Conversation with Kids

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!!!

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!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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...