Seattle Visits Utah

So my oldest brother and his family came to visit us Utahn's last week and let me tell you it was one FUN, CRAZY, BUSY week. However, I wouldn't have changed one thing with it. I loved the time I had with his cute girls and fun wife.

So we had a BBQ up American Fork Canyon (which is one of my most favorite places in the world). And I helped each of my neices and nephew and kids Tye Dye matching shirts.

Then the next night all the grandkids had a sleepover at my Moms and Dads. I took over a bunch of crafts for them all to do. And had their shirts so they could all wear them. We had a couple of games and a movie and all of the kids thought they were in heaven because they had grandma and grandpa to theirselves. Then the girls slept in the trailor and the boys claimed the tent.

When I left the party Clint, Taunya, Terry and I headed up Butterfield Canyon to get a good view of Kennacot Copper. A place my dad worked for years and my Grandpa worked for 30 years or so.

On Monday we took just Clint and his family out on the lake for some one on one. Treg was deteremined to catch a carp that was swimming by the shore. So he wandered down shore from us (with no shoes on) until he finally yelled back I caught one. I thought he was pulling our leg but sure enough he started heading back with a 24" huge carp (still alive) in his net. Terry ran down to help him and this is what he found this huge fish and one big proud smile on his face.

The girls loved the tube and Taunya showed off on the wakeboard. Clint even got up for his first time the first time he tried. That boy has SKILLS I tell ya. He even made it look so easy. My favorite part was the girls would swim out to the tube I was resting on and we would just sit there and talk! I love to hear the things they have to say. When we were done we were all so tired we couldn't think of making dinner. It was so thoughtful of Taunya and Clint to stop by and pick up our favorite on the way home.

Tuesday we went Bowling at Fat Cats in Provo. That was fun to see the kids and each of their bowling techniques. Sometimes my kids get way to competitive and it drives me crazy... But then I wouldn't have it any other way. At least they have the drive to become better at whatever we are doing. After bowling we came back to my house for a BBQ and to play a game. The kids were just fine with playing and it made me realize how wonderful it is to have the cousins enjoy each other. It makes me wish I knew my cousins better. We never had that growing up and I missed it.

Wednesday we hit Pirates Island for lunch and storytime. The kids loved everything about this place! And I didn't mind the prices. Then everyone else went hiking but my kids just wanted to go home and rest before their swim meet that started at 4:00. They all did great here was their times and places. Man I sure love that my kids are sufficient swimmers!

Bowdee Townsend (10) B
1:32.91 Boys 10 100 Free 2nd Place (4.35)
57.49Y Boys 10 50 Fly 1st Place (6.65)
2:03.56 Boys 10 100 Breast 1st Place (0.34)

Matia Townsend (8) G
57.67 Girls 8 50 Free 4th Place (-8.27)
39.78 Girls 8 25 Breast 7th Place (2.50)
41.30 Girls 8 25 Fly 5th Place

Treg Townsend (6) B
39.54 Boys 6 25 Back 3rd Place (-4.67)
45.16 Boys 6 25 Breast 1st Place
45.39 Boys 6 25 Free 5th Pace (2.30)

Terry's 39... OOPS I mean 38

So I woke up and wished Terry a happy birthday then I sat back and thought about this birthday. And it just hit me that I was married to an old man I mean golly he is 39 that means next year I will have to throw some major fun party to celebrate his 40th birthday and that is way too close... So when he got home and we hit the lake for a quick session of awesome wakeboarding I broke it too him easy. I told him about how all day I was thinking about him turning 40 next year and I might just have to trade him in for a young buck... Then he assured me he is only 38... Holy cow that was close I told him I would call the lawyer back and postpone the divorce papers for one more year... Anyway the thing I love about Terry is that we can joke with each other and we both get each other. There are times we start doing this in front of people and they give us this look like "your are just going to take that from her"... or "man you are married to a real jerk" and they don't get it.. they don't get us.... But we get each other and that is what is so great about it. I also love the fact I never have to wonder what he is thinking because he is so honest and he doesn't hesitate to tell me what he is thinking. Okay sometimes I wish he wouldn't tell me everything he is thinking but.... I did say I Do 14 years ago, so I get what I get and I don't throw a fit!Happy birthday babe, I wish we would have got some better water wakeboarding. And I hope you love your 2nd camping mat, shirts, hat and flipflops. You are an amazing person, I love you today, tomorrow and FOREVER!

