Parkinson's Awareness Month- April

My mom is one of the HEALTHIEST people I know.  She will only eat half her meal, she does not drink, smoke or even drink soda.  She does not chew gum, she brushes her teeth after every meal.  Every meal will include a fruit or vegetable.  She exercises and eats a few treats.  So, when her health was getting worse she got it checked out.  Well, after many (MANY) different diagnosis' and treatments for the wrong things we have finally identified what it is.... Non-Tremors Parkinsons!  hmmmm.... for someone that is SO healty she has had her share of health problems.  Kidney stones and now this!  The positive side in all this.... the medication is suppose to be GREAT and work really well with patients like my mom.  I really hope this helps her.  She is vibrant and always wants to be helping and serving.  We have hope that this medicine she is on will get her back to her normal self!  Love you MOM!

The Rest of Sam's Story...

Sam sent me a personal letter and told the Sunday night story he referred to in his letter.  He said I could pass it along.  So hilarious!  I'm sure you boys could make a whole night out of missionary poop stories!

Hey why yes I remember that Uncle Sam thing, it freaked the heck out of me. And sounds like life is fun and busy, I can relate, we have to walk a lot. Haha. But my calfs will be huge. And I don't know why its doing this in black bold, but whatever. I was thinking Brinlee will be a little older then what Titan is now when I return home! That is crazy! And will Belle be in middle school?? Sheesh, so I will share my Sunday night experience with you because I decided that as I was typing. Its not very crazy but so as the member is giving the Spiritual thought my bowels move, more like a freight train on steroids. So he offers to take us home and I'm thinking I can hold it in. So were driving and I realized I will probably poo in this mans car. Like I was almost in tears and my butt cheecks we squeezing so hard and my feet were going a million miles per hour. But we had to drop off other Elders first because they lived in a different apartment and I jumped out and destroyed there toilet. IT WAS AWESOME. Haha, so then we had to then be dropped off to our apartment, and I had the same freaking ordeal! Haha, but I made it and then destroyed ours. Heywood bowels, they'll get you! It was dierbershmea. Haha, well thats my story for you. Share it with others if you want! Love you!

Sam's Letter- April 25, 2012

Hey family! So this past week was full of knocking doors! And staying inside because my companion ate some bad macoroni! Haha, but we found a lady who is very nice and she told us how she was praying to God and asked for two signs to know which was His true church. Surprise! So we showed up and she was freaking out. So she definetly could be a golden! Also we got referred to this other lady named Rita who is open really to anything and I think she will be golden! So I say you won't come to the Bronx not because I'm scared of it, because I'm scared for you to come. Haha, there isn't  very many white people here. Haha, but its the best place to be in for missionary work because the people are very humble! So my companion was able to baptize an investigator he had to drop about 6 months ago, but I guess she came back and started to investigate again and asked him to baptize her! It was awesome and he was very happy! So this past week was freezing! And I hate the rain as a missionary, on Sunday I forgot my umbrella because it wasn't raining when we went to church which is at 1:00. And the baptism was right after. And then we had a dinner appointment right after! So we had to walk in the rain from the church to the members home because for some reason the buses weren't coming! So we stood a good 45 minutes in the rain. But it's funny, looking back now. And the reason I ask for garments is because I have the exact amount to last me a week, so I just want some extra just in case I need to change them, haha which I almost had to Sunday night, but thats a story for another time. Also at church this lady who is a member from Puerto Rico, who has two sisters that live here in New York who are not members came to us and asked us if we could visit her sisters and teach them the Gospel! So we taught one yesterday and she doesn't live in our area so we have to pass her on, but I'm not sure she totaly was paying all attention, but its always fun to share the Word! And I guess the other sister lives in Co-op city which is in our area! And the member told us that her nephew doesn't believe in any kind of religion and will fight to prove anyone wrong, so we have a challenge coming up! But Elder Bartleson made a good point, those who usually are the hard hearted people who end up being converted are the strongest, most faithful members! So we'll have to rely on the Spirit! And that's crazy dad because I have been reading in Job this past week and its very interesting! Well the mission is so much fun, and I feel like I'm going to be here forever, but thats the way it is and I'm going to do it right! I'm also starting to understand a lot of Spanish when they speak, except for the hardcore Dominicans, and that will be fun to speak to you guys when I return! Because its Spanish but... you'll just have to hear. And on Friday we had a talent show and yes we did something and it was HILARIOUS. We danced to this song and its to funny to explain in words. But I gave my camera to someone to video it but they videoed other talents and used up all the battery doing it, which made me a little mad (which I contained) so maybe I'll be able to show it when I get home from Facebook, because a member put it on his profile. Haha, I didn't do it. Also I was able to see from a distance where the second Spider man was filmed. Like the ending where he fights Doc Oct or whatever in the warehouse, and I took a picture of the warehouse! And if its not to much of a burden if I could get that blanket soon, because the thin paper sheet that came in the new bedding doesn't do much. But I'll survive. Well I'm alive and sounds like everything is going well with you! Lots of fun stuff! And congrats Spencer and Emily!!! Well I LOVE you all and hope all is well!!!

