Chudles

I got tagged to share about my hubby!
1.What is his name? Daniel Walter Chudleigh
2.Who eats more? Food: Dan. Treats: Mia
3.Who said I love you first? He did, in a song and I was confused so I had to ask him to see if he was for real. Poor guy.
4.Who's taller? Dan. Long kisses give my calves a workout.
5.Who is smarter? I don't know, we're both pretty smart in different ways.
6.Who is more sensitive? Me. But you already knew that.
7.Who does the laundry? Me. Too many clothes destroyed. Dan's mom did his laundry when we were dating! That boy has made his bed well.
8.Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Dan.
9.Who does the bills? We both do.
10.Who cooks more? More? Do husbands cook? Baby you know you make the perfect fried egg!
11.What meals do you cook together? None. By the time he gets home from school I'm starving!
12.Who is more stubborn? 3 1/2 years ago Me, now I'm not so sure.
13.Who is the first to admit they're wrong? Pretty equal, but it can take a while.
14.Who has more sibling? Me
15.Who wears the pants in the relationship? Pretty equal, but Dan being in school and me having a lot of time on my hands, I seem to carry a little more weight.
16.What do you like to do together? This is why I married the guy, I love his company! Whether we're running, surfing, traveling or just going to Costco, it's a good time.
17.Who eats more sweets? Me, but sadly I make it look like too much fun for him to resist, bad example. We're on a really bad 711 maple bar kick.
18.Guilty pleasures? If I weren't married I would eat cup-o-noodle for dinner every-night and save all my money for clothes. But I don't want my husband to be any skinnier so I indulge on Target popcorn, so bad but soooo good. Dan is obsessed with looking for surfboards on craigslist, he would buy them all if I were a cool wife like Kristen! And the other, well you figure it out.
19.How did you meet? My brother Mark introduced us because we're both runners. He then called me up to go on a run. We need to return the favor so if you know anyone, he's a real catch!
20.Who asked who out first? Dan, Derby Days Fall 2003.
21.Who kissed who first? I waited for a whole month for the turtle to kiss me! It was a hell of a lot more I was expecting, loved it!
22.Who proposed? Dan. On the 1 year anniversary night of our first kiss. He learned and sang our song on the guitar, I was so ready!
24.What is his greatest quality? There are two: one, he's ALWAYS happy. Two, he's ambitious and always wanting to learn and discover new things. I put my money on this horse!
Tag - Lauren, Michelle, Kristen, Candy and Heidi (btw, you went private! chudleighgirl@yahoo.com, invite me I miss seeing pictures of that beautiful blue eyes, your baby not Brady.)

Look Who Got Hitched

This summer my brother Sage and his darling Kim were married on August 7Th in the Salt Lake City Temple. They had their reception at Willow Creek Country Club, beautiful! My family just adores Kim and thinks she is just PERFECT for Sage, they have so much fun together. I love my brother Sage so much and am so happy for him.

Sage and Kim Harmsen

The Guys

My family loves to dance at weddings. Taryn and Carly are my favorite in this picture


Our best friends Clay and Aria were also married the same place and almost same day, 8/8/08! Aria and Clay = True Love. I remember their first dance sophomore year, Brian McKnight "Back At One".

Clay and Aria Rockwood

The wedding was so "Aria", beautiful and a blast!

We're Back!

I know, I know it has been forever. But there is so much to write about that I feel overwhelmed. So if we haven't lost our readers, we're back! The last four months have been amazing! Dan and I dropped out this summer to travel the Middle East and Europe. We started in Israel and from there we visited Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Switzerland and Spain! It was all absolutely amazing. The world is so big and so small at the same time, traveling really makes you realize we are all one. I can not even put into words what we experienced, spiritually and visually. We traveled day to day not knowing where we were going to sleep the next night. We slept anywhere from train stations to The Ritz Carlton (associate discount), but mostly hostels and campgrounds. I don't want you to be too jealous, just a little. We spent a lot of time on beaches and swimming in crystal clear water. Israel is amazing, my favorite. Southern Italy is where people traveled if they left the US and moved to Italy. Jordan and Egypt I have mixed feelings about, so I will let you go with an open mind. Turkey has the most beautiful city in the world, Istanbul (didn't love the kebab, and there is only kebab). Greece makes you feel seventeen again, and the views are incredible. Switzerland has it all figured out, I want to be Swiss. Spaniards are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. So if you know Dan or his brother, it's like being married to the paparatzi. We took so many pictures I'm embarrassed to say. So please be patient with me while I go through the thousands and create a slide show, assuming people care? I hope I have given you enough for your imagination to stay tuned...