Father's Day

So with Terry being laid off soon we have been trying to cut back all the extra expenses. So for father's day I thought it would be memorable if I took all the kids yard saleing for them to find their perfect "Treasure" for their favorite dad in the world. Bowdee picked out a couple of antique airplanes and a cabela's hat, Matia picked out a cabela's bag and a musical copper windmill, and Treg bought him a big bag of pinecones just for .25 cents and a box of gift golf items but he was most excited about the pocket knife that was in it. And Treg only ended up giving his dad 2 pinecones, he just couldn't see himself parting with all of them! Then Sunday morning we put him on a treasure hunt to find all his gifts. I ended up getting Terry a mat for camping so we don't have to pump up the air mattresses that always go flat. And Terry was also in the paper thanks to his brillant son Bowdee. It was a really sweet paragraph that he wrote about his dad including his photo. This is what he wrote.... There could be no possible way that there is someone cooler and more awesome than my dad! He has taught me many spectacular things like hunting and wakeboarding and got me through some tough times. He supports me in everything I do. My dad builds my confidence in every way. His favorite place to go on vacation is Flaming Gorge, Utah. He loves river rafting down the Green River, wakeboarding, snorkeling, cliff jumping -- oh, and don't forget fishing. But most of all he just loves being with his kids. I love my dad!Terry is an amazing father, that is all there is too it. He aches to be with them when they are not around. He is constantly trying to better his parenting skills for his children. He can not understand the parents who are always looking for ways to get away from their children. He would rather be with them then off with friends in most situations. Thank you Terry for being such a great example to your kids and for loving the life you live. Happy Fathers Day!I also went over to my dads house to wish him a happy fathers day. He is such a sweet man with such a great heart. He is always willing to help anyone in need and he is there in an instant without questions. I have always loved working right along with my dad. Of course when I was younger it was because it made my work easier because he was doing most of it while he was teaching me. But now I love working next to him just so I can be by him and feed off of his constant words of advise. I also love riding horses with him. He gives me such a great confidence to know he is just right there and yes I still believe nothing bad can happen to me if he is there. I love going on drives with him just so we can talk. When I was little if I saw him headed to the car I remember always begging him if could go with him. Of course it was just to go get a car part of to the junk yard but it didn't matter and he always let me tag along. I think it even made his day because then he would undoubtedly start singing "You are my Sunshine" to me. My dad inspires me in so many ways to be a better person. And for that I will always appreciate and love you dad!

Treg's Teeball Cardinals again!

So Treg is on the Cardinals Teeball Team again this year. He loves getting out there and practicing for 1 hour every week with his team and then playing a game each week. The season goes for 8 weeks and he loves every minute of it. I love watching the cute things those kids do. Terry loves getting out of the house and playing with his kids. Bowdee loves to coach his little brother. Matia well she just loves playin around. So all and all we all come away winners. Thanks Treg for playing so we can enjoy it with you!

First Swim Meet

6-15-10 Swim Meet Results
Bowdee Townsend (10) B
1:28.56Y Boys 10yr 100 Free 4th Place,
50.84Y F Boys 10yr 50 Fly 1st Place
2:03.22Y F Boys 10yr 100 Breast 3rd Place
Matia Townsend (8) G
1:05.94Y Girls 8yr 50 Free 8th Place
37.28Y Girls 8yr 25 Breast 5th Place
36.51Y DQ Girls 8yr 25 Fly DQ-1st Place
Treg Townsend (6) B
44.21Y F Boys 6yr 25 Back 6th Place
48.27Y DQ Boys 6yr 25 Breast DQ-1st Place
43.09Y Boys 6yr Free 7th Place
So here we go again another year of fun in the sun at the pool. This year I am able to do laps while the kids are at swim team so that has been really nice. I feel like we are all in this together. The kids did great! I was proud of Treg for trying the breast stroke, Tia for doing so great in the Butterfly, and Bowdee it is amazing you can do 100yrds Breast in 2 minutes. I love it. And Tia I am sorry I made you miss one of your heats I promise to do better in the future.

