THe Howey Family Journey

So Long Hair

2010-06-02T16:49:00.003-07:00

So today was a busy day... Shea came over this morning and gave Loch, Brae and Ash hair cuts, we finished packing, cleaned and ran a ton of errands... By 5 o'clock I was exhausted and ready for dinner and an early night... WELL... NOT so much what was in store for us.
Ashlyn and Irelyn started opening the new DVD of Alice in Wonderland while the boys and I started putting away the groceries. As I am putting chicken in the freezer, in walks Ash "MOM, Irelyn is in the bathroom cutting her hair", "SHUT UP?" I scream as I run to the now locked bathroom and begin banging, begging for Irelyn to open up... she eventually does. In shock I stand there staring at my 3 1/2 yr old with a freshly cut mullet.
The tears start, on me, on her, and on the rest of the kids. I honestly am in SHOCK...
How could this girl who LOVES her long hair, pretends to be sleeping beauty, and begs to have 2 braids down low in her hair DO THIS????

With tears streaming down my face I did manage to snap a few pictures, expecting the laughter that will come one day when I look back on this experience.

The pile of long curly beautiful curls on the bathroom floor

Poor Irelyn, I am sure that my reaction did not help her.

Crying hysterically the whole way.... We quickly ran over to see Chad's sister Shea at work who did her best to 'fix' the situation.

I just was not prepared to say goodbye to her long soft beautiful naturally curly hair. No more braids, no more pony tails, no more fun hair styles.
The END result...

Thank goodness she is SO STINKIN CUTE... and still adorable.
Love you Irelyn.

Teacher Gifts

2010-05-28T10:08:00.006-07:00

Wilson Elementary has been our family's HOME away from HOME for many years now. Through the years we have been blessed with SO MANY wonderful, amazing, loving teachers. This year however was the LAST YEAR my children will be attending Wilson... We made the decision to attend Zaharis Elementary School next year. It is a bit further away, and has quite a different philosophy about teaching and the whole education process. One that I believe will benefit Loch, Brae and Ash immensely. So as we said goodbye to the teachers this year it was sad for many reasons. We will no longer see the smiling staff that have been so kind to us, we will no longer see the hallways or breezeways, the library and the artwork.... The dozens of children that so kindly run up to give me hugs with excitement when I walk through. While we look forward to the new memories, new friends, new kind teachers and staff... we said goodbye to a wonderful school...
The children made these Adorable flower pots for their teachers. Each one using their own creativity picking their pieces of paper that fit their personality, typing up teachers popular sayings, hand writing notes,

This was a fun project and I hope that the teachers loved them as much as I did when they were finished.
Here is the poem I put on the front of the card.

Like a SEED
planted in the soil
I have needed patience,
nurturing and toil.

YOU as my teacher,
A job done well
Have helped me grow
Anyone can surely tell.

Now these too
will grow and bloom
Hope you’ll think of me
I will come and see you soon.

One Week

2010-05-26T15:05:00.005-07:00

In one week the Howey summer adventure begins... I will be flying to TEXAS with the kids, where they will be spending the next month and a half with their grandparents having the TIME OF THEIR LIVES .... Then on Sunday I will be off to DUBLIN...

It does NOT seem real. Am I really going to be in another country.... Away from my hubby and kids??? This 'short' & quick 6 week summer session, will allow me to have the Fall 2010 semester at ASU only consist of 2 online classes... THEN I AM DONE!!! This journey to get my degree that I started back in 1995 will FINALLY be done. Granted I took a 11 year sabbatical... the past 1 1/2 years I have been working my TAIL FEATHER off to accomplish a dream, set an example for my children and prove to myself that I AM WORTH IT.
I have put myself last so many times as a mother, and while it may seem that I have been selfish taking time to work out, or going to school, etc.... I have done my best to try to keep my family first. YES things have slacked, dinners are not as often homemade (but thank heavens for Fresh N Easy), I have not been able to help in the kids classrooms as much as I would like to (but I am still a presence there and all the kids & teachers know me), Homework (mine and the kids) still gets done, Straight A's for ME and the kid-o's, Books have been read, Love has been present.
We are happy...
This summer will FLY BY, The kids will return home, new routines for the school year will be set and the memories of Ireland, and the summer spent in TX and UT will be fond ones...I am sure.
As for now....so much to do, planning, preparing, packing, cleaning, stressing... It all will get done I am sure.
The one week countdown starts tomorrow morning.

The Happenings...

2010-02-06T14:23:00.012-07:00

It is

February
already !!!

Valentines day is around the corner, I am reminded of the

LOVE and ADORATION

I have for my wonderful husband

(crazy it will be 13 years next month)

and my wonderful family

that with all the craziness can always make me smile.

----------------------------------------

Lochlin ........

is doing Soccer

and oh my goodness he is so cute out there on the field.

Maybe it is bad to say my 11 yr old son is cute,

but he is...

and I just love watching him on the field

and get excited about all the new moves he is learning.

Loch and Brae

are doing Joe Ward's Basketball Camp again,

which is a really fun because they are getting such great coaching from Joe four nights a week

as well as some quality play time with their cousins.

Braeden. . .

participated in Wilson's Spelling Bee a little bit ago

and did such a good job. I can't imagine the pressure standing on a stage up in front of the 4-6th grades having to spell a word without making any mistakes.

He was adorable and really did an amazing job.

Ashlyn . . .

is so freaking cute too.

She started playing tennis on wii sports and was enjoying it so much that she decided to take tennis lessons. She has been going two times a week and is really doing so well at picking up this sport.

Plus it has been a benefit that she has been doing it with her best friend Reagan.

Irelyn . . .

my little princess is so much fun.

I love how her personality is just growing and developing so much. She loves to have tea parties and eat tortillas and cheese almost every day for lunch, and almost is never seen without a purse full of jewelry, makeup and do-dads.

Yep, I am STILL HOPING and PRAYING I can graduate this December.

I am in school only 2 days this semester ...
BUT it is ALL day Monday and ALL day Wednesday.
Thank heavens for the help I get from Chad's Mom and Sue Gilligan.

Needless to say my days are busy with school, homework and Irelyn
and my evenings are booked with kids activities.

I have a new goal I am working for and that is getting the funding for a study abroad

in IRELAND this summer.

It would be 1 class and a 125 hour internship based in Dublin.

I would live in student housing at Shanowen Square

I will get hooked up with an internship in a field of study that goes along with my major.

Go to school every Tuesday & Thursday night and

Every weekend is a 3 day weekend.

My mom has said she would watch the kids for the 6 ½ week session.

Chad would HOPEFULLY be able to come over and visit

(maybe even take a quick trip over to Scotland to see his old tromping ground and friends)

And, now I just have to PRAY I can get a scholarship to cover my tuition and living expenses.

Keep your fingers crossed. Till next time.

-Dawn

Life

2009-10-08T15:47:00.005-07:00

I was thinking about my life and (crazy I know) my blog...
It is my journal and a document of my life.
I need to be better about writing in it.
Hopefully to have some sort of written legacy of a sort to leave my family and children.

Life has been so crazy lately, I wonder

what I am doing

adding the stress of full time school to my full time mother/wife role.
I really do LOVE what I am learning.
I enjoy reading chapter after chapter of my textbooks and reading the articles and studies from all my different classes. All of this STUFF is actually helping me
to be better at my job as a Mother/Wife....

I have learned about the different parenting styles, communication styles, verbal and nonverbal communication, the development of children esp through the important teenage years. . .

AAAHHH, I can't believe that TEENAGE YEARS are just around the corner for us.

Am I really that old???

Lochlin turns 11 next week. I swear I can remember the night I went into labor with him like it was yesterday (Chad didn't believe I was really in labor because he was 6 weeks premature... After hours of refusing back rubs, my mom and his parents finally convinced HIM we should at least check with the Dr)

It has only been what seems like a blink of the eye and I have
4 kids, and have been
married for 12 1/2 years.
Where did time go?

Am I doing enough to help my children grow up to be
KIND Loyal HONEST Generous CARING Successful ADULTS

I do know as I have gotten older I appreciate the small moments with my kids more. . . the before school hugs, the requests to read a book or watch a movie for the 100th time, the excitement when they show me good grades on tests (and even the bad ones so I can help them understand better) I love the dinner time talks, and bedtime hugs and kisses. I love my children, my husband, and love being with my family.

HOPEFULLY, Lochlin, Braeden, Ashlyn and Irelyn all know that I am trying my best to be a good mom. I want them to feel loved, feel like they can talk to me (and Chad), I want them to learn good values, and know that I support them, I want them to get a good education and I am hopefully setting an example that at any age you can finish your education.
(but it is so much easier when you are younger)

August

2009-08-26T11:09:00.006-07:00

So School Started for the kids. Can't believe Loch is in 5th Grade... (Am I really that old) Brae is in 4th Grade, and Ash is in 2nd Grade. I LOVE all the teachers and really feel like my kids are lucky to have such fabulous people around them all day teaching them.
Irelyn Started Preschool (she is going with her cousin Rexli to Mrs. Freeman) She doesn't really look happy in this picture, but she LOVES school, I am so excited for her to grow and learn this year at School as well.
My little Brother OWEN got married to the cutest girl Alyssa. They are so adorable

and It was so much fun to have all the Allen's together for a little craziness..

Chad WON a cruise at work so the morning after the wedding We took off to San Diego for a weekend cruise on the ELATION. This was a first time for both of us, and we had a blast. We wandered the ship, and all the different restaurants and shops etc.

But mostly spent tons of time doing this... NOTHING....

We met a fun couple from San Diego Andrew and Negar and enjoied two of the evenings with them.

When we docked in Ensenada, Mexico, Chad and I went for the Kayak Adventure at La Bufadora. It was so beautiful.

La Bufadora is the second largest blowhole in the world, and can shoot upwards as high as 80 feet above sea level. Waves and air are drawn into the underwater cave and the trapped air and water then explode.
We were able to get right up to it with the kayak and could feel with the swells of the waves how big the next explosion would be. FOR SURE my favorite part of the trip.

Chad and I also really enjoied the PEOPLE watching. I MEAN REALLY... Are these people serious.... This guy was wearing a vest with jean shorts. He had quite a few different vests and yes he changed them several times throughout the day to make the most of his cruise attire..

Then for the FORMAL night... he had on all white (pants and shirt) with his bright red Asian vest and cowboy hat.

OH and I must say how sexy the guys were that entered the HAIRY CHEST competition. Luckily chad and I had the best seats on the boat to watch them strut their stuff...
Well, The cruise had to end and we drove home Monday afternoon and arrived just in time for my first class at ASU Monday Night. So fun to be back into reality...

Holy Cow!!

2009-08-05T12:41:00.006-07:00

Really ... I mean it REALLY... have I not posted in 8 months... No way can I catch up. Life is crazy. We spent a FUN summer in Texas with my family.

My mom is the best ever.

I loved spending so much time with my sisters

Texas is so pretty. We went to the Botanical Gardens

Texas Beaches (ok gross lakes) Pools, Parks, Museums, Movies, etc...

We missed Chad so much the whole time we were there...

THEN

My baby Brae turned 9... I can't believe it... 9!!! He is such a stud and we did a spy party for him. The kids did a LAZER course on the playground, and went on a scavenger hunt collecting clues throughout the neighborhood all night long. Lots of sweaty stinky boys wrestling and playing... P.U. GROSS... But I think they all had a blast.

We got to babysit a cute little puppy for a week while Chad's Sister went up to Utah.. My kids were in heaven with little Dolce.

This past weekend we went to San Diego with Chad's family. It was so much fun.

The first night I was able to meet up with My dear friend Claire after the Shamu show..

Our group was HUGE... Martin, Cheryl, Tatum & David (and 6 of their 7 kids) Chad & Me (our 4 kids) Ty (his 2 kids) Paris & Mican (their 2 kids) and Shea & Josh... Seriously... We were quite the site...

We did Sea World. and Belmont Park, and Mission Beach.

It was so nice and really made me miss Hawaii.. The beach is the perfect place to be.

Now School starts next week. The Allen Crew is coming into town because Owen is getting married in a few weeks. ASU, Preschool, Gymnastics, Basketball, etc... Real Life Here we come..

Happy Fathers Day Babe

2009-06-20T18:31:00.002-07:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Daddy, We Love you

For all that you do.

we'll kiss you and hug you

'Cause we know you love us, too.

You snuggle us and love us

And always make time to play,

So smile 'cause we love you

On this Father's Day.

------

Happy Fathers Day Chad...

We sure do miss you. XOXOXO

Friends & PF Changs

2009-01-24T07:15:00.007-07:00

Several months ago I met my friend Stacey online.. Yes she knew Chad growing up, but moved away many years ago... With lots of emails and blog checking over the next several months we find out how much we have in common and I find out what an amazing person she is. Stacey decided to come down to AZ to visit her parents and run her 9th Marathon the weekend of her birthday. I FINALLY got to meet my friend Stacey and her sister Sarah at the movies last Friday night. We saw BRIDE WARS. Later that night Sarah and Stacey came over and it was so much fun to hang out with NEW FRIENDS that I felt like were my own sisters and like I have known for ever. I must say SUPERWOMAN.. She ran the FULL marathon in 3 hours and 43 min. It was her 9th one and the 2nd time she qualified for the BOSTON Marathon. Stacey is AMAZING..

It was not the FULL marathon I wanted to do, but after having a stress fracture I was glad I could do the 1/2 marathon last week.

PreRace
Jessica, Jen, Me, Amy and Rob

We had fun before the start there were 34,000 runners and we saw some funny things including 2 bumble bees and a guy shaving his nipples 5 min before starting.
At the finish line I was able to meet up with friends like Cassie Vennard

And Amy VanGieson.
But sorry girls... This is the guy I was most excited to see.. I love you Chad and I am so grateful for all the support you give me. Letting me go out for HOURS at a time to run almost every day.
And for wrestling with the 4 kids for several hours so you could all be there at the finish line.
I really love my family. I feel so blessed to have them in my life.

January Catch Up

2009-01-24T04:49:00.030-07:00

Life has been busy.. As it has with every one I am sure.. But I needed to finally update the blog...
So I begin back in December...

Lochlin has been playing the violin this year. It is so cute to see him enjoy music. This was from his first concert. He is in Orchestra with his friends Tanner, Taylor, and Walker.

Chad's family invites SANTA to come visit every Christmas. It is such a fun tradition.

The Howey Boys.. Travis, Ty, Martin, Paris, Josh, Chad, David and Spencer .

The Howey Girls. Cheryl, Dawn, Mican, Britini, Tatum, Shea.

The Howey Grandsons...
And the Howey Granddaughters... Yeah ... a little out numbered...

Santa came again to visit us at the Farnsworths. Ashlyn wrote him a note letting him know how good she has been and asking for a "glamorous barbie"

Santa gave all the kids their Christmas PJ's.

Making Gingerbread houses with the kids was so much fun..

They were so creative. and LOVED having all the candy to nibble on while decorating.

Christmas Eve the kids were so excited to see if Santa would come visit.

Grandma and Grandpa Allen came to visit over Christmas. It is always nice to have my family come into town.
We all made it to the temple one morning. Mom, Dad, Steph, Me, Gma & Gpa Stephenson and Niel and Sandy.
the new Valley Light Rail system opened and we took the kids for a squishy ride.

These three boys spell TROUBLE...

The kids had a fun New Years Eve party, We took them to Amazing Jakes then they all came back to our house to PARTY while the parents went out to play too.

HAPPY 2009

Lochlin, is now 10. He is such a good big brother, He loves to SPY with his friends, so if you live in the neighborhood... WATCH OUT... These boys may catch you doing something. He is also into taking apart toys and using the wires, batteries, etc to make other things move, spin or light up. I hope he continues to develop this tallent. Maybe he will soon be albe to take apart computers, or build a spaceship one day...

Braeden, is 8. and He is such a funny kid. He has the cutest smile and dimples. He joins Loch in SPYING, and playing mechanic. Brae likes to ride his bike and play wii. Brae is such a good student and loves to read. Brae is ALWAYS wanting to hold babies that are around. Luckily he has baby ADDI to hold.
Ashlyn, is 6. She is such a good reader. Loving Math and being in first grade. She has lots of great friends. and LOVES to play barbies and ride her bike. She is little miss independent and seems to think she is sixteen. I really just want her to stay my little girl forever.

My little "I"... Irelyn is so stinkin cute. Her smile is to die for. This girl cracks me up... she loves to play dress ups, and barbies and she ALWAYS has to carry a purse stuffed with puppies, kitty cats and dollies. I hate that she keeps growing up.

Ashlyn lost her first tooth. She was so excited to get a visit from the tooth fairy.

Christmas Shopping

2008-11-20T20:29:00.019-07:00

As a child I remember getting so excited for christmas, going through all the add's in the newspapers. Sorting through and cutting out the items on my wish list... WELL... I know it is that time of year and YES my kids are doing the same things... Some of my favorite things to wish for are "Perfect Gifts" for friends... I get some catalogs that are PERFECT to find the PERFECT GIFT for pretty much anyone...

http://www.signals.com
&
http://www.whatonearthcatalog.com

Seriously Such a great place to start looking for ideas for people on your list this year.

Here are some of my favorite this year.
Fo Shizzle Door Mat
Txting Mugs

Motorcycle ornaments
Sorry this one is for OWEN... TMNT...Leo, Ralf, Don, and Mike
Bringin Home the Bakon Wallet
Wanting a HOT BEACH BOD??

