Our little lady!

Last night our Home Teachers came by for a visit. One of our home teachers lives down the street and our families are good friends. My kiddos are all very comfortable with him. He brought with him a new companion. A young man in our ward. He is a priest and a real nice young man. At the end of our visit and lesson, Eric called on Kimberlee to give the closing prayer. As Kimberlee got ready to begin our little lady, Olivia decided it was a good time to let a stinker fly. It was the loudest fart I've ever heard come out of her. We all started laughing including her. It was really embarrassing but funny. Anyway today I was helping her get ready for the day and I told her Olivia it just isn't polite to do that. You have to hold them in, especially when there's company. She said, "Mom I don't know how to do that. Maybe when I am 5 I will know how." That made my day! You see Olivia will be 5 in just a week and half. I hope she's right and will learn how! :)

PS: On a side note; The results are in for Zach. It is a miraculous gift to hear that his chest is perfectly clear. The enlarged lymph node is still present but the Dr. isn't too concerned because it is slight and only one lymph node is enlarged. Thanks to each of you for your prayers and faith!

This is just "SICK" and "WRONG"

So it has been awhile since I posted anything. Mainly because I have been too busy to post. I thought that after this past week I would have time to do things like blog and clean my home. Yes my home is a filthy disaster. I'm surprised that the county health inspectors haven't been called in yet. Now I have another mess on my hands instead of a nice relaxing week. I have 3 sick kids and a sick husband. I think if I hear anymore coughing my ears just might explode. It has been over a month that my kids have been sharing so freely their icky germs. I don't get that, they don't want to share what they should but have no problems sharing their yucky germs. Anyway today I finally hauled the three of them, Olivia is mysteriously well, to the pediatrician. He refilled their ashma medicine and gave Zach a steroid and then sent us to get three pictures of their lovely chests. The results are in: Kimberlee, virus of some sort; Derick, virus of some sort; Zachary, something else... We aren't really sure as of yet what that something is. The Doctor calls it a dark area on his lung looks something like a lymph node. He said he wants a CT scan to rule out lymphadenopathy. Which I guess means a lymph node infection. The imaging place wouldn't do a CT on Zach because of his age and weight. So I get to take him to the radiology dept. at Banner Desert tomorrow. I am praying it is nothing serious, but it's hard to not think the worse when you hear dark area on right lung. This would definitely explain why the past month my son hasn't been able to breathe and the fact that he is progressively getting worse. It is just sick and wrong isn't it? I wish they would get sick one at a time so I could adequately care for them. As I type this Kimberlee is serenading me with her hacking cough that sounds almost like she's going to cough out some sort of organ. I feel bad for her. Keep us in your prayers if you can. Especially little Zach tomorrow. He's not so excited about having to get an IV tomorrow.

Thanks to all of you for your kindness, generosity, and many prayers on behalf of me, and my family. This past month has been trying but much has been accomplished because of each of you. I want you all to know how much you mean to me. Much love to you all.

Benefit Sale/ Bake Sale

Benefit Garage Sale and Bake Sale

For Jeremy's Family

Saturday December 6^th at 6:00am

1704 N. Gentry Cir. Mesa, AZ 85213

East of Gilbert Rd./ South of McKellips

Jeremy George Bowles passed away on November 3rd, 2008, after a 14-year battle with Crohn’s disease.

We are hoping to help raise enough money for Sara and her 4 children to stay afloat. They have medical expenses, funeral expenses and normal day to day bills to pay.

