Day 1: Fifteen Things About Me!

So 15 things about me...

1. I graduated from the University of Las Vegas, Nevada with a Bachelors in Psychology and a minor in Human Services Counseling and Counseling Education (mouthful... pretty much I learned all about dealing with people's problems and without being certified to actually do it.)
2. I love group fitness classes. I got really into group fitness classes at the gym I went to my first year of college. After a while, I got certified to teach. I taught for almost 4 year before I moved to Tucson. After a year off, I am back to teaching and LOVE it. If I could make a living doing it full time (and have the stamina to do it full time) I would. I brings out a different personality in me than I usually am.
3. I am a pianist... at heart. I took piano lessons when I was from 8 - 12 years old. I stopped taking lessons and practicing. Now that I am older, I wish I had stuck with it. My parents gave me their piano when I got married and I am determined to go back to taking lessons (when we can afford it).
4. I am the youngest of 5 siblings. I have two brothers and two sisters. We all span the age range from 42(Oldest sister Bekki) - 25 (me). We are spread out across the country but am happy to have my oldest sister Bekki live less than an two hours away!
5. Book Nerd! I read. I read. I read. I read when I know I should be doing other things... I love reading.
6. I am a sun goddess. I live for summers where I can lay out of spend some time outside to get a killer tan. Now that I work full-time, those long summer days are spent a little differently. However, since we live in Tucson, AZ, I was able to spend a wonderful January afternoon laying out this past weekend. Wonderful!
7. I have favorites amongst my nieces and nephews. Rude, I know. I love them all (and I really LOVE them) but there are a few that I have a special place in my heart for.
8. I am a Mess. I hate cleaning. I wish I were better at it. Maybe if I had more time in my day... I hope to kick this poor habit... eventually.
9. I love SciFi. I am a science fiction nerd... both in movie and in book. My husband teases me about it, but it is one of my favorite genre's.
10. I love Mexican food and Italian food. I would have a difficult time choosing between the two if given the choice. I could eat both all day every day!
11. I want to do good. I always wanted to work in the health profession because I wanted to "do good" with my life. Although my career path changed, I still find myself wanted to be involved with the helping profession. To help students, adults, kids, etc. I just want to do good!
12. I wish I were an actor/singer/dancer. I am so envious of people who have those talents. I don't and wish I did. Especially singing and dancing. I can watch people dance (lyrical/ballet) and it will make me cry. I find it completely inspirational.
13. Speaking of crying... I do it a lot. If I get mad- I cry. If I get happy- I cry. If I get sad- I cry.
14. I traveled (more like backpacked) to Guatemala and Belize when I was 21. I would love to do a trip like that again. It made me appreciate all that I have.
15. Sam. I have this boy in my life named Sam. I met him when he was only a year old and became his nanny. He was my best buddy until I got married and moved away. The things I learned from taking care of him (and his crazy sister Maddie and monster of a little brother, Max) will be part of me when I become a mom. I loved those kids with all my heart and Sam was really special to me. We had a little bond. I was his friend and he was mine. He and his family are a major part of who I am.

30 days

I saw this post on yet another persons blog (remember my blog-stalking habit!?!) and I am going to give it a try. This will actually give me something to write about each day!

The thirty day blog challenge...

day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself
day 2- the meaning behind your blog name
day 3- a picture of you and your friends
day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have
day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been to
day 6- favorite super hero and why
day 7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you
day 8- short term goals for this month and why
day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days
day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

day 11- another picture of you and your friends
day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one
day 13- a letter to someone
day 14- a picture of you and your family
day 15- put your ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play
day 16- another picture of yourself
day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why
day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have
day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them
day 20- someone you love

day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy
day 22- what makes you different from everyone else
day 23- something you crave for a lot
day 24- your last five facebook status'
day 25- what I would find in your bag
day 26- what do you think about your friends
day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge
day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?
day 29- in this past month, what have you learned
day 30- your favorite song

Stalk MUCH!?

We all blog stalk... don't you deny it!!

Today, I blog stalked and saw the BEST thing ever and I am here to tell you all about it. I won't lie either- the stalked blog in mention is on like 3 of my friends blogs from Vegas. So if you any of you friends want to tell YOUR friend that I am a creeper, go ahead!