Swear Word Bank
Star Wars NUT CRACKERS

the "Egg Seperator"

Love the "Teeth Ice Cubes" Seriously wouldn't these be great for ANY of the dentists out there or just to make your kids laugh when they are drinking their water at dinner. and they are only $6.95

There is even some Christmas Essentials... Hello... Doesn't every family need ....
The "Office Game" Dwight Schrute understands that all work and no play makes a Dunder Mifflin employee less efficient. So he created this DVD board game to enlighten and entertain, mapping out the cubicle farm for your playing enjoyment. Answer questions about the show clips and earn Schrute bucks; gather fellow The Office fans to watch a few episodes and play a few rounds.

Mom I KNOW would LOVE a Hershey's Candle to make her house REAK of chocolate. Personally... I think the smell would get to be so discusting after about 2 minutes.. but My mom could possibly get over her constant need for snacking on chocolate "at noon" if her house smelled like this stuff all day long.

The Great Pumpkin

2008-10-24T14:53:00.005-07:00

Last Halloween (while I was totally strict and loosing lots of weight) my Aunt Stephanie Farnsworth introduced me to the greatest thing ever...

I hate candy in my house. I hate my kids having sticky chocolate fingers and I hate that I am tempted to put that CRAP in my mouth (and on my hips, butt, belly etc.)
So what is the solution...

The Great Pumpkin
He comes to the house the night after Halloween and exchanges all the leftover candy for a prize
How did I not know about this before..
My kids were so excited last year... They PIG OUT on candy for 24 hours then leave it in a bowl on the table on Nov 1st then wake up and SURPRISE.. The candy is GONE.. and they get something cool in return.
I think he brought a movie for each of them. This year.. they are hoping for Mario Cart for Wii...

Marathon TRAINING Schedule

2008-10-22T13:57:00.004-07:00

Ok so Most of you AREN'T interested in the schedule I am following..
But This is the one I finally decided to follow for THIS Marathon..
I got it from the Scottsdale Running Club website.
It pretty much follows my running schedule I have been doing since January..
I am so excited to do this marathon.. I hope lots of people I know will be doing it too..
If you are... What is your training schedule like?
I would love food advise from any expert out there.
I struggle with what foods to eat during the week to give me energy..
Carb loading foods that are best..
and pretty much any EATING advise out there for marathon training.
Should I quit my RockStar Habbit? (I love to drink 1/2 a RockStar before leaving on Sat Morning)

Crazy October

2008-10-19T15:11:00.011-07:00

October is ALWAYS a CRAZY CRAZY month for us.. This picture is of all the October Birthday's from the HOWEY FAMILY...
Paris' on Sept 29th
Martin's on Oct 6th
Mican's on the 9th
Lochlin on the 17th
Chad on the 18th
Lawsen on the 20th
and Ashlyn on the 21st
It seems that there is something going on all the time, not to mention it is the start of the crazy holiday season with Halloween coming up, getting ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas
AAAHH...
I always seem to stress out this month. PLUS now I have STINKY ENGLISH 102 that I totally suck at. I don't like to write. But I am going to get through this semester...

I honestly feel like I am the LUCKIEST girl in the WORLD...
I have been lucky enough to marry my Best Friend.
I LOVE every minute I spend with Chad,
He makes me laugh,
He makes me happy,
He is so encouraging and supportive,

He is such a good Husband, Father and Friend.
I am sure if you have spent any time at all around me you know how much I love Chad.
I love to tell the world how SUPER HOT and SEXY I think he is.
I love his quirks like that he using analogies and being OCD.
I LOVE MY HUSBAND and I HOPE HE HAS A GREAT BIRTHDAY!!

Halloween Party

2008-10-11T13:49:00.004-07:00

So when I got put in as the Activity's Chair I have been so excited to start doing all the fun Holiday Parties.. SO here we go..
The Halloween Party is coming up.. For all the WARD-O's or anyone else who'd like to come.. PLEASE DO!! Pass along the info, and Make sure to invite all the neighbors I will have fliers for handing out at church tomorrow. Or you can print off this picture and hand it out to your neighbors.
I am passing out SIGN-UP's at church for Soup or Chili, Rolls, and Cupcakes (for the Cake Walk)!!

Let me know if you have any questions...

Hair Cut

2008-10-06T12:24:00.006-07:00

I have the LONGEST THICKEST HARD TO DO HAIR ever.. While I complain and complain.... I know I am blessed to have such a FULL HEAD of hair while some have thin or even no hair. but this is MY BLOG.. and I can go on about MY PROBLEMS.. Like.. My HAIR!! I hate it. I hate doing it, I hate straightening it. I hate how heavy it is, I hate the few gross course curly hairs and gray hairs, I have never colored my hair, wouldn't know what color to go to. I am just BORING.. I KNOW I have needed it cut for a while (I usually only do this like once a year, prob why it is so long in the first place)

Well... Here is the best I could find for a before shot.. Long, gross ends, with my head straight on.. it was down to my belt..

This morning I saw my good friend Natalie Hall.. Who is my favorite person to attack my hair problem. She understands ME but mostly.. she understands Chad (and his obsession with LONG Hair). Chad is pickier than I am with my hair. I told her to chop it.. to do whatever she wanted. and she was so excited because she loves doing hair. CRAZY I TELL YOU!! Well.. She chopped away.. I think between 6 and 8 inches. Gave me Layers, and I think my head is 5 lbs lighter...NOW my hair falls just below my bra line.

Thanks Natalie... You are the best. It was so good to see you.. (and your parents and sister) You are amazing. I miss having you live across the street. Hope to see you soon... WAY before my next hair cut in Oct 2009 !!

Sisters Get Away Weekend

2008-10-06T09:45:00.019-07:00

A Few weekends ago I flew into SLC and met up with my mom, Cherry and Emily.
Then ALL the sisters in MY family (Cherry, Me, Emily, Lydia & Stephanie) and My Mom and Most of her SISTERS (Kathy, Mom, LeeLee & Stevie) as well as some of my cousins (Jen, Misty, Julie & Jackie) well all met up at my Grandpa Sanders Cabin in Midway, Utah. It was so much fun.

We Talked, Laughed, Cried,

we danced, and slept

we caught up on our Celeb Gossip... and we exercised (Emily and I ran about 5 miles) and the other girls did a good long walk around the neighborhood.
I Love my family. It is so sad for me to NOT have any of my sisters or mom living close by.
I really look forward to anytime we can spend together.
My cousins are so much like sisters to me (and all us Allen Girls) It has been so much fun over the years to have such a fun extended family . . . that you just connect with and LOVE to spend time with.
My mom has AMAZING sisters too. . . They all have such great qualities and I hope I can be more like them.
Cherry and I went shopping at the Outlets in Park City and ran into another cousin (from my dad's side) Mela and her Fiance. What a small world.
We came back to Lydia's House in Spanish Fork and hung out had cheese fondue and enjoyed the last night together. Sunday Morning we got ready and all headed our seperate ways...
It was a FUN weekend.. SO good to see all the girls in my family. Honestly I have the BEST SISTERS EVER. I can't wait till Thanksgiving when we can all be together again.
I LOVE YOU GUYS.
p.s. CELS. . . these are pretty much all the pictures I took. If you dont like the quality of them from the site.. let me know I can email them to you guys.

6 Quirks

2008-10-05T12:29:00.004-07:00

I was TAGGED by LORI to share 6 Quirky things about myself.. If you care... this is what Chad and I came up with.

1. I HATE to use bathrooms that aren't mine. Public and EVEN friends toilets are ONLY for when I am desperate, I'd so much rather wait to get home.

2. I am OCD about my morning gym routine... I sleep in my workout clothes and use my phone for my alarm... I lay out my Shoes and Socks by my bedroom door and my iPod, Water and Jet Fuel on the counter. 4:30AM comes way to fast and I hate having to think about anything in the morning.

3. I have a BAD habit of picking all the course black curly hairs out of my head. (ok and the few gray ones too) OK I pretty much PICK bump or scab on my body (esp like the backs of my arms) or Chad's or anyone else I can get my hands on (Usually when Owen, Stephanie or Emily come to visit within the first few minutes I have been asked to pop any zit that is on their body)

4.I don't watch TV but I do like to fall asleep to girly movies at night. Enchanted, 27 dresses, How to Loose a guy in 10 days, etc. AND I rarely make it through more than 5 minutes of the movie before falling asleep.

5. I have a bad habit of GUESSING the end of a story. Chad will be talking and I will try to finish his story with what I think happens. BUT I am usually WAY OFF. . I know I do this But I JUST CAN'T STOP.

6.I have been told i have NO Mind-Mouth Filter... If I think it. . . Most likely you will hear it. Sometimes this isn't always appropriate.

6 TAGGED PEOPLE: Michelle Garn, Laura Smith, Marianne Bunnell, Claire Spencer, Miken Gardner & Stacey Lake

Rules:

1.Link to the person who tagged you

2.Mention the rules on your blog

3.Tell 6 unspectacular quirks about you

4.Tag 6 following bloggers by linking to them

5.Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger's blogs letting them know they've been tagged.

Movie in the Park

2008-10-03T08:55:00.005-07:00

Tonight we thought it would be fun to do a
DOUBLE FEATURE
at the Park behind our house. . .

Kids can play at the park with friends WHILE watching a movie
and the ADULTS can escape their house, and visit with neighbors and friends.

Anyone wanting something
FREE and FUN
bring your lawn chairs, popcorn, movie snacks or whatever you want and come watch with us.

6:00 PM - Madagascar
Rated PG - 86 min

7:30 PM - IronMan
Rated PG13 - 126 min

Just Dreaming!!!

2008-09-25T13:22:00.007-07:00

Today I feel like I can't pull my head out of the clouds.. I keep thinking about all the wonderful times I have spent with my family over the years. One of the HAPPIEST places on earth for me is Hawaii... We have had the privilege of visiting there often (while my parent's lived there)There is nothing better than feeling the warm sand between your toes, listening to the gentle sound of the surf crashing on the shore and seeing the smiles on my children's faces as they feel the waves crash on their toes.

I love burrying my kids in the sand, jumping off clifs with the more daring ones, snorkeling and swimming with the sea turtles and looking at all the brightly colored fish again the pure excitement of my children as we are so close to the ocean life. I love digging the deepest hole on the beach, building sandcastles and just laying on the sand feeling the warmth of the sun feel as though it is embracing me.

Hawaii IS what my Heaven is. I love it there. I am wishing I were there right now. With NO worries, relaxing on Hukilau beach...
with the LOVES of my life...
MY FAMILYSummer 2003

Summer 2005Summer 2007

My Wordle

2008-09-25T00:03:00.004-07:00

Back In School

2008-09-18T22:42:00.019-07:00

Here I am . . . on my FIRST Day BACK TO SCHOOL.

I have had dreams of finishing up my college degree, and FINALLY registered and started classes. Well I am waiting to get Re Admitted to ASU so I am taking an ENG102 Class at MCC this year. I have dropped out of Eng102 two times (back 10 years ago when I was in school before)

YES I am Probably the OLDEST person at MCC. When I walked on campus to register I felt totally out of place. I swear people that are 19-22 LOOK SO YOUNG now.

ok side note.. MY HAIR IS SO FREAKING LONG... I HATE IT. It gets in the way when I work out and my pony tail always gets stuck under my arm pits when I run. It takes WAY WAY to long to do every day (prob why it is always Curly, Frizzy and Gross) I need it chopped. Any ideas on what to do? Chad insists I keep it long.

Terrible Two's

2008-09-18T22:42:00.014-07:00

Irelyn is totally in the Terrible Two's... All her FITS are driving me NUTS. The other day we were at the library for story time and as we were walking out the door she dropped to the floor and started screaming. I carried her out while she is arching and screaming like she lost a limb and tried to force her into her car seat. Well... She is definatly stonger than me. I couldn't pin her down long enough to buckle the strap. I decided since I had my camera I would take a picture (instead of smacking the crap out of her I thought that taking the picture and laughing at it later would be a much better alternative)

After at least 15 min I got her strapped her in.

She continued to scream for at least another 30 min. I was so proud of myself... for NOT loosing control... I video'd and took pictures any time I thought I'd go crazy. Screaming at the top of her lungs till she finally got it all out.
AAAHHHH...

Any tricks on how to deal with this?? my other 3 kids had fits but NOT LIKE THIS GIRL . . she is doing it ALL THE TIME and SO BAD. I am not going to be as calm every time she does this. so I NEED TO GET THIS TO STOP!!

Baby Time

2008-09-18T22:42:00.008-07:00

Steph and Dave had their cute baby the other day. It is fun to have family having all these cute babies... We got to see Addi (& Steph and Dave) Tues Morning. I am excited to spend lots of time holding Addi and Mabri (Mican's Baby) over the next few months.

I guess it is good to know that even with cute babies around Chad and I STILL are convinced that we are done. 4 is a good number for us. So everyone else keep poppin them out.. cause there wont be anymore Howey's!!

Sneaky Cooking

2008-09-18T22:42:00.004-07:00

I got the cookbook Deceptively Delicious . . . It has been so much fun to be creative and use the veggie Puree's in my cooking. We have some NEW FAVORITES

Like the Aloha Chicken made with sweet potato, pineapple and flax seed.

These are English Muffin Pizza's with a spinach puree mixed in with the sauce
Home made Mac - N - Cheese with Butternut squash and Cauliflower
I made scalloped potatoes with cauliflower puree. and Zucchini spears

I LOVE trying to find new ways to use the puree's I have baggies made of every veggie in my freezer.

I did Slopy Joes with Carrot and Yellow Squash & Taco's with Carrot and Red Pepper
I even made the Spinach Brownies (they weren't to bad, come on the real chocolate stuff is MUCH BETTER)

Has anyone made anything else and loved it. Please pass along any other suggestions. I will share what I come up with.

Marathon TRAINING

2008-09-14T17:42:00.003-07:00

This week I officially start training for the PF Changs Marathon that is January 18th
The training program I am following has me running a little more than 500 miles before then to get ready.

Who else will be running???
Laura Smith - doing the 1/2 marathon
Tiffany Watkins - doing the FULL marathon
Megan Merrill Horne - doing the FULL marathon
Selia Bingham - doing the 1/2 marathon???
ANYONE ELSE???

I was wanting to find some fun run's to do during the training and came across another MAD MUD RUN... I think It would be so much fun... so if anyone thinks it would be fun to run and roll in the mud with me let me know... I would love to get a team together.

In February there is the Ragnar Race and I want to find 12 people to form a team to do that one.. It would be such a blast... and it is only 3 legs of 3-8 miles each. NOT BAD!!!

So anyone wanting to dust off their running shoes and join me in training or on any future run ... LET ME KNOW!!

New School Year!!

2008-09-10T07:15:00.007-07:00

So I am late at posting this... but the kids were so excited to go to school this year. Ashlyn now gets to go with the boys to and from school. It was fun to walk with them the first day. See how they line up in their classes see their friends etc. and Irelyn loved being around all the commotion.

My 4th Grader - Lochlin
Braeden - Mr. 3rd Grade
Ashlyn - 1st Grade

Braeden Got Baptized!!!

2008-09-10T06:58:00.008-07:00

In August, Braeden got Baptized. It was fun to have so many people from our families there to witness the occasion (even if you couldn't HEAR anything because of how CRAZY it was)!! There were 10 Baptisms that day... So it was a bit of a zoo. But Brae looked so cute in WHITE. . . and His SMILE BEAMED!! I am so glad he made the decision to get baptized to be a member of the Church!

Grandma and Grandpa ALLEN and Uncle Owen
Grandma and Grandpa Howey
Great Grandma and Grandpa Zufelt
Great Grandma Howey (DeBussey)
Great Grandma Allen (Stephenson)
Rexli, Paris, Mican (she brought her 3 day old baby to the baptism and seriously can you believe she looks THIS GOOD!) Shea and Josh

Baby Mabri - Aug 6th

2008-08-30T16:11:00.002-07:00

Mican and Paris Had their baby Mabri on Aug 6th... The day before their daughter Rexli's 2nd Birthday. Mican LOOKED FABULOUS... and Mabri was/is so stinkin cute. It is fun to have another baby around. ESP since WE WONT be having any more!!!

Lemonade Stand

2008-08-30T13:58:00.006-07:00

The Kids wanted to do a Lemonade stand one HOT summer day. They set up this table, made this poster and went to work..

The kids went DOOR to DOOR asking neighbors if they wanted lemonade. Lots of cars stopped and lots of NICE neighbors ... The kids made like $16.00

Smith's Cabin

2008-08-30T13:10:00.014-07:00

Chad went to California for a weekend so I drove up to Pinetop with Heidi and her kids for a week.
Don't know if you can see.. But I let my kids get so DIRTY. I am so anal and retarded when it comes to dirt. I feel bad because I can't just let my kids be kids and get dirty usually... so while we were there. I let them get dirty. I still was a little bit freakish about it.. The boys wanted to build a fire so bad. They collected all the sticks they and made a teepee with them and used the pine needles.. I could tell they learned this stuff from their dad and from scouts. Heidi and I let the boys light it right before a rain storm was coming in ... we aren't as cool as a dad would be. How would 2 moms figure out how to put it out if it turned into a forrest fire??
Ash and Scarlett. Helping with the fire.. They were so cute together.

There was the greatest park we would go to. The kids loved the slides and swings. Plus the weather was so great so it was GREAT to be outside.

The Family Center had Arcade Games and stuff the boys had such a fun time on the motercycle game

There was the prettiest Lake the boys threw rocks in it, and went snake hunting. They were begging me that If they could catch a snake they wanted to bring it home for a pet. I SAID NO WAY!!!

Heidi, Scarlett, Skousen and Sutten. We had a GREAT TIME hanging out with you. Thanks for the fun memories.

