Risky Business

Nov and Dec goals

2012-01-07T08:59:00.000-08:00

Sorry this is so late but better late then not at all!!!!!!
For the November goal we read the talks. We like to read a talk each day.
For the December goal we are reading the New Testament for our scripture reading.
Also Ron I discovered that the savior never never never got angery. That is what I have personnally gained for your goal. I guess I always knew it but did not think about it enough.
Life is a challege but worth it. Follow the Savior in all we do!!!

Food Storage sale again

2012-01-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

Most of us are focused on having a good supply of food storage. I calculated out the recommendations on the church website and I think our family has enough grains and beans for a one year supply. So, I decided we'd focus on meats, fruits and veg. this year. Freeze-dried is a little more expensive than dehydrated, but maintains better nutrition, looks and texture.
I was looking at the Emergency Essentials sale ad for the month of Jan. and noticed some good deals.
They usually have a few group buys every month.
Here's the ones I was interested in:

1. Freeze-dried Roast Beef 25 oz. $41.99 or +6 = $39.99
(this may seem expensive, but FD meats are not cheap)

2. FD peach chunks 17 oz $16.99 or +6 = $16.49

3. FD strawberry dices $14.99 or +6 +$14.19

I know we've done the peaches and strawberries before, buy why wouldn't you want more of those two?

4. FD seasoned white turkey 18 oz. $38.99 or +6 = $37.99

5. Strawberry flavored apple chips $9.99 or +6 = $9.49

Of course there are other things if you want to check out the website beprepared.com
This deal goes until the end of Jan, but is also subject to first come, first served style. Don't wait too long to respond to this.

Dad's January Goal

2012-01-02T18:09:00.000-08:00

Did You Think to Pray?

This hymn is on page 140. Because we are already commanded to pray each morning and each night I thought this would be a good song to focus on. I want each of us to make a special effort to be sure to pray each morning and each night. Try to think about this song throughout the day. Also, I would like you to memorize it.
Dad
p.s. Jill IS my favorite daughter, just in case any of you were wondering.

2012 Goals

2012-01-01T21:51:00.000-08:00

Ok everyone. Leesa told me I was in charge of this again so I will assume you all want to continue to do it. If anyone doesn't want to, to bad...we are all in this together ( or so the blog title says).

I thought for this year we could base our goals off of a primary song or hymn. This way we can learn the church songs better and pay more attention to what they mean. If someone else had a different/better idea let me know ASAP.

Jan. Dad
Feb. Dan
Mar. Jason
Apr. Jill
May. Leesa
Jun. Skip
Jul. Mom
Aug. Ronald
Sep. Ronda
Oct. Sally
Nov. Steve
Dec. Skip

(it is done in alphabetical order if you can't tell)

December Goal

2011-12-04T20:22:00.000-08:00

John 3: 16-17

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved.

As the celebration of the birth of Christ arises, so does the world marketing and commercializing. I want to make a goal for this month to really focus on the Savior.

#1) Have your FHE lessons, focused on how we can be like him.

#2) With your family pray about a way you can serve like Christ did, (ex. Helping a family in need, doing service for others)

# 3) Read some scriptures out of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and report something you learned about the Savior or an attribute you want to improve on.

If we can focus on being like Christ and not on ourselves and the gifts we are receiving I know we can be come closer to him and remember why we have Christmas.

Report back and lets see what we learned.

Jill's Fav Quote (well one of them) for November Goal

2011-12-04T20:16:00.000-08:00

This quote is from Elder Neil l. Andersen's talked titled "Children." I read this talk when I was having a really bad day with Preston.

Children rank way below college. Below world travel for sure. Below the ability to go out at night at your leisure. Below honing your body at the gym. Below any job you may have or hope to get. Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for.

Obviously none of us have issues with "if we should have children." But this quote reminded me of all the other things I want to do and sometimes neglect the children I do have. It was a great reminder that motherhood is MY calling in life. This is what I wanted since I was a child and I need to take advantage of the blessings I have been give. I hope each one of us will remember that this is what God gave us time for. I always think of how many older women tell me to cherish them while they are little because it goes by so fast. Some days seem like an eternity, yet when I look back at pictures from the past or their little clothes they once wore my emotions start to go crazy as I think of all the time I have wasted NOT spending time with them, scolding them for childish behaviors, and pawning them off onto something else. Let us each remember to give our children the individual time they truly need from each of us parents. I love you all and I thank you for your great examples to me.

New Blog Background

2011-12-04T20:14:00.000-08:00

Sorry if someone doesn't like this new background. It reminded me of all the mints we bought dad at Christmastime when we were younger. Hope you are all safe and well and enjoying this holiday season.

2011-12-04T11:16:00.001-08:00

sorry to everyone due to the big storm here on Thursday and required OT for Ron at work
he has not had time to publish his goal, he will do it though.
so everyone knows we were sent home from church early today due to continued
clean up efforts in our ward and stake and with another very bad wind
storm coming we all needed to work hard to pick up the garbage before it hits
again. Hope we will have power all day but if not sorry if Ron can't post tonight.
He is out with the priesthood working right now and hopefully will be in and safe
before it starts tonight.

Jill's 3rd talk

2011-11-29T08:41:00.000-08:00

I read the talk "A Time to Prepare" by Elder Ian S. Arden. Here are the points that stood out to me.
1. Set goals and learn how to master the techniques to achieve them. I think we all do well at setting goals and then lose sight of it because we haven't figured out a "game-plan" to achieve them.
2. Giving our time in the service of God is pleasing to God and that will draw us nearer to him. I know that if I spent more of my time serving others I would feel happier and more at peace.
3. Time is never for sale; time is a commodity that cannot, try as you may, be bought at any store for any price. Yet when time is wisely used, its value is immeasurable. I think it's important to pay attention to how we spend our time and remember that we won't get lost minutes back.
4. We are all indebted to God for the ability to use time to advantage, and he will require of us a strict account of its disposition. This part really struck me when it said we will have to give an account of our time. I'm pretty sure that a lot of my time has not been spent wisely.
5. We must be sure that being busy also equates being productive. As I've thought about that I keep thinking how often I say, "I'm so busy,' yet when someone asks me what I did today I usually say "Nothing!" Why is that?
6. How sad it would be if the phone and computer drowned out the simplicity of prayer to a loving Heavenly Father. Let us be as quick to kneel as we are to text.
7. To have the peace the Savior speaks of we must devote our time to the things that matter most, and the things of God matter most. As we dedicate our lives to keeping the commandments we will be blessed and have a great relationship with our Father in Heaven.
8. And lastly, he "invites us to identify the time-wasting distractions in our lives that may need to be figuratively ground into dust." I keep thinking of things that take me away from my callings, my church assignments, and my family and I have been trying to spend less time on those things that really won't matter next week.

Ronda's 2nd talk

2011-11-18T13:04:00.000-08:00

Of course one of my talks is Forget Me Not by President Uchtdorf pg. 120
I used this one for my visiting teaching message this month but still wanted
to share a few quotes.
"If we spend our days waiting for fabulous roses, we could miss the beauty and
wonder of the tiny forget-me-nots that are all around us."
"the happiest people I know are not those who find their golden ticket;
they are those who, while in pursuit of worthy goals, discover and treasure
the beauty and sweetness of the everyday moments. They are the ones who,
thread by daily thread, weave a tapestry of gratitude and wonder throughout
their lives. These are they who are truly happy"
"please remember also to be compassionate and patient with yourself"
and my favorite:
"You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious
Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting
time! He who created and knows the stars knows you and your name-you are the
daughters of His kingdom."
I also used this one for FHE and bought candy bars and played the clip about
being happy now. It was a fun little object lesson for FHE.

Sally's Goal

2011-11-18T12:53:00.000-08:00

So in following the rules and doing one of the 6 I decided to share a few thoughts that stood
out for me in my first talk.
The Privilege of Prayer by Elder J. Devn Cornish pg. 101

"I am led to believe that our Heavenly Father loves us so much that the
things that are important to us become important to Him, just because he
loves us"
"Please believe how very much your loving Heavenly Father wants to bless you.
But because He will not infringe upon our agency, we must ask for His help."
"The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves
and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made
conditional on our asking for them."
"It is contrary to the economy of heaven for the Lord to do for us
that which we can do for ourselves."
"The Lord is much more pleased with the person who prays and then goes
to work than with the person who only prays."
"Miracles are wrought through prayer"
I really enjoyed reading this talk and being reminded of the importance of praying and
how much our Father in Heaven loves us and is just waiting to bless us with miracles
in our lives.

november goal

2011-11-07T14:05:00.001-08:00

Sorry I'm late in getting to this, I switched with Ron because he's busy killing critters right now.

