THE SWENSON FAMILY

Best News Ever!!!

2012-01-15T19:29:00.001-08:00

We are happy to report Shad has been offered a job!!! We are so excited and are very grateful to our Heavenly Father for answering our prayers. It has been a long, hard road but very thankful that we were able to endure this trial and we can start the next chapter in our lives.

Our Family Vacation!!

2012-01-12T09:38:00.000-08:00

Over New Year's we went on a cruise to the caribbean and had one of the best family vacations to date. After we boarded the ship in San Juan, Puerto Rico we sailed to the Barbados where we went 170 feet underground to a limestone cavern it was really cool.

The next day we arrived in Antigua where we zip-lined through the Rain Forest it was an awesome experience.

Our next stop was the island of Tortola, where we were fortunate to swim with the dolphins it was an absolutely amazing experience.

We also spent some time at the beach which was alot of fun.

This trip would not have been possible if not for the great generosity of my brother who paid for my kids to go. Shad and I will be forever grateful and hope to be able to repay him someday by taking him and my nephew Jacob on a vacation.

Shad is still looking for a job and so it was bittersweet we had a wonderful 9 days together but it was very difficult to get on separate planes on Monday. We hope and pray everyday that he will find a job soon so that we can be reunited as a family.

Its been a long time!

2011-12-11T20:10:00.000-08:00

Well its been quite a long time since I have been on this blog, we have had many changes in our life in the past 6 months. We have sold our home in Minnesota and moved back to Utah, I transferred to the University of Utah and will be starting classes in January. Our home sold very quickly (30 days), things were falling into place for our family we felt very blessed, we began packing our home and Shad continued to look for a job he had a few prospects and one that seemed a for sure thing. We left Minnesota on Oct. 21, with heavy hearts but happy to be making our way back home to Utah. We left many wonderful friends and a great ward family, Shad helped us move, but had to come back to Minnesota to continue working. Shad has been living with a family in our ward who have been so kind to give him a room to stay in for as long as he needs.

Shad has still not found a job and it has been a struggle for us, I thought I was a strong person but this past week was very hard for me and I begin to wonder how strong am I. As I was scrolling through some blog posts from other friends, I have a very good friend from my childhood who has had to overcome the worst kind of pain I can think of, losing a child Amy and Cameron lost their precious Annie last year after being born with a heart problem, little Annie lived to be 4 months old. Reading Amy's posts I think of how strong they had to be for their little Annie and their other kids, they are truly amazing people.

As I think about the trials that we all face big or small I know that I can get through this, the lord doesn't give us anything we can't handle and I can honestly say I am grateful for this small trial because there are so many other things that are so much harder. I know Shad will find a job soon and we will be reunited as a family.

Summertime!!!!

2011-06-17T17:29:00.001-07:00

Well the summer is finally here even though the weather isn't cooperating. The kids finished out the school year and did very well. Austin finished 10th grade with a 3.5 GPA average, Ashtyn finished 8th grade with a 4.2 GPA average, and Sydney graduated 5th grade with exceptional grades also. Ashtyn is moving to the High School next year and is enrolled in all honors classes, Sydney is moving to the junior high.

Austin is working his first job this summer and is enjoying making money, he doesn't love paying for gas. :) Ashtyn is looking forward to the last Harry Potter movie coming out next month. Sydney started a competitive swimming club and is loving it she has her first meet in July.

Shad is taking the summer off from school and enjoying some extra free time although I seem to find plenty of projects around the house for him to do.

I am keeping busy with cleaning, my pool chemical job and taking 3 online classes this summer.

Our family is really looking forward to going camping and Lake Powell at the end of the summer.

Austin is 16!!!!!!!

2011-01-18T13:05:00.000-08:00

Well this past week Austin turned 16, he hasn't got his license just yet so St. Cloud you are still safe for another couple of months. LOL Austin is a wonderful son, although he can be stubborn at times he has always done the things that we ask of him. This past Sunday he was ordained a priest and it was a very beautiful experience, that I wished more family could have been here to be a part of it. I can't believe how fast my kids are growing up another couple of years and Austin will be off to college and then a mission. I just want Austin to know that we love him very much and really are grateful he is our son.

School!!!