Arnett's Cabin

2008-08-30T12:38:00.016-07:00

We spent a weekend up at Fred and Erin Arnett's Cabin in Heber...

The kids had so much fun riding their Ranger and quads.

The girls Loved picking the flowers and going on walks.

The boys went "Hunting" and killed a rabbit...

Yes they even grilled that little bunny up and ate him.. GROSS!!

Oh and the whole Family loved playing Wii !!

Thanks Fred and Erin for a FUN weekend.

Summer Fun

2008-08-15T23:15:00.009-07:00

We did some fun things this summer... We went to a Gilato place in the San Tan Area with Heidi Smith and her family They had Fire trucks and did Face Painting...

We also did Home Made Sushi with the kids a few times. (Fruit Snacks, Rice Krispy Treats and Gummy Worms and sour straws) The KIDS LOVED them.

Chad and I took the kids to GolfLand where the kids beat us at miniature golfing.

The Weddings

2008-08-15T22:51:00.013-07:00

Chad's Sister Shea got married to Josh on May 29th.

These Boys are so cute together. It isn't to often you can capture a moment with them together where they aren't on the floor wrestling around, Little Handsome Studs.
Ashlyn was so Beautiful that night. She looked all grown up and just loved spinning around in her dress.
Irelyn and Rexli seriously.. So cute RIGHT? I tried so hard to get a picture of them together looking at the camera.. IT NEVER HAPPENED. Maybe next time.

I realized I don't really have any pictures of Chad's family on my blog. so here everyone is. Chad is the oldest, then Tatum who married David Owens and they have 7 kids. CRAZY... Travis has little Jade who Ashlyn just loves since they are the only girls around that age. Ty has Tristyn and Draet'n (who wasn't there for the wedding) Mican married Paris Bland and at the time of this pic they only had Rexli.

The next month, June 28th, My BABY sister Stephanie married Nate. It was so much fun to have all my family in town we did so many fun things, Amazing Jakes, Swimming, Going out to Eat... I even got some of my sisters and mom to run with me in the morning. Thank goodness there aren't pictures of that.

Congrats Steph and Nate.... So glad you are finally married so I can stop thinking about planning it. Hope you had fun. I think it turned out really beautiful and we had a blast.

This was Chad and I at the Family Dinner.

My Handsome boys. Wish I got a picture with Chad with them. Maybe he could have gotten Brae to actually SMILE.
I just love my girls and thought they looked so cute in their little white dresses.

Me and Steph. . . at the shower on the EVE of her wedding.

Summertime WATER Fun

2008-08-15T20:59:00.013-07:00

So Chad donated some of his time this summer to TROPICAL SMOOTHIE.... We love that place and the Quintana's who own it. Well lots of people had a chance to DUNK him. It was really fun.

We also had a few families gather for a WATER FHE NIGHT at the park. Squirt guns, Water Ballons... What more could a kids want. It was fun and I was so happy so many people could join us on such short notice. Lets do it again soon.

We spent LOTS of time swimming... what else is there to do in 100+ degree heat. Brimhall was always a hit with the water slides and diving boards.

We also did lots of SWIMMING AT SUE'S.. (Sue is like my kids grandma, she is such a great friend and LOVES my kids so much) We had so much fun swimming with her.
IRELYN is FEARLESS... She doesn't even hesitate to jump in . . . off the steps, sides and even the diving board. She is our little FISH. Pretty much taught herself how to swim. I really need to get her in lessons.. Maybe now that life is so much less crazy we will get around to it.

Bad Dreams!!!

2008-08-15T05:21:00.005-07:00

I hate it when I have awful dreams. . . Dreams that are so real, and so vivid.
I just woke up and I honestly can't even imagine closing my eyes again till the things I just saw in my dream get out of my head.....

The setting of my dream was in our suburban, Chad is driving, I am in the passenger seat and it is full of other couples (we are about to go on a group date to F1 Speedway) It is raining and for some reason the 60 Freeway is covered in ice and slush (ok so parts of it aren't real, I know there would NEVER be ice on the 60) well about 3 cars in front of us we see a white truck swerve out of control from the ice and flip on its side and do a fish tail till it hits the railing... I ask Chad to pull over. He insists that he is a good driver and will get us safely to our destination. . . we continue driving. Chad safely gets us over several icy patches on the freeway while lots of other cars are going off the road and wrecking. I have now asked Chad several times to either pull over or to at least get off the freeway and drive on main roads to get us to our destination. (I am obviously the only one in the car with an opinion about this because the other adults dont say anything, but they are talking about how crazy the ice is and how crazy it is to see all the cars go out of control) He tells me it is just a few more exits and he has gotten us this far. So we are approaching a part on the freeway where we go under a bridge. . (right about 7th Ave in Phx, ok I know this is to far for F1 Speedway but there have to be a few details that make this a dream RIGHT)

We approach slowly, there are lots of FireMen, Police and Doctors standing in rain gear as we enter. PHEW under the bridge is dry but it is where the worst part of my dream is. We start driving through and all the injured people are on the sides using the bridge as their ER ROOM. There are TONS of people, some covered with sheets because they are dead, some screaming becasue they are missing limbs. I see such VIVID clear detail of these injuries, the blood, the screams. Why did the Police let us through? Right as we approach the end of the dry underpass... More FireMen, Police and Doctors are there to guide our car back into the dangerous icy Freeway. But THANK GOODNESS I woke up.

I am sure your thinking NICE... First of all ..... STUPID DREAM... I am sure somewhere out there this dream could be analized and would MEAN SOMETHING.... What kind of DORK actally writes out their dream on their BLOG (esp when I have had NO TIME to blog about all the Important things going on in our life... That will come I guess I am dreading it because I know it will be a long post.. Lots of pictures to uplod, etc) But I had to be the DORK that writes it so I can find out if other people have PSYCHO crazy dreams like this or if I just ate something wrong last night before I went to bed (like the Chocolate Chip Cookie Malt that was quite heavenly!)

John Mayer

2008-07-31T01:40:00.006-07:00

Oh My Goodness... Seriously the BEST concert EVER.

Tonight Chad and I are just getting back from John's Concert. He was so great. I can't believe how amazing he is on the guitar. His mellow mood and Dave Mathews type songs were the perfect soundtrack to the FUN night. We went with Jeff and Jessica Stillwell (thanks to LiveNation for the VIP seats and Lounge Tickets)

TONIGHTS SET LIST
Bigger Than My Body
Something's Missing
I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You)
Good Love is On the Way
Ain't Nobody's Bizness
Untitled into Free Falling
Belief
Stitched Up
No Such Thing
Waiting on the World to Change
Vultures
Say

Encore
Neon
Crossroads
Sweet Child O'Mine
Gravity

It was so nice.. . He sang Happy Birthday to me in his Encore. He said it was for his band member who's Birthday was today But I know it really was for me. It was great to hear him rock out on the guitar. then bust out into Sweet Child O'Mine. It put me back into my younger years maybe like 7th grade?? THANKS JOHN for remembering my 31st Bday!!

The Opening Acts were Brett Dennen and Colbie Caillat. Both were also Great to listen to!

Anyone still able to make it to see John Mayer on the rest of his tour should make the effort. It was FABULOUS!

So JEFF STILLWELL... You are now officially on my blog... I hope this makes you happy.

Jeff Likes Long walks on the beach, and snuggling up to read romance novels, ocasionally Jeff loves to jam out to any RAP MUSIC and would give anything to move up to Utah.

Jeff and Jessica have been our friends for YEARS!!

Thanks guys for letting us join you at the concert.

Looking Back on the Years

2008-07-28T06:49:00.017-07:00

I got an email from my mom, Wishing me a Happy Birthday and wanting me to remember the Good Ole Days... I started Cracking up... Seriously, Mom, Why did you let me out of the house somedays... ok fine... I probably looked hidious most days. Chad, I am so glad you didn't know me when I was younger.

I was a Cute Baby, I can't believe how YOUNG my dad is... He looks 12!!! Cher, I think you totally look like Sarah.

At Pioneer Park with Great Grandma Lydia, Mom said I LOVED to swing. Mom, thanks for at least having the TUB of WIPES.. I hope you wiped my hands down before I ate ... I can only imagine the germs I picked up as a kid, playing at Pioneer Park..

Ahh... Licking the bowl after mom made chocolate cake. I am sure I was in heaven.

3 Perfect Angles!!! If mom and dad only knew what CRAZY TEENAGERS we'd become.. At least we were sweet innocent children!! I got this cool Tape Player for my Birthday. I thought I was so cool... I also got the Tape of Michael Jackson's Thriller. I remember walking up and down the street in Texas rocking out to Thriller, Billie Jean, and Beat it.

Salt Brook Elementry Talent Show... I danced with some friends to the song RAGTIME. Cool Hat and Suspenders..

Yes, Jennifer Garner playing Jenna Rink, in 13 going on 30 borrowed this Beautiful Heart Sweater... Check out the movie for Proof.. oh and Agan... This was on my Birthday, I got the coolest Jump Rope.. It counted how many times in a row I would Jump.

Why Am I dressed up as a Flapper, I dont know.. Probably Halloween, or another Talent Show.
Beautiful Dress I think Kathy Tonga Made this for me when I graduated from Primary. Nothing cuter than the Orange, Teal combo!!!

I know I will get HECK for this picture.. NO ... I will NOT be letting ANYONE borrow this splatter paint spandex outfit... I can however share some of my frizzy High Bangs hairstyle techniques.
This is Me... I must have attempted to do my hair in the DARK... and NO I am not standing in a rose garden.. I thought I looked beautiful dressed from head to toe in the most obnoxious flower print.

And Last Year, For My 30th Birthday, Looking quite chubby, Chad took me out to Cheesecake Factory. I was happy I had already lost like 10 or so lbs. Thank goodness I kept going... I just got measured at the gym last week. I have lost over 28 inches and 50 lbs. . .

So Today I wake up . . . I am now 31 Years Old. . . I am SO MUCH happier because of all the things I have accomplished over the past year. I am so grateful to have such a supportive husband, who not only has LOVED me through some of the UGLIEST FATTEST years, but has LOVED, SUPPORTED and ENCOURAGED me to become a better person.

I love you Chad.

Thanks for making my Bday so wonderful.

Superstition Springs WARD PARTY!!!

2008-07-25T15:12:00.005-07:00

Ok so I thought I would post this on my blog for all the Ward Members that blog surf.

Thursday, August 7th
7 to 9 PM

POOL PARTY
at
Brimhall Pool

Bring your Family and Invite your Neighbors to Swim or Just Hang Out and Meet New Friends. Aspen, Brimhall and Sunny Mesa Wards will be joining the Fun...

We will be having Snow Cones!! YUMMM!!!

Family Pictures

2008-07-18T21:28:00.002-07:00

So My Little Sister Stephanie got married June 28th and the night before we all got family pictures... By my cousin, Jen Eliason . . . She is So Good. Ok so this pic was with My little Chintzy Camera. I can't wait to see what Jen's Pics Look like. I LOVE MY FAMILY. Dang, Chad looks so good and My KIDS. . . They all look so freaking cute. I am sure EVERYONE will agree!!

Happy Birthday Braeden

2008-07-14T13:27:00.025-07:00

What a JOY to have in our family. . . I remember when you were born. . You came a month early during the ALLEN family reunion. It was fun to walk around with my mom and sisters and aunts while all the contractions were starting. THEN we basically had a HUGE PARTY in the delivery room with my parents, ALL my sisters, Chad's Parents, and HIS sisters. . . I think there were like 15 or so people PLUS all the Nurses (and of course the Dr, but he BARELY made it in the room before Brae came out) Then, within the first hour of Brae's life he had already had a root beer float spill on his head. I remember how cute Brae's DIMPLES were even as a baby, We could also tell how smart and observant Brae was even as a baby and young child. When Ashlyn was born and Brae was only 2 He was such a sweet heart always wanting to hold and kiss the baby, It has continued still... with Irelyn and with ANY BABY that is around Brae is always there to hold, kiss, hug, play with, etc. HE LOVES BABIES.

Brae is so goofy. . Always wanting to dress up in costumes, Like a Ninja Turtle, or Put Stickers all over, or color with marker all over himself... He was so funny looking for the laugh.

Braeden is so tough and CUTE... always wanting to be like his bigger brother . . . Shaving his head, putting on Tattoos, playing games, etc . . .

Brae LOVES to swim, LOVES to play sports, LOVES to ride bikes, scooters, SPY, etc.

He Loves to get dirty, and go camping with his dad and brother. Brae is a fun brother, He Likes to tease, joke around with and play with his brother and sisters, Brae is a STUD, a total ROCKSTAR. It is fun to watch your children grow. To turn into such CUTE SWEET LOVING PEOPLE . I Feel so blessed to have BRAEDEN in our FAMILY .

Happy Birthday SON, I LOVE YOU.

Brae is getting Baptized on Aug 9th!!!

Never Say....

2008-07-14T11:08:00.002-07:00

So last night at a small gathering I was visiting with an older woman (maybe 50ish) well after chatting for 15 or 20 min about her small town she reaches over and pats my belly and says "WHEN ARE YOU DUE?" My response was "I am Not Pregnant!" She tried to pull herself out of the HOLE she just dug herself into with those 4 words. "Oh, I must have you confused with someone else who has long brown hair and wearing a white shirt that was standing right here a few minutes ago. . . " NOPE it was just her trying to SAVE herself from a completely HUMILIATING situation. I was the only one there in a white shirt with long brown hair. There was NO ONE that looked pregnant... ONLY ME, apparently!!

Later at home, I replayed the situation . . . Who is it who should feel MORE embarrassed about that situation; HER, for asking and realizing I am NOT with child; OR ME, for looking as if I am several months pregnant (I must be, to get the belly pat)

SO what things are OFF LIMITS to say to another person . . .

Conversation with Kids

2008-06-11T13:59:00.004-07:00

The Setting: Last night in the Car
Loch "Did you guys have Chalk boards or White Boards when you were in school?"
Chad "We had Chalk Boards"
Loch "LUCKY!!!"
Chad "Why is that Lucky?"
Loch "Cause you got to take two of the erasers and bang them together"I thought it was so funny that he even KNEW about banging the erasers. Oh the little things that kids think are fun.. I know the teachers back then probably HATED doing it.. but what kid DIDN'T want to bang the erasers outside.

I DID IT!!!

2008-06-02T08:35:00.016-07:00

So this past weekend I went to San Diego to do the Marathon and LUCKILY I was able to convince Anna last minute to join me. . . It was SOOOO exciting We left on Friday and went to the expo and got our race numbers.

Saturday Morning We drove the Marathon Course. My Thoughts. " HOLY COW THIS IS GONNA BE A LONG RUN" "WHAT AM I DOING?" "CAN I EVEN DO THIS?" Chad told me to just think of this as a Long Saturday Run, with a few extra miles.

We woke up at 4:30 Sunday Morning, Left for the Race at 5:15. We got dropped off in the wrong spot and had 3 miles to walk to get to the start line. After a long line and quick stop at the potty. Anna and I had a quick prayer and then merged into the 20,000 other runners and took off.

This is me at about Mile 4!! YEAH... only 22.2 more to go!!! I finished the 10K (about 6 miles) in 1 hour which was a good pace for me

So this is about 10 miles into it (only 16.2 left). The first ten miles was either Up or Down Hill then the last part of the course had so many little hills but by that point they were all KILLER hills. I had thoughts of pulling over at the half way mark 2 hours and 26 min into the race. Anna caught me while I was walking around mile 16. It was nice to know she was close for the last 10 miles of the course.

by mile 21 (4 hours and 12 min) I was OUT of water in my camelpack and down to a walk run combo with mostly walking. The LONGEST part of the marathon was the last half mile when I turned into the marine base and had to follow a few curves this picture is about 200 yards from the finishline.

FINALLY cross the finish line at 5 hours 21 min and 10 sec. . . Holy cow... I can't believe I did it!!! I ran the 26.2 miles!!! I finished a little slower than I thought I would. I really had a hard time breathing the air and I did NOT realize HOW HILLY that course was.

Thanks Anna for joining me in this adventure, finding me at mile 16, walking with me, sharing your water, and for PUSHING ME when I was so exausted to make it to the finishline.

Chad, Thank you for BABYING ME all weekend, for the leg and foot massages, for setting out all my running stuff, making sure I eat the right foods, get the rest I need and for being SO supportive along the way. It was your voice, kiss, and smile I would look forward to. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH and I really feel so blessed to have you for my husband. I couldn't have done all the training to get to this point without YOU. Mom and Dad, Thank you for deciding to CELEBRATE your anniversery in San Diego so you could be at this event with me. It was fun to spend time with you guys and to have you along the sidelines cheering me on along the way. Thanks for being so PROUD of me and for all your SUPPORT. I Love You.

Overall Place: 10775/16373

Gender Place: 4689/8425

Division Place: 890/1502

Age Grade: 42.2%

Pace: 12:15

Let's Rock N Roll!!!

2008-05-22T12:03:00.003-07:00

RUNNING . . . I have found a new passion. The PERFECT place to escape the crazyness of LIFE around me. Where I can go be alone in my thoughts, listen to my music, or audiobook. I can reflect on my life, kids, husband, family, friends, callings, fitness goals, etc, the list goes on and on. I LOVE to start off my morning with a LONG run, get the endorphins going and feel like I have accomplished something, something great, and hard, and rewarding. I feel good after I run. HECK, I feel GREAT!!! It is definatly a passion.

