Dear Tanner,
How are you? Truly? A mother needs to know every once in awhile. I assume you'll let us know if you've been transferred. I'd be very surprised if there were many changes this week. Your hashtag in your letter made me smile. I was thinking of a few this week. #Does my son know how much I love him? #Where in the world is your package? It will be interesting to hear about your new president this week. Did he have a typical conference? Any rule changes? Any new implementation of the new media policy with missionaries? #Answer all your mother's questions!
I love seeing all the youth come into the church. Our new members in Huntington have all been young adults. Life's so much easier when the gospel becomes a part of your life at an earlier age. Your letter describing the party for the birth of John the Baptist was interesting. Why not? I love John for the hard things he had to do, and at such an early age.
What's happened in the world this week? Brazil has been mentioned a few times as the president tries to make reforms to placate the people.
Your AP Elder Petersen shared that the mission baptized 168 in the month of June, which shattered the mission record. What a nice parting gift to President Tavares. Elder Cummings said, "I love humidity and cold! It would be so nice, though, to have a clothes dryer or even just heaters! We are desperate to dry our clothes here, it has been raining so much that nothing dries!" He put his socks in the microwave in an effort to dry them, and burned holes in them. All over! His picture was very funny.
Cousin Naomi has arrived! She was assigned to a "fairy tale" town right next to Switzerland, the city of Annecy, a lovely, small town south of Geneva, right on a lake and surrounded by mountains. She said, "Sometimes I wonder if I'm really in France because people just throw English at me. This old guy tried to get me to sit in his bike basket and go eat at a restaurant. I told him I'd meet him at the church to talk about Jesus. Nice try. I'm a missionary. (If you were wondering why everyone was laughing during the mission president broadcast as Holland sits down and L Tom gets up to speak, it's because Elder Perry stuck his arm out to clothesline Holland on the way up. They are so full of life and energy it's awesome."
From your other cousin Greg, "We were the first North American missionaries coming to this MTC so when we arrived we received the golden treatment. There were people taking pictures and we got interviewed for the church magazine. It is sooooo beautiful here. It's not too hot or too humid, the altitude is a little high, but nothing I can't handle. They have a full size soccer field, several outside basketball courts, and the grass is the greenest I have ever seen." Uncle Rich sent his address, which I'll forward along to you.
There were some wildfires in Arizona this week, that took an abrupt turn, and claimed the lives of 19 firefighters, one LDS. It's SO sad to hear of these deaths, but important to not forget about those individuals who choose to defend and protect our country, our land and our people.
Aunt Janel was very excited you received her package. "A package packed with love for our nephew. That made us smile that you referred to our package as a "magical box." She dropped Evan off at West Point this week. She had pictures of "the long gray line," the new Cadets being marched out through the tunnels onto the plains to take the ceremonial Oath to serve. What was really interesting is that the ceremony took place after eight hours of training, all while carrying their 50 pound packs.
Uncle Aaron made a facebook page for his law firm. I "liked" it for you ;-)
Uncle Zach arrived in Fort Collins, and has been living without his "stuff," while they work on their new home. I'll share a photo of their house with you.
I love seeing all the youth come into the church. Our new members in Huntington have all been young adults. Life's so much easier when the gospel becomes a part of your life at an earlier age. Your letter describing the party for the birth of John the Baptist was interesting. Why not? I love John for the hard things he had to do, and at such an early age.
What's happened in the world this week? Brazil has been mentioned a few times as the president tries to make reforms to placate the people.
Your AP Elder Petersen shared that the mission baptized 168 in the month of June, which shattered the mission record. What a nice parting gift to President Tavares. Elder Cummings said, "I love humidity and cold! It would be so nice, though, to have a clothes dryer or even just heaters! We are desperate to dry our clothes here, it has been raining so much that nothing dries!" He put his socks in the microwave in an effort to dry them, and burned holes in them. All over! His picture was very funny.
