MTC blessings

So, today we had a follow-up (2nd discussion) with Elder's Bautista and Bennett. Elder Bautista is from the Philipines and now lives in Canada and Edler Bennet is from New Zeland. They are both such cute boys....love their dark hair. Last week, they gave us the first lesson....oh, they were so tentative and shy. I even made a note that we really didn't have a lesson...we just talked. Today...one week later....what a change. They came in...and I love it, they open with a song and they sing beautifully together. They said it's for inviting the spirit to be there. After a prayer, they told us that they had really thought about what we asked last week (I had kind of forgotten to be honest) but I guess it was Where did we come from, why are we here, where are we going...you know...the golden questions. They had drawn, colored and put together an entire visual presentation (they are quite artistic...evidently Eler Bautista drew and colored while Elder Bennett sang to him) of the Plan of Salvation. It was wonderful...but more wonderful when Elder Bennett bore his testimony of repentance. He had evidently done some pretty heavy things (without his going into detail...just the impression) and needed to apologize to some people and figure out a restitution. It was amazing. Another one of the TRC ladies, June, was in the room with us acting as a neighbor. I think we were all completely blown away by the spirit that was in the room. I was amazed that these two missionaries would have gone to all the trouble to answer my questions....and visually show me what they were talking about. They will be amazing missionaries...they are going to San Francisco. Now...I have two more missionaries to worry and pray for. They have left a spot on my heart....and strengthened my testimony. My prayers this morning was that I would offer something, and I would feel the spirit....my prayers were answered...powerfully! Love the MTC!!!! Love these young men!!!

Special day

What makes one day different from another? Doing the same thing, following the same course, simply putting one foot in front of the other. Thinking ahead about what I'm going to make for dinner....that I need to get some washing and ironing done...and that I really need to seriously think about starting the heavy duty spring cleaning. And, it's Thursday, so we need to get up early to go to the MTC.....but it is my favorite day....so that already makes it special. And then...like a surprise gift, beautifully gift wrapped....and so, exactly what I wanted.....the day changes....not because something out of the ordinary happened....but because of special feelings that transpired.

Over the past couple of days, Erin has reconnected on Facebook with a girl from her mission that they taught and who was baptized. It was the most amazing story...and through this reconnection, Shannon (the girl) shared some amazing stories as well. Her parents joined the church a couple of years later (I believe) and Shannon shared with Erin and Julianne (Erin's bestest companion!!) some talks that her parents had given in church. They were a sweet (and that's the only word to describe them) talks about their testimonies...and about the examples that the members of the ward were....about the friendships that they formed...about the acceptance they had from their LDS neighbors. And Julianne shared her memories from Shannon's "Surprise" baptism. I'm hoping that somehow I can attach these emails. I know Erin doesn't have the time...nor maybe even the desire at this point in her life....to write these things down. So, I'm doing it...in hopes that someday down the road, she may stumble on them and be reminded of what a great missionary she was (is!) and how she truly, truly changed lives. Not just Shannon's, but generations to come, and generations before. Amazing. I am so blessed to have her as my daughter....and my friend. I know we've known each other for eternities...and will for the eternities to come.

The MTC was special today...everything just seems to be making me tear up. Two of the missionaries who "taught" us the discussions....well....we were able to run into them and share our feelings with each other. It was truly a spirit to spirit experience. I will treasure it forever. Today has been filled with spiritual gifts....I need to most of all, remember the FEELINGS, because that's what it's been all about. I may not remember all the details of today....but I want to remember this most special of gifts....the quiet assurance that Heavenly Father knows each of us...and He loves us. He's aware of my family and their individual struggles...He's aware of my prayers for each of them. He's aware of how much I love them.....and how much I appreciate their examples in my life. This has been the most special of ordinary days.

Shopping the mall with the girls

I really wish there were cute fonts for this...but oh, well. It's been awhile since I wrote and I need to put down a few things. It's great having Linny home...and great having most of the family in the same general location. I took the majority of the granddaughters on a mall shopping/trying on/hanging out trip last Saturday. It was crazy...but fun. Angie came so that helped alot. And the mall was just so crowded...maybe it's the idea of spring. I think they had fun trying on clothes, shoes that they would never wear in a million years...and lots of hats and hair dodahs.

