Facebook Fast

Last Sunday I was really impressed by Rhiannon's choice to have a "Facebook and YouTube" fast that day.  I followed her lead this weekend and have stayed far, far away from my favorite time-killer Facebook for two days.

A few thoughts I've had:

1) Our ancestors' trials were very physical.  Can you imagine having to boil water to wash loads of laundry, start a fire every meal to cook, etc?  One thought I've had is that our "test" in this day and age seems to be distraction. At least, I know it is for me.  I like to think that I get a lot accomplished every day, but I've been shocked to see how much MORE I've gotten done by not plugging into Facebook every free second that I have this weekend.

2)  I have to WORK at stepping away from this particular distraction!  One thing that has helped is that I've typed out my intentions in a journal I started on the computer.  Just the simple fact of  typing "tomorrow and Sunday I am going on a Facebook fast" helped me stick to my guns.  It also helped to remove the Facebook bookmark on my computer and just use my phone for necessities.  Then when I've been tempted to go surf, I'll ask myself, "Is there anything better I can do?  What needs done?"

Don't get me wrong, I love Facebook.  I find it a good way to share positive vibes, keep in touch with friends, get help with questions, and stay connected.  But I spend WAY. TOO. MUCH. TIME. on it.

3)  Tomorrow I'm starting that "decluttering" journey I've mentioned with friends for the whole month of February  (http://www.theminimalists.com/game/).  I've already found piles of "things" that are never used or broken, things that just need to go.  I also realized that I need to work on decluttering mentally and digitally.  I've found some very helpful articles on a site called:  No Sidebar

Wish me luck!

It was time!

Thanks, Grandpa Rod, for treating Wade to a haircut when we visited in November.  He was due for another one today--we were amazed at how much hair we cut off, haha!

  

Etiquette Dinner and Dance

  

  

Rhiannon had an amazing time last night at a youth activity--a stake dance and etiquette dinner.  She'd been looking forward to it all week and it did NOT disappoint!  She said there was a fantastic turnout (over 50 youth--almost 20 more than they usually get), the dinner was fun, and the dance was amazing.  The "etiquette" focus was more on what to do on a date, etc, and she said that was cool.  We're so glad she had a great time!

Poor Wade-O

Yesterday was NOT fun for Wade.  I picked him up at school and took him to the dentist to get two adult teeth extractions and braces put on his lower teeth.  Poor kid!  He woke up this morning feeling worse than yesterday, but the bleeding had stopped and he had a note for "No PE for a week," so we sent him anyways.  Hope he's feeling much better tomorrow!  Yesterday he really wanted French fries or a Subway sandwich or a Taco Bell crunch wrap, but those last two will have to wait for a few days.  I plan to stop by in a few minutes at school to bring him lunch, though--pain meds, fries, ice cream, Jell-O, applesauce, and a salt-water rinse (blech))!

About the only upside is getting to eat all the ice cream, Taco Bell freezes, Jell-O, and milkshakes that his family can throw at him!

Desert skies in this week

There have been some LOVELY skylines here in the desert this week!

A jewel

Next Monday I'm participating in a "decluttering" challenge with some friends, called the MinsGame (created by The Minimalists at their webite).  Basically the goal is to return/donate/recyle/sell/finish/ or trash a certain number of items for each day of the month.  So, Day 1 would be 1 item, Day 2--2 items, all the way to the 29th.  If a person completes it, they'll have taken care of 435 items!

I was so excited that I started a little early and started gathering possible items.  In 5 minutes I found 28 things in our guest bedroom!  The room in the house that gets used the least!  It was definitely eye-opening.

The kids got excited, too--there were walkie-talkies we'd forgotten about and an old photo album in the very top of the closet that they loved looking through.  I also found an old picture frame that I don't really like now, but I sure loved the picture in it and took that out to keep!

I love it!  Here we are on our wedding day, May 16, 1997, on the steps of the LDS Bountiful Temple.  So fun!

Jason turns 41!

