We Are(n't) Wheelers

2010-01-21T22:01:00.000-08:00

Hello? Hello...?

I have two things to share:

First, I think it's important for everyone to know about a special interaction Caleb and I had with Grandpa last night. It was the first time we'd seen him in, what? Five whole days? He'd been in the far distant land of Arizona. And he returned with three (kitty litter) buckets full of "citrus." Now, I have no earthly idea why he did the following:

He takes a lemon from one of the buckets.

He puts the lemon in bowl.

He cuts the lemon in half.

He asks Caleb, "You know what this is?"

Caleb gives Grandpa a look of why are you asking me this? and says, "It's a lemon, Grandpa."

Grandpa squeezes the lemons into the bowl and says in his I'm-talking-to-one-of-my-grandkids! voice, "What does this look like, Caleb?"

In a tone that's clearly saying why aren't you playing with me? he humors the old man: "It's lemon juice, Grandpa."

And so Grandpa begins to drink the lemon juice. I have no idea why. He just lapped it up and then spent the next ten minutes smacking and saying, "Hoo boy! That was sour."

Well, yes. Yes, it was, Dad. IT WAS A LEMON.

At the time, I thought nothing of this. But last night as I was almost asleep, I remembered Dad's amazement at the lemon's juice sourness and woke myself up laughing.

And since I don't think that was quite as funny in the telling as it actually was, here are some pictures of Paul's birthday party. We had some Scottish visitors stop by!

2010-01-21T22:00:00.000-08:00

The other Scots:

2008-12-26T07:31:00.000-08:00

I loved Christmas! My wife is the best! I especially love my new arduino (although nobody really knows what that is). Here is a picture.

2008-12-05T22:24:00.000-08:00

Here is my Christmas list

FIFA Soccer 2009 for Wii

Madden Football 07 or 08 for Wii

New Batman DVD –The Dark Night

Joseph Smith the Prophet by Truman G. Madsen – CDs or Book

Dress Shirt (16 ½ Neck, 34-35 Sleeve)

Tie

Charcoal Slacks

Black Slacks

Soccer Ball Size 5

Brown Dress Shoes

Black Shoe Laces for 3 Eyelet Dress Shoes – Oval

Gift Certificate (Food, Movie…)

Head Phones for Delicate and Hairy Ears

Blue Dress Socks

Tan Dress Socks

Black Belt (36 Waist)

2008-12-01T12:36:00.000-08:00

At the risk of appearing greedy, I'm going to be the first to post my Christmas List with the hope that everyone else will also post theirs. (Please.)

Makeup mirror (one like this only cheaper...non-lit/on a pedestal)
Rocket Dog Stokers, Black, Size 8
Welcome Home Salt City Candle
Socks - preferably patterned (stripes, argyle)
Sterling Silver Necklace, 30" or more
Additional pieces of my nativity, wiseman, shepherd and animals
XL white long sleeve t-shirt like this one
XL Black Cardigan like this one
XL White Long Sleeve Button-Up shirt like this one
Body Shop Makeup Brush

2008-05-09T15:06:00.000-07:00

How about those Christmas lists. We are such faithful bloggers.

Knock, knock ...

2007-12-05T22:00:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-11-27T10:41:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-17T18:49:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-15T07:33:00.000-08:00

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!!!!!!

2007-11-07T14:31:00.001-08:00

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.

2007-09-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July Fun

2007-06-29T22:28:00.000-07:00

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

2007-06-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

A beautiful Danish couple

2007-06-29T22:19:00.000-07:00

A beautiful Viking couple

2007-06-29T22:12:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-05-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-05-03T10:57:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-04-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-04-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2007-04-06T14:21:00.000-07:00

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

2007-04-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-03-29T19:15:00.000-07:00

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??)

2007-03-09T15:15:00.000-08:00

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).

2007-03-06T13:04:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-02-28T19:58:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2007-02-25T20:05:00.000-08:00

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

2007-02-22T12:17:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-02-19T10:37:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-02-18T18:40:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-02-18T17:29:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-02-10T02:07:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-02-01T21:39:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-02-01T21:31:00.000-08:00

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.

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.

2007-01-24T13:33:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-01-21T19:52:00.000-08:00

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 :)

2007-01-14T19:28:00.000-08:00

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.

2007-01-07T18:34:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-01-04T05:39:00.000-08:00

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!

