Happy Birthday Mike

So today is Mike's birthday. I am not going to tell you 35 things you don't know about him because I don't think I could come up with 35, I am going to tell you 35 of my most memorable moments with Mike. Mike is all about the fun in life that's one of the things I love most.
35.My first memory is of him at hockey game I was there with my friend Kerry, I remember thinking he was a jerk, and wondering if he spoke.
34. Being full on football tackled by him in a hotel hallway, we had gone to Vegas for a hockey game, I went with Kerry. I had the hotel room key and he wanted it. So he chased me down the hall and tackled me .
33. We went to a Depeche Mode concert together before we were dating, it was awkward at first then we started making fun of all the crazies, I started to think maybe he wasn't so bad.
32.Clanging beer bottles down the movie theatre floor that they had snuck in and Mike yelling out "one time" when it was real quiet. a line from the Mary J Blige song. It was funny at the time.
31.For my birthday right before we started dating he brought me a candle, there was just some guy at the door for me it was sweet.
30.Mike use to always leave me treats in my car, he was working nights so he would drop things off on his way home, I would go to work at 6 and find little treats in my car.
29. He was always more than willing and wanting to babysit Winter for me while I went to school or when I had to work Saturday mornings. He also didn't mind changing diapers, which was great most guys aren't like that.
28. We went to New York for New Years 1999, to see his friend Damko who was stationed there, it was fun we took a carriage ride through Central Park, even though there were 2 others along for the ride it is still a great memory for me.
27.On our first trip to California together he drove Winter and I all around Torrance showing us his old stomping grounds, we weren't that interested, it was kind of funny.
26.When we were still dating we would take turns buying stuff at Target, we took a lot of camping trips that summer and by the end had built our own collection of gear, it was fun to buy stuff for our future together.
25.The first time Mike was buying baby stuff with me he said loudly to the cashier,"holy shit this stuff is expensive."
24. Getting engaged it was the 4th of July, he was so nervous, and was getting so mad because things weren't going right. I couldn't understand why he was getting so worked up... It was very sweet he made sure Winter was with us because we would be a family.
23. Our first miscarriage, it was heartbreaking and he was so concerned for me and loving.
22. Mikes wisdom teeth came out about the same time as our first miscarriage, he wanted me to remove the bloody gauze from his mouth, like he couldn't do that himself, gross.
21. Mike's first trip to Lake Powell with my family, he wore all black all the time, black t-shirts, black shorts, black socks, and this ugly black Dr. Martin hat, and then would complain about it being so hot....
20. "Get off the bed you on my side" when we were having Zarley my water broke and I happened to be on the bed on his side. he just kept saying ewe hurry get off. Like I could just jump up super quick.
19. In the operating room having Zar he said, "you could have waited for the game to be over its the playoffs you know" . seriously all the Dr.'s and nurses just laughed.
18. The moment Zar was born, it was so sweet and Mike couldn't figure out what to do, stay with me or go with Zar.
17.The moment Owen was born, we didn't know what he was when they said boy Mike actually popped a tear, he said he had all this blond hair.
16. In the hospital having Xavier he said, "you better have this kid or everyone at work is going to think I am a liar" really that is your concern.
15. The moment Xman was born.
14.Forgetting my clothes to wear home when leaving the hospital with Xavier , then Mike leaving me and all 4 kids at the hospital while he ran to the mall to buy me an outfit. button up shorts and a polo shirt, like I could fit into clothes..(I actually did and it was a cute outfit.)
13.Mike's gumby body and how floppy it is and how he almost always injured someone else when riding the water weenie with them.
12. Mike injuring himself while riding the tube and getting an awful rope burn on his neck, it was bad, and a scary moment.
11. "what's your mood ring?" those that camped with us that year at Powell know, it was one of my all time favorite Lake Powell years.
10. Mike getting so mad at Disney Land that he dropped the F bomb and not quietly because they wouldn't let 3 yr old Winter on Star Tours, funny and embarrassing.
9. Losing the kayak paddle in Mexico, that sucker cost us 100.00 bucks, but it was funny
8. Sitting poolside in Mexico for a week, thinking I didn't have a care in the world, I would give anything to go back to that moment.
7. "Your going to have to dial down the crazy, we have a lot of years left together." Mike said this to me recently and it just made me smile thinking of all the years we had left together, it really made me feel loved, so I remember it.
6. Mike walking home from South Town Mall to our house in Herriman the week of Christmas, because he and Winter were fighting and like I tell my kids all the time when they fight in the car I say get out, so he did and he walked home, it wasn't funny then because it took him hours and I was very worried but it is funny now.
5. Our special time in Lake Powell with just our "Howard 6" we have made it a point to go down before everyone else for the last couple of years to have some time with just our little family, I love this time, and always really look forward to it.
4. Mike working 5 million hours for us so that we can take little vacations or do Christmas, he is such a hard worker and does whatever he can to provide for us.
3. This last summer Mike helping my mom up the mountain to the Indian Ruins in Lake Powell, and him being so excited for her to ski, almost to the point of obnoxious, My mom had her leg cut off, and I was so proud that of all the people there it was my compassionate husband who was there with her all the way to the top. I will forever remember that.
Most of these have been in chronological order or close to but these last two aren't but they are the most memorable to me...
2. Our wedding day, Mike had the best vows, he had quotes and everything, I felt so stupid going after him, what I had to say just was lame in comparison.
1. My very most memorable moment with Mike came the summer we got engaged, we weren't engaged quite yet, we took a trip together to California, I had set up to meet up with Ryan Winters biological dad, and Mike kept complaining at how he didn't want to meet him and how awkward it was going to be, I finally said to him stop worrying there is an 80% chance he won't show. Then the phone call came canceling the meeting, Mike flipped out, he just couldn't understand that, he went on and on about how Ryan didn't know what he was missing out on and how great of a kid she was. In that moment I stopped caring about Ryan not being there because I knew that I had found the best person to be a dad to my daughter, I knew that this was who I would spend my life with and have children with. Grow old with
I love you Mike hope you have a great birthday.