Jason's birthday this year was a lot quieter than his big 4-0 last year.  It was on a busy Wednesday with the usual drumline/Crossfit/Scouts activities going on, so we had dinner together and then scattered.  Jason grilled and had some veggies, with pineapple for his "birthday cake" this year.  He was super sweet and said he didn't mind if we got pizza in his honor, even though he wasn't eating it.

The one thing we surprised him with was a Blu-ray copy of The Martian, which we hope to watch this weekend sometime.  That brilliant idea came from Wade--yay!

Jason is the foundation and rock in our home--I am so appreciative of all that he does for our family and the way he's constantly surprising us with his humor, smarts, and love!

Rhiannon and I sent a few loves his way on Facebook:

From Rhiannon: Happy birthday to the best dad ever!!!!! ❤ You always crack me up, work super hard and keep surprising me (which I thought would stop happening a long time ago, but it still happens) Love you Dad!!  (He's the one trying to steal the cake)

And here was mine:

I was going to type out a lengthy, sappy, embarrassing love note to this guy and spread it all over Facebook for his birthday. I was going to shower him with praises and extol all his virtues. But that's not how he rolls. So I'll keep it short and sweet and say, "Thank you for taking this selfie with me, even though you hate selfies. And thank you for all that you do for me and the kids--I fall more in love with you every day!"  Happy Birthday a little early, Jason! I love you! XOXOXOXOXOXO

A fun "form letter"

A pretty fun letter arrived in the mail today from the president of the Houchin Community Blood Bank.  I donated blood, on purpose, for the first time in my life a few weeks ago, and it's something I plan to continue, especially when I get a letter that states I am a "very special universal blood donor" with my O- blood type!  "Please donate every 8 weeks!" the letter says.

Apparently my blood type is held by only 7% of the population, can be used by 100% of patients who need blood, and is the only type used for preemie babies and accident victims.  I've been living under a rock because I didn't know this information!

Sorta makes me feel guilty for not donating sooner, and makes me VERY grateful for those who donated blood to help me in my time of need when Rhiannon was born, since I can only get blood from another O-neg donor!

Makes you think!

Verity's EPIC 40th birthday!

The Monday after my 40th birthday a friend asked me how the weekend went.  I said, "Ya know, I could celebrate my 40th birthday every week if people would let me!"  It was the most amazing birthday yet, and that is saying something because I LOVE BIRTHDAYS and celebrate them as long as possible!

The morning of my birthday we hosted a birthday breakfast bash.  I told Jason this was my birthday gift from him--it's always a little crazy with so many people over, haha!  I sent some invites via Facebook and made some phone calls and texts, inviting friends and neighbors to help me "mourn the passing of my 30s," to wear black, bring a tasty breakfast item to share, and bring their families.  There were about 65 of us, plenty of food, and lots of laughter.  Such a great turnout! My heart was so happy, being surrounded by people who loved me, that I couldn't be sad about getting old!  The party went from 9 to almost 11:30am!

About halfway through, Rhiannon and Wade and a bunch of their friends walked over to the park so they could stretch out and have more room.  It made me happy to see them having such a good time, too!

The birthday festivities continued when Brant, Chris, and Greyson arrived!  We went to Subway for lunch and then chilled and relaxed the rest of the day.  We had fun going to the park again, and we had a great dinner of Papa John's pizza and a cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory that they'd brought up for me--white chocolate raspberry--delish!!!  About the only fail for the weekend was my movie choice--I chose Furious 7, and it wasn't the best.  The car sequences were cool, but the "women as objects" was constant and uncomfortable.  Thankfully the roaring fire in the fireplace and the company made up for my mistake!

I was seriously spoiled for my birthday.  There was a cute sign in the yard, 4 bouquets of flowers, thoughtful gifts, wonderful cards, lovely phone calls and Facebook messages, a perfect Dr. Seuss book about getting old, and 2 different lunches with friends.

