A Great Loss..

They say getting phone calls in the middle of the night is a bad thing...Last night I had one of those calls.

My sweet Grandma Bowthorpe passed away peacefully in her sleep. I couldn't have asked for a better way for her to go. She has suffered so much the past few years, she fought a good fight, but last night was her time to go.




Yesterday I had the most spiritual experience. I woke up and started to do my Monday cleaning. I just could not get myself to do anymore, and I had the strongest urge to go visit my grandparents.

I took Kayler and when I got to their house they were both asleep. They had a rough night the night before, so they were really tired. My grandma didn't look good at all. Her skin was grey and pasty and she said her heart and stomach hurt. I gave her some ibuprofen, fed her some jello, and warmed up her favorite blanket and wrapped her in it. Kayler snuggled right up against her, and the 2 of them watched over 30 minutes of cartoons. It was so sweet to watch. Looking back, it is almost like Kayler knew...

When we left Kayler gave my grandma and grandpa the biggest kiss and hug, and we said goodbye. Something felt off the entire day. Yesterday was the 5 year anniversary of my Uncle Creg's death. G.J. and I took the kids to his grave last night for FHE, and the spirit there was amazing.



My mom called at around 1 a.m., and said she was gone. I guess that my grandparents had went to sleep, but the covers had fell off my Grandma. When my Grandpa went to tuck them around her, she was gone. Pretty much the whole family went to their house. I was there until 4 a.m. I tried to sleep some...but I was too upset.

I know she is in a better place. I just cry thinking of the sweet reunion she had with her parents, siblings, 2 sons, 2 granddaughters, and 1 great granddaughter. I know she is so happy, perfect, and free of pain.

What a lucky girl I was to have such a great Grandma. She will be missed greatly.

Wowzers...what a weekend

Wow. What a weekend. Can I just say I LOVE the rain. I hate wind, snow, ice, and the cold…..but I love sun, rain, and beautiful spring days. I love the smell, sound, appearance- everything about rain….but anyways, moving on.

Kayler had not been feeling well all week, actually for 2 weeks now. On Wed. I had my friends Candace and Karlee and their kids over to play. He did o.k. until the end and then was just very mean and ornery. He had a runny nose and cough and was just miserable, and so finally Friday night I decided to drag him in to the Dr. I figured they would say it was allergies, a virus…whatever. He is also getting some molars. But no, he had Strep throat…I felt so bad, poor little guy, no wonder he was ornery. So he is on an anti-biotic.]

Saturday my friend Shauna Harding and I threw a baby shower for our friend Jessica. Jessica has been my friend since Kindergarten…that is 21 years ago, that seems SO weird! After many many years of heartache and dealing with infertility issues, she is pregnant with boy/girl twins and only has a few weeks left! It turned out so good, and I am so glad we did it. She has a sweet little 5 year old named Harlee and she was so excited for every single thing her mom got, it was so cute to watch. Shauna just moved into her beautiful new home, and was so nice to let us have it there.


After that I headed to another baby shower for my friend Danielle. She is having her first. She is so cute and pregnant, and I am so excited for her too. G.J. had taken Gavin to his soccer game (which he won by the way!) and pictures, and my mom had Hallie and Kayler during all of this.

I came home and we worked fast and furious on our yards before the storm rolled in. It was so funny. I pulled the last weed, got everything set, and came inside and it literally started pouring as soon as I shut the door.

I went and signed Gavin up for T-Ball after that. G.J. and my friend Mandy’s husband Brett are going to coach…it should be fun! After signing them up, Mandy and I headed for a Pina Colada and Margarita…virgin of course…lol! We got them “to go” from Don Pedro’s…they were delicious. We paired them with nachos from 7-11 and had quite the snack.

I rushed home so G.J. could head to the temple with the YM/YW from our ward to do baptisms. Our ward has this huge family history project going on. We were supposed to find some family names to get baptized and then do endowments for them this week along with sealings. G.J. had a cousin pass away and his family are not members. He had called several weeks ago to ask permission to do his work. We thought they were going to say no, but on Thursday night his uncle called and gave the O.K. G.J. was so excited. So we got the name ready and he spent the afternoon at the temple. This Thursday we are going to finish his work.

When G.J. got home, we went to Pizza Hut. I did the smartest thing, I called ahead and ordered our food. We got there at 6:46 p.m., and were out of there at 7:02 p.m. It was absolutely wonderful. No restaurant meltdowns…in and out…that’s my kind of dining. We then went to Lowe’s to get a few things and headed home to enjoy the rain.

