Here's my Christmas list:
My Amazon wish list can be found here. It's prioritized, though sort of half-heartedly, so pretty much anything on there would be neat-o for Christmas. Books and CDs are great used, so if you're short on cash, or you want extra bang for your Christmas buck for me, I'd love to have two used books for the price of one new one, or CDs or whatever else :) Other things that would be nice as Christmas presents include:

• Nice looking articles of clothing



• Morse code/Ham Radio apparatuses



• Fancy hot chocolate



• Chocolate cookbooks (don't know which ones are good, so I haven't added any to the list)



• Subscriptions to Make, Cook's illustrated or QST (which would just be membership in the ARRL).



• Board games (Apples to Apples, Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne expansions besides "Cathedrals and Inns")



• Other fun digital widgets (Arduino stuff, Chumby-like stuff), though nnone of those are necessarily things that I want, they might be cool.)

And anything else you think might be cool.

Hi this is my and Zach's Christmas list:

ZACH

white crew socks

The Bourne Ultimatum

Harry Potter (newest movie)

Carcassionne (board game like Paul's)

HEIDI

black socks

small pearl earrings

Shrek 3

The Simpsons Movie

Any Simpsons board game

Ben and I have posted Christmas lists on our blog. What do you want for Christmas?

Heidi emailed me that she is bringing sweet yams, pecan pie, another pie--probably banana cream or coconut cream, and Stove Top to Thanksgiving dinner. We'll need to be really hungry! I can't believe Thanksgiving is 7 days away!!!!!!

I've been considering deleting this blog for all the use it's gotten, but now that the holidays are rolling around, it might (maybe?) get some use again--mostly as a point of reference.

First, I would like to point out that there will be at least five pies at Thanksgiving dinner. There are 12 Wheelers in some form or another in the family, and I'm not sure the aunts and cousins are coming (which would bump the count up to 23). If there are 8 pieces per pie, this would mean that a total of 40 pieces of pie would allow 12 Wheelerish people to eat 3.5 pieces each, or under two pieces of pie for the whole clan of Nay descendants.

My original point with that impressive pie story problem (let us not forget that I was originally a math major for a series of weeks) was that we would have way beyond the amount of pie needed. Fortunately for all of us, though, simple mathematics have convinced me otherwise.

I will be bringing a chocolate peanut butter pie, and also another kind of pie whose type will be determined at a later date. I will also bring green bean casserole.

What are you going to bring?

p.s. I think this is the funniest Youtube video I've seen in a long, long time.

Fourth of July Fun

If that doesn't look like an accomplished sailor I don't know what does.

A beautiful Danish couple

A beautiful Viking couple

R Dub getting those must have pics of Malbork Castle in Poland.

The castle was a really neat place to visit but I sure am glad that more comfortable bathrooms have been developed in the last 800 years.

Well, people, I have to admit that I have fallen off the Wheeler Weight Loss Challenge wagon. Sure, I've been exercising, but I haven't lost any weight in at least a month because I've also been pigging out. So I am here today to recommit myself anew. Paul's high school reunion is August 11th, and we might be going. In order to be as stunningly beautiful and thereby show up his high school girlfriends as much as possible, I hereby set the goal of being able to comfortably wear the amazingly cute jeans that I got for FREE at Eddie Bauer this week (they were on sale for $25!!!! and I had a gift certificate) without having my still-pregnant-looking belly hanging out. There. So let it be written, so let it be done. If it's on the Internet, it must be true. Stay tuned for the rules that I'll set for myself.

Okay, in other news, Anna and I are going to be twins at Seven Peaks this summer (I will be the ugly twin). If you would like to be a twin with us, order this top in black (unless you are a boy).

Also: Paul and I have signed up for the Freedom Run 5K on July 4th (I figured it was the best way to make sure I'd exercise consistently). Ben's running the 10K (the show-off), and Mom told me she and Dad were thinking about participating in the 1 miler. SOOOO... Everybody else is doing it--why aren't you? Huh?