I gave this birthday a lot of thought.  I bought an airplane ticket to go see my friend Linden and her family in Montana in June this year--can't wait!  I also encouraged family and friends on Facebook to help me celebrate my 40th with me.  I posted:

"For my 40th birthday this weekend (gulp!), I'm asking a BIG favor of my Facebook friends. I'd like the world to be a little happier, shine a little brighter. Help me celebrate! Show kindness, replace fear with faith, and/or go on an adventure! Enjoy the weekend!"  

The response to this request was fantastic.  People told me about service they did, time spent with family, or their efforts to increase faith.  It was remarkable and made me so, so happy!

  

  

  

Wednesdays

Wednesday will be our busiest day of the week for the next couple months, especially in the evening. Starting at 6, everyone starts to scatter.  Rhiannon goes to drumline, Jason goes to Crossfit, and Wade goes to Scouts.  Last night we threw in extra fun and fed the sister missionaries serving in our ward, too.  (I'd forgotten I'd signed up and sure appreciated their reminder!)  I finally sat down after everyone was gone and worked on my institute lesson for next week.

The nice thing about having a busy Wednesday night is that Thursday and Friday feel lighter and easier, especially for the kids!  I know many families are WAY busier than we are and take it all in stride.  We're normally NOT that busy, though, and like to have some breathing room!

First sunrise picture for 2016

I've been sick a lot the last week and a half.  It's been rough.  I understand a little better how people with chronic illness must feel, who can't get away from it and have to deal with it every single day--I know I certainly haven't been myself.  Luckily I've got a daughter who helped me see what I was missing!  Rhiannon made me smile today when she noticed this outside:

I almost didn't see it, being too focused on myself and other things.  Thankfully I am feeling more like myself today and hope to be 100% soon!

2016 Goals: out with the old, in with the new

For Family Home Evening night this week we reviewed last year's goals and made new ones for 2016.  We all agreed that our performance in 2015 as a whole was the worst yet, but that certainly didn't stop us from making new ones, haha!  We aren't beating ourselves up too much and are excited for what 2016 has in store.  We also plan to do a better job checking in at least monthly during a family night to report on progress we're making.

Report on 2015 Goals  (I've underlined the ones we did make happen!)

Family Goals:
Continue to work on family scripture study
Sheen Family Reunion for 4th of July
Family camping trip
Turkey Trot in November
Family Temple Trip when Wade turns 12

Jason:
40th Birthday adventure trip with high school buddies in June
Backpacking trip with Rhiannon and Wade
Fitness goal--run half-marathon
Work on church calling every day
Finish backyard fence

Verity:
Write in journal every week
Teach kids how to cook 6 meals
Go to the temple 3 times or more
Expand subbing circle (more schools) once Wade starts middle school
50,000 walking steps a week for fitness

Rhiannon:
Attend EFY Express in March
Cook an entire meal by herself once a quarter
Continue Personal Progress
Bike 2x a month and swim 10 laps each time she gets in the pool
Start foreign language sophomore year

Wade:
Finish Book of Mormon before becoming a Deacon
Finish Faith in God program
Do something football (flag or tackle)
Run/bike 8 times a month or twice a week
Read a book every week
Write in journal 3 times a week

Dogs:
Get a walk every day
Take them to the new dog park

And now for 2016 Goals!

LET’S DO THIS!

2016 Family Goals:

Family Temple Trip at least once
Camping trip
Continue daily family scripture study
Cushing/Cropper Summer Beach Trip
Texas A&M Football Game at Kyle Field

Jason:
CrossFit boot camp
Zion’s Ragnar in May
Backpacking trip with Wade
Half-marathon in fall
Monthly date night with Mommy
Buy a Porsche

Verity:
Hit 10K steps 4 times a week for 8 wks, continue
Become active member of Friends of Library
Be active Scout committee member
Find family name and do temple work
Complete 2 Just Serve projects
Montana trip to see Linden
Make 4 new recipes in solar oven
Donate blood again
Complete 2015 blog book
Monthly date with Daddy
Cook with kids on Saturdays
Prepare 15-30 minutes daily for institute