So for November, I think most people (especially on facebook) associate it with gratitude, which makes sense! But since that is obvious I want to do a goal on something else.

We recently got the November Ensign with the General Conference Report. So in accordance with this scripture:
"And now, my sons [and daughters,] I would that ye should remember to search them diligently, that ye may profit thereby...." Mosiah 1:7

So here's the goal:
You need to read or listen to 4 talks given this last conference. They can be one you didn't originally hear or one that stood out to you when you heard it, or one that you now feel prompted to study, whatever, it doesn't matter. (You can use the talks that were given at the RS broadcast as well.)

You will then need to do at least one of the following options with each one:
-Discuss it with your spouse: what stood out to you, what did you learn from it, how will it better you and your family, what you will do to apply it, etc.
-Use it for an FHE lesson
-Write in your journal about why this talk pertains to you and how you will apply it
-Write a talk based on it (as if the bishop had asked you to speak and that was your topic)
-Share a portion or thought from it with your home/visiting teachees for your message this month
-Post on this blog a few thoughts or feelings about it

Since we are a week into November already, you may think 4 is too many, if you do, try to do this with at least 3 talks then, that's one each remaining week.

Finally, when you post your results, please share 1 or 2 quotes that you feel you really needed, something that helped you, or that spoke to you... you know something you'd cross-stitch and hang on the wall if we were still living in the 90's.

In summary:
1. read 3-4 talks
2. do one of the 6 options per talk
3. post a meaningful quote or two

Sure do love you all!

cook family october results

2011-11-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

Jason did much better than me, but I feel pretty ok with my success too. I did miss a few days, but I read the majority of the days. This has been a habit I've always struggled with and I feel that I really have been making some progress making it a priority in my day. I'm really realizing just how much better my day goes when I make it a priority.

Christenson September Goal

2011-10-18T07:43:00.000-07:00

So due to Mr. Ryker and how he loves to be held I didn't
get to accomplish all I wanted in this goal but I worked on
the linen closet by taking everything out, throwing away
old medicine refolding towels and sheets and lining up
all the free toiletries I get each week! Ron did the pantry
and he took everything out and washed each shelf and
threw away what needed to go and put it all back. I know-
lame compared to the rest of you but maybe one day we
will get to something big like the garage, guest room or
even paint the kitchen. Sorry I don't know how to turn the photos and I knew if I waited for Ron it would never get done. No after picture of the linen closet either

Swenson September Goal

2011-10-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

Well I'm finally getting around to posting my pictures for September goal. I actually was going to do the garage, but was quickly sidetracked by my water leaked Giggle Room. I forgot to take a before picture of what the room looked like, but it was quite messy.

This is the picture of our moldy carpet that needed to be replaced.

Here is what the walls looked like. Do you see why it was called the Giggle Room?

New paint and new carpet. I used the colors Light Grape and Smoky Concord.

I also painted the bottom of the closet dark purple and the trim under the shelf was the light purple.
These are the after pictures. I had a lot of plastic drawers that I had been using and I tried to eliminate some of the clutter so that the room would look clean and neat.
I also had to buy a new wooden closet because the old one was completely moldy on the bottom.
I also bought a sewing table so that I could sew without having to put my machine away every time.
I tried to get a new desk but I couldn't spend even more money than we already had. This desk is nice and big, but could use a little work.

That is all the pictures I have, I still need to find some blinds and curtains but haven't gotten around to do it yet. Hopefully I'll get back to my other cleaning goals and continue to straighten and organize. Thanks Leesa for the goal.

10 ways to love

2011-10-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

I saw this on Facebook and thought it was great

1. Listen without interrupting (Proverbs 18)
2. Speak without accusing (James 1:19)
3. Giving without sparing (Pro. 21:26)
4. Pray without ceasing (Colossians 1:9)
5. Answer without arguing (Proverbs 17:1)
6. Share without pretending (Eph. 4:15)
7. Enjoy without complaint (Phillippians 2:14)
8. Trust without wavering (Cor. 13:7)
9. Forgive without punishing (col. 3:13)
10. Promise without forgetting (Prov. 13:12)

I thought it was a great thing for us all to work on.

emergency essentials break down

2011-10-13T12:52:00.001-07:00

I picked up all the chicken and strawberries from Emergency Essentials yesterday. I got the totals from Leesa... so if they are wrong, take it up with her!

Here is the break down:

Chicken: $27.18 + 3% sales tax= $28/can
Ronda: (2) $56
Leesa: (6) $168
Jill: (4) $112
friend: (3) $84
Sally: (3) $84

Strawberries: $14.29 + 3% sales tax= $14.72
Ronda: (3) $44.16
Leesa: (6) $88.32
Jill: (2) $29.44
Sally: (3) $44.16

Peaches: $5.59 + 3% sales tax= $5.76
Leesa: (6) $34.56

Grand Total/Person:
Ronda: $100.16
Leesa: $290.88
Jill: $141.44
friend: $84
Sally: $128.16
Total: $744.64

We closed our Wellsfargo account so don't transfer money that way. You can either send a check or use paypal. Thanks! And I guess we'll figure out the delivery individually.

Jones Sept. Goal results

2011-10-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

Somehow every fall we manage to clean out the garage enough for Dan to park in it for the winter. We have done it again.

We had a lot of canned food in the garage that I wanted to move to the house/laundry room.
We moved a shelf and added a different one. We also sold all of the old kitchen appliances that we still had from the kitchen remodel. The fireplace is leaving soon too. And we just generally cleaned out a lot of junk.

Each before shot is followed by the after shot.

Oct. 2011 Goal

2011-10-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

1 Nephi 19:23
"And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah: for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning."
During this last conference there were some great talks about the importance of reading and studying the scriptures.
The goal this month is simple: read your scriptures every day.

Posted by Leesa... for Sally... for Jason. (We pass the bucket so well in our family!)

cook september results

2011-10-03T15:40:00.000-07:00

So I didn't finish the goal by the end of September, but it's only the 3rd of October so I feel REALLY successful! This was a goal that my house AND my husband appreciated! So thanks Leesa.

I started two different areas because both Annie's room and the storage room were in pretty bad shape. (I'm still working on Annie's room since I've been waiting for the season change to remove all clothing tubs.)

As for the storage room, I've just been throwing all the extra food storage we've gotten lately in there, since it's been so unorganized and I'm obviously mid-project (like always, hence the table) so it makes for a pretty crowded area.

So here is the storage room:
BEFORE:

I had to do a lot of rearranging... I moved the food storage from under Liv's bed to under my bed, and then put some from down here under Liv's bed (since her under-bed is easier to access than mine.) I didn't go the painting route... there are too many shelves and not worth the pain. But I did buy some crates to store my fabric that has been piling up since the dresser was no longer big enough for all my awesome remnant finds!

And AFTER:

And just because I can... a picture with the closet doors closed!

I have my card/craft table behind the door so I will still be pulling that out to do projects, but until I get started on another one... it sure is nice to have some walking room....

Group buy special

2011-09-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

I got the Emergency Essentials magazine/sale ad thing in the mail yesterday. Here are some great buys if anyone is interested. Maybe Sally will pick them up again??

Freezed-Dried White Meat Chicken (21 oz.) normally $42.95.
Group buy needs a minimum of 12 cans - $28.00 per can

Tomato Powder (68oz) normally $30.95
Group buy needs 12 - $20.oo per can

Freeze-dried Strawberry Dices (7 oz) on sale $14.99 a can
discounted to $14.29 if you buy 6 or more

They also have a new can size, better for a pantry. #2.5 size.
The best deal in this size is the peach chunks (4 oz). ( I know we did peaches last time too)
#10 cans of peaches are 8 oz. and cost about $3.00/oz. This can size on sale is about $1.45/oz. Quite a bit cheaper. The peach chunks are $5.99 per can or $5.79 for more than 6 cans. They also have a pop top lid and they have the same long shelf life.

They also have many of their Mountain House entrees on sale this month.
You can check out the prices on www.beprepared.com or call me and I'll look at my list for you.

Some of these things are limited quantities so the sooner we order the better.

If anyone wants the chicken or tomato powder we HAVE to get at least 12 altogether.

I'm looking forward to seeing how you improved the organization of your homes too!!

September Goal Update

2011-09-20T10:35:00.001-07:00

So, when I read Leesa's goal for September I got all hoity-toity and thought, huh, my house is already cleaned and organized...what..am..I..going..to..do. Turns out....I have a lot to do. I now get to clean out my ENTIRE office (Aka giggle room), clean everything off (in case mold spores are on it), pull up the carpet and pad, replace carpet/pad, possibly paint and then move everything back into the room without my large wooden cabinet (that now has to go to the dump) which held most of my things. This is by far the most expensive family goal I have done all year. Boy, I just hope it gets done by September 30th. I would hate to fail the goal.

