Spears Family

New family photo

2011-10-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

Hey, Brandon commissioned a guy to do this picture for us. I think it will be our new family picture. . . What do you think? Some are obvious, but Lanae can go invisible. Sasha can produce fire, Tyler is like a batman, ninja type guy. I control the weather like storm in X men. . Sawyer can freeze someone. Coleman is super fast like Dash in Incredibles.
The other day, Tyler went to give Sawyer a kiss on his cheek, and he moved to the side and held out his hands and said, "Freeze," like his picture character. It was so funny.
Love you all. Kim

New family pics for the Rowberry's

2011-08-08T15:54:00.001-07:00

We got these taken in a park with a lake near our house. it was so fun and the girl that took them did a great job. Hope you like them. Kim

trip to Connecticut

2011-08-08T15:35:00.002-07:00

Just as the school year ended, we all packed up the van, borrowed a trailer for our van from some dear friends of ours, and headed out to Connecticut. That is where Brandon's brother Justin and sister in law Megan live. We went to a campsite that had a bunch of cabins in a circle, and then a big mess hall type building at the head. Each family got their own cabin. We had a great time. Just being together with the cousins was great. We did family games of course, a 5K run. We hung out at the beach one day. Had a talent show and testimony meeting of course. We roasted marshmallows for smoores and played games until all hours of the night. We got to meet some new nieces that were born, and we hadn't been able to meet until then. They are soo cute. O f course.
We had a great time just hanging out with our family. We all took turns cooking and cleaning. It was great to reconnect with everyone and have some time to talk and see what is going on. . . It was so good to see everyone. The hardest part was saying goodbye at the end and head home. I don't think Sawyer wore his shoes at all the whole week. And I don't think he was actually clean the whole week. Just as soon as I would wash him, he would head out to the mud pit that is supposed to be a baseball diamond, and undo all the washing that I just made him go through. Ahh the joys of camping. It took me a week to wash all the dirt out of our clothes and bedding and umbrella's and camping chairs, and everything we brought basically.
The kids had a great time. Most of the week all the girl cousins got to sleep in their own cabin together, which they thought was fabulous, and the boys got their own. True to form, the girls cabin was well kept and tidy, while the boy cabin, smelled of boys by the end. Good memories though.
When we drove out to Connecticut, we got to stop off at my sister Sabrina's house. It was so great to see her, and her cute little house and her sweet boys. We had a good time looking around her town and attending a car show that was just down the street. I am so impressed with her and how hard she is trying to be a good mom, and to do what is right. I love her husband Eric as well. When you see them together, you can just see how much they love each other. It is so sweet!
The driving out wasn't really as bad as I thought it would be! The kids all did remarkably great! We took out the middle seat of our 12 passenger van, and put a fouton mattress down, so that Brandon and I could sleep while the other one drove. We took gas shifts. We would drive the van until it ran out of gas, then would fill up and switch. So, we weren't too tired at any time. He was gracious enough to take the midnight to 5 am shift both there and back. What a man!! We had a great time.

Fun summer

2011-08-08T15:35:00.001-07:00

Trip to Europe

Ok, Ok , I know, I am not the best blogger! I realize it has been a while, and of course we have been very busy with all the kids and the stuff that we are doing.
I guess I should start at the beginning. We had a really long winter this year. It seemed like it would never end. Just when I thought that I could dream about opening the door and letting the nice fresh air in, it would snow again.. . . but we did some really fun things. So, it wasn’t all that bad. Just long.
This year is Brandon’s and My 15th year anniversary, so we decided to do something fun, and though it is in August, we decided that it would be easier on whoever took our kids for them to still be in school when we left. We decided to Go to Slovenija and Austria and The Czech republic. We went for 10 days from the middle of May until the end of May. My mom was gracious enough to come and be with the kids for us. It was so nice having them all together and in their own beds, own routines. . . It was great that my mom would come out and do that for us. Apparently there were some really good storms, and hail. So much that we had to have our shingles re-done a few weeks ago because of it.
Anyways, we stayed with some really good friends of ours, the Majc, then we went up to Salzburg where we toured through the oldest salt mines , which is what made Salzburg so rich, then went up to Prague in Czech. . . It was just amazing to see how old all the stuff is, and the grandeur of the churches, and the old castles. There was a Jewish Quarters where they made all the jews live, and there is a graveyard that has thousands of jews all squished in it from 800 to 1000 years ago. It is very cool.
We had a great time. I think the best part was having him all to myself without distractions, phones, computers or work. It was so good. We could go anywhere we wanted, do whatever we wanted, sleep in late if we wanted. It was nice not having a strict schedule for a few days.

2011-04-30T00:24:00.000-07:00

Easter Party at Nanas. We had lots of fun.

2011-01-30T12:24:00.000-08:00

We were able to get the cousins together this week. We went to a nice big park over by Nathans house. The kids played and we sat in the grass and ate lunch. I am glad that we are able to have such a large family and I hope that all of our kids can grow up to be friends. Im glad we were able to get together and would love to do it more often. From Sabrina. Here are some pics of our fun times.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T21:16:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Grandpa
and Grandma!!

You see in that first picture up on top behind grandpa is a thing that says DAD. I gave Victor that for Fathers day this year and when Grandpa saw it he thought it was the coolest thing so it sparked an idea. I researched and to my surprise the numberw worked out PERFECTLY. They have 28 grandkids, "grandpa & grandma" is 14 letters. 2 kids per letter and Wa-Laa... Over the summer we had our family reunion and ALL of the grandkids were there (ok not michael but i was able to get that one later) I was able to get all the kids I needed in the right pictures to spell out Grandpa and Grandma in the order that the grandkids were born. When it came down to it I messed up the order a little by sitting one kid on the left instead of the right but for the most part they are in order.

