I lost!

Well, as you can see, I'm the only person that thinks the Easter Bunny is a girl. Yes, that girl vote is mine. Everyone ganged up against me. I can totally picture a cute little mama bunny delivering eggs full of yummy treats (what's the connection between bunnies and eggs, anyway?). But when I try to picure a male easter bunny, I see a fat, ugly bunny with big buck teeth and a gay little hop. WIERDO. I don't want a creature like that coming in my living room, even if he IS bringing chocolate nummies. Oh well. I won't be a poor sport about losing.

Welcome Samantha!

Baby Samantha Johansen joined the family on April 12, 2008. We're so excited that she's here and that she's actually a normal weight (the first of her siblings). We're sad that she lives in North Carolina, so we can't give her some lovin.

Pictures like this are my favorite. A first new family portrait. Swen's sister-Alexis, Hubby-Paul, Anastasia, Sabrina, and Samantha. Lovely family.

Next to arrive: Madelyn Johnston, coming in about 2 weeks.

We have also received word of another baby to add to our list. Baby Butterfield will be coming near the end of 2008. That brings the grand total of "baby cousins born in 2008" to 6!!! WOW! I think it's too late for anyone else to make an announcement for this year.

Happy Birthday Swen!

Swen turned 34 on Saturday. To celebrate getting one year closer to OLD, his back went out. So instead of going out to dinner on Friday, we sent the kids to a friend's house so we could enjoy a home-date with dinner, movie and a massage while Swen reclined on the sofa! It was funny. On Saturday we had a family party with a mock camp out. We set up the tent in the house, had hot dogs and the older boys and Swen watched Lord of the Rings after the little ones went to bed. It was the easiest birthday dinner I've ever cooked! 30 seconds in the microwave and walla! On Sunday we partied with the whole Howard clan, and we'll celebrate with the Tadje side soon. Talk about spoiled. Swen will have 4 birthday desserts by the time we're done!

Here's Swen in a nutshell...


What is Swen's favorite thing to do? Swen is all about family. He loves to get down and wrestle with the kids or chase them around the house. He is louder than all of the kids combined. Sometimes when they're being loud and he asks them to "bring it down a few notches" I just have to laugh, because I know exactly where they got their exuberance.


Describe Swen's personality... Swen is a true YELLOW personality. He's bright and positive and sees the silver lining in every situation. He's a kid at heart, and intends to stay that way until he's 103. He loves to dream big and he has endless energy. He is full of love, and he's not afraid to share it. He loves learning and he treasures books. He would feel just as comfortable with the president as he would with a homeless person on the street.



If Swen could go anywhere, where would he go? Back to Africa, first. He would love to see the people he met on his mission and be in the land that he fell in love with. He would also love to swim in the bright blue Indian Ocean off the coast of Tanzania, since he was only able to take pictures when he was there before. After Africa, he would love to tour anywhere in the world. He would enjoy learning about the culture and history of any place on the map.



What is Swen passionate about? Everything! The biggies are family and the gospel, of course, but he's also passionate about politics. He can get into a deep discussion on any subject from paint colors to history. His passion for life is unending, and he has a strong opinion on every subject.

What is Swen good at? Giving compliments, hugs, and kisses. Treating me like a queen. Putting babies to sleep. Driving. Being a real estate agent. Staying up late and waking up early. Playing. Dressing like a hottie. Cleaning bathrooms. Anything athletic.



10 things Swen would like to do in the future...


1. Be a race car driver

2. Change his name to Robert (that would be very strange, don't you think?)

3. Become really involved in politics

4. Become wealthy enough to buy some fun things for the family, a few cool trips, pay off student loans, and still be able to give a bunch of money to the needy.

5. Buy his wife (who's satisfied with a CZ) a large diamond ring which he picked out by himself and keeps the picture in his folder for motivation.