Oriental Grilled Chicken

2011-09-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

So when I was in the hospital having Ryker I ordered from
the menu an Oriental Grilled Chicken Salad and liked it
so much I tried to copy at home and think I did pretty good.
I bought a bottle of Lawrys Hawaiian Flavored Marinade which
is in the section of at Walmart by the BBQ sauce. I marinaded the
chicken and then grilled it. So you need
Grilled chicken
lettuce/spinach
green onions
cheese
tomatoes
mand. oranges
chinese noodles ( I got Rice Noodles)
slivered almonds
and Kraft has an Oriental Dressing that is almost exact.
We have all loved having the salad so thought I would share.

Rocky Mountain Cookies

2011-09-16T11:36:00.000-07:00

These are the cookies that Steve made for FHE the other night.

Rocky Mountain Cookies
1 c. sugar
1 c. packed brown sugar
1 c. softened butter
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder
2 c. oats
2 c. Rice Krispies
1 bag chocolate chips

Cream together butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla and beat well. Sift dry ingredients separately, then add to mixture. Fold in oats, cereal, and choco chips. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a greased baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes or until very lightly browned. Yields 6 dozen cookies

santa baby annie

2011-09-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

We went to Walmart the other day to get Annie's traditional red and white suit pictures done. Here's the link if you want to see the cute little button.

In case that didn't work, go to www.myonlineportraits.com. The session number is 104440 and the password is 2VDCY

And if that doesn't work, well they probably aren't there anymore. :)

We are using picture #32 for the world to see....

Christenson August Goal

2011-09-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

So as you can all guess we did not accomplish this goal this month. I did work on
reading all the new mom and baby papers I got at the hospital and tried to keep
up with my scripture reading so sad to say even thought is was a great goal
Baby Ryker got all my attention and when he didn't need me my bed did!

cook august resuts

2011-09-01T13:13:00.000-07:00

I chose the book "The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands" by Dr. Laura. I'll be honest, I haven't had much time to read, so I'm not quite finished yet, but I'll get there soon. So far basically all I've gotten out of it is this:
1. Make home made dinner for your husband
2. Give him the lovin' he needs when he needs it
3. Let him know he's your hero

I feel like I already knew that and try my best to do that, but I guess it's a good reminder to acknowledge the fact that "men are simple creatures" and trying to make them more complicated only complicates your life unnecessarily.

I'll finish it because I'm hoping there are a few more little tricks up her sleeve to make your man happy... maybe something I hadn't thought of before. But like I said, I always need a good reminder that I can be a better wife.

Goal for Dad and Mom

2011-09-01T07:51:00.000-07:00

OK!! That worked so now here goes. I will do Dad's and mine together as always.
The books Dad and I choose to read were the only books in the apartment. We did
not get out to the farm to get new books so here goes.
Dad read the book called Simplicity by Carolyn Rasmus. It taught him that there are
a lot of things that clutter up our lives that are not important at all and we need to
sort out those things and rid them from our lives. I read this book a while back and
so that is why it was in our apartment. This just does not mean material things but
can also include things like envy, fear, anger, and jealousy. It was a good church book
and I am glad for this goal because it got your Dad to read.
Now for me. The lady upstairs just moved it and was going through some stuff and
gave me two books. One was poetry and the other is the one I read.
The book is written by Bill Cosby called Love and Marriage. I thought it would
probably be a good book to read. I was wrong and I recommend it to no one.
What I learned from this book was that the secret to a happy marriage is the angle of
the toilet seat and that Bill is a better actor then an author. This book for sure will go
to the second hand store or the garbage.
This still was a good goal because we both read books. Thank you Dan!!!!

2011-09-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

I am going to try this to see if I can made an entry before I write everything down.

Jill's August Goal Report

2011-08-31T12:53:00.001-07:00

For this goal I chose the book "The Great Constitution: A book for young Americans." I didn't have time to go to the library early in the month so I just chose one that we already had. To be truly honest, it was a most boring book. It took me until today to finish it and there was only 128 pages! But, nonetheless, it's finished and I fulfilled the goal. The book talks about the great men who helped write the Constitution for our great Nation. I didn't remember, (or realize) that even though Independence Day was first in 1776 our country didn't have a constitution until 1788. It took many months and many great men to write the constitution and to come up with a government that everyone could approve of. It said a new nation had never been 'made' before and they thanked God for governing the affairs of men. Our nation was truly guided by the hand of God and I like how it acknowledged his hand in the making of the United States. Another part I liked in the book was when the author talked about the long debates the men had in forming the Constitution. They said a good debater "is not too long winded, lets others have their turn, doesn't let his sense of self-importance run away with him, he is patient, courteous, doesn't call names or make nasty comments about the other debators. I liked this paragraph because it reminded me how different politics are today. It was be amazing if our government leaders could talk this way with each other. We are greatly blessed for the men who helped our country in the beginning and I'm grateful to remember those who fought and sacrificed much for the United States.

September Goal

2011-08-29T21:01:00.001-07:00

I have the September goal. It's a big one so you definitely need the whole month for this one.
It stems from the scripture in D&C 88:119 which reads,
"Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God:"
This is one of our memorized family scriptures, we love it. I think it's because we need the constant reminder.
Anyway, I want to focus on the "house of order" part. I realize I am the messiest in the family, so this should be easier for all the rest of you. hehe
I want you to pick a room in our house that is "out of order" and organize it. It could be a storage room, a garage, your bedroom, whatever. I want a before picture with the clutter and mess, and an after picture with all it's "order". Point out to us some cool strategy or tool you've come up with for organization. I don't want you to just pick up a messy clutter, but to redesign and really organize the room. It could involve new paint, some shelves, or something that will make life easier thereafter. A clean and organized room brings peace and joy to your heart, so pick the room that you feel the least peace in and make it peaceful.
I'm going to pick...my car...just kidding. It really needs to be cleaned out, but I don't want to organize it all, I just want to remove it all.
I'm going to pick the garage. It's quite horrendous. It will end up tying in with the laundry room and the little back side garage as well.
Let us all know what you're going to pick!!!

Jones Aug. results

2011-08-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

I guess this is just a "Leesa Jones Aug. result" actually. Dan will have to post his own.
I read the book titled, "The 5 Love Languages". I had heard about it before and had always wanted to read it. My friend, Erika, had it and loaned it to me.
It discusses the different ways to show love, and how we need love shown to us.
The five areas are:
1. Words of Affirmation
2. Acts of Service
3. Gifts
4. Physical Tough
5. Quality Time
The one we often show to our spouse is usually the one we need too because that's how we think you show love. I've decided I needed to show more love to Dan, so I started getting up with him at 5 o'clock in the morning. I make him breakfast and pack his lunch and we have a few minutes to ourselves at that time. I'm giving him "acts of service" and "quality time". I've decided that I'm pretty needy because I seem to want all 5 all the time.
In conclusion, if you'd like some ideas of how to increase the love in your marriage (which never hurt anybody), I highly recommend reading this book...both spouses.

Our little Man!

2011-08-16T11:33:00.000-07:00

I have 4 kids!!

2011-08-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

August Goal

2011-08-05T06:24:00.000-07:00

D&C 88:118"...seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith."

The goal this month is right in line with starting a new school year. I would like everyone to learn something new from a book of your choice. I recommend choosing something that will help you in whatever you are working on. It could be related to your work, hobby, responsibilities, or something you would like to know more about.

Post the name of the book and what you learned.

Happy Learning!

Annie's blessing

2011-07-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks Joneses and Christensons for coming yesterday to Annie's blessing.

Swensons and mom and dad were greatly missed. :(

slacker sally.... that's me.

2011-07-12T20:57:00.000-07:00

I want to apologize for my slackerness. On the way to California Leesa called and reminded me that July was my month to choose the goal. Well, I told myself I would do it when I had my scriptures in hand. Then I forgot. And as a side note, I thoroughly enjoyed my vacation. :) But then I got home and Leesa reminded me again. Because I had continued to forget. Sorry.
So for the last few days I've been thinking about what to put as a goal. Originally when we talked about doing scripture goals, I planned on what I would do for my month, but mom had basically the same idea as me, and I never thought about plan B.
When Leesa called to remind me again tonight, she suggested that since it is almost half way through July already, that maybe I should just do December. I hope that's ok with everyone. I'm really sorry I didn't realize my month had come.