Grandma Picked out the frame and Grandpa cut the mats and he couldn't imagine what I would need an 6.5x35 opening for but when they opened them today they LOVED them.

Merry Christmas from us all We love you!

2010-12-22T00:04:00.000-08:00

Every year around the Holidays we all get together for what is turning out to be a pretty fun tradition for our family. Thanks to Mom and Dad. We all went and saw the movie Tangled, were the kids enjoyed popcorn and snacks. After the movie we all went to Taco Bell and took up half the restaurant for lunch. We all enjoyed seeing each other and the kids had fun running around playing with one another and with the hand puppets Nana got them. Thank you to everyone who brought gifts. Looking forward to next year...

Spears Family reunion 2010

2010-08-02T12:20:00.001-07:00

To Read all about the Spears Family reunion 2010 go HERE

All the boys born Last Year and jealous of Leo's hair!

2010-06-03T19:06:00.000-07:00

Geting together to see new babies

2010-06-03T19:01:00.000-07:00

Two boys added to our family

2010-06-03T18:56:00.000-07:00

We had two boys added to our family just a few weeks apart. On the left is Kindle and Erin's boy Chance Julian. On the right is Sabrian and Eric's baby Levi. We have another boy coming in September to Todd and Heidi. Welcome!!!

Gardening with Grandma

2010-05-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

Grandpa made some garden boxes for the kids and last week we planted all sorts of fruits and vegetables. The kids had fun planting and watering their plants and now we have fun checking on them every few days. The carrot seeds are already sprouting.

Even Bentlee and Brooke helped

Is anybody out there? Is anyone reading or looking at my blog of the Spears Family? Comment so I know. Thanks.

2010-05-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

Dr Todd helping Nana and David with vitamins

2010-04-19T15:39:00.000-07:00

Trip to the Grand Canyon

2010-04-19T15:33:00.000-07:00

Making Sugar Cookies at Grandmas house

2010-04-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

Jenna made sure Brendan and Blake measured OK

2010-04-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

Savannah kept a close eye on their neatness and then------

2010-04-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

2010-04-04T09:25:00.001-07:00

2010-04-04T09:25:00.000-07:00

Finally----Cookies to frost and add sprinkles. Such a fun day.

2010-04-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

Easter Fun 2010

2010-04-03T21:25:00.000-07:00

Playing in the bird bath...

Hanging out with Papa...

(congrats to kindle and erin who were at the hospital delivering their third)

Smiling...

Having an egg race...

now with our teeth...

Getting splattered during the egg toss...

bonding...

Balancing...

Blowing Rockets into the sky...

(and on the roof)

Thanks Brad For Hanging out to get it EVERY time...

EATING...

Lookin Good....

Tossing...

Whoa...

Crafting...

and even more playing in the bird bath...

We had Fun. Missed those of you who couldn't make it. (Kim Brandon Tyler Lanae Sasha Coleman Joshua Alia Sawyer Sabrina Eric Leo Kindle Erin Nathan Chris and Jordan)

Congrats

2010-04-03T20:55:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Kindle and Erin for the birth of their new baby boy born around 5:30 pm today. Welcome new baby Spears weighing in at 6 pounds .

Some of my grandchildren

2010-03-24T21:52:00.000-07:00

Here are 18 of those 28. This was taken in December at Jordans homecoming from his Mission to Brazil. It is really fun for me to see all of my grandchildren together, but I can't visit with them one on one at a time like this. But they sure enjoy seeing each other and playing.

Girl babies

2010-03-24T21:38:00.001-07:00

GIRLS! GIRLS! GIRLS! What is cuter in the whole wide world than baby girls?

These two girls are cousins. Brooke has a huge smile and Bentlee has the beautiful flower in her hair.

I have 28 grandchildren. That includes the three that will be born this year. If Heidi has a boy, that will make us completely even with 14 girls and 14 boys!

What a lucky Grandmother am I????

Cousins Movie Day

2009-12-24T17:06:00.000-08:00

For quite a few years now Grandma and Grandpa have decided that instead of buying all of the grandkids presents that they would take them all to a movie in theatres and then to lunch afterwards. This year we went to see The Princess and the Frog and 18 of the 25 grandkids were in attendance. (we miss you Tyler, Lanae, Sasha, Coleman, Josh, Alia and Sawyer) to have them all there was a lot of fun and we even had some dancing to the music... (gabi)

Afterwards we all went to taco bell and had lunch. you can imagine what they thought when 27 or so people showed up for lunch. we took up half of the seating area.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Only happens every 4 or 5 years...

2009-12-13T14:23:00.000-08:00

2009-12-07T09:57:00.000-08:00

Elder Jordan is home!

2009-12-06T17:39:00.000-08:00

Congratulations on a job well done. We all are so proud!

2009-07-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

Tyler is getting pretty tall now. He and I are about 10 pounds different from eachother. Ahhh Scary! Some of these pictures are from Maymont Park, some from the 4th of July and some from our trip up to DC in the Congress building and out on the national Mall. . . Fun fun.

7 months unemployed, but holding strong

2009-07-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are still unemployed! We are still holding strong though and doing fine. I remember a lesson a while ago that was talking about food storage and being self sufficient. . . the teacher said that the more of a savings you had, the better it would be for you all the way around. that has certainly rang true for us. We are not as stressed or worried. Brandon does have the time and lee way he needs to find the job that he wants. It has been a good experience for us over all. Not that I wouldn't mind us finding a good job, but we have learned a lot from this trial. Hopefully we will figure out what we are doing soon and be able to get back all of the saving we are spending. . . BUt I guess that is what it was there for. So, we are doing everything right, it will all work out.
We have been keeping busy playing with friends and going to the swimming pool. We have this fun video or tyler trying to take flight. Watch closely to his ears. It is pretty funny! Love to all. Kim

Switzerland

2009-07-05T19:56:00.000-07:00

Switzerland is full of Castles on the hills, numerous waterfalls, glaciers and trails through the Alps. I had a wonderful time on a trip with friends from our stake.