That night Hallie was watching the news with me. There were some pretty graphic stories….some of which included rape, sex, etc. I could see her little mind working. After she left the room, I said a prayer and felt that it was time to give her “the talk”. I know she is only 8…(9 in 5 months) but kids are learning sooner and sooner…and I wanted to be the one to tell her. I went to her room and told her EVERYTHING…and I mean everything. Puberty, sex, you name it…I told her. She sat there very quietly, eyes big, cheeks blushing, and very interested. When I was all done I asked her if she had any questions. She only said one thing…and I am STILL laughing about it. She said, “Mom, you know my boyfriend Jayden at school? Well I am going to break up with him because he has this coat that he wears every single day, and he even wears it inside, and I don’t really like that….so I am going to break up with him.”

I just laughed and thought what an innocent little girl she is, but at least now she knows. I will still have to have refresher courses in the years to come, but I am glad that is over. It wasn’t nearly as uncomfortable or embarrassing as I thought it would be. As silly as it sounds, I felt the spirit guiding me and I said things in such a manner that I really felt it was special and spiritual…if that makes sense.

Anyways, moving on. Today was church. Kayler had a HORRIBLE time…he is such a beast sometimes. Granted he still doesn’t feel the best from the strep, but he has had several doses of the anti-biotic, and the Dr. said it was o.k. to take him around people. Well, the poor nursery leaders had 27 kids today. I felt so bad for them. Kayler does NOT do well with that many kids. Well he had a little argument with another little boy and ended up scratching both of his cheeks….like bad…like blood everywhere bad. I was SO embarrassed. I went and apologized to the little boys mom.Then we just left church. G.J. fed the kids, Kayler went down for a nap, and so did I-and we both slept for a much needed 4 hours.

We woke up and went to G.J.’s parents for dinner. His mom is seriously the best cook ever. I am going to have a hard time losing weight with her back in town! We went to my parents next. It is kind of a Sunday tradition to go up there and watch America’s Funniest Videos. My kids absolutely love it!

Next we headed to our neighbors the Nielson’s. They invited us over for brownies. We looked like such a sight going over. Hallie had on a dress and cowboy boots (G.J.’s parents brought all 3 kids a pair back from AZ) Gavin was in sweats and his boots, riding Kayler’s giddy-up-n-go pony. I was in flip flops on my bike with Kayler in the basket on the back. He had his boots on the wrong feet. G.J. just walked. To top it all off, it was SNOWING…..lol. Luckily they live right next door. The brownies and ice cream were delicious. My kids were not the nicest. I always get so nervous going to other people’s houses, and tonight I was reminded why. Kids are kids…and although I would like them to sit down politely and behave, they had to run around and terrorize the place. Kayler was ornery. He usually loves babies, but he wasn’t very nice to their sweet little guy Jhett. I felt so bad. But, we had fun. It feels so good to have friends so close by to do things with.

So…my goodness, I have written a novel about the past 48 hours, but a lot has happened. I am looking forward to a good week. I have a ton going on, so stay tuned!

busy and boring all at the same time

I have had the busiest week. I think that comes with the territory of springtime, warmer weather, having kids, amongst other things.

Although I have been extremely busy, I really don't have much blog worthy things. I will work on it though! ;)

I even forgot to do my Weigh in Wednesday blog. My weight stayed exactly the same...again. I guess that is good, except I still have 10-15 lbs until my goal, so staying the same isn't helping with that any.

I always debate whether or not to post my health issues on here, nobody likes a whiner. But since everyone who reads this already knows about the whole thyroid issue...I just will. I had more blood drawn this week. I have a total body thyroid uptake scan next week. If you don't know what that is, I drink a small amount of radiation and iodine. Then I go back in 4 hours for a total body scan...it will take a long time. They are just trying to see where the radiation and iodine are gathering in my body. Then I got back the next morning for another scan. I really don't like that they have to do this. I don't like exposing my kids to radiation, no matter how small the amount it is. It is one thing to expose myself, but I just like to be safe with my kids.

This whole thyroid business is by far the most exhausting overwhelming thing I have had to go through (besides pregnancy of course!). To go a whole year with no Dr.'s listening, then I have test after test...and they all bring bad news. Oh well, there could always be something worse, so I will just try to endure and have the faith that I will be feeling much better really really soon~!

So until I find something more interesting to blog...Have a great day!

Funnies at the Searle house...

It has been crazy around here. You can tell spring is coming ….even if the weather doesn’t seem like it. We have been busy with all sorts of things, and I can hardly believe there is just over a month of school left…wow.