As I started running I decided on setting a goal, a goal to finish a Marathon. I was excited to find the San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon for June 1st. I knew it would be LIFE CHANGING to cross the finish line along with some 16,000 people (that is how many did this event last year) I have spent much time in front of the computer watching YOUTUBE video's of people finishing marathons. It is a spiritual experiance I am DYING to have. I cry as I think about finishing and seeing my husband, mom and dad there at the finish. I know that is a thought I will be able to use to pull me through some of the tough miles I KNOW are ahead of me.

In research I found out that Winners of Marathons can win up to $500,000 . . . I by no means want to WIN a Marathon. My goal is to finish in under 5 hours (the average woman finishes in about that time) I am just looking forward to crossing the finish line in one piece and have the sense of accomplishment. June 1st is not going to be just an ordinary day. This is going to be where all of the hard work, focus, and determination I have put into these past 4 months of training will pay off. I have trained hard. I added up all the miles I kept track of since the beginning of March and I am at 346 miles run. That is INSANE to me. Honestly in January I couldn't run 2 miles without having to stop for walking breaks and to catch my breath. I have come so far. . .

So late last night I FINALLY did it... I registered for the Marathon. . . YES it has been my goal all along. As the time has gotten closer and I had NO ONE COMMITTED TO RUNNING WITH ME... I was so afraid to make the commitment to do the 26.2 miles ALONE. Even though I really don't mind RUNNING alone. . . the thought of standing at the starting line for an hour ALONE. . . Knowing I wont know anyone out on the course, not having someone to express the same feelings of crossing the finishline, etc. . . Next weekend I WILL be in San Diego I WILL be doing the Marathon. I will finish and I will be so happy to have accomplished the goal I set.

Black Plague

2008-05-08T07:55:00.005-07:00

Ok fine it isnt really the Black Plague or even the Bubonic plague. But MY WHOLE FAMILY IS SICK. It started with Chad on Saturday, by Sunday he was totally unfunctional. . . Tuesday Night Ashlyn came down with the Croup and Lochlin came down with Tonsillitis and Finally by Wednesday afternoon Irelyn and I decided to let the Sick Germs take over too. Luckily Braeden seem's unaffected (thanks to his sturdy immune system). We are so boared of laying around, we have all had way to much medicine which seems to be on every counter in the kitchen and bathroom, My house is a total disaster and laundry is piling up all around. Last night I went to Walmart with Braeden to find food to feed my family, when I got home Chad asked if Brae was the one who went shopping, I came home with pizza rolls, Kid Cuisines, and Monkey Bread. Luckily I managed to throw in a few cans of soup for Chad and I.

UPDATE - Braeden IS NOT OK anymore. He is sick like the rest of us. Cleaning our bathrooms and doing our laundry has not made us feel any better EMILY. Here is a picture I took this morning (MothersDay) of my throat. My family has been living on popsicles and ice cream and thanks to grandma Stephenson some yummy soup.

I pray that NOT A SINGLE PERSON I KNOW GETS THIS SICKNESS... Chad is going on day 8 of missery and I am going on day 5 along with the kids. THIS SUCKS.

All I ever needed to Know I learned from my Husband

2008-05-04T17:18:00.003-07:00

If you are having a bad day just call someone who's life sucks more than yours. You are sure to feel better after that call.

Don't Throw Rocks

Floss Every Day

There is an analogy for EVERY situation.

It is ok to be sick and not feel good.

Going to Costco on a Saturday may be really crowded, but it does mean you get a FREE lunch with all the samples.

Nervous

2008-05-02T15:21:00.003-07:00

So Tomorrow Morning I am going to do something that I have been dreading for a while. . .

I have done the 16 mile route, and MAN that was long (it only took 2 hours and 40 min), but I came home with a stress fracture on my left foot.

But I just mapped out the 18 mile route I will be running. For some reason this one scares me. I know if I can do this, I CAN do the marathon. 16 miles didn't sound as far as 18. I am so NERVOUS.

So Tomorrow Morning while you are snug in your bed at 4:30 in the morning I will be headed off on my run. I am hoping to be finished before 8 in the morning. If any of you are OUT along that route... Honk and Cheer us on... Are you Ready Tiffany, Anna and Laura. Ready or not 18 Miles HERE WE COME!!!

Hungry Housewife Confessions

2008-05-01T12:22:00.003-07:00

So I started a New BLOG but this one is PURELY for fun..

Join the fun and start Confessing your FOOD SINS

http://hungryhousewifeconfessions.blogspot.com/

DAY IN THE LIVE OF ME

2008-04-30T11:30:00.027-07:00

NOT THAT ANY ONE ASKED...
But I thought I would give you all a preview into
a DAY IN THE LIVE OF ME....

This morning I woke up at 4:30 so I could head out for a 9 mile run

(I needed to be back by 6 so Chad could leave to go to work). I was a little slow getting out the door (4:50) but I popped 2 Jet Fuel and headed out the door with a full PolarPak FlowJo (LOVE THAT THING) and some PowerBar Gel (Strawberry Bananna Flavor)

Ok so My RUN WAS GREAT!!! Tiffany and I headed down to 32nd Street and Southern then turned around and at that point I figured I could TRY my first Energy Gel. OK so I SERIOUSLY thought I was going to GAG!!! If you haven't had it before it is the texture of SNOT.

And FYI, I HATE Bananna's so I start downing 1.5 oz what had to be the MOST DISCUSTING THING EVER!!! I was holding back the vomit but it went down and the rest of the run I had that gross bananna flavor in my mouth!!! YUCK!!!

Anyways I get home at 5:53... That run went REALLY FAST (come to find out it was only an 8 mile run, but don't worry I have plans to run 4.5 miles tonight so I wasn't to dissapointed) So I get home and Smootch Chad as he walks out the door. AHHH... I LOVE the quiet mornings where I can get things done...

So I started a Load of Laundry

Loaded the Dishwasher

Folded the Load of Towels from the Dryer

Showered and Got Ready!!!

Made 4 Sandwiches Got 4 Kids ready (ok so 3 get dressed all by themselves) but I had to make sure they matched and looked presentable and do their hair.

Made the Boy's Practice Piano

Got 3 kids out the door to get to school by 8 o'clock

Helped in Ashlyn's Classroom from 8 to 9:30

Went to Sprouts to get stuff for a FUN LUNCH with some girls from our ward at Erin Ferguson's Home and Made Chicken Salad Sandwiches to share

Put Irelyn Down for a QUICK nap

Helped Ashlyn with LOTS OF MAKE UP HOMEWORK since she was sick last week and we were gone on Monday to Texas.

I just got back from Lunch and it was a BLAST thanks ERIN for hosting that. For providing such a fun atmosphere for the kids to play and have fun. It was fun to get away for a while. Happy B-day a day late to Tiffany Walker!! Good to meet all the new girls. K.Millecam LOVED the Hooter Hider you pulled out!!! I think every breast feeding mom needs one of those super cute blankets. Ashlyn had a friend come home with her from the Lunch then we headed off to Gymnastics

Loch has CUB Scouts

Then I made dinner

while Loch, Brae and Irelyn were playing outside in their FORT (the inside of the Oleander bushes by my front door)

I need to get my sharing time together and clean my house. BUT... Chad has Young Men's tonight and I feel so happy that Tiffany asked me to watch her CUTE girls so she could go to Young Women's. . . Anyways... I doubt anything more will happen... at least till tomorrow morning.

Ahhh... the list goes on and on...

BUT... we did it all with a GREAT ATTITUDE thanks to the funnest Primary Music CD... EVERYONE should get this... it is so much fun. FUN UNIQUE ways to sing some of the funnest songs. . . Give Said the Little Stream, Ensey Winsey Spider, I am a Child of God, etc.. You will LOVE THIS MUSIC

One Semester of Spanish - Love Song

2008-04-24T17:48:00.003-07:00

Just Had to share this YouTube Video -

My mom told me about it and It is HILARIOUS!!

Esp if you have taken Spanish in High School.

I love the part where he counts and doesn't know how to say 11!

Hope you enjoy, and Laugh!!

Sharing Time for May

2008-04-24T06:34:00.004-07:00

I thought I would use my blog to get some help for sharing time in May... The topic is "Each member of my family has a divine role. " I am asking YOU, esp if you are in my ward, to share an example of how a child in your family has shown LOVE for someone else in your family. I want to use these examples in PRIMARY. I thought it would be fun to have some of the primary children hear examples of themselves or their friends.... PLEASE SHARE!!!

EXAMPLE:

Kirk’s little brother Eric was afraid at night, so Kirk helped him say a prayer to feel safe. Then Kirk sang a song to help Eric go to sleep.

Kaitlin’s mother had been gone overnight. Kaitlin cut a piece of paper into a heart shape and wrote a message telling her mother how much she loved her. She left the message on her mother’s pillow for her mother to find when she came home.

I KNOW that ALL of our children are doing little things that show LOVE.... I KNOW it is so important for them to realize that we see these little things. . .

You can also email these to me to. . . cdhowey@hotmail.com

Pat's Run

2008-04-19T09:57:00.005-07:00

Pat's Run this morning was so much fun... We (Laura Smith, Me, Anna Haught & Megan Merrill) drove down together to ASU. There were like 30,000 people (at least that is what I remember hearing on the speaker) doing the race. It was neat to hear a little bit about Pat Tillman before the run (except the stupid generator for the speakers kept going out) . . . I crossed the finishline of the 4.2 Mile Run at about 37 minutes (I will get the actual time after 4 today) Can't wait for the Next Run. . . Maybe the MAD MUD RUN on Saturday May 3rd! Check out the site to see how much FUN that looks. . .

Official Results
4.5 Miles
Chip Time: 37:00
Overall Place: 2061/7429
Gender Place: 433/3078
Division Place: 206/7552
Pace: 8:49

Drama in 85206

2008-04-16T15:40:00.006-07:00

Anyone want to move to Our Neighborhood??? We were recently featured on ABC, NBC, FOX and Channel 3....

WHY YOU ASK????

Well It starts about NOON . . . I am on the phone with Steph, Mom and Emily making wedding plans . . . Looking at dresses and locations for receptions online. . . Call 1 - Tiffany Watkins - I answer but say hey can I call you back . . Call 2 - The Jensens - I let it go to voice mail I can call them back in a few minutes, Call 3 - Mesa Pub School - I answer, Mr. Nesbitt on a recorded msg letting all parents know the school is on lockdown??? WHAT???
Chad thinks it would be fun to drive around the neighborhood with the two girls to see what is going on... I call the Jensen's - It is Busy. . . I call Tiffany, she said her neighbor, a Mesa Sheriff had just sped off to respond to the call, There was a stolen car that crashed on Southern in front of our neighborhood and the guy fled on foot into Our Neighborhood (Hence the LOCKDOWN)
Helicopters start swarming above us. . . it is now 12:30 . . Luckily Chad is just out front talking to the neighbors and Ashlyn runs in the house scared and CRYING. .
I talk to Jack Davis who tells me there are snipers out on the rooftops. I go outside to see the site. CRAZY... there they are right down the street perched on several rooftops gun's drawn, aimed at the back yard of the house the Crazy Bank Robber decided to break into.
Natalie Hall drives by . . . she just came into the neighborhood and saw all the commotion I jump in the car and we head off to catch some photos to post on the blog. We stop by the Davis to get a better view . . . Katie Grabbed her camera and we dart off to drive closer to the Drama. We were like the Desperate Housewife Investigators. We capture shots of the News trucks, Helicopters, Police Crew, Swat Team, etc. . . We head out to southern and see the stolen car that the Crazy guy recked. . . Seriously we are out there for like 2 hours . . . visiting with neighbors, getting whatever info we can. NOT wanting to miss anything.

Come on who doesn't like Drama!!!

Miken Gardner, who works as an aid in kindergarten, is talking with us about what is happening at the school. . . like Police Escorts to the Bathrooms, etc. . . Finally we get a call that the Kids will be released to their parents. . . Off to the school. . . seriously the LINE was crazy LONG of parents getting their kids. I am sure I looked pretty foolish wanting pictures to post on my blog during this time . . . but I guess I didn't really care :) So after a long wait and lots of gabbing with all the girls from the ward. Lochlin and Braeden were released by a Police Officer to us at about 3:10 . . . . Loch tells me that his friend saw the Robber wearing a black mask right in front of the office (doubt that is true), He said that He and another boy in his class had to go to the bathroom but couldn't go to the restroom so they Pee'd in a bucket!!! And, Braeden's class played Hot Potato for most of the afternoon. Well, Soon after we get home I get a call from Tiffany who got the latest update from the Sheriff neighbor. . . the suspect was caught in the house NAKED, and bleeding and apparently trying to commit suicide. . I am glad they caught the guy, glad there were no serious injuries (apparently a cop was hit with the stolen car but taken to the hospital with NON life threatening injuries) Glad We had a little Drama and Action here in 85206 !!!

Here are the pictures from my camera, I will add the ones from Katies soon.
Did anyone else have an exciting afternoon???

Here is the link to the AZFamily News Info about this incident.

Scottish Mission Reunion

2008-04-07T15:49:00.009-07:00

Chad and I just spent the weekend up in Salt Lake City to attend Chad's Mission Reunion. . . He went to Scotland and YES he LOVED IT.... But If any of you know Chad . . . You already knew that. I miss the funny accent he had when he came home It was so dang cute, but if he starts talking about Scotland at all . .. the accent comes out a bit.
Ok On to the weekend. We got there Thursday night and Sherri and Spencer picked us up and we went to this Yummy Brazillian restraunt in Trolley Square (forgive me for not knowing the name) It was so much fun to totally OD on yummy meats though. Lydia and Dan made the drive up to Sherri's house that night so the boys could have a fun game of Basketball while us girls hung out. A night that didn't end till the WEE early hours of the morning.

Friday morning I went out for a run. . . HOLY COW... I forgot to take into account that all my training has been here in AZ on the FLAT roads. . . Sherri lives in the mountains and I swear after getting lost I did so many dang hills my tush killed for a few days. But I LOVED the run . . . It was so beautiful and cool outside. Friday Night we headed down to the Reunion. . . It started with the Bagpipe Band . . . Which was so amazing. . . esp in the chapel which is something you don't hear every day. This Reunion is known to be the highest attended reunion in the church. . . We filled an entire stake center all the way back to the stage!! After the Pipes, a few Scottish Folk Songs and Speakers they broke off into rooms for all the different Mission Presidents. . . Chad Served under Pres. Swaney and Pres Williams (1993-95) It was fun to see a few of the ELDERS(and sisters) Chad Served with. I have heard so many stories over the years so to put a face with the name was GREAT. This was a GREAT NIGHT. and I Know Chad Loved Reconnecting with some of his old friends.

That night we drove back down to Provo to hang out with Lydia and Dan (of course Kaitlyn and Kenzie too!!) We stayed up again Talking till WAY early in the morning. and started Saturday morning off REALLY EARLY to prepare a FAB Breakfast to eat before the Saturday Session of Conf. Owen came over and so did StephaKNEE and her soon to be Fiance Nate . . . We PIGGED out on French Toast, Quiche, Muffins, etc. . . then watched conf. . . OK so maybe I fell asleep but who doesn't . . . Those voices are so soothing. and with so little sleep I justified it. :) That afternoon the boys went off to go watch a movie while us girls went off shopping. We had a fun time spending Lydia's money and getting lots of stuff to decorate her new house. The 3 girls (Lyd, Steph and I) had the 2 kids (Kaitlyn and Kenzie) and we squished WAY TO MUCH stuff in the car we could hardly move. It was quite commical I am sure if anyone saw this.

Saturday night Chad went with some of his old Mission Buddies to the Priesthood session at the Conference Center (Thanks Elder Frogly) Then afterwards we went to a UFC fight which was SO MUCH FUN . . . We Finally found a place that was open in SLC at 11PM and ate PF Changs and Hung out till 4 am with Sher and Spence and then had to wake up at 7:30AM to catch our flight Sunday Morning . . . All in all we had NO SLEEP but had a BLAST. Now that we are home hopefully we can catch up on some much needed rest. I so love my family and appreciate all that everyone did. It was great to get to the reunion and spend time with my family.

I hope everyone else had a fun weekend too...

BTW . . My kids all had a really fun weekend too. . . they all slept at friend's houses on Thursday Night . . Friday Night the boys had a party with Martin (Their Grandpa) and the girls had a party with Mican (sis in law) Then Mican had a party with them all on Sat night. They ate plenty of Panda's orange chicken, watched lots of movies had lots of popcorn and sweets and lots of fun. Thanks to everyone that helped me out.

Music

2008-04-07T13:47:00.002-07:00

What's on YOUR iPod???

I am trying to find the perfect music for my marathon. . . I am figuring about 4 hours worth to do the 26 miles . . . So what do you listen to while you run? here is some of my list . . . I want more suggestions to add to it PLEASE!!!!

Baba O'Reily by the Who

Take You There by Sean Kingston

Move Along by All American Rejects

Island in the Sun by Weezer

Stonger by Kanye West

Smack That by Akon

Good Life by Kanye West

Stop & Stare by OneRepublic

Soak Up the Sun by Sheryl Crow

Galvanize by the Chemical Brothers

Hypnotized by Plies and Akon

Promiscuous by Nelly Furtado

Play by David Banner

Chop Me Up by Justin Timberlake

The Way I am by Eminem

Kiss Kiss by Chris Brown

My Love by Justin Timberlake

RollOut by Ludacris

Going the Distance by Cake

How Many Words by Blake Lewis

Bump it Up by Ludacris

Back that A$$ Up by Juvenile

Get Your Freak On by Missy Elliott

The Way I Are by Timbaland

Please Don't Stop the Music by Rihanna

Hips Don't Lie by Shakira

Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake

Cyclone by Baby Bash

Gold Digger by Kanye West

Can't Get You Out of My Heada by Kylie Minogue

Somewhere Only We Know by Keane

Push It by Salt N Pepa

In The Club by 50 Cent

This is only about 2 Hours worth of music so I need MORE!!!

