"Families are as diverse as individuals. The activities they do together vary, but one thing is true for all of them: "In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time." Whether family members get together for scheduled outings, sharing interests, or serving others, these gatherings strengthen relationships that can be eternal."
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Sam's Letter- July 11, 2012

Hey everyone! So we went on our roof to see the fireworks! There were shows all around but it was a little hard to see. But some people that were on other roofs had little fireworks and were lighting them and throwing them off the roof. And we heard someone saying that the police were coming. So we left and went back in our apartment. And then we just played games until we had to go to bed. We had to be in by 8 so we had a lot off free time it seemed like! So our washing machines in our apartment broke so we had to do it at a laundromat on Thursday and that really stunk! We had so many clothes in one dryer to save money that we had to run the dry cycle 3 times! Some of my G bottoms got melted and started to fall apart. But luckily I have a surplus! And yes I loved the package! That was so funny! When I picked it up I thought you sent me a picture. But then I heard sand rolling around and thought it was a huge tube of just sand! Didn't think you would take my comment about sending me sand literal! Haha, but I loved the roll of paper with everyone signing it! And the shirt is awesome! Haven't worn it yet, but everything from California is cool! Then we did some tracting and had English class at the end of the day. Which no one came too!! Friday I ironed my shirts for the first time in the mission! They were so wrinkled after we got home from doing laundry so I had to do it! We did some tracting and found nothing. Then when we were waiting for a bus a this lady comes up and starts talking with us, she was very happy to see us. And she just was baptized in June. So we get on the bus and were having a great conversation. Then she said to Elder Fairbourn and I that we were a real blessing in her life at that moment because I guess she has a smoking problem and was thinking about going to the store and buying some cigarettes to smoke. But once I saw you guys that crave left and I feel so happy! So Satan will attack the new converts, but the Lord will protect. Also I had no idea I would be the cause of helping someone not smoke or lose the crave of an addiction for that moment. I was just waiting for a bus! The Lord works in natural ways, which to me makes it mysterious how well it works! Then Elder Fairbourn and I got doughnuts at Dunkin Doughnuts. They are EVERYWHERE. So on Saturday we went to a lady whom the Sister missionaries taught before they left and wanted to get to know her and continue to teach her. So we got there and she let us in and basically dropped us. I couldn't understand her very well and she I guess likes her coffee and doesn't want to change. It was sad because this lady honestly looks like a zombie. I don't want to be mean, but you can tell that she isn't happy and has problems. So we tried to show her love but she very kindly said she didn't want to meet with us anymore. Did some more tracting! So Sunday we had church and then we went and looked up some former investigators. As we were waiting for the train this man came up to me and asked the typical question, "Are you Mormons" and I said yes. Then he asked another typical question, "What makes you different from other churches." Then I started to explain, then he stopped me and said I just want to hear I'm not going to convert. So I said okay and said that the church of Jesus Christ was restored. And started with Joseph Smith and the Restoration. And all through this you could tell that he was thinking about what we were saying. He was pondering and was I think believing it. He told us that we were alright and cool (yessss) and then he left. I'm sure a seed was planted! But none of the look ups were home. Then we went to a really cool investigators house of another companionship for dinner and then came home! Monday we had interviews with our new mission president. That took about 5 hours to finish and I was the last one! But he has a great fun loving spirit. I really like him and I know he will be a great mission president. Tuesday we had an appointment and taught this lady Alison whom we found and reviewed the first lesson with her. She didn't remember any of it. But I hope she will progress! Then we did some tracting and talked to this drunk guy. And thankfully our washing machines are working today! So for Pday today we're just hanging out. And we are going to 7/11 for free slurpees because today is 7/11. And after that I have no idea! Probably sleep! Well I love you all and hope all is well! Your all in my prayers!!
A good quote from President George Albert Smith: ..."The happiest people in this world are those who love their neighbors as themselves and manifest their appreciation of God's blessings by their conduct.   

