Happy Birthday & Happy Halloween

HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY SARAH! We love you and are so proud of you for doing such positive things with your life. We miss you so much but are glad you are making so many friends in the Ukriane. What a beautiful country. We love your pictures on your blog!

Yesterday we were in College Station and saw this guy walking down the street. We think it's his halloween costume but we're not sure! HAPPY HALLOWEEN today!

We drove past Texas A&M's footballs stadium, there were 83,000 people there! No wonder we couldn't find a place to park. We wanted to walk around the campus and go to the George H. Bush library but we couldn't find a place to park! We'll go back another time. We didn't even think about going to the game, the least expensive tickets were $70!

transfers, flare-ups, and a mugging!

I didn't blog last week because I wasn't really feeling up to it! I started having leg pain on a Monday, didn't sleep Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday because of the pain. It's weird! During the day it was uncomfortable but I could get up and walk around and talk with people and it was bearable, but like a ticking clock at night that's not noticed during the day, Wow! during the night it was just excruciating. I did go to the doctor on Thursday morning and he didn't think it was associated with MS so he told me that I should go see an Orthapedic Dr. and told me to take some ibuprophen. Believe me I called him on Friday to say that not only did that not help but it didn't even begin to touch the pain. So then he gave me some pain medicine that made me so sick on Friday that I threw up for the1st time in 22 years! No kidding! Gross! On Monday I got into an orthapedic Dr. thanks to my wonderful mission president. The doctor put me on a milder pain med and gave me some real low dose steriods that seem to have helped. But the best thing he did was say that he would talk with my neurologist and see if between the two of them they could figure out what is going on. They did and MRI last Tuesday and doing some other test this Monday at the neurologist's office. I'm pretty sure it's an MS flare-up but I'm not a Dr and he says it's not but it's so similiar to what happened last June just in a different place. But gratefuly, it didn't last as long and I was able to get help and relief sooner. I don't know why "stuff" happens, not just to me but to people around me that I love. One of our dear sweet Senior Sisters was mugged 25 steps from her apartment this past week by some guy who knocked her down, stole her purse, with all her ID, money, phone, car keys and took our feeling of safety down a level! BUT, in all this we have to see that God is in charge. I just read this quote by Wallace Goddard: "I define faith as the stubborn resolve to see God's goodness in everything that happens to us." Neal A. Maxwell said:

"Let the kaleidoscope of life's circumstances be shaken, again and again, the
true believer of Christ will still see with the eye of faith divine design and
purpose in his life."

www.drwally.org The article is titled A Little Known Debate in Heaven and is very thought provoking.

Sister Young (in the middle) is going home today, back to Sandy, Utah. Sister Walker and I will miss her a lot. She had lots of stories and funny sayings. I will never forget the saying; "I feel like a wart on a pickle!"


Here we are last Sunday in Brenham, Tx about a little over and hour away from us. We took a new car to some Elders there and then went to the branch's Sunday meetings. Sister Young and Sister Young took the Sunday drive with us.

We had a guest at the Mission Office the other day! We caught him as a pet (one of the missionaries did!) and put him in a fish bowl but he turned an ugly brown color so we let him go!

The AP's Elder Thomson from Hawaii and Elder Anderson from Utah. Elder Thomson was just transfered up to College Station. We will miss him. Missions are a series of Hellos and Good-byes!

The transfer trailer!

One of the Sister missionaries (we won't say who) showed up 15 minutes late with everything she owned in the back of her car. NOT in a box or suitcase, just in the back of her car. So Elder Stringfellow was helping her back it into whatever we could find. Since she had to put it in the back of this trailer, he was taping up her stuff so it wouldn't fall out and get lost. I'm not sure where her suitcases were.

WHY ISN'T THERE AN UNDO BUTTON ON BLOGSPOT? I just accidently deleted the picture of Scott taping up the laundry basket and I don't know how to get it back on there. He just said he didn't think that was very blog worthy anyway!

