Missionary Mall Experience

I have approximately 20 days before Braun leaves on his mission. He received his call in September. He will be serving in the Montevideo Uruguay. He has spent the last three moths at Snow College so, we haven't worried to much about getting all the things he needs for his mission. However, we are down to crunch time, we have to get things ready. We are scheduled an appointment for pictures and we need the new suit. We spent one afternoon shopping and we accomplished a lot. I think the shopping was to much for Bill, he spent the afternoon taking a nap on the couch at Missionary mall. I can't believe that he doesn't like shopping.

Braun knew his Christmas presents would be getting the things he needed for his Mission. I am grateful for my son and how he has prepared himself for a mission. He is going to serve the Lord well because he knows how to work and he listens to the spirit. I have had the quiet confirmation that Braun has been called to the place Heavenly Father needs him. I hope he will continue to rely on the Lord to guide and direct him while on his mission. I know all will be well while he is serving the people of Uruguay.

Christmas 2010

I followed the counsel that Bill gave me and Christmas was simplified this year.  I tried to create a home where we focused on the Savior more.  Santa did make it to our home and the kids seemed happy with their gifts.  I love this time of year and I love to give to others.  We spent Christmas Eve delivering goodies and presents to neighbors and friends.  We continued our Christmas traditions with our making of Gingerbread houses at Grandma Bywater's, We went to Temple Square and visited the nativity and enjoyed the lights, We ate the Old Spagetti Factory, and we started a new tradition- We got a manager and we wanted to fill it with straw for the baby Jesus.  In order to put straw in the manager, we did secret acts of service for members of our family.  I know that some of the children liked this more than others, but I hope that they will learn that happiness comes from serving others including family members.

We spent time at both of our parents home.  We had lunch at Grandma Bowden's and opened gifts.  I took a nap. I have a hard time staying up late and getting up early.  Bill, Grandma, Carol, Michael, Braun, and Ashlee played a game of Chinese Checkers. The boys, Bill and Ashlee played a game of football.  Yes, football in December, the weather has been crazy, we get six inches of snow and then it rains and the snow melts.  We didn't have snow on Christmas this year.  We then went to Grandma Bywater's for dinner and gift sharing.  It was good to be together with all by borthers and sister and their families. 

I really don't like that Christmas comes and goes quickly.  I wish it could last the whole year through.

November 28, 2010 A New Calling

I was called and sustained as Second Counselor in the Perry 9th Ward Primary.  I am serving with three amazing ladies that I love dearly.  Heather Lloyd is the President, Krista Young in First Counselor and Heidi Nelson is serving as our secretary.  We have 105 children in our Primary and 24 nursery children.  I will be working with the cub scouts and the nursery.  The first month of serving in the presidency has been hectic and full of things to get ready for the first of the year.  I am looking forward to serving the children of the Primary 9th ward.  I hope that I can share with them my love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I love the theme for the year 2011, I know the Scriptures are True.  I want to continue reading the scriptures and learn from the prophets.  I know I love reading the Book of Mormon.  I also find the blessings that come to me continually as Heavenly Father reveals to me talents that I use to serve others.  I love working with children.

Thanksgiving 2010

We are very blessed!  I had the chance to stop and reflect on my many blessings.  I have been given much.  I have a great family.  I have my health. I have a job. I am loving my new teaching assignment.  I enjoy teaching science at ACYI. We had a chance to eat two thanksgiving meals. We spent the afternoon with my mom.  Braun set up the kid Christmas tree in the family room.  The kids made decorations for the tree.  We had some snacks and had time to take a nap during the football game.  After spending time with my mom in East Garland, we traveled back to Perry to have dinner at Grandma Bowden's.  We spent time with Grandma Bowden and we made a total of 11 pies. (7 pumpkin, 3 apple and one blueberry) Grandma asked us to make the pies.  We were late and the potatoes took a little longer to cook, but it was a great meal.  We love the time we spend with our mothers and grandmas.