If you have anything to donate to this sale please contact Leah Lowe 480-226-8972 or drop off any items at the Lowe Home 1704 N. Gentry Cir. Mesa, AZ 85213

When Jeremy was in High School he had a two week period of intense abdominal symptoms and discomfort. At the age of 21 he went into the hospital after a 2 month period of strait pain thinking he had appendicitis. While there they found much more. They learned that Jeremy had Crohn's disease, a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily involves the small and large intestine, but can also affect other areas of the digestive system. Crohn’s is usually found in people while in their teens or twenties. One of the most difficult potentials of Crohn’s is the element that it can create small, scattered and shallow crater-like erosions in the inner surface of the bowel. This can create scarring and stiffness that along with narrowing of the bowel, can also lead to obstruction. Now after 28 surgeries, and years of suffering through this process, Jeremy and his family are no closer to peace than when it had all began. Jeremy has had a difficult time keeping employment due to his frequent hospital stays, and this past year has been his attempt to return to the workforce when he took over as manager of Dairy Queen. This year has been what seems like one of the most challenging for the Bowles family, and Jeremy has been in and out of the hospital several times. He has been sick since summer and Sara has managed to keep things going. Unfortunately the disease, took Jeremy’s life.

Pictures of the funeral services

I finally got some pictures put on CD today so I thought I would post a few. My wonderful cousin Elisa is the photo genius and took a bizillion pictures for us. Thank you Elisa, what would we do without you???

This is the floral spray on Jeremy's casket. I love the design of airplanes, limos, and school buses throughout the arrangement. Jeremy loved these things.

Jeremy's Siblings- From left to right, Debbie Williams, James Bowles, Danny Bowles, Ben Bowles, and Leah Lowe. I love my brothers and sister! It was good to be together to support eachother. It was weird lining up for this picture Debbie and I had the boys sandwiched together and Danny made the comment that he is the "middle child now" He said, he didn't know how to be a middle child.

Our Beautiful Sara, she can smile even through her grief. I love you Sara! And as Jeremy would say, "Man Sara, you're DANG HOT!


The Pall Bearers- I love how they grabbed Jeremy's boys hand as they carried Jeremy's body. It was very tender. This is a picture of Brandon holding Uncle Ryan's hand.
Carrying Jeremy to the grave site, you can see Cameron holding Scott Richardson's hand and behind Brandon holding Ryan Jones hand. I love this picture.

Jeremy's oldest Melodee, giving her cousins a "bear"hug. Derick Lowe & Devon Owens.

Our Family at the cemetery, Dad, Mom, Debbie, James, Danny, Ben, and Leah.
Jeremy's youngest, sweet little McKenzee Lyn. Jeremy's little 3 year old princess.

The pall bearers getting ready to tie their roses on the casket. Left to right, Sam Richardson, Nate Richardson, Jake Richardson, Mike Richardson or Scott Richardson ( I can't tell which one it is), Danny Bowles, Ryan Jones, Ben Bowles, Stuart Williams, Eric Lowe, and James Bowles.

Jeremy's family, Melodee, Sara, McKenzee, Brandon, and Cameron. I am so greatful that families can be forever! Farewell my dear brother, till we meet again!

Funeral Services

Jeremy's funeral services were very comforting to me. I felt the Lord's hand around me the entire service. It was a special experience to honor my brother. I want to express my love and thanks to ALL those that have left comments, emails, cards, flowers, and prayers. We as a family have felt your love and condolences and so appreciate each of you. I will add some pictures of the program so that those that couldn't attend can see the outline.

The Morning Before

I just want to express a few feelings that I have this morning. I really didn't want to get out of bed, wishing that maybe all of us could just sleep through today and pretend that we don't have to bury our Jeremy. Last night was rather difficult for us as a family. I wonder how family gatherings will be without Jeremy present. I wonder how we will be able to support his wife Sara and their sweet children. Things like these are very hard to comprehend. My grief is heavy and I can't imagine Sara's grief, I'm sure it's more than mine.

I don't know life without Jeremy, he has always been around. It is hard to comprehend not having him to call, and laugh with. With all this said, I do know of a surety that Jeremy is in a better place. He is happy and free of pain. I would appreciate any prayers you can offer today on behalf of my family. To be able to get through our remarks and singing parts. I hope I can live my life right, following the example of my savior Jesus Christ, so that I can be with him again.

