.003-05:00

Last week I had an appointment to get my hair done but got so busy at work (yea!!!) that I had to cancel it. No worry, I can get another appointment for next week... right!!! Well, as my life goes, I have decided at the last minute to go to SLC on Thursday and called to get that appointment. The receptionist set it for today (so I thought).....the weather was bad so I called to confirm and they said to come in. I go in and they tell me my appointment is for tomorrow......I can't go tomorrow because I have meetings all day. So I ask, what is a girl to do? I remember some of my friends telling me to try their hairdresser so I call to try to get an appointment and that shop is closing early because of the weather.....hmmmmm. I stop by Ulta hoping they will take a walk in but they let all their people go home early. I decide to go to good ole JC Penneys Hair Salon in the mall because they have to stay open until the mall closes (rain, shine, snow, sleet).....brave huh!!! There was one hairdresser left in the salon and she said she would be glad to do my hair. I was getting a little nervous after sitting in the chair and we were having a hard time communicating but I let her go ahead. A lesson learned........I saved myself $50 and I really like both the color and the cut. I guess I have found a new hairdresser!!!!

Cardinals to the Superbowl!!!

2009-01-18T23:10:00.005-05:00

It was an exciting evening to watch football. We were really hoping that the Cardinals would be playing the Ravens at the Superbowl. It would have made for an interesting game! We are very glad that the Cardinals are finally going and we won't even have to decide who we want to win, it's the CARDINALS all the way.

When I was in economic development in Phoenix, I got to work with the group that brought the Cardinals to Phoenix and then was one of the volunteer leaders to help with the first Superbowl in Phoenix. It was very exciting to be part of all that and now we get to see them actually play in the Superbowl!!!! GO CARDINALS!

We were watching the Ravens game with great anticipation....also hoping that they would pull it off and we would have two teams going. Oh well, you can't have it all!

President-Elect Obama in Baltimore!!

2009-01-18T20:02:00.006-05:00

Being part of history!!!! Saturday President-Elect Obama took a train from Philadelphia to Washington DC with stops in Delaware (to pick up Vice President-Elect Biden) and Baltimore. It was one of the coldest days we have had since we have lived here and there were huge crowds all along the train route. Great up close and personal pictures.....don't you think!!! And to think that I was able to stay warm, watch all the great events and take these wonderful pictures all from the warmth of my own home!

She's showing!!!!

2009-01-18T19:27:00.004-05:00

Shauna and Roxy

Shauna and JD are expecting their first child in June!! You couldn't tell she was pregnant when she was here at Christmas but the proof is here......they are hoping to find out the sex on Monday. That will make 3 grandchildren in Phoenix and us clear back here in Maryland!!

Ryan On Special Assignment!!

2009-01-18T19:11:00.005-05:00

Ryan is on special assignment to the Grand Canyon. His company is removing an iron ore mine from the side of the canyon and he is one of the guys that repels down to remove it. This is the type of thing that makes parents go gray before their time!!! Apparently, there is sacred Indian ground below, where this mine is, and they can't let anything (including screws, nuts etc.) fall on this sacred ground. There is snow on the ground and is very cold......it's dangerous work but we hear that Ryan is really enjoying it.

We are looking forward to hearing from him and all about his adventure!

Brrrrrrrr!!

2009-01-14T17:43:00.009-05:00

WINTERS IN PAGOSA SPRINGS!!!

Now this is what winter should look like!!!!! There is nothing worse than having bitter cold weather and have NO snow. At least if there is snow on the ground, it looks nice and for some reason, I feel warmer. We enjoy going outside and playing in the snow or driving around and seeing how beautiful the trees and ground look with the snow glistening. As it is now, I'm cold and don't want to go outside for any reason. Oh to be back in Pagosa Springs right now!!!! These pictures are taken from previous winters in Pagosa...we sure miss it.

To top off the cold weather, we had a power outage in our neighborhood today. I came home from having a nice lunch with Karen all ready to settle in to a nice warm house, drink hot chocolate (sugar free, of course) and get some work done but walk in to a cold house and no electricity to fix hot chocolate! I cleaned for a while and then felt sorry for Chica so decided we would go for a ride to get warm. The power was out for about 4 hours and the temp in the house got down to 45! It's all good now though, Chica and I are doing well and settling in for nice warm evening!!

As I was talking to Cliff this morning, he informed me that he woke up to NO hot water in his hotel. He had meetings to get to and had to have a COLD shower.....that'll get you going in the morning!

I'm sure tomorrow will be a better day for both of us even though the weather says it is only going to be in the single digits...BRRRRRRRR. Hopefully all you in the warmer climate enjoy your warmth and those of you in the snow are appreciating its beauty. I'll be thinking of you! :)

Cruise Director Again!!!