I love spending time with them

Linny's Home!!

How excited we are! Linny came home yesterday. I started out yesterday morning getting on the Delta airlines website to see if she was, indeed, on her way home....only to be saddened to see that her flight was delayed. I checked often....even downloading the website to my phone so I could be sure to know when she would arrive. I can't believe how excited I was to see her face...hear her voice....see her smile...and receive her hugs! The hours were stretched out...and with the delays in her flight....the day seemed as if it would never pass. Finally!!! 3 PM....when we had decided to head to the airport (what if by some slip...she flew in early...like Rich did?) We got to the airport...Bonnie and Larry were already there...evidently their thoughts were just like ours...what if she gets here early...someone needs to be here! The only detour in going to the airport was stopping to pick up a few balloons to welcome her. We arrived..and then Steve, Lisa and the girls arrived. We waited anxiously...watching the other families with posters, balloons and flowers, welcoming their missionaries home. Only in Utah!! I always wonder what people think when they come down those escalators and see all the excited faces...hearing the cheers....seeing the greetings. We made our way to the very bottom of the escalator....her plane had landed! She was here...now we just had to look for her! We waited for what surely was an eternity (did she stop at every bathroom???....or stop to shop???) Finally, Finally! There she is!!! There's that smile. The tears welled up in my eyes and I had to turn away. Kaity was crying....we were all cheering. This must be what it's like on the other side! 18 months....18 long/short and life changing months. My girl...my Sister Harold....my Linny was home. Can words ever express how proud I am of her. How much I love her. I much I respect her decision to serve a mission. How she truly makes my face smile and my heart sing. Linny's home!

Feelings

We had a wonderful day at the MTC today. The missionaries are incredible. Their spirits lift, amaze and inspire me. I cannot think of a more beautiful way to spend time...than with these amazing young men and women. I knew that my life had changed forever...at least in the way I have always thought of the missionary program....when it was on the news earlier this week that two missionaries serving in one of the Russian countries, had died in their apartment from a gas leak. I knew I had changed, when I heard the story, and tears streamed down my face. I had never met these two young men, but their lives had touched mine. I know what praying for the missionaries means, now. I know what praying for their families, means. I know, that through their example, they have completed their missions...they truly touched and changed lives. Mine was one of them.

I went over to Karon Oldroyd's tonight to go over a Relief Society invitation that we are working on. Her sweet daughter-in-law, took the burden off of us and designed and printed the program. Karon told me about a tragedy that has impacted her family. Her brother's grandson accidently, at this point, almost drowned, in the bathtub. Karon told me about the blogspot where the family is keeping everyone updated about this little guy's progress. I read it and was touched by the honesty and heartfelt words that the sweet Mom, Sara, wrote. I don't think there is a mom around who hasn't turned her back on her child for a moment. For most of us, life goes on and everything is normal....in some instances, like this one, life is forever changed in the blink of an eye. http://stakerzxposedblogspot.com. It is heart wrenching to read her story...it's inspiring to read about the faith she and her family have...and it is wonderful to know that Heavenly Father is aware and in control. I need to thank Karon for directing me to her blog. I will follow it with a hopeful heart for a speedy recovery for their little one.

Serving and talking

I can't believe how excited I was to receive my "official" name tag. It makes serving that much more real (and we can just walk anywhere we want) These are our two "girls" that we had for the first lesson, the first day....and they were our first missionaries. They were unbelieveable and somehow we just connected with them. For the next few weeks we would look for them at lunch (I could give them hugs) and they cam to see us in immunizations. We knew they were leaving for Mississippi on Wednesday and we tried to get there early just in case we could find them. But we couldn't. Our thoughts and prayers will be with these two beautiful girls. I told them that they are going to convert Mississippi!!! Steve said they should just make an appointment with the govenor and plan for a mass baptism. Their testimonies are strong, and sweet, innocent and powerful! They will change lives. I hope we hear from them (they have our email)....because we will write them, support them and since Linny is coming home...I need someone to send silly decorations for Halloween and Christmas.