We have an account set up to help Sara meet her obligations and to help pay for funeral costs. If you feel like you can donate to this cause, we as a family would be truly grateful.

Contact National Bank of Arizona - Heber Overgaard Office
Phone:
(928) 535-4414
Account Name: Sara Bowles

For news stories on Jeremy click the following links:
The Long and Uncertain Road
The Ending of a Journey

Funeral Arrangements & Info

Jeremy's funeral will be Friday November 7th at 1:00 pm. It will be held at the Heber AZ chapel. A viewing will be held on Thursday November 6th from 6-8 pm and again on Friday morning at 11:00 am before the funeral services.

I have had lots of questions as to the cause of Jeremy's death, I feel it is easiest to just post on here a few details. Jeremy had been battling a dibilitating disease called Crohns disease for 14 years. It is a disease that eats away your intestines both large and small and can even affect other organs and stuff from the throat down. Jeremy was in constant pain and eventually his organs starting suffering because of all the stress on his body. He was in and out of hospitals and doctors did everything they knew how to do to help him. Eventually his heart also began to fail, this past week he was in the hospital with pain, and heart problems, he had a ulcer type hole in his colon and the doctors said it would heal on it's own. He was cleared to go home on Saturday and my Mom drove him to Payson where he met his wife. He was able to spend Sunday (yesterday) with his family and past away peacefully in his sleep early this morning.

Thank you all for your prayers, and your love and support. Our family feels your love, faith, and prayers. Thank you so very much!
Leah

In Loving Memory

Of Jeremy George Bowles.
To the best older brother in the world! I love and admire you Jeremy, more than you know! For over a decade now you have suffered pain and now you are free. Free from pain and struggles. For that I am grateful. I wish so badly the timing of my bronchitis didn't coincide with your past week in the hospital. How I loved to go and visit you in the hospital. Our last conversation was a few days before Halloween. You were so excited to tell me what your kids were dressing up as. Even though you were in constant pain you always found things to smile about. You were there for me in my darkest hours and I am truly grateful. There were many times I got to be with Jeremy in the hospital, never did I take any pictures. The last time I was able to visit Jeremy I told him this and so we pulled out our cell phones and snapped some pictures. We took one of us together This picture has been the background on my cell phone ever since. Jeremy's smile is contagious and even while he was in pain he was able to smile!
Oh how I love you and your sweet family. We will all sorely miss you, we will pray for Sara, Melodee, Brandon, Cameron, and Kenzee. Till we meet again my dear brother! I will miss you.

The Ultimate Trick or Treating Machine!

Eric built these little trailers to hook on his quad. They were first invented for a family Christmas party to give the kiddos rides around the church parking lot. Now they have a new and improved use. Eric drives the kids around the neighborhood to get their loot faster and without complaints. :) I think it's a very nifty deal. He inherited a few extra kids this year as he went from house to house.
This year we had a dead fairy???Tom SawyerThe Little Mermaid, (what else would she want to be???)And the worlds scariest MUMMY everIn the end we had kids ecstatic with LOADS and LOADS of cavity causing, hyperactivy boosting candy! Yeah for Mom this week.