2009-06-16T22:57:00.001-07:00

Fathers' Day

2009-06-16T22:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Fathers' Day to all the men in our lives. A mans influence is far reaching. He can influence everyone around him for good, whether they are family, neighbors, co workers, the person who delivers the mail, or the bag boy at the local market. I am lucky enough to have eleven men in my family who are wonderful examples for goodness. They are my sons, sons that married my daughters, my husband and my step-father Carmen. Carmen passed away last month and as the time goes by we are missing his great influence in our family. He accepted my children and grand children as his own and loved them all.

Here are the two patriarchs of our family. David Spears and Carmen Corcimiglia. I wish all of my sons and sons in law and my Husband a Happy Fathers Day.

2009-06-10T17:19:00.000-07:00

Nathan graduated today as a FIREFIGHTER! They give him a whole two days off before he reports to work. We are very proud of him and congratulate him on his achievement. Holly has been a trooper being without him for the last 5 months during his training. Sonnet is happy she will get to see Daddy a bit more now that he has some sort of schedule. We are happy for them and wish them well.

The future "Dr Todd"

2009-06-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

After four years of school, two babies and a very patient Heidi, Todd graduated in May from Pharmacy school in Wingate, N. Carolina. We are really proud of him and want to wish him good luck in Kingman, Arizona where he will be a Pharmist at the only CVS there. They have rented a cute house and are getting use to our dry heat. A few days after moving in Ivy fell and broke both bones in her arm by her wrist. They probably weren't quite ready to look for a permanent doctor, but Ivy required them to. We hope to see them often.

My 4000 mile trip with Diane

2009-06-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

It is so worth it to get OLD! I remember the hectic days of raising 9 kids and all the chaos that goes with it. For anyone with kids no matter how many, you know the "process" of raising them is mundane, tedious, rewarding, repetitive, challenging, heartbreaking, stressful, sometimes hopeless with a bit of joy and rejoicing in there at odd times.

I remember during one of my more stressful days, I was griping about this and that and at the end of my tirade I said, "One of these days when you are all grown, you will call the house asking for MOM and I will off someplace traveling! That time has come.

In the past ten years I have been to Israel, Peru, Mexico twice, Maui, and next week to Switzerland. I love new things and new adventures and now I have the time to indulge.

The picture is of me and my best friend Diane. We spent two weeks going to:

Williamsburg VA-----------------Jamestown VA

Mt Vernon VA-------------------Washington DC

Niagra Falls NY------------------Palmyra NY

Kirtland Ohio--------------------Nauvoo ILL

Denver CO----------------------SLC

We had fun seeing all the Chruch History Sites and the History of our Country. We talked until our jaws hurt.

For those of you still raising your families, do the best job you can so you have no regrets and remember, this too shall pass. Then you will have time for yourselves.

I love you all and think of you often. Kiss those babies for me and I will see you when I get back.

Who needs Switzerland chocolate?

HMMMM?

2009-04-30T23:16:00.000-07:00

For those who may not understand the signifigance in the numbers..... Cyrus is mom and dad's 15th Grandchild, Gabi is the 20th and now...... Here comes number 25.

Yes we're expecting our baby number three. I'm due October 31.

Happy 12th Ally!

2009-04-23T16:54:00.000-07:00

Easter Parade

2009-04-21T21:48:00.001-07:00

40 YEARS

2009-03-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary to Mom and Dad! 40 years ago today they were sealed for time and all eternity in the St. George Temple. There have been over 40 people affected by that decision. We've been blessed to be born under the covenant. We've been raised in righteous ways. And we all have this great example that families are forever.

Congratulations in such a big milestone and we love you!

Cousins Blog

2009-02-27T18:50:00.000-08:00

At the request of the older cousins we made a cousins blog. Ally is very excited about it and wants to stay in touch with the cousins.

the address is http://spearscousins.blogspot.com
I will be putting a password protection on it for the safety of our kids so if you want to see it you'll have to sign in with your google account.

As of right now it's open if you want to see it. Just keep in mind it's no where near done. Hopefully I can get it done this weekend.

Rowberry's in transition

2009-02-20T07:41:00.000-08:00

Well, it has been a month since Bradon was laid off from Circuit City. He has been dilligent at going to the library and looking for jobs that he would be interested in. He as been talking to lots of recruiters and interviewing with lots of different people. So, who knows what will happen. It is funny, because everyone wants to help, even our YMCA trainer is trying to "hook him up" with someone. I so appreciate everyone for being so kind. I know that the lord will bless us and send us exactly where we need to be. In the meantime, it has been kind of fun to have Brandon home for lunch. I have been scheduling him to go to all the kids classrooms to read to them and whatever else I can squeeze in. He has been able to go with me in the mornings to work out at the YMCA, which has been fun! We have always had to either switch off kids or go on opposite days really early in the morning. It is fun just to be with him some extra time.

It is quickly becoming apparent that we won't be staying in Virginia. All of the jobs that he is finding are not here. We have almost had 4 years here, so,following our 4 year patterns , it looks as if we will be moving on. Just where to. . . . we don't know yet.