Anyways, I thought I would share a few funnies of the kids. It seems that with kids sometimes it is pretty low-key…nothing too exciting. Sure they make plenty of messes, throw fits, that sort of stuff. It is the super funny stuff they say and do that really make being a mom fun.

This is a picture of Kayler…doing his thing, backwards obviously. He is so dang funny. He is doing really well. We went to a BBQ tonight, and an anniversary party for some family, and he only had a few meltdowns, so it makes me happy that things are getting easier with him.



This is Gavin and his buddy Quayd. They are on the same soccer team. They had their first game this morning. Quayd made 2 goals, with Gavin to "assist"...it was so cute to watch. Gavin and Quayd are by far the biggest and oldest on their team. I think it is 6 and under…and even with Gavin being as tiny as he is, he was still a head taller than all the kids. He did great, but after his first soccer experience, he got in the car and said, “Phew…I am so glad I don’t have to do that again!” Ummm News Flash to Gavin, you have practice once a week and Games every Saturday for the next month…sorry bud!



On to Hallie…oh Hallie. Ever since she was tiny she could talk paragraphs and say the most in depth thoughts that usually are way funny. The other night when G.J. was gone, she slept with me. First she wanted to watch the news with me because she found it, “very interesting and enlightening.” Then after watching a story on the news about a college kid at the U that shot a pigeon….she burst into tears and very seriously said, “that’s it…tomorrow I am becoming a vegetarian.” O.K. another news flash to Hallie, becoming a vegetarian will not save any pigeons…sorry sweetheart.

So, that is us lately. We are happy…healthy (except for rotten allergies) and safe. Most of all we are looking forward to the nice warm weather headed our way…and more funnies to look forward too.

Surprise...for me at least!

Here are a few more pictures from the Zermatt resort. Someday when all of us are rich, find babysitters, and can get away…I want to go there again with all my friends and blog buddies.





So….here are some pictures from the “past”:



Here is my big surprise. I feel bad provoking such intrigue and interest in something that is probably quite boring to everyone but me!:

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(that last picture was at Daniel's Summit. The snow was way above my head, crazy...!)

It was time for a change. I know, I know…I shouldn’t have cut 13 inches off my hair. Everyone is always complimenting on my hair and how long it was, but it was time to have it off. I have a few reasons:
A. It was time for a change….nothing like a ponytail everyday. I have a TON of hair, and it is very naturally curly and very hard to manage
B. With the whole thyroid thing, my hair had a whole new texture…a not good texture, and it was not fun or pretty.
C. I did it for a good cause. I followed my sweet little girls example by donating it to Locks of Love.

So far I love it. It feels SO fresh and light and much more healthy. I need to get used to styling it and all, but so far so good.

I have ALWAYS wanted my hair cut by a gay man…lol. I know that is a ridiculous desire, but face it, they have much better fashion sense than most women. So I called the salon (Lunatic Fringe in Park City) and asked for a man stylist. I got Jared. He was seriously SO nice. He was honored to cut off all that hair. He made the nicest compliments, spent so much time with me. At one time I had 2 men chopping and blow drying and styling…it was great. They cut my hair with razor blades. When I was looking around the salon, I noticed that they had received best of state awards from both Elle and In Style magazines. The guy cutting my hair had received the top honors…he is practically famous! He had pictures of him with his clients from around the world that come to him when they are on vacation in Park City. I would definitely recommend him to anyone, and I think I have found me a new boyfriend……which leads me to the gay part. Ummm, he wasn’t gay. Near the end of my haircut he told me what a hard time he was having finding a girlfriend in a small ski town… lol. Then his buddy asked about their double date that night with two girls they had met…I giggled forever about that. Oh well, he seemed sort of gay!

Anyways, have a great weekend!!!

Weigh in Wednesday at the Zermatt

I bet I have a lot of disappointed readers since I didn't do my weekly weigh in blog right on Wednesday morning...j/k. I was a little sidetracked. After packing G.J. and sending him on the road last night, packing my kids, myself, getting the kids off to school, me finishing up my thyroid tests, and braving terrible road conditions...I am finally here:

The Zermatt Resort in Midway (above Heber) The only problem is that the whole place is covered in SNOW...yes, in the middle of April. It is crazy.

G.J. had a work conference, and I was able to work it out to finally join him. I spent the whole day at the spa. I have been saving my money for a few months and enjoyed the BEST massage and body scrub of my life. I also had a facial that was nice...but for some reason my cheeks are REALLY rosy...and they won't go away!