Injured . . . Wa Wa Wa Wa Wa

2008-04-02T04:08:00.003-07:00

So if you have spoken to me or checked my blog in the past MONTH you probably know I am training to do the San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon on June 1st. This is less than 2 months away now and I have spent many many hours running over the past month. I usually go between 3 and 6 miles at least 4 times during the week and do long runs on Saturday's . . . March 22nd I ran 14 miles (I did this run alone and it was rather plesant, easy running I did it in 2 hours easy pace and no walking) this past Saturday March 29th . . . I ran 16 miles (with Tiffany Watkins, Anna Haught and Megan Merrill) We had a nice start but made a pit stop at the McDonnalds on Higley and Brown for a few minutes then headed down Brown to Lindsay then over to McKellips and back with another pit stop at the same McDonnald's to refuel on Powerade and Water . . . Then Home . . . This took about 2 hours and 40 min . . . I was surprised how the pit stops made the run so much harder. There was a little walking but only about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile total. We made it hope and I felt good. My legs were tired and sore and then I realized the top of my foot was hurting. Right under where my shoe laces were on my left foot. . . . I attempted a walk with my family on Sunday afternoon but luckily it was cut short with a grumpy 18 month old so we turned around. Monday Tiffany wanted me to do a Mock Triathalon at the gym (17 laps in the pool, 9 miles on the bike, and 2 miles of running) While I was on the treadmill about 1/2 mile into my run my FOOT was KILLING. . . I seriously thought I could scream, I started walking thinking I could get through it. . . . I finally hit 1 mile and decide I have to Quit!!! My foot hurts WAY TO BAD to continue with this. . . So I get online and do a little self diagnosis I have a Stress Fracture . . . CAUSES: Stress fractures are usually caused by overtraining or overuse. They can also be caused by repeated pounding or impact on a hard surface, such as running of concrete. Increasing the time, type or intensity of exercise too rapidly is another cause of stress fractures to the feet, as is wearing improper footwear. High impact sports such as running, gymnastics, and volleyball can increase the risk of stress fractures. In all of these sports, the repetitive stress of the foot strike on a hard surface causes trauma and muscle fatigue. Without the right shoes, good muscle strength or adequate rest between workouts an athlete can develop a stress fracture.

TREATMENT: The best treatment for a stress fracture is rest. Taking a break from from the routine and doing some low impact exercise (Swimming or Cycling) for a few weeks can help the bone heal. If rest isn't taken, chronic problems such as larger, and more persistent stress fractures can develop. Re-injury may result in a chronic foot problem and the stress fracture might never heal properly.

Wa Wa Wa . . . I will take a week off. . . Still hitting the gym for Weights, Swimming and Cycling but I am hoping by next week I can pick up. cause I am going to do the darn marathon. I know running 26 miles will hurt my body but I WANT TO DO IT!!!

Has anyone else suffered from this, and done anything to fix it? My mom told me to wrap my foot in Tobacco . . Kinda wierd and I will try it when I can get to the store to buy a cigar or a can of chew...

Mom's - Who has the TIME?

2008-04-02T02:16:00.007-07:00

I was lying in bed this morning (OK NIGHT) lets face it it is 2AM and I can't sleep. My mind is racing and I thought since I am up I might as well BLOG about what I am thinking about.

Seriously Who has ANY TIME to do anything?

What does your Daily/Weekly TO DO LIST include??

Work Out,

Shower,

Shave our legs (so we don't scare away our husbands),

Get Dressed,

Put on Make-up,

and Hopefully do our hair

Make sure the kids make their beds, and brush their teeth, and practice the piano

Make sure all Kids Homework is done, sign folders, and make sure it is ready for the following day,

Get Kids to Baseball, Gymnastics, Piano Lessons, Music Class, Swim Lessons, etc.
Feed the kids Breakfast,

Make Lunches for kids going to school,

Plan and Prepare a healthy Dinner

Pay Bills,

Do the Grocery shopping,

Bazillion Load's of Laundry, and PUT THEM AWAY

Clean Bathrooms,

Vacuum,

Sweep,

Mop,

Dust,

Unload and Load the Dishwasher

Pick up the Dry Cleaning,

Take the Car pool,

Take out the garbage,

Change Diapers,

Get Visiting Teaching Done,

Primary Pres Meetings,

Plan Sharing Time,

Help with Cub Scouts, and Activity Day's Projects, Or whatever other calling anyone may have

Read Scriptures, Ensign, Church News, Friend, and don't forget the RS Lesson (and Hopefully still find time to read something for fun)

Oh have you found time yet in your day to do that Compassionate service meal you signed up for, or Helped in at least one of your children's classrooms,

Return books to Library, and Movies to Blockbuster

Ward Choir,

Go to the Temple,

Scrapbook,

Catch up on Email or Blogging

Do your Family History

Stock up for your Year's Supply

Help in the Cannery

Attend a Play Group

Go to Homemaking

Have you had time to PLAY with your kids, Potty train your toddler, Help your kindergartner learn to read or figure out how to subtract, or did you even SIT down as a family for dinner?

What about Dr. apts and picking up the prescription from the pharmacy, and

Did you remember to buy the new shoes for the kids (cause their feet are growing so dang fast they have out grown the ones I just got from I swear it was just LAST WEEK)

CRAP... Who else FORGETS TO EAT Breakfast and sometimes Lunch and Dinner.

Who remembered or had the energy to cuddle with their Husband?

I am so impressed with any MOM that on top of ALL THIS, has a full or even part time job!!

Does anyone really have time for TV, who is it that has time for Oprah or Rachael Ray anymore? Thank heavens for the TV diet we went on last summer!!!

I found these Suggestions on a Website.

When you feel the need to escape and take a few minutes to yourself to de-stress, follow some (if not all) of the tips below.

Put yourself in time out: Allow some alone time for yourself. Use this time to focus on you. Find a place in your home that you can go to and find privacy. You can ask your partner or a friend to take the family out for a few hours while you enjoy your alone time. Do nothing, sleep, read, watch a movie, and just enjoy your solitude. (I wish i could go to TIME OUT.. I can't even sit on the Toilet for 1 minute without being bombarded by my children)

Call a Friend: Rather than yelling at your husband or your children, try picking up the phone and vent to a friend. Be sure not to vent AT her, but rather tell her about your day and get it all out. If she offers you some advice, listen and soak it in. This mini-time out session will leave you feeling heard, de-stressed and you will find that by the end of your call some of you anger will have dissipated. (Phew, cause I feel like anytime I AM on the phone this is exactly what I am doing, but maybe not in quite the pleasing way it is described here)

Play: As adults, we sometimes forget the beneficial value of play. Play stimulates our imagination, encourages our creativity, boosts our energy, and best of all, it is fun. Try a game of tennis, a game of cards online or perhaps invite some friends over for an evening of adult board games. (does a game of Candyland count, or possibly Barbies? I swear that is the only type of PLAY I can get)

Meditate: Meditation has been proven to reduce your blood pressure, and helps to dramatically reduce your stress level. Meditation and/or prayer will help you to keep in touch with your spiritual side. Meditation is a very effective method of relaxation. To meditate, quiet your mind and allow yourself to focus on one thing, such as your breath. Find a relaxed comfortable position where Try visualizing good health and peace as you inhale. While you are breathing out breathe out all of your stress. Set aside approximately 20 minutes for this exercise. Upon completion, you will see just how much more relaxed your mind and body is. (20 Minutes?? seriously this person can't be serious, where are those 20 minutes going to come from, I guess I am up at 2 in the morning and I could do it NOW before I head out to the gym at 5, but NORMALLY I would be sleeping till then. . . The trick is to learn to meditate while kids are crying and you can hear the Barney or Elmo voices that are so NOT soothing and you have Cheerios's or Gold fish being thrown around your house getting squished into the carpet)

Take a nap: Find a quiet, comfortable spot and take a nap. Even a short power nap can leave you feeling refreshed, renewed, and more focused. Studies have shown that people who spent 30 minutes each day napping had one third less heart disease than those who didn't nap. (So yesterday I sat on the bed in Ashlyn's room to play Barbies and I swear in 2 seconds I was asleep, I got caught by Chad less than a minute into this so called NAP. I actually was embarrassed, oh and Ashlyn has told me that she wont cuddle with me on the couch to watch a Barbie Movie because she thinks I will fall asleep . . . I would LOVE a nap during the day, but I'd have to get over that guilty feeling like I just got caught doing something wrong oh and FIND THE TIME)

Eat: Not just anything but certain things. Studies show that certain foods can help reduce stress. Carbohydrates will actually soothe you. Good sources of carbohydrates include rice, pasta, potatoes, breads, air-popped popcorn and low-calorie cookies. Experts suggest that the carbohydrates present in just one baked potato or a cup of spaghetti or white rice is enough to relieve the anxiety of a stressful day. (I don't see Chocolate or Ice Cream here and I do think it is weird to actually see we should eat carbs . . . Experts also aren't telling us that we will have to add an extra hour on the treadmill to our work out to burn off the extra calories that our DE STRESSING added to our Daily Caloric intake)

Movie Time: If you don’t have anyone to watch the children for you while you de-stress. Put in one of their favorite movies, supply your children with a few healthy snacks, and have them occupy themselves for a little while so that you can take a breather.Don't feel guilty for taking time out to rejuvenate your mind and body. (I can only stand Elmo, Barney, Nemo, Barbie Movies, Etc SO MANY TIMES . . . seriously who can rejuvenate with the high squeal of Elmo, or while Barney is fondling the little kids.)

DISCLAIMER!!!!!!! Chad does NOT care if I take a nap he actually has told me he likes to see me resting. This was ment in NO WAY to say CHAD doesn't help me either because I could ask him to help me with any of these things and he would GLADLY do it. He even tries to do things when I don't ask like the dishes or helping with the kids. I used this post PURELY to just list the MANY MANY THINGS we as moms have on our plate!!! I LOVE YOU BABE xoxoxo

Being a mom is not an easy task and it is a full time job. Take a break when you need it and be sure to ask for help to keep the stress at bay.

THANK YOU MOM for all you did for ME growing up. You did this for 6 kids. I can't even to it for 4 kids.

Tagged by LYD

2008-03-20T14:41:00.008-07:00

What is HIS name? Chad Martin Howey

How long have you been married? 11 WONDERFUL years

How long did you date? We started hanging out Christmas Eve of 1995 by that summer we were spending every day together then His parents FINALLY convinced him to propose New Years Eve 1996 we were married in March of 1997 (ok so we were together for about a year and 3 months before we got married)

How old is he? I dont Know (I know he was born in 1973) So, I think he turns 34 this year ??

Who eats more sweets? Chad FOR SURE, He has a bottomless PIT of a stomach when it comes to sweets. I know it is hard to believe (esp since most of his diet consists of egg whites, spinach and salmon) I PROMISE Chad EATS SWEETS... and LOTS OF THEM!!!

Who said I love you first? Chad did, I wanted to say it back but "I have to pee" was the only thing that I could say in response. I think it took me almost a month afterwards to say it back to him. How Lame I KNOW, I promise I LOVED HIM I just couldn't say it.

Who is taller? Chad is and I LIKE it that way.

Who can sing better? Chad would say me, but My mom has always said with the ZUFELT genes Chad MUST have a good voice in there.

Who is smarter? Depends on what your talking about. I can answer most computer and math problems, Chad is smarter in EVERY OTHER WAY! But I agree with LYD... I am ALWAYS right, even if I am NOT smarter.

Who does the laundry? After I had Lochlin, ChaW was SO SWEET and did a load of laundry but he accidently put a red shirt in with the whites and from then on I told him I WOULD DO IT. OK he does it if I am out of town or whatever, and He has no problem switching a load but 99.9% of the time IT IS ME.

Who pays the bills? He makes the money for me to make sure they get paid

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I sleep on the right side, but It switches with every move, Chad makes sure to give me the side of the bed that has the easiest access to the bathroom and door. Not that I can't hold it, or prone to accidents, he is just thoughtful and wants me to have the easier route in the middle of the night if necessary.

Who mows the lawn? If it get's mowed Chad does it. He Doesn't LIKE to do it and usually it requires a few requests from me. But He gets it done... because HE LOVES ME!

Who cooks dinner? Well I usually THINK about it, I plan out a week's worth of meals, I throw together a salad and decide (chicken or salmon) then decide which way to prepare it. If it is in the oven or on the stove I DO IT. If it is on the grill CHAD DOES IT, but honestly lately, the kids have been eating chicken nuggets, Top Ramen, or Ckn Pot Pies, and Chad pops open a can or two of salmon and a hand full of spinach, or just makes a protein shake. I AM SUCH A BAD WIFE.

Who drives? Chad, I totally HATE driving with him in the passenger seat all he does is complain about what lane I am in and how I am not stopping soon enough etc... I do all the driving though during the day with the kids WITHOUT HIM.

Who is more stubborn? OK I KNOW I am stubborn (part of the Allen genes) but Chad likes things to be his way too.. I usually win in the war though.

Who kissed who first? I think he would say I kissed him, But He kissed back (a LOT) and I KNOW he LIKED IT!!!

Who asked who out first? We were just friends hanging out for so long that when it came to an actuall date I dont even know. It was prob just a mutual decision to go out.

Who proposed? Chad did and it was the most romantic wonderful New Years Eve ever . . . candle light picnic on the beach of the lake. My response to seeing the picnic like the I love you response "I have to pee" but I guess everyone can see I did say YES!

Who has more siblings? Well Chad grew up as the oldest of 6 kids(Chad, Tatum, Travis, Ty, Mican and Shea)

I grew up as the 2nd oldest of 6 kids(Cherry, Dawn, Emily, Lydia, Owen and Stephanie) but Chad actually has a step sister LISA who never lived with them, SO HE WINS with 1 more sibling.

Who wears the pants? We share the pants, His butt definatly looks better in them

BTW Chad always gets questions about his diet and workout so I made him do a blog with what he does so if anyone is interested here it is... http://chadhoweyworkout.blogspot.com/

Running

2008-03-07T14:24:00.003-07:00

OK Natalie... Just went to the website for PAT'S RUN on April 19th looks like a fun 4.2 mile run starting at 7:00 AM. I have 13 miles to run that day Hopefully splitting it up then running later wont screw me up for the marathon training. Plus it is only $30 to register (before 4/13). Oh and kids under 12 RACE FREE for the 1/2 mile race.

How fun would the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon be. Aug 31st. Talk about a FUN family weekend. there is a 5K run on the 30th for those scared of the 13 miles.

I found a list of all the upcoming races in AZ on the Arizona Road Racers Website . . . If Anyone is interested in doing ANY of them... I will totally sign up too. I am looking for longer runs for the weekends at least 10-20 miles over the next few months (June 1st is only 85 days away)

YES... Running has become a new obsession!!!! call me CRAZY but I am loving being outside feeling the burn in my legs, pacing my breathing and thinking about the FINISH LINE.

Rock N Roll ANYONE???

2008-03-04T10:08:00.003-07:00

How many runners are out there??? Anyone else looking for something to get them excited about. I am DYING to do a Marathon. I know it will be LONG, MISSERABLE, and PAINFUL... BUT... I WANT IT!!! I want to be able to say "I ran 26 miles", I can almost feel the burning in my thighs thinking about it (or maybe it is just the 3.5 miles I ran this morning or all the dang lunges or squats from the PUMP class) OK so I have been wanting to have something to work towards and I found the Rock N Roll Marathon in San Diego on June 1st. Register before April 18th and it is only $100. I thought it would be fun to get a group together to suffer and have the fun together. It will be a SUPER FUN WEEKEND. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE If you are like me and just need to be pushed a little... Lets start a running group. Long runs on Saturdays 10, 12, miles to start. I don't even care what my time is for the Marathon. I JUST WANT TO DO IT... AND FINISH!!!!

There is also another Rock N Roll Marathon (and 1/2 Marathon) in San Antonio, TX on November 16 , 2008

This can be you.

No Computer

2008-02-26T10:13:00.002-07:00

Ok so a few weeks ago my computer just decided to NOT TURN ON!!! this stinks because I now have lost EVERYTHING on it.. I was good about backing up my pictures to a External Hard Drive but I have LOST all my iTunes Music BUMMER!! I am currently stealing a few minutes on my Brother In Law (Dan's) Computer while he is staying with us. But I will update when Either I get my comp fixed or I can convince Chad it is just time for a Mac!!! Hope everyone is doing well...

BTW I am really wishing I were in TX right now... My Parents moved there in January, Phanelb and Emily have lived there for years, Cherry moved there at the beginning of February and Lydia is there visiting this week. So I am going to just sit here in my house and cry that I am not able to be with all my family. I MISS YOU ALL... Hope you are having a BLAST making salsa, singing, and staying up late watching movies.

OH one last thing... I stood on the scale... Man I am getting bummed cause it just wont go down any further. I have been stuck for almost 2 months. I am hoping that adding running 4-6 miles at night will kick my butt into gear and help me start loosing lbs again. I am aiming for 10 lbs by spring break. ANYONE want to JOIN ME??? My gym schedule is still the same if anyone wants to come with me to any classes (see a previous post for that list)

2008-02-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks to LYDIA here is some USELESS info about ME!!!!