Another Week Has Passed Quickly

Last week was a week for catching up. I finally got the Mission History started and organized. All I need to do now is print it off. We put pictures in it and describe the comings and goings of all the missionaries and various Conferences that are held. We also put in testimonies of recent converts and special experiences of the missionaries. It's kind of like a blog in a binder. I think I'm finally somewhat comfortable with my varied assignments and don't feel quite so panicked! Saturday all of the Senior missionaries took a trip to Traders Village, which is a giant flea market and then we went to a big farmers market with the best looking fruits and vegtables. Though I did have to laugh when I saw a bag of potatoes from Idaho and apples from Washington. I bought the best tasting mango though, not sure where it came from!

Here are my two Sister Youngs. I just love them both. They both have such unique personalities. They're in the middle of throwing bread to the ducks. The dark hair Sister Betty Jo Young works in the office with us and is going home at the end of the month and I am sad to see her go. One of the best parts of the mission are the people you meet and friends you know you'll have forever! We got to meet Sister Peggy Jo Young's daughter this weekend. Hi Margaret! (she told me she reads my blog to see what her mother's up to!)

On Sunday we went to the Klien Stake's Conference, Elder Marlin Jensen was one of the speakers. His talk touched me so deeply. He talked to a young man recently who had returned from his mission 4 years ago and had read some anti-mormon literature and had decided to leave the church. Elder Jensen didn't really say what he'd said to him but said he reflected on the origin of his testimony and the foundation of his beliefs. He had 3 points;

*1 Christ is talking in Matthew 7:15: Beware of false prophets - if there are false prophets then we have true prophets and we know them by their fruits, LOOK, OBSERVE, example the Word of Wisdom that Joseph Smith gave 180 years ago.

*2 John 7:16,17 When Christ is speaking about the doctrine; we can know it by living it. That is the only way! "The proof is in the pudding.!

*3 1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth but by the Spirit of God. He expressed that this one is the most elusive, Moroni 10:5 By the power of the Holy Ghost ye SHALL know the truth of all things. This connects what we believe with what we do.

This too is my testimony, I know it because I have felt it so deep in my heart, even every fiber of my being, I cannot deny that it is through that power that I know. I know. I am grateful. I am SO Blessed to have this knowledge and faith and hope in my Savior.

Here are the tres hermanas. Sister Rodriguez, closest to me is the sister we took to the hospital last weekend for an MRI. We unfortuantely missed Elder Costa's talk to all of the missionaries in the 3 Houston missions but I was glad that we were there with her. She moved to California about 4 or 5 years ago but is originally from Guatamala and I knew exactly what she was going through with the back pain and having to have MRI's. The president was glad Elder Stringfellow was there too in case they needed an interpreter, but she got along fine. The other two sisters are Hermana Bullock and Hermana Ferro.

10-10-10

Scott has pointed out to me several times today that it's 10-10-10! So I thought I would write 10 things I am grateful for.
1. Family (I love you guys!)
2. My faith in Jesus Christ, in His atonement, in His love for me and each one of us.
3. Friends - I am so blessed to have such great friends, including the ones I'm just making!
4. To be living my dream of being on a mission with my wonderful husband (Scott, thank you for all you do for me.)
5. To be feeling as good as I do! I recognize that God hears our prayers and enables us to do what we need to do.
6. That I can read (especially the scriptures) and listen (to prophets and apostles, my grandchildren's sweet little voices, uplifting music and so much more.)
7. Nature - thus the picture of the great big leaf, the cows in the pasture, an old barn! Sarah, on my screen saver right now is the picture you took of Antelope Island with all of the clouds in the sky; the wind on my face, the smell of rain, a beautiful sunset!
8.My right to choose - how to feel, how to think, what to believe.
9. The bounties of life - a home, food, shelter, we truly do have sufficient for our needs!
10. I am so grateful for my Heavenly Father and ALL that He does for me, I feel His loving hand and tender mercies every single day of my life!

These huge leaves are just outside our apartment and everyday I tell Scott I want to take my picture by it and every day he just rolls his eyes! So finally we took this picture because I noticed it's turning colors and will probably fall to the ground in a few weeks.

We pass by this old barn every day as we drive to the mission office.

