La nouvelle maison de ma fille

In June, our daughter Andrea, husband Robert, and children, Jack and Ella moved into their first home. They never thought that they would be able to afford something in Los Angeles area close enough for Robert to commute to work in a reasonable amount of time, but when the economy tanked, they knew it was time to move. They purchased this home, a cute 50's bungalow in Arleta, California, not too far from the studios where Robert works. This house comes with a story. Robert and Andrea bid on some bank-owned homes without success, so they decided to send a letter and pictures of their family the next time they bid, letting the owner know how they really needed a house for their children to have a yard to play in and a place to grow. This home was being sold by the original owner, a 91 year old man who wanted the house to have the best owners. The letter did the trick. He accepted their bid.

The story continues, however. The previous owner was a widower, who went to his high school reunion and met an old girlfriend. They got married and decided to live part time in California and part-time in Roswell, New Mexico, where his new wife lived. His age being what it is, he decided the traveling was a bit much, so his house went on the market. After raising his family there it was very hard for him to let it go, as you shall see.

Come on in and take a look. Notice the interesting stained glass panels in the door which his daughter created many years ago.

Have you ever seen the show on HGTV, "If Walls could Talk?" about people who discover interesting facts about their home and the previous owners? Well, Robert and Andrea's new home "spoke" to them. As they entered they discovered sticky notes everywhere. Being young "whippersnappers", they apparently needed some information on how to take care of their new place. Here's a sampling:





This house not only came with instructions, but many items that a homeowner might need were left behind, from dishes and towels in the cupboards, to lamps, telephones, outdoor furniture, to a garage stocked with tools, and of course, the wine cabinet was full. The neighbors also welcomed them to the neighborhood with a bottle of wine. That's Hollywood. I guess, they don't have too many tee-totaling Mormons in the neighborhood.

The man who owned this home, was named Jason, but he should be nicknamed "Bob, the builder." There isn't an area (inside or out) in this house that doesn't have a cabinet, or cupboard added on somewhere. He built them all, including the kitchen cabinets. Well, it is time for the grand tour (and French lessons). Rollie took the pictures with a different kind of lens, so you are getting the version of what the house would look like to you if you were a fish.

Voici le salon:


La chambre de Jack et Ella:


La salle de bains de Jack et Ella.


La chambre de Robert et Andrea:


La cuisine: (In the closets are the washer and dryer. Next to the closets the computer desk, all built by owner.)

La salle de sejour:


Le jardin: Jack and Ella have a terrific yard to play in.
The owner left a list of all the rose bushes by name.

Le dejeuner dans le jardin! C'est "le fun."
Jack has a pool!

This little dove has moved her family in also. There are eggs in the nest that she protects while she observes the Fewkes family's activities. The basket hangs just outside the kitchen window.

Jack really didn't want to move. As Andrea would pack up his things, he would unpack everything, but with a little help from the Berenstein bears he made the transition.

Before the moving day, Jason, the owner, came over to their apartment, and brought them the floor plans of the house, layout of sprinklers, and other necessary information. Then he took a picture of them to remember the great family that is inheriting his labor of love. Over time, it will become a labor of love for Robert and Andrea. We are so happy they have a place to call home.

Nos petits-enfants

An unusual event occurred at the Bowns home in March when Ross and Shannon got married. Rollie and I had all ten of our grandchildren visiting at the same time. A real first! The visit was not long, only a couple of days, but the children had a chance to get acquainted. So,what did the cousins do in their brief visit?

It seems that Grandpa's workshop was a hit (pun intended). Courtney demonstrates the art of pounding a hole into a board, while Sami, Joseph and Ben begin their projects.

It looks like Sami has gotten the hang of it.

Megan has reached the expert level in hole making. Grandpa's drill press works great!

Jack settled for building with legos, the kind that his big cousins like to use. Looks like he is ready to move to the next level.

But all work and no play, make Jack and his cousins such dull fellows, so Uncle Robert demonstrated his skills at Ninetendo. They all seem impressed. Jeffrey seemed to be pondering his own ability to challenge his uncle. There was some time for outdoor play as well. Aunt Dre-Dre taking the nieces and nephews on a snail hunt. Yes, they found quite a few. Aubrey shared her hat specially made for her by Aunt Andrea with her Uncle Dan. Very cute!With all those people in the house, things could get a bit noisy. Ben solved that problem!Here is Sami are reading to Aunt Candice, Megan, Emily, and Ella. It looks like Emily might not be too happy that her mom is holding someone else's baby. Ella doesn't quite know what to make of the situation so she is staying safe with Aunt Candice. Here they all are: Back row, Megan, Joseph, Jeffrey, Courtney ( and baby Ella). Front row: Emily, Ben, Sami, Jack, and Aubrey. We hope it won't be too long before we can do this again!

Le mariage de mon fils

On March 14, 2009 our son Ross married Shannon Chen at a small ceremony held on the Delta King Riverboat in Sacramento. We are so happy to have Shannon as part of our family. Ross and Shannon met at the Academy of Arts in San Franciso as students in the MFA program. Both are studying to be artists (and by the way, they are extremely talented). Shannon is from Taiwan. Rollie and I would like to take a moment and share this wonderful occasion with a few pictures.

Shannon Chen and Ross Bowns, the bride and groom.

Our granddaughter, Courtney Seamons, was delighted to carry Shannon's train . Shannon's dress was beautiful.

The official ceremony. Shannon and Ross were married by our Bishop, Wayne Christy.

Shannon's parents, along with her aunts flew over from Taiwan for the special day. Here are Shanon and Ross with her mom and dad.


This picture includes Shannon's two aunts. We enjoyed a visit with Shannon's family in our home prior to leaving for the wedding. They were able to speak English well enough that we could communicate a little.

Congratulations are in order, from Karla and Courtney and Megan.

And the Fewkes; Robert, Andrea, Jack and Ella

Guess who was best man. Dan, of course. He gave a great toast to Ross and spoke for all of us when he wished them the very best. Baby Emily was happy for them, too.

These are my parents, Walt and Lauana Young, with the happy couple.

Rollie's mother, Louise Bowns, was able to make it to the wedding.


The wedding wouldn't have been complete with out Ross' longtime friends, David Nelson and David Price.Here is the entire wedding party. Along with our children, grandchildren and parents in attendance a couple of aunts and uncles showed up. In the right hand corner, kneeling is my brother Ro and his wife Benita. Just behind them is Rollie's sister Bobbie (black and white dress) and her husband, Dave Brunson. We were able to get a photo of all our children and their spouses. In front are Robert and Andrea Fewkes. From left to right, Karla and Rob Seamons, Shannon and Ross, Dan and Candice Bowns. We love these kids. They are a great bunch and it is no wonder we have such beautiful grandchildren. Thanks for joining us on this important occasion. It was wonderful!