So this stalked blogger is pregnant and her husband (yes ladies, HER HUSBAND!) created these super cute "pregnancy cards" for her. She listed like 25 funny things on these pregnancy cards for her when she felt like she needed to "pull the P card".
These cards are the cutest things ever! What man thinks to do that...

Here is a few samples of what she has listed on her "cards": Taken from her blog...
"-Bending over puts too much pressure on my baby. Will you pick up?
-Growing a baby is wearing me out, I need a nap!
-I'm so sick of our son. It's your turn!
-Cleaning isn't good for the baby. I think you should do it!
-The heat in the kitchen worries me, could you make dinner?
-This card is good for one food craving late night grocery store trip.
-The soapy water makes me sick, will you do the dishes?
He said the cards are reusable and don't expire until a month after I have the baby."

Awesome. Simply awesome.

Back in Action

Hello blog... we meet again!

Not only has 2011 snuck up on me, but so did the end of January. Where does time go?

Here is a little recap of whats been going on in our life:

Christmas- We stayed in Tucson- I was sick! :(

New Years- We stayed in Tucson- had some friends come over... I was feeling better!!

Work- we both are doing it... some days are better than others.

School- We both are doing it... john is taking 15 credits (and working full-time...yikes!) I am at a comfortable 3 credits (one class!) and teaching 4 exercise classes a week (and working full time... double yikes)

Family- rough start of the year. Starting off the year with a funeral is never fun. But it was great to have my mom's side of the family all get together. We will miss our little Nana (and Pop too!). On a happy note, John's sister Karly is having a baby!! Congratulations are in order for her and her husband Ray. John is hoping for a boy... he wants to keep the nephew trend going.

And some awesome words to sum up how I feel about this coming year:
"We cannot see the future with precision, but we can know what the Lord intends and what it will take [for] each of us to qualify personally to participate".

I have no idea what lays ahead this year. I would like to think good things... I am in need of some good things. But I know I need to rely on the Lord to guide me in making those good things happen. Or maybe the Lord has other ideas as to what is "good" for me. Either way, I need to actively take control of my life and move forward doing good!

8th Day...

Of Things That Remind Me of Christmas...

Post Office CHAOS Giving gifts!
I love making, picking out, buying, wrapping, sending Christmas gifts for other people. Nothing makes me more happy!

Don't get me wrong! I know Christmas isn't all about the presents and things. It definitely has more value than that. But I love showing others that I think about them and have put thought and planning behind their gifts. To me, that makes them more special.

Merry Christmas!

9th day...

Single digit people... single digit! We have 9 days until Christmas. One sister in law came into town yesterday and the other comes into town on Monday (I may be more excited to see John's sisters than he is! Yay for some GIRL TIME)!

But lets get back to my point:

9th day of Things That Remind Me of Christmas

LIGHTS!

We didn't hang any this year (sad, we are even in our OWN house to do it) but I have big plans for next year. But I l O V E seeing everyone with Christmas lights up. Makes me so happy to see sparkly little lights.

With one exception... SINGING LIGHTS

Our next door neighbors have lights that are linked with a sound box that plays Christmas music. It was cute for a few minutes but quickly got very annoying. We talk nightly about how to cut the box.

Hope everyone is enjoying their Thursday! I have ONE (and a half) work day left and then I am on vacation for TWO weeks. Two weeks people!!

10th Day of...

Things that remind me of Christmas:

Christmas GOODIES!! I love baking and decorating yummy Christmas treats. Tonight, I plan to bake some more.

The list includes:

Rice Krispie Treats (with some festive sprinkles... maybe a batch dipped in Chocolate)

Peanut Butter Balls (family recipe... TO DIE FOR!)

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Sugar Cookies

Pumpkin Cookies

Peppermint Bark

I think thats all I (and my kitchen) can handle.

And just for fun...

11th day

...of things that remind me of Christmas.

"Rats! Nobody sent me a Christmas card today. I almost wish there weren't a holiday season. I know nobody likes me. Why do we have to have a holiday season to emphasize it?" ~ Charlie Brown Christmas Movie.

Christmas Cards!

I love them... I hang them up each year as I receive them. This year they are currently pasted on my pantry door in my kitchen. I look at them each morning. We have such wonderful family and friends. I am grateful for all of them and look forward to being able to afford our own Christmas card to send out!!

On the 12th Day of Christmas...

Did you know that its officially 12 days before Christmas? Seriously!? Where does time go...

