DAY IN THE LIVE OF ME

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

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

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.

or

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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???

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

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) 

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!!!

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

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

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!!!

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??

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...