So maybe for the month we could just do a little update on our New Years Resolutions? And then I'll do better for December. :)

Dad and Mom June Results

2011-07-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

June Results for Dad and Mom

I actually submited this on the blog Jul 1, but for some reason it would not submit so I am having Ronda do it like last month.

Dad is slow in doing his own goal.

I choose a teacher from my high school days. I sent a letter to Mr. Cordova. We had a very shaky start but became good friends in the end. He was my English teacher my senior year. It was his first year of teaching. He kicked me out of class because -- oh well that's another story. Anyway he got me to love English all the more (English was my favorite subject). He was a good teacher and one that also taught Leesa Spanish in the ITV program when she was in high school.

When Andy died he called to support us and he may have even come to the funeral, I really don't know for sure. He called us at Christmas time for at least 5 years after that to see how we were doing. He came to my mother's funeral last August just for me. Nobody came just for me except him.

He was a good teacher and a good man and he became my friend. I had alot of good teachers through out my school years but none that have kept track of me the way Mr. Cordova did. He went that extra mile as Pres. Spencer Kimbal said to do. Thanks Dad for this wonderful goal.

cook june results

2011-07-04T10:09:00.000-07:00

I wrote a thank you to Mrs. Morlock. She was a teacher that came over when we joined with Pettibone, so I knew her better than any of you. I just enjoyed her teaching style, other than the 10 page research papers.... I always felt comfortable with her and I felt that she cared. And it was obvious she loved her job which always makes going to class more bearable. She was always so willing to help me with whatever I didn't understand. When I took Geometry I went in at least 2-3 times a week early to have her help me with it. Then at study hall I would help all my classmates understand it, so I actually left that class with a fairly good understanding of geometry! I always sat on the garbage can next to her and she walked me through the questions I couldn't get on my own. I think she was my favorite teacher because she was so positive and friendly and personable.

Jones June Results

2011-07-03T15:37:00.000-07:00

I cheated on the time thing too, and I took an easy route.
I picked Mrs. Morrison. Yes, I know everyone thought to do her and because of that no one did, so I did.
She was the one teacher that seemed most interested in her students lives, and not just the subject she was teaching them. Out of all the teachers I had, I spent the most time out of school hours with her. There were lots more trips the band/choir took compared to the other school subjects/teachers.
I'm grateful for the interest she took in me and wanting to be a trusted friend as well. I'm sure if I'd had troubles in my youth she would have been the one teacher I would have confided in.
She was always cheerful and positive and that is definitely one of the most important qualities in a teacher.
I remember one time the band went up to Carrington (I think) to play for some district tournament. It was winter and Mrs. Morrison was following the bus. It was not very good weather and we were all watching out the windows and saw Mrs. Morrison ALMOST go in the ditch. Later that day we were talking about it with her and she was expressing how scary that was. A certain boy in my class...said, that would have been so funny and awesome if you'd have had a car accident and gone in the ditch, hahaha. I thought she was going to start crying.
That day I realized two things. 1. Just what a punk M. A. was! and 2. That teachers are just people too who have feelings and emotions just like me. I think I was more sensitive after that for what the teachers go through. I felt more protective for Mrs. Morrison after that too. I loved accompanying all the choir songs and music festivals we had. I know I'm as good as I am today because of her encouragement to do it. I still remember the first song I did for the choir, Bye Bye Love. I did absolutely horrible. Instead of being disappointed she just grinned and handed me two more songs for the next concert.

June Results

2011-07-02T20:05:00.000-07:00

So I too kind of cheated but different than Jill. I decided after thinking of all
the teachers I had that I would mail my letter to Judy Landenberger as my piano
teacher of many years. I imagine I gave her the hardest time as her student since
I did not want to be there every week for a lesson. I know she worked with me and
used patience in doing it. She worked hard to help me learn the hymns and primary
songs in our hymn books and didn't get mad at me if I was not prepared for lessons.
She also still to this day asks if I am using what she taught in my life now.
I 'm grateful she kept up with patience and kindness. I don't use it as much
as I should but I know it does bless my family with music at FHE at least.
Thanks Dad for the reminder to thank those who have touched us and helped us
to be who we are today.

Swenson June Results

2011-07-02T06:31:00.000-07:00

So, I actually cheated a tiny bit on this goal. I did write my thank you letter but it wasn't actually written until July 2nd. Sorry, June was a busy month. But it is now written and in the mail. Anyway, I chose to write to Barb and Jess Smith. I think they were great teachers who devoted their lives to teaching others. They also did it with patience and a positive attitude. Hopefully the note I sent will help them realize what a great influence they have on children.

Steve, is still currently sleeping so I'm not 100% sure that he wrote a letter. He did mention to me a dental professor who had written a very nice letter of recommendation for him when he was trying to get into a residency. This past month he too was able to write a letter of recommendation for an employee who wants to get into dental school and he expressed to me how grateful he was for this specific dental professor.

Thanks Dad for the goal, it's important to remember all the people who helped make us who we are.

peaches

2011-06-07T15:31:00.000-07:00

I picked up the peaches today, so I will bring Mom's and Jill's to ND with me this week, drop Ronda's off when we hook up to give me Kari's headbands and I'll keep Leesa's until she is here at the end of her trip, along with her strawberries.

Here's the break up of price:
Mom: (3) $45
Ronda: (3) $45
Leesa: (6) $90 + (2) PB powder $25 = $115
Jill: (3) $45
Me: (3) $45

Thanks!

Food Storage

2011-06-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

Just wondering if anyone would like to go together and buy Freeze Dried Peach dices. They are
15.00/can instead of 23.95 if we buy 12. Let me know soon so Sally can pick them up-ha ha!! It is the June special for Emergency Essentials which I think is where the strawberries came from.

Raised Garden Beds

2011-06-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

Sorry, my last post wouldn't let me post a picture, so here it is now. :)

Swenson May Results

2011-06-02T13:52:00.000-07:00

So, this year we finally are able to plant a garden. We didn't really know how to begin seeing as how we have no tools to start a garden with ie: rototiller, sod cutter, things like that. Well after talking to a few friends we decided to do raised garden beds. Supposedly there are many benefits to this kind of garden. You can plant closer together, there are almost no weeds to pull, you never have to rototill, and the dirt is the perfect mixture. Each of the kids got to have their own garden bed and choose which vegetables to plant. All together we planted peas, beans, cucumber, zucchini, radishes, carrots, onions, 5 kinds of peppers, watermelon, cantaloupe, 4 kinds of tomatoes, 2 kinds of pumpkins, 4 kinds of squash, spinach, broccoli, and some flowers. We planted a bit late but it was good since it froze after Mother's Day. We have had a ton of rain and wind and my plants are looking a little sad, but hopefully they will survive and produce well!

Christenson May Goal Results

2011-06-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

So our family finally got our garden and flowers planted then it snowed again on Memorial Day so I guess we will try again. We planted tomatoes, green peppers, jalapenos, cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, spinach, rhubarb, and strawberries. We need to check and see what the last freeze ruined but hopefully we will have some left. We are hoping for some veggies for our table this summer.
As for the baby Ron guessed a whopping 8lb 1 oz., 22" long baby boy so hopefully for my sake a little smaller! It is always fun to plant a garden the girls love it so I'm glad we did it.

June Family Goal

2011-06-01T18:25:00.000-07:00

D&C 78:19
"And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things
of this world shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea more."

Since it is the Tuttle Centennial, Dad thought it would be a good idea for each one of us to
write a thank you letter to one of our old teachers. Be it grade school, high school, or college.
Tell them what they did for you and say thanks for being your teacher. He knows that the son in laws did not go to school in Tuttle but you did have teachers non the less. Then after you have written the letter just write on the blog who you sent a letter to and why you choose that teacher. This is simple but important. That is all. Good luck!!!

D & C 46: 32
"And ye must give thanks unto God in the spirit for what so ever blessing ye are blessed with."

June Family Goal

2011-06-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

my growing girl

2011-05-31T09:55:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of pictures of Annie since most of you haven't even met her yet.

This is from when she was 1 week old:

And here she is at a month:

As you can see, she's growing just fine.... it's probably those night-time feedings every two hours...

annie's blog

2011-05-05T11:03:00.001-07:00

Just so you all know I started a blog for Annie. It's private, so I sent each of you an invitation. Honestly I probably will be as awesome with hers as I've been with Sam and Liv's, so don't expect too much...

