The Daily 10 Point Challenge

Paul and I are doing a daily 10 point challenge with each other.    This originated with my sisters and mom doing these small daily habits to keep them spiritually and physically active.  Paul and I added a couple items to the list.  Each item is worth 1 point, with the exception of bedtime.  At the end of each week, we will count up our points.  Sunday we will not have the exercise point and it's a free day for sweets - yeah!

Morning Prayer

Book of Mormon reading (10 minute minimum)

Journal Entry

64 oz of water

No fried foods (this includes tortilla chips, my favorite)

No sweets/desserts

Exercise 20 minute minimum

Hug each child

Get in bed by 9:30pm, lights out at 10:00pm (WORTH 2 PTS)

I recently heard that Tonya (my sis) and Ryan are doing the challenge as a couple, and that's when I got the idea to do it with Paul.  If Tonya wins the weekly challenge, Ryan will spotlessly detail her van.  If Ryan wins, then Tonya has to get up early and make him breakfast before he leaves for work.  She lost one week and quickly learned her lesson!

Yesterday was our first day.  I did great and pulled off ten points by the skin of my teeth.  I played church volleyball last night with two games, one at 7:15 and another at 8:00pm.  I then found out that we had a third game at 8:45!  Oh, no!  We played two matches and then were about to start our rally-scored third match, when I told the team that I had to hurry home to get my last points for bedtime.  I left at 9:15 and pulled it off, to the surprise of Paul. Sorry team!

Now I just need to think about what my reward should be and what the reward should be if we "tie".  If we tie, then we both win, right!?

Ideas for reward:
Money amount
The other person makes the bed everyday
Clean my van

Both Win:
Lunch date
Shopping together

We celebrated 18 years!

Today we celebrated the creation of our family, which began 18 years ago in the Salt Lake Temple.  Two years ago I decided that instead of celebrating our anniversary with just the two of us, that we would make it a family event because it really is what it's all about.

This morning in sacrament meeting I found my first note hidden in the hymn book - Paul is so clever!  I continued finding little notes throughout the day.  Over 18 years ago on Dec 20, 1993, Paul surprised me with another note that he wrote in my scriptures, specifically in Doctrine & Covenants 132 (where it talks about the everlasting covenant of marriage).  He wrote "Will you marry me, Tiffani?" 

We kept it simple this year.

The girls and I made paper flowers to decorate the table!

Paul pulled out some old letters that I wrote to him.  This one dates back to August of 1989.  It was fun reading and sharing them with the kids.  Wow, they were sure funny - we were all shocked at how bold I was in my affection for young Mr. Winward.  We have letters from when I was 15 years old and up (through his mission).

Paul turns 40!

I can't believe that that we are getting this old!  Paul is still very youthful at heart, especially when he is playing flag football...in fact, he has a game tonight that he can't miss!  Happy Birthday Paul!

Pop the Clutch

This morning Paul needed my help push starting his Mini-Cooper.  I guess there was a light left on last night which ran down his battery and he didn't have time to jump start it with cables.  So I pushed him and the car out of the garage, with the help of the slope of the driveway.  Then it was tough to push forward, so Paul got out and helped me push while Porter steered the car.  Then after we got it moving pretty fast, he hurried and jumped in and popped the clutch and off he drove!

This reminds me of the good old college days when I had to push start my car several times before we realized we just needed a new car battery - easy fix.

The Dog House

I just love this advertisement by JCPenney.  It is so clever and well done.  I frequently reference this video.  Saturday night Paul found himself in the doghouse - oops!  Later that evening we both attended a meeting (arriving separately due to other circumstances).  I quietly asked him if he was out of the doghouse.  He assured me that he was.  I continued by asking if he went before "the board" - he again assured me that he had passed and was released.  Humm, I think he crawled his way out, just barely!  This was all in good humor, of course.  Paul just wonders why women are never sent do the doghouse.  I have never thought of that...but then again I have never seen a pink doghouse, have you?

Flag Football

I surprised Paul Thursday night by catching the last half of his flag football game (he is playing in a league right now) after the girls' ballet class.  Here is a side shot of my brother, Chad, (in red shirt with orange long-sleeve) and friend, Troy (in white hat).