Shout Out

Today was our last Sunday here in Newport. We want to give a shout out to our awesome primary kids. Jordan, Tim and Keyan are the coolest 9 year olds we know. They have been a lot of fun and we will miss you this summer. 

Viva Las Vegas

It's over! Dan completed his first year of law school last week. Way to go baby! To celebrate our husbands hard work Amanda and I surprised them with a weekend trip to Vegas! We met up with them for lunch and had all there bags in the car, it was a great surprise. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton in Lake Las Vegas (so beautiful), Amanda's friend Todd hooked the boys up for a round of golf at some high roller course and we hung out by the pool all day. It was a very relaxing weekend. 

Monday after work I came home and saw Dan playing around on the computer with a seriously sun kissed face (not from Vegas). He asked me what my beef was about and I had to admit it, I was jealous. I want to go surf and hang out at the beach all day too! It's amazing how quickly I forgot how much he deserved that day. So we went to the movies and all was well. Only 3 more days of work, yeah!!!! 

Finals Yuck!

Dan has officially started his cramming for finals. This 3-4 week period is what I least look forward to this spring. Dan leaves in the morning and comes home around midnight. I pack him a lunch and dinner, dinner usually consists of a frozen burritos or some other frozen food I sampled at Costco that week. He is so dedicated in his schooling. Dan never gets stressed either. He will be running on little sleep and high expectations but still grinning from ear to ear. That's why I love you baby! This picture was taken when we were renting week to week in Orange. This is how Dan finds me when he comes home from school, dead asleep in front of the TV. It's his lucky day if I'm all ready for bed, if not, watch out! I don't have a very good attitude when I'm half asleep. Thank goodness since this picture we've bought a TV and had a visit from the Time Warner guy. Heaven for bid I read a book before going to bed, that's what works for. I know Mom, never end a sentence in a preposition. It just sound too affected in this case.

Harmsen Time

My cousin Becca Harmsen was married last weekend here in Newport. My aunt and uncle are mission presidents here in the OC so they brought the wedding to them. I loved it! All my family (except Mark, tear.) came down to our neck in the woods. Stephen and Amy flew in a day early so we were able to spent some quality time with them before the rest of the crew came down, Stephen even went on our morning run (in sambas) with us. Becca was married in the Newport Temple and had her reception at the Balboa Bay Club, a beautiful day! I have to say all of my sisters looked amazing! I love and miss you all. I was lucky enough to go down and spend the night in San Diego to spend an extra day with the family. My sister's adorable little boy Luke didn't remember me, so sad. When she asked him my name he said "Jesus" I don't know if that's a sign for a hair cut or to be a better aunt.

Ferarri F360

For those of you who know me I'm not very into cars, but Dan seems to be taken with the idea that you can go from o to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. After priesthood a member gave us rides in his sweet ride. We only went out for a few minutes each but we still were able to make it to 120mph outside of the church parking lot! I screamed so he went easy on me but Dan seemed stoked! I assured Dan that this was probably his last ride unless he makes some rich friends.

Fatherly Advice

Dan and I finally made it to a much anticipated visit to the OC Swap Meet. I found a sweet dress, we bought so many fruits and veggies for dirt cheap, but the best was Dan's haircut. That's right, they give hair cuts at the swap meet and for $10 bucks! In the words of my father, "There are two things you can never spend too much money on, a nice pair of shoes and a good hair cut". Obviously we are doing something wrong.