A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment, letting them know they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 Years Ago:

I was a NEWLYWED, well kind of... I worked at Delphi Structured Finance (as my dad's office manager) I drove a cute NEW honda civic, lived at McKellips Garden's and was going to ASU FULL TIME Majoring in Communications

5 Things on my "to-do" list for today:

1. Clean off the Air Hockey Table (this has been the gathering spot for all the JUNK I have started unpacking from our trip last week)
2. Do and Put Away LAUNDRY (but this is ALWAYS on my To Do List)
3. Paperwork (bills, go through kids school papers, cleaning off the desk, etc.)
4. Sweep, Mop, Vaccum, Pick up Toys, Clean Bathrooms
5. 6:30 Cub Scout Meeting (we are planning the Blue and Gold)

I Enjoy:

1. Hanging with my Hubby
2. Listening to my kids LAUGH together
3. Going on Vacation
4. A Clean House
5. Working Out

What would I do if I was suddenly made a BILLIONAIRE:

1. Move & Get New Cars
2. Travel to Exotic Places
3. Finish College (maybe go to Dental School)
4. GET A MAID
5. Get Chad Season Tickets to the SUNS on the FLOOR by the SUNS bench

5 Jobs that I have had:

1. Babysitter
2. Original Cookie Company at Superstion Springs Mall
3. Front Office Help at Dr. Ronald Glick's Office
4. Office Manager for Delphi Structured Finance
5. MOM

5 Things People Don't Know About Me:

1. My Right Ear is NOTICABLY larger than my Left Ear
2. I don't like to use Public Bathrooms (or even bathrooms at Friend's Houses)
3. I have to have the clothes in my closet arranged by sleve length and color order
4. I have OCD about cleaning up my house
5. I have anxiaty about being killed while driving behind a truck with poles or a ladder hanging off the back of it.

I am tagging: You, You, You, You, and You

We Did It!!!

2008-01-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

Today I was running errands Sprouts, Walmart, Costco and as I was driving by the mall on my way to Costco the frequent thought of "I really need to get Irelyn's Ears Pierced" crossed my mind. I pierced Ashlyn's when she was 8 weeks old. . . As Irelyn was an infant she was sick so often with ear infections I just couldn't bear to pierce her ears too. So I decided to stop procrastinating and to just pull in to the mall and DO IT!! Ashlyn was quite nervous for Ierlyn. She kept asking how bad it hurts and made cringing faces.... Irelyn was so happy right before giggling and playing with me I thought maybe I was making a mistake by jabbing needles through her ears knowing it is going to make her SCREAM at the top of her lungs for who knows how long. Well.. the lady doing it was really good and went really fast with the Ear Gun. Irelyn cried only for a minute, that is until she was handed a purple sucker to distract her. We think she looks adorable... Ashlyn picked out the PINK FLOWER earrings.

Happy 2008

2008-01-04T12:11:00.000-07:00

OK so I am finally back in Arizona... We had SUCH A WONDERFUL time in Texas with all our Family. So many FUN TIMES.. We LOVED going to LIFETIME, all the DINNERS, GAMES, Parties, Hanging out, ETC.... The only part we didn't like was the 16 1/2 hour drive to and from Dallas. . . YUCK... The kids did pretty good, Braeden and Irelyn Puked, only a few fights, Irelyn screamed for most of it (she is teething) But It was all worth it for the GREAT MEMORIES. Thanks Emily & Joe and Steph & Dave for all your HOSPITALITY. Cherry and Scott it was GREAT to see you guys, Rhonda and Benny WE LOVE YOU and are so happy to have RECONNECTED with you. Susan and Scott THANK YOU for being so KIND and for all you did to make Christmas so FUN for the kids, and FOR US. New Years Eve was a BLAST. . . We went to PF Changs with the Fransworths and the Robinsons. . . IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!! then we had to get home to pack so we could hit the road the next morning.

Goals for 2008

Loose 20 MORE lbs. - I have just a little bit further to go. . . If I can KEEP UP the gym, and eating good . . . HOPEFULLY by Spring Break I will have this one reached.
HALF Marathon - I will Start VALLEY OF THE SUN March 9th. . But If that goes well and If I can make it the other half I will find a FULL Marathon to do by the end of the year.
Spend more ONE on ONE time with my Children - I want to find at least an hour each week to spend with each of my kids individually. I find that I spend some time playing with Irelyn during the day, I usually help Ashlyn with her homework, and play a little with her, and my boys, They are growing up and kind of not wanting to play with me. BUT if I can touch up on my Guitar Hero Skills and have some Rock OFFS with them or go on a walk or wonder a Store or Museum with them I would be so happy.
Read - I have turned off the TV in our house basically since July so NOW I need to be better about Picking up the Scriptures and other Fun Books.
Travel - Chad and I have started to get out more this past year (Hawaii, Vegas, Texas, Utah, etc. ) So this next year I would LOVE to expand my destinations; visit more places I want to get to NYC, Colorado, San Francisco, Disneyland, and of course back to Hawaii, Texas, Utah, Vegas and Many More FUN PLACES. . .
Learn - I would Love to take time to get back into school, I have never finished my degree at ASU (I dropped out after having kids) I WANT to finish and get my degree, so if I can start hammering out a few classes over the next few semesters I CAN GRADUATE.
Serve - I Know I have a calling that requires a lot of work and service, but I want to be better about seeing needs of those around me and finding a way to make someone else's life better. Wether it be making Dinners, Helping with Kids, Picking a Few weeds, Or just finding time to LISTEN.

DECEMBER

2007-12-28T06:35:00.000-07:00

Ok so I am SOOOOO bad at blogging these days.. I thought I would try to do a catch up . . .

A Few weekend's ago my Aunt Sherri came into town with her kids We had such a fun time hanging out with them. Ashlyn and Sabrina were so dang cute together being little DIVA's together. and the boys; Lochlin Braeden and Spencer . . . What STUDS!! It was so great to see them and we are totally loking forward to spending time with the PLUMMER's Again Soon.

One NIGHT we went out with a FUN GROUP to RIGATONY's and then to F1 Racing.... IT WAS a BLAST to Goof off, be loud and obnoxious and have a SUPER FUN TIME with AMAZINGLY FUN people. . . Sherri, Shauna, Troy, Cliff, Lindsay, Dennis, Kinley, and Chad and I.

We Had so much fun racing eachother around the track and US girls had a BLAST playing dress up's with the JUMPSUITS.

Ashlyn had her MUSIC Performance with Miss JENNY Prince's THAT's ENTERTAINMENT group. I LOVE seeing Ashlyn on the stage... OK SO I AM PARTIAL but SHE IS SO GOOD. and I JUST LOVE hearing her sing. HERE is a video you can see for YOURSELF what a little cutie she is. Singing Sugar Pie Honey Bunch!!! Lochlin kept making her laugh but I LOVE watching her.

So we decided last minute that we would drive to TX to spend Christmas with my Family Emily and Joe, Stephanie and Dave, and Cherry and Scott. . . We have been having so much fun. BAKING, CLEANING, Decorating cookies, Going to the gym, Christmas Parties, Getting together with old FRIENDS Koya and Heather, Meeting up with Benny and Rhonda at their restraunt Poppy's (which was SO FABULOUS) It has been a BLAST here. I LOVE TEXAS. . . I don't know IF we will EVER come back to AZ....

The kids had a GREAT Christmas, The boys got Guitar Hero and Ashlyn was so excited to get the Hair Straightener that puts colors in your hair. My little GLAM girl.

Here are a FEW of the Photos' Hope ALL is going well with EVERYONE ELSE and HOPE everyone had a MERRY CHRISTMAS and has a safe and FUN New Years.

This One is FOR YOU!!!

2007-12-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

SO...

YES I am down 40 LBS..

Even though it is

TOTALLY

EMBARRASSING

to admit that number... I have been working my butt off at the gym...but really, the rest has been fairly easy.

Sara you asked what i am eating/doing other than the crazy gym schedule . . . Well Here You go... I hope this helps anyone else who has found themselves in the same rut as me.

So I had a hard time even finding a picture with my giggly belly in it. If for some reason I did find myself in front of the camera, I always tried to grab a PROP to hide my waist, boobs and butt... Anything worked from kids on laps, to hiding in the back row of group shots. But I found this picture from back in JULY 2007 while I was spending my summer in Hawaii visiting my parents. This is my LARGEST i have ever been. . . I thought I was healthy. I mean I was eating healthy, I went to the gym, I was really stong and I could run a few miles on the treadmill, But LOOK at me. I want cringe that THIS is what I looked like 4 months ago. I guess while you are big, it is easy to overlook how you actually LOOK.

Well when I got back from Hawaii at the end of JULY the FIRST thing I did to change my life was this TV DIET. . . While in Hawaii.... we had NO NEED to watch TV, our family would go to the beach, go on walks around Laie, etc. . . so when we got home. I wasn't even interested in watching the shows I had previously been into. . . and I was into a TON of shows . . . Kind of the joke.. you named a show and I watched it. from Extra, Inside Edition, Oprah, Dr. Phil, all CSI's, Law and Order's, Gray's Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Survivor, the list goes ON and ON.. . I now watch NO TV. I don't even turn on the NEWS in the morning. YES... the TV does go on in our house. I turn on Baby Einstein for Irelyn, and Chad watches the Sun's Games, and the kids watch a little Disney and Cartoon Network . . . BUT you will NEVER find me sitting on the couch watching a show. EVER.... and although I did suffer a little from TV withdrawal's while people are talking about the latest thing happening on Gray's or Desperate. . . I have found that I am completely FINE to NOT KNOW, I no longer even CARE what is happening in the TV world. . . It was crazy to find out that a few weeks ago there was a writer's strike. . . I didn't even KNOW!

On to the next thing that changed my life. . . I would say it is Moderation . . . I PROMISE I am NOT on a crazy diet. I eat what I want. . . and don't deprive myself of anything that I WANT. . . But. . . The IMPORTANT thing is WHAT I WANT. . . I have always eaten pretty healthy, We DON'T do Fast food (except on the long car drives and RANDOM occasions throughout the year) Salad's have always been one of my favorite foods, I love veggies, and chicken and salmon etc. . . So what is it I am doing???? Well, I eat several times throughout the day (sometimes not as frequently as I should), I watch my portions, AND I am more aware of the food that enters my mouth. I have learned that ONE bite of a cookie is better for me than 4 cookies dipped in milk... After all . . . I just wanted to KNOW what the cookie tastes like, and It isn't going to taste different if I keep eating more and more of them. If I am hungry I should grab something with Protein in it BEFORE I start shoving my mouth full of cookies to try to fill myself up. I thought I would share some of my favorite foods and a few recipes for things I am eating.

1. Fiber One Bars and South Beach Diet Bars - I use these for a quick snack or breakfast meal or just a time when I am scrounging looking for something sweet and satisfying. They are SO GOOD, and I think EVERYONE should have these as a staple in their pantry.

2. Pro Lean Mass - Chocolate Mouse Protein Powder - YUMMMM that is what I will start with. This stuff seriously tastes like the Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink. I usually do one scoop of this with 4 oz of water. for a delicious 119 calorie meal. I get it at House of Fitness on Southern and I think Country Club and it is $35 but it lasts a while.

3. Diet Pepsi - Ok. . . I have not always been a big POP fan. but this stuff is good for a quick energy boost and I actually like the taste. There are NO calories, and I will usually have 1-2 of these a day. Along with a TON of water. I have found that drinking water from bottles is the easiest most convenient way to drink enough. I can grab a bottle and bring it with me, throw it in my purse, etc.

4. Sugar Free Jello and Sugar Free Cool Whip - The most delicious low cal snack out there. I will usually treat myself to this snack a few times a week. 20-30 calories that's all... Not bad for a dessert.

5. Whole Grains - So ever since I have been married I have NEVER bought white bread, yes the occasional loaf of fresh hot french bread from the store, a few times some white rolls and some Hawaiian sweet rolls but all sandwiches have ALWAYS been made on 100% Whole Wheat Bread.. . I dont know what my kids would do if they saw white bread for their PB&J. I also buy the Whole Grain Rice (these 90 second 2 serving one's from Uncle Ben's are GREAT) They are perfect to any meal... although I usually will only use them for a LUNCH, Carbs like this are not eaten at night usually in our house. If you want a little sweet touch to the rice throw in a TBSP of coconut or Spice it up with a little lemon juice and cilantro. For anyone who has been living on WHITE rice it will taste weird for a while... but you get used to it and it can be a YUMMY addition to any meal.

6. 100 Calorie Popcorn - Ok so I really don't use this as a snack to frequently but sometimes when I crave a bit more substance than a little Jello this popcorn can satisfy me. It takes a lot longer to eat it has a salty yummy taste and it is portioned for you. PLUS if you share it with kids or a hungry hubby . . . you are getting even fewer calories.

7. Lean Cuisine - So There are times when I am struggling with WHAT TO EAT for a meal. If I dont want to cook something, or I dont have leftovers What do I eat? Well... Lean Cuisine's are great for those occasion's I just pull one out of the freezer and There is a Lunch. PLUS I usually share it with Ashlyn so I am eating something pretty good and sharing it so I get fewer calories. Watch out for the Breaded and Fried things and the White Starches. I usually try to avoid them. There are quite a few with veggies and a meat.

8. Egg White Oatmeal Pancakes - SO gross sounding but so good. . . You mix in a blender 3 egg whites, 1/2 cup raw oatmeal 2 Tbsp splenda and 1/2 tsp cinnamon then pour in a pan to make about 3 pancakes. I will top them with a little dab of Sugar Free Jelly and a little Sugar Free Cool Whip. YUMMM... These are a good treat when I have a little more time to make something for breakfast.

9. Dinner's - My dinners usually consist of a Meat and a Veggie. We pretty much ALWAYS have a salad, but some of my other favorite veggies are sauteed zucchini (I spray a pan with a little I can't believe it's not butter spray and throw the sliced zucchini on with a sprinkle of garlic salt and dab of Parmesan cheese. . . YUM) I also LOVE Broccoli usually with a little lemon juice or garlic and parm cheese. . . As for the Meat's we usually have Chicken or Fish, I Try to avoid highly sugary marinades and stick to spices and grilling but My favorite Chicken dish is what we call Salsa Chicken which is just salsa, taco seasoning and water dumped on some chicken in the crock pot, then shredded and put on top of salad. We also use the Mango Ginger Habanero Marinade (from Costco) on top of some Salmon then baked. Ok and last thing about Dinner's . . . Cook them at home. . . You are able to control the amt of fat's that you use and consume and you can spend the time while cooking to help your kids understand the importance of eating healthy. . . It is so cute because my kids talk about eating their Protein's I LOVE that they know about being healthy.

10. Sugar Free GUM - I LOVE gum. I love the Orbit Sweet Mint Gum and usually will have 3-4 pieces a day. It helps get your mind off eating because you are chewing something.

LASTLY . . . EXERCISE!!! Park further away, walk to pick up the kids at school or to get the mail, take the stairs instead of the elevator, I have been wearing a Body Bugg for a few weeks now and it is so interesting to see the number of steps I take each hour, I walk about 840 steps while getting my kids ready in the morning, just the basic things you can see how it adds up.

If anyone wants to start doing any classes with me at Fitness Works. . . I am a Class JUNKIE.

I do RPM (bike), Pump (weights), Step, Attack, Combat, and Flow (yoga) throughout the week.

on average I burn about 3200 Calories a day I am eating about 1500 Calories and that deficit has helped me loose about 2 1/2 lbs a week. It is coming off slow, but I know I will be able to keep it off.

I know this was the LONGEST post EVER!!! I hope This answers any questions Sara that you had about what I am doing. If you can think of anything else let me know I will try to answer as best as I can.

Have You STOPPED Checking??

2007-12-10T14:33:00.000-07:00

I know I have been REALLY, REALLY bad at updating my blog lately... There is NO EXCUSE... Sorry Bloggers... I just haven't sat down at the computer. Chad is working from HOME... Which I LOVE... BUT.. he is at the desk all day.. I could take my laptop out of the room and use it somewhere else BUT.. It is just easier to NOT get on the computer at all... Our Family has been on a TV diet since we have gotten home from Hawaii this summer so I am not even wasting time watching Oprah, Desperate Housewives, or Gray's Anatomy. . . I honestly have just been busy getting end of the year stuff together for Primary, and Scouts, Tring to get up the Christmas Decorations, Helping in the Kids Classrooms, Trying to keep up on cleaning my house, organizing closets, cleaning out the garage, you know all that fun stuff... PLUS i am still going to the GYM usually two times a day 5:15 AM and 4:20 PM.. (ok I am down 40 lbs from the Hawaii pictures I have posted on this blog from July... Whoo Hoo... I just wish I felt comfortable getting pictures taken... NOT YET... a little bit more to go.. THEN I may do a BIG REVEAL Picture)

So This past weekend My Little Sister Steph Came into town to go with Chad and I to see DANE COOK... OK it was crude.. but SO DANG FUNNY. We had a blast. We had a GREAT weekend spending time with Steph and we were sad to see her go Sunday Afternoon. But... She will be back soon to help Mom and Dad MOVE to TEXAS after Christmas. YEAH for getting them back on the MAINLAND.

Well.. We just saw SANTA last night at the ANNUAL Howey Christmas Dinner. It is So nice to have Santa Stop by to see us so we dont have to fight the mall crowds, etc...

