PAYETTE, ID BOUND!

Subject:  PAYETTE, ID BOUND

  

Following is the P-Day email of Elder Nicholas Dees-who has already served 7 and 1/2 months in his Idaho Boise Mission!  Elder Nicholas Dees has been transferred and below is his current address.  Uplifting letters are welcomed and encouraged.....missionaries love mail!

MONDAY

4/30/12  11:34 AM

Here's Nicholas' email address:

ELDER NICHOLAS DEES

1106 1/2  2nd Ave N.

Payette, ID 83661

EMAIL FROM ELDER NICHOLAS DEES TO HIS DAD

MONDAY

4/30/12   11:34:52 AM

Hey im on

Elder Nicholas Dees - Shoshone Fall in Idaho

Hey dad, well we got transfer calls and im going to Payette, ID and Fruitland is in that area so my tooth will be getting completed this transfer. We stayed pretty busy this week. Taught a fair amount of lessons and used a lot of object lessons they really seem to help people put things into a better perspective. We went and made our rounds of saying bye to people only people i said bye to were the Kunzlers and the Gentrys other than that really didnt get to meet other cool people! My new companion is going to be interesting for sure he is in love with star wars more than my last companion, not to thrilled about it, but we'll see. I dont get transferred until 12:30. For last p-day me and elder bell, clark and tingle went to the canyon and hit golf balls off the top into the snake river, Bell ended up hitting one across the entire thing and of course i didnt have my camera with me =(, At the Kunzlers i was able to chase down some sheep and catch a baby one those little things are fast! Ill attach some pictures in a seperate email.

Elder Nicholas Dees in Heyburn, ID  (at Kunzler's)

EMAIL FROM ELDER NICHOLAS DEES TO HIS MOM

4/30/12  11:54 AM

Here are some pictures ill write more tomorrow ill be on the transfer van all day. Apology accepted

Elder  Nicholas Dees at his Uncle Glade Gentry's shop in Declo, ID

Elder Nicholas Dees, at Kunzler's home.

Elder Nicholas Dees in Declo, ID

*******    *******     ******   *****

EMAIL FROM MOM

Mon.

4/30/12

Hi Son,

I'm not sure if you are going to read this or not but I still wanted to write. 

This will be the first email just to YOU!!!  

I have been thinking of you all week.  Mostly because I'm sad as to the way we parted last week.  I know you are working and teaching and I would like to apologize.  You are 19 and I can't rule you but will try to suggest and guide you as that is my responsibility as your mother and as someone who is older and wiser than you. 

So - What are the transfer results?  Are you staying or going??  If going, do you have an address?  I hope to snail mail you this week.  This past week has been crazy busy.  You know me, shuffling junk to make room for your brother.  We have also had a lot of cleans.  Fact is we are at one today, well two today and I so need to be home doing things to get ready for John but that's not going to happen.  Bummer

As you know, Elder John Dees comes home today!!  He leaves Spokane at 10:18 Pacific, goes to Salt Lake, then to Atlanta, and finally home to PC Airport.  We are thrilled he has completed his mission and ready for the next phase of his life.  He wrote that he had received great counsel from his Stake President there in Deer Park, WA and I'm sure President Palmer as well.  A member called me yesterday/Sunday and said she and her family just dropped him off at the mission home!  She said he had been a great missionary and was sad to see him go.  It's always nice to hear people compliment your children.  A mother loves her children and wishes the best for them.  In our Sunday School lesson yesterday we spoke of parents teaching their children in the home and any other good teaching only aids that which the parents should have taught.  I want to do better.

What are you doing for PDay today?  

Are you needing a bike yet?

I do love you.  

I have got to get to cleaning.

Pippin says "hello".  He's been sweet.  For some reason he was all excited and jumped up on the twin bed.  crazy dog.  Maybe he senses that John is coming home.  Your sister is so sassy sometimes.  We are all beggers as everything is from the Lord.  We need to be more humble.

I saw a nice family photo of the L's.    

Well, I gotta go.

I love you.

