I love the Sun!

I'm getting a little nervous to leave for Utah on Thursday. We are excited to go but I'm worried that I'm gonna FREEZE MY BUTT OFF!!!

Kitchen Remodel

If all of our family and friends have been wondering where we have been for the past two weeks, we did not fall off the face of the earth and we are still alive. We started the daunting task of remodeling our kitchen and we have not left our house since. We have literally worked for two weeks straight and I don't even want to think about how many hours we have worked nor do I want to know. NO it is still not done but at least we have the use of a sink and stove again (YEAH). If you've ever been without the use of your kitchen you know how unfun it can be. Let's just say that we are on a detox diet this week after all of the take-out we have eaten in the past two weeks.

First I have to tell you that the kitchen remodel has been in the works FOREVER but it is just one of those things that keeps getting put on the back burner. Since Ryan and I both had a three day weekend a couple of weeks ago we figured it was as good a time as any to start on it. Okay so it took some coaxing from me and possibly some pleading but we embarked on what turned out to be a VERY BIG PROJECT. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad we did it and all of the lack of sleep and sore muscles will be worth it in the long run.

Okay so I'm sure your wondering what we did or you already skipped ahead and peeked at the pictures (shame on you) and now your back to read the post. So far we have stripped and refinished the top cabinets and added new hardware, ripped off our old countertops, replaced with new slate countertops, installed stainless steel sink and faucet, and installed undercabinet lighting. We extended our bar to make it bigger and put in a single sink which I am absolutely in LOVE with. We still need to seal the tile and grout, refinish the lower cabinets and add new hardware, do touch up paint, and install pendant lights over the bar. Its a work in process but I must say it is coming along beautifully. We are taking a break from working because we are headed to Utah and Idaho this week to visit family (YEAH, WE ARE SO EXCITED). Leave me a comment with your thoughts about our progress.

BEFORE

AFTER

Here are some pictures that were taken during the whole process....

Late Late Bday Dinner

With the craziness of the holidays, Ryan and I never made it out to dinner for my birthday until friday night. We went to a used bookstore (ahh HEAVEN), then to Chevy's Mexican Cantina for dinner. I'm not a HUGE fan of their food but I absolutely LOVE their salsa which has kept me coming back for years.


Yes thats me.. I wore clip-in extensions that night to give me long flowing hair.

Its happened again....

It has happened again. Just like when I was sucked into the make believe world of the Cullens and Forks Washington in the Twilight series, I have recently been seduced by the make believe world of Panem and the Hunger Games. At first I was not drawn into the book "Hunger Games" but I promised myself that I would keep reading. It didn't take much longer and I was HOOKED. I found it hard to put the book down. I had so many mixed emotions going on; anger, sadness, hope, love, fear, and loathing for the capital. Like all adolescent girls I find myself bouncing back and forth between TEAM PEETA and TEAM GALE, the exact same way I did with Edward and Jacob. I don't want to give anything away to those that haven't read the series, but I will say this.... READ THEM! Its going to be an agonizing wait for the third installment of the Hunger Games Trilogy which is not due out until August of this year. If you've already read the books, what were your thoughts on it? Did you love it, hate it, or both at times like me?

Something old.. something new

Anyone that knows me very well, knows that I LOVE Goodwill and thrift stores. For over ten years, I have been scouring Goodwills all over looking for good deals and rare finds. Some of my BEST memories involve my mom, my BFF Bambi, my Aunt Paula, and me driving all around the valley to find the best deals on Goodwill's half off day. We have it down to a science. We get there early, sometimes that means standing outside and fighting the crowds, just to get in the door. Then we split up and look for anything that we think the entire group would possibly want. Then we meet back up and show our finds. We also have what we call "the layaway program" at Goodwill. Or in other words, you go the night before and scope it out to find the best deals so your not wandering around aimlessly the next morning. For over ten years I have enjoyed the thrill of the hunt and everytime I pass a Goodwill I always check to see when the next half off day is. I think most people think that I'm a compulsive shopper when they see my closet or my home but what they don't realise is that about 65% of my closet has been bought second hand and most of it for under $5.

Over the long holiday weekend, since I was sick I spent more time on the couch than I would have liked. And while I was laying there, I kept thinking of ways I could improve the room, or things that I could add to it. It just so happens that Saturday was Goodwill HALF OFF DAY, so you can guess where we went. We actually went to 5 thrift stores that day I think, I lost track because I was sooo excited about what we were finding. After some rearranging, some additions and some elbow grease, the family room is now transformed. I didn't take before pictures but if you've been to my home, maybe you can notice the few changes we made. My next project is the front living room.