And for our enjoyment:

Swenson Family April Goals

2011-05-02T20:05:00.000-07:00

I really liked mom's goal for this month even though I didn't do as well as hoped. We started out with "Choose the Right." We started it for FHE and then tried to sing it every night after family prayer. We also did 'Did Jesus Really Live Again?' because it was Easter time. The third song we did was "Families Can Be Together Forever." And we never made it to #4. Sorry mom. :(

We tried to practice each of these songs either in the mornings after scripture reading or at night after bedtime prayers. These were also the songs that I sang to the kids when putting them to bed. I tried to pick songs that would help with having peace and harmony in our home. p.s. It didn't really work!

I love memorizing the hymns and primary songs and it's amazing to me how many times I find myself singing them throughout the day. I usually try to sing church songs with the kids in the car instead of turning on the radio. A child in Braden's class told him he was weird the other day because he didn't know any popular songs on the radio. Even though I felt a little bad because he was made fun of I realized how lucky he is. Most songs on the radio are filled with bad or suggestive language, so I was very grateful for this goal to help my children remember good songs to fill their minds. Hopefully we will continue to do this so we can be blessed for having good things in our minds.

Jones April results

2011-05-02T12:06:00.000-07:00

We did two songs that had a specific purpose.
First, "Beautiful Savior" in the children's songbook. The girls sang this for the Easter program with the primary children. We sang through it many times to help them learn all the words.
Second, "A Child's Prayer". Emmalynn with a small group of other girls, (5 I think) are singing this song for Mother's Day. We were supposed to work on this one at home for the girls to learn it, so it was a great one for our family to learn too. And it's pretty with it's parts. We're not so good at putting it all together though!
That was a good goal for the kids to be involved.
Sorry Mom, we didn't get to the two from the Adult Hymnal.
I think we'll be working on "Praise to the Man" soon. That one's gotta be worth two!

Christenson April Goal Results

2011-05-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

We started off really good too. Ron picked The Spirit of God for the first week. We sang it often and the family memorized it really good. Addison picked the 11th Article of Faith song for the second week-also to help her memorize it for her Faith in God award that she is working on. We got that one good too. Kylee choose Love at Home for the 3rd week and I choose A Childs Prayer for the 4th week. My song is the only one we didn't practice enough but I think the girls are close on it Ron and I not so much. That one was fun since it has a girls part and a boys part. Ron does great on his part! Thanks for the fun goal Mom and the girls loved to be involved too. We need to be reminded of the songs to sing when we need them in our minds. The girls talked of how they are using them when they are scared at night or worried during the day, that they could sing a hymn.

APRIL GOALS FOR MOM AND DAD

2011-05-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

Well we started out really good, but then Dad went to work up north and I think he forgot all about the goal. The first week we were learning Light Divine in the adult hymnal. Then Nancy brought over a copy of all the sngs for the primary presentation this fall so I listened to that none stop almost. So my next three songs are Praise to the Man and in the childrens song book
Scripture Power and If I Listen With My Heart. I learned them to the best of my abilities!!!!

May Family Goal

2011-05-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

Well May has started and hopefully it will stop snowing so this goal can work out. This is not the original goal I wanted to do but since it is May I thought this one would be fun.

My scripture is D&C 89:16
"All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground for above the ground-"

I thought for May we could all as families work to put in a garden spot of some kind, it could be in the back yard for veggies, bushes or trees for fruit, a window box or pot for tomatoes or flowers whatever we can each do. Our spot is not that big and with my baby coming in August I'm not sure how much canning I will be able to do but we at least want some zucchini, peppers, and cucumbers. I'm sure some tomatoes and peppers will be added since Ron still wants to make salsa. We all have different plots and soils but maybe we could each try to grow something to add or our table for our health and saving of money by growing our own food. I hope the weather will go along with this as thus far it has not in Utah. If you can't plant anything maybe you could add to your food storage with canned veggies and fruit. Also just for lots of fun for me the second part of this goal is to guess the sex, weight, and length of my baby!

Swenson Family March Goals

2011-04-10T19:33:00.000-07:00

Well this month didn't go exactly as planned. Steve was really hoping to shed a few pounds and not be so 'thick with fatness' as he put it. The first two weeks he tried an all oatmeal diet. He ate oatmeal with vanilla yogurt and blueberries for all three meals of the day. He fudged a few times when he was super hungry for something else. He thought that if he could fill up on oatmeal he would 1) feel full and 2) not eat so many calories. The third week he tried a nut diet. He just ate a LOT of nuts. Not just nuts, but more than a normal person should eat in one week. Let's just say....neither of them worked so well. But he did discover that they would be great diets for a person who may be constipated! He also tried to run a lot more and get up early in the morning to exercise and lift. I continued to try and work out 4 times a week at the gym. I also tried to eat more fruits and veggies and not as many unhealthy snacks. Because the weather was a bit nicer the kids were able to run outside more and play. I also tried to give them healthier snack options and lunches. We still have a lot of work to do and hope to continue to try and be healthier.

Spring Days in Utah

2011-04-10T18:49:00.000-07:00

Addison and Kylee had their spring recital and both did so great-totally worth the 80.00/month we spend on lessons!! Also after the recital the girls made a snowman and snow horse with all of our spring snow and Ron got new glasses (isn't he cute in them also so worth the 250.00 they cost!)

Emmee's glasses

2011-04-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I forget that we can post more things than just the monthly goals and results.
Emmee got glasses about a month ago. I posted some pictures of her on her blog. You can access her blog by scrolling down the list of blogs to the right of these words. Emmee's blog is titled "The Emmee Rae Show". Check it out to see her new look!

Christen March Results

2011-04-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

Well thanks for the goal Steve, it was good for us too. Of course now is not the time for me to loose weight but certainly the time to be as healthy as possible. I walked on my treadmill everyday except for some of the days Jill used it as a drying rack for her towels (but I used it the mornings she was at Sally's) Addison and Kylee also did 15+ minutes on the treadmill every day after dinner. We also worked hard to cut down meal portion sizes and slow down on snacks. We had fun walking on the trail during the weekends when Ron could go with us as I can't walk Mugsey and push the stroller at the same time exercise can only be done outside when there is more than 1 of us going. We had fun with it and are looking forward to keeping it up.

Jones March Goal

2011-04-03T12:17:00.000-07:00

This month has been the changing point in our lives. We've completely changed our lifestyle and eating habits. We threw out every processed snack and prepackaged item in our house. We eat nothing but whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean meats and fish. Dan and I have each lost about 15 pounds and the kids' cavities have all but disappeared. Ok...none of that actually happened, but we wish it had!
We didn't throw anything out, but I didn't by a lot of new. (Except for the crackers, fruit snacks, and granola bars we needed to replace the stuff in our 72 hour backpacks.) We were much more aware of what was going into our mouths. I didn't change the way I cooked really, but paid more attention to what we ate between meals, chips and crackers were replaced by cheese sticks and fresh fruit.
Dan got a podometer through work. (not sure I spelled that right, it's a little thing you attach to your belt area of your pants and it counts your steps.)
Dan wore it most of the month and was excited to see what number he could get up to every day. I borrowed it towards the end of the month and felt much more motivated to walk on the treadmill more to see how high my number each day could go. I actually did lose 5 pounds. Not a joke this time. I highly recommend getting one!
I wish there was a way to impliment more of this healthy eating into our food storage. Fresh fruits and vegetables are the best thing for a healthy diet, yet don't really jive with a 3 month or year supply of food. Any suggestions to that????
Thanks for the goal Steve. We need that one 12 months a year!

April Goal From Mom

2011-04-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

Moses 7:53 And the Lord said: Blessed is he through whose seed Messiah shall come; for he saith - I am Messiah, the King of Zion, the Rock of Heaven, which is broad as eternity; whoso cometh in at the gate and climbeth up by me shall never fail; wherefore, blessed are they of whom I have spoken, for they shall come forth with songs of everlasting joy.

In February while at Jill's we had a family home evening. For the closing song we did not have song books so Steven suggested we sing "We Thank Thee Oh God For A Prophet". I learned that song - all the verses-before I was married but yet I got someof the words wrong as we sang the second verse. Steven staightened it out but it got me thinking that we really should know more words to our songs. So my challenge this month is to learn a NEW song each week as a family. Two from the adult hymnal and two from the chldren's song book so the children can be a part of this too.

Perhaps you can start a new song for FHE each week, sing it each night before family prayer and use it for the opening song for the next weeks FHE. Then at the end of the month I'd like you to list the new songs you have learned. (Maybe a video for Nana and Papa of the songs from the childrens book sung by the grandkids of course).