Then we pass these cows every morning. The ironic thing is that north of this only a half mile is probably one of the busiest streets in all of Houston with every store and resturant imaginable.

Last Sunday we had a few missionaries over for dinner. This is Elder Hansen who goes home in a few weeks spoon feeding Elder Austin (who for some reason my brain thinks is Elder Curtis) who had just eaten before he came so he was'nt too hungry. Seriously, that's how much food he took and he didn't eat any of it! You don't see that too much.

Sister Maylet's birthday was the next week so we made her a dessert, Elder Stringfellow accidently bought the trick candles that don't ever blow out. They just kept re-lighting!

After Disney World

It sounded like they had a great time in Disney World. They came back through Wednesday morning at 8:00 AM and grandpa had baby cinnamon rolls and oranges for everyone. I hear David's going to start a blog just so I can see their pictures from their trip. And keep up with the next years activities! (hint, hint David)

Wow, I remember when I had that much energy to travel with 4 kids, a myriad of suitcases, backpacks and diaper bags!!!

Eli bug loved the oranges but especially when he figured out they could be his lips!

Jonah's souvenier - a blue Mickey Mouse!

Abby was excited to show me her little kitty stuffed animal!

Disney World here comes David's Family

What a fun treat for Scott and I when David and his family came through Houston on their way to Disney World! They had about a 2 hour layover here Wednesday evening so here I am nuzzling sweet Lizzie's little cheek! Just minutes before we went to see them we got an email from Sarah who is now in Ukraine. Here's what she says about where she is living. "i am living in Bugoslav, which is referred to as the ukrainian switzerland, meaning IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL, it was also found in 1036 and has such an amazing historical fabric i can hardly believe i'm experiencing it." So that's very exciting to know that she's there safe and doing okay.


As we watched them go through the security line to get back on their plane we were reminded of just how much energy it takes to be parents of young children. Physcially, emotionally and spiritually!!! But there truly is no greater work any of us will ever do than love and nurture those children God gives us. We are so pleased with how our children are striving to be good parents, way to go David , Angela, Angie and BJ. And thanks Peter and Sarah for all the love and recognition you give to your nieces and nephews, children can never have too many people who love them and build them up.


Poor Jonah woke up the morning they were leaving not feeling very good! It probably made for a quiter trip on the plane. Though I guess when they were first up in the air and the plane was making a turn Jonah turned to his dad and told him that he wanted the plane to stop and he wanted to get off, it wasn't feeling too good. I know how he feels, for many years I always felt air sick, but it's funny that I never do anymore.
Jonah looks pretty happy in this picture. Did I tell the story about Jonah at preschool. I guess one day he didn't feel like helping clean up when it was clean up time, when Diane reminded him that the rule is everyone helps he said, "I don't have to, my Grandpa's on a mission!" So there you go-the mind of a 4 year old!


Don't I have the most beautiful grandchildren? Abby started first grade this fall. Wow how fast they grow up! I feel bad because the picture I took of Eli was very blurry so we'll have to take one of him next Wednesday morning when they come back through. They have another layover for an hour or so and since the airport is only about 15 minutes from us we're going to take them some doughnuts and hear about their grand Disney adventure.


Me and Abby are wearing her and Jonah's hats. Abby is going to be Jesse from Toy Story and Jonah is Woody. Eli is Buzz Lightyear and Lizzie is going to be the little alien with 3 eyes. Angela made them the cutest costumes. David and Angela are going to be Mr. and Mrs. Potatoe Head of course. How cute is that! Can't wait to see the pictures!

September 26, 2010

What a great week we had this week, it went by so fast and was filled with the same ole' and lots of the unexpected. Monday evening we had a Seniors dinner at the Mission Presidents home with lots of great food, great company and of course the group photo shoot! Not all of these people work in the Mission Office. 2 couples and 1 Sister in the Office, 1 couple and 2 Sisters in Employment, 1 couple at the Bishop's storehouse, 1 CES couple in Huntsville and 1 couple there doing a proselyting/reactivation mission. That's a lot of Seniors!!!!