NOVEMBER UPDATE

2007-11-24T13:08:00.000-07:00

I KNOW... I haven't blogged in a REAL LONG TIME... so I will try to catch up... So you dont get to see halloween pictures . . . I dont know where i put them on my computer and YES i am TO LAZY to go looking for them now.. PLUS that was like a month ago. The kids all got a ton of candy and I was so grateful for Phanelb teaching me about the GREAT PUMPKIN.. cause we let the kids pig out for a whole day on their candy then we left it on the table the night after Halloween for the Great Pumpkin to trade for a little prize. PHEW. . . it was such a relief to get the temptation of Candy OUT of the house. I guess chad and BINGED on all the Kit Kats after the kids went to bed Halloween night anyways.. . and we didn't get to many sweedish fish so nothing to make me dig through the buckets for. Well.... Now that it NOVember is almost over We have a lot to catch up on. So One of the pictures is the HUGE gash Loch got on his eye after a fight with Brae. Kind of funny... I just had to document some of the blood they draw on eachother. I HOPE sometime this stuff will end but Chad tells me IT WONT... THEY ARE BOYS!! Oh then I have this picture of Irelyn FLEXING... Dont know who remembers... but LOCH did the exact same thing and they look so much alike doing it.
This past week Steph and Dave came into town. We have had so much fun trying to spend any minute we can with them. We had a fun dinner on Monday night with a SUPER fun group of friends. Then we went to the park and let the kids feed the DUCKS . . . It was so cute to see Irelyn so excited to touch them. . . Thanksgiving was fun we started our day out with the Turkey Trot Chad ran the 1 mile with Loch and Brae. and they made pretty good time. Then I ran the 10 K. . . Let me just say... JET FUEL (the energy pill) is NOT a GOOD THING to take before a long run. I got so sick I puked seriously like 10 times throughout the 6.2 miles and ended up walking for quite a bit of the race. It took me like 1 hour and 17 minutes to finish and I WAS SO dissapointed because I KNEW I could have done better if I weren't gaging the whole time. But I fininshed. We then had dinner over at Chad's Aunts house. Ashlyn wanted to wear her INDIAN outfit from Preschool. She was so dang cute!! Afterwards we stopped by to see Bob and Sue and Rob Gilligan. The kids had so much fun playing with their birds and being spoiled by them. Then we ended our night by stopping by grandma stephenson's to see Steph and Dave and family, Greg and Stacy and family and Sid and Gma. Then on Friday we went over again to Gma's house for her B-day and to make gingerbread houses. . . the KIDS LOVED all the candy and even though Ashlyn's didnt even make it from the front door to the car and Lochlin's house crashed before we made it home. . . I think they had a blast and LOVED the memories of doing that with their cousins. Well I will try to update before another month goes by. Take care and Hope all the fellow bloggers had a WONDERFUL TURKEY DAY!!

What is THIS?

2007-11-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

I hate sick kids. "I" ( this is Irelyn's nickname from Ashlyn) woke up sick. I dont think this is PINK EYE.. cause her eye balls are clear... but there is all this green yucky junk coming out.. ICKY ICKY... anyone KNOW what this is?

OK I know this is gross... but hey.. it isnt a picture of POOP like I have previously posted.

The Goal

2007-11-10T22:26:00.000-07:00

Lose 2 Pounds this coming week!!!!

OK so this morning at the gym Tiffany Watkins and I decided to set a VERY reasonable goal of dropping 2 pounds this week... To reward ourselves... We are going to get manicures and pedicures Saturday afternoon. SOOO... to anyone else who wants to join us in this goal.. Commit HERE... We can push eachother through...

OH... If anyone wants to JOIN Tiff and I for any classes at Fitness Works this week
Here is the schedule we basically stick to. . .
Monday - 4:20 Step at Recker and Brown
7:30 Combat at Higley and Baseline
Tuesday - 5:15 AM - Pump at Higley
4:20 Step at Higley
Wednesday - OFF
Thursday - 5:15 AM - Pump at Higley
4:20 - Body Flow at Higley
Friday - 8:30AM - Step at Higley
Saturday - 8:30AM - Attack at Higley
9:30 - Pump at Higley (If we cant make the 7:20AM Pump before Attack)

SO Weigh yourself TODAY and Join us This weekend for a little Pampering

SuperHero

2007-10-26T14:57:00.001-07:00

Ok so the cutest thing EVER!!! I am cleaning out Braeden's folder after school and I come across a paper where he had to draw a Superhero Trading Card. . . I got kind of teary eye'd when I saw what Brae did..

What My Mom does BEST: She Feeds Me

More About My Mom: She Says Good Night To Me. She is Always Nice.

I Just LOVE it when my kids do something SWEET like this... TOTALLY made my day!!

The Party's .....

2007-10-25T13:11:00.000-07:00

Lochlin's 9th Birthday Party

Lochlin didn't get a HUGE party like we normally do because HE kept getting in trouble... so Friday night we invited a 4 friends over for a MINI Tony Hawk Party.. They Skateboarded, colored Skate Shirts and watched the movie Transformers. It was so EASY... ESP compared to what I usually do.. Hopefully he had fun with a Small Party. . . and he learned his lesson NOT to get into trouble.

Ashlyn's 5th Birthday Party

Ashlyn's Party was so much fun... The front room was all covered in toole and lights.. and Pink stuff. We did Make Up, Hair, Pin the shoe on Cinderella, Made Princess foam sticker pictures and took pictures with Belle.. I am so glad to have a daughter to get to do these fun things FOR and WITH...

Crazy October!!

2007-10-24T22:12:00.000-07:00

October is ALMOST over.... Not that I don't like October... It is just a super crazy month!! Mom came into town from Hawaii to watch the kids while we spent the weekend in VEGAS... (thanks mom')... I had Lochlin's Bday on the 17th, Chad's Bday on the 18th, we celebrated Loch's Bday last friday ( I have pictures and WILL post tomorrow) Then I havae Sharing Time this month... and we have the Primary Program on the 28th... Well Ashlyn's Bday was on Sunday and then Today we just had her little Princess Party... Which was SO MUCH FUN!! I am so happy I have a little girl that I can get all PINKED out for... (I WILL post the pictures from this tomorrow too) BUT after the party, dinner, clean up, I had to give my girls a bath to wash off all the glitter and makeup... Well... Irelyn was cracking up at a "tooting" noise so I HAD to grab the camera.. YES it was around the corner... I RAN and was only out of her sight for a few seconds.. WELL upon my return I capture her CUTE laugh at the noise... OH... and of course MUCH MUCH more.. Watch... You'll see!!! Chad was like... YOU HAVE to post that TONIGHT!!! so even though I am SOOOO tired... and am getting up WAY to early in the morning for the gym... Here it is...

I am tryin to Catch Up!!

2007-10-19T23:09:00.001-07:00

Ok so since I have come home from Hawaii.. I really have struggled to get back into LIFE here... I havent beeen able to get on top of my cleaning (the routine is helping a TON) but still!!! I have slacked in doing my Laundry, my paperwork, my house seriously feels like it is falling apart. My garage is full of a ton of S#@! and I so badly need to dust and clean baseboards etc... but seriously...
I JUST WANT TO KEEP GOING ON VACATION!!!
We just got home from Vegas this weekend. We had a FREAKING BLAST!!!
I was so lucky to have my mom come out from Hawaii to watch my kids while we went.... She is the BEST EVER!!! She was so worried that I would care that she didnt get a HUGE PROJECT done (usually we repaint, have a garage sale, DEEP clean a few rooms, etc) but she did MUCH MUCH more than a project like that.... she was the BEST grandma EVER to my kids. She totally Helped Ashlyn with her READING, she took the kids to Bass Pro Shop, Amazing Jakes, got them all ready and to church at 8:30 in the morning, got them all off to school did all the laundry, changed MANY poopie diapers and LOVED my kids to death the whole time she was out here... I think MY MOM is the best ever!!! I WISH I could spend more time with her... I am really looking forward to her moving back to "the mainland" in January!!! Texas ISN'T that far away.
I am kind of scatter brained right now..It IS late... but I just had to post so people know I AM ALIVE!!!

Chocolate Rain

2007-10-03T20:06:00.000-07:00

OK I HAD to post this... Over the summer... It was late one night... Phanelb, Phanie, Chad and I were all up watching Jimmy Kimmel and this guy starts singing "Chocolate Rain" all four of us were in shock... What the heck.. Do we feel bad for him??? does he KNOW he is being made fun of??? We were all cracking up to the point of TEARS at this song... the people in the audience reaction's say it all. . .OH.. PLEASE notice the wonderful transitions that ABC uses during the song... We espically LOVE the STAR!!! BTW... you can download the MP3 of this song FREE (can you believe it, ha ha) from YOU TUBE!! Don't worry I already have it in my itunes play list.

I Love how Jimmy makes fun of him and calls him Darth Vader!!

SO I dedicate this POST to Steph, Steph and Chad... I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

The Routine

2007-10-02T09:59:00.001-07:00

OK so Thank you Susan for the suggestion of checking out FLYLADY.com I searched her website and I came up with a daily routine that I am going to try for a few weeks. I thought I would share it will all my fellow blog readers... so you can copy/paste and create your own.
I am pretty good at doing most of the stuff but I am totally LIST OBSESSED!!! so this is now printed off and on my FRIDGE.... YES ONE MORE PIECE OF CLUTTER for that DARN FRIDGE!!!

MORNING Routine
Hit the GYM - Pump or Cardio for at least 1 hour (Mon - Fri)
Make the bed (right away before doing ANYTHING ELSE)
Shower, Clean up and GET READY down to the shoes
Wipe down and Clean Master Bathroom before leaving the room
Take dirty clothes to the laundry and begin a load
Unload dishwasher (one of the children’s chores)
Feed the Family and of course don’t forget to eat yourself
Load dishes right away into the empty dishwasher
Don’t Forget Family Prayer & Goal Setting
(Mon – Fri) Send the kids out the door with a hug and kiss
What’s for Dinner??? Think about it NOW
Straighten up any messes left behind
Forward the Laundry
Sit down and relax for 30 minutes (check email & blog)
HOUR OF POWER
Monday – Vacuum, Dust, Sweep, Mop, Bathrooms
Tuesday – Vacuum, Sweep, GO TO LUNCH
Wednesday – Vacuum, Sweep, Clean Out Fridge, Plan Menu, Clean Desk
Thursday – Errands, Cleaners, Grocery Store, Gas Car,
Friday – Vacuum, Sweep, Write any Notes, Thank You’s, DATE NIGHT
Saturday – House Top to Bottom with Kids Help, FAMILY DAY
Sunday – Church, Relax
Relax till kids get home from school
Homework
Kids Chores
Scouts, Music, Dance, Sports, Etc…
Feed the Family Dinner – Sit together around the table
Did we accomplish the goals we set?
Best and Worst part of Day
Discuss upcoming weekly activities
Make sure kids have the “Tickets” they earned for the day.
Family Prayer & Read Scriptures
Put kids in bed with a hug and a kiss

BEFORE Bed
Straighten House
Clean misc. toys, clothes, Start Dishwasher.
So you can start a new day with a CLEAN house.
Check the Calendar (just to see what is on the LIST for tomorrow)
Get Ready for BED (not that you have to go to bed yet) but now it is time to RELAX, watch TV, write in journal, read a book, snuggle

A Mom's Work...

2007-10-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

Absolutly the BEST video on YouTube!!! I was dying of laughter... I haven't had to use all the sayings yet... but I definatly remember hearing them from my mom I know the time is coming... I hope EVERYONE who is a MOM and visits this BLOG... will WATCH THIS...

Love ya EMO for sharing this...

Katchup

2007-09-27T19:48:00.000-07:00

I feel like I havent BLOGGED in the longest time. . . I dont know where I have been or what I have been doing that has stopped me from posting... NOT that I have anything NEW and EXCITING to talk about.. Life is going along just like usual... This week was early release for Ashlyn (Parent-Teacher Conferences) Ashlyn is doing GREAT at Franklin South. She was already good with recognizing and knowing how to write all her Letters... HOLY COW though.. Franklin teaches such great handwritting skills... I AM LOVING IT... she as a Kindergardner has better handwritting than my boys... ok so she is a girl and that has something to do with it.. but. She is such a cutie. I am loving the time we share every afternoon doing homework and hanging out going to lunch or wathcing movies.
Braeden.... What a cutie... I SERIOUSLY LOVE the DIMPLES... and his BIG EYES.. He is such a good helper with Irelyn. He is always RIGHT THERE to play with her, help feed her, get her out of bed, etc... OK so yes sometimes... it gets a little annoying to have him so helpful... but I am so glad I can see so much of Chad in him.. and I KNOW he will be a great dad. Brae is doing so well in school. He reads and is so good at math, and such a good student. We just have to work on his handwritting a little bit... OK one more time.. . those DIMPLES are KILLER...
Lochlin... Such a STUD... He is doing really well in school... He loves Cub Scouts (thanks to the FABULOUS leaders) and he is quite the social bug... I love that he is so FRIENDLY to people. He is so sweet and innocent still... I dont know how much longer I will hear from my boys about Kids at school sticking up their middle finger, or using 'cus words... I laugh sometimes because I think about my boys growing up and telling me these things when they are 16... I just hope they aren't EVER the ones doing these naughty things.. and I HOPE that isnt just wishfull thinking.
Loch is a good big brother too.. He likes to help with Irelyn. Actually Most fights between Loch and Brae are over who gets to hold or help Irelyn with things. Loch is so cute because he likes to take his homework and go sit in a corner in his bedroom at the foot of his bed to do it. He likes to be alone and likes to be in QUIET places.
Irelyn... Walking everywhere... getting into EVERYTHING... and starting to have such the PERSONALITY... Her smile and Laugh are contagious. I love to watch her DANCE to music or TV shows. I love to see her interact with her brothers and sister. She loves to carry around all the remotes and phones and LOVES to look at herself in the mirror (the little vanity mirror of Ashlyn's is the perfect height for her) She is becoming such a GIRLY Girl... I can't believe how fast she is growing up. It makes me sad to think that OUR FAMILY wont be having anymore BABIES... Yes.. we are DONE... but I am so glad I can enjoy the 4 beautiful, sweet children I have.
I LOVE my HOT, SWEET, SEXY, Hubby.. Seriously... He is looking even better as the years go on.. Oh, how I love him and all he does for me and OUR family... He is so amazing. I LOVE that he puts the kids to bed every night with a "Scary Story" I love that he helps me with things around the house... I LOVE that he has been able to work from home more often so I can see him every once in a while during the day. I seriously LUCKED out snagging such an AWESOME guy!!!

OK as for me and my ISSUES... I have This COUNTER in my kitchen.. NO MATTER WHAT... I cant keep in clean... I will buy anything or do whatever I need to... I NEED SUGGESTIONS.. on how to maintain the chaos of papers, pens, keys, receipts, etc... This is actually on a good day... I HATE this counter IT COLLECTS EVERYTHING... oh.. that and the DARN FRIDGE... How do others display artwork, party invites, school notices, calendars, and chore charts. again.. HELP if you have any suggestions... I have dreams of a clean fridge with NOTHING on it and a counter that is clutter free... I am not talking just moving the clutter to another counter... I NEED ways to ELEMINATE IT from collecting...

International Talk Like a Pirate Day

2007-09-19T08:03:00.000-07:00

International Talk Like a Pirate Day (ITLAPD) is a Parodic holiday invented in 1995 by John Baur ("Ol' Chumbucket") and Mark Summers ("Cap'n Slappy"), of the United States, who proclaimed September 19th each year as the day when everyone in the world should talk like a Pirate. For example, an observer of this holiday would greet friends not with "Hello," but with "Ahoy, me hearty!" The date was selected because it was the birthday of Summers' ex-wife and consequently would be easy for him to remember

You can learn to Talk Like a Pirate from this website.

Enjoy Yer Day, Arrrr!!!

eyes lips face

2007-09-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

Ok so I got a phone call from Phanelb a few minutes ago...

YOU MUST at least Check out this site...
Pretty much EVERYTHING IS $1.00
Brushes, Polish, Lipsticks, Eye shadows, etc....
eyeslipsface.com
There is a coupon code: CAROLINA
this takes $10 off your total of $20 or more and makes your shipping only $5
I loaded up my cart with 20 $1.00 items... went to check out.. my total with the coupon code including shipping was onl y $15.00

Hope this is fun for many many other girls out there.

Pay It Forward!!!

2007-09-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

It's the PAY IT FORWARD Gift Exchange! (PIF) Here's how it works... I will send a handmade gift to the first three (3) people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your bolg. (so you must be a blogger to participate). I was QUICK to comment on EMILY's BLOG, so now I am paying it forward!

Who doesnt like Gifts JUST BECAUSE!!! Not quite sure what I will be making.
I will be thinking about it while I wait for the first 3 comments.
I don't care if you are blog surfing either.
It is always fun to see what people are looking at my little ONLINE journal.

So... Just make sure that I get your email address in your comment so I can get your address.

HAVE FUN!!!

The Howey Dance

2007-09-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

So I have never released footage of the dancing Chad and I do at night... but... I decided it was about time... Usually after we get the kids in bed we like to get some exercise the ol' fashion way. DANCING!!!! Chad has great moves doesnt he!! Plus... I'll have to admit he knows how to WORK the camera!

This was FUN!!!

2007-09-06T15:14:00.000-07:00

Got this from Emily's blog:

My roommate and I once: played dressups in silky pj's and took pictures.. We were trying to capture what it looked like when we were sleeping.. Turns out we just look like fools... Dont worry the pictures will NEVER surface!!

Never in my life have I: been happy with my weight

High School was : luckily a long time ago and has lots of good memories.

When I am nervous: shake my legs or pick at my arms

My Hair: Long, thick & curly (unless i take the time to streighten it) oh and I have random kinki crazy hairs that I pick out and ok I will admit I have a few gray hairs (but Chad always seems to find those and yank them out)

When I was 5 : I was in trouble because Cherry wrote my name in crayon on the floor under the kitchen table and my mom thought it was me so I got spanked and finally my parents realized I couldnt write that neatly and I HOPE felt really bad

When I turn my head left : I see a picture of Chad and I from our wedding day... yes it is one that gives me goose bumps when I look at it. I LOVE MY HUBBY!!