Tomorrow I am going to go shopping for some summer clothes for my kids, and baby gifts for some friends. It feels so good to be with G.J., just like the good ol' days. We ate a very nice dinner and dessert, swam in the pool, and now we are sitting here watching what WE want to on T.V. for once. We are using this as our Anniversary celebration. His work paid for the room and meals so you can't beat that! Our real anniversary date isn't until May 13th...9 years, I can't believe it!

So...now to the weigh in part lol... I stayed exactly the same. I should be very grateful for that, since I ate literally POUNDS of Easter candy!!! Hopefully next week there will be a loss.

Stay tuned...after tomorrow there is going to be a big change. No I am not pregnant (nor will I ever be again...I think we all know that by now) nor is it anything of that magnitude, but it is a big change, so stay tuned. Have a great day!

Our Goings On...

Wow, I didn’t realize it has been since last Wednesday since I blogged. A lot has happened since then. I will try to give a brief summary of our goings on.

Wednesday I spent half the night with my Grandma in the hospital. She was SO sick, and it was so hard to watch. Not to mention I didn’t get a wink of sleep. Needless to say I was so so tired the next day.

Thursday was my day to deliver dinner for dinner group. After that I had a wonderful time at the temple with G.J., my parents, and my 2 brothers and their wives. We went to dinner first and then went to the temple to do sealing’s for my dad’s grandparents, great-grandparents…and so forth. It was SO special. I just can’t even explain the wonderful feeling I had being in the temple with my whole family. It was great.

On Friday we did a lot of nothing. I have a really good long term memory, but my short term memory is shot…lol. I don’t really remember what we did. The main highlight was having our neighbors the Nielson’s over to play. We had root beer freezes and just hung out. It was so good to have company and adult conversation.

Saturday the weather really dampered our plans. So we had an indoor picnic and egg hunt. That’s all I have to say about that.

Today the kids were so excited to see that the Easter Bunny had came. They looked SO cute for church if I do say so myself! Church was wonderful...especially spiritual for me. I just love Easter and the meaning behind it. I even bore my testimony today in sacrament...it has been a very long time since I had done that and to tell you the truth it felt great. We then headed to my parents after church to go on a walk. I am just so amazed that just over 5 minutes from my parents’ house there is so much beauty. There are Indian writings, petroglyphs, cool rock creations, and a wonderful view of Vernal (see pictures below) We blew bubbles, flew kits, and played with silly string. The kids were happy, we were happy, safe, but most of all WARM!!!! Finally…I even got a tiny sunburn. After that we headed to my Grandma and Pa Bowthorpe’s house to cook dinner. The kids played outside in their fields. We enjoyed ourselves so much. The kids (besides Kayler) went to my parent’s to go “camping” in her trailer tonight. They were going to have a bubble bath, watch a movie, and make the most of the last night of their Spring Break.

I am SO happy to report that both my Grandmas are doing better. My Grandma S. is out of ICU…and has a brighter outlook. It is so strange to me how a person can go from near death…seriously VERY near death, with the Dr.’s telling us to prepare for the worst…to getting pretty much all better. My Grandma B.’s mind is doing much better this week. In fact, she is better off than I have seen her in ages. I know that it is not a long term thing, and that both of them will go through more trials before the end of their wonderful lives, but I will enjoy all the happy moments that I can get.

Anyway…I am SO looking forward to this week. G.J.’s parents are coming back from AZ, and it is so good to have them around. I go Tuesday and Wednesday for some more thyroid tests. On Wednesday I get to go with G.J. to the Zermatt Resort in Midway. I am staying until late Thursday or Friday morning…depending on how my mom does with the kids. He has to go for training, and I finally get to go. Hooray! So, until then, have a wonderful week…and enjoy the million pictures. I couldn’t pick just one!

Dying Eggs


Playing outside in the Rain


Our indoor Egg Hunt at my moms






Easter Bunny Time! Hallie looks SO excited, Gavin looks SO sleepy, and Kayler looks SO uninterested....he would rather have ridden his horse and ate the first egg he came to!







Going to Church in their Easter best!




Off we go!


Silly String Fight




Posing in the rocks



Throwing our eggs...and Hallie playing in the sand






Playing on the rocks









Pictures overlooking Dry Fork




Kite Flying-mine got the highest!




hehe...as I viewed this post, I realized I accidentally put one that is a little graphic of Kayler peeing on the rock...sorry, I am too lazy to delete it!