2009 has arrived!

A new year has surely come to the Swainston home, I'm just not sure if I like they way the new year rolled in. As you might all remember that last year when the month of January came, I had my share of strange events involving my health. Well all I can say is that Juanary has come again and yes it seems to be that we are experiencing the same sort of things.



Our first event was that of our missionary, Dallin. He returned home because of some health issues. We thought it was his gallbladder and have come to the conclusion after many tests and even getting sick at home that "yes" it is the Gallbladder and they will take it out on Friday! Boy the things you have to do to find out you are really sick!



Upon coming home and becoming missionaries( the entire family is Dallin's companion)We started the daunting task of taking many tests. One day while fufilling the need for nourishment, Dallin and myself went to get something to eat. "Yes" the worst happened, we were contaminated with a form of disentary. "Camphloybactera" Dallin because of the tests he took and a collon clense, happened to pass by the worst of it, as for myself I was caught with my pants down and got really sick. Two IV's later and some good drugs we are both rid of the pest. So that has started the new year out. We are still progressing forward, But I would really like to get back to normal....I am not sure what that is anymore.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

You are the best example to me, and I love you so much. You sacrifice so much for me and for our family, always putting us first, and we appreciate all you do! You are so kind and loving and I value our friendship!

Love ya lots!

Love ,

Mandy

Football, Football, Football

I know this sounds redundant, but yes one more coment about football. Who knows you might get two more coments...It seems to never stop(I mean this football season) We are off to our first playoff game today. We travel to Fresno, CA( 2 hours away) to play the #2 seated team, Clovis West. We played them our first game(practice) this fall and lost by 2 points at the end. We are hoping to change that so that our Thanksgiving won't be in vain. I once again with my good football moms, fed 90 players and coaches last night(thinking that last week was the last week). It is amazing how much food, growing boys can put away.

We are all just a little tense today...That is a good sign...That means we know we have to work hard to get what we want. I was thinking just yesterday...We have watched this group of boys play together for the last 7 years. They are all good boys that come from good families. They deserve just a little glory.. the paper makes them up to be a losing team, but they have a good heart and are good. I know they can do it...They just have to want it badly enough.

Sarah....She is changing daily!

I find the time is going by so fast. Sarah only has 6 months and she will turn 12 and that makes things a lot different in our home. Sarah started to play soccer this fall and she is so fun to watch. She was invited to try out for Spring Select. She did good at the try outs and even had a coach from a club team come up to me and ask if she would be interested in playing for him. Yesterday the same man called our home and asked us again. I am not sure if we want all that just yet. This weekend She is playing in the fall tournament for AYSO. We will spend the day at the soccer field. It has been fun for her. During the season, as she was playing the goalie, a girld kicked her finger and broke it. I thought "no it can't be broke, just a dislocation"...but sure enough it was broken. She would tape it up and still continue to play. We didn't tell the doctor that we kept playing.







Sarah has a great friend, Mckenzie White. They hang out together all the time. Their latest escapade was Halloween. They went to two different parties together and a spook alley. What fun to be had!

What does Dan really do in China?

I finally decided to upload some pictures of what Dan really does in China. I know we think he just goes shopping, but he really just eats the food. He's secretly creating a Eating tour for anyone that wants to eat bugs, and heads, and eye balls, etc. Enjoy! If you have questions call him.

He does work though, It looks a little boring to me.

Thoughts on life as it is....

Wow life can throw you all kinds of different balls. Some of these balls are good and some are bad like in the game. How do you Swing? Do you just kind of tap it or do you put your whole heart and soul into the swing and give it your all, not matter the outcome?

Well I have decided to swing with all I have because you really only get one shot at each ball. Why not give it your all!

1. Proposition 8 Without a doubt that is a "yes" for me and my family. There is nothing more important than saving the core unit of society...the Family! The world wasn't made with two men or two women together...It was made with one man and one woman (together). California and the world needs to realize the importance of this sacred calling! Get out and Vote..Vote 'Yes" on Prop. 8.

2. Sending a missionary off. Boy my heart! (as tears come to my eyes this very moment) Yes I am swininging hard. I have never prayed so hard and steadfast in my life. Just not knowing every minute if your Child is okay is a hard thing. (Even though I know he is) I am mostly praying for him to be able to learn a new language and have the spirit to teach the gospel. I have the faith that the Lord will bless him, if he puts his whole heart and soul into this great experience that will increase his testimony of this great work. "Faith without works is dead.."

3. Being Prepared. That is the hardest swing. Prepared Phycially. Prepared Mentally. Prepared Spiritually. Prepared Financially. A reality check is here. After hearing about the death of a dear Bishop in Idaho. Dan and I both stopped and said are we ready to meet the Savoir? We always have more to do.... That is the great part of this great plan. The learning and growing never ceases. We can always become better. It's all about our attitude. We as a family are united. In Docterine and Covenants 38:27 is says "If ye are not one ye are not mine." We are univid in purpose and action. We will face many challenges in our life, but together we'll grow in love and understanding as we work together or in other words, "hit the ball!"

Game day is here...I don't think we'll loose...No infact we'll win! Go Team!

Football Season

Yes that part of our lives has started again, well actually I don't think it ever stops...just the part of spending every Thursday and Friday totally involved with the team. We love every minute of it. This year is a little different. We have been at Liberty for years watching Dallin and Daniel play ball, but this year Nathan has joined the ranks but at Frontier. Yes it seems really weird, but Nathan has worked hard to have a starting position. so each week we go to Frontier on Thursday nights and then to Liberty on Friday nights. By the way both boys have their Dad's old number "61"

Daniel is a starting offensive lineman (I know I should actually know the position but I don't) and is one of the team captains. He is doing great! We are excited for him and his possibilities. We have heard from a couple of Universities and are hopeful someone will pay for his food bill in the future.(hahaha)

Dan is their biggest fan! He brings a cow bell that is well worn and known by all. In fact some prefer not to sit by him because he is too loud. But he doesn't care, He wants the teams to know when they are great!

We love our boys, not only for their talents, but for their strong values they share with their team members. They are not afraid to stand for the right, to be honest, and to show itegrity. They will succeed no matter what, even if they lose a football game. They are like the stripling warriors. Ready to stand, to be steadfast and immovable. Go Patriots! Go Titans!