Happy Birthday Winter

So yesterday or a few days ago (Sorry Winter Dad's fault) was Winters Golden Birthday she turned 14 her birthday is the 14th for anyone who doesn't know what that is.

What can I say about Winter, She is to me such and amazing child I know I am bias she is my kid but she amazes me all the time. We have gone through some really hard times lately and I know it affects her and she still is there for me more than a daughter should be. She has become like a 3rd parent around our house and I know I don't tell her enough how much I appreciate her help.

See she really does love her sister

Winter is that kid who gets stuff done. If she wants something by damn she will find a way to get it. A bedroom for herself is the perfect example... she doesn't want to share with Zarley any more so she has assigned out her gifts to get it done. Granddad is in charge of walls mom and dad in charge of carpet, grandma Sharon bedding.... you get the point pretty impressive.

Here you see a Winter in her natural environment. Texting (above)
And using the out house (Below)

A lot of changes are happening in Winters life and the way she handles things impresses me all the time. Her comprehension for life is astounding for a 14yr old girl. I know that if she sets her mind to it she will accomplish whatever she wants in life.
Happy Golden Birthday Winter. I love you!

Winter being well Winter

Winter what can we say about Winter. She has that ability to ease any situation. She can make a difficult situation very easy to be with. She is an incredible dancer. I will be honest i dont know the moves i dont knows whats hard and whats not easy. But she seems to make all the moves look graceful and easy. I think thats why her middle name is grace. It was an insight to her future.

She lives life to the fullest and doesnt take any time off to stop and look around. She just goes 100 % all the time. She loves spending time with her friends. We all love it when she gets along with her sister. She always seems to get along with her brothers. She is growing up so fast. We have a boyfriend to look forward to meeting. She doesnt want us to meet him but parents always win.

I just want to say that Winter really is the best daughter a father could ask for. Do we have our ups and downs. Yes we do. But really she is a great kid who is very helpful. I don't show it very much but she is one of the funniest people i know. People always say they don't care what people think. Winter really does not. I don't have a picture of it but i wish you could see this jacket she has now started to wear to school. Its un-real. Every time i look at her i think only you winter. And then I think just be you Winter because i love everything about you. Even those nasty ass sweats that are bad enough but to cut them short. Wow not me! But i love you for that.

Winter we love you!

Love

Mom and Dad.

Cory this picture is for you!

Very Proud of my daughter

Again this is Winter being Winter


Not sure how she sleeps like this but had to add it!