D&C 84:98 Until all shall know me,who remain, even from the last unto the greatest, and shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, an shall see eye to eye, and shall lift up their voice, and with the voice together sing this new song.

march results for the cooks

2011-03-31T18:01:00.000-07:00

well, jason officially floated away like mary poppins.

and me, well, i just gained several pounds, but i am blaming that on the jelly bean inside me, and possibly the starburst jelly beans, which have also been known to be inside me. jk, i haven't opened the bag yet. i'm waiting for april. :)

honestly i didn't do as well as i hoped, exercising has consisted of the lame-o prego ones when i felt up to it, which was rare. and i did eat a lot more fruit, but that was because i got a killer deal on strawberries. :) and i tried to eat yogurt for my snacks instead of chips or cookies. and i tried to drink more water during the day too.

but even though i didn't do as well as i had hoped, i was more aware of what i was eating thanks to the goal, so thanks steve... and thanks for making me even more self-conscious of my expanding rear and waist line. (jk again.... that's not really your fault. it's jason's, since he didn't really float away like mary poppins.)

MARCH RESULTS

2011-03-31T17:23:00.000-07:00

We have been much more thinking of our health since Steven's goal last month. Dad does the gocery shopping and so we have tried to pick out more healthy food such as fruits and vegetables instead of snacky things that are on sale. We also have been better with our excercises then before. Dad usually walks down to get the mail and to mail a letter if we have one, which is somtimes 2 miles a day for him. As for me, Donna gave me an excercise machine of my mom's and I have tried to use it daily. It is one I can sit in a chair and row with my legs. I try to increase the number of rounds each day. We have eaten much more fruit then before. We did however get some cookie dough at Sam's, so we have eaten cookies this month as well. We are only human!!! Thank you Steven for a good goal even for a third party!!

Jones February Results

2011-03-08T12:13:00.000-08:00

I felt the same as Ronda. I would think to myself, I did this and this, then I'd realize I always do them anyway, that's not special.
It was hard to come up with something other than food as a something "extra" for Dan. Usually it came down to buying his favorite candy bar or making a yummy dessert. I did make breakfast one morning. (Dan leaves between 6 and 6:15 every morning, so I'm usually not out of bed by the time he leaves.) Dan was great to change all the diapers and get the kids in bed when he was home. And many nights he got me ice cream or a root beer float. (and now we're on to Steve's goal of not doing that anymore!)
Jill was right on to tell us to write down the things we did. Of course WE didn't, so I really can't remember the other things we did. There were many more things we did for each other.....I'm sure.
The last half of the month was interesting. I tried to be nice mom and use happy tones more, but realized my kids don't take me seriously then. My kids are only motivated into action when I act mad and go on a rampage. Nice mommy is nice to have around, but everything around us suffers (like really messy bedrooms!)
What is the trick to being happier and nicer to my kids, but still getting work out of them???

Christenson February Results

2011-03-06T18:44:00.000-08:00

Well I guess I don't have to feel so bad since my sisters also wished they could have done better.
When I read the goal I thought it was great and would be so easy but as we got into the month
it seemed harder than I thought. I did try to get up at 5 and eat breakfast with him a few times, put little candy hearts with a message on by his lunch, serve his dinner first and get a few little candy or treats he likes so he could take them to work. There were so many things I thought of but remembered it was already my job like laundry, dishes, and cooking. Ron did lots better than I did at serving me. The second half went better than I thought I could do but I also included prayer to help with my tongue and temper. Thanks for the goal Jill is was a great reminder.

cook results - february

2011-03-03T07:37:00.000-08:00

Like Jill, I did ok, but could have done better. For the first part, I'm embarrassed to admit that I had a hard time coming up with ideas of how to serve Jason better. I did do a few things, like a few times I put a special treat in his lunches and one night I played his computer game with him (which he always wants me to do, but I rarely actually do it.)

For the second half, I really needed that, so thanks Jill. I too apparently have a temper, and prego hormones and lack of awesome-sleeping do not improve those moods. Throughout the whole month I tried to work on that aspect. I didn't do great 100% but there were multiple times that I found myself on the verge of lashing out and I remembered the goal and contained my frustration and smiled instead. (Obviously it wasn't a genuine smile.... but a 4 year old doesn't know the difference yet!)

I too found that the days I either didn't read my scriptures or hadn't yet at that point it was harder for me to stay non-raunchy.

PS I probably won't print off March's scripture and hang around the house, since my weight gain is inevitable... and yes, a little depressing.... but I am working on making better snacking and exercise choices. So, thanks Steve for reminding me that just because I need to gain weight, I don't know to gain bad weight.

Swenson Results for February Goal

2011-03-03T06:13:00.000-08:00

Well once again I didn't do as good as I had originally hoped I would. My ULTIMATE goal was for Steve to do lots of nice things for me.He tried. I tried as well, but I could have done more. I did write down some of the nice things I did (i.e. take him lunch, make him breakfast, get his clothes for him, and clean up his HORRIBLY messy closet that I vowed I would no longer clean). Even though I didn't do awesome I was definitely more aware of trying to serve him and also noticing what he does for me.

The second half of my goal was mainly for me. I have a temper. I get really angry. And it all comes out too often. I actually did pretty good on this one, until the last night of the month. I lost it. :( It was the worst day of the whole month and it also happened to be the one day we didn't have our early morning scripture reading. I didn't want to get out of bed and I didn't hear any of the kids awake, so we didn't do it. Big Mistake! I really think that starting our day off right has a huge influence on everyone. If we really want to live by the scriptures then we really need to read them everyday. It truly does make a difference.

Steve's March Goal

2011-02-28T11:23:00.000-08:00

I would like to take my text for this topic from the Old Testament. We are told to liken the scriptures unto ourselves.

Unfortunately, I can liken Deuteronomy 32:15 unto myself: "but [Steve] waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness..."

The other day as I was tucking Kari into bed she told me that I had four chins. Preston's nickname for me is "Fatty Daddy." It has been reported by an independent 3rd party observer that, in my recent feeble attempts at dieting, I have a tendency to starve myself most of the day and then stuff my face with cheese continually from the moment I get home from work until I go to bed. These are not good signs.

Over the next month, I would like to be able to liken Isaiah 17:4 unto myself: "and in that day it shall come to pass that the glory of [Steve] shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall wax lean."

I would like to set a goal for each of us to eat healthier and get some regular exercise for the month of March. I would say that the goal is to lose weight, but I am afraid that Jason would float away like Mary Poppins, so I will let everybody set their own specific goals that are appropriate for their individual circumstances.

Remember, bikini and speedo season is only a few short months away!

strawberries

2011-02-23T15:42:00.000-08:00

I only ended up ordering the strawberries since we didn't have enough desire for anything else.

Here are your totals:
Mom: 2 cans $26
Ronda: 4 cans $52
Leesa: 4 cans $52
Jill: 3 cans $39
Sally: 4 cans $52

They will be delivered to my house, so I can coordinate with you however you want in order for me to get them to you... some may take a while... we'll make it work.

Jill's February Goal

2011-02-01T18:31:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I decided to do the goal this month instead of Steve. He will do March instead. I actually have two goals that I would like to do this month. The first one will be done from February 1-14 and the other one will be done from the 15th-28th. Since this is the "LOVE" month I wanted to do something that would show our families how much we love them. My first goal is from 3 Nephi 14:12. "Therefore, all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them, for this is the law of the prophets." Each day I want you to find a specific "extra" thing you can do for your spouse. We all want to be loved and pampered but I don't think we always serve our spouses the way we want to be treated. I also want you to write down the 'extra nice' thing you have done and share a few of them when the month is over.

For the second half of the month the goal is based off of two scriptures. Proverbs 21:23: "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles." AND Proverbs 15:1: "A soft answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger." For this goal I want you to consciously think of what comes out of your mouth to your spouse and your children. So many times I find myself yelling at my family and the situation only becomes worse. During these two weeks I want you to always think of these scriptures when you are about to speak unkindly and try to use different words and emotions when talking. I also think that writing down these experiences in a journal will help remind us of the importance of kind words. I really feel that if we apply these scriptures to our lives our homes will be a happier place to be and we will be happier as families.

2010 scrapbook page

2011-01-10T12:48:00.000-08:00

I just want to report my progress on the scrapbook pages for 2010. I have the main idea in my head, but I still need to print the pictures and create the pages, but it is in progress.... I'll send them out when I get them finished.

Change in monthly goals.

2011-01-09T19:39:00.001-08:00

Just so you all know, I changed the Family Goals post for everybody's month. It is posted on the last post in 2010.

New Idea for 2011 goals.