2009-01-13T21:58:00.006-05:00

We have certainly been blessed to have some wonderful opportunities, we get to go on another river cruise (thanks to my sister-in-law, Gayle, THANK YOU!). This time it is the "Tulip Time" cruise and will go from Amsterdam to Arnhem-Dordrect. Antwerp, Belgium. Ghent. Middelburg, Hollard-Veere-Delta Works. Rotterdam. and back to Amsterdam-Volendam and Edam.

I have been very busy getting everyone lined up to go, so far we have 10 rooms booked....I think I missed my calling, I should have been a cruise director because I sure enjoy planning and making sure everyone has fun! Something to look forward to when it is so cold and dreary outside!

This will mark one more thing off my bucket list.....before long I will have to add more to it!

JD's a Star!

2009-01-10T09:20:00.004-05:00

Three of our kids and two granchildren (Ryan, JD, Julie, Ariana and Alexa) live in Phoenix so we don't get to see them as often as we would like. It is always a treat when we can see even a glimpse of them!

JD was at the Suns vs. Mavericks game last night and right behind the Suns bench there he was, all decked out in his Orange and Purple!!! The game was on so late on the east coast that I fell asleep during it, but I caught quite a few glimpses of JD during the game. It is alot more fun to watch a game when you know someone there...:):) JD would be proud that I did look up the score and the Suns won 128 to 100. GO SUNS and GO JD!!!! (Couldn't find a picture with a Suns shirt)

Sleepover with Trey!

2009-01-10T09:05:00.004-05:00

We love our grandkids, the only problem is only one of them live close enough to see often. Thank goodness for Trey!!!! Chris and Ameerah went to see the play "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" on Thursday (Ameerah's friend is a dancer in it) and went out afterwards with Ameerah's friend so Cliff and I got to have Trey all night.

He is 13 months and such a happy boy. He is always smiling and exploring even when he isn't feeling very good. Since I already had dinner plans, Cliff got to spend the first 1 1/2 hours alone with him. Trey loves his Pops, they are always teasing each other. Cliff has a way with his grandkids.....he is always teasing them and they like to tease him back. When I got home Cliff was fixing him a bottle so I didn't get to play much with him. He got up a couple times during the night (I think mainly because of his stuffy nose) and I got to hold and comfort him. Nothing better than having a baby in your arms and getting those big kisses!!!

Walking the Mall!

2009-01-07T17:22:00.003-05:00

Maryland has so many beautiful parks to walk, run and bike around and I love to get out and enjoy the great outdoors but sometimes the weather just doesn't cooperate!! Many of you know that Ninon and I have been walking and training for a half marathon in Myrtle Beach. (Don't get excited, we are walking it!) Well, she has been in Utah (her daughter is having a baby)and that has left me without a walking partner. I don't like walking around the park by myself but decided that I better continue our training or I will be sorry come marathon time. So, today (mainly because it has been raining and cold) I decided to walk the mall...there is always alot of people around and plenty of things to see so I don't get bored. It reminded me of when I lived in Phoenix and my girlfriend, Larett, and I use to go and then afterwards would treat ourselves to a diet root beer at A&W. Things I have learned from walking the mall.....NEVER TAKE MONEY WITH YOU!!!!! There seems to be alot of things that I would like to buy and the Cinnabons smell soooooo good!! I was sure glad that I didn't bring money with me this morning :) :)

Ninon, Debra and Lisa, I sure hope you are training, it is coming up on us fast and I am really looking forward to it! It sounds like my parents are going to come cheer us on (or just to see if we can really do it?)

Off to a Good Start!!!

2009-01-05T16:47:00.006-05:00

JD and Shauna left to go home before the new year. It was sure fun having them here and we are excited about our new grandbaby that is due in June! While they were here we saw Marley and Me. It was a great movie but we all bawled like babies. After they left, I got the 24 hour flu and spent all Monday in bed sicker than a dog! So far it is just myself, Trey and Chris that has got it from Maryland. Then it was back to reality....we had to take down all the decorations and clean out the garage, and do laundry and clean the house. Of course we fit in our usual movies and games with friends and babysitting Trey!

Cliff and I decided to take a road trip to Lancaster, PA to exchange some presents and put the GPS on direct route (gotta love those GPS's)......it took us through the back country and it was beautiful. We got to see the Amish out working on their farms with horse drawn plows and spreading fertilizer. It seems like such a comforting life...I always think it would be fun to live like that and not have the hustle and bustle that we put ourselves through!

I started taking a geneology class at church and am excited to find out more about Cliff's family. I can see how this gets to be addicting. I have found info back to his great grandparents so far and looking forward to continuing.

We're trying to get organized so that this year will be a more productive and prosperous year for us... We are looking forward to a better year!!

REFLECTIONS.....OUR YEARLY NEWSLETTER

2009-01-03T11:55:00.005-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! This past year just flew by....of course, it seems the older you get the faster time goes by! We were blessed with so many wonderful things this past year and were very busy.