Hard Times

A few years ago when I was turning 20 I found out I was pregnant with Winter. I thought that was the hardest time in my life. Moving home from a place I loved, having to face all the disappointment from myself and others. Trying to re figure out my life plan, dealing with judgement from others. It all seemed to work out for the best and I am so grateful everyday that Winter came into my life. I think in order to meet Mike and have the 3 beautiful kids we have together that had to happen to me.
Fast forward a few years I am now facing what I think is the hardest time in my life. I am trying to figure out how my life is suppose to work out from here. I feel lost everyday. I don't think a day has gone by in the last 3 months that I haven't cried and I DON'T cry. There is sadness all around me and I don't know how much more I can handle. I have amazing family on both sides that have been there for me, but nobody really understands how hard this has all been. Some days I struggle just to leave my bedroom. Thank goodness for kids I have to take care of or I'm not sure I would leave my room.
Sometimes we get so lost and its so hard to find our way back to the light. I hope everyday that the light will show itself today and yet it doesn't seem to happen. How much is to much for one person to handle? I think I am about to my limit! Here's to hoping tomorrow is the day!

First day of Schools

Better late than never right? We had 4 different first days of school this year. First was Zarley starting second grade. She did awesome especially considering how much she hates school and gets so anxious about it. She has another awesome teacher this year... (phew). Owen started Kindergarten so the first week was all assessments so his first day was a week after Zarley's . He is getting so big it makes me sad. He is so shy he wouldn't even go into his assessment with out Mike sitting right next to him. Winter started 8th grade and is on traditional so she started about 2 weeks after the other two. She had a rocky start due to the charter school by us opening junior high school.. I think she has found her grove again and is just Winter. Oh Xavier he started preschool this year. He is the stinking cutest 3 year old I know. He to is shy and was a little scared the first day. But as soon as I picked him up he couldn't wait to show me his work and he runs to the car with the biggest smile every time and still continues to show me his work before I can buckle him up. Now here are some pictures of our first days of school by the apple tree, the tradition continues....
Winter, she actually gave me quite the photo shoot.
Zarley starting 2nd grade! isn't she the cutest?

Owen first day of Kindergarten see how big he is

My little man, he was not the happiest at this point

Life changes so fast I wish I could turn the clock back and hold on to these times forever... Here's to a great school year.

To Mike

So I am not one of those people that talks about how they have the most amazing best husband in all the land because I think it is silly. Everyone wants needs expects different things from their spouse so who is to say whose is the best?

However I can say that I have the hardest working spouse that I know. Mike works ridiculous hours and he works hard and does a great job and he does it all for his family and I know that I don't tell him enough how much I appreciate him for that. about a month ago Mike was rewarded with employee of the quarter at his place of employment. I just wanted to take a moment and tell him how proud of him I am and how happy I am that he is finally getting the acknowledgement that he so deserves.

Mike and I are going through a real hard time right now and our future is uncertain. I am not an easy person to live with and I appreciate him for putting up with me for the last 10 yrs. I have been in other relationships which is no secret, I thought that I loved other people or that other people loved me but not until Mike came into my life did I realize what real love felt like. He has loved me more than anyone ever has in my whole life and I have been so lucky. I won't say he has been the best husband ever and God and everyone knows that I haven't been the best wife ever but we have made it through a lot. No matter what happens I just want Mike to know that I love him and appreciate all he has done for me in our life together.

Love always,

Amber

Lake Powell 2011

Well we made what is now our annual pilgrimage down to lake Powell. We kind of wrapped three trips all into one. Amber and I try and get away alone with the kids each year just our family and we had the White Family trip and finally the Howard family trip all wrapped into one trip. I think it went pretty well to be honest.

The mini Howard trip:

Well we planned on heading out right after I got home from work. I got off early in hopes of getting a head start down there did not work as planned but we still left in a good timely manner. The White family trip was at Bullfrog which its actually been a few years since we have gone there it was a nice experience. It was nice to see lake powell filling up again as well. After getting on the road a little late we did arrive and get the boat in the water and what seemed like forever to find a spot. The spot was not that great but lake powell has changed a lot with the water levels so there was very limited spots. We did find a nice cove to go to. The only problem with the spot was the stupid ledges that would appear out of nowhere. I think we all kicked a rock a few times. Not the best idea. But we got settled in and got to spend a little bit of time in the water before dinner. We were limited with space so we were going with simple tin foil dinners both nights. We struggled a bit with the chicken but we nailed the steak. We had all of Saturday to send by ourselves we did some rock jumping and got some good family time.