2011-01-09T19:25:00.000-08:00

I have an idea and you can all shoot me down if you want to. This year the Primary theme is "I Know the Scriptures are True." We have been taught throughout our lives that we should not only read the scriptures, but follow them as well....since they are the words of the prophets. Well, I was thinking that it would be fun and interesting if each of our goals was based on a scripture. For example: The scripture could be 2 Nephi 32:9 "But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of they soul." And the goal could be; "This month as you make daily decisions pray more for the Lords guidance in all that you do. Ask more faithfully what he wants us to do rather than what we think we should do."

Anyways, just let me know what you think. I think we could gain a greater testimony of the scripture if we actively tried to apply them to our lives.

Jill's 2011 Resolutions

2011-01-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

Well I finally sat down and made my resolutions for the year. We did it tonight as a family. We found our goals from last year and see how we did on them. Needless to say, not very well. I did do a few of them, but there is definitely room for improvement. I too, like Leesa and Sally, have been a slacker with morning prayer, so that is one of my goals as well. A few other of my goals are these: to read the Ensign each month, to get 100% visiting teaching, and to attend the temple at least four times. There are a few more, but I don't' need to share them all.

We also set some goals as a family. I've been thinking alot about what we can do to make each day go smoother. Our mornings are absolutely crazy and hectic. So each school morning we have decided to get up at 6:45 to have family scripture reading and morning prayers. If we have done it at least 90% of the time we get a reward at the end of the month. (The kids chose to eat at Subway if the goal is completed.) I really feel that our family needs to do this to start our day of right and give the kids a chance to see their dad each morning. Hopefully it will be successful and an enjoyable time for each of us.

sally's resolutions

2011-01-05T20:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, so if we're going ahead with this, I'll share mine too.
1. First off, I need to repeat my ONE from last year, since I failed to do it. I want to put together a memory like book about Grandma Elsie, Livia's namesake, for Livia to have when she is older. I'll probably do a snapfish or shutterfly album. My neighbor did one for her husband last year and it turned out great. I just need to get a lot of help from Jason's dad, which is part of the reason I didn't finish last year (or barely start for that matter.)

2. Secondly, like Leesa, I've really struggled with the daily scripture study. Kids sure make it difficult to have some quiet time with any book, especially the scriptures. So we've been waking up earlier for the specific purpose of personal scripture time. Thankfully Jason is doing the same goal, so we can support each other in it.

3. And last of all, I want some sort of regular schedule or routine throughout my day and week. Obviously with kids it needs to be flexible, but I'm hoping if I have certain things scheduled in to my day every day more will get done and I'll feel like I had a productive day when I go to bed. The weekly part is like Monday I do all the laundry, Tuesday I mop, Wednesday I clean the bathrooms and Thursday I organize something. (since there is so many things that need a little organization, I think I'll have plenty to do all year.) And Friday will be either a break, or catch up time.

Please hold me accountable!! It's so easy to make excuses and just let things go back to how they were before.

Leesa's 2011 New Years' Resolution

2011-01-04T15:43:00.000-08:00

I'll go first I guess.
I've decided to try to read my scriptures everyday. I know...it sounds pitiful...I know I should be doing it everyday anyway, like all my sisters probably already do. But, it's always been hard for me to do consistently.
I remember a few years back Dad told me he made that a goal for himself and he was very proud to say that he did read some scripture every day, even if it was a little bit.
Dad, you've been a good example, so I'm going to try to be like you!
I've also decided to have the goal of saying my morning prayers everyday. I know, I know...another one I should already be doing. Somehow having kids coming in my room in the morning waking me up and immediately needing something from me makes me forget!
(I'll let Dan write his own.)
ps I thought of doing the goal of not eating chocolate, but decided this year wasn't the year to do it. We'll see if that actually EVER happens! At the end of my life I'd like to be able to say, "I've gone a year without eating chocolate!" Someday...or year.

family goals

2011-01-03T15:43:00.000-08:00

I think Ronda has a point, unless dad wants to still do January. If he doesn't, how about instead of a goal this month, we each post at least one of our New Years Resolutions for all to see. That way we will be more accountable for it and more likely to achieve it. What do you think?

Family Goals 2011 List

2010-12-30T21:32:00.000-08:00

Okay, I did this by random order, kindof like drawing from a hat. I wrote all the names down and Kari picked numbers from 1-12, except June and December. I hope everyone is okay with this.
January: New Year's Resolutions
February: Steve
March: Jill
April: Mom
May: Ronda
June: Dad
July: Sally
August: Dan
September: Leesa
October: Jason
November: Ron
December: ?

Family Goals 2011?

2010-12-27T21:23:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, just wondering a few things: 1. are we going to do goals again this year and 2. if we do them, what is the order going to be (same as last year; guys first then girls; vice versa, couples right after each other? Let me know, January is right around the corner! HOpe you all have a wonderful New Year!!

November Goal

2010-12-06T15:19:00.000-08:00

We had lots of fun with this goal. The day before Jason posted the goal I hung up
a poster that we could all right down things we were thankful for at any time. It was
fun to see it hanging and then be able to talk about it at dinner. The girls had fun writing
things as they thought of them and then sharing it at dinner together. It was a really great
goal especially after conference and President Monsons talk about being happy with what
we have instead of focusing on what we don't have. We really enjoyed this as a family-thanks Jason.

I hope we do goals next year as I already have a great one!

December Goal

2010-12-03T20:29:00.001-08:00

I know that we originally planned for no goal in December, but I was thinking it might be a good idea if each of us made it a goal to submit a family history and photo for the Tuttle centennial celebration. I really want to get a book and would love to have a snippet about each of my family members in there. And, sadly enough, I will not be attending the reunion, so hopefully someone will get me a book. :)

Swenson November Goal Results

2010-12-03T20:25:00.000-08:00

We were once again fairly lame at fulfilling our goal. I did pretty good at the beginning of the month by writing down what I was grateful for and what blessings I have noticed in my life. Sometimes Steve and I would talk about it. Doing it at dinner time as a family was a great idea, but I think Steve only ate with us on average once or twice a week. Even though I didn't always say aloud what I was grateful for, I definitely thought about it more than I normally do. It's amazing how one can stop feeling sorry for oneself when we are focused on all the Heavenly Father has really given us. This goal helped me to stop complaining as much and try to focus on the positive instead. Thanks Jason for the goal and hopefully this will be something that we will continue to work on, especially with our children.

Jones Nov. results

2010-12-03T15:56:00.000-08:00

We had a lot of fun with this goal. Most dinnertimes we went around the table and everyone said something they were thankful for. (Especially a great activity with the Thanksgiving holiday in Nov.) Funny thing was every time we did it the kids had to name about 20 things they were thankful for instead of just one thing. I guess thankfulness is contagious. We found many, many things for which we are thankful. Thanks for the goal Jason.
ps. We loved Ron and Ronda's poster idea. Hopefully we'll remember it to do it next year!

just me a thinkin'

2010-11-18T07:33:00.000-08:00

The other day I was thinking about motherhood. And sometimes I feel like I'm going to go crazy! Part of it is because I'm a very social creature and I don't have a car during the day to get very far from the house. Many of my friends that don't work live across the highway so I don't like to walk over there cuz it's just scary. Other days I realize how lucky I am to have 2 beautiful children, a hard working husband, and a nice home to live in with them.

But I was thinking how hard it must have been for mom to live so far from everyone, with a husband that had to work long, hard hours every day, and five kids that fought over everything possible. (Sorry about that mom!)

And then I also realized that mom was my exact age when she had her fifth child!! Not to mention her oldest was 7!

Honestly, I cannot imagine having my fifth child right now! I'm having a hard time with 2 1/2!! I'm literally only halfway there.

So what I am getting at is, Mom, thank you for not killing us! Thank you for surviving your life and learning to deal with the struggles motherhood can create. And Dad, thank you for always working so hard to support our family and showing us the type of man we were worthy of marrying. I'm so thankful that we have such awesome parents! And not to sound boastful, but I think all of us turned out pretty good! (Maybe our husbands might disagree at times... but whatever.)

Anyway, I feel very blessed that I was raised in a God-loving home that taught me the things that I need to know to not only endure, but enjoy the stage of life I am in now. So thank you mom and dad! I love you both so much.

And I really hope dad gets a job in Utah soon cuz I really miss you. :)

Swenson October Goal Results

2010-11-03T15:34:00.001-07:00

As Leesa stated, this month flew by in a flash. We actually did pretty pathetic for it being Steve's goal. Maybe if he was actually home we could have practiced more. We did however work on Salsa Dancing. I tried to learn it on the cruise, so I taught Steve. As we were practicing in the bedroom the kids walked in a busted out laughing at us. So I'm thinking that I won't be videotaping it! It would be fun for all of us to show off our moves the next time we are together. And hopefully we will keep working on this to improve our skills.

