Happy Birthday Yesterday Dennis~

So sorry I didn't post this yesterday but HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRO!!! I sure do love you. I'm thankful for the times that we get a minute to chat on the phone lately too... I probably talk to you more than most of the rest of the fam. I think you're so great! You have a great sense of humor and are open to so many things. I appreciate your love of good food (even when you critique what I make :). I admire your devotion and love for those you care deeply about. Thanks for giving me some good book recommendations, I appreciate your ability to discern whether its appropriate for me. I love that you're always up for some fun and you know how to laugh (even if it is at Richy trying to lift you up). You're so very supportive and kind. There are a lot of reasons I look up to you. Thanks bro. Happy Birthday~ I hope all your dreams come true!

Poly.....Gamy

I was informed today that polygamy must be back in, and I am one of the first who gets to...... (enjoy?) it. I was washing the dishes and Lucy came to chat. She informed me she was getting married and when I asked her who the lucky guy was she said, "You!" She talked about the plans, the flowers we would have, (magical ones of course) the types of tables, the setting, and everything. I asked, "Lucy, I am already married what would my wife think?"

"She would say, 'It's o.k. to marry another girl, you can marry every girl you want, and then you can kiss all of them on the lips,.... at the same time!'" Her enthusiasm scared me a bit, but then it was so vivid in her imagination, that she must have already had this conversation with Adrienne, and A just didn't know how to give me the go ahead nod.

Let's hear it

OK, Let's hear how the week went for everyone. What was hard? What was easy? What are you most excited about? What is keeping you going this week?

Points: Week 1

1. Kari 58
2. Mom 56
3. Ethan 47
4. Kim 44
5. Richy 38
6. Dave 35
7. Adrienne 31
8. Dennis 29
9. Heather 21

eta. Dave and Adrienne hadn't counted Saturday's points yet when they were sent to me.

Happy Birthday Heather!

Just wanted to give a shout out to my sista from another mista. Heather you've been my sister for such a long time it just feels like we're blood. Thanks for being so great. For always helping with my hair and make up for dances way back in the day. Showing me good times (and good pizza) at Utah State. For getting muddy with me on the soccer field. For setting an excellent example on how to enjoy Halloween (OK, and lots of other stuff too). For finishing your degree and showing me I could do it too. For letting me witness the miracle of life for the first time and helping me to realize what a beautiful miracle it is. Being honest with me and forgiving me for my failings. For so many other fun and random and wonderful things. But most of all for loving me.

You are such a fabulous sister! You are beautiful, funny, smart, talented... the list could go on and on. I love you! And I hope you have a spectacular birthday because you deserve it!

And by the way, the birthday idea is one to talk to Dennis, Richy and Kari about... they're the only others who will be affected. You could form an alliance. :)

You Decide 2009

So, I've decided that I'm not going to worry about the questions/concerns you've all presented. I will simply ask each of you to honestly consider what you think is the best way to handle your personal situation and decide from there. I will not be policing the points, I will be recording the points. Just send me your weekly totals and I will record them, no questions asked. Just please be honest, so its fair for everyone.

How much water should I drink?

Several questions and concerns have come up about the water points. I know we all need different amounts of water for optimal health. I said 48 oz because I figured we all probably need more than that, but can get the extra fluids from other sources such as milk and 100% fruit or vegetable juices.

I did a search online to see how much water I should be drinking a day and found this little "quiz" at about.com. According to this I should be drinking approximately 82 oz. of fluid a day, so the 48 oz. is a definite low ball number and the milk and/or juice that I drink can make up for some of the difference (though I probably drink 56-64 oz. of water most days).

Go check out how much you should be drinking. If it says less than 48 oz. let me know and we'll figure something out. You can also read this article about why we need water.

I hope this helps clarify things. Let me know if you have any more questions about water.

I'm still trying to figure out how to handle some of the other questions/concerns that have come up. The points are set up so that it is fair for everyone. When we start making exceptions for one person because of this and another person because of that, I'm afraid the point system loses its integrity. I'm hoping to get an outsider to help me figure out the best way to handle your questions. I'll be sure to have answers soon!