White Trip

We meet the rest of the Whites at the docks on Sunday although it was very nice to spend some alone time with just our kids it’s always good to spend time with our outer family as well. You always hear people complain about their in-laws but I got very lucky with mine it seems I was excited to have everyone join us. Most of Ambers family feel the same about lake Powell as we do so it’s nice to share that excitement with them. We loaded up the house boat and it seemed to take FOREVER! But we did get it loaded and on the road so to speak they decided to go with a spot that was closer to the Mariana and so Amber and I went back to our spot to pull down our tent. (Sorry for abandoning our kids on the house boat) But we took down our tent and got back to the house boat to start our second leg of the trip. We had some good times. Survivor lake Powell, The rope slide, me in a speedo, painted nails. It was a great time. Best time of the second leg had to be watching my mother in-law getting up on skis for the first time in years. I am not overly sentimental person but seeing Kathryn go through what she went through lose a leg and still not let that hold her back from skiing was a very amazing moment I was so happy I got to be there and experience that. She is one of the most caring, brave, loving determined women I know. Great Job she hiked a mountain, skied and lived life again it was great.













Howard Extended
The final leg of our trip we pulled out the boat in Bullfrog and drove down to Page. My parents camp at Wahweap. Which is still lake Powell just a different experience. Its nice to be able to swim at the pool. The kids like the clear water. Its great to be able to shower and get cleaned up and still experience Lake Powell. We got the world famous Dave Howard camping breakfast in a mini version. We got there kind of late on Friday got there and set up camp and had some dinner and went for a late night swim at the pool. The pool is usually freezing balls cold but this time it was not actually that bad. Went back to camp and went to bed. We got up the next day and took the kids to the pool while the adults got to take the boat out and start there Lake Powell vacation. Baylee meet some new friends she always seems to. And then Amber and I got to get out on the lake for some evening wakeboarding. When I picture lake Powell in my head its at dusk and its still warm and the water is flat as a board. Some of the best wakeboarding out there. And the last day we got some afternoon tubing and then the weather turned south so we showered and went to another Howard family tradition the Mexican food. And we headed home.

I absolutely love lake Powell. When people tell you to picture your happy place that’s what I picture. I love sleeping on the house boat roof and the starts damn there is a million of them out there. Love the random conversations with people. Rock jumping seeing my little girl jump off the high rock. Seeing Owen getting the courage to go off rocks too. Watching X-man’s now famous cannon balls and going down the slide. Winter growing up so fast. Now she is driving the boat while we loaded it. Listening to Amber as she discovers our retirement plan. Camping with my mom and Dad and getting to eat the Howard camping breakfast. Zarley was so excited to show my mom how she can swim. Watching Kathryn hike the Indian ruins. Just spending some time with family and friends. It was all family but I consider them all friends. Oh and pink nails Can’t wait for next year.

I just want to know who drank all the damn drinks? Oh the kids that’s right. I suggest they don’t drink as much next time.

Peace out Bitches

Happy Birthday Owen Gregory Howard

This is becoming a tradition a day late. Well if you know me then you know I am just that kind of guy! So onward with our story about Owen, or OEO, or OZO, or OGO, Ozeboz, or Buddy. You cannot have a better first son then Owen. He really is that kid that wants everyone to be happy. He looks out for his best friend X-man. They are a perfect match.

During the summer he has the whitest hair you have ever seen. It’s always nice to see his hair color change because you know summer is coming. He is a boys boy. He loves to play outside He cannot wait to get up and go outside and it really does not matter who is outside or what they are doing he just loves it. We are working our way to sports he is a little shy when it comes to that stuff but loves anything outside.

So after Amber and I had two girls we wanted a boy naturally right? Well for the first time Amber wanted to wait and not find out the sex. We figured it did not matter to us what he / it was we would love it so we might as well just let it ride and see what pops out. Much to the frustration to everyone. Like I understand peoples frustration but still I hope they understood why we waiting. It makes that phone call to tell them that you had the baby all the more exciting when you tell them that you have a boy (Speaking as a father)

So amber and I just went about the pregnancy not knowing and not caring at first I think it bothered me because you almost want that boy so bad that you just want to know. But in the end it was well worth the wait. Amber did offer to tell me for father’s day what the sex was but at that point what’s the point?