2006-12-31T08:04:00.000-08:00

I have decided to post some info about the bird flu. I know some aren't concerned about this and think it is not important. However, I would like to say that this isn't a right wing conspiracy. Righters and Lefters have been studying this issue since 1997 (see cdc.gov) We all know we should be prepared. Growing up LDS has taught us that. I am just going to share some epidemiological facts (not "right wing made up scare tactics") with ya'll. There were 3 bird flu pandemics in the last century (1918, 1957, 1968) 1918 was the most severe US population was 103, 208,000. Deaths from that flu were 675,000. > 90% Mortality were among those aged 20-45 (unusual for the flu but thats the way it was). 1957 70, 000 US deaths 1-2 million deaths world wide, 1968 34, 000 us deaths 700,000 deaths worldwide. the decrease in mortality was partially due to medical advances, but also due to differences in virulency of strain. the stain of interest currently is called 'H5N1'. currently is passing from bird to bird regularly. it is also killing most of the birds (wild and domestic) that get infected. it is currently present in birds in all of Asia, Europe (including the old USSR), Middle East and Africa (about 2 years ago it was only found in asia). It has had some bird to human transfer (with 50% of these resulting in deaths) in all countries with infected birds (see above list). There has not been human to human transfer yet. Human to human transfer is when the pandemic will begin. (good old evolution working here)Recently CDC scientists uncovered graves of eskimos who has died of the flu in 1918. There were able to isolate viral dna from the bodies and compare it to the H5N1 virus now occuring in birds and passing from bird to human and it is the same virus. Perhaps you all know that part. The part you don't know is more important. The federal government is asling the states to have a plan in place, there is no real fed gov plan for dealing with this when it comes. In SL county there are expected to be about 280000 people getting sick with the pandemic (bird) flu. 30000 will be sick enough to be hospitalized, 5000 will need to be in the ICU 2500 will need to be on a ventilator. This issue is, there are only 1000 hospital beds in the state. There are only 500 ventilators in the state. People will not be admitted to the hospital for the flu. SImply because people will still be having heart attacks, diabteic coma, cancer, babies will still be born, etc. Remember the numbers I am giving are for SL County only, we still have to think about Weber, Davis and Utah counties (and all the others). Most people who get the flu and are sick enough to be hospitalized will probably die because there are not enough hospital beds or ventilators to support them. Buying more vents is not the answer. Patients on a vent need to be monitored by an ICU trained RN. There are about 1500 RNs in the state, less than half have been ICU trained. Training tech's to monitor vent patients is like having Sam deliver Caleb (no offense Sam). People sick enough to be hospitalized will probably end up in "off site" wards with 70 patients to every nurse. Every company should plan for a 30% reduction in force due to illness(including nurses, docs, policemen, firemen). It may be that social gatherings are cancelled (church) many services may not be available due to people being sick and not able to run the water plants, electric and gas companies. We will have to be self sufficient and not dependent on the government (what a novel idea!) to help us. I feel I have done enough cramming of info down your throats. If you don't think this was a big deal before reading this, I hope you do now. If you still don't care, you may be suffering from what we in the medical community call "public misperception of sufficiency of care". Those who want to know more about reccomendations for preparedness, length of the pandemic, how to prevent spread, isolation techniques if you get ill, etc. feel free to post questions or email me @ hduckworth2006@hotmail.com
if you choose not to care, remember you have been warned and don't come to my house when you get sick (isolation technique...seriously!)

2006-12-29T18:36:00.000-08:00

I would like to announce that our website (basically, Caleb's personal photo gallery) is back up and running, thanks to 3.5 minutes of work from Paul.

2006-12-27T02:58:00.000-08:00

Well, it was my "most fun" Christmas ever! I had a wonderful time! Thanks to you all for coming.

Dad's birthday is next Monday and Paul's is the following Friday. I'd like to have a birthday dinner for them on Monday, Jan 1, at 1230. Maybe we can play on a game of "Apples to Apples," too. I'll try to find the "Bible edition" for us to try that day.

(Melissa told me they will be having a birthday party for Caleb on Jan. 24 to celebrate his big # 1, so we will save his celebration for then.)

2006-12-14T20:31:00.000-08:00

We found out Sunday that we will be having Sacrament Meeting and Relief Society/Priesthood Meeting on Sunday, Dec. 24. Just so you know!

Is there anything you would like to eat, have or do to make Christmas more fun?