We love you all! Thanks for your prayers and blessings that you are sending our way! We feel them all! LOve, Kim

Disneyland

2009-02-17T08:18:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my In-laws we had the opportunity to head to Disneyland this past week and boy are we glad we did. The park wasn't completely packed like I am used to and I believe that we rode more rides in that one trip than ever before. The kids had a blast and so did Victor and I. People always say that 3 is the magical age and I agree. Cyrus was so excited to go but had the hardest time waiting. I now understand why greg and lisa don't tell their kids till the day of. I will be doing the same from now on.

Hope all is well. Remember its Jordan's birthday on the 27th. his email is j_spears@myldsmail.net He already wrote this morning but said he'd check again tonight and tomorrow. He usually writes tuesday mornings.

Love you all if there's any input or ideas for the blog let me know.

Jordan

2009-01-28T08:57:00.000-08:00

The Rowberry's in transition.

2009-01-21T15:20:00.000-08:00

It is official that Circuit city is now in the liquidation stage of their existence. It is really quite sad. Especially here, no one cares anymore and the customer is being really badly treated. So, I hope that elsewhere it is better. Brandon's last day of work was this last FRiday the 16th. We got the news that it was liquidating and 5 minutes later he was in a meeting where they were letting everyone go.
We do have 60 days compensation with benefits, but then after that we are on our own. It will certainly be interesting what the next few weeks and months will bring for us. We are ok though. We have been preparing for such a rainy day, and are financially secure and have our food storage to fall back on.
It is times like this that I am really glad that we headed the Prophets council and put away something for a rainy day.
We are grateful for all of your prayers and love from afar! It is certainly felt here in our home.
Maybe the next job will bring us closer to home. Who knows!
Love to all!! Kim

proud parents

2009-01-16T13:03:00.000-08:00

Dad and Mom are the proud new owners of a sleep number bed. After nearly 40 years of marriage they finally have their first brand new bed. Maybe now mom won't have to sleep with 6 different pillows and Dad's muscles can finally start to relax.

Rowberry's in transition

2009-01-13T18:06:00.000-08:00

Well, the official officials came out and said that if Circuit city doesn't get bought by someone by this friday, Jan. 16th, that it would have to file chapter 7 bankrupcy and liquidate all of it's inventory.
If it is bought.. . . There is a Mexican millionaire guy who is interested in buying it, but if not, then we will probably be the first ones to be let go. Why do you need an innovation guy when you are liquidating everything?
So, we probably won't hear anything until this friday, but anything can happen. I am actually glad that there is a date set now. It seems like we have been expecting something for the last year, and now there is a definate date that something has to happen.
Pray for us that everything will work out . . . And we will be lead to where we need to be. We love everyone!!! Kim

2008-12-27T22:04:00.000-08:00

Hi all Ginger has helped me start my own blog. Now i already forgot the address but you can find it on her blog. Once I get to know how to actually do these things I will let you all know the address. Love and Kisses form Leo Eric and Sabrina

Yeah. I finally learned.

2008-12-26T12:16:00.000-08:00

Hello all. I finally learned how to work this blog thing, and I'm so excited. I have created 2 other blogs now that I know how easy it is to post. They are gingeroviattfamily.blogspot.com and awesomesavings.blogspot.com which is my coupon blog. Yes its the same thing Savannah is doing, so it will be fun for both of us to teach you all anything you need to know. If anyone knows the more detailed elements of blogging, I'd love to learn more. HOLLY. HELP ME PLEASE. I need to learn so much still. I'm glad she's moving back to Vegas, or Henderson.
Okay. Now to the family stuff. Christian is working at the City Center project by the MGM in the middle of the strip. Its expected to open in December 2009 or they will lose a 9 billion dollar grant they accepted. Ginger is still working at Landry's Seafood House, hating it, and hoping by February, I will be a full paid instructor with Grocery Smarts, and can quit my job. I'm mostly at home though since I only end up working about 3 days a week. Taking care of the family and home. Bradley is in the 6th grade, and he thinks he's all big. He is big though. as tall as me, and bone skinny like my brothers. By next summer, he will be taller than me so he will feel big. He recieved a Rip Stick for Christmas which is what he asked Santa for. Yes they all still believe. He just today came in crying though, cuz he fell and skinned his elbow. There will be more of those before he masters the stick. Xarrissa is Miss Smarty Pants which is what she was for Halloween. She's in Student Council, Choir, and Draws for the school newspaper. She told me the other day she wants to be an Author, and wanted me to help her come up with a title for a book. We explained the process of having an idea first then writing the story, then coming up with the name, so hopefully she gets it and succedes. Risa is in the 5th grade and loves school. On their Christmas break, which they dont have to return to school till the 26th of January (track break) Risa has a goal to read about 3000 pages to beat her teachers goal of 1000 pages. Her teacher offered to the student who reads the most pages that they will recieve a fabulous prize when they return to school. I'll keep you informed as to wether she wins and what it was. Echo is in the 4th grade and is ambivalent toward school like Brad. She's getting b's and c's which arent horrible, but she has to work hard for them just like I did in school. With risa as the student who never has homework and always gets A's, they remind me of myself and Kimi (who was the smarty pants) in school. Echo and Risa got a bike from Santa and love it, since their previous bikes were 3 years old and falling apart. They are so close in age, they also share clothes, which sometimes they love and sometimes they hate. Benjamin is the clown of the family. He is always so happy and smiley. He has the best personality of them all. For Christmas he got a Nurf tommy gun, and a Cars laptop with games for learning.

We wish you all the best and hope you are enjoying your families like I'm enjoying mine. Loves to you all. Ginger

Rowberry Christmas Newsletter

2008-12-16T06:46:00.000-08:00

Visit our blog to see our video online. It is there. Kimirowberry.blogspot.com It is a dreary wet and rainy day today. I still have to figure out how to put music on my blog. Maybe I will enlist the help of some technical genious. . . .