So Amber goes into labor and is having these pains that she says no I don’t need to go because I don’t want to be sent home. I can understand that but what if? So I finally convinced Amber it was time to go in. So we went in to the old cottonwood hospital and that’s a good drive from our house. We sent Zarley and Winter to Tiffany’s and so we track on down the freeway to get there. ( Me speeding, See X-man Post) get there and the nurses are like nah this is not time. So they tell amber that she is basically having fake contractions as she is double over in pain. They gave her some good pain meds and I was told come back when you’re really having your baby. So we track our asses back to our house with out a care in the world for gas prices (bitch nurses) Amber is told here we will give you some morphine and if it’s not stopped in 4 hours to come back. (As if gas was being given away) so we get home no real point in getting the kids so I go back to bed and Amber pretty much just sits on the alarm clock waiting for that 4 hours to expire. Sure as shit it does. No baby and still pain. So we head on back to the ER again another opportunity for me to try and use the old I am having a baby excuse to get out of a ticket. We show up and there is a new set of nurses there and they are pretty much like WTF why where you sent home. We were like WTF were we supposed to do?

Couple hours later we are in the delivery room and amber is throwing up. (She was embarrassed) not sure why I think that’s okay to do that in that situation. So OEO comes out and first thing we see are legs and getting excited to see our baby and he comes out ass cheeks up so I thought girl. They rolled him over and boom boy!

Happy Birthday OEO love you king to my throne! And to the nurse who sent us home you still owe us a few bucks gas money.

Mike Howard

Happy Birthday Xavier James Howard

Three years ago we had our X-man. Our final child and we could not have ended on a better note. As what has grown to become custom with us we did not find out the sex of X-man. Figured it did not matter. We had our girls and our boys so it really did not matter what he was we knew we would love him. We also knew this would be our last. This would complete our Family circle.

X-man started with a little bit of trouble. I was working graveyards at CR England (Still am) and I was actually outside in our car taking a nap. Amber called me and said I see blood. Talk about scaring the shit out of someone. I ran inside and told my bosses sorry I am leaving I need to go. Amber called to make sure she could wait for me and I drove home as fast as I can. I picked up Amber and we were off to the new IHC hospital. Do you know how bad I wanted to get pulled over. I mean can you beat that excuse with a cop. I am having a baby as he looks over to the passenger seat and sees your wife with that look on her face. I know I would get out of that ticket! This was my last chance and I did all I could to get that damn pull over. Drove fast in the car pool lane. Right where they wait but it did not happen. So we made it to the hospital and I remember thinking god I hope my baby is okay. We have had problems in the past and you never feel totally at ease until they are out and breathing and all is good. Once we got there the nurses hooked amber up to the machines and all that. They did not seem concerned with the blood. So once we were okay from that. I thought (this is the first time I am admitting it so . . . ) Dame she better have this baby or all my co-workers are going to think I am full of it. I had been up all night and now was looking like I would be up all day. But we did deliver well Amber delivered a healthy baby boy.

So yesterday our little man or X-man turned 3 yesterday. I am sorry it’s a day late. But better late than never at all. We had a good weekend to celebrate X-man turning 3. If you have not met him you will have to take my word for how damn cute this kid is. I know that every parent goes on and on about how cute their kids are but this kid is amazing. He is so fun and loves his brother so much and is just a fun kid to have around. Just this week he was telling Owen how he was acting like mom and said, “Owen clean up your toys now!” This little boy is the most grow up 3 year old I know. People say he just follows Owen around but he really does not. He joins in the fun. He is his own boy and does what he wants it just happens to be the same as his older brother and cousins and friends. He is what you picture a boy to be so rough and tumble and gets into trouble. Not bad trouble just the mischievous trouble. This weekend I was playing with the boys on my bed and Owen was doing summersault off the bed. I was holding their hands as they did. Owen landed a couple in a row so he said dad I don’t need your help. Well this time he did it and smacked his head against the bottom of my bed. He was crying and Xavier asked Owen if he wanted him to hurt himself too. With this concerned look. I am sure that every parent dreams of their kids growing up close. I have no doubt that these two boys will grow up to be the best of friends. It must be easy being the youngest. Surrounded by older brothers and sisters

"You have a Friend In Me"