It looks like we will have finished walls, a finished bathroom downstairs (in addition to the 2 upstairs) and doors. There will be curtains of some kind, but unlikely the permanent kind. We won't have carpet but I'm going looking for some rugs to put by the beds so you won't freeze your feet. I think next time you come for Christmas (in 2 more years), we'll have everything done!!!!

2006-12-13T04:14:00.000-08:00

For those of you interested in Dad's Christmas list (a comment to one of Melissa's posts), I bought the game "Apples to Apples" yesterday for us to play when you come for Christmas. So, he doesn't need another one! :)

2006-12-11T21:57:00.000-08:00

Wheeler Weight Loss Challenge, Week One

Things went better for me than I anticipated, with the following delightful discoveries (mostly calorie-based):

Rice Krispy Treats (a 9x13 cut into twelve servings) have but 153 calories each (possibly the best news all week!)

One cup of lite popcorn has 20 calories

51 stick pretzels have 100 calories

Zoom is a delicious lunch

Otter Pops have only 15 calories per pop.

It's entirely likely that our scale has broken.

My challenges were as follows:

I had to read 19 research papers, many of which were horrible beyond my wildest dreams

I still don't like carrots

Cooking is a big, fat, ugly pain--especially at this time of the semester--but eating out isn't really an option as far as calories go (and they don't go that far)

I want to make fat sugar cookies more than anything else in this world, but we all know that I would eat them all and then I'd have to fork over my ten bucks. No good.

That's all I can think of. If you have any great recipes, please share. Cooking hates me.

2006-12-09T08:26:00.000-08:00

At Melissa's request, here are some Christmas lists:

Tim
*Settlers of Catan board game
*Warren Buffet book (a biography of some sort)
*Jim Cramer books--this is the guy that says "BOOYAH!" as he sweats profusely on his TV show. I think he has three books. Tim has the one called "Watch TV Get Rich.")
*ITunes gift card
*A money clip (like Ben's)
*Something to keep him out of trouble when I'm not tending him

Me
*Black flats (size 8)
*Crocks
*Hair straightener with wide ceramic plates
*A pin comb
*A salad spinner
*Shade t-shirts (s/m)
*A fun board game
*Gift cards for dinner
*Bath towels
*AA batteries for the digital camera (ones I can charge)
*2 medium sized bags that zip for 72 hour kits

2006-12-08T17:30:00.000-08:00

Heidi and I will don the slopes at Brighton tomorrow! We'll be thinking of you.

For those of you who may be searching for Rdub's Christmas list; it is hidden as a comment to Melissa's threat of giving out coal or was that 'crap', and if so what does she mean? Junk or something worse?

2006-12-08T02:43:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to have all of you come for Christmas!!!! Can't wait. I think I'm about 7 again! :)
The basement is about 1/2 sheetrocked (if that's a word).

The Christmas List: I certainly don't want a Chia pet for Christmas (or any other time) so here's my list, such as it is!
Sox--(I know, "boring", but my feet will love them--white, black, navy, dark brown
New temple shoes--size 11 (white) stiff & slip-on--I have trouble getting the soft ones on
White knee-highs
Laminator (for 8.5 x 11 pages)
Dremmel (sp) (Lana Danner has one to "groom" her toe nails)
Neck protector for seat belts x 2
Nightgown, 3X, short to 3/4 sleeve, mid-calf or +, any color--I like the ones Lands' End has, but I'm sure I'd like others, too.
10" cast iron skillet, maybe w/lid???
Good book(s)
Soothing/calming/uplifting music/CD
Unscented or lightly scented "heavy-duty" hand lotion/cream
Flash drive for Family History files--much lighter to carry to the library than a laptop, huh?

2006-12-05T21:09:00.000-08:00

I feel like cookie monster, only with present. Me want presents!
Here is a link to my amazon wish list. There is a variety of things in a variety of price ranges...
Check it out, if you dare.

2006-12-05T07:29:00.000-08:00

We Are(n't) Wheelers
THE DUCK'S LISTS
Heidi's List:
Blue chenile (sp?) scarf and matching gloves
black pea coat XL
The EssentialCyndi Lauper
Tim McGraw's greatest hits vol 2
Rascal Flatts, Me and My Gang
The Wreckers CD
Miranda Lambert, Kerosene
Nacho Libre
dark brown socks ( to wear with brown loafers...yes I am asking for socks AGAIN this year!)
A million dollars
World Peace
( I was channeling Grandma Nay on those last 2 items)
Welcome Home scented candle