This year for our ward christmas party, our whole family got to be the Nativity scene. It was all silent. No speaking parts with soft, instramental music in the back ground. Of course Sawyer was baby Jesus, and Brandon and I were Mary and Joseph. All of our girls were angels and Ty was King Herod and the Inn Keeper. Josh was a donkey and Coleman was a shephard. We had the help of two other families for it. It turned out very nice!! Then of course we all got to see Santa! WHoo hoo. What fun! Love to all. Kimi

New Venture

2008-12-08T21:42:00.000-08:00

So if you've looked at my blog at all you've seen that I've gotten in to the coupon clipping. It's amazing how much can be saved with just a little extra preparation before going to the store.

I'm so excited about it that I am going to become a representative and start teaching classes. If anyone is interested and I can teach you how. I have succeeded in cutting my grocery bill in half, and sometimes more. I've also added a blog to the list it will become my coupon blog if you're interested or know anyone who is let them know and I can do a class for free.

Christmas 2008

2008-11-30T06:29:00.000-08:00

Family News: Heidi and I have accepted a job at CVS pharmacy in Kingman AZ starting as soon as I graduate and pass the National licensing exam. CVS is supposed to be building a brand new store that will open in Kingman around October 2009 so after graduation we will probably move to Lake Havasu so I can start familiarizing myself with Arizona pharmacy law. We have already started the process of going through our stuff, selling items we haven’t used in a while, and packing up items that we won’t use but want to keep. We will have to decide when to put our house on the market and how to best make the 2000 mile journey back west.

Scarlett Spears

Scarlett (left) Ivy (right)
Scarlett (Red bow)

Ivy (White bow)

Ivy Spears

The girls are doing very well here in North Carolina. They love their nursery class and have started learning their ABC's. They started stringing words together recently and are very clever at making sentences out of their limited vocabulary. One of my favorite expressions that they say is during the song “pop goes the weasel” where they instead say “Pop goes the doggie”. Sometimes it is difficult to mediate between the two because they always want to do the same thing at the same time, but overall they have been fun to watch grow.

karaoke

2008-09-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

We got a CD with some videos and pics from Jordan. I'm going to post one here and I'm in the process of putting them all on youtube (jordans request) so when I get that done I'll put all of the links up to see them..

This Video is of Jordan and Elder Gamma singing karaoke. He said Most of the music the people listen to is in english

Summer and school starting

2008-09-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

School starting

Well, I finally feel like I have a little time to update on the website. We had a great summer! We had the best time with our Aunts and Cousins. I made a video that I am going to try to see if I can put on our site of the whole thing.

We spent some time on the beach, we ended up going to Busch Gardens a bunch of times. It seemed like whenever we had a free day, that is what the kids wanted to do. And who can blame them? Rides, rides ,roller coasters and fun!!

School recently started for our kids, Tyler is in 5th, Lanae in 3rd, Sasha in 2nd and Coleman in Kindegarten. Cole is so excited to pack his lunch everyday and walk with the big kids to school.

We started up Fall soccer too! Lanae and Sasha get to be on the same team this year. So we are very excited about that! Joshua also started a pre-school class about a half mile from our house. He is so excited. It is only two days a week, because he is only 3 , and everyday he asks if it is his pre-school day today. He loves it!!

I am very excited for the schedule that school gives us and the routine that it provides. I actually have started running again 3 days a week, and going to work out at the gym with some women friends 2 days a week. Brandon, Tyler and I have all decided that we need to loose 20 pounds each, so we are on a no sugar diet. So far, I have been doing great! I am not so sure about the boys. We will see in time how much it helps.. . . . . I was actually surprised that I didn't crave the sugar like I thought I would . . It isn't as bad as I thought it would be.

Other than that, life is back to normal. Brandon is still coaching the soccer teams of everyone and still working hard at Circuit CIty. I think he will be the one to pull them out of their slump. Only time will tell with that also.

We did get to go to a BYU womens soccer game last week. It was in Williamsburg. Our girls especially loved it, and got their soccer balls signed by all the players. It was a lot of fun. Love to all. Kim

Im Back!!!

2008-07-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

hey there you good look family you how´s life in the desert? one question why are you living in the desert! dont you know theres places in this world with trees. anyways just loving the life down south chillin with my feet up sippin some coke cola. haha just kidding nothing but work down here 12 hours a day 7 days a week makin the big bucks up in heaven. hope all is well my new address is ....

Elder spears
rua 18, numero 110- ed buisness center
salas 1105-1107-setor oeste
Goiânia-GO Cep: 74120-080
Brasil

Tchau, elder spears

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!

2008-07-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

Life Lessons

You may have thought we didn't see,
Or that we hadn't heard,
Life lessons that you taught to us,
But we got every word.

Perhaps you thought we missed it all,
And that we'd grow apart,
But Dad, we picked up everything,
It's written on our hearts.

Without you, Dad, we wouldn't be
The kids we are today;
You built a strong foundation
No one can take away.

We've grown up with your values,
And we're very glad we did;
So here's to you, dear father,
From your forever grateful kids.

By Joanna Fuchs

2008-07-05T12:58:00.000-07:00

To those wanting to hear about the Virginia Trip I posted my account of it on my blog and a few pictures...

