The Challenge

Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't come up with a deadline yet... But I have an idea. How about we start on Monday, the 2nd and go until May 30th. Let me know if you guys want to go longer. We could also go until the the end of June and present the winners during the 4th of July. Andrea that means you have to come to Utah for the 4th :)

Everyone should set 2 goals... One weight loss goal and one "athletic improvement" goal. We should have a winner for each category so for those who don't want to lose weight have a chance at winning something. The weight loss can be determined by body percentage lost ((Initial weight-actual weight)/Initial weight), and the athletic improvement could be determined by a family vote. As far as the prize goes... would anyone be opposed to pitching in x amount of dollars and the winner would get the pot? I know Tyler said if there is money involved in the weight loss category he won't pitch in because he knows he won't lose weight. :) So that's why I need help determining what the prize should be.

We should all weigh in Sunday (tomorrow night) and record our Initial weight and determine how many pounds we want to lose. I think it would be fun if everyone posted their goals on the blog so we know what kind of competition we're in for :) Obviously nobody should put their weight on the blog, just how many pounds you want to lose. If you're uncomfortable with that we can just post our goals for the athletic achievement part. Michelle do you think you could make a column on the right of the blog like you did with our Christmas exchange and put every one's goals? Everyone email Michelle by Monday morning with their goals so she can post them.

So what do you guys think? PLEASE let me know if you want to do something differently. I would love to hear your ideas. It would be fun to take pictures along the way and post them. Like Michelle running her 10k today! Way to go Michelle! I hope everyone is excited to do this! Love you tons!

Girls Night Out!!

Wednesday night I had the opportunity to attend the broadway "Mama Mia". A group of girls (students) from our ward got together and had an awesome girls night out. This was something needed!! We went out to dinner at Red Lobster (I was thinking about you Dad) and then went to the show. All the husband graciously watched the kids.

We had an interesting experience while at the show. About 20 minutes before intermission, an older gentleman about 8 seats over from us started having a hard time breathing. Next thing you know the ushers started clearing out the entire section. Paramedics showed up and before we knew it they had him hooked up to IV's and oxygen. (If you look at the picture of us seated in the theater, the bald guy sitting right behind where I'm kneeling is the guy this happened to) This poor man was having a heart attack. Luckily they got him out. We all hope he is doing ok.

My own personal opinion... the movie was better. It was so fun going out with the girls but I don't think I would see it again on broadway. The singing was much better than the movie but the scenery and acting in the movie played down the 70's party atmosphere (and that's being gentle) of the broadway. Just being able to go out was rejuvenation!! I attached some pictures so you can see some of the girls. I love you all so much and can't wait to see you soon.

Nice Wallpaper for Valentines-GOOD JOB

Dad survived his first night of school. His plan is to get up each morning at 5:30 and study for an hour before work. Lots of reading and writing for dad !!! Have a great day. We love you all....

The D&C Challenge

I hope that everyone is well underway with the Doctrine and Covenants challenge! So that we can share our personal study with each other, I would like to institute a weekly "Q/A - Shared Thoughts" event on the blog. Since I qualify as 'blogging-challenged', I'm counting on all of us to help keep it going. I invite each of us to share questions, answers, insights, wonderments, and 'did-you-know's' from our reading. So as you read, jot down the things you would like to share, ask, discuss, etc. and then post them each week. I promise to log onto the blog at least every Sunday and am anxious to read your posts.

I am proud of each of you and your commitment to this challenge. Thanks for the tremendous support!

Love,

Dad

DAD STARTS SCHOOL TOMORROW

First day of school for Dad....I'll be sure to take a FIRST DAY picture. He'll have class every Tuesday night for eighteen months. We're proud of YOU !!!!!!!!

Are You In?

So I was at the gym the other day (first time in a while:) ) and I was thinking we could do a little challenge as a family. Mom and Dad gave us the challenge of strengthening our "spiritual bodies", which we are really enjoying, so I wanted to toss out the idea of stregthening our physical bodies. I've heard of some families doing something like The Biggest Looser challenge. Seth didn't your family do something like that? I thought we could do something similar.

For example, each of us could set a goal or two of something we would like to accomplish; loose so many pounds, run a 5K, complete an iron man (cough...Seth...cough), and so on. We could have some kind of rewards system for whoever accomplishes their goal(s). I just wanted to see who was interested and what kind of challenge we could do. Let me know what you guys think!

We miss everyone terribly! Love you!

Christmas 2008

We've wanted to put these pictures up to say thanks to all for a great Christmas 2008! We had so much fun with all of you and wanted to post some of our favorite times from the holiday. We hope you are all having a great New Year and we can't wait to see you all soon. Some of our other highlights include:

1. Congrats to the Floridians for winning the Gingerbread contest this year! Start getting geared up for 2009...
2. We always thought Lara was the only dance "STAR" in the fam! Seth and Dad have now joined the ranks!
3. Nerf wars...
4. The most amazing home cooking...thanks Mom and Dad!
5. The three cutest elves south of the North Pole!

Late for School...Late for School!

I hope that the New Year is off to a great start. I officially started school this week after being out of it for a year. I can honestly say that I am happy to be back. There has been much anxiety over the past year but I am trying to settle in as best as I can. I am studying hard and hope that I can not only start with a great momentum; but also, keep it going. I wanted to thank everyone for all of the support, prayers, and encouragement over the past months. Needless to say I feel like I am out of the pot into into frying pan. However, if it's in the frying pan with Dad's infamous Michelle Chicken then I am in for a treat! May this year bring all the blessings Heavenly Father has in store...till next post!


Seth

Happy Birthday Dad!

Dad -
Happy Birthday to you! We hope you have the best day today and a wonderful year! Thanks for all the great things you do for our family and for your example! You are the best!

5 Reasons to Celebreate Today!

1. Dad is by far the BEST gourmet chef! His meals are masterpeices and we love trying all his new creations! Thanks for letting us enjoy!

2. Dad is our favorite teacher. We love learning about the Gospel with you and appreciate all your wisdom and how you explain things so well.

3. Dad is the BEST "Gampa." Thanks for all you do for the kids...they LOVE you!

4. Dad is SOOO patient! Chick flicks, indecisive eat out decisions, late nights, shopping trips, etc...

5. Dad always takes the time for each of us. How many times have you heard..."Dad, are you busy?" ...dad..."Never for you."

p.s. Not a bad belly dancer either!!!

We love you!