Cousin Naomi has arrived! She was assigned to a "fairy tale" town right next to Switzerland, the city of Annecy, a lovely, small town south of Geneva, right on a lake and surrounded by mountains. She said, "Sometimes I wonder if I'm really in France because people just throw English at me. This old guy tried to get me to sit in his bike basket and go eat at a restaurant. I told him I'd meet him at the church to talk about Jesus. Nice try. I'm a missionary. (If you were wondering why everyone was laughing during the mission president broadcast as Holland sits down and L Tom gets up to speak, it's because Elder Perry stuck his arm out to clothesline Holland on the way up. They are so full of life and energy it's awesome."
From your other cousin Greg, "We were the first North American missionaries coming to this MTC so when we arrived we received the golden treatment. There were people taking pictures and we got interviewed for the church magazine. It is sooooo beautiful here. It's not too hot or too humid, the altitude is a little high, but nothing I can't handle. They have a full size soccer field, several outside basketball courts, and the grass is the greenest I have ever seen." Uncle Rich sent his address, which I'll forward along to you.
There were some wildfires in Arizona this week, that took an abrupt turn, and claimed the lives of 19 firefighters, one LDS. It's SO sad to hear of these deaths, but important to not forget about those individuals who choose to defend and protect our country, our land and our people.
Aunt Janel was very excited you received her package. "A package packed with love for our nephew. That made us smile that you referred to our package as a "magical box." She dropped Evan off at West Point this week. She had pictures of "the long gray line," the new Cadets being marched out through the tunnels onto the plains to take the ceremonial Oath to serve. What was really interesting is that the ceremony took place after eight hours of training, all while carrying their 50 pound packs.
Uncle Aaron made a facebook page for his law firm. I "liked" it for you ;-)
Uncle Zach arrived in Fort Collins, and has been living without his "stuff," while they work on their new home. I'll share a photo of their house with you.
This week was full of puddles, raindrops, thunder, rain, lightening, Miller running and hiding, baseball game cancellations, Breyer squealing, more rain, wet shoes...a little bit of Brazil right here at home! This is THE wettest summer ever! July usually is hot and dry, but we're about to float away. Hopefully we don't have any flooding in the area, but the river is SO high! Grampy said they're not getting any of the rain, and it's been hot and humid in New England. I need to channel my inner Percy Jackson and move the water system east!
Monday Hunter had his second tri state golf tournament at Shawnee State. We're still waiting for the official results, as he left early, but he thinks he finished fourth overall. His comments from that competition were that it was his first ever time playing the long drives, college age distance. If he had played on the high school tees he thinks he would have been ten shots better. He has his third tournament tomorrow at the Ashland Bellefonte Country Club.
One day this week Ranger was full of beans. He got into the trash, which he never does, unless he doesn't have dog food. He drank out of the toilet, coming upstairs at 6 a.m. to do so, when his water bowl was full. He tongue grabbed two pieces of pizza off of the table, once from the cookie sheet and once off the edge of a plate, causing the plate to fall. He chewed the last good ping pong ball! I could not figure out what was up until Hunter reminded me it was his birthday. That was Wednesday, July 3rd. And we hadn't remembered. Happy Birthday, Ranger! You're an old man at 9 years! This was also the day Uncle Ben and his family arrived in New England. So sad we don't get to visit at the same time! They've been visiting the beaches in Maine, eating lobster, Kimball's ice cream, seeing a new Monster, Inc. movie called Monster University, watching Uncle Aaron and Aunt Jenny play their soccer game (adult league), swimming, late night games, you name it. It's all going on over there and we're both not there ;-)
Monday Hunter had his second tri state golf tournament at Shawnee State. We're still waiting for the official results, as he left early, but he thinks he finished fourth overall. His comments from that competition were that it was his first ever time playing the long drives, college age distance. If he had played on the high school tees he thinks he would have been ten shots better. He has his third tournament tomorrow at the Ashland Bellefonte Country Club.