Nana C

2008-06-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

Dang! this computor almost won but I was presistant and finally found how to get on here. I would have had updates but ...... Now We are finally free of the Dr's for Carmen He took his last Chemo pills on June 14 and now no more Dr's for awhile He still has to get blood test.
We have a vacation planned and will go on a cruise and land tour to Alaska on the 28 June for 12 days We are excited and hope to get some good pictures I really wanted to be home when Sabtina and Eric brought little Leo to visit but they will be home soon to stay.We do not have the parties like the rest of you have but its fun to see all the cute things the G grandchildren are doing and how they are growing and having their own personalities. They are all so cute I have a hard time keeping up would like to see them in person occasionally. Leo is number 30 GG for me.Now that we all all well perhaps we can visit youall! Thanks for all the good postings and I hope I will be able to remember how I finally got on here Love you all Nana C

# 23

2008-06-15T20:32:00.001-07:00

Number twenty three grandchild has arrived. Early this morning in the 3 o'clock hour Sabrina had her baby. Such a fun Fathers day present for Eric. Everything went well and she will probably be in the hospital until tuesday morning. Sabrina says he is almost 7 pounds and has blonde hair. Check back on tuesday or wednesday for pics. CONGRATULATIONS Brina and Eric.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL THE DAD'S AND GRANDPA'S

THE HOUSE

2008-06-10T17:25:00.001-07:00

Hey, for everyone wanting pics of the sheet rock and other progress going on in the house here's some.

2008-06-10T14:36:00.000-07:00

I do not know how t post pictures here so if you need any or want any you can just email me at sabrina.hartman@hotmail.com

2008-06-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

Eric and Sabrina

2008-06-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

We are due any day now to have this baby. Im sure you all will be the first to know when he does come. But I wanna ask everyone to pray for Eric please. He is having a rough time in the Marines rigt now. He has been trying to get out for a while now and they just dont wanna let him go. If you all could pray that he has a stress free time in the remainder of his MC career I would greatly appreciate it. Love and miss you all. Sabrina

Rowberry's getting ready for summer

2008-05-30T12:23:00.000-07:00

We are so excited for when Grandma and the Aunts and cousins come out to be with us. There is so much to do and see. It will be a blast! I have planned camping at the beach, crab fishing, laray caverns possibly. There are some falls to explore, Maymont and the Chinese gardens. There is of course Bush Gardens and Jamestown. One week won't be enough! But most of all, the blessing of sweet Sawyer. It will be a great time. Love to all. Kimi

Family Update: Todd, Heidi, Scarlett, Ivy

2008-05-11T19:28:00.000-07:00

At our house here in Wingate North Carolina we have an acre of land that is totally undeveloped. I thought it would be a good idea to clear some of the brush and found in the process that we have a lot of either poison Ivy, Oak or Sumac back there. I've never been exposed to poison ivy and can now say that it has been torture. I can't believe something could be so itchy for so long (so far it has been ten days and its still slowly going away).

The baby girls are starting to grow up fast. We've already had solicitors from older neighborhood kids asking if they can play with them. They are so sweet sometimes when they take care of their baby dolls by trying to feed them and love them, but other times they fight with each other which usually results in one being thrown to the ground.

I have been busy with my first of 9 five week rotations at Pharmerica Long term care pharmacy. We do consulting at local nursing home facilities and make medication/lab/housekeeping recommendations to the doctors/nurses/ and administrators. Its basically a 9-5 job that doesn't pay.
Love you all
Todd Heidi Scarlett Ivy

Jordan Mission Pics

2008-05-02T15:57:00.000-07:00

Sawyer Tate Rowberry is born

2008-04-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

Yea!!! On Sunday the 27th of April 2008 at 1:45 pm , Sawyer Tate Rowberry made his appearance into this world. He weighed in at 8lbs 12 1/2 ounces. 21 inches long.

I had been having contractions in the night for several nights keeping me awake and consequently making me really tired! So, I was a bit sad when I had contractions Sunday morning and then felt them fade away again as morning approached. I got up, showered and dressed for chruch, got the kids all fed and dressed for our 9 oclock service, then laid down on the couch to relax for a few minutes.

Needless to say, we called a friend that lives a few houses down who took all of our kids to church while we headed to the hospital. I tested positive for a certain type of bacteria, so needed antibiotics given to me before he was born. I went early to get the antibiotics, then was supposed to be given a second dose 4 hours later, still before he was born. So, the doctors tried to slow down my labor as much as possible. . . I did go 4 hours. They got the second dose in me, and 15 minutes later he was born. WHew!

When he was born, the cord was wrapped around his neck. The doctor tried to pull it over his head, but had to quickly cut the cord right next to his neck and pull him out! He was a bluish blackish color and unresponsive. They put him on my chest and started to vigourously rub him and wiggle him and stimulate him. They then brought him over to the warmer and sucked all the stuff out of his nose and throat. After about 20 seconds I heard a little cry and knew that he was breathing.

He did have fluid in his lungs though that had to be sucked out, and he was in the NICU for about 5 hours. Then they had to keep us at the hospital a little bit longer just to make sure that he was ok. Thank goodness for good Doctors and nurses that are quick on their feet!!

He has black hair, like all the rest. I think he looks a lot like Joshua, but we will have to see. They always change so much those first few weeks.

I wish that I could have been there for all of the parties and baby showers. It sounds like everyone had a great time. Sabrina, you will be such a good mom!! We love you all! Kimi

Eventful Weekend

2008-04-27T22:17:00.000-07:00

Well It's been a busy weekend for the family. On Friday we had Gabi's Birthday party, then Saturday was Sabrina's baby shower, then the barbeque at the park after, then Sunday we had stake conference and we are now in a new stake... And Kim had her 7th baby..... Following the pattern should be a boy. Her Nathan and YES it is a Boy.

So we'll start with the party. I'm in to pictures more so there will be a lot of those...