Zachs List:
Well I have no idea, this kid is awful to buy for!!!
But, I think he would like:
Pirates of the Carribean 2 DVD
Ice Age 2 DVD
20 inch flat screen monitor (thanks for showing him yours, DAD!)
Denver Broncos stuff
A million dollars
World Peace

2006-12-05T07:15:00.000-08:00

We Are(n't) Wheelers
Oh the joys of speaking to the elderly on the phone to get health histories!!!
"Ma'am, are you having pain right now?"
"Pain! Pain?! All you people ever ask me about is pain, I haven't had pain a day in my life!"
much later in the interview...
"Do you have any bleeding tendencies or are you anemic right now?"
"Bleeding?! No I don't have emphysema, I never smoked a day in my life!"
"Do you have any heart problems?"
"No I don't!!! I'm in perfect condition!"
"But ma'am, I see that you have had a triple bi-pass in 2004 and just got a pacemaker..."
"I know! I don't have any heart problems now, I'm fixed!"
Heidi now banging her head on the desk at work...
"Thank you for your time ma'am"
"You kids need to check your facts before you ask me so many dumb questions..."
Heidi prints out the health history, puts it in the chart and puts it away for the next day's surgeries, and she says to herself, "I'll just let anesthesia start that I.V.!!!"

2006-12-04T20:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas Listing

"Hmmm," I keep saying to myself. "I wonder what the-sibling-whose-name-I-pulled wants for Christmas." (Hey. Are we telling? Or are we surprising? I'm unsure. Please put in your $0.02.)

If you're wondering the same thing about Ben or Anna or me, there you go.

The rest of you: put up a wish list! Otherwise, you're going to get something crappy for Christmas.

2006-12-03T19:27:00.001-08:00

Anyone up for skiing next Saturday?

AS you know I took Jean, Ben and Anna skiing Satuday. We had a grand time! Sure it was a bit cold, but it was worth the sacrifice. Anyone up for next week? I will pay for those who were unable to ski yesterday. Those who went yesterday are welcome to come, but will need to pay for their own ticket. We will be skiing at Snow Basin again. ($30.00 for 1/2 day and $37.00 for a full day. This price is good until the 10th of December. Prices begiining the 10th are $60.00 for a full day) 1/2 day was all Rdub could handle yesterday.

I'll be working consistently on Connie's treadmill, and by December 23 should be able to handle the annual all day event!

2006-12-03T14:40:00.000-08:00

Caleb's Newest Tricks

We say, "Caleb! Where's your head?" and he pats his head.

Walking. Five steps yesterday, several more today. WALKING.

2006-11-29T14:23:00.000-08:00

Wheeler Weightloss Challenge, 2nd ed.

I propose that we officially start our challenge on Monday, Dec 4. This should give all of us time to set specific goals and finish off the icecream in the freezer.

One idea I had was to save $10 for every week we stick to the diet/exercise plan. Conversely, for every week we don't stick to our plan, we would have to contribute $10 to a group fund. (Perhaps we could set up a Paypal account for this purpose). Then at the end of 6 months, the most successful person gets the balance of the group fund and each of us can reward ourselves with the money saved from successful weeks and start the challenge over. If $10 is too hefty for some budgets, we could each choose an amount we can comfortably sacrifice.

I think the monetary commitment will help motivate us. What do ya'll think?

Additionally, I propose that we all take a before and after picture and post them to the blog. And since success isn't always measured in lbs, we could all take our body measurements at the beginning and mark our progress that way (up to you if you want that posted). Each week we can report our progress and share motivational advice, healthy recipes etc...

If you want to join in the challenge, please post a comment with a brief synopsis of your weekly goal.

The following link can help you estimate how many calories you should be eating for maintenance, weightloss, or extreme weightloss.
http://www.freedieting.com/tools/calorie_calculator.htm

2006-11-26T14:56:00.000-08:00

2006-11-24T12:07:00.000-08:00

Caleb's Wish List

Size 12M clothes--especially sweaters, sweatshirts, and the like

Socks

Toys, like
- blocks
- roll-a-rounds
- Cars (bigger than hotwheels and with rounder edges to avoid choking and/or maiming)
- little people
- bath toys
- other stuff
Diapers--size 3

a baby food grinder

a quiet book kit

whatever.

****This list in no way implies that we're seeking/expecting gifts for Caleb. Rather, it is in answer to the oft-asked question, "What does Caleb need for Christmas?"