PS- How was this e-mail? Haha, hope I can keep it up!

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!

I want to give a BIG thank you to these amazing authors and the GREAT stories they have told. You took my son from a non-reader (hated to read) to a READER!!! He loves to read! He has loved all these books. From kindergarten to 3rd grade it was like pulling teeth to get Chase to read. This was a BIG problem because the school he goes to requires weekly goals of AR Reading. HOWEVER.... when he started to read Diary of a Wimpy Kid... something changed. He began to love reading. He would read and I would not have to even tell him to read. No more bartering, treats, money, games.... no more bribery in exchange for reading. He just loved to read them. Then, we moved on to Harry Potter. WOW! He has loved this series as well. Now, he is in 6th grade and has read Hunger Games, is just about done with Catching Fire and is dying to start Mockingjay! Thank you to these brilliant authors!!!

Love,

A mom who has an amazing boy who LOVES to read!

Getting to Know You

Lisa McKeown put on the CUTEST Enrichment Night!  It was all about getting to know each other better.  She made cards for each sister in the ward with something nice about them printed on it.  She displayed these throughout the room in the decorations.  The tables that we sat at were spotlights of one of the sisters and told about that person.  Everyone brought their favorite appetizer and dessert and we ate... and it was GOOD!  Lisa also had cookies wrapped up for each person that said... "our favorite thing tonight was getting to know you better."  We had a few sisters share some things about them and a musical number.  Each sister was asked to bring something that was their "favorite thing."  Well... I of course LOVE Circle K and so I got a circle K cup and filled it with my favorite candies and then attached a circle k gift card to it.  At the event we each picked a name out of a box and I picked... MONDA CLEMONS!!!!  Yeah!!!  She loves Circle K just as much as I do and I was so excited to be able to share that with her!  It was a great night getting to know more about the sisters in my ward!

Babies X 2... They're PINK not BLUE

Emily had her ultrasound and Titan will be getting 2 baby sisters! I know it's weird but from the very beginning I have thought she was having 2 girls. I don't know why... (I never even had a right guess with my own babies!) I am so excited for Spencer, Emily and Titan. Now.... it's time to shop for bows, and dresses and all the things that 2 little princesses will need!

BIG Ultrasound Day!

(this is NOT Emily's Ultrasound pic- just a representation of twins)

We decided to play a little game in anticipation of the big REVEAL!

Everyone picked a team. 2B (2 boys), 2G (2 girls) or 1B1G (1 boy, 1 girl).

This guess is not based on what you hope they are, just what you think they might be.

It's just a game. We will all be happy and excited and these babies will be oh so loved no matter what they are! Yes, Scott... even if one comes out as a bubble blowing leprechaun.

2B- Grandpa, Grandma, Brian, Chase, Blake, Big Josh, Seth and Linda

2G- Stacey, Scott, Steven, Hayden, Katelin, Brandi and Baby Josh

1B1G- Sheri, Julianne, Lindsay, Lauren and Cody

Sam's Letter- April 18, 2012

Re: ahhhhhh, P-day in New York!

Hey family whats up?? So no I haven't seen a wal-mart! But thats the Bronx. And there is a lot of trash on the ground and we play a game where we try to kick some inbetween our companions legs as we walk. Haha. so dad I also need a blanket! And also the other Elders in my apartment want the mini PMGs in Spanish and also English, if thats possible! And Elder Ivey (my MTC companion) and Elder Wilsher are in my apartment! They're awesome! I also have more stuff in my hand written letter so wait until you recieve that before you send stuff. Also the address is in that. So the field is way more fun then the MTC. And a little more relaxed, but I'm still being obedient, just a little more at a slower pace. So we have met great families and in our zone we have 11 bap dates! I think 7 or 8 are on May 5th! So I will get pictures to you all ASAP! So sorry but I have decided that when you come pick me up you won't come to my first area, or also known as the Bronx. Haha, sorry. So my comp has been out a little over a year! And Elder Wilsher has been out for about 3 months and is already a trainer! Scary thought! So Dominicans talk super fast! Haha, so sounds like everyone is happy! Oh the apartments stink like every bad thing you can imagine, and just the outside. Haha. So our transportation is either the bus or train, haha. I rode in a normal care for the first time on Monday and it was weird. I'm a little scared to drive because I'm not sure if I can remeber how to. Haha, well I love you all and my address will be on the letter I sent you today! So yes I saw David Archuleta in the MTC, and he also held the door for me. Believe it or not he is a little awkward, and very short and skinny. But whatevers! Well I love you all and hope all is well!!!