FRIDAY

Gabrielle had her 1st birthday Princess Party She actually kept her birthday headband on the whole time and liked being the princess. She hasn't been exposed to much sugar so she Loved her cake. Her normal bedtime is 8pm if not earlier and she was up and playing and dancing all around till 10 from the sugar rush. At least she was happy. Thanks to Sabrina and her awesome camera we got a lot of good pictures. Here's a few.

One of my Friends gave Gabi some bubbles and that fueled the after party. The kids had so much fun with the bubbles. Blake was definately the cutest when it came to blowing them...

SATURDAY

Saturday was Sabrina's baby shower and I made another cake (Gabi's the night before) and mom did all of the food so we were in the kitchen all morning. I was so sick of the smell of sugar by the time I was done. If brina wants to tell more about that or the bbq she can but i'll post some pics. Again thanks Brina for taking lots of good ones and for coming to put them on my computer.

brina's bbq at the park.

What a Great Idea! Thanks Savannah!

2008-04-17T09:49:00.000-07:00

Hi Family,
I have watched as our Blog has been added to and updated. I love this avenue to keep our family informed and up to date on our lives. I have always been afraid that when dad and I are gone that you all will drift apart. Everyones lives are so busy and it is impossible at times to get to see each other. The Blog is a wonderful way to keep everyone informed.
Dad is busy with the Geneological library on Tuesdays and Temple on Fridays. The rest of the time I keep him busy making frames for me. He is part of the Hepatitis fiasco, but his blood work came back negative. We have to redo it again in 6 months since he was one of the last few to get proceedures before everything was shut down.
I am busy with my business. It is a slow time for us with weddings/bouquets/framing, so I have taken advantage to READ. I love to read anything I can get my hands on.
Jordan is doing well. I will forward any of his emails to everyone when I get them.
Remember to check the Birthday and Anniversary lists this month and give each a call to let them know you are thinking about them.
Love you all

2008-04-16T21:24:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody, I hope all is well.
I need to keep this short because it is past my bed time and I have a power point presentation on multiple sclerosis tomorrow. This week has been a particularly busy week with school due to rotations and last minute lectures before the final exam week. After next week I will no longer have to sit through lectures or study for tests. I start my first fourth year rotatioin on May 5th and in another year I will be eligible for the national licencing exam. As for Scarlett and Ivy they haven't been helping me with my studying time. Yesterday Scarlett had her first febrile seizure exactly 3 months to the day that her sister Ivy had one. Since we were now "experts" at how a febrile seizure works we weren't nervous this time around. Since our primary care doctors office was closed we had to go to the ER and after a chest X-ray, blood work, urinalysis, and lumbar punture, all they could find was she definantly had a fever for some unknown reason. Of course we didn't get out of there until midnight but they are doing well today. Heidi is doing well due to the fact that as the babies get more independent her job gets a little bit easier. She still spends her little free time going to the gym, painting, and doing crafts. Finally, one last pseudo exciting health concern from our house is that I had a positive TB test as part of an anual screening at school. I had to go to the health departments tuberculosis clinic to get a chest X-ray to see if I indeed had tuberculosis but the chest X-ray came back negative (weird). I guess I have sensitive skin, but once you test positive you will always test postitive so at least I wont have to get stuck by that TB needle anymore.
Anyway if anyone is in the neighborhood you always have a place to stay.
Love you all
Todd, Heidi, Scarlett, Ivy

2008-04-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

Hi we hope you enjoyed the general conference as much as we did So grateful for tv and to have it broadcast.
We are almost back to normal here Carmen is done with radaition and will be with chemo soon we will see the Dr. on the 21. He is enjoying home more now that he thinks he will not be going back to work at Carefree footwear. He especially likes to stay in bed later and not have to hurry off to someplace but he still does his business with the Shoe Lab opening accounts. I kinda like that as it gets me out to the malls.
Bryan is still at City Center I told him he just may retire from that place as they get a few floors done then the Co. decides to tear out the bathroom tile or the wall paper or toilet and last week they tore out tile on about 15 floors and that means taking off the sinks and sometimes the toilets. That intails about 100 rooms per floor,who cares how those contractors spend their money as long as it provises jobs for the plumbers.We found the hive for the bees that have made the backyard home for several years Its in the block wall and last weekend the hive swarmed but actually they just divided the hive and there are still bees there but Bryan has a plan for them this weekend.
I did not know that i did so much piddling around each day until that privilage was taken from me and I had to become a chauffeur for Carmen I miss being home alone and doing what I want to but who knows I may come up with a whole new career. until then Nana

The Rowberry's are finally getting on the ball

2008-04-07T06:45:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Ok , so it has taken me a little while longer to get things going here than normal. We had a great weekend over Conference. Brandon, His Dad and Lanae and Sasha did our annual 10k here in Richmond. That is 6.2 miles of running. The girls did great!! They practiced a little bit, but not the whole 6 miles, so we were a little nervous how they would do. They did fabulous!!

Lanae and Sasha were in the top 10 for their age group. They would have been faster, had they not waited for Grandpa to catch up. He was quite a bit slower.

Actually, Brandon said that Sasha was out in front passing everyone for a long time, and he had to leave Lanae and Grandpa to run up and catch her and made her wait for everyone else. He said that everyone was giving them 5's as they ran. They were the smallest on the course. There were a few that were a little chagrined that a little 6 year old was running circles around them.

We also had our traditional belly pictures. I will include some of them.. I am due on the 28th of this month. On ly 21 more days!! WHaooo hooooo! But who is counting? Just pray that I am not late and go into May! Please!!!!! I am dying here!!

We are also excited for when all the girls get to come and stay with us for a week! I am planning a lot of really fun things , like camping on the beach and crab fishing. There is always Maymont park and the Japanese gardens. Tons of history!! And amusement parks. We will have to see how it all works out.