Sunday, July 8, 2012

My Aaronic Priesthood Holder




I am such a proud momma!  My firstborn is now the proud owner of the priesthood.  Now that he is 12 he has the amazing choice to have this priesthood bestowed upon him.  Brian gave him such a great blessing and passed on this amazing priesthood to our first son.  My parents were able to come and be there for this great occasion.
Chase,
I hope you always understand and appreciate this amazing priesthood that you now have.  You will be able to use this for so many great things in your life.  This is just the beginning of your journey in the Priesthood.  As you get older you will get more blessings.  With these blessings you will be able to administer more and more of your priesthood to help others.  The Aaronic Priesthood that you now have will enable you to pass the sacrament every Sunday.  What a great honor and service that you will be able to give to the people in our ward.  You will also collect fast offerings with the Deacons in our ward.  At the time you received your Priesthood, our Bishop is Bishop Jordan Graff.  His wife is my friend Laura and they have 4 sons.  Their son Ethan and you played on the same flag football team.  The counselors at this time are Bro. Greer and Bro. Workman.  All three of these men are great and I hope you feel their love for you.  You leaders are Bro. Jason Rucker and Bro. Mike Millsap.  The Young Men's president is Bro. Trever Denham.  (Bro. Denham has been our home teacher for a few years).  They all want the best for you and will do all they can to help you have a great time in the Young Men's program.  You are such a great kid with a big heart and a natural ability to do what is right.  You are so kind to others and are a great example of friendship to those around you.  You are a great son and brother and I am so grateful to have you be the oldest in our family.  I am so thankful for your decision to receive the priesthood.  This is such a great way to be an example to others.  Always honor your priesthood and treat it with the respect it deserves.  You are amazing and I love you.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

BBQ and Fireworks

















After our wonderful day at the pool we headed over to Grandpa and Grandma's for a BBQ and fireworks.  It was so fun and we enjoyed everyone that came.

Crepes, Rain,Swimming, Rest and the BEST Weather Ever!























We started off the 4th by going to Sheri's for crepes.  Wow... they were so good!  I will have to say that the gluten free crepes tasted even better than the regular ones.  After that it started to rain and the kids played in that for a little bit and then we headed over to the pool.  The weather was PERFECT!  I have never in my life felt like I could sit at the pool in clothes and be so comfortable in the weather in Arizona in July!  It was truly a day like we have never had here before.  We were there ALL DAY.  It was so relaxing and we enjoyed the beautiful weather.

4th of July




It's the 4th of July!!!!!  We are so excited to celebrate our freedoms that we enjoy everyday!  Thanks to all our troops that have served in the past, present and future.  We are truly grateful for all our freedoms.

Sam's Letter- July 4, 2012

Hey family whats up?!? So this passed week was prety good. I forgot my planner so it wont be everything I did. But we did a lot of tracting and had fun! And last Friday night our power went out in the middle of the night and it got SUPER hot. Its been so hot here in New York and when our A/C went off I was about to die! Turns out the fuse blew and we had to go buy another one. Then the next day it blew again! it was so annoying! But we switched it again and everything is good. So this past Monday we had a zone conference with our new mission president. President Morgan is really cool. He was adopted in Arizona and grew up in Utah. Him and his family were converts. He married the grand daughter of his mission president and they have five boys. 3 were there on Monday and one played football for a college I don't remember which and he is freaking buff. Another is a little younger then I am and is leaving for his mission in September for Chile. Then the last is 16 and he will be with us for the whole time! They are really nice and no new changes have been made. But he might change the Times Square rule, or is considering review. So I doubt it will happen, but maybe! So yesterday on Tuesday we went and tracted and found this guy who was only wearing his underwear and let us in. So we talked with him and taught about the Plan of Salvation. But he would go off track so many times and so we didn't get to far with him. but we gave his info to the English missionaries. So today for the 4th we are hanging out at the church and having a BBQ with our district. Playing basketball and eating yummy food! Then the ward is having a picnic all day and we are going after pday is over. then we are going to go atop our roof and watch fireworks! And its cool the Empire State building has red, white, and blue lights! And I'm not able to get your package today but I will for sure tomorrow! So sounds like condo was so much fun! Tell me how the 4th is for you today and how the fireworks go! I love you all so much!!!

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Goodbye California







After dinner we went to Coldstone and got some yummy ice cream and then we were ready for bed!  We were exhausted.  We made our bed and fell asleep very quickly.  After a few hours I knew it was going to be a long night.... WE WERE FREEZING!  We did not have adequate blankets and it was cold.  Finally, in the morning I was so glad for daylight and the night to finally be over only to find out that the ones sleeping in the bedrooms SWEATED all night long.  What?????  Anyway, that was over and it was time to leave our paradise.  We stopped at this new outdoor waffle place and it was so good! You could order waffles all different ways.  I got the nutella and banana one, Hayden and Lauren got the plain with syrup, Chase got the pulled pork waffle sandwich, Blake got the bacon, egg and cheese waffle and Dad got the sausage, egg and cheese waffle.  mmmmmmmmm.... good........  What a great way to end our June Condo Vacation!