One day this week Ranger was full of beans. He got into the trash, which he never does, unless he doesn't have dog food. He drank out of the toilet, coming upstairs at 6 a.m. to do so, when his water bowl was full. He tongue grabbed two pieces of pizza off of the table, once from the cookie sheet and once off the edge of a plate, causing the plate to fall. He chewed the last good ping pong ball! I could not figure out what was up until Hunter reminded me it was his birthday. That was Wednesday, July 3rd. And we hadn't remembered. Happy Birthday, Ranger! You're an old man at 9 years! This was also the day Uncle Ben and his family arrived in New England. So sad we don't get to visit at the same time! They've been visiting the beaches in Maine, eating lobster, Kimball's ice cream, seeing a new Monster, Inc. movie called Monster University, watching Uncle Aaron and Aunt Jenny play their soccer game (adult league), swimming, late night games, you name it. It's all going on over there and we're both not there ;-)
I found a few pictures of your cousins that will make your head spin! They're all getting so old!
After living here almost five years, this year was the first time we've been to the ward July 4th picnic. It was a decent party...lots of food, fishing, and fun. We had to provide our own fireworks at the end of the day, as I had asked your Dad to pick up some sparklers. Splurging for sure, and Miller and Breyer were scared silly. Hunter had a good day. I brought a carrot cake to share with his friends, with the promise of an apple pie, which he really wanted, later. He got his first official golf clothes, so next time he's up at the tee, check out his apparel. He was very happy with his 18th birthday, and is looking forward to another letter from you :-)
Friday was the first day of the county fair. Last year Hunter and I noticed that no one used the bank parking lot after hours as a parking lot for fundraising, an obvious choice since it's so close to the fair entrance. And, we met the manager this year as he had a team for Relay for Life. So I contacted him and he gave Hunter permission to use the parking lot. Yeah! Hunter sat there Friday evening, with about 50 spaces, and filled half at $5 for $125. Not bad, especially since it was raining. Saturday he went down at noon, and stayed until 8 p.m. and made another $180. The weather, as mentioned previously, is very wet, and it is keeping a lot of people away. He asked for golf team members to sign up for shifts to help, but they all were on vacation or already working a full time job. He wanted to earn enough money to pay for a new driver, and the rest will be donated to the high school golf team. He'll be back every evening this week, and he's hoping Friday and Saturday nights will be super busy.
Saturday found your father driving boys here and there with baseball games and lots of rain. Sawyer's all star team played and lost, and unfortunately their game today didn't get rained out. Thank goodness they won without him. It's always a little awkward when the team loses, and your son isn't there. Lucky Sawyer will get to play tomorrow night. With all the above mentioned rain, the one week tournament has turned into the three week everybody-leaving-on-vacation scramble.
The boys and your father have been getting ready for scout camp. One day we'd gather clothes, another socks, one day was the important stuff like knives, bug spray, mosquito nets, water bottles. Dad and I had a good laugh when we realized the only water shoes we had for him were my pink crocs. He thought everybody would think he was celebrating the recent BSA decision to allow gay boys to join boy scouts. He also made me laugh as he spent hours yesterday ironing six pairs of shorts and collared shirts. For boy scout camp! I don't understand where his dislike of tee shirts came from, but as long as I'm not ironing, he can wear whatever he wants! He will definitely be the most styling man up there. Especially since his shoes are pink! They left today for the Koths in Cincinnati, to spend the night tonight, and arrive at the camp in the morning, as the Koths are literally five minutes away from the scout camp. But I guess you knew that since you were with us last year on our #finding a new boy scout camp trip.
I believe that is the wrap up of the week. Not so much going on over here, but know that you're prayed for in every prayer. Miller asked tonight when you were coming home. I told him in one year! He exclaimed, "A whole year!" It sounds so long but it will be so soon that you're here again. One day at a time quickly turns into another week. I was playing the organ today in church, and just love the song I Believe in Christ. The second verse touched me today, and it became my thought to share with you.
I believe in Christ--my Lord, my God!
My feet he plants on gospel sod.
I'll worship him with all my might;
He is the source of truth and light.
I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.
From Satan's grasp he sets me free,
And I shall live with joy and love
In his eternal courts above.