Rhiannon:
Write in journal every day
Learn to cook 10 different meals
Invite 5 different friends over during summer
Personal Progress Experiences done by May 30
Learner’s Permit by May 30, get license by Dec
Get patriarchal blessing
Narrow down 5 colleges, majors, and occupations
Over summer, find activity that I like to stay in shape
Get a summer job

Wade:
Run with Dad once a week
Finish Book of Mormon by the end of the year
Play tackle or flag football
Invite friends over here more
Keep a GPA over 4.0 entire year
Scout goal: TBD

"Wade Richard Rock"

This new laptop is so fantastic!  I love it!  And I have really appreciated Jason's help getting it ready to go.  Jason put all the files from the other computers on this for me, all 66,000+ (gulp!), and in my efforts to clean up a few things, I found some gems.  Here's one of them:

That's Wade, back in Virginia, May 2008. or so!

A big, giant December 2015 catch-up post

It's the new year and we are back to the daily grind today.  Transitioning to the new year is always hard for us (okay, I mean ME) after an amazing Christmas break. This morning felt a little different and easier, Maybe we are growing up? (Okay, maybe I am growing up?)  Rhiannon was up first before 5 am, then Wade and Jason at 5:45, then me.  This was quite a miracle since we'd slept til 8 am or later for almost 2 weeks straight.  Off to work and school they went, and I hauled myself to urgent care for some help with this pesky chest congestion.  Welcome, Monday!

With help from Facebook and my December file of photos, here were some highlights from our Christmas season:

--I splurged and bought a fresh Christmas wreath for our front door from our friend Carin Miles (of Valentine's flowers fame).  She did a great job!

--December 4th:   "Sitting with Wade on a Friday night, watching him multi-task. He's playing a video game while he listens to the new Coldplay album (on steady repeat ever since he came home and bought their new album this afternoon on iTunes). All of a sudden he pauses and says reverently, 'I love their new album, Mom.'  Boys are fun."

--Not so fun on Dec 7th--Wade had 4 teeth pulled, an expander cemented on, and braces put back on his top teeth. He's been a champ--we had fun taking "woe is me" pics.  

--Finished up institute for the semester with a Christmas party and service activity.  I sure love this class and calling!

--Rhiannon started an online Drivers Ed course!  After getting thoroughly confused looking for details online, we finally went into the DMV to get some help.  The California basics are:

Take 30-hour driver education course online
Pass written test at DMV
Get learners permit
Get 56 hours of driving time behind the wheel (6 of that with a legit instructor)
Take driving test

So....it's gonna take a while.  But she's begun!

--In mid-December Wade came home with a note from school that made us SOOOO happy.  He'd been voted by his peers and teachers as one of his middle school's Kindest Students.  He and about 20 or 30 other kids got to take an extra lunch period, bring pillows to school, and watch a movie with treats.  Way to go, Wade!

--I donated blood willingly for the first time EVER and got a t-shirt!  Looking forward to doing it again.  I took online tips seriously and boosted my iron levels afterwards with spinach, dried apricots, and a b-u-n-c-h of dark chocolate, haha!  Steak just didn't sound good just then.

--Neighbor friends got an upgrade from our Christmas gift last year.  Last year I got these little multi-purpose tools that are as small as a credit card.  I thought they were cool, but Jason said I could do better.  THIS year I bought fresh whole wheat bread loaves from our friend Anastasia--they were a hit.  (In the next life I hope to bake like she does!)

--Jason and I had a great time at his work's Christmas party.  It had been several years since his group did one, and it was a blast!  We brought a "Buddy the Elf" themed white elephant gift with candy, candy corn, candy canes, syrup, spaghetti, and a cozy blanket.  The couple who got it were pretty happy with it--they'd just watched the movie with their kids!  We came away with a really pretty LED candle light set.  I was very happy that we didn't walk out with the bag of tennis balls and the legendary light-up Christmas bra!  