2006-11-22T10:40:00.000-08:00

Wheeler Weightloss Challenge

I know this isn't a very good time of year to try to start a diet, but I thought I'd at least introduce the idea to see if anyone would be interested in joining me in an effort to get healthier.

They (the evil diet people) say that it's easier to stick to an exercise and diet program if you have someone to report to. In this case, we could have a group to report to.

Because we are all at varying degrees of weight and health, it'd be hard to select one goal for everyone to meet. For example, Ben and Caleb will probably want to gain weight and I want to lose weight.

I'd love to hear any ideas that you may have. My original idea was that the most successful person would get a pre-determined and desirable reward paid for by the other members of the group.

What do ya'll think? Any ideas?

2006-11-21T16:39:00.000-08:00

I still love work!

2006-11-21T16:25:00.000-08:00

I love work!

2006-11-20T14:00:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already discovered it, I made a blog for Ben and I several months ago. It hasn't been updated in a few months, but someday I might post something. It's http://ben-anna-wheeler.blogspot.com/.

Feel free to peruse both posts.

2006-11-19T20:10:00.000-08:00

Today was the Bonneville First Ward's inaugural Finance sunday school class and it was a good one. The teacher is thinking about having a guest speaker, R Dub, give stock tips to the congregation Provo-ites who will be assembling weekly for financial discussion. Stay posted for stories to come, there are sure to be some good ones.

2006-11-16T21:27:00.000-08:00

Caleb showed some alarmingly mashocistic signs today. He began by getting up at midnight and staying up for two hours--bad form. Later, after I'd gotten home from school, he chose to fall directly on his little face (against one of Paul's special '80s electronic devices), which resulted in a split and bloody lip--very traumatic (mostly for me. I immediately called Mom, and in the time it took to dial her number, he had calmed down and was happily smearing blood all over everything--mostly my formerly white shirt). Roughly five minutes into my conversation with Mom, he fell again and bruised his young cranium. Good heavens, child.

The funniest/most disturbing thing, though, was his discovery of his own hair. He was rubbing his little head, and then found his wee tufts of hair, so then, of course, he started yanking it and he'd cry like I was the one torturing him. It happened over and over and over again. I could almost see the wheels turning in his head: oooh! What's this stuff? *yank!* WAAAAAAHHHHHH!! [Three seconds go by.] Ooooh! What's this stuff?? *YANK!* WAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!! Multiply by twenty. I tried to get him to stop by redirecting his attention, but I was mostly unsuccessful.

So, at the close of today: one fat lip, one bruise on chin, one bruise on forehead, a tender pink spot above left ear. Friday, be kind to us.

2006-11-14T19:53:00.000-08:00

Hey! I think I've figured out how to work this thing!!! Maybe I should be the "ancient one" between the birthdays and the electronics-challenge. :) If this doesn't work, I'll go look for my hammer and chisel and a flat rock.

2006-11-13T20:14:00.000-08:00

Even ancient ones can blog! A few weeks ago the Young Men's President in our ward referred to the new High Priest Group Leader as the ancinet one. Ancient my eye!

2006-11-12T19:30:00.000-08:00

I would like to say, "hear! hear!" to Mother's fine show of Brazilian food. Next, I suggest we have Dad provide a meal native to his mission. Unless that means macaroni noodles with butter and garlic salt, because, well, that meal sucks. Maybe we should just skip Dad all together and move on to Zach.

In food-related news, if you're looking for a good lemon bar recipe, I suggest you turn to that yellow Mormon cookbook with the beehive on the front. It's good, people.

And in case anyone was wondering, Caleb's drive home went like this:
Stage 1: The car seat! I HATE the car seat! Waaaaaahhhhh!
Stage 2 (after sweet Mama provides various toys): A-bah. A-bah. A-bah. A-tah. Bla bla bla bla!
Stage 3 (clunking self on tender head with massage ball thing weighing approximately 15 pounds): WAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! I HATE ALL OF YOU!!!
Stage 4 (comprising Redwood Road on 90th to Lindon): Mmmmm, biter biscuit. Mmmmm, smearing biter biscuit on Mama. Mmmmmm, smearing biter biscuit all over my face and hands and hair.
Once home, he fell promptly asleep.

The end to another lovely Sabbath.

2006-11-12T19:05:00.000-08:00

Wohoo! I love posting.

2006-11-08T21:45:00.000-08:00

I would like to begin this fine family blog by declaring the following pivotal fact: Caleb has taken one unassisted step a day for the last three days. That, my friends, is all. Come. Post. Post often.