6. Travel the world

7. Serve missions with his sweetheart

8. Go back to school for a law degree and maybe a masters in business

9. Own a farm (sorry, honey, you married the wrong girl for that)

10. Most importantly, have an eternal family



I love you, baby! Happy Birthday! (Again)

Welcome Lydia

Our new niece/cousin, Lydia Tadje. Born March 13. 6 lb 7 oz, 19 inches long. We are so excited that she is finally here. She is the first in a windfall of babies coming. Next comes Alexis's girl #3, then Carolyn's Madelyn (sp), then Sarah's Aiden, then Trina's boy #5. Holding little Lydia felt so good. It made me think of starting to get excited for another. Then I decided: nevermind, there are enough babies coming to keep me satisfied in the baby-department. Hopefully my sisters will share with me.

Tagged

Okay. I don't usually do these, but I have to admit that I feel a little flattered at being "picked". My friend, Crystal, tagged me and she has like 50 people she blogs to, so I'm feeling a kind of popular. As far as tagging thingers go, it's of the more boring variety, but I'll do it anyway because, like I said, I am popular now so of course you'll want to spend 5 minutes to read all about me...(If it asks for my pet peeve, I won't put run-on sentences since I just wrote a whopper)

ABC...ALL ABOUT ME! This picture illustrates how cool I really am.

A - Attached or Single: I think title of this blog, THE HOWARD CREW, answers this question.
B - Best Friend: Swen, of course
C - Cake or Pie: I'll take both, please, with some ice cream too.
D - Day of choice: Sundays or Mondays, whenever we get our most family time in.
E - Essential Item: Cell phone
F - Favorite Color: Red and green (not forest)
G - Gummy Bears or Worms: Eeewww, give me some chocolate
H - Hometown: Alpine, UT
I - Indulgence(s): Reading a book all in one day when I have mounds of laundry to do
J - January or July: Duh. Who loves January?
K - Kids: Isaac-9, Joseph-7, Alyssa-3, Lincoln-1
L - Life is incomplete without: Family, Friends, and the Gospel
M - Marriage Date: July 29, 1997, going on 11 years. That is so wierd!
N - Number of Siblings: 7, 2 sisters, 4 brothers, and me
O - Oranges or Apples: Both
P - Phobias or Fears: Phobia- Having to touch an animal without a sink and soap nearby. That gives me shivers up and down my spine. And Swen still insists that getting a dog is an essential part of childhood. Have mercy on me, honey! Fear-Someone I love getting hurt when I'm the only one there to take care of them. I think they would die while I ran around in circles stressing about what to do.
Q - Quotes: ???I've answered too many questions already. I'm starting to go a little crazy and I'm sure you are too. You really don't have to read this. I'm not that interesting of a person...just kinda normal.
R - Reason to smile: I'm loved
S - Season: All but winter. P.S. Why do I live in Utah? I've been asking myself that question as winter drags on and on and on, and all the while my sisters are enjoying lovely capri weather year-round in Texas. No fair.
T - Tag Three Friends: As popular as I felt getting tagged, I'll just say: anyone who wants to ramble on and on about themselves can feel free. (I'll enjoy reading about any of you)
U - Unknown fact about me: I don't think I really have any secrets. I tend to share WAY TOO MUCH information when I'm with people, then I regret it as soon as I'm by myself again. I don't think I know how to be diplomatic. I'd be a terrible politician.
V - Very favorite Store: ??? I don't know. I like shopping for house-type things more than clothes I think. If I was a size 4 that might be a different story.
W - Worst habit: Reading books in one sitting. Does anyone know if there's a BA (Books Anonymous)?
X - X-ray or Ultrasound: Is that really a question?? Who would rather see an x-ray of a broken bone, as opposed to an ultrasound of your unborn child? Sillllly! (Crystal, I just had to keep your answer on this one. I agree. SILLLLLY!)
Y - Your favorite food: Hawaiian haystacks, Chicken garlic pizza, marbled bars (if you want this AMAZING recipe let me know)
Z - Zodiac: Sometimes Cancer, sometimes Leo. I'm on July 23, the cutoff date in between the two, so it depends on the source of the horoscope thing you're reading.