Jones Oct. Dance Moves

2010-11-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

Wow, the month of October flew like a flash. This goal was a bit tricky. Dan and I both took social dance classes in college, although not together. The dances that we don't know, we also don't know exist. (Although I never did learn the Electric Slide either, good idea Ron.)
So, we practiced our country dance moves and taught them to our kids. (Dan's true love in dance is country dancing. And he's pretty good at it too!)
Some of the moves were tricky having such short partners. hehe
Sorry we didn't video tape ourselves. I really wanted to see everyone else's dances too.

October Goal Update

2010-11-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

So no laughter but Ron and I decided to learn the Macarana (sp). We both had
not learned it in the mid 90's when everyone else did and Ron really wanted
to do that one. I wanted an Indian Rain dance but we found a wonderful
teacher online for the macarana a very handsome guy doing the dance in his
wood paneled basement so we went with that. We also worked on the 2 step
as Ron didn't really know that one either.
So thanks Steve it was really fun to practice it at night together even though
we are 15 years late on this dance.
PS - Ron also wanted the Electric Slide so maybe we will work on
that later!

November Goal

2010-11-01T16:07:00.001-07:00

My turn. Lately I’ve been thinking about gratitude and how integral this principle is with being content with life and my level of happiness, especially when I attribute my blessings to God. My goal is pretty simple, I would like to recommend everyone tell their spouse at least one thing every day, maybe at the dinner table one thing that God did for them that day or how he has made things better. That’s it. I’m confident everyone will have much better days and we’ll realize how involved He is and how much He cares to be a part of our lives. Thanks everyone.

Jason

FHE

2010-10-25T06:46:00.001-07:00

So just wanted to share something that is working for our family during FHE.
Of the 5 regular Mondays in a month, Ron and I teach out of the RS/Priesthood Manuals for this year. We thought it would be a good lesson for the girls as it is covering the basics every week. Brynja on the other hand is always running around doing her own thing. Addison and Kylee always want a turn to teach but were always coming up with random items and dragging it on for a "lesson" so we added them teaching on the 2nd and 4th Mondays with those 2 teaching Brynja out of the new nursery manual. I copy the color pages every week and we all sit on the floor while they gear their lessons towards her so it involves her and teaches them in the process. They have been so cute with it and worked so hard to teach her at her level. I know it would not work for everyone but it is working her and now. If you have not bought the new nursery manual it is really great. As a side note if there is a 5th Monday we have a game night!

Sept. Goal for Mom and Dad

2010-10-02T19:32:00.001-07:00

Well, we probably did the worst of all!!! Dad usually exercises every morning while I am still sleeping. I tried to do my exercixe bike, but some days my feet will not do what I want them too. Excercise has always been hard for me. This really was a good goal Dan because the rest of the family did really well. We can't go on walks any more because I can't walk. I did do leg stretches and lifts before I get out of bed though. Dad did way better then I did!!

October Goal

2010-10-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

It is finally my turn to pick a goal for the month. After extensive deliberation and introspection, I have decided that this months goal is going to be...................................................(drum roll please).........................to learn a new dance. That's right folks, you read correctly; nerdy, boring Uncle Steve's goal for all of us this month is to learn to dance. I'm sure all of you were expecting something more like "do 300 push ups every day on your fingertips with your spouse on your back" or "compare and contrast the original Greek text of the New Testament with St. Jerome's fourth century Latin translation". While those more "Steve-like" goals would undoubtedly produce a veritable cornucopia of enriching experiences and/or intellectual stimulation, not to mention countless hours of fun, I thought that I would mix it up a little bit. You can learn a formal dance, a break dance move, or you can just copy Napoleon Dynamite. For beginners, I would recommend watching the "how to dance" video clip staring Goofy from 1953-- you can look it up on YouTube. Maybe we can show off our dance moves the next time that we are together.

P.S. If your newly learned dance requires a pole, you can keep those moves to yourself.

cook family results

2010-09-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I am here to admit that we did the worst of all. The week I first saw it was when I was at Jill's and sorry, but I was purely exhausted that week. (Not necessarily because of Jill's kids though... I'm not complaining....)
This week I have done pretty good, now that it is the final week.... we got an old exercise bike from Jason's brother that I've been using and we've gone on walks to the park and stuff. And on Monday we went on a super long hike with the kids. So we didn't do super awesome until the last few days. Jason usually tries to work out once or twice a week but it was a good reminder for me to be active too. I'll keep trying to get some exercise.... especially with this baby coming I need to find some good workouts. (Jill, I'm still going to check out that zumba thing.)
So, thanks Dan for the goal, and sorry I've been such a bad goal keeper lately!! I'll try better, well, unless Steve's is really as hard as everyone is making it sound, then I'll be slacking for one more month.... ha ha.

Jones Sept. Results

2010-09-30T12:27:00.000-07:00

Wow, when I saw Ronda's update, I thought why is she posting the results so early? Then I realize this was the last day of September! Where did this month go??
Dan has starting mt. biking all over the place. It works more muscles than you'd think.
I have to say that my exercise has been in the garden. Picking tomatoes and peppers for 30 minutes a day (or longer...we have a LOT of tomatoes) has been the best squatting workout ever! My legs kill by the time I'm done!!
We slacked off involving the whole family though. We did family evening walks for a while, but then life got busier.
Good job Ronda on the morning routine. That's more ideal, but Dan leaves the house at 6:00 and Emmee leaves at 7:00. It just won't happen in our house! Hopefully the treadmill will get more use this winter.
And I am terrified of what Steve is going to make us do! Be kind Steve, please!!!

Swenson Goal Results

2010-09-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

Well, we didn't do as awesome as Ron and Ronda. I'm very impressed that they have been getting up early each morning. As for us, well Steve and I do pretty good about exercising during the week. Steve has been coming home a few days during lunch to go running and I've been going to the gym. I haven't really pushed this kids to get more exercise like I should be doing, but they do run around outside a lot and Kari likes to do her own little exercise routines. Plus the older two do have gym 2-3 times per week so they get exercise there too.

I do wish I would've tried a little harder because I think a family walk in the morning or evenings would've been a great time together. Maybe I'll keep working on this one.

Thanks Dan.

September Goal Update

2010-09-30T07:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the goal Dan. We have been getting up every morning
at 6:45am as a family to go for a 20-30 minute walk (depending on how fast
we can get the girls out the door!) I don't know if we have hit the 2 hour mark every week
due to Mom's late work nights and Addison's strep but we have been working on it and
trying hard. It was the extra push we needed to get going again as we slacked off
during the summer. We choose a trail so we could take Mugsey and have enjoyed
seeing deer, birds and even a red fox catching mice! We have loved the extra
family time and exercise time - Mugsey loves it too. And I'm sure this will
just help us get ready for Steves grueling goal that will come in October!!
Thanks again

Oven

2010-09-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share an idea. Last weekend Ron showed the Girl Scouts how to bake a cake in a cardboard box. He only needed tin foil, coals, and a box. We put the cake in and about 45 min. later it was done and tasted great. So I have been thinking what a good idea to have in our emergency prep items. An apple box or similar size, a big roll of tin foil and a few bags of charcoal. He only needed a few coals and it could bake whatever we needed. The charcoal would be a lot easier to store and safer than propane to run the grill or camp stove not that we wouldn't store any propane. So just an idea to throw out there for everyone to think about.

September Goal

2010-09-07T18:43:00.000-07:00

Well since someone sent me an email asking for a goal I thought I better post one. There are many things that I need to work on but one that is undeniable is my strapping figure or should I say my pearish figure. The goal I have chosen is to do two hours of exercising every week. It isn't much but it is a start for me. For those of you who already do this I challenge you to exercise with your children and get them in the habit when they are young. For those of you who think this is too difficult of a goal...too bad. We all have our own level of exercise but we should try to get our heart pumping.

Good luck!

Dan Jones

Riskedahl Family

2010-08-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

When we were in ND this summer we had a little family reunion with my family. There were 22 of us there for the weekend. Crazy but fun. So grateful for my family and the special weekend we had. These pictures were followed by the baptism of Braden Swenson and the baby blessing of our newest family member Andrew Jones

Old Faithful

2010-08-26T20:19:00.001-07:00

We finally made a stop at Yellowstone Park. The girls have been telling us that they are the ONLY kids in the whole school who have not been to Yellowstone. So since we drive through there every summer to get to ND we decided to take the time to stop this year. The girls all look like orphans since it was so windy and they had already been in the car for 7 hours that day. But we have now been there and seen Old Faithful.