It's over! We survived!

It's been a few hours since I've been home...glad to be home like most of you. Back to our tempurpedics. :) Just wanted to say THANKS to everyone for keeping their end of the bargain on responsibilities and making this reunion a memorable one. I'm going to be working on the video this week and will post it as soon as I get it done. Can't wait until next summer!! I hear the beaches calling me already! :) Love you guys and your little ones.

Family Pics

Ok, so everytime I try to make a poll it says that there's a webpage failure, so we'll just have to post our answers. Sorry!

Question: Should we change our family colors for the picture?

Personally, I'm having a tough time finding something cute for my girls to wear and so yes, I would like to change my color to either pale blue or navy blue.

Let me know what you guys think.

Just a few things I forgot...

I wanted to tell anyone who has an ice cream maker to bring it and we'll all have an ice cream bash some night. You can get the toppings at the store or bring your own. Connie said that she has 2 gallons of pancake syrup so to anyone who needs syrup, don't bring it.

Monday night we're going to have barbeque sandwiches, FYI. Connie and Ben are going to cook on Friday night instead of Monday.
I'll be calling around sometime this week to double check some things, so if you see me calling DON'T HANG UP! :)

Love you guys! Can't believe it's almost time!

Joyce

It's getting close...Are you prepared?

Ok fam, this is just a rundown on who's cooking what and a list of things needed for the reunion....

Greg & Karen
Clan Name: The Patriotic Patriarchs
Breakfast: Sausage biscuits & Gravy (Monday Morning "Clean up day")
Dinner: ? (Saturday)
SOS Lesson: Doing daily activities with the kids

Joyce & Jesse
Clan Name: ?
Breakfast: Cinnabon Rolls, Oatmeal with fruit (Saturday)
Dinner: Pot Roast (Tuesday)
SOS Lesson: Water proof matches & fire starter pinecones

Ben & Connie
Clan Name: Clan of the Cougars
Breakfast: Whole Wheat Pancakes and Sausage (Wednesday)
Dinner : Taco Bar (Friday
SOS Lesson: 3 month supply (Let me know if that's right)

Abe & Cody
Clan Name: Clan of the Bee's Knee's (Let me know how to spell that!)
Breakfast: French Toast & Fruit (Tuesday)
Dinner: Tortilla Bean Soup & Green Chili Soup (Sunday) maybe...
SOS Lesson: How to shoot a gun (Wednesday)

Beth & Brigham
Clan Name: Clan of the Dunn's
Breakfast: Waffles, Bacon and eggs (Tuesday)
Dinner: Spaghetti with dinner rolls (Thursday)
SOS Lesson: How to plan a budget (Tuesday)

Sam
Clan Name: Sam the MAN
Breakfast & Dinner: Helping out the parents
SOS Lesson: " "

Mel & John
Clan Name: Clan of the Buckeye's
Breakfast: French Toast & Eggs (Friday)
Dinner: Goat Cheese Chicken (Wednesday)
SOS Lesson:?

Little Reminder!! Karen was remembering what a task it was to get all of the bedding washed on Monday and thought it would be wise if everyone just brought their own sheets for the beds. Also, consider bringing a little fan for your room.

Let me know if something is not right on the above information or if you want to change or add something. Thanks guys! Looking forward to having some good times!

Joyce

Sowards Family Reunion 2009

The wait is over! You've probably figured out by the title of the Blog what Jesse and I have planned for the Reunion. What better place to have a survival type theme than in the mountains!

We chose this theme for obvious reasons and thought this Reunion would be a great time to focus our energy on this subject and get a collection of ideas/knowledge from everyone. We're excited to see what is brought to the table.

In case you've forgotten or haven't blocked it onto your calendar the date is July 13th (Monday)- 20th.

Can't wait to see everyone there! I'll be posting changes so please check in from time to time.

Here's what I need from each family...

1) Like last time we will share the responsibilities of cooking. I would like to know what you plan on cooking for both breakfast and dinner so that we don't have the same type foods next to each other.

2) An S.O.S instruction to teach everyone. (This will be by first come, first choose) Anything that you think of that could be beneficial for surviving in our times.

3) Each family will pick out a Tribe Name. You can even make a banner if you like; something that represents your individual family. It doesn't need to be too big.

4) Vote on how we should do the family picture. Does everyone want to wear the same colors as last time or do you want something different. We could even display our tribe name on t-shirts, eh maybe not. Better to plan ahead so that we can be "prepared." :)

5) Bring any fishing poles because Grandpa is taking the big kids fishing. (and anyone else who wants to help catch some fish for dinner!) ha ha.

6) One evening we will have ice cream sundaes so if you have an ice cream maker bring it and let me know what kind of ice cream you plan on making.

7) Ladies if anyone has a quilters frame bring it if you can. Bring a quilt to work on too if you have one.

8) I'm sure everyone's dreading this one, but I thought it would be fun to do as a sort of celebrate a fun week. A VARIETY SHOW! Please everyone have something they can do. It will be in front of the window's in the family room of course and I'm trying to figure out something that will hold curtains. This will be video taped along with the S.O.S teachings. Everyone will get a copy.

I know this is a lot to ask for something that's suppose to be a "vacation," but if you plan ahead it shouldn't be too bad. I think we'll all have a great time and can carry home with us some special memories.

Here's a list of survival ideas...

*How to make a fire (and how to start one with different methods)

*How to make a shelter (and perhaps gear this one towards children)

*How to make a budget

*How to organize your food storage and cook with it

*How to make a first aid kit (all different types)

*How to get together a 72 hour kit

*How to make soap/shampoo out of the basic necessities

*How to filter water

*What are some good resources for food storage

*How to can certain foods

*How to stay spiritually prepared

*How to find your way home if you're lost

*Knowledge of food from local plants in the desert,etc

*First aid or home remedies for colds, headaches, flu, etc

*How to handle a gun

*How to shoot a bow and arrow

*How to make a weapon out of sticks or whatever you have with you to hunt with or to protect yourself

*How to overthrow the government (ha, just thought I'd throw that one in)

These are just ideas. You can do whatever you want and it can be something the kids can be involved with or just adults. Your choice. Good luck and I'm looking forward to hearing back from everyone. I will post the families choices once they come in so check in from time to time.

What a typical day will look like.

Monday

12:00-4ish: Arrive and get settled in.

5:30pm: Eat dinner

6:30pm: Have FHE (provided by Greg & Karen)

Evening: Play volleyball, games, puzzles, quilt,etc.

Midnight: Lights out! Some might not like this, but here's my reason...“Cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated” (D&C 88:124). Midnight is clearly not early, but it's a start for some people! :) ha ha Plus, you'll need your energy to "survive."

Tuesday

8-9am: Family in charge makes breakfast.

10-noon: S.O.S Teaching

LUNCH : Sandwiches, hot dogs,etc

1-5:30: Naps, "Crafting with Grandma," Quilting, Paintball, Hiking, etc

5:30pm: Family in charge makes dinner

Evening: Activities, kids in bath, etc

Midnight: Lights out!

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sat.

Basically the same format, but this is very flexible depending on what S.O.S will be taught.

Sunday

Baby Chase will be blessed. Family pictures will be taken. Family variety show in the evening.

Monday

Pack & Clean up.