Happy Easter

The last week in Newport has been absolutely beautiful with weather in the 80s! Unfortunately I had to work all week(end), but Dan took advantage of some good surf. Thankfully I had Sunday off to spend Easter with Dan. Sadly we can't take advantage of our family's over the top Sunday dinners anymore, so we treated ourselves to a nice Sunday brunch at the Newport Beach Marriott. It was so worth it and made for a sweet 3 hour nap too! Sorry Grandma, it doesn't look like we'll have any little ones for a few more years. We are buffet junkies and this one is up there on our list. No worries Chuck-o-Rama you're still my favorite.

The best part of the holiday was Dan waking me up for a little Easter egg hunt. Just a few eggs and jelly beans, but isn't he the cutest!

Dan is starting to stay up later and later as finals approach. That means I'm up too, but I usually fall asleep into my second Law and Order episode and Dan peels me off the couch when he's ready for bed. Work is FINALLY getting busy, yeah!

Two Pina Coladas

Mexico

As you can tell from our slide show we went to Mexico for Dan's spring break. If anyone is planning a vacation, listen up! My mom's good friend Pam gave us a trip advisory that we held onto like our bible and it made our trip! We flew into Cancun and drove down to Tulum. Love Tulum! The water is beyond amazing, so laid back, coolest people (Mexicans and travelers), amazing food, cheep, etc... It's more Mexico and not Americanized. Basically you won't have 8 year old girls asking to braid you hair. We met a darling Italian couple Philipo and Viola. We ended up traveling around Tulum with them for a few days. Dan would say the coolest part were the cenotes. Clear water pools in the jungle with beautiful fish, lighting and caves. Playa Del Carmen was fun at night but we didn't like the beaches as much. We took the ferry over to Cozumel. The water was crystal clear there, but all the cruise ships and crowds drove us away.

After 5 days of sleeping in huts with misquotes we were ready for The Ritz Carlton. As most of you know I work with Marriott so I was able to book a room for $89 a night! We looked so haggard when we arrived they practically didn't let us in. Once we assured them we were guests we were greeted with pina coladas and fresh eucalyptus towels. I see why people stay there, not for the rooms but the service. If you leave to jump in the pool when you come back you have fresh towels. Dan was amazed that the trash bins were always empty. With all the glitz and glamor our favorite part of the trip was Tulum. You can't deny beauty.

Happy Birthday Mark

Over Valentines week my brother Mark flew in for a couple of days. We celebrated his birthday at our favorite Sushi place and played games at the Waites accompanied by a homemade (Betty Crocker is homemade to Mia) birthday cake! Happy 26th Birthday Mark! Ladies he's single!

Dan had reservations but had to cancel because my parents ended up flying in town that day. We opted for the company and Gina's pizza over romance. Dan was sure to make up for the lost romance once they left. We are so lucky to live in such a popular vacation spot. We love having so many visitors or meeting up for dinner with family and friends. Give us a call if you come this way.

Mele Kaliki Maka

Tis The Season

I LOVE Christmas time. I love the music, the giving, being gifted and everything else that comes with this holiday. Dan and I drove up to Utah a few days before Christmas. We were able to crash all our family and friend events into just a few days before we left for Hawaii.

Christmas Eve we always spend with the Chudleighs. Janis without exception makes a delicious meal accompanied with a variety of desserts. That's right, a variety. One dessert is not enough fun so we have 2, 3, maybe 4! Did I marry into the right family or what! We pop our poppers and wear our crowns all night while we sing Christmas carols by the tree followed by gifts.

We left early Christmas morning for Kauai. It was a little rainy throughout the week but that didn't stop us from having a great time. Boogie boarding was almost as fun as surfing and the snorkeling was fabulous! It was great to have Grandmother with us, what a champ! My favorite was staying at the Tip-Top Motel and Japanese food, but I think everyone else was ready to return to the Marriott. I guess that's my Dad in me, you need to give every trip some excitement, something you'll remember. Sadly I had bad news at the airport on the way home, I had to return to work, tear. My mom is the sweetest living being on this earth. She stayed behind and hung out with me in the OC for a few days until Dan drove back-sucker.

Sweet November

The only thing I don't like about California is the absence of fall. I miss the crisp air, leaves and the fashion people! I love fall fashion but it doesn't fit with the weather man reporting, "It's sunny and 75". I was still able to put my wardrobe to use considering I work in the Arctic of Newport, my office!

