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...

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.