I should be : Nicer, More Patient, Thinner, Happier, More Organized, Ummm... can I stop now I am getting depressed!!

By this time next year : I hope to be in a different house. We are totally outgrowing this one. But I hope my life is just as good. I really am happy!!!

My favorite Aunt is : I agree with Emo.. Is that even allowed in writing... I love ALL my Aunts.. I definatly am closer to some more than others... but I HAVE an AWESOME EXTENDED FAMILY

I have a hard time understanding : lots of things... I am afraid to admit all of them for fear EVERYONE will think I am totally DUMB!!!

My ideal breakfast is : served to me, and I can eat SEATED instead of standing up. I would have my husband on one side of me and be able to look at our 4 beautiful children all eating happily and not making a mess, then the dishes would clear themselves and load themselves into the dishwasher and someone elses hand would wipe up the table and put everything back in order. Oh... I could care less what it is... I am not a big breakfast eater. Maybe a protein shake or some grapefruit and granola.

If you visit my home town : You'd probably be sweating like crazy so I'd hope you'd stop by and say hi and visit for a while in my nice Air Conditioned house!!! I could make you some cookies or bananna bread if you want!!

If you spend the night at my house : You would stay up really late with Chad and I and laugh till your sides hurt. We'd all probabally fall asleep on the couch (which is totally the most comfortable couch EVER) and then you'd be woken up at 7 AM to my children helping themselves to cereal and waffles.... and probably fighting over who gets to help Irelyn.

I shouldn't have been : so grumpy today. I was up late last night and woke up early this morning for church, then had Primary meetings all afternoon and when I got home I was kinda grumpy to Chad. I know he was watching the kids and I snapped at him that there were dishes on the counters and a few toys on the floor.. I mean.. Who cares.. He watched the kids for 4 hours... they were all happy and having fun. and I was a total jerk.. I am grateful for my hubby and all he does for our family (he sent me back to the room to read NEW MOON and take a nap) but I got online and blog surfed instead...

Last night I: made the most delicious salad; I put chicken breasts in the crock pot with 1 cup salsa, 1 cup water and a pkt of taco seasoning... then shreaded it and put it on a salad with grilled corn, black beans, tomatoes, onions, cheese, guacamole, salsa and a homemade cilantro ranch dressing... YUMMMMMYYY!!! it was seriously so delicious... Thanks Marci McLain for the Chicken Recipie and Phanelb for the Ranch Recipie. Oh Chad had some people over to watch the UFC fight on SPIKE I worked on the computer doing some primary stuff and ended up being up WAY WAY to late... That is why I was kinda a grump today!!

A better name for me would be : MOM, Shmoopy, Dirty Dawn???

I've been told I look: Exotic and like I have bedroom eyes

Nails Nails Nails

2007-08-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

So I decide to use a gift certificate To Sunshine Nails & Spa I got for my 30th Bday (thanks Tiffany, Selia and Katie) and get a Manicure and Pedicure today... Well we have all done it.. We go to these little Vietnameese run places and I am sure EVERYONE has experianced Something similar...
I walk in.. one of the ladies who is currently in the process of doing another customer's nails looks up. "what we do for you?" Ummm.. Can I have 2 taco's No lettuce and a diet coke? DUH...(ok i dont say that) I want a manicure/pedicure "Pick a color" how you say FRENCH manicure in YOUR LANGUAGE....
She walks over and turns on the water for the Pedicure footbath. OF course it has to be on BOILING.. I guess they dont know what WARM is. So I sit down and begin to dip my feet into the bubbling water. "oooouuucccchh" I'd say it but who in there other than the few other customers would understand. So as my feet are turning bright red and getting used to the "warmth" of the footbath as she taps ever so lightly on my left foot. No words necessary. I know what to do. I have already mentally prepared for this moment all day. The kids are at home. I can just sit and relax and enjoy someone else rubbing my troubles away. As I find the remote to the massage chair and push ON... She begins removing the old polish, burrr... that is a little cold.... But I allow my mind to go back to the warmth my right foot is feeling in the water. I move my foot around in the jet stream coming out from the back of the chair. . . It feels good to kind of itch my foot with that strong force from the water. Then... another tap this time on my right foot... without looking I place my left foot in the water and bring my right foot out. as the cool polish remover covers my toe nails. Whoo... another tap on my left foot.. This is going fast. as she begins clipping the cuticle off (dang... there is a ton of that crap.. how does it get so bad!!) And another tap.. more cuticle clippings. Ahhh... the callus remover... Ummm, heck yeah I need that.. I have been slacking on moisturizing my heels this summer and they sure can use a good scrubbing. I hear a faint noise and open my eyes to see My Lady, Nhu Mai Tai, begins talking to the salon guy and another salon woman. What are they saying??? Trying to be silly I say jokingly "are you making fun of my gross heels?" The guy quickly looks at me and says they are talking about how they are going to Vietnam... SURE YOU WERE.. then why were you laughing... (at this point I am feeling like Elaine in the Nail Salon from Seinfield... If only I had a translator... I would have known)
The pedicure begins to take a turn for the worse here... Usually when someone works on my heel callus's there is a little pressure behind the scrub... This lady did the motion but there was nothing to it... Was she just trying to tickle me? I felt like saying DIG IN and SCRUB GIRL!!! Then I thought maybe my feet aren't as bad as I thought, but they were... a quick dip of each foot and she is draining the footbath. That seemed kind of fast .. I am getting ready for the best part though... THE MASSAGE!!! I feel the cold loation being squirted on each shin. . . Nhu begins the rub, her hands bairly touch my legs and there is absolutly no pressure behind it either ...and it doesnt feel as good with plastic gloves on anyways.. but whatever.. She slides her hands up to my knees and a quick wiggle behind my calf and back down to my ankles, heels and toes.
She jumps up.. and I look down. I still have streaks of loation all over my lower legs and feet. Nhu comes back with hot towels.. In my head I am screaming WAIT, that cant be it... she rubs off remainder of the loation. I look at my friend Heidi next to me confused. Was that it??? Heidi says loud enough for Nhu and her pedicureist to hear. "The tip is all in the massage!" I couldnt agree more... Nhu is NOT getting a tip from me.... as I pout a little Nhu begins to paint the white on the tip of my toe nail. It's over ... I look over at Heidi who is enjoying a nice long leg massage and is even offered the Sea Salt.. I totally would have dont that... I would have done anything to get Nhu to rub my legs a little longer and harder... I feel so depressed but Nhu doesnt seem to mind she goes right on with the rest of the Pedicure. It was over... My legs still craving a little rub and Nhu walks away leaving me in the Chair. . .
She did hear me say I want a Mani/Pedi right?? after a few minutes I lean over to Heidi's Lady, who is still deep in the massage on Heidi's legs, and say. . "Am I going to be able to get a Manicure?" Crap... she calls for Nhu to set it up... AAAHHHH..... I go over to Nhu's station. She gets a cold mini bowl of water. again. NO WORDS... at least not to me.. It is like listening to a Vietnameese Talk Radio Show on the Lowest volume possible but it is right in front of you... How do they hear what eachother is saying across the salon? I can bairly hear and she is 1 foot away from my face. The Manicure was just as cold and fast as the Pedicure. It was over.. I didnt get a good hand massage either. I go to pay. I AM NOT TIPPING AT ALL!!! I hand over my gift certificate and look at what it was for. $35.00 at least that covers it and I dont have to pay anything.
But Nhu looks at me confused because she doesnt know English AT ALL... ends up calling another worker over to let me know that I OWE MORE than the $35.00 on my Gift Card. I have to pay $45.00... I see Nhu pocket the extra $10 as I walk out SO FUMMING MAD and set NEVER TO GO TO THIS PLACE AGAIN... Well... at least NEVER USE NHU MAI TAI there.

Here is what my Certificate should have covered this is from their flyer..Sea Salt Pedicure: $25.00 & Manicure: $10.00; Soak your feet in a warm footbath and relax, this is everything you need to rejuvenate tired feet. With Sea Salt Exfoliation Followed by Steamed Towels and a Foot Massage with Stress Relief Oil and A Full Manicure Including a Long Hand Massage and Polish.

I guess they dont follow through with what they are writing in their flyers... I am so mad... I have thought about going back in and complaining...

I found this clip on You tube... I got a little laugh... Hope you like it too..

What do you do in your Free time??

2007-08-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

what do i do when i am not blogging....

Of course i am still on the computer but I am oovoo'ing with Phanelb and Emo...

Yes we are dorks... here are a few pics of our night together...

Go to www.oovoo.com and sign up and give me your screen name.. you can join our silly chats...

On a Lighter Note....

2007-08-23T09:22:00.001-07:00

I got a new phone... the Nokia 5330.. It is really cute and It has been fun to play around with it... It has an MP3 Player and Ashlyn and Braeden already know how to use it... I swear they carry it around with them everywhere so they can rock out to Gwen, Nelly, Akon and Justin Timberlake..... "Wind It Up"

And... I must just go on for a minute about my WONDERFUL Husband.....

Ok some husbands let their wife do all the household stuff and kid stuff... NOT MINE... I seriously think I TOTALLY LUCKED OUT!!! Not only does Chad Help me with all that stuff... .but he actually LIKES to do it... Maybe part of it is like most women... I do concider it foreplay (sorry mom for typing that... but it is true) It was so nice yesterday not only did he help me with the poo poo incedent... but he did the dishes (this happens so frequently at my house I just had to take a second to let him know i really appreciate it) BTW... he was totally rocking out to my new phone while doing the dishes too.... He is so cute...

Cleaning my house is not fun for anyone is it??? the worst part for me is the counters in the kitchen and the hall... I can keep up on the dishes and wiping down the food... but Somehow... They make papers and garbage and junk totally multiply.... with me tossing the mail up there... the kids putting all their school stuff there, chad empties his arms there... I just dont know how to keep up on it.. so this is a dirty secret of mine... I grab all the papers from all the counters.. and bring them back to my room... Generally they end up on the desk for me to eventually sort out... but sometimes... when the piles are so large... They end up on the floor.. This is a project I have to dig into...

What a wonderful World

2007-08-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

Anyone up for learning a new talent? this guy is AMAZING!!!

YucKKK AGAIN!!!

2007-08-21T09:28:00.000-07:00

OK so I have been told that I post some GROSS pictures.. But what can I do... THIS is my life and isnt that what blogging is about.. SO Irelyn is sick STILL!!!! I am going NUTS.. She is on antibiotics now... The dr. last week didnt think she needed them but I BEGGED for him to give her something because she isn't feeling ANY BETTER.... I am so sick of being puked on... I am sick of washing her crib sheets 2 or 3 times a day... I am sick of giving her medicine (Musinex, Motrin and Breathing Treatments) I AM SICK OF HER BEING SICK....
I will be looking into an alergist because someone suggested she may be alergic to things and that is why she is always sick...
I DONT DO SICK... I am an ALLEN... Just ask Chad... I suck at being a parent, or wife, of someone sick.... I grew up NEVER being sick... You can cry when there is blood (but there better be a lot of it) and seriously ..... My family NEVER got sick growing up... I dont know how to give sympathy or how to handle it...
SO GET BETTER IRELYN....

AAAhhhh.... I love motherhood....

2007-08-15T12:43:00.000-07:00

OK so my kids seem to be sick A LOT!!! Esp Irelyn I don't even know how many ear infections and days of diareah we have had since she was born... but this morning / afternoon i realized how being a mom means you have got to get over all those things that gross you out... So Irelyn sick like usual... begins puking on me this morning.. oh it was just the slimy kind from having a really runny nose.. so it was clear, thick and yes gross.. but it is over my shoulder... some running down the front of me and most of it running down the back of me and hitting thank goodness the kitchen floor... So i proceed to the bathroom to go clean up.. well.. she starts puking more.. i am able to hold her more over my shoulder so it hits mostly the bathroom floor and my shoulder still... So i am standing there... humm... how exactly do you take off your shirt without spreading the nasty puke all over my face and hair... yet still try to comfort my baby who obviously isn't feeling good. well... i eventually get her bathed and cleaned up and go put her in her bed for a nap.. and ahhhh.... i hear her screaming.. and this is what i find in her bed... now i know i am not the only one who has had to clean up puke after puke and diareah after diareah... it is just what comes when you are a mom.... but i hope my kids know how much i love them

It's Been a While!!!!

2007-08-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

Ok so life has begun to calm down from our BUSY summer..... Our family has had such a fun time going from Hawaii, to AZ and to Utah..... but I have had many complaints (mainly from my sisters) that I need to get back into blogging... Ok I am sitting down and doing it... So we went up to Utah the last week of July for a ALLEN FAMILY REUNION.... It was so much fun to reconnect with all the extended memebers of the crazy Allen Fam... and It was SO MUCH fun to all be able to stay at Sherri and Spencer's home... THANKS a MILLION!!! We did so many fun things from going to the Lagoon, Horse back riding, and singing around the piano (thanks Derek for being our pianist), the girls (ok we are moms not girls anymore) but we would stay up late playing silly cup games around the island in the kitchen and the boys (dads) would play late night basketball... The Kids all had a blast going into the secret rooms and riding the elevator between the floors of the house. Little Spencer and My boys were always together and Ashlyn and Sabrina... WERE INSEPERABLE!!! This reunion was FABULOUS!!! Cant wait for the next one!!! Well we headed back to AZ to meet up with Little Steph and her friend Jeff visiting from California... It was fun to hang out with them.. then Steph and Dave were able to hang out with us while they were in town for Dave's brothers wedding. . . So that has been the past two weeks...

Saturday was Irelyn's 1st Bday . . . i cant believe how fast this past year has gone by... My baby is 1!!! We had a mini party last night for her...

and TODAY... was the 1st day of school for my kids... Loch started 3rd Grade, Brae started 2nd grade and Ashlyn started Kindergarten... Ok so i thought I would be able to hold myself together but a few tears escaped as i looked at my kids are realized how fast time goes... They are growing up so fast...

I so love my family... My kids are my world... I love seeing them smile and hearing them laugh with eachother... It is fun to see them so excited to start this new year, anxious for all the new things to learn and the new adventures... I truely feel so blessed to be a mom...

Blog Surfing Anonymous (BSA)

2007-07-23T21:37:00.000-07:00

Hi, My Name is Dawn (Hi Dawn) and I am a BLOG SURFER…

I thought it must be about time for me to admit to one of my weaknesses I have developed on the internet. I have fallen in love with blogging, and well along with that comes my addiction to blog surfing/stalking sometimes.

I find myself laughing or crying at complete strangers comments, pictures, and LOVE to poke around from friend to friend on each site. I always think “Humm… I wonder if THEY know someone I Know???” and well… sometimes they do… I have come across people I knew from YEARS and YEARS ago, or random people from High School I never thought I would see again. And to think… I can “Secretly” look in on anyone’s life, see their children, etc… then I think to myself “Do I comment?” “do I need to explain how I came across their blogspot site?” “will they think I am crazy for clicking randomly till I found them???” Still… I do it… sometimes I comment…. Sometimes I don’t…

If you are a blog surfer/stalker I hope you will comment and let the WORLD know…

Some other addictions some people may have….

EGO-SURFING: When you frequently check your name and reputation on the Internet.

BLOG STREAKING: “Revealing secrets or personal information online which for everybody’s sake would be best kept private.”

CRACKBERRY: “The curse of the modern executive: not being able to stop checking your BlackBerry, even at your grandmother’s funeral.”

BLOG-STALKING: Defined as “snooping online on old friends, colleagues or first dates.”

CYBERCHONDRIA: “A headache and a particular rash at the same time? Extensive online research tells you it must be cancer.”

PHOTOLURKING: Flicking through a photo album of someone you’ve never met.

MYSPACE IMPERSONATION: Many of us pretend to be someone we’re not when we are online, but some will pretend to be a well-known figure

WIKIPEDIHOLISM: Excess devotion to contributing to the online collaborative encyclopedia, Wikipedia. (Wikipedia even has a page where you can test whether you’re an addict

Braeden's Fear Factor Party

2007-07-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a while since i have posted.. It is hard to get back into real life after being in Hawaii for so long... Here is what I have been working on all week... Brae's Party.. Phew... it was fun... and NOW it is OVER!!! Time to plan for October's bday's Loch, Ash and Chad

This party was a LOT of FUN!!! We started out with Eating the BRAINS... Kids got so grossed out but it was just spagetti and jello in a mold.. Kinda funny... we got some moms to even join in on that. then we did the Cow's Blood... again... kids were grossed out.... but it was just koolaid and blended up fruit cocktail. then we did the dice game.. everything was labeled and kids ate what they rolled... there was this one little boy (Colton Koontz) who ate pigs feet, anchovies, kipper snacks but couldn't stomach the black licorice. LOCH even ate some of the pigs feet and anchovies... Then we had the SLIDE... i put snakes at the bottom but the kids just picked them up and played with them ....as for the CAKE... I am pretty anal about the cakes but this one the kids helped me with ... they helped me top the cup cakes with worms, eyeballs, and bugs... I think it turned out pretty cute...

Our New Pet

2007-07-06T11:34:00.001-07:00

So we went bowling last night at the GAME ROOM at BYU and on the way home Chad and the boys found our new pet in the middle of the street... So they had to bring him home and get a few pictures of Him before we tied him up in the backyard to guard us.

Ok so we really let him go but the boys think he is still outback.