Additions: The curtains (which I stole from my living room), The end table ($15 at thrift store, we just refinished it with a little stain), The large lamp & shade ($5 at Goodwill, SCORE), Jar for popcorn ($2 at Goodwill) picture frames above lamp ($2 a piece at Goodwill, we just refinished them), Shelf (Stole from living room), small lamp (stole from spare bedroom), picture frame and hanging plant (stole from hallway), bookshelf (stole from spare bedroom), family blocks (made them :D), square ottoman (stole from our bedroom), and not pictured is a dvd tower that we got at Goodwill for $10 to hold the wii games.

I know I could go out and purchase these items new but there is just something satisfying about reusing something old and bringing it back to life. I think its important that we reuse and recycle and that we teach our children those principles.

Happy New Years

Why do I always feel like I'm playing catch up when it comes to my blog. Life moves so fast that "poof" a week is gone by and I'm finally finding the time to tell you about our New Years.

I have several blogger friends, some of which are family members that I have never met. I was so excited last week when Ryan's cousin Heather called us and said that they were in town. I've followed Heather's blog for a couple of years and we have emailed back and forth but have never actually met. I'm so glad they had a chance to come to our home and they are welcome back anytime.


Trevor, Heather, & Jakoby Hess, The Howards
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On New Years Eve I was sick AGAIN!!! I am beginning to think that me and New Years just don't get along. This is the second new years in the last three years where I have been sick and in bed. Because I was sick we kept it low key and just hung out at our friends Dennis and Jenny's house. Earlier in the day, my friend Naomi picked me up to get me off the couch and we went to Jenny's early to make lots and LOTS of sushi. BTW....I am a MASTER sushi roller, who would have known? After a quick shower at home to clean up, Ryan and I headed back to the party to enjoy the big FEAST I had helped prepare.

Naomi, our MASTER sushi chef

A Whole Lot of Yummy

Bambi, Jenny, Me, Naomi

We were so glad the military let Jenny come home on leave for the holidays. See you in March girlie!!

Family Pictures

I haven't been able to post these until now because they were Christmas presents. For my parents christmas present, my two brothers and myself got together secretly and took family photos. We then framed a couple of them for my parents as a surprise. Here are a few of the pictures.

The Holidays

I love the holidays and the holiday season but I have to admit that I am kind of relieved that they are almost over. We had a nice, but quiet Christmas this year. Both Ryan and I have been super busy with work, parties, and everything else that the holidays entail, I feel like Christmas crept up on us so fast this year. For Christmas Eve we had my mom and dad over to our house and we ate lots and lots of yummy food. After we had stuffed ourselves we drove around the town looking at christmas lights. The best display we found was a sign in front of a house saying "Ditto" that pointed to the "over the top" house next to them. I tried to get a picture but there was so much traffic around the houses that the pictures didn't turn out.

Ryan and I in front of our tree on Christmas Eve

Mom & Dad- Christmas Eve

Even Jack got to go see Christmas lights. He didn't want his picture taken though.

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On Christmas Day we went to my Mom and Dad's for lunch and to hang out with everyone. We played games, opened presents, and enjoyed each others company. I forgot to take pictures so sorry everyone, I only snapped a few.

Grandma & Bryn with their guns

In front of Mom's tree- Christmas Day
(Two striped sweaters don't go together) ha ha

Sweet baby Lu

Jack was excited to open his present from Hailey this year. He was smelling the box trying to figure out how to get it open.


Other things we did this weekend: Played the new super mario bros game for hours, rocked out to Beatles rockband, saw New Moon, cruised the Goodwill, and did a little bit of shopping.

Seeing Double

Have you ever shown up to work to find yourself matching a co-worker??? I HAVE!!! Yesterday I wore my favorite hooded sweatshirt to work because it was rainy and cold outside. My sweater is easily 4 years old but it is STILL my favorite. To my surprise, a co-worker of mine Krystal also has this sweater and it is her favorite as well. Here we are looking like twins.

As if that wasn't strange enough....... after work I ran to Sam's Club to do some last minute Christmas shopping. To my surprise, I ran into another girl wearing the SAME sweatshirt. She TOO said it was her favorite sweatshirt and has had it for years. I guess when you love something you should hold onto it. I should write to the designers at O'Neill and thank them for making such a cute sweatshirt that has lasted throught the years and is a favorite to so many.

This girl probably thought I was crazy when I asked to get my picture with her.