Matia's Dance Peter Pan

So we drove back from Wendover and it was time to get Matia ready for her big performance. The Dance Showcase Company was putting on the Peter Pan Performance, and like always it was simply amazing. I am so happy with this dance company. They allow you to take your dance to whichever level you want to dance at. This year Tia was able to take dance with Tayla her cousin and has loved it. She has also had Daisy Callaway and Meghan Hendershot in her class which she adores. They did a dance to the Lost Boys first then Do you love me. Tia you make my heart so happy when I sit back and watch you dance on stage like you do. Thanks for all your hard work! Your amazing.

Sawyer Brown

So this date has been in the works since the last time I saw Sawyer Brown. I just couldn't wait to get my mom and dad out there with us in Wendover to see Sawyer Brown with us. So finally the day came that we got to drive out there with them and enjoy a night we will remember forever! We enjoyed the drive together, then the kids took a dip in the pool, I got pizza, while mom rested for the big heart warming moment. I know I sound a little over the top with this Sawyer Brown thing but I tell ya he makes me so excited. Terry shaved his head and grew out his little FuManChew so he would look just like him. Ya he gets the benifits! So Mark Miller and his gang put on another great show! Mom danced right along side me the whole time, Dad sat most the time trying to learn how to move that way, Terry of course was there enjoying it as well. Oh I just can't say enough about this night it was a dream come true, worth every penny of it! This was our first concert on the floor and it was GREAT! I invited all my family that lives in this state and nobody could make it... I felt bad it would have been nice to have them their but maybe next time.

Strawberry Hager Reunion

The day after school got out we loaded up my dads trailer and we headed to Strawberry for a Hager Family Reunion. It was really cold but thank heaven for a dad that keeps a nice 5th wheel on hand for such occasions. It would have been awful without it. We fished for about 8 hours and only caught 1 fish (thanks for that Bowdee). So the fishing was not the best. But it was nice to hangout with family that we haven't seen in like forever. Uncle Trav is a hoot he just says it like it is. Troy and his girls stayed with us in the trailer and we had plenty of room for everyone. Thanks dad thanks to you it was a great weekend.

Last Day of School

So off to school the kids went for the last time this year. They all went with smiles on their faces. They came home with their report cards which they all got straight A's. Which of course put a smile on my face. I was sad to see such a great year end... However, I am super excited to spend the summer with my kiddo's! After they got home from their 1&1/2 hour of school we had a little party of our own. Well I do have to mention Bowdee and Matia forgot their little brother at school and started walking home. So they got almost all the way home at 10:00 when a friend picked them up and I asked where their baby brother was and they both looked at each other and said OH CRAP! So Treg was still at school waiting patiently in the office. So Treg was the last Shelley Explorer at school this year. We spent our party buzzing the boys hair, having water fights, eating hot dogs and just having some good old fashion fun. I also made the kids a movie of their year at school with all the big moments included! So here we go ready for a fun summer!

Soccer Days Spring 2010

So we made it through another Soccer season. Don't get me wrong but with Tia still in dance, Bowdee in Scouts, Treg in T-ball all on top of Soccer gets really busy. But we loved every minute of it. All of our kids are playing so great. I love Bowdee's competitiveness, Matia's aggression, and Treg's drive. They all are wonderful thanks kids for giving it your all this year again. I promised Treg I would coach his team this year. But I had 2 male assistant coaches so I made Terry be the main coach and I was his personal assistant. It was a fun year those kids are so stinking cute!

Bowdee's Handcart Trek

My pioneer handcart trek was a blast! I got to be in the mormon battalion. I steered 80% of the way. Right before we got to camp we had to cross a river and I went barefoot so my shoes wouldn't get muddy. Before we got to camp a lady told us stories about pioneer children and about the Willie and... ( I forgot the other one.) Then Mr. Larson told us our stations. I got to go with Mr. Larson and the addladdles first (even though it is not a pioneer skill it was still way too fun:). Then we went to rope making, I even got to keep my rope. Then we went to pioneer games, missionary tag was my favorite. Then we practiced our field day dance, since my partner wasn't there I had to be a girl. Then we learned about odometers (yyyyaaaawwwwnnnn;). For lunch we had mouth watering beef stew and delicitable cornbread with a scrumptions peach cobbler for desert! We ate off tin plates and a tin cup. Then off to school we treked. On the way back everyone got a turn to ride in the handcart. But I didn't want to so I pushed the whole way. Then everyone in my group got in the handcart while the parents steered and I pushed (don't feel like I was left out because I really wanted to push and not ride.) We got back to school right when our parents were there to pick us up. And that was my handcart trek experience. One I will remember along time. For comments please send to bowdazaffa15@gmail.com.