Special Tribute

I want to take a minute and express my thanks and appreciation for my Grandma Carpenter. I was never one that people looked at and said, "wow you have quite the talents." When I entered the Young Women program in my church I began to develop certain talents. I tried my hand at several different things but always felt like I didn't quite measure up. Or probably more that I was just too big a perfectionist to have any errors. Sewing was one of these disasters. I decided I would sew and it became STRESSFUL in every sense of the word. So when I got married I talked my Grandma Carpenter into holding a painting class. You see, she is a tole painter extraordinaire. She has the skills and the know how to create anything that has to do with paint and a paintbrush. I would meet weekly with her and learned such things as, keep the paint brush straight, only load a brush at the tip (what, the whole brush isn't supposed to be covered in paint???), clean brushes thoroughly after painting, always paint the back - NO MATTER WHAT, and don't forget to sign your name on your work. It was a joy to be with my Grandma and an even greater joy to learn a talent, something I felt that I was half good at. It was a fun time each week with snacks, Cousins, Aunts, and Grandma. Thank you Grandma for sharing your talents with me. I am most grateful. Now I can decorate my home for much less, I can relieve stress, and most importantly I feel good about myself when I'm successful.
D&C Section 82:18; And all this for the benefit of the church of the living God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast unto the Lord's storehouse, to become the common property of the whole church.
“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say, "I used everything you gave me."
Here is what I have been busy doing with the "talents" I learned from Grandma!

Miss Personality and Beauty...

The Cinderella Pageant was so much fun. It was STRESSFUL (for the Mom) in every aspect but fun none the less. To see your children get up in front of complete strangers and perform is priceless. It is amazing to see my girls perform, learn to keep their composure, learn posture, modeling, respect, communication, and the likes. It was an extremely long day and night but well worth it. It was truly a self-esteem builder in every aspect of the word and I know the girls will all remember this night for the rest of their life. It was not a pageant of best dressed, or outward appearance at all. The judges were told to look at inner beauty of each girl and find those that had the sparkling Cinderella inner beauty.

First up was Partywear, in this presentation the girls had on their dresses and walked the stage, doing their modeling walk they learned. Olivia front and center right in front of the judges.Kimberlee with the other girls in her "Miss" age group.

Next was Casualwear, the girls wore a casual outfit and this time before they walked the stage they each took a turn introducing themselves to the crowd.Livie making her way to center stage. She was the first one to walk on stage in the whole pageant. She did terrific!Kim just finished introducing herself, she did great!

Last was Personality for Olivia and Talent presentation for Kim. The younger girls don't do a talent instead they get to have an onstage interview where the emcee gets to ask them questions to try and encourage them to talk about themselves. It was cute hearing the little girls tell us about themselves.Livie sitting on the park bench telling us all about what she likes to do, how much she loves Disneyland, and how she wants to be Cinderella when she grows up. Jheri is the Emcee of the night she is Olivia's clogging teacher and the owner of the dance studio where my girls dance. She does amazing things with and for these young girls! Kimberlee stole the show singing "I can hear the bells" from "Hairspray". She did a FABULOUS job! What a beautiful young woman she is! Some day I just may learn how to put an audio clip on here for you all to hear.

And now for the final part, the best part! Awards & Crowning:Olivia was crowned Cinderella Tot overall PERSONALITY! She was thrilled with her princess crown, and her sash and trophy. She is our "Cinderella"!Kimberlee was crowned Cinderella Miss overall BEAUTY. She was beautiful and she shined last night.Kimberlee & Olivia all finished and they both accomplished so much! We love our "Princesses"!

All finished, FINALLY!

Today I am thrilled to report I hung all of my pictures and decor back on the walls. I hated the mess of popcorn removal and re-texturing, but I am LOVING the new fresh look. Should have done it years ago! Here are a few pics of the finished product.Every room in our home is now free of the icky, dirty, grodie popcorn! YEAH

Cinderella Scholarship Pageant

Scottsdale Spectacular!

Friday, Oct. 17th @ 5:30pm.

Tickets are $5.00; to get yours contact Leah.

Kimberlee and Olivia will be performing in this pageant. All are invited to attend!

Popcorn, Popping?

The only popcorn left in our house is this kind:
Because I looked up at the ceiling and what did I see? Popcorn hanging on the ce-i-ling.Fall has brought me, a not so nice sur-prise. Popcorn staring right at my eyes.

And so I took a ladder and a spray bot-tle, a scraper and a strong arm that would work so sweet.

It wasn't really easy, but it seemed to be.

No more popcorn on my ce-i-ling.