They played a great game.  It was fun to watch.  Chad is a great quarterback - he can place that football just about anywhere with people on his tail.  And Paul can "run like a gazelle" (according to him) - he is so swift that he takes out the quarterback and runs and has these amazing pivot moves all over the field.  Way to go!  Troy is the unofficial coach - he would love to play but has a bad knee.  He comes faithfully to the games and gives them encouragement and advice. 

Paul has played every Saturday morning at a local high school field for the last few years.  They have tons of fun.  He won't give up his Saturday morning for anything - once he did for one of my volleyball games -but that's it!

Happy Birthday Paul

We had a great time celebrating Paul's birthday.  The night before Paul's birthday, Vivian told me that she didn't have school the next day -  that was a surprise to me.  I asked her why she doesn't have school (because I was not aware of this.)  She said that she doesn't have school because it's Dad's birthday and she was staying home to play with him.  She said she wanted more than two hours to be with him, she wanted ten hours!  She was so sweet - she gave Paul two $1 bills and an envelope full of change.

I enjoyed a lunch date with Paul.  I also made a rare office visit and helped him hang some vinyl lettering on his walls - it looks great (thanks Tara).

Paul then took us out for dinner to a Japanese Steak House where they cook your dinner in front of you.  It was a fun presentation and great food.  We then came home for a homemade Oreo Cheesecake.  We love you, Paul!  


FYI:  If you have a belated wish for Paul - contact him.  He doesn't read the comments left here.

Trip to McCall

 

We just returned from a two-night retreat with other couples from Allegis Financial Partners. Some couples are from our area and many others are from Utah. The company took care of the housing, the meals, and the activities - it was nice just to show up! This was actually my first overnight stay in McCall. We have driven through McCall many times on our way up to Northern Idaho while Paul was attending the U of I.

The small beach front is beautiful - the kids would love building sand castles if the weather was warmer. This particular weekend, it was very chilly. A few of the guys were brave enough to tube and wakeboard behind a boat. The water was absolutely freezing -- I'm talking about the 50's! On our way home, we grabbed a Subway sandwich and took a drive up to Tamarack. Hopefully, this resort gets funding so it can be re-opened. We drove around the resort to see the homes nestled among the trees. There is one huge resort building that is open for lodging. It is gorgeous. Someday the area will be thriving again. Many people made it possible for us to get away. Thank you so much!

Here is the little three bedroom cabin where we stayed with two other couples the first night and all alone the second. It had everything we needed and was nice and cozy. Last night we went with some other couples to "My Father's Place" for milkshakes. That is when I noticed this sign advertising the French doughnuts called Beignets that they serve each morning. It was too tempting, so I had to try them on our way out of town. Yum!

Get Out of the Rat Race

This is Porter's new favorite game. Paul has finally pulled this out of the closet (he has had it for years) and has taught both Corbin and Porter how to play this game sold by Robert Kiyosaki, who is known by his products of Rich Dad Poor Dad.

This game teaches you how to utilize your resources wisely to get out of the rat race of life and to pursue your bigger dreams. It's a great lesson on investing wisely, of not wasting money on unnecessary items (known as doo-dads), and of creating a residual income for the future.

Porter is now teaching the game to Olivia! Hopefully they will grow up and use the knowledge they are learning in this game. This is also Paul's favorite game - wanna play?

I just learned that this game is offered as a free e-game here! It is also sold as a board game here (don't croak - Paul considered this game an investment).

Big Birthday Surprise

Yesterday afternoon - in the middle of our crazy last day of school - Corbin and Paul flew out to Denver, CO. They met up with Paul's sister, Julia and family. From there they all drove to Casper, Wyoming, Paul's hometown.

This morning Paul's mother, Juanita, was meeting Daniel (a son) for a birthday breakfast at a restaurant. That is when she got the birthday surprise of having Julia's family there along with Corbin and Paul. She had no idea that they were coming, so I'm sure it was a happy, tearful reunion. She was expecting Corbin to arrive today at the Casper International Airport (he is staying there for 7 weeks), but she had no idea that Paul was coming, too!

How sweet! I just called and the siblings are helping with chores and fix-it jobs around the house before the birthday/retirement party tonight!

Wear Your Ring

This afternoon I went to the gym to watch my favorite cable news TV show. I was just getting settled into my bike when the guy sitting next to me started talking to me. He seemed a little too anxious to strike up a conversation. We briefly chatted for a minute (I have never met him before) when I cut him off short and told him that I came to watch Glenn Beck. I then plugged in my earphones and attentively watched the show.