Even though its only TWELVE days until one of my favorite holidays, I am having a hard time feeling the spirit of it all. Maybe its because the weather in Tucson is more like Spring than it is winter (or even fall).

So to jump start the holiday joy, I have decided to start a 12 Days of blog-Christmas! :) Random things that I hear, see, find, that remind me of why I love this time of year...

12th Day of things that remind me of Christmas:

Family!! I love love love all the family time that gets to happen during the holidays. For this Christmas we are staying here in Tucson and we get to spend it with John's family. I am really excited (granted, I will miss my own family as well) but all his sisters are going to be home (with their significant others) and its going to be one big POWELL-FEST! :)

While we are on the subject of family... the last two years I have got to spend it with my little monster and this year I will miss him greatly!

Christmas 2008 (New Jersey)

Christmas 2009 (Las Vegas)

And this year he is even bigger... (cause he turned 2!!) but sadly I will just have to call him and wish him a Merry Christmas over the phone.

'Tis the Season

I am so in the mood to get crafty!! Not just any type of crafts- Christmas crafts!
We have a few holiday decorations for Christmas but not enough for my satisfaction. So I have decided that I am going to hit up my discount fabric store and create this amazing advent calendar out of felt! (Picture looks amazing- my craft might be satisfactory but who cares).

I am hoping that this craft-fest will get me into the holiday spirit. Cause I am not feeling too great about the upcoming month of December. (I have the case of the bah-hum-bugs)

Halloween Boise Style

I spent the weekend in Boise, Idaho with my fam! So much fun... so flippin cold!!

I uploaded the pictures backwards and I am too lazy to replace them all correctly- sorry! :)


My Mom, Marian (sister) and I ran the Farm Man Challenge 5k! It went to a GREAT cause and had a fun/freezing time doing it. The race was an obstacle course through a corn-maze. Definitely fun although it made for an even greater challenge when the weather was only a cold/windy/cloudy 38 degrees.

The finish line was an air-jumper type thing set into the ground... was a little slippery trying to run across in your socks!

Marian and I at the starting line...

Some pre-5k activity: feeding and petting the wandering goats.BAH! So cold! Poor little Jaxson... Just in case you can't see my awesome hat- there is a candy store in Boise called Powell's Sweet Shoppe. Needless to say I bought the hat :)Two of my nephews. Staton and Breckon. Little Breckie was my shadow all weekend. I heart him!! :)

Ha, ok my bestest friend in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD drove 5 hours to see me Saturday night! My dad took some better photos of us than this... but I wanted to give her the credit for making the trip. Plus, I just love her face. And apparently whatever we were talking about was very intense!! The twins playing with some of grandpa's robot.

Breckster!! What a babe.

Last but certainly not least, my sweet Nana. What a wonderful grandma she is to me and I will love her for ever!!

I hope you all had a great weekend too. Can't wait to see my family again- in three weeks :) Love the holiday season!

Move over Martha- there is a new Stewert in town!

So, I baked a cake for my sister Karly's wedding dinner. Loved her enough to make myself a little crazy this last week doing it. But what can I say, when you gain a sister as great as she is... its well worth it!

This talent is definilty best to be left to my sister Marian. But I enjoyed the attempt! :)

Bisbee 1000

Growing up my pops was the runner. I remember going with him ONCE when I was a young little thing and I pretty much walked while he ran ahead and circled back... I am sure he made me run with him from that point though. Which is why I avoided running at all costs from then on. That is until I was in college (in A LOT better shape), and joined my dad and sister in a Turkey Trot. Had a good time- so from then on I have been running ever since. Use to be a thing for me a my dad. He would join me or if he couldn't (bad back) he would wait for me at the finish line. To this day- when I run a race I always think of my dad waiting for me at the finish line. Whether he is there or not... *sigh!

Anyways, I digress in thought-
I graduated, got married, moved, started a grown up job, and my love for running went away.

At this point I can happily admit that my relationship with running is a little disfunctional. One day we love eachother, the next, its hate. But ever since I committed myself to the early AM runs, its been we have gotten along better. Well on Saturday, October 16th we decided to REALLY love eachother. You know that IN love stage at the beginning stages of dating someone new. Where you just can't get enough of them and your almost high from all those lovey endorphines?? Thats what we experienced on this magical Saturday! :)

We were IN love!!