Happy 90th Birthday Grandma! Many of you know how amazing my grandmother is, but I think you need to be reminded. Lovinia Harmsen just turned 90 years old on November 5th, 2007. She is out everyday running errands, golfing, morning tennis with the ladies, cooking meals for her family, babysitting great grand children and looking as good as ever. We flew back home for her birthday celebration. A full house was a true display of all the people she's touched these years. I love you Grandma!

Welcome Ty! Jessica had her 2nd baby, Dean Tyler Stevens. So cute and tiny!

Turkey Day! My favorite holiday and well as many of my family members is Thanksgiving. We all head south to St. George and spend the weekend in my Grandmother's pioneer adobe house. It's truly something the Kennedys would do, so picturesque. We spend a lot of together time eating, playing games, singing, football, golf, tennis, swimming you name it! I am so thankful our abundance of family!

Labor Day

"Yeah! We finally get to go home and get our stuff"! We had been living out of a suitcase since May! I have officially wore out my close, I never knew that was possible.

One of my best friends, Rebecca Jane Despain was married to her sweetheart Justin Hewett this weekend. Now this is Love people! She was a stunning bride and the wedding was beautiful.

"We finally get to go to Moab"! Dan's family bought a second home in Moab and we were the only ones who hadn't been. It was a short trip but we had a blast! This was my first family vacation with the Chudleighs and it was well worth the extra drive back to Cali. We (babies and all) went down the river, ate fabulous food (as is expected with the Chudleighs) and relaxed by the pool, as much as you can get with a water slide!

California Here We Come!

We have been seriously blessed this year. I don't know how we choose Chapman but it's an amazing school and Dan is having the time of his life as a 1L. When we first arrived we were living out of Marriott's till we found a place. Dan's friend Mason and darling wife Amanda put us up for a week too! Mason got Dan into skim boarding so we spend many nights at the Wedge in the water, I usually just watch. The rent was a shock but we had to no longer expect Utah prices and take the plunge. It took us awhile to find a place where we wanted to live. We rented weekly from an older lady named Deke in the historic town of Orange where Dan goes to school. We literally knocked on her door and asked if we could live there. That is correct, we were desperately asking strangers to live with them. So sad. After about another month we finally found a charming "little" back unit in the flower streets of Corona Del Mar. We LOVE it! Dan and I go on walks after dinner to the beach, run though Crystal Cove, surf a variety of breaks, Dinners in Laguna, the list goes on and on. I never knew this part of California existed. I received my California Real Estate licence and am still working with Marriott in vacation sales.

Summer in the City

We are now into the third year! Last summer Dan and I spent in New York City where Dan worked as an intern for Merrill Lynch. You can take the girl out of the city but you can't take the city out of the girl. I have a true love affair with NY. Believe it or not Dan is starting to love it too, it think it's the food. Although I did cry the other day when he said he could never live there for more than 2 years. That summer was a blast. We were able to spend time with my sister Anne and her beautiful family. She had her 3rd baby "Jane" while we were there. She's a supermodel baby, I want to quit my job and be her agent. The highlight of the summer was visiting Dan's old stomping grounds in Bethany Connecticut where the Chudleighs lived till Dan was 7, beautiful. If I didn't have ADD I could live there! Our Eastern road trip also took us to Boston, Newport, Mystic and Martha's Vineyard where we met up with Peter and Brittney and their family who joined us in the city later that week.

A bittersweet moment- Dan and I were in Brooklyn for pizza one night when we got our first call saying Dan was accepted to Law school! You think I would be happy right? Dan applied soooo late that we thought for sure we wouldn't get in, so our plan b was to travel that year. I had spent endless hours sitting on the floor at B&N planning out our travels and now what? After a few tears I was able to share the joy. Dan you are amazing!

We left NY straight to San Diego where we spent 2 weeks at the beach. A lot of surf, sand, good food and great company. Dan and I spent a lot of time driving around looking at schools, we had to make a decision fast! We decided Chapman University and Dan started class that week.