In conclusion, I wish Mom a very happy birthday tomorrow! Do you realize she's going to be sixty next year? Our little mama--sixty. I can't believe it.

Maybe I've figured out how to get to the Family Blog through Google???? Anyway, I'm still here and just thought I'd let you know I can now read what you post.

Homefront News Flash: Dad successfully installed a new (secure) router for us and we can get the internet from any location in the house--at least the upstairs. (Even my laptop!) We haven't tried it out downstairs, yet, but I won't be surprised if it works down there, too. This is fun!

Heidi called last night about 10 and said a building in their apartment complex--not close to them--was on fire. Too much excitement!!!!

I'm having a day home w/asthma today.

Hope all is well with all of you.

Hello Team. Finals are officially over. WOHOO! Now we can live a little. In fact my lovely bride and I went on a bike ride this very evening. I hope to share many joyous adventures in the days to come.

I also would like to tout (I don't think that is spelled right, and frankly, I don't care) my recent weight loss. I have lost 10 pounds, however it is only because my surgery drastically shrunk the size of my stomach and now I get nauseated when I eat. How joyous! I eat healthy, I feel like crap, I eat like crap, I don't feel healthy and the pounds keep falling off!! Needless to say, I am proud of you who have actually made lifestyle changes and lost weight the real way!!!

Hi folks,
Zach and I are going to be in the Provo area on saterday and are wondering if anyone would like to go to Toucano's for lunch with us. It is Brazilian BBQ like Rodizio Grill and if we go for lunch its way cheaper than dinner. Zach is playing in an indoor soccer game at 11 so we were thinking about going about 1PM. I talked to Ben already, but I don't have correct phone numbers for anyone else. Ben and Anna have generously offered to let Zach use their shower so we were thinking of coming over there after the game and then all going to the restaurant as soon as Zach doesn't smell anymore (hehe). What do ya'll think?
H-Duck

For the record, when I weighed myself on Saturday morning, I had lost twenty pounds since the inception of the Wheeler Weight Loss Challenge!!! VICTORY!

However. Then we spent a mere 24 hours at the Padres, and when I weighed myself on Monday morning, I had gained back three pounds. Well, crap.

I would like to announce my Mary Kay party, to be held on April 21 (a Saturday) at 11 a.m. Anyone who comes will get a $10 gift certificate. And also I will be making treats, or perhaps a treat, or perhaps just bean dip. It's that it's the Saturday before finals, so even though in my head I would like to make chicken salad to eat with croissants, I'm not sure it will happen. I'll be sending out invitations eventually, but don't feel pressured to come.

(And also: a blast from my high school past visited my blog today, and now I feel all weird. Why can't high school just GO AWAY??)

OK I am back to the Wheeler weight loss challange. I was reading older blogs, I decided that I want to know about Cafe Rio tomatillo dressing!!!
My new re-evaluated goals are: exercise 3 times per week for at least 30 minutes (aerobically) and then do resistance training 2 times a week.
I have no eating goals, because my current goal is to get ANY food to go down my esophagus without having to drink and entire glass of liquid with each bite. I think that's a good goal in and of itself.
I would also like to announce that I have had a punch biopsy of a mole on my left arm. Oh the perks of working in the cancer hospital! I have been assured by multiple physicians that the mole is fine and that I "don't have cancer" ( I don't think I do anyway, I just wanted the stupid mole off me) and that in my world "everyone has cancer". Oh the belittling I endure!!! HAHAHA
Anyway, Zach and I are up to no good, as usual (hehe).

This weight loss challenge is kicking me in the rear.

I've been thinking about reevaluating my goals because, well, I don't keep them.

Maybe I'll change my goal to just exercising 3 times a week and ditch the calorie limit for now.

If I can actually exercise during the week, I think I will automatically eat better too. Every time I start to lift that chocolate to my mouth I will think of how long it will take me to run it off.