Mom :)

COMMENTS OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS:  

***Thanks, Gretchen for all the updates from John and now Nick. I know how proud you are of both them. What a great family you have.   Mary L.

LIVING ON A PRAYER

On Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 11:40 AM

LIVING ON A PRAYER

Email of Elder Nicholas Dees:

Well another week down, we get transfer calls this week which will be exciting. Im pretty sure im leaving to get my tooth fixed which will be awesome. Last pday we went to a place called city of rocks and we went and climbed some awesome rocks and then me, elder barnes, our zone leader and another missionary were on the way down from the very top and it started raining so we started racing down the rock and we went down a totally different way and ended up getting lost in the wilderness for 3 hours it was pretty crazy. We really thought we were completely lost and we didnt have a phone with us and we thought we were going to be spending the night but we said a prayer and i found a trail a few minutes later and it was unmarked and it ended up taking us right to the parking lot prayer answered for sure. We also went to the Twin Falls Temple on Friday and it was way good, first time i have been since Orlando.  i have spent so much money because members here hardly ever feed us so i have had to use a ton of money from my home card to so you wanna reimburse me? Also my companion finally paid me back but i dont want to just mail the $ home and have it get lost in the mail so how do i go about sending it home? We stayed pretty busy with teaching last week and hopefully we will this week. For P-day i have no clue what we are doing.  im probably going to hang out with my friends (elder bell and Ang) in twin so, yeah. Ill email pictures next week.

-Nick

POPULATION - 14

EMAIL OF ELDER NICHOLAS DEES

Mon, Apr 16, 2012 at 11:19 AM

Elder Nicholas Dees:  So last P-day I didn't email because I was out and about in Jarbidge, NV- population 14. We rode with some elders from Filer because its their area and we went hiking all day so that’s why I didn’t get to email. And I can’t send pictures today because I left my cord in their car =( oh well. Well other than that we had zone conference and stayed really busy this week. Don’t know what else there is to talk about, well I did hit 7 months this past Saturday! Wahoooooo! And I got the package finally thanks! I really like the Tommy Hilfiger tie you sent!

Dad:  Nicholas

Good to hear from you. What are the bandages on your hands in the photos from conference?

How are you managing you money, okay I hope. 

It's been crazy here, busy is an understatement. Work keeps me busy and then Seminary, which I love.  Grandma and Grandpa Dees asked to say hi from them. They will send a letter, I think that's what they told me yesterday. 

Anything else going on?  Melissa and Tyler were here last week. They left yesterday. She wants to see you. But, remember they are not in your stake. Don't waste time playing with family, you'll get an emergency transfer out of that area. 

Mom:  Hi son,

I just got Internet access.  I'll send the big email.

How are you doing?

Elder Nicholas Dees:  pretty good,

Mom:  ok, but son you don't need to be doing all this shopping for material stuff.  Definitely do not rip off any missionary selling your old stuff.  Just lay low on your wheeling and dealing on a mission please.

You should have stuff to talk about, you are a missionary.  Surely you could enlighten us on people you come in contact with, if you ever feel the strong presence of the spirit, you know, things like that.

Do you cover Melissa's ward?  Uncle Glades?  Who's?  Is Uncle Glade out of your area????   

Was the Tommy Hilfiger the new tie?

What are some of your goals this week?  

I love you.

Love, Mom.

ps, any suggestions as to what to do for John when he returns home?

Elder Nicholas Dees:  No we are outside of his area, he is Declo, we are Paul.  Yeah the Tommy was the new one, no more blue ties though - I have so many! And put John’s lazy butt to work when he gets home.  He thinks he is going to be able to use my tv and stuff, idk about that since he wouldn’t let me use his bike.

Mom:  hey, I saw Rachel Davis a few days ago.....she keeps looking in her mailbox----hoping to hear from ya. Write her when you have time.  Use your time properly as a missionary.

Elder Nicholas Dees:  I never got a reply from her? so I have written back. 

EMAIL SENT BY MOM:  

Mon.

4/16/12

Hi Elder Dees’-John and Nicholas,

Another week has flown by. 