Had so much fun going to Bisbee with a few good friends. We got up early, drove a few hours, ran in amazing weather, had some amazing food (including some samples of Salmon Cream Cheese on home-made sour dough bread, jalapeno bread-SPICY, and a fantastic egg and potato breakfast burro), and took some NOT so amazing pictures of myself (while the others looked amazing instead). PS: ran 5 minutes and 47 seconds faster this year than last... Yipee!

Now that Bisbee is gone, running and I will continue to work on our relationship and attempt to endure a 1/2 marathon in December. Goal is to beat my last 1/2 marathon time by 10 minutes. We'll see :)

Oh ya- and....holidays are coming up- can't wait to see my family!

A few pictures for your enjoyment:

Yes, I did take a picture of my at 5am to remember that pre-race feeling!

Sarah standing on one of the many staircases that are all over this small little mountain-side town. Although these weren't stairs in our race, these are a small scale example of the 9 we had to get through (including running 3.2 miles up and down some pretty serious hills)!


Kim!

ME! *notice its far away- thats cause my hair was swetty, my skin was red and blotchy, and I pretty much STANK!

Debbie- Kind of caught her in a "oh, well" moment and she still looks cute!!

Showing our stuff- tough chicks present! :)

These ladies were here last year too! Loved their spirit. Lady with a kid- not sure who the rude face was for!

There we are! Standing watching the IceMan Challenge. What a good day!

The end!

Friday

Yes, its finally Friday! I am so looking forward to this weekend. Bisbee1000, cleaning our disaster of a bedroom, doing laundry so we have clean clothes, studying, sleeping in (on Sunday)... just some things I am looking forward to.

Hope you all have a great weekend too!!

Cup for a Cake

Ever wanted to know what baking 200+ CupCakes would do to your kitchen??

You are all welcome to my house to see... sorry no touching the works of art!!

* Not an actual photo- just a googled image! :)

Victorious!

"This is where you will win the battle- in the playhouse of your mind"
~Maxwell Maltz

5am= me up and running (a slow and painful) 4 miles!

I win...

Hesitation

"He who hesitates is lost"
Proverbs

Yesterday I realized that I will be running a difficult 5k (dont mock me- its the Bisbee 1000. Look it up!) in three weeks and have yet to really do any running (like at all). So I committed to getting up at 5am this morning to go for that run! 5am came, I hesitated, and went back to sleep. 6:30am came, "Oh S#!T! I am going to be late for work"... and was.

Moral of the story- Meghan get your LAZY butt out of bed when the alarm goes off.

Happy Wednesday.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you

There is a picture on our wall that i look at everynight. I think about the words that are on the bottom and contemplate what they mean to me and my life at that moment. Those words are such a comfort to see each night and morning...

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you" ~John 14:27

Last night, I thought about those words again. I sat there looking at the picture and realized I am at peace knowing that the things that are sometimes difficult to swallow somehow work themselves out. Even when I am frustrated and at my witts end, when I stop and let go of those frustrations I realize how peaceful I really am. I know I am doing the right things. I am not perfect (by a long shot), but I am trying my hardest and the Lord knows it.

I am grateful for those small moments of comfort. I started thinking about that classic poem that I never really gave much thought to until now...
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.

This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,

“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”

The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”

Life can sometimes be hard... everyone experiences those trials that make you wonder why. But I know that the Lord is always with us. He always knows our sufferings and he will make those burdens light. He will give us peace. I am so thankful for that knowledge.

Just because...

Who needs kids when I have this wonderful little girl!!
PS: she got two new toys today- one being a little otter that she is loving to destroy!! Toys around here dont last long. At least she only chews her toys... otherwise a baby might look more appealing.




like the jeans in the background that look like half a body??

Home Is Where The Heart Is...

Well I didn't lie to you- we really bought ourselves a house. Still a work in progress and the next big project is the landscaping. However, for now its nice to have our own place. I feel like we are already filling it up. How is that possible?? Maybe we can upgrade sooner than we thought (if john reads this he might start laughing and say YEAH RIGHT!)
Here are some pictures of the living room and kitchen. The three rooms on the backside of the house are pretty much an office for john, a workout room, and a storage closet. :) Our master bedroom is where the magic happens but isn't anything special to take a picture of at this moment.
So here is a little preview- (nope, definitely did not pick up our house before taking these pictures. ohhhh well.)