I'm sure I have forgotten to tell someone/someones. Uncle Steve had a heart attack about a month ago. He had a stent placed. He is doing well, now. He is very thin, has good cholesterol levels. The only risk factor he has is stress. He is trying to de-stress his life. I certainly wish him luck!!!! Learn from his experience--stress can get to you!!!

Hey! I'm so excited. I FINALLY achieved my goal this past week. First time in 2 months and I get to keep the $10 for me--not for the winner--unless that's me. (Unlikely!)

This next week I'm going to exercise 4 times and drink 48 oz (or more) of liquid a day. That is 16 oz of milk/day and 32 oz of water with maybe a glass of Crystal-lite once or twice during the week.

How come no one else is posting the results of their efforts? Come on, you guys. You made this up, now you have to own up.

Love,
Mom

That's right folks this is a picture of the cookie bouquet my lovely bride made me for Valentine's Day. You read it correctly, she made them or as I like to say, hand crafted those beautiful cookies herself.

More news, Saturday Anna and I will be skiing at Sundance thanks to PriceWaterhouseCoopers. Thanks PwC. Also, our friend and yours, Sam Brooks, will be in town March 2nd to attend an orientation at BYU's law school and staying at the BenAnna Bed & Breakfast in Provo.

I would like to dedicate this post to good dieting/healthy snacks. Please add yours to the list.

• Well, okay, this one isn't good, but it must be included: carrots. Made more palatable (but, unfortunately, less calorie-friendly) by dressing. Especially Anna's approximation of Cafe Rio's tomatillo ranch dressing.
• Craisins.
• Beef jerky.
• String cheese.
• Pretzels.
• A glass of V8.
• That's all.

* Oh. Just so you know why, I've set up word verification for the comments when I saw a spam comment on Mom's post this morning. Dang spammers. Buggin' everybody all the time.

Thanks for your encouragement! I'm taking Melissa's advice and setting a goal this week of exercising 3 times. If I can do that, next week, I'll try to "up" the goal.

Dear family,

It has been a day or two or maybe longer since my last post. This jouranl writing has been weighing heavily on my mind. I don't know why really. It's just important. Several times a week I read Connie what I have written. Despite the inconvenience I must admit I'm actually enjoying reliving memories made long ago. Only 50 more years to write about! Connie taunted me by saying: 'I only have 36 years to write about... sucks to be you." You're right Rdub took litterary liscense. She didn't say it sucks to be you. I hope you are all writing your own histories.

After I receive all of your family histories (assuming you will participate in the rdub Christmas gift.) I would like to assemble them into a book. Is there anyone who would like to be editor in chief for this grand project?

I am just as interested in Tim's, Paul's, Anna's, and Zach's history as those of you who were born into the Wheeler clan. Connie and I consider all 9 of you our sons and daughters.

Congratulations to whomever is going to get all the money I am loosing to the Wheeler weight loss challenge group! I guess if you can't loose weight, money is the next best thing!!!! (Rats!) I haven't given up yet, but . . .

Maybe if I focus on walking in Ben's 5K???? Maybe if I pay a kid in our ward to call me twice a day to see how I'm doing? Or come over to take me for a walk???? Or I could buy a large roll of duct tape????

Or if I put peanut butter in Baylie's kong every day, her gnawing & slurping will make me loose my appetite (see, there's something else to loose!) I may have to see if JVH would allow a dog with a kong so I can keep my motivation with me 24/7. :) (Fat chance on both my asking and them allowing it!!!!!!!)

Que sera!

Oooh, also, I forgot: because we're getting a new internet service provider (hereafter ISP), we have to dispense with our xmission website. Meaning: we have to get a real name (instead of phuff.whatever.whatever.somemorestuff.com)! So what do you think it should be? You can go to godaddy.com to see if domain names are already taken. Unfortunately, paulhuff.com is already being used by a rather, ah, interesting man. So... huffsarecool.com? youwishyouwereahufftoo.com? huffsforever.com? Help a girl out.