Cliff is always busy at work, he is a workaholic and is always traveling up and down the east coast with a couple side trips to corporate offices in Scottsdale (an added benefit because he can see the kids and old friends.) He loves his job but is always glad to be home. His weekends are always taken up with working in the yard and doing the things that need to get done around the house. I still love doing real estate...the first of the year I was busy and like most other businesses things slowed down a bit toward the end, because of the economy, so I took up a part time sales job selling Miche handbags and really enjoy that too! I am very active in church as the Enrichment Counselor for Relief Society. We both enjoy the many dinners, movies and game nights with our friends, sightseeing (yes, still), taking drives to see the beautiful scenery, golfing when we can and going to Orioles and National games! Chica (our Chihuahua) scared us by getting bronchitis and then found out she has a heart murmur but is doing much better now. Ryan is still living in Avondale, AZ. JD married Shauna in the San Diego Temple this year and they live in Phoenix, AZ. Andy married Chelsea in Monterey, CA and that is where they are currently living. Jennifer lived with us for the first part of the year and then moved to Monterey to live with her mother. Julie lives in Chandler, AZ. Chris and his family, Ameerah and Trey, live in Columbia, MD. We get to see them often and babysit every once in a while. It is so much fun being grandparents….. Besides Trey, Chris has a daughter, Alexa that lives in Phoenix; Julie has a daughter, Ariana and JD and Shauna are expecting their first child in June 2009. We are growing!!!!!

We really enjoy it when family and friends come to visit. My sister, Lisa and her family, live close by and visit often or we visit them. Some of our other visitors included: Julie and Ariana, my Mom and Dad, JD and Shauna, my sister Jacqui with her family and their exchange student, Hannah, Stan (Cliff's brother), Teri Taggart (my brother-in-law's sister) with daughter and friend, Alexa, Andy and Chelsea, and Jennifer and Ariana. We love to tour everyone around our area. We live in such a wonderful spot to see all the historical places. We are so close to DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, NY...it is GREAT!!!

Every year I say that I am going to stay home more but opportunities come up and I get to go visit all my family and friends. I still love to travel, last year I went to Dallas to visit my parents and sisters, Jacqui and Leslie and their families; Malad, ID for our annual Bowen Family Reunion, which our family was in charge of this year; McCall, ID to visit some very good friends…it is a beautiful area and had a lot of fun; San Diego for JD and Shauna's wedding…beautiful day for a wedding and they were on top of the world. The San Diego Temple is beautiful and I went with Shauna’s family to Sea World, it was a great weekend; Branson,MO for a vacation with my parents, brother (Jeff), sister (Leslie) and their families; and Eden, UT for my annual Nieces Weekend which I always look forward to seeing all my aunts and cousins. Cliff and I both went to Costa Rica with Cliff's company for a conference (beautiful place and alot of fun). Cliff worked most of the time and I got to play and enjoy the area. Pebble Tec always does an excellent job with their conferences and makes sure we all enjoy the area. We joined my parents, Jacqui’s family, Lisa’s family and Chris’ family in Orlando, FL to go to Disney World. I decided at this stage in my life, I like Epcot Center better than Disney World but sure had a great time at both places. Then, in October, we went on a European river cruise from Paris to Prague with a group of friends… way too much fun was had there!!! Great friends, beautiful scenery and you can’t beat the accommodations! We both love Europe and can’t wait to go back.

Cliff's brother, Glenn, passed away, which was a big loss. He was such a jokester and always so thoughtful and loving. Cliff and his brothers got together every year to play golf and have fun but Glenn hasn’t been well for the last few years so he wasn’t able to play with Cliff and Stan. We will all miss Glenn deeply. Stan came to Maryland for their weekend of fun and golf and got me to start playing again. Cliff and Stan sure have a good time when they are together!!!

Holidays are when we really like to spend time with our family. We spent Thanksgiving and Christmas in Maryland. My parents, Chris and his family, and Lisa and her family were here for Thanksgiving. I love when we all get together, no matter how old I am, I always learn something new from my parents and grateful for every minute we spend together. Mom, Dad and I went to Williamsburg while they were here and really enjoyed that area, can’t wait to go back when it is warmer! Mom, Lisa and I managed to still do our traditional Black Friday shopping. Christmas was suppose to be with all of Laurie's immediate family but it just didn't work out this year so Lisa's family, JD's family, and Chris' family all got together and was very grateful for our friends for allowing us to use their farmhouse to celebrate. It was a beautiful setting and gave us plenty of room to move around!! We all missed not being around the rest of the family but we had a wonderful Christmas. Christmas Eve we invited 8 other families to join us and had a wonderful time. New Years Eve we spent dining with friends and then playing games until the we celebrated the New Year!!!

Blogging? Who would have guessed!

2008-12-30T21:49:00.002-05:00

I have heard so much about blogging over the past few years but never had the desire to do it until JD and Shauna were here and talked about their blog. We use to write a monthly newsletter to bring everyone up to speed on what we were doing but this seems so much easier! Anyone have any advice on the dos and don'ts, please let us know!