Otherwise things are same ol same ol! In a few weeks Tyler will be playing the piano and Lanae on the violin as the rest of the family sings in church. They are way excited for that. Lanae has a play coming up where she is a bunny. The title is "Nuts" we will take some video and put it on the site. Ty is involved in baseball this season and Coleman, Sasha and Lanae are in Soccer. Brandon is the coach for Lanae's team and assistant coach f or Coleman. Sasha's coach is our neighbor always a fun time!! Tyler just recently got a guitar for his birthday and is excited to learn some cords !

AS for Brandon and I . He is very involved in the turn around hopefully of Circuit City!! And I involved with the kids!~ That is such a full time job!. I actually have been on a nesting rampaige. I re-tiled my bathroom and the upstairs hall bathroom. I faux painted my bedroom and the down stairs bathroom. Painted my bathroom and got new countertops for the kitchen. I am presently putting in a backsplash in my kitchen. I have to finish it before this new baby comes, or it won't get done!!

Ok, this has been longer than I thought it would be! lOve to all!! It is so good to see pictures and postings of how everyone else is doing. ! Love, Kim and the Rowberry Clan!

Sonnet Stands Alone!

2008-04-06T20:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, so we're not as cool as Gabi yet, but we are standing up on our own! :) Check out Sonnet's blog for video of her new mad skills...
http://sonnetcentral.blogspot.com

Eric and Sabrina

2008-04-04T12:27:00.001-07:00

are doing alright. Because of Erics health issues and the Marine Corps, they are probably letting him out in July. Which I am very happy about. The military life is alot harder and stressful than I ever imagined it to be. Our baby boy is due June 22nd. and I was planning on having a C-section because of my blood disorder but now the doctors are saying that I can deliver naturally and will not be doing it c-section. Please pray that I dont pass along my bad health to my son. Im just scared now and getting use to the idea of naturally. I had anticipated a c-section from day one so Im nervous. Eric will get 10 days maternity leave. And hopefully soon after will be free and clear to be a civilian again. He cant wait to grow out his hair and grow a beard if he wanted without it being illegal. I miss you all so much. I cant wait to be there the 26th for my baby shower. I hope you all can come and your kids are invited if they want to see me. I love you all and thanks Savannah and Mom for handing out invitations.

2008-04-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

Good News

2008-04-02T12:08:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone Its been 146 days since Carmen was operated on for Colon Cancer and today Dr Ghandi told him that his blood count is almost normal and will get better as time goes by and he will not have to have the intervenous treatments he had planned for him. So you can imagine the joy Carmen and I felt as we left that office today It has changed Carmens attitude tremendously the last few hours. No more radiation either.I was getting on his case about getting out and walking again and he would not go but today he said "now that I know I am better I will walk" The Dr's will not give patients a false sense of hope by telling them anything until they are sure the treatments are working and that has been frustrating for us BUTnow we are on the up side of this heinous disease and the thing we are most grateful for is the prayers that have been offered in his behalf because we know that those prayers were heard and answered by our Heavenly Father I will not even ask for that beautiful white hair to return but will be happy with the black hair thats there and getting thicker every day. He has not had a hair cut since mid September 2007. We thank each and everyone of you for the prayers and phone calls and gifts that were given, Carmen will be on Chemo until mid summer but that has been a cake walk for him as he has had no side affectsNow to find a solution for "Cabin Fever" and get his mind filled with good stuff again is my goal. We hope that all of you will enjoy good health and not have to experience anything as severe as this disease can be. We love each of you and we plan to have a great summer and find a place to get away to and enjoy a vacation soon. Love to All Carmen and Jean

Easter Pics and Big News From Gabi

2008-04-01T09:26:00.000-07:00

I finally got my pictures on to the computer so here's a few from easter at Nana's house.

ALSO

Gabi Took her first steps on March 15 at 11 months old. She got a little scared because we all screamed with excitement so she didnt try again for a couple of days. Now she's taking off all over the place. It's such an exciting time!

From the Oviatts Home

2008-03-31T11:00:00.000-07:00

Hi all. Everyones doing good in our neck of the woods. Kids are in school at the Explore Knowledge Academy, and enjoying it. Ben goes to daycare when I work, and he's making friends. Ginger works at the Venetian, and Chris works at the Wynn. Right next door on the strip. Chris loves what he does, which I'm so gratefull for.
Thank you Savannah for creating this, Hopefully we all start to post something on a regular basis.

We love you all, and hope to see you soon. When is the next family reunion?

Breaking the Silence...

2008-03-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

Hi Family!
Thanks to Savannah for setting this up! I think it's a great way to communicate. I also think it'll be really helpful to have the important dates listed over on the side like that. I expect a card on my birthday! Ha ha! :)
We're pretty good at updating Sonnet's blog, so I'll probably just direct you over there whenever we post something interesting rather than write here and there. The link is posted over on the side for easy access! Yay! :)
Anyways, I just wanted to say hello and to encourage everyone to contribute to the blog! Look at our family embracing the technological age! I'm so proud! :)
We're glad to here that Carmen is feeling better and I can't wait to hear about the babies on the way! Hope everyone is well and had a Happy Easter!
Love,
Holly (and Nate and Sonnet too!)

Welcome to the blog

2008-03-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone. I'd like to try and keep this as up to date as we can. If something fun happens in your life or the kids do something silly feel free to write us about it. If we haven't heard from someone in a while i'll send a reminder to let us know how you're doing. Lets keep it clean and nice. I have the power to delete any post so lets keep it fun. If you have any trouble feel free to email your post to me and i'll post it for you. Love you all and hope to hear from you soon :)