So God Made A Farmer....

Last weekend we visited our family farm. My husband helped my dad put wood into the barn, my kids ran and screamed their hearts out, we all got a little sun, fired some of our firearms and enjoyed some fresh air.

As Paul Harvey said, "So God made a farmer..."I need somebody with arms strong enough to wrestle a calf and yet gentle enough to deliver his own grandchild"

Our four year old (Sean) shouted, "I'M A FARMER!" Thinking he was helping Daddy and Papa move the wood from the trailer to the barn and fixing the hay baler.

Yes, son. You are. Because being a farmer isn't in having the same last name that is tied to the land, but having put in the work. THAT is what ties you to the land. Being a farmer is in his blood. I am a proud farmer's daughter and, if he so chooses, a proud mother of a farmer.

To quote Paul Harvey, "Somebody who'd bale a family together with the soft strong bonds of sharing, who would laugh and then sigh, and then reply, with smiling eyes, when his son says he wants to spend his life 'doing what dad does.'"

So God made a farmer.

Edit...Their Great Grandmother would be proud.

Bowman For Waukee

As many of you know, I am running for the Waukee School Board. If you live in the Waukee School District, I hope I can count on your vote on September 10th.

Today, I have released my list of endorsements. Endorsements you ask? Yes.

I know some may think "it's only a school board race. Why have endorsements?"

To me, it's not "only a school board race." It's the future of our children and our society.

You can read my endorsements below. 

August 27, 2013 

For Immediate Release

Contact Sarah Bowman

Bowman For School Board Announces Endorsements

Waukee, Iowa- Sarah Bowman, Candidate for Waukee School Board has been endorsed by Community Leaders and Parents in the Waukee School District. “I am overwhelmed by the encouragement and support of my neighbors, fellow parents, members of Church and community leaders in the Waukee School District,” Bowman said. 

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Sarah Bowman for quite a few years. I’ve watched her drive, determination, work ethic and dedication to her children. Sarah would be an asset to the Waukee School Board.” –Chris Hagenow, State Representative

“Sarah Bowman would be a great addition to the Waukee School Board. She has four boys under the age of 8 and is fully invested in their education. I believe that she is the face of Waukee, a young and informed mother. I plan on voting for Sarah Bowman on September 10^th.” –Chad Airhart, Dallas County Recorder

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Sarah Bowman for the last 11 years and I’ve met her four children. She is a dedicated mother and citizen. She would be a great addition to the Waukee School Board.” –Becky Beach

“I want to publicly endorse Sarah Bowman for Waukee School Board. Sarah’s motives for running are in the right place. She loves her kids and cares for the future. With Sarah sitting on the Waukee School Board, I know my own children’s education will be taken seriously. The school will be held accountable for fiscal responsibility. I will vote for Sarah Bowman on September 10^th.” –Shane Blanchard, Waukee City Councilman

“I’ve been impressed with the work Sarah has done for her community. I know she’ll focus on making sure the district provides high quality education and keep students’ best interests at heart. “ Charles Schneider, State Senator 

“I wholeheartedly endorse Sarah Bowman for Waukee School Board. Sarah will bring both her intellect and her common sense to every decision needing to be made. Our school systems need great leaders and great advocates for children and family. I am endorsing Sarah as a decisive leader and a committed wife and mother.” –Jeff Mullen, Pastor, Point of Grace Church in Waukee and Father of two in the Waukee School District

“Sarah Bowman understands what the Waukee School district needs. She has four boys under the age of 8, she’s a hard worker and dedicated to her commitments. The Waukee School District would benefit from her education, life experience and work ethic.” Rob Taylor, State Representative

 “I’ve known Sarah for 12 years and watched her grow from a young professional and popular blogger to an impassioned mom of 4 boys, who, like all of us, wants a top quality educational experience not only for her children, but all children in the Waukee School District! Sarah is a researcher, communicator and implementer and will bring and encourage the best of ideas and solutions to the Waukee School District. –Cathy Sorensen, Mom of 2, hopeful Grandma of many!

***

I Am Me.

The best part about knowing me, political or not, is when I say I am going to do something, I do it.

I had a child out of wedlock (being pro-life).

I stayed true to my vows when my husband was serving in Iraq.

I saved a barn.

I teach Faith Formation because I believe that children should be exposed to the love of Jesus. 

I try to save taxpayers money by exposing fraud.

I hunt ghosts, because I believe all spirits should face their final destination.

I nurse(d) all of my kids from birth until they self wean.

What you see is what you get.

Love me or hate me, I am real.

First Day, Last Day, First Grade

I can't believe it. I'm a mom of a second grader. When did that happen? It seems just yesterday I was 10 days overdue and going to the hospital to be induced. At that point, I thought I was going to be pregnant with William (Liam) forever.

He just finished his last day of first grade. He has made me so proud already. He was my rock, my buddy, my friend, when he was only 1.5 when Daddy deployed. He grew up, faster than any 2 year old should have to during that year.

He made an impression on his preschool teacher, so much so, that she and I are still friends on Facebook.

He voluntarily participated in a Science Fair last year AND this year.

He earned more "golden tickets" for going above and beyond in his classroom than I can count.