We had a beautiful Sabbath day / Sacrament meeting yesterday.  Great talks.  A returned missionary from the Chipley Ward spoke of the Savior and the Atonement.  He has a firm testimony of the Plan of Salvation.  Wonderful spirit felt throughout the meetings. 

After church I ran on up to mom’s as it was my rotation day.  Glynis was there helping mom out.  We got things straightened around and had a nice supper and Charles had stopped in on an assignment as their home teacher to invite them to their ward conference coming up in 2 weeks.  He is a good home teacher.  Wade Gause had stopped in as well so we all sat around the kitchen table talking and enjoying the company.  We then rode over to see the garden and turkeys Charles is raising.  Neat.  Grandma said she is very proud of you boys.  We were counting up how many of her children and grandchildren have/or are serving missions.  We came up with a total of 18 and hopefully more to serve.  I’m glad you two can be counted in that group.

Do you two get Elder Maxwell’s (Bennett’s) emails?  He is doing so good.  He loves his mission!  At present he is still in Colorado Springs, waiting on his visa for the Mexico mission.

Gina said Elder Snyder is doing good.  He loves where he is in California. Oh, Aunt Gina, Uncle Matt and Keri will be in Paris when you get home John. 

We have so much to do at the house but we seem to be involved w/cleans, cleans, and more cleans.  We had to “fire” Madison last Saturday due to her smacky mouth and not doing some of the tasks correctly.  Pretty sad.  Hahaha.  Poor thing has FCAT today and tomorrow.  We barely got to school in time.  I bet you two don’t miss that hahahaha.

John, I spoke to Jordan yesterday.  He mentioned that if you want to room together that that may work.  He really likes where he stays and said you will definitely want your own room.  He said usually everyone has diff. class times and schedules so to have your own room makes it nice.  I guess we should be receiving your bike today.  We are out at a clean right now but hopefully will be home in time when they bring it by.

Nicholas, did you get your pkg yesterday w/ties and tie holders?  If not it will probably arrive today. 

ELDER NICHOLAS DEES---WHERE ARE YOU?

4/9/12


ELDER NICHOLAS DEES never emailed on the Monday p-day.  A few days later we received this email and explanation.  

Wed., April 11, 2012  (not a reg. p-day)

Sorry didn’t get to email, well I got my tax return into my bank account. I sold my camera and got an new one that is much nicer than mine.  So that’s what that charge is so don’t get upset. I sold my camera and case for $150 and the purchase at Target was for my companion. He bought a new camera because he never had one to begin with, so he is paying me back Friday and I’ll send that money home to be deposited into my account ok (: -   bye love you guys

EMAIL FROM MOM:  

Mon.

4/9/12

Dear Sons:

How was Easter for you two?  Our Sacrament meeting was used as Fast and Testimony due to conference.  We had a nice crowd-overflow opened and such.  Lots of wonderful testimonies shared.  Sister Nora Hansen just returned from her mission so it was great to see her.  We (your dad, Madison and I) left after sacrament meeting to go to Grandma Gentry's to visit.  No fancy Easter meal or anything like that.  Just used that as my day to see mom and do a few things for her.  Geoff, Carolyn and Parley were down this past week so we got to see them yesterday as well.  Aunt Carolyn is doing something remarkable.  She has scanned some of Mom's Book of Remembrance and will send each of the siblings the files!!!!!  Pretty neat.  That is so kind of her to do it.  We should have been doing it but she is ACTUALLY doing it!!!  So neat.  Mom was is some pain.  That is a daily thing for her anymore.  Brother Osterburg---Charles is her home teacher and he is so kind and diligent in getting him home teaching done so her came over to Home Teach mom and Glynis so I enjoyed that message and visit.  Today is Aunt Cindy's 50th b'day.  Melissa and Tyler and the baby should have arrived last night and Jordan is home too for a week or so.  Leslie looks great and the baby (Kimball) is like a little beautiful baby doll.  Didn't get to see Aunt Gwynn or Gayle, or Gina or Gary yesterday.  I guess everyone is busy w/their own families.  However, your dad and I took Dianne over to Tally this past Wed. and we did meet up at 5 Guys for a hamburger.  Uncle Geoff and his family, Aunt Gina and Uncle Gary and all of us.  Geoff had called Marvin earlier that day and while we were eating Marvin (Goldstein) returned his call and said he was close by so he came in and sat w/us as well.  Hence the photo.  Dianne wasn't impressed LOL---she just wanted to get her drink refill and shopping on!  :)

I still haven't invited someone to church w/me.  Why do I find that so difficult?  I suppose I just haven't been impressed as to who may be ready to hear the truth of the gospel.  who knows.  maybe soon.