2011-01-18T13:02:00.000-08:00

Well Shad and I are into our second week of the semester and things are going ok so far. I took four classes this semester which is more than I ever have so I hope that I will be able to keep up. As hard as going to school later in life has been I really feel like its what I am supposed to be doing. Sometimes Shad and I feel like we are being pulled in a million directions and really hope that we can look back on this experience and know that it was all worth it. We really want our kids to know how hard it is later in life and to not wait to go.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-02T16:29:00.000-08:00

Every year in downtown Minneapolis they have an outdoor lighted parade, luckily they have indoor corridors that you can watch the parade without freezing to death. The younger kids really enjoyed it the older kids not so much.

Sydney, Nathan, and Adam had a front row seat to watch the parade.

Austin and Taylor can't wait for it to be over.

We had a fun Christmas this year, Shad's sister and her family came and up and spent the day with us, we did some last minute shopping and made dinner together. Christmas was very relaxing we made a big breakfast, played games and watched movies. Later in the afternoon we went over to a friends for dinner and had the missionaries over also they were able to call their families and give us a wonderful message.

Austin got a BYU Flag, headphones, and a CTR ring.

Sydney got clothes, new coat, and movies.

Ashtyn got a NOOK which she was really excited for.

Sydney loved decorating sugar cookies.

How fast the year has gone!!

2010-12-21T08:19:00.000-08:00

Well I again I am not the best at updating my blog, I guess that should be a New Year's Resolution to post more on my blog. It has been a really crazy year for our family, I started school in January and Shad started in September and it has been a huge adjustment for our family, but will be worth it in the end. We are both officially done for the semester and very grateful for that! We have had many ups and downs this year but are grateful for family and friends that watch over us. Austin, Ashtyn, and Sydney are doing well working hard in school and other activities. Can only hope that next year will bring new opportunity for our family and we will continue to be blessed.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Happy Birthday Ashtyn & Sydney

2010-05-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

Well its official Ashtyn is a TEENAGER and Sydney is double digits. I don't know where the time has gone, it seems like they were just babies. Ashtyn had a friend party this year, she did a scavenger hunt at the mall with about 6 of her friends. They had a great time. My mom came out to visit for the girls birthday and we have had a wonderful weekend. I am so grateful to have Ashtyn and Sydney as daughters, they are wonderful girls who are always willing to help when I ask. Love, Mom

Earth Day Half Marathon

2010-04-25T13:22:00.000-07:00

Well I ran my second half marathon I was really excited to run I really had trained hard this year. I had a goal of 2:00 hours so I decided to run with a pace team thinking that I would finish in the 2 hours. Well that was my first mistake, the pace team leader was supposed to be running a 9:15 pace she was running closer to 8:30 pace which I was able to keep up with until about mile 7 and then I was dying my legs ached which has never happened to me during a run plenty of aching after I finish running. :-) So I kept running but the pace team was getting farther and farther ahead of me but I was still feeling good. Then around mile 10 their was what seemed like the 50th hill of the day and I just felt like I wasn't going to make it. I kept going I had to walk a little and then start running again I was feeling a little dizzy so I knew that I was most likely getting somewhat dehydrated so on the next water stop I drank three cups of water and kept going. The last 3 miles were pretty tough but I finally crossed the line with a time of 2:10 which wasn't what I was hoping for, but I did better than last year. I am grateful to Shad for moving through the various mile markers and cheering me on I wouldn't have made it without him. So crazy me signed up for a Marathon in June up in Duluth I am really excited but really nervous too, 26.2 miles is alot but my goal is to just finish it running or walking.

Christmas 2009

2010-01-09T17:23:00.001-08:00

Well we had a great Christmas we went to California with family and friends but first we suprised our kids and flew to Utah two days before Christmas and surprised our whole family. It was truly memorable and worth and all the secret keeping to see there faces when the kids rang their doorbells. We loved seeing all of Shad's grandparents as well. Then Christmas night it was onto San Diego which was wonderful because it was warm, which was nice since when we left Minnesota it was snowing like crazy and very cold. California was a ton of fun we went to the San Diego Zoo, Disneyland, Universal Studios, Sea World, and the beach. We stayed in a condo in Oceanside it was two minute drive around the marina to get to the beach it was awesome.

Meridee, Laci, and Jen

Christmas Day at Grandma Armour's

Newport Temple

All of the kids in front of Newport Temple

Sydney, Ashtyn, and Austin had the beach

Universal Studios

Waiting in line for Tower of Terror

My brother Jason and newphew Jacob

Jingle Bell 5K Run!!!

2009-11-22T11:13:00.000-08:00

Shad, Sydney and me completed a 5K race
yesterday. Austin was supposed to run it
with me but he hurt his ankle a week ago at
church activity, so Sydney took his place.
Shad and Sydney walked the course. I ran
my best 5K yet with a time of 28:05.

