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!!

Decisions

Today our Stake President spoke to us about the theme for 2010. It's going to be "Showing the Savior we love Him, by keeping his commandments". I love the way President Sohn presents the theme...he is such a humble man and always makes me want to be better.

Steve and I are doing some checking into doing a service mission from our home. Steve is going to need some surgery and we need to get our ducks in a row before we commit to going somewhere "else" but we both feel that we need to do something. It's really good to be involved in church service for so many reasons. There is always someone to serve, some place to help, or something to do. I admire Steve and his example to me...he helps me be better and I want so much to make my family proud of me....even if that's sweeping up in the church building...I want them to know that I will serve wherever Heavenly Father wants me. This has been a humbling experience for us. We have gone to the temple, fasted and prayed...and so far...have not received a direct answer (which is strange in itself)....I believe we're learning patience and that there is something for us but that maybe some of the health problems need to be taken care of first. Heavenly Father always knows best.

Christmas Come and Gone

Well, Christmas has come and gone....part of me is glad...and part of me is sad. I notice that as the years go by and the kids and grand kids ask for money or gift cards....that the real reason for giving seems to have disappeared. It was always so much fun to shop and search and finally find that perfect gift. Yes, sometimes it bombed....but sometimes it was the greatest gift in the world. I miss those days. I think commercialism has completely taken over and it's very hard to remember what the season is about. However....I had one of those moments this year. I have reconnected with my cousin on Face Book and through our exchanges, she realized that she had some wonderful things that had belonged to my great grandparents and grandparents. She sent me (as a surprise) the most beautiful wall hanging with pictures of these dear people and little trinkets that belonged to them. There are a couple of small rings that were my great grandmother's, doilies that were my grandma's....a button hook for shoes that was my great grandmother's...a watch, a trinket from an necklace and she managed to put these on the quilt. It was probably the most meaningful gift that I've ever been given. She's not LDS, but she knows that I'm really into family history and have become sentimental in my old age. These dear people (some I knew when I was very young, some I never knew but have always felt a conection to) just mean so much to me. It was a wonderful gift. One I will never, never forget or ever be able to thank her enough for.

We had all the kids (minus Erin & her kids) for Christmas Day dinner...our usual Mexican food. It was such fun...so hectic, so crazy and loud and so fun. My heart broke for Erin this year. First years being alone are very hard...especially during the holidays. I think she had a tougher time than she thought. I wanted to be there to hold her and tell her that it will all be ok!! I know it will.

Christmas Eve we went to Steve Jr's house...most of our kids were with their in-laws that night...so we had a lovely evening with Steve, Lisa, Ashley (our oldest granddaughter) and her husband and two kids, and the 3 other girls. Alicia, Rick and the 3 kids were there, as was Lisa's Dad....and Steve Jr's Mom and Stepdad. I always love it that we can all be together and get along so well. The kids don't even think about it any more...although in his prayer, Steve thanked Heavenly Father for our family relationships. I hope we're teaching not only a children, but our grandchildren a good lesson in getting along! It's made everything so much nicer for the kids. Bonnie was always better to my two kids than their own father and stepmom ever was. I will always be grateful to Bonnie for being so good to them.