The Golden Soccer Ball Play

Matia's class wrote a play named "The Golden Soccer Ball". Then they designed and painted a background and then performed it for their parents last night. This was the first play Matia has been in and she did such a good job. As I was sitting in the crowd I kept hearing "Look at that pirate in the red and white striped shirt, she is hilarious!" Ya that would be our little dramatic Matia! For me it was hard to watch anything else because she was so funny! All the kids did a wonderful job I am so thankful for teachers who go above and beyond to do their best and have such fun opportunities for these kids.

Preschool Graduation

Today was our big day... Graduation Day! The house was clean, yard trimmed, the kids knew their parts, class DVD was made, yearbooks printed, and the chairs were set up... but I still was not ready to let go of these good kids. Each one of them has taught me so much this year. I feel like I am becoming a better person each year I do this because of the influences that surround me. Thank you kids for being such great little people! All of you have so much potential and such BIG hearts! I will truely miss those of you who will not be returning next year. I wish you the best in all your future education. Just keep doing your best and you will accomplish amazing things. I truely love my job! I love spending time with these little kids. They have so much to offer me. Thank you Terry for all the work you did helping me set up. And all the patience you have with me in my stress moments. I could never pull it off without your support and faith in me.

SUU Graduation

This weekend I had the opportunity to drive down to Cedar City with my sister and mom and dad to see my oldest sister (Kate) and her Daughter (Karrilyn) and her son ( Todd) gradute from SUU. Kate has completed her dream to get her bachelors in early education and teach elementary school. She is going to be such a wonderful teacher! I always knew in my heart she would do it one day and when the season in her life was right there was nothing holding her back. Then Karrilyn got her Associates Degree and is going forward to get her bachelors in Hotel Management. She will also do great in the field she has choosen. Then finally Todd has graduated with his associates however the catch is he won't graduate from high school until the end of May. He has been in a Success Academy that has offered him all sorts of college classes! He also will be awarded sterling scholar for technology (I think) when he graduates from high school. Wow what great accomplishments to each of you. I do have to admit though the drive to and from the college on Mikes Spyder was the most excitement I have had in a long time. I love that feeling! Thanks for sharing Mike!After the graduation and a delicious lunch and visit (which I curled all the girls hair during our visit) We headed home. It was a long drive with great conversation. I loved every minute of it (except those I needed to pee). I came home and noticed something amiss.... Oh my suburban was gone, yes we sold it I know it was a very sad moment for me but I had to let it go. It was time but lets hear a Whoo-Raah for my big black baby that only left me stranded once in the 5 years we owned her (we won't mention I had a full load of kids who thought they might die if we really did have to walk all the way home). So now what will I ever do with just 3 vehicles which only have enough seats for my family. Crazy to think I will not be able to carpool anymore. Which reminds me I need to make some calls for my swim carpool this afternoon... Oh well time for small changes.

My First 5K

So I don't know how many of you know this but I have been working out for about 2 hours everyday this year. I have started running since the first of the year 3 days a week. I have NEVER been a runner before, well okay so in High School I would do the 50 yard dash and I was pretty good at it. But long distance has always been a struggle for me. So much that at the first of this year I thought I was going to die when I ran 3/4 of a mile. Well okay so today I survived my first 5K. I didn't think it would be that bad because I will run 6 miles some days on the tread mill. But running outside along with Terry is another thing. Terry wouldn't let me stop the whole way and I did it. I will never be able to tell him how much I appreciate him. I know he could have taken first place in the mens if it wasn't that he was staying by me, literally pulling me up the hills. Thank you Terry. I finished in 32 minutes which I really wanted it to be under 30 but I think by next year I will be able to accomplish that goal. We were about the 15th out of 50 to cross the line. After the race we talked to the ambulance medics and asked them to let me take a photo in front of the ambulance to joke around with Troy. Well they went all out and took me into the back of it. Got me all comfortable on the stretcher and hooked me up to the blood presure cuff and oxygen. So very cool of them. However, I was comforted to know they were there when I was looking for a place to puke and my chest hurt crossing the finish line.... I KNOW IT WAS ONLY A 5K. But that was huge for me.