Our annual trip to Lake Powell!!!

2009-09-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

We had another great year at Lake Powell we had great weather and wonderful friends and family to share it with. There is nothing better than spending a week on the lake.

Ashtyn enjoyed spending time with her dad on the boat.

Austin, Ashtyn and Sydney tried out the tube together.

I ran my first Half Marathon!!!!

2009-05-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

Well after 5 months of training I ran my first Half-Marathon.

My friend Kim and I trained together. We drove out to Fargo, ND

and ran it today. I think I did pretty well I ran it in 2 hours 18 minutes. Shad and the kids were at various places along the race route cheering us on. It was an awesome experience and a great

accomplishment for me. I can't wait for the next one.

So I am a slacker!!!

2009-05-08T09:31:00.001-07:00

I have been so busy with work and life that I haven't updated the blog lately. So sorry to all that read our blog I have been a slacker. Last week was Ashtyn and Sydney's birthdays Ashtyn turned 12 and is wearing makeup and going to Young Womens she is loving it. Sydney turned 9 and is growing up so fast. I can't beleive my baby is 9.

Last weekend was also State Greco and Freestyle Wrestling tournament Austin did quite well he took 5th in Greco and 5th in Freestyle we are very proud of him.

Summer is almost here and we can't wait!!!!!

A day at the Waterpark!

2009-03-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

We went to an indoor waterpark last Saturday and

had a blast. The kids had such a fun time. We went

with my sister in law Shantel and her family and my

friend Kim and her family came. We spent a

few hours going on the slides, lazy river, and sitting

in the hot tub. We worked up such and appetite that

we ended the day eating at Famous Daves.

Ashtyn

Sydney

Austin

Eight

2009-02-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

I guess I will give this a try since we haven't had much to blog about lately!

8 Favorite T.V. Shows

1. Lost
2. CSI all of them
3. Biggest Loser
4. NCIS
5. Survivor
6. American Idol
7. The Bachelor
8. Numb3rs

8 Favorite Dishes

1.Chicken Parmigiana (Olive Garden)
2. Salmon
3. Chicken
4. Steak and baked potato
5. Anything from PF Changs
6. Anything from Cheesecake Factory
7. Enchiladas
8. Lasagna

8 things that happened Yesterday

1. Went to church
2. Had class presidency meeting after church
3. Shad got set apart for his new calling after church
4. Worked on paperwork from my week long business trip
5. Made Meatloaf and mashed potatoes for dinner
6. Watched TV
7. Did some laundry
8. Went to bed at 9:00 pm

8 things I look forward to

1. Going skiing with my kids
2. Going to Florida next month for work
3. Going to the Black Hills on a motorcycle trip with 6 other couples
4. Going to Lake Powell in August
5. Seeing family in the summer
6. Going to Disneyland
7. School being done
8. Going back to work in a month

8 Things I love about Winter

1. Sledding with my kids
2. Making christmas cookies
3. Fresh white snow
4. Winter clothes
5. Thanksgiving
6. Christmas time
7. Hot Chocolate
8. Playing in the snow

8 Things on my wish list

1. Go back to Europe
2. My son to go on a mission
3. My girls marry missionaries
4. To move to my dream house
5. For all my kids to go to college
6. To come home to a spotless house
7. Have all the money that I ever wanted
8. To always have my family with me

This was fun thanks Shantel!!

Austin's Wrestling Tournament

2009-01-12T17:39:00.000-08:00

Austin had a Varsity Wrestling

Tournament on Saturday and did

pretty good. He ended up taking

4th place in the individuals and

his High School Team took

1st place.

Here is Austin winning one of

his matches.

Austin with his 4th place medal.

Happy Birthday Austin!!

2009-01-12T11:41:00.000-08:00

Austin turned 14 yesterday I can't believe it. I am starting to really feel old.

He is going to be in High School next year and that is really freaking me out.

Shad and I are so proud of Austin and what great young man he is turning in

to. He is very kind and loving son and brother to his sisters. So Happy Birthday

Austin we love ya.

No More Braces for Sydney!!!

2009-01-05T16:54:00.000-08:00

Sydney finally got her braces off

today and she is so happy about it.

She will have to have a retainer

which she wasn't too excited about.

In a couple of years she will have to

probably have them again but

for right now they look pretty good.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2008-12-25T17:37:00.000-08:00

We had a very Merry
Christmas. We woke
up around 6:00 am and
opened up our gifts
then lounged around
the house til about noon
and then traveled to
Shad's sister Shantels
house. We ate a great
dinner and spent time talking and letting the kids play.
We are very grateful for all that we have been
given and thankful for our family and friends.
I hope eveybody had a Very Merry Christmas.

