Reflections

In our RS and Priesthood meetings today we discussed a conference talk called "Because My Father Read the Book of Mormon." It got Dad thinking about when he was Primary age in Colorado and how both his parents were working hard to help the branch there grow. That really impressed him. 

Then he wondered if our kids were impressed in a positive way by what we did, realizing that they could also have been turned off if their parents were too involved in church service.

Then he reflected about Mike and Brenda's family, since we were there yesterday and watched an interesting interaction. They had planned to go as a family to some pottery thing, but Mike came in and said he'd just found out about an Eagle's project he wanted to help with, plus it was yard debri day and the neighbor lady was having trouble getting hers transported to the drop off place with her car so he wanted to help her with his truck. Naturally the kids were right alongside helping too! 

At first Brenda was disappointed that family plans got set aside for service, but then he offered to take the kids to the Eagle's project so she could go to a RS function. Surely the kids had as much fun there with him as they would have had at the pottery thing. He is so service oriented that the kids will really catch on that that's how to live a happy life. 

Lastly Dad said, "And what do they learn from their mother? That a woman can be talented and accomplish whatever she wants to!" I also felt she was supportive of Mike (after expressing her disappointment).  She is service oriented too. Those kids could not have better examples.

A jaunt with Sheryl and Jonathan

Sheryl and Jonathan came for a little visit and to pick up our old dryer (so I could get a new fancy one). We took a picnic and drove out past Alsea to look at a piece of land. They're thinking of buying a piece of land for an investment and maybe put a mobile home on it some day and retire there. This was a beautiful area although the land has lots of old vehicles and junk left on it that would need to be cleaned up. 

Good news! Jonathan says his job is coming back full time May 1st. Sheryl says they want to keep on living like they have the last few months so they can save more. They are a good example of provident living.

Now for an example of improvident living--for the first time in our married life our washer and dryer actually match!

He lives!

And we will too.

April Fool's Day

Today I signed up for Weightwatchers. No fooling.

Ken and Polly invited me to a meeting last week and I liked their principles and practices. For those interested, here's what they are:

First you are assigned points based on your height, weight, gender, age, and level of activity. I can eat 20 points/day. There's a weekly slush fund of 35 points for special occasions. 

You need to include 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 of milk products, 2 of lean proteins, 5 glasses of fluids, and a multi vitamin pill each day.

Foods are assigned points based on fiber, calories and fat grams.  For example, a small apple is 1 point. Most vegetables are 0 points. One half candy bar is 3 points. So you quickly learn to choose filling and nutritious foods rather than jelly beans because you want to make your points count!

Exercise will earn points. For example, 1/2 hour of walking is 1 point.

Step 1: Plan ahead. You think about the situations you'll be in and what food you'll eat to stay under the #of points allowed.

Step 2: Track. You keep a record on paper of what you take in. 

Step 3: Report. There are weekly meetings where you weigh in and receive some motivational instruction.

Step 4: Celebrate. For example, Ken received a gold star for losing his first 5 lb. and we were genuinely proud of him!