Madison found her a dress for Mormon Prom.  She's excited. Still disrespectful. It hurts.

We are out at a clean right now.  Clean, Clean, Clean and yet my house is filthy!  We have been busy this week!  Your dad has to do taxes this week, etc.  I have to clean the garage, etc.

Elder Nicholas Dees:

I hope you are getting settled into the area and working to find and teach.  My heart has been so concerned for you.  Serve w/ honor.  Who is in your teaching pool?  Are you keeping a journal?  Do you need another one yet?  I still haven't sent the box w/ties, etc.  I'll try to this week.  What ever came of a bike?  Are you needing one yet?  Be on the look out to buy one off a returning missionary if they are selling theirs.  

Elder John Dees:  

How is the teaching pool for you and your comp?  Often I think of you traveling in regard to your Zone Leader responsibilities and pray for your safety and strength.  Is there anything you need?  Will you be shipping your bike home?  Should we send it to Glade's or Melissa's if you are going to need it for school?  Did you get Nicholas' address:

Elder Nicholas Dees

1510 R Street

Heyburn, ID 83336 

I guess I better get back to work. 

I want you two to know that I know Heavenly Father lives and his son, Jesus Christ, lives.  Pray and be humble to receive guidance in your lives.

I love you both so much.  I want to be a better mother for you all.

Love, Mom  

DECLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Pictures:  Elder Nicholas Dees, Elder Barnes on Nicholas' shoulders and other comp ???, Glade/Cherice Gentry Family, Gretta and friend Mark and Elder Nicholas Dees

EMAIL OF ELDER NICHOLAS DEES

Monday, April 2, 2012

12:18:23 PM

Elder Barnes and Elder Nicholas Dees on mountain / "D" in Declo, ID

Elder Nicholas Dees w/Aunts and Uncle and first cousins in Declo, ID

Hey everyone, SURPRISE - I was in Declo for conference with the family since I’m serving in the Paul area! So Uncle Glade and his family were all there of course.  I saw Mark and his wife and kids, and Aunt Gretta and her man Mark came up and Jordan was there as well.  It was awesome and I actually paid attention to conference! Afterwards we went and had some fun climbing up to the “D” in Declo, it was way worse/steeper than the “Y” but it was worth every second and after that we went back and had some hot chocolate at Uncle Glade’s. I got to play on the jumping stilts and all other kinds of fun stuff.  I caught some more chickens (Uncle Glade has chickens) and just overall had a great time! This week was kinda tough for missionary work though just because of spring break and not a lot of people were home, but we still taught a lot of people. There is a place out here called Kiwi Loco which is a frozen yogurt place and it’s so good and its 50% off. Hopefully we will be going there today. I already spent $30 of my monthly money to buy a new camera charger.  Mine went MIA during transfers-maybe left in the van or something. )=  My resolution this month.... to save money, well there went that idea (=. Everything is going great here though! Here are some pictures from this weekend. Elder Barnes is the one on my shoulders.

Email conversation:

Elder Nicholas Dees:  hey im on, whats up?

Mom:  Why do I have mixed feelings about all this.  I guess I just don't want you to get to comfy and want you to do the work but at the same time I'm glad you have the chance to see Uncle Glade and family.  Thanks for sending some pictures.

Trying to save money would have been good. However it’s early in the month to already be spending big.  Hope members are going to feed you all.  It's kinda hard to feed 3 missionaries, financially anyway, for some people, so be moderate in what you eat unless they have plenty.  Be sensitive to people and their means.