Sam's Mission President Letter- April 17, 2012

We just received a letter and picture from Sam's Mission President today. Sam has been assigned to the Olmstead 1st Ward. I found this little video on YouTube from a youth activity night at the Olmstead 1st Ward. It might give you a little better understanding of the area Sam is serving in... Your really do want to watch the whole video...

Please remember to pray for Sam (and his safety) every morning and every night!!! Remember, I told you that Sam was going to the most foreign Mission possible...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=3oNWdBnGC2c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Wt5lvHejs&feature=relmfu

Quote from Dad

“Apparently, I'm supposed to be more angry about what Mitt Romney does with his money than what Barack Obama does with mine.”

Sam's Headed to the Big Apple and some Pics

Hey SomeEveryBody, (in case you don't know, Someeverybody is a phrase Seth used often from about the age of 5 when he was talking to everyone)

Sorry for just getting this email forwarded to you! I was surprised to talk to Sam Tuesday morning from the Salt Lake airport and then to get an email the next morning (Wednesday - Wednesday is his P-day). Sam, er Elder Heywood finished the MTC portion of his Mission this past Tuesday and flew out to New York. We had a nice visit with Sam from about 5:10am to 5:30am Tuesday morning as he was waiting for his flight (it is legal for Missionaries to call home when flying to the Mission Field). He sounded really good and was so excited to get to New York!!! He was a little tired because he didn't get to bed until 11:30pm and then had to get up at 3:20am.

Hope you all enjoy Sam's email. Please don't forget to write and/or email Sam. His email address is samuel.heywood@myldsmail.org. We don't have his apartment address yet, hopefully we will get it this Wednesday in his email.

Above are two photo's of Sam's trainer Elder Bartleson.

DANCE PARTY!

We had a BLAST during the Dance Party! The DJ played all the "BEST" songs and we got our groove on! There are no pics of me dancing the night away.... I was dancing however, I was also the picture taker. (perfect combination) We had so much fun and were even more excited when some of our favorites from the Disney Cruise were played. We moved, and grooved and had the best time. What a great way to end this amazing wedding day. Unfortunately, this is when my camera battery died. After dancing Katelin did her bouquet toss, Josh did the garter toss, they ate cake and then it was time for them to leave. We all got the super long sparklers and we lined up on the driveway and Josh and Katelin ran through the sparkler lines. It was so pretty... a MUST HAVE at any reception... heck with the rice, beans, bubbles.... do the SPARKLERS!!! It was amazing and I bet the pictures look so cool. Josh and Katelin left for a few nights at the Buttes and then they will go on their honeymoon in May to TURKS AND CAICOS!!!! We are so happy for Josh and Katelin and we love them so much! CONGRATS!

Daddy Daughter Dancing

Daddy and Lauren had a great time on the dance floor! Lauren loved every minute of her time dancing with Daddy. It makes me sad to think that she will be all grown up some day. One day this will be her wedding day and I hope she still enjoys dancing with Daddy as much as she did this night.

Josh and Katelin- Family

These two little pretties LOVED Katelin's princess dress!

We had so much fun at the reception... eating, socializing, telling jokes and just having a good time together. There were so many people (some that I had not seen in a long time). The weather was PERFECT. Perfect as in it could not have been more perfect. No wind, not hot and not too cold. Just PERFECT!

Josh and Katelin- The Beautiful Reception

Michael, myself and Seth all created our own version of the best way to enjoy the food. The caterers had brought small plates so Michael went in and got himself a bowl from the house for his pasta. Seth used a punch cup and filled it with alfredo and then added some noodles. I had my to go cup left from lunch at Mi Amigos and the punch was so delicious and the cups were not nearly big enough so I just filled up my styrofoam cup (many times) that evening.

The reception was absolutely beautiful. Her colors were cream and gold. Let me tell you... it was gorgeous. Katelin had the most amazing candy table. Who knew there were so many cream and gold candies. We had an amazing italian food spread complete with different kinds of pasta and sauces, breads, salad, artichoke dip, cake and even GELATO! Everything tasted soooo good and it was a great time to visit with family and friends. The decor was outstanding. So many cute details that many everything look so elegant and pretty.

Josh and Katelin- Picture Time

The photographer arrived and took tons of pictures! Katelin looked beautiful and Josh was so handome. Being in love looks really good on these two!