Those "courts above" are courts of home, okay maybe a little basketball court is there as well, but a place where joy and love are found and abound. We're grateful your feet are planted firmly in the sod of the gospel.
Friday was the first day of the county fair. Last year Hunter and I noticed that no one used the bank parking lot after hours as a parking lot for fundraising, an obvious choice since it's so close to the fair entrance. And, we met the manager this year as he had a team for Relay for Life. So I contacted him and he gave Hunter permission to use the parking lot. Yeah! Hunter sat there Friday evening, with about 50 spaces, and filled half at $5 for $125. Not bad, especially since it was raining. Saturday he went down at noon, and stayed until 8 p.m. and made another $180. The weather, as mentioned previously, is very wet, and it is keeping a lot of people away. He asked for golf team members to sign up for shifts to help, but they all were on vacation or already working a full time job. He wanted to earn enough money to pay for a new driver, and the rest will be donated to the high school golf team. He'll be back every evening this week, and he's hoping Friday and Saturday nights will be super busy.
Saturday found your father driving boys here and there with baseball games and lots of rain. Sawyer's all star team played and lost, and unfortunately their game today didn't get rained out. Thank goodness they won without him. It's always a little awkward when the team loses, and your son isn't there. Lucky Sawyer will get to play tomorrow night. With all the above mentioned rain, the one week tournament has turned into the three week everybody-leaving-on-vacation scramble.
The boys and your father have been getting ready for scout camp. One day we'd gather clothes, another socks, one day was the important stuff like knives, bug spray, mosquito nets, water bottles. Dad and I had a good laugh when we realized the only water shoes we had for him were my pink crocs. He thought everybody would think he was celebrating the recent BSA decision to allow gay boys to join boy scouts. He also made me laugh as he spent hours yesterday ironing six pairs of shorts and collared shirts. For boy scout camp! I don't understand where his dislike of tee shirts came from, but as long as I'm not ironing, he can wear whatever he wants! He will definitely be the most styling man up there. Especially since his shoes are pink! They left today for the Koths in Cincinnati, to spend the night tonight, and arrive at the camp in the morning, as the Koths are literally five minutes away from the scout camp. But I guess you knew that since you were with us last year on our #finding a new boy scout camp trip.
I believe that is the wrap up of the week. Not so much going on over here, but know that you're prayed for in every prayer. Miller asked tonight when you were coming home. I told him in one year! He exclaimed, "A whole year!" It sounds so long but it will be so soon that you're here again. One day at a time quickly turns into another week. I was playing the organ today in church, and just love the song I Believe in Christ. The second verse touched me today, and it became my thought to share with you.
I believe in Christ--my Lord, my God!
My feet he plants on gospel sod.
I'll worship him with all my might;
He is the source of truth and light.
I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.
From Satan's grasp he sets me free,
And I shall live with joy and love
In his eternal courts above.
Those "courts above" are courts of home, okay maybe a little basketball court is there as well, but a place where joy and love are found and abound. We're grateful your feet are planted firmly in the sod of the gospel.
Love,
Mom and Dad
2 comments:
Don't float away in your wet summer! Ugh. You can have it. We are enjoying a very nice run of sunny weather right now and hoping it sticks around.
I laughed out loud at your hubby's observation on the pink Crocs! Too funny.
Remind Miller that Tanner has almost been gone as long as he has yet to be gone. For us oldsters, it will be here before we know it!
Beautiful letter. Sorry you are having so much rain. We had enough of it ourselves and finally have had some sun. However, the high temps and humidity have really taken over. Between my eye surgery on Tuesday, the 2nd of July, and the high temps and humidity, it's really knocked me for a loop. I still have flowers to plant but can't now because I can't bend over for a week. Was hoping to get that done before the eye surgery but it was just too hot for me to do it. It'll have to wait till next week when it is a little cooler and I'm able to do it. Also have some mulch to spread around. I was very late in buying my plants this year--motivation, I guess, as well as $$$. June was a lean month so had to watch my pennies. I always say I am going to put money away for my flowers every year but never do it. Lots of love and hope for dryer weather for you.
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