Elder Nicholas Dees:  You have mixed feelings because you are like the rest of the moms on the G side, just calm down and breathe a little, it will help.

Mom:  hi son,

Need an address to mail something.  Do you have one for us today?  Ask your comps for the address.

Elder Nicholas Dees:  Below is my address:

Elder Nicholas Dees

1510 R Street

Heyburn, ID 83336

Dad knew it the whole time - he called the mission office.

ET PHONE HOME (ET FOR EMERGENCY TRANSFER)

FYI:  Elder Nicholas Dees said in last weeks email that he was being transferred to Mountain Home, ID and gave an address but that is no longer good.  He was soon transferred somewhere else but he didn't have the new mailing address with him today.  He will send me the address via snail mail and I'll update his blog when I get it.


Mon.

3/26/12  2:06 PM

Subject:  ET Phone Home  (ET for Emergency Transfer)

Email from Elder Nicholas Dees: 

Well I got an ET (emergency transfer) out of Mountain Home on Friday.  I asked if he could move one of us and he said he would move me. There were other areas that were having problems and he said he is glad mine wasn’t a bad problem so that it wouldn’t be as hard to move people around.  So I’m now with Elder Barnes who came out with me! And we are super tight together so I’m super happy this transfer. I'll tell you my address in a letter because I don’t even know it yet. haha. But things are way better now thank goodness. Well not much else is new. I saw Michael got his New Civic Si.  Has he brought it by the house yet?

Mom:  Hi Elder Nicholas Dees,

Wow, so you've changed areas???  Wish it could have worked out.  Where are you/what town?  Yes, if you could drop an address soon I will put them on the envelopes up at the church.

What is the next step regarding your tooth sweetheart?

I'll send John's email.  I think he just got off.

Mom

Mom again:  Son, what is going on teaching wise?

Please answer me regarding your tooth.

Love to you Nicholas.   Mom

Elder Nicholas Dees:  Teaching wise idk, I just got here today.  My tooth won’t be worked on again till next transfer. I study every morning.

Mom:  ok,

love u

bye

Mom

Email to both Elders from Mom:

Mon.

3/26/12

Hello Sons,

Time has passed quickly this week.  

Did you both get your little pkg w/the cake?  Lame I know,  but hey---at least you got a pkg in the mail.

This week has been filled to the max for me.  Hope you two can say the same.  I pray you have had success in sharing the gospel message.  Remember, you are planting "seeds" is some cases, as well as developing and strengthening your own testimonies.  It brings great delight to me as your mom to know you are learning the gospel more as you use your study time and as you teach those truths you have come to know.  Imagine the joy our Heavenly Father must feel to see us grow in the gospel---increasing our testimonies.  As you know it is not enough to know these truths but we must LIVE these truths. That is how we determine the extent of our exaltation.  I need to "put the shoulder to the wheel" and do better.  There is always something to do.  

Bishop Stone gave an excellent talk in Sacrament Mtg yesterday.  It is quite evident that he loves us as a ward.  He is a good man.  Humble, honest and truly desirous to see we all achieve great things in our lives. 

I went to mom's last Tues.  We had a wonderful day even though she was in pain w/her back.  

Odd---I had a busy, busy week yet nothing to write.  We have more cleans this week as well.  But, I have so much other stuff to do.  Garage, house, etc. etc.  Gotta get things in order.

Did you all have fast Sunday yesterday?  Ours will be the second week of April (Easter) due to General Conference coming up.  I hope you both enjoy conference.  No sleeping (like old times)  heehee.  

Nicholas, how has the transfer been this week?  Are you all working together?  I was told Mountain Home has an Air Force Base and is quite large.  I was thinking that you will have quite a drive when you have to go in for your tooth.  bummer.  

Is there plenty of work to do there?  How many wards, stakes in that area?  Do you live in an apt or mobile home? What is your teaching pool like for right now?

John, how are things w/you?

Just got a call---Leslie had her baby this morning.  KImball.  All is well I heard.  They spent their first night in their new home last night and now this. Perfect timing. Keep them in your prayers please!