Fascination information about the Dept. of Education, which was founded by Pres. Carter in 1979. It started with a budget of something like 11 billion dollars and now has a budget of 103 billion dollars for absolutely no return on investment. The tests showing students performance have been flat-lined for the past 30+ years. It shows that throwing more money at education isn't the answer. So what is the answer? Anyway, back to my story....

After 15 minutes on the bike, I switched to the treadmill (for variety). While I was there, the same man approached me and handed me a piece of paper. My eyes were drawn to the line that said, "maybe we can meet for coffee sometime" with his name and phone number. What!? I promptly handed the paper back to him as I unplugged one earphone and told him that I was married. He then felt very bad and apologized saying that he didn't think I was. How would he know, he doesn't know anything about me. I wasn't wearing my ring (I never do at the gym) and most the time forget to put it on. It was a little awkward but I just smiled and he went on his way.

I sent a text message to Paul and told him about my little story. He responded "You still have it."

This reminds of a story when a female attorney asked Paul if he was seeing anyone. His quick response was "Yes, I have been seeing someone for the past 14 years (as he showed her his wedding band)." Of course this lady, quickly said that she was asking for her friend (that's what they always say!)

I laughed and laughed when Paul told me that story a couple years ago. I then asked, "What will she give me for you?"

I like Paul's quick wit - I'm not prepared for his clever answers.

I Love Horchata

I first tasted Horchata at a Cinco de Mayo party a few years ago put on by the Spanish Branch in our last stake. Oh, the food was so good that night because it was authentic and this drink became my new favorite. I have only had it a couple times since then when we eat at Los Betos restaurant (I love their pork burritos).

Just out of the blue, Paul attempted to make horchata for me. It sort of turned out like my first attempt, too watery. But he didn't give up and he tried again. The second time it turned out fantastic! Thank you Paul - that was so sweet and thoughtful of you.

Here is the recipe.

I'm More than Enough!

Tonight we were reading in the Book of Mormon as a family. We came across a section in Jacob where the men are being rebuked for their whoredoms and concubines. After talking about this, Paul said, "One wife is plenty!" We all laughed and laughed! I guess he hands his hands full with me. What do you think Paul is implying?

Gym Discovery

Tonight at the gym I made a discovery about Paul. I watched him exercising and noticed that he had someone helping him and following him around (someone setting his weights for him). Then it clicked with me and I figured out that Paul was working with a personal trainer!

So when he approached me on my StairMaster. I said, "I know what you are doing!" He gave me a little sly smile. I guess he has worked out a few times with this guy and is feeling the pain! I asked him when he was going to tell me (because we aren't usually at the gym together). He said that one day he was going to rip off his shirt and then I would see the results!

Okay, I will let you all know if this pays off. Paul has a challenge opposite to most of us - he can't gain weight. He hovers around his high school weight - which is less than what I weigh. Yes, it is sick! Paul is on a health kick, actually he is now a healthier eater than me by a long way. He even turned down ice cream last night and I didn't! I can feel a few extra pounds from the winter - yuck! So I will try to give some of my weight to him.

Flag Football Every Saturday!

This morning I received a frantic phone call from Paul. He said, "Tiff, I did something really foolish and I need your help."

After hearing that my head was spinning...I wondered what was wrong. Did he get in a car accident or run into something? Then he continued, "I'm at football and I left the bag of flags in the garage and the guys are waiting and upset."

Oh, that I can manage - that's not so bad after all...at least to me! So I jump in the van and meet him down at the high school football field. While I am there I have to snap a couple photos just for memories sake!

I had to jump over this concrete barrier to get to the field!

Chad, my brother, who gave me a decent hug today and Paul! (Help me someone....why do my photos blur after I put them in photoscape?) Hey Chad, if you see this post and give me a call - you will win a prize!

Great News for Me

Yesterday Paul called me on the phone to ask if I heard the bad news from the insurance company. I had no idea what he was talking about. Recently we had our health exams for new life insurance (that we purchased through Paul -he is now licensed -this goes hand in hand with his estate planning firm) and Paul got word of the results.