Kaity called me last night and we ended up talking for over an hour and a half. We talked about everything...serious, spiritual, funny, sad, important and silly. It made my night (I think it was a blessing I received for serving)....really. She is so important to me, and I'm sure she has no idea how much I love her. I feel very blessed that she will "talk" to me and even listen when I say things that she may not like....although that's few and far between. Her relationship with Lloyd is a struggle for her, but I have faith in her decisions. His being a non member has made her study, pray and be determined to understand for herself WHY she believes what she has always been taught. I know the spirit is working through her and guiding her each step....and even more important, I know she's listening to what is being said. I have 110% faith in any decision she makes...and I hope she knows that no matter what path she chooses....I will support her and love her with all my heart. She's attending a Missionary Prep class (which made me so excited) She has such a sweet spirit and testimony and is such an example to others. She's kind and good and wants to do what's right. What an amazing missionary she would make. She would, as she already has, change lives just by being who she is. I've been smiling all day after that great phone call!

Called to serve

I'm not smart enough to figure out how to post pictures to my ldsjournal.com....so I'm hoping I can post pictures here and eventually get this info over to the journal. Ah, the technology of today..sometimes it's just too much.

Steve and I were officially called as service missionaries today...and we were set apart. It was the most wonderful experience. The entire stake presidency and our Bishop Thompson was there. They are each such nice and kind men. President Sohm set Steve apart and gave him a beautiful, beautiful blessing. Bishop Thompson set me apart and also gave me a wonderful blessing. I was so hesitant to do this...but what a blessing it is proving to be. I thought I understood the missionary program after sending out 5 kids....but really...I didn't have any idea. I hope with all my heart, that I can make Heavenly Father proud of me by serving his young elders and sisters. All I want to do is put my arms around each of these missionaries and tell them how proud the Lord is of them and what they are doing. They are amazing young men and women and the spirit at the MTC is off the chart!!! I already don't want to be released...I don't want this spirit to leave.

I posted twice about Christmas because I'm not smart enough to post the pictures correctly...anyhow....there's lots of the same stuff about Christmas 2009!

Christmas 2009

We had a wonderful Christmas. Had Christmas Eve dinner at Steve and Lisa's. It was wonderful, as usual...and since a lot of the kids were with in-laws, it was kind of a nice, quiet evening. Bonnie and Larry were there, and it is so nice to be able to attend family functions with them. It makes it so much nicer for the kids and grandkids to see ex spouses get along...and to have all their Grandmas and Grandpas in the same room. I will forever be grateful to Bonnie and Larry for the kindnesses they have always shown to my kids and to me. They are an example of how to be....and I admire them beyond words.

Christmas day started out with us sleeping in (it was GREAT!)....we had already given each other our gifts (I gave Steve money towards a gun...duh!) and he gave me an iphone (WOW!) and a wonderful new washer and dryer (I could watch the bells and whistles for hours)...then we made our famous Spanish omlette that we used to eat all the time...but hadn't made for years. We actually pretty much remembered how to do it and it was wonderful.

Christmas dinner....our usual Mexican fare and of course, everyone was here. It was hectic, crazy and lots of fun. I wouldn't trade those times with our family for anything. I missed Erin so much this year. I hated having her go through her first alone Christmas....by herself...but she is strong and did just fine. She was happy to have the holiday season over. I know how hard those times are, but I also know that it will make her stronger, braver and give her the confidence that she can do anything that comes her way! She is a brave young woman and she is a hero in my eyes.

Then a couple of days later, we had our annual grandkids sleepover. Now, that was crazy and hectic. Even Clara came and stayed....and managed to stay up as late as the big kids. Granddad watched the movie Batman Begins with the older kids and I played restaurant and dressup with the younger ones. We had appetizers, pizza from The Pie, made cookies and popcorn and made finger pancakes in the morning. We had hoped to be able to go to the ditches and go sledding, but the weather was pretty crummy so we just stayed in and played. It was lots of fun and I know it's a good thing for the cousins to get together and play. We missed having Linny and Kaity....and of course, Ashley had to take care of baby Max (gosh, those girls are all grownup now)....but as they grow...we add great grandkids...so it always works out!!