Bell Ringing!!!!

2008-12-19T16:00:00.000-08:00

For a youth and ward
activity we volunteered at
various locations and rang
bells for the Salvation Army.
We sang christmas carols
(ok we brought a cd player
and played christmas cds
since we have no singing
ablility in our family). We
had a great time even though it was freezing outside I think it
was a balmy -5 degrees. BRRRR!!!! Gotta Love Minnesota!

Jingle Bell 5K Race

2008-12-03T19:30:00.001-08:00

My Friend Kim and

her daughter Lyndsey

and me ran a 5K race

together. It was fun and for

a good cause they collected

toys for the Toys for Tots

program. It was pretty cold

the day we ran the race but

we finished and it felt good.

Way Cool!!!!!

2008-11-25T13:59:00.000-08:00

Shad and I were very lucky
and got to meet Jason Mraz
in person. I won tickets
on the radio for a Live
pre-show concert for
about 25 peoople. It
really ended up being
a soundcheck but still
was really cool to be
able to listen to the band working on some new songs.
We were supposed to go to the concert later that night
but we had to get back to St. Cloud for the kids since it
was a school night. Still was really awesome to meet
Jason and shake his hand, he is a very genuine person.

Best Vacation Ever!!!!

2008-11-11T06:46:00.000-08:00

Shad and I went on cruise to Europe for our 15th Wedding Anniversary

and it was the the best vacation we have ever taken. My dad came and stayed with the kids while we were gone. So big Thank You to grandpa the kids had a blast which wasn't hard to do since grandpa took them out to dinner every night. We saw so many beautiful sites while we were in Europe and wanted to share some of them with you. Although this is just a snapshot of what we saw it was truly amazing. We feel so very blest that we were able to go on this trip it took alot of planning and saving but was well worth it. So I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Sorrento, Italy

The Vatican in Rome

The Colosseum in Rome

Nice, France

The Amalfi Coast in Italy

The Pumpkin Patch

2008-10-29T07:29:00.001-07:00

We went to a pumpkin patch a couple weekends ago

and had alot of fun. Sydney had a birthday party that

she really wanted to go to so she wasn't with us.

We picked out pumpkins and went through the corn maze.

Ashtyn found her Pumpkin!!

Austin just loves his picture taken. Shad

said it reminds him of how much he loved

getting his picture taken at his age.

Disney Playhouse!

2008-10-12T18:23:00.001-07:00

My friend Kim and I clean houses together and one of the ladies we clean for had some extra tickets to the "Playhouse Disney Live on Tour" she asked us if we would like them and we said sure so I took Sydney and she took her son Nathan. We arrived at the Xcel Energy Center for the show and realized we were in a Suite which was alot of fun for the kids (and not too bad for the moms either). It was nice to spend some one on one time with Sydney it made me realize that I should try to do this with each of the kids.

Sydney and I waiting for
the show to start.

Sydney and Nathan are
best buddies.

Way to go Austin!!!

2008-10-07T18:38:00.000-07:00

Austin has been running Cross Country on the High School team.
He has been running the 2 mile race and improving his time. Good
job Austin!!!!

Fall is Here!

2008-10-06T05:20:00.000-07:00

We spent this past weekend up North at our friends
cabin. We had a relaxing weekend watching
conference together. The trees we so pretty with leaves already changing. This is one of the reason we love
Minnesota so much. We are looking forward to the Fall and spending time outdoors.

First Day of School

2008-10-01T15:59:00.001-07:00

Ashtyn on her first day of 6th Grade.

Sydney on her first day of 3rd grade.

Ausitn on his first day of 8th grade.

Blog Bandwagon

2008-10-01T14:06:00.000-07:00

Well I guess I should get on the Blog Bandwagon have been reading my sister in law Shantel's for the past few months and have really enjoyed it plus everybody is doing it LOL. So I guess if I have any questions on how to do something I can call and ask her, which is actually funny for those of you that know Shantel since up until about a year ago she wasn't too computer savvy. Well we have had another great Minnesota summer I am sad that it has come to an end. We went to the lake and to our friends cabin many times. Shad went with two good friends on his epic 9 day ride. The kids and I went on a road trip back to Utah and down to Lake Powell had a wonderful time but wasn't the same without Shad.

Here is some pictures of Shad's summer ride and the
kids at Lake Powell.