Love you both--really I do!

Love, Mom

MOAR PICTURES!

MOAR PICTURES!

Recent baptism!

Elder Dees - Me on Saint Pattys Day

-crazy tie and suspenders.  

 Elder Nicholas Dees-in suspenders and wacky tie---only wears that to District meetings---not out in PUBLIC :) 

6 MONTH MARK!!!!!!  Tie Burning! 

Sister Leslie and family

Joe L. and his family and his/our friend, Timmy

Elder Dees, the Vassar's and a coveted pillow case!

The people I lived with - "The Russells"

Email of Elder Nicholas Dees: 

To Mountain Home! Scared You! I got transferred today.  I’m now serving in Mountain Home 2 with Elder Bernard. AKA The Nard Dog. He is an interesting fellow. So I saw President Cannon today at the mission office and he pulled me aside and said that Elder X. will be living in the same apartment as me this transfer.  He moved me out in the middle of NOWHERE?!?!?!? so keep me in your prayers.  Other than that, I went and said my goodbyes to people and it was pretty tough.  I got to know some awesome people there but apparently I’m needed here. My new mailing address is:

Elder Nicholas Dees

1252 C. Highway 51

Mountain Home, ID 83647 

so be sure to start writing me! And yes tell dad I would like those tie hangers and any nice looking ties he has.  I have more funny ties than serious almost! Attached are the pictures of the people I lived with "The Russells", and then Sister Leslie and her family and Joe L. and his family and his/our friend Timmy.  The people with me and the pillow case are the Vassars. They are a family that houses missionaries from Elder Valks old area and she ONLY makes pillowcases for missionaries that live there but we became friends and she surprised me with one.  I’m the only elder to get one that hasn’t served there (=  .

Mom:  Hi son,

You look good.  Where were your scouting skills.  You lit fire around a lot of brush.  Use your Eagle Scout knowledge and be safe next time.  Certaintly should not have that flammable can right next to fire!!!!  aaarrrhhh..  

Well, are you staying on Chicken Dinner or going?  John is staying put for his last transfer so write him sometime.

Still no dim lights-it's driving me crazy.

oh, I need names of all the Elders and the others in the baptism picture please.  

ok.....<3 mom

Mom again:  so you got sent out to the "nowhere zone" or I thought you said it's for missionaries that well, cause problems.???? Are you????  Be sweet and just teach honey.  focus.  

So you will still have to have dental work?  aarrrhhh.  

I'll send the tie hangers.  Anything else?

Dad:  Elder Nicholas Dees,

Fear not, I didn't expect that you would be coming home.  Ha! 

I am mailing you a letter this week.  I was inspired to write you and your brother and have the letter almost completed.  Look for it in a few days.

Spring Break is crazy, people everywhere, traffic is a nightmare.  Oh well, they spend money to help our economy.  Too bad they are such a pain to deal with.  I have noticed more families on the beach.  In fact, I have several families checking in over the new few weeks.  This is the first year I've not had to deal with any Spring Breakers staying in any unit.  That is a blessing.  Although, the few I've had weren't really bad.  A bit messy, but no destruction.  Heck, I've seen adults leave places in worse condition.  Still, I'd rather have families in the units.

You'll have to tell me about your new area.  I hope you enjoy it.  And, yes President Cannon is well aware of your tooth and is going to work around it.  You be sure to work around it as well.  Serve the people and the Lord.  That's your focus.

More in a bit.  Dad

Dad:  Elder Nicholas Dees,

I like all of the pictures except the tie burning.  What are you doing with an aerosol can next to fire?  Don't you remember fire safety from Scouts???  That's how people get severe burns and end up scarred for life.  Don't play with fire, duh!

Suspenders, ha-ha.  You look like an uber prep!

Nice pillowcase, now you can dream cars...

The people look like they appreciate you.  I hope you are leaving them with a good impression and your testimony. 

Anything new going on, besides transfers?  Dad

Email to Elder Nicholas Dees:  

Hi son, been waiting on you to get on.  You must be getting transferred and doing so last minute things.  Take pics. of the people you rented from.  Tell them I loved the “horseshoe” buggy, horses and bull and that he is really talented!