Phew. We made it to the end. Was that fun or what?

Good Enough

The other day, my single friend asked me what I do all day. I answered, "Clean my house," in an unexcited voice. When I got home I started really thinking about that question. What DO I do all day? And am I really unexcited about my position as a mother and wife? And what kind of impression do I want to give to others about my important role?

The truth is, I LOVE MY JOB! When I think about doing anything else besides being at home with my kids, I get sad. And I don't just clean all day. I strive every day to spend quality time with my kids and my love. I strive to improve myself and my family physically, mentally, and spiritually. I also devote time to cleaning my house, but I've realized that if this becomes my primary goal and focus, I drown in discouragement and I NEVER FEEL FULFILLED.

So this is what I do all day. At first glance, it seems that I could have answered her question, "What do you do all day?" with "Fail." But, Swen and the spirit tell me that any day I get to spend with my kids is a success, and I believe them. (At least I constantly remind myself to believe THEIR words, and not the words of discouragement that come from the little devil on my other shoulder.)

Ideal

Reality

6:00 Hop out of bed, enthused and ready for the day. Grab my scriptures, and enjoy a 1/2 hour of uplifting study of the upcoming Sunday school lesson with Swen.

6:00 Alarm goes off. Is nighttime over already? Alyssa woke up 3 times last night! I drag myself out of bed around 6:05 about 3 of 7 mornings, and TRY (but usually fail) to keep my eyes open while Swen and I read the Sunday school lesson.

6:30 Bury myself in meditation on the words of the past conference talks

6:30 Still trying to stay awake, but my head keeps dropping onto my chest

7:00 Time for family scripture study!

7:00 Family scripture study is usually a success unless Lincoln and Alyssa are awake. They are very distracting

7:20 Family Prayer

7:25 Convince the boys to roll off the couch and stop wrestling so we can pray together

7:25 The boys QUICKLY shower and get dressed. They make their beds, clean their rooms, say their morning prayers, and come down with MATCHING clothes.

7:30 Does the word HURRY even register with 7 and 9 year old boys? And why does Isaac insist on wearing the same pants 3 days in a row? "Red shorts and an orange shirt do NOT look good together, and you can't wear shorts in the winter."

7:45 Breakfast. Those who will not be exercising in 15 minutes sit down to a healthy, steaming hot breakfast while we enjoy meaningful conversation.

7:50 The word hurry is still not registering with the boys. They owe me 5 minutes of work when they come home because AGAIN they are 5 minutes late for breakfast. They quickly stuff 3/4 of their breakfast down

8:00 Time to catch the bus!

8:03 HURRY boys! RUN for the bus! Hope you catch it! I love you! See you after school! Have a wonderful day! Isaac, please remember to wear your coat so you won't get too cold! Joseph, don't forget to turn in your homework and look for your jacket in the lost and found! BYE!

8:01 Head to the gym with Swen, Lissy, Lincoln. Put the babies in the playroom, then do 40 minutes of cardio, 20 minutes of weight lifting

8:20 Raaaar! It takes so long to get out the door with 2 little ones! Working out feels great.

9:15 Eat breakfast, shower, be ready for the day by 10:00

9:30 Eat breakfast, get wrapped up in some kind of distraction, peek-a-boo with Lincoln, dance with Alyssa

10:00 Morning clean-up, Lincoln's nap, Spend individual time with Lissy, set daily goals, get projects done, be organized, mark some tasks off my list

10:30 I REALLY need to take a shower! I'm still in my stinky workout clothes! This house is a total disaster. I hope no one comes over right now....DING DONG! What song do you want to sing now, Lissy? (on top of old smoky) "On top of Alyssa, all covered with hair, She had a bird, on top of a pear..." Yes, we are best friends, sweetie, you are my favorite girl in the whole wide world. I love you, too.