The good news was that Paul is ranked in the Preferred status, but the bad news to him is that I was ranked in the Elite status. What? That is good news! But to a competitive man, he wanted to know why he wasn't ranked Elite, also. They assured him that he had excellent health and that only 1% of people are ranked in the top echelon - it is a category for marathon runners.

Oh, I teased him all night. Of course, I was surprised by the outcome because I am not a runner. However, I do workout at the gym 5 days a week - so I guess it's paying off. I asked "what do you expect?" At the time of testing he wasn't exercising regularly (like he does now - at 5 mornings a week), if he got the same rating as me "it would be a mockery of exercise...and you don't deserve it!"

This was all said in fun. Paul said I should be happy with my health status. I am very grateful for a healthy body and a gym nearby. I would love any of you to join me. How about a little "Group Power" (strength training class...I have a free pass for someone to come with me) or a little cardio?

I'm really not an exercise snob - I was pleasantly surprised by the news Paul shared. I said that is what you get when you eat lots of candy and chocolate. (I eat more junk than Paul - but for the most part we eat healthy.)

Birthday Night with the Family

The girls are ready for the movie to start!

We took the family out for Taco Tuesday because Paul loves tacos (yeah- I didn't have to cook)!

The boys love trying all the sauces - even "Del Inferno". Paul stopped with the hottest sauce after his crazy hiccups began. I tried to catch them on video, but then they magically stopped.

For lunch, Paul and I met at Carinos for a tasty pasta dish. (Just a reminder: On Monday and Tuesdays they have 1/2 price on the family platters - it's a great deal!)

We didn't have time to celebrate with dessert or blowing candles....Vivian howled half of the way home when she realized this. She cried, "I've been waiting for this all day". Oh, I guess that the birthday will carry into Wednesday!

Paul was happily surprised by how many people remembered his birthday. He received many phone calls, some cards, texts, and notes on Facebook. You made his day!

Happy Birthday Paul!

Happy Birthday sweetie, we hope you have a great day!

Paul loves bday phone calls and texts! (hint...hint)

I don't like to remember how old I am so I frequently ask Paul how old he is and then just minus a year. Last year it was my birthday and I told everyone I was a year older than I was. Thanks to Kami who gave me the good news that I wasn't that old for another year! That was the best bday gift.

Skirt -n -Pants & the Halloween Fast

Paul and I went for a walk around the neighborhood. Before we left I struggled with how my legs were going to stay warm since I was wearing a skirt. I expressed this out loud with Paul and told him that my legs would freeze. I could wear nylons, but they are so thin and not too warm. I could wear thick tights, but I don't have any. So my only choice was to wear pants under my skirt!

When I came out with my long pants under my skirt Paul gave me weird looks. He didn't get it. I explained that I still wanted to observe the Sabbath Day by dressing appropriately but that I didn't want my legs to freeze. He snickered and teased me as we walked, and I said "hey baby, I'm holding onto the rod!" I know he must have been a little embarrassed to be seen with me - but, oh well, I feel strongly about staying dressed in my Sunday clothes all Sunday.

Later during our planning session we came to Saturday night when he reminded me that Sunday, Nov. 1st was fast Sunday and that we would begin our fast Saturday. What?! That is Halloween night...how can you expect me not to eat any candy? Now Paul wants to hold to the iron rod while I want to let go for a moment in the cotton candy mist to pursue the all-you-can eat candy buffet! Hmmm....dilemma. We had a few good laughs during all of this.

Early Birthday Gift

Vivian quietly worked in our little office all by herself. I really had no idea what she was doing...maybe coloring or making a card. Later is was time for her to leave for school. It was then that I noticed her creation of paper and lots of tape. She was really worried to leave her little creation but I assured her it would be safe.

Later when Paul came home from work, Vivian presented him with two early birthday gifts! He said he would wait to open them on his birthday, but she insisted that he should open them now and that she would make him a card for his birthday.

First gift: This little basket was the gift that she carefully wrapped. How precious!

After Paul opened this second gift there was much controversy. Olivia said that this rainbow bouncy ball was hers, but then Porter also said it was his! Oh, boy! Vivian said she found it in her bedroom closet (which she shares with Olivia). We aren't sure of the real owner, but nevertheless it is now Paul's!

Paul was touched by her kindness and thoughtfulness. Children can teach us powerful lessons. The gift inside the wrapping doesn't really matter it is the expression of love that counts- giving from the heart.