Here is John's letter.  His last transfer!!!!!  He will stay in Deer Park w/the same comp for the last transfer!  

I'll be watching to see if you get on the computer.  We are still cleaning.  Mom

  

EMAIL to the boys From MOM:

3/19/12

Hi Elders John and Nicholas Dees!

How are you all today?

I'm guessing you both got transfer information for us today.  I think you two are on the same rotation now.?.  So.....staying or going?  IF GOING I WANT A CURRENT ADDRESS!  

I've been thinking a lot of you guys and all missionaries throughout the lands.  Many people pray earnestly for your well being and opportunities to share the gospel and bring light and eternal happiness in the lives of others.  I too need to internalize this light.  Often we still need to reenergize our well being so that we have something to share.  Keep yourselves clean and spotless of the worldly ways.  Language, thoughts, and actions all have to be kept in check in order to progress.  When we do that our spirit is better able to identify good and truth and anything less than that becomes offensive to our spirit.  That’s where we need to be on a daily basis.

We had a young return missionary speak in our ward, well he is from our ward as well.  He gave an excellent account of his mission teaching opportunities.  He's message touched my heart.  I want to do better in opening my mouth and sharing what I know.  Like you said in your last email John, we just need to be simple and invite people to hear the message.  I'll keep trying.

I saw neighbors, J. and S.  J. knew your time to come home should be soon.  He asked what exactly do missionaries do so I got to speak for a while about the church and missionary life.  I didn't think of it but should have told him he could do a search onmormon.org and find out anything he would like to know. BUT NO....I didn't.  Missed opportunity!

We had the missionaries over last Wed.  We had Seabreeze ribs.  They were good.  They come to eat again this Thursday.  They do good to make sure the calendar gets filled. LOL  We really have some good missionaries here right now but that is short lived.  Elder Buchanan (just out 5 months) will be going to Tally 1^st and to work in the office and Elder Wright (out one transfer--we were his first area) will stay here and train a new Elder.  He's like WHAT.  But he has a wonderful testimony and will do really well.  I told Elder Buchanan to get Aunt Gina and Uncle Matt to take care of him.  Today is Ryan's (Elder Snyder) birthday.  Did I send him anything....NNNOOOOO.  I'm a slacker.

Madison is back to seminary and school today.  Spring break is over for her.  She didn't get to really do anything!  She did go spend the night with some of those beach branch girls on Friday.  Madison is still a bit sassy.  

Nicholas, Are you being a good missionary and reading your white handbook and striving to follow the rules.  Please do.  Your dad cleaned out his closet and had some tie hangers.  Do you want me to send those two to you?  You sound like you are collecting a lot of ties.  :)  How is your tooth?  Are you through with your antibiotics and pain meds?  you should be by now.  Don't be a slacker.  Get to work.  Did you get your SD cards?  Do you need me to send you anything?

John, Our Elder Wright that is here asked if you knew an Elder Molyneauz who is in the Spokane Mission?  Not sure if he said how long he had been out.  Just a shot in the dark.  I will try to get up w/ Jordan and see what he recommends as far as apts in Rexburg.  Are you wanting me to book anything or let you do that when you get home?  If that is where you have decided to go and then you and Merinda and Jordan can go to and from to Uncle Glades and Melissa's.  Is there anything you need me to send you?

I best get to cleaning but will watch for you two to get on email.

I love you both!  I'm so proud of you both!  Make your Heavenly Father proud too!

Love, Mom

COMMENTS OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS:  

*First Marsing and then Mountain Home.  He sure is going to learn patience and perseverance.  It is mostly an air force base out in the desert. -  Brother S. Roedel

*He needs to learn some patience and perseverance but seems he got his way and had an emergency transfer and to all places, Hayden, 6 miles from where my brother/family lives.  Seems they spent conference with them because my brother Glade just called and said so.  Hope Pres. moves him if this becomes a distraction.  Anyway, glad you are home safe and back w/your family.  Gretchen