12:30 Hello Lincoln! I'm so glad you woke up! Let's have lunch!

12:30 Hello Lincoln! I'm so glad you woke up! Let's have lunch! The house is still a disaster, my hair is still wet from my shower, I have no make-up on, but at least the kids are healthy and happy. Thank you for that nice hug, Lissy.

1:00 Time for Lissy's nap. Spend meaningful time with Lincoln, mark more tasks off my list

1:30 Lissy, you really need to take a nap now. No more drinks, no more potty, no more stories, your blankie is right here, don't come out again or you'll have to go to time-out.

1:45 The house is still a mess. Try not to get discouraged because it's useless to try to accomplish anything when Lincoln hangs on my pants and cries when I walk out of his sight. Catch the ball, Link, here it comes, now roll it back. Good boy, you are so smart!

3:00 Wake Lissy up, say goodnight to Link again.

3:30 Do I really have to wake Lissy up? It's so nice when she's asleep! Hello, beautiful! I'm so happy to see you. How was your nap? What did you dream about?

4:00 The boys come home from school and enjoy a small, healthy snack while we have great conversation about every detail of their day at school. They finish their homework and piano practicing QUICKLY AND WITHOUT COMPLAINT, then they are able to go out and enjoy some fresh air before dinner.

4:00 The boys come home STARVING TO DEATH and gorge themselves on the most unhealthy food they can find. They don't want to stop, they don't care if their appetites are spoiled, and they would really rather play than do homework and piano practicing. Their days were "great." Recess was "fine." Lunch was "good."

5:00 Start making dinner while the kids all play quietly together. Swen comes home from work and is very helpful.

5:15 The boys are still trying to do homework, due to procrastination. I try to make dinner while... helping them with homework, refereeing the fighting, trying to keep Lincoln to stop clinging to the back of my legs, talking on the phone, and continually asking Lissy to stop crawling through the food mess on the counter. Where is Swen?

6:00 Dinner is served. The WHOLE family loves the nice, well-rounded dinner I prepared. We all enjoy deep conversation together.

6:45 Dinner will be ready in just a minute! I know you're hungry. Maybe you could help instead of complaining. Will you call daddy and see where he is?

7:00 Dinner is FINALLY served. Hey Baby! I'm so glad you came home, we were just about to start without you! We sometimes try to use good manners, and any conversation is okay as long as it doesn't dwell too much on gross bodily functions.

6:30 We all help to clean the kitchen, then we have some quality family time

7:45 I start cleaning the kitchen while trying to manage the kids' bedtime routine. Thanks for rinsing out the dishes, babe, would you mind loading them, too?

7:45 Get the kids ready for bed, family prayer

8:00 Family prayer--settle down guys, it shouldn't take 5 minutes of us kneeling here to get ready to pray!

8:00 Read Link a story, sing him a song, and say goodnight. Sing Lissy a song, help her with prayers, read her a story, and say goodnight. Tell the boys they can read until 8:30

8:15 Sing a song to Link, say goodnight. Tell the boys to read for a few minutes before bed. Brush Alyssa's teeth, help her go potty, get her jammies on, help her with prayers, read her a story, convince her that one is enough, sing her a song, say goodnight, shut the door. Get Alyssa a drink, shut the door. Find the silky, shut the door. Help with potties again, shut the door. That's enough! Would you like to stay in bed or go to time out?

8:30 Goodnight Boys! Spend some quality time with Swen talking about our day, maybe read together or dance a little in the family room

8:45 Tuck the boys in, sing a song and say goodnight. Answer all the deep questions that have plagued their minds for the past month, and say goodnight again.

9:00 Alyssa, it's SERIOUSLY time to say goodnight. I'LL SEE YOU TOMORROW!

9:30 Time out for Lissy. Hopefully for the last time.