He loves his Faith Formation classes and can't wait for next year when he receives the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion.

He's a great big brother and handles change well. Including the arrival of three younger brothers.

He is such a good kid. He is so smart, so funny, so clever.

But in Second Grade? How? When?

I tried to pick out clothing that he would fit into so we could have "bookend" pictures for the first day and the last day. As you can imagine, his first day was busy, because after we put him on the bus, we dropped his younger brothers off at Grandma's house and welcomed Baby Harry that afternoon.

As kids do, his shorts no longer fit, his shoes no longer fit, but his shirt does.

I can't believe how he's grown, how much has changed in our family, in just one school year.

It was rather bright that morning. Next year I'll try to get a picture without the little brothers.

Last day. New shorts, new shoes...but my, how he's grown.

Monday, Monday...

It's a Monday. While I was nursing Harry, B and I were watching "Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood".  Sean was getting dressed.

Suddenly, B was tapping my arm. I looked over at him, he had tears streaming down his face and I could tell he was choking.

I put Harry in the bouncer and grabbed B (in one "mom swoop"). I gave B the Heimlich and smacked his back. He puked all over the floor and a penny came up. Thank goodness for my lifeguard training!!

While I was tending to B, calling Ma'am (my mom) and making him drink water to see if his throat was sore, Sean went out into the garage. I went to see what he was doing, and as soon as I opened the door, I hear, "I so, so, sorry."

Yep. Pee. In the garage. Again. This is the second time he's felt the urge to pee in the garage. I asked him why he did it and he said, "I don't know, Mommy. I so, so sorry."

One choking, one peeing...all before 11 AM.

Garfield was so spot on... 

But at least it is over with, right??

My Expectations of President Obama

Obama won a second term. While I'm not pleased with the results, it is what it is. That being said, as an American citizen, I'd like to lay out my expectations for President Obama.

1. Transparency. We were promised a transparent Obama Administration in 2008 and we don't have it. I'd like to see the transparency we were promised.

2. A budget. I expect our Country to have a budget, just as every American family must have. President Obama, please call Harry Reid and get this done.

3. The truth of what happened in Libya. The election is over and you don't need to sugar coat anything anymore. Please, just be honest with the American people and tell us what really happened in Libya.

4. Replace Eric Holder as Attorney General. This is pretty self explanatory.

5. Cut the deficit. President Obama, you promised to cut the deficit in half back in 2008. Our National debt has increased to 16 trillion. And when I say cut the deficit, I mean the deficit amount you promised to cut in half back in 2008, not the one you just inherited from...well, yourself.

6. Respect the American public...not just those who voted for you. Please, respect ALL Americans.

7. Go to your meetings. This really shouldn't be that hard and shouldn't have to be said....but I guess it does. 

8. And last but not least, UPHOLD AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION, don't try to wiggle your way around it. We have a great system in place.

These are the expectations I have off of the top of my head after a long night watching results. You've just inherited a big mess from yourself. Get a mop and roll up your sleeves. And please, cut back on the rounds of golf.

Why I'm Voting For Romney...

Yes, during the Iowa Caucus I was a Santorum supporter. But here are the reasons I'm voting for Romney.

I'm getting really tired of people pegging me as an anti-woman's rights, all about the bottom line, Conservative.

So I care about babies. I believe that life begins at conception.

So I believe that people should be responsible for their decisions, it's how I was raised. I was raised Catholic and we're raising our boys Catholic. Even though my husband and I skewed from our faith by conceiving Liam before we were married, there was no discussion of abortion. We both knew we were going to be parents. And almost 7 years later, I couldn't imagine my life without him.

So I think that people should live within their means, again how I was raised. I drive a van that's 19 years old but you know what? It's paid for. It runs. It gets me and my boys from point A to point B. Our "new" car, the 2005 Corolla is paid off. Granted, it can't fit everyone in the family anymore, it's a good to and from work vehicle for my husband....and speaking of work....

I believe in hard work. I work hard. My husband works hard. He works a lot of 12-16 hour days and provides our insurance. I'm often up at 2 AM working on articles. We work hard. Granted, we're not in the coal mines in America, but we work hard.

So I don't think people should live on the Government assistance if they can work for themselves.

I nursed all of my babies and have always given away my formula samples (from the hospital/Doctor) to my Church and woman's shelter. I've worked in a soup kitchen. I coupon like crazy and give my excess to my local food bank. I'd much rather donate out of my heart rather than "donate" out of force (taken from my paycheck).

So I have faith in our military. My husband served in Iraq and was away from me and our first born for a year. I had so many sleepless nights waiting for the call that didn't come....and I went to work and took our toddler to daycare the following day. It was tough, but I did it. Because I believed in America. In the America he was fighting for. In the change that he was bringing to the women of Iraq. They deserved the same freedoms that I enjoyed. While it would have been great to have him safe and sound in my bed, that would have been selfish of me. I'm not sure how many lives he saved while he was over there (he's a medic) but what's he has discussed, it was a few. 

So I don't believe in the Government State. I believe that Americans are a very prosperous, educated, intelligent people. I believe they are a God fearing, independent, freedom-loving people.

So I'm voting for Romney for all of those reasons and the hope that my children will know a free America, the same America I knew growing up.