Well, for the Wheeler Weight Loss Challenge Week Four, I lost. Ten more dollars from me into the pot. I have no tips or advice to encourage the masses (all six of us) onward. Sometimes I just want a little deep-fried goodness, preferrably in chocolate form. Why can't I love carrots and tofu? Dude.

In other news, Caleb likes to climb in empty diaper boxes and get pushed around the house. The boxes are the perfect length for his little legs and he looks so pleased sitting in there, surveying the world from the vantage point of Pampers. He also spent much of the day today banging wildly on the dryer. I can't wait for warmer weather when we can spend more time outside.

Let's make a list of fun things to do this summer, shall we? I'll start.

• Take Caleb to Hogle Zoo.


• Sign up for a Parent and Tot swimming class.


• Have picnics outside.


• Go up the canyon and possibly camp out overnight.


• Go to Seven Peaks.


• Go on bike rides (clearly this will involve bikes, which is kind of a problem).


• What else? Your turn.

Hey Fam. I was discussing the Wheeler Weightloss Challenge on Sunday night with a few fellow members of the challenge and we were thinking a Wheeler Weightloss challenge activity may be appropriate to have a little fun and to provide goal to work towards. We were thinking of a Wheeler Weightloss Challenge 5k (walk, run, or bike). We would have the 5k towards the end of March. Below is a link for 9 week workout program.

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

The program takes someone from the "couch to running a 5k." As I already mentioned if we put together a 5k the intention is that anyone who wants to participate can and all participants will have the choice to walk, run, or bike the 5k. Let me know what you think.

So, how's that weightloss challenge coming along? I am pleased to announce that I kept my goals again this week and I ran a 6:30 minute mile last Wednesday night. WOHOO! Thirty seconds left to trim and then it will be time to set a new goal. Everyone participating, please post your progress. If anyone has any questions about sending money via paypal let me know and we can get you squared away. Also, if anyone is having a hard time with their goals and would like to adjust them please submit a proposed adjustment to the blog. The overall purpose of this is for all of us to get a little healthier so please don't get frustrated and quit. Just make some adjustments to your goals and we can all be healthy and happy together :)

Hey folks. How about that Wheeler Weightloss Challenge? I have lost 38 pounds and I feel great! Okay I haven't lost 38 pounds but I have done my push-ups and exercising faithfully since the program was reinstituted and I do feel great. The Bonneville 1st ward Elders Quorum basketball team handily defeated their opponents on Friday and Saturday, which only adds to my greatness. To those of you participating in the challenge please blog your progress and don;t forget to pay yourself or the pot each week. I am looking forward to bringing home a handsome payoff in June when the contest ends.

I hope everyone did well with the first official week of the Wheeler Weightloss Challenge. If it didn't go very well, the PayPal e-mail address for the group fund is banana1511@hotmail.com. I'll keep the money in my PayPal account for the winner to collect at the end of six months. If you were successful, don't forget to set aside $10 for yourself!

As of Tuesday, Jan. 2, I am officially a Quality Analyst at Jordan Valley Hospital. I currently have the same work phone number (and office). I won't have the pager :) so call my cell if I don't answer the home or office phones. ('ll try to keep it charged and on!) I expect that within a month my office location and phone number will change also. I'll keep you posted. I'm going to try to work from 7 to 4/4:30 Monday through Thursday and 7 to 12 on Friday.

My staff took it pretty well on Tuesday when I told them. No word yet on exactly what my responsibilities will be, so I'm working on Core Measures that are due next Thursday. We only have about 150 charts to go. There are 2 of us and roughly 90 of the charts take about 15 minutes each. The other 60 take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to do!!!! If some doctors would just dictate (so it could be typed) or learn to write so we could read it!!!!

I hope you all don't have the smog we have. It's ugly outside, and cold. Thank goodness spring is coming!