9:45 Say hi to Swen, ask how his day was, and join him on the small chair for a little bit of politics on TV

10:30 Lights out! We're ready for bed. See you tomorrow.

11:30 Hey, babe, we probably better go to bed now. I'm so tired I can hardly move. I really don't want to get ready for bed, can I just crawl right into the nice, soft sheets? It's a good thing I never put on make-up today, because I don't feel like washing my face

12:00 Goodnight, Baby. Kiss, kiss. See you tomorrow.

Newsletter

My sister-in-law, Trina, started the Tadje Family Newsletter almost 12 years ago as a birthday gift to all of us when my brother started med. school. She has kept it up since then, and it's kind of like Tadje family history. All of my siblings contribute, and it's fun to read about what everyone has been doing that month. I haven't been super regular at contributing because somehow I never realize that a new month has started until the 6th or 7th, and then it's too late. I've been so excited for spring to come, however, that I'm very aware that March is here! Hooray! Here is my "news" from the month of February:

Hello All! I'm happy that I'm "with it" enough at the beginning of this lovely month of March to remember to contribute to the newsletter. In January, I was reveling in life, thinking about how wonderful everything was going. I always get a little panicky when I feel that way, because it lasts for about 20 minutes before something happens to rock the boat. This time was no different! As you probably know, Swen was laid off on Feb. 1. Because of the housing market right now, Woodside had to close his model home. Instead of the panic that we should have felt, however, we felt the Lord's comfort and guidance. Swen was able to put his license in with Coldwell Banker, and we're excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.

The kids are getting used to their new school, and we've been proud of them as they've worked hard to be good examples to those around them. Isaac came home from school one day and told me about how the boys he plays with use terrible language and tell inappropriate jokes. I was shocked at some of the things he's hearing in 4th grade--stuff I didn't hear until about 9 grade. I instantly told him that he should just find other people to play with. The spirit quickly told me that this wasn't the right reaction, however, and I felt like we should "research" the answer. We looked up past articles in the friend on lds.org that had to do with friends who swear. All of them talked about being a good example and asking them to not swear around you. Isaac took the counsel and asked his friends to stop swearing around him. I was really proud of him.

Joseph is enjoying this neighborhood because there are lots of friends to play with. He's also excited that he has been able to start piano lessons. He keeps a Book of Mormon in his back pack just in case he has the opportunity to share it. I was surprised at how few members of the church there are. I think Isaac only has one other boy in his class, and Joseph has only one other that he knows of. Joseph had the opportunity to bear his testimony to a girl the other day who believes in reincarnation. I'm constantly grateful for Joseph's help with the little ones. He is so good at volunteering to play with Lincoln while I make dinner.

Alyssa is finally getting the potty-training down. Holy Cow! It has been a long and messy process! She is so funny. We have a room full of toys, but the only time she plays with them is when a friend comes over. She prefers instead to follow me around and talk to me all day. If I try to talk to Swen or Lincoln, she'll say, "Mama! Stop talking! Look at me!" She loves to be the center of attention. It's a constant effort to try and teach her boundaries and the meaning of "NO". She's so sweet, though, and full of love. She really knows how to wrap people around her finger with her little flitty and flirty ways. (It's a little scary!)

Lincoln is finally over his sickness (whatever it was) and is getting fatter by the second. He seriously eats more than I do. His tummy looks and feels like he swallowed a little basketball. He is laid back until it comes to food. I have to keep a constant flow, or he screams intensely enough that it sounds like he's in serious pain. He's getting close to walking, but he doesn't have the drive to make it happen. He's really happy just pulling himself up the back of my pant legs and riding on my hip all day. He's gotten VERY clingy, and I'm hoping it's just because he's bored with crawling. I'm hoping that once he learns how to walk, he will decide it's okay if I leave the room that he's in. He's getting really good at giggling. It's still a novel sound for us, so whenever he starts laughing, the whole family comes running to join in the gleeful sound.

We love you all so much! Love, Howards