Santas Little Helper

Like I previously said, I have been one SUPER busy Elf. Below is just a little peek of what I have been up to lately. A BIG thanks to my hubby who helped me a ton by cutting wood and sanding. I couldn't have finished ALL of the blocks without you honey.

FROM THIS

TO THIS

TO THE FINAL RESULT

In all the chaos, I found time to make some super yummy pretzels too!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from the Howards. We hope everyone has a holly jolly Christmas!!!

Sleep is Overrated.. well maybe not!

The weekends just keep getting busier. Wow, I need to clone myself so I can get everything done. Let's see, where do I even begin to tell you what we have been up to???? This weekend we attended two christmas parties, one birthday party, made 8 homemade presents, went to church, visited friends, and made several trips to Walmart, Costco, and more. I can't show you pictures of the gifts I made just yet but I'm excited about them. Every year I make gifts and EVERY year I ask myself, why do I do this? Then I remember that there is just something old fashioned and special about giving a gift to someone that you made as opposed to just running to the store and buying something. All of my gifts are made from the heart with love, just like Santa would do.
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I know we have all seen those emails that have been going around aout people in Walmart. Well I have my own. On friday night after a party, we rushed to Walmart and ran into our friends Liesl and Sam. We also ran into this poor nameless Groom who was being humiliated by his family and friends. I'm sad I didn't get a full shot of him because he was wearing ladies underwear over his clothes.. I'm talking the granny panty kind, leg warmers, and a T-shirt that all the women in the store were DYING to sign. Congrats to the nameless Groom and I hope your buddies didn't have too much fun at your expense.

My contribution to the T-shirt was back hair in the lower region. Ha ha

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Ryan and I are still on the activities committee in our ward so we helped with the Christmas Party on friday night. It was a success and everyone had such a good time.

The primary singing a song

A BIG thanks to the DeWitts

Us, The Bizzys......................................Brett & Brooke Martin

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Merry Christmas to all my work buddies. Here are a few photos from my work, Red Brick Realtys, Holiday party. I think I am still eating leftovers from this party. Ha ha

Me and Summer our Office Manager

Casey & Shari............................................Doug (Owner) & Sandy (Broker)

Me & Shari..............................................Mark & Sheri (Congrats on your engagement)

Happy Birthday to ME!

THANKS to everyone who sent me birthday wishes to help make my birthday a GREAT one. I was excited to get EVERY single text message, facebook message, email, phone call, and verbal Happy Birthday. Thanks to the ladies at my office who decorated my office, bought me lunch, and had a birthday cake for me, you guys are AWESOME. Last night I met up with family for ice cream and fun. I LOVE YOU ALL!!

My wonderful hubby gave me a GORGEOUS ring for my birthday that I absolutely LOVE!!!!

You know you have been friends with someone for a long time when you start to become one.

AMBER (+) BAMBI (=) BAMBER

Always running behind

I'm always behind on posting things. Last Saturday we had a VERY busy day. First I want to say CONGRATULATIONS to Eric and Tory who are expecting a baby girl next month. Ryan and I popped into Tory's babyshower for a few minutes on our way to the State Football Game this weekend. We are so excited for you guys and we can't wait for the big day.

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MESA HIGH SCHOOL VS HAMILTON HIGH SCHOOL STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

If you've followed our blog you know that we have gone to several Mesa High football games this year. We know several of the players and we were estatic to watch them make it all the way to the State Championship game. The game was at the Cardinals stadium which was a treat in itself. We arrived early to the game to do a little tailgating beforehand. Unfortunately Mesa High lost by a score of 35-0 but we are still proud of our boys. We had lots of family and friends at the game, which made it even more fun. Maybe next year guys!!

How exciting that they got to play on the Cardinals field

Mom & Dad.............................................Ben & Rachelle

I Heart Christmas

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Howards. I FINALLY decorated our christmas tree this week. I hate to decorate the tree because it takes so long but once its done, I LOVE it. Now its time to put up the Nativity scene, the stockings, and my Christmas village. Its actually beginning to feel like Christmas too with this cold weather we have had. Okay, when I say cold, I mean its been cold for us Arizonans. Christmas is 2 weeks and counting... are you ready???

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One of the awesome things about the holidays is giving to those in need. We were asked to participate in a secret Santa for a family in our ward. I won't disclose their names but they have several young girls, so I was excited to make TONS of hairbows for them. My cousin Peyton was over while I was making bows. She is TOO cute, so she got to go home with a few bows for herself.