Tuesday Scott and I attended a seminar put on by the pharmacetuical company that makes Copaxone, the medication I take to slow the progression of MS. It was a very interesting experience for me as many people who came were using walkers, canes and wheelchairs. Many looked just fine (like me!!! he,he) But it was sobering and made me realize that I did need to be on this medication so that perhaps it will not progress that far. I am lucky to be diagnosed at this time, 15 years ago they had nothing but meds to treat symptoms.

Tuesday when I got back to the office I had a very fun surprise waiting for me. A GREAT BIG BOX filled with treats from my Relief Society sisters in Farmington. Just what the doctor ordered to help me realize how much I'm loved and being watched over. Thanks Becky and Linda and all that helped with that. I think I was the envy of the office!



Wednesday evening we were invited over to a member's home to have true authentic Southern down-home, cooked all day long GUMBO. Lucky for me it wasn't seafood, but chicken and sausage. It was delicious, and yes I am gaining lots of #####'s, but I'm just not worrying too much about it. Now that it's not super hot I'm hoping to get up early and walk more.

Thursday morning Scott and I went and saw Dr. Gaffney, a Neurologist to finally get my second opinion on the MS. After his exam and a look at my MRI's he told me I definitely 100% have MS. In fact he said after seeing the lesions on my brain he's very surprised I don't have more major symptoms. I know that that is a direct result from all of the blessings I've had and the prayers said on my behalf. I thank my Heavenly Father so much for His tender mercies in my life.

Right when we got back from the doctor's we loaded up the food and our dear Sister Young and drove about 30 minutes to serve lunch at the Sisters Specialized Training meeting.

I wish this picture had turned out better, you really can't see how special these Sisters are to me. They have so much energy and desire to preach the Gospel, I am so grateful to be a part of this special work and be around so many fine people!

Friday mornings we always have our staff meetings with the President and his wife. Usually they are at 8:30am. This Friday he moved it to 11:00 because he had a late meeting in College Station the night before which is a 2 hour drive from the mission. I had mentioned to him on Thursday what the doctor had said. On Friday he had asked his wife to pray and when she finished he immediately hopped up and said "I would like to add to her prayer" and he asked Heavenly Father to bless me in light of the confirmation that I do indeed have MS and prayed that the effects of the disease would be minimal and that I would have increased strength to serve for the period of my mission and beyond. He then acknowledged the Lord's hand in my life. He is such a good man, filled with much faith and love. I'm grateful he's my mission president. In the middle of the meeting he got a call from his brother to wish him a Happy Birthday, it took it in the front on the secretary's phone and while he had his back to the door the Houston Zone (about 10 Elders and the AP's) came into his office with a cake and we surprised him when he walked back in. That was fun!

On Friday Elder Stringfellow ended up going and helping 2 of the Spanish Hermanas (sisters) go and move some things out of their apartment. the previous day when they got home from the sister's training they could tell someone had been in their apartment. They got a funny feeling and were about to open the closet door in their bedroom (they always left it open) and felt like they should leave the apartment NOW so they went and got their apartment manager, when they got back the closet door was open and the0re were a few things taken. Scott and I took them back later Friday evening and helped them get some more things out of their apartment, the President had decided to move them. It was a pretty scary place! It's a good thing the Lord is in charge of all of this, I now know why we pray for the missionaries, they need these prayers and so do all of the investigators!

On Saturday Scott and I went to downtown Houston to the free museum day. We went to the Natural History museum, the weather museum, the medicine museum and the Holcaust Musuem. At the Holocaust Museum an 85 year old survivor of the holcaust spoke, it was such a touching talk. Not only had none of his family survived but there was not one single person he knew from his village that survived. At the end of his talk he said this: "Hate is death and sadness, Love is life and happiness." I went up to him afterwards and thanked him and he gave me a big kiss on the cheek and told me he loved me. It touched me to the core that this man who knew so much of hate could forgive and love. Then to hear President Monson that night at the Women's Broadcast talk of not judging and loving each other more, I came away from the week filling how important love is, to God and for all of us.

What a brave grandpa to put his head in the mouth of a dinosaur