--The kids and I enjoyed meeting Jason at work for the once-a-year Open House and taking a tour around different places.  I never pass up an opportunity to do that!

--Rhiannon and Wade survived finals week!  We were ALL pretty excited about that! They did a great job!

--WE WENT TO SEE STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS IN IMAX 3D the second day it came out.  We loved it, we loved it, we loved it, we loved it!  We drove down to Lancaster on a rainy Saturday, had dinner at In n Out, and then waited in line for 90 minutes inside the theater (no reserved seating).  Was it worth it?  YES!!!  Thanks, Daddy, for treating us to such a fun memory! (Rhiannon painted her nails with storm troopers to celebrate!)

--We did something we'd never done before and saw the LA Zoo Lights with Brant, Chris, and Greyson.  It was unique and beautiful!  We also ate at two new places--Island Burger (for dinner before the zoo!) and Corky's for a killer breakfast.  Thanks for having us, guys!!!

--Rhiannon played the cymbals in the band for the local Christmas parade!  (She also played in a fantastic high school band concert, but I don't think I took any videos of that one. Sad face.)

--Wade played in his first Christmas band concert (he did a GREAT job on the mallets!)  This beginning band was made up of two different classes, and they'd only practiced one time all together.  Pretty cool for kids who started only a few months ago!  Wade is standing to the left of the stage with the Santa hat.

--Rhiannon and Wade performed in their annual Christmas piano recital.  We loved hearing them play!

--Rhiannon and I represented at the ward Christmas party!  (Wade was at a birthday party, and Jason was sick)  Rhiannon was a shepherd in the Nativity presentation.  (She was glad she just had to stand there and not sing, haha!)

--For Christmas Eve we went to the Zobells' home for their annual "soup kitchen" spread for lunch.  It was delicious and we enjoyed the company!  The rest of the evening included:

Chinese take-out. YUM! Leftovers for tomorrow!

Kids open sibling gifts that they bought for each other (more meaningful this year since they used their own $$ for the first time!   Rhiannon bought candy and a Nerf gun for Wade; he got her special Star Wars mascara and a Flash necklace)

Roaring fire in the fireplace.

ELF movie. Soooo many favorite lines.

Special ornaments put on the tree to remind of moments from Christ's life.

One kid (WADE) begs us to say family prayer so he can get to bed!

--Christmas Day was great, even with a few setbacks.  JASON was the first one up and was anxious for us to open presents.  He spoiled us with a new Playstation 4 system and got his wife her very own laptop!!!  I was shocked!!!  The rest of the morning went like this:  From Facebook--"Jason was like a little kid this morning, so excited for us to open the presents he got for us! We had tons of fun and then had to make adjustments and be patient after opening gifts--the Play Station Network crashed, our dog Samson tried to steal Christmas candy, cinnamon rolls failed, and I'm sick in bed, praying it's not because of bad Chinese food, haha! What a morning! Despite it all, we are happy and feeling the love. Merry Christmas!!!"  

I started to feel a little better in the evening and so we drove around and looked at Christmas lights.  I love this little town--people go ALL out when it comes to Christmas displays!

Playing Battlefront

--One night we walked across the street to the Hawkins' home and had a fun evening playing games with friends and eating lots of yummy foot.  Scott and Kristin brought out this card game called the Werewolves of Millers Hollow (kinda like Mafia?), and, boy, it was a hit.  There were 17 or 18 of us playing that!

--On New Year's Eve we went to the little bowling alley on base.  It's awesome!  They had obviously done some remodeling and the place looked great.  Bonus--it wasn't crowded until we left!  That night we watched two movies--Ant Man and Rogue Nation--and then Jason bowed out at 11:30.  The rest of us made it to midnight and quietly wished each other a Happy New Year! 

And THAT is how you do an epic blog post!  We had so much fun together and felt rested and relaxed, ready for what lies ahead!  Welcome, 2016!!!