Robert gets his driving permit

On Thursday, 2/26 Betsy went to North Oldham High School to pick up Robert to take him so he could go to the courthouse to take his Driving Permit test, however, when she arrived it was around 2:45 pm and the secretary said, "They close at 3:00 pm."

WHAT!!!

We looked online and it said they didn't close until 6:00 pm on Thursdays.  Well ... that's the pits.  I took time off work to come get Robert.  Now we will have to do it tomorrow and during Robert's lunch hour.

One week of snow days

Robert turn 16 years old

Today is such a special day - it's Robert's 16th birthday!!!

 Betsy stayed up late to set up this wonderful display for Robert - 16 blue balloons with 16 photos of Robert (one attached to each balloon (sometimes two photos) and 16 reasons for why I love Robert so much!!!

 I also made his a special banner for his birthday so that when he woke up in the morning he would wake up to this.

Betsy and Robert on his birthday morning

 It was a great day for Robert.  After Mark got home from work and Betsy got home from tutoring Emi, we took Robert and Marissa to Cheesecake Factory for their favorite dinner - Crusted Chicken Romano and Adam's Cheesecake!!!

Robert's birthday cheesecake

After dinner we came home for presents!!!  He got presents and presents and presents - clothes and clothes and clothes (because he is growing so fast) and he got his 2014 photo album.  I love that he loves to look at his scrapbook!!!

Devon Week 36

Sunday night we went over to the Jones family who is a Recent convert that has been less active.  People have told me that they he has been stressed by life's pressures.  I know that those life pressures can make it unfavorable to go to church. We went over and shred with them Alma 26:12 "I boast of my God, for in his strength I may do all things."  At the moment my intentions was only to share one of my favorite scriptures which is why I was surprised to hear Geoff Jones say that he and his family would come to church next week.  Now looking back I recognized that the Lord guided me without me knowing.   I didn't feel prompted at all to read that scripture and I didn't feel the spirit tell me anything.  It was almost like I picked it randomly.  What I learned form that experience is that the Lord can Guide us to do things without us knowing before I thought I had to feel the spirit to be Guided and often cases that is the case.  I know now that the Lord is guiding you without you knowing and that is cool to think about. 

The Dickerson's came to church!!!  I am so proud of them.  Krista Dickerson the mom of the family has Lupus.  That makes it very difficult if not close to impossible for her to come to church.  I feel like the Lord has bestowed a tender mercy not only to us but to the Dickerson's.  

Crazy side note.  Nathan Garrison who is about to go on a mission to Warsaw, Poland got in a car accident last Wednesday and leaves this Tuesday. A drunk driver who also was on pain pills t- boned him and totally destroyed the Jeep he was driving and he should of been severely damaged or killed but it only busted his I-phone and gave him a bruise on his leg.  I go to show you that Satan will do all in his power to stop Missionaries from going on missions but the Lord will always protect his servants. 

That’s great that you got to talk to the Brisco's; there really nice.  I get transfers the day before my birthday and I think I am leaving my area next transfer.  Do you know the Carson's;  they are really nice.  You should be friends with them.  Krista Dickerson is really nice as well. I know that you would like all of them.  Tell Robert Happy Birthday.  Also thank you for the McDonald gift card but could you not send those any more.  Pizza, Walmart, or Subway would be better than McDonald. 

Week 35

Well it has been only three days since I emailed you all.  Not to much has changed in those three days. The Dickerson's really like us they even want to have us over for dinner. Emily Dickerson went to church and I we believe that the rest of the family will go next week!  Patrick came to church again.  He has been inactive for a long time.  He told us that he has been thinking of coming back for a while now and that he really wants to come back to church. He is doing great and we are going to go over there and teach him the lessons.  He really wants to get baptized again and we told him that he does not need to be baptized again because of the power of the sacrament.  He still desires to be baptized again because he fells bad for leaving the church and the mistakes he makes.  We are going to try and teach him about why repentance and the sacrament are so important to him and how they together will help you come closer to God and feel forgiven. Yesterday was P-day and Presidents day which is why I am emailing today. 

Yesterday I played dunk Ball and got a bad charily horse on my thigh. My leg felt so weird and it was hard to walk on it.  I am thankful to Heavenly Farther because it is healing very fast and I hardly feel it now. The trio that I am in will be spiting on Wednesday.  Elder Jones and I will be one companionship and Elder Turner will get a new missionary. We will miss him but now we can focus in our area more.  

I heard that you post photos of me how dare you!

Indoor Team wins!!!

Mark, Marissa and Jessica go skiing with Tate at Brian Head, UT

Jessica and Marissa's first time skiing

Girl's Basketball Lost without Marissa

Boo, when Robert and I arrived for the boys basketball game today we learned that the girls team lost.  BUMMER - Marissa will be so sad to hear they lost.

Tough Game against New Albany

Robert and his team had a game at 2:00 pm today against New Albany.  They are a very good competitive team.

This week 11 boys showed up:  Robert, Chase, Trace, LaShawn, Michael, Bobbi, Will, Trevor, Zac, Reece, and Ben.  It's much harder to win a game with so many players because all players have to play at least 2 minutes each half.

Michael, Chase, Bobbi, Will and Ben started the game, then at 4:00 minutes the coach switches everyone out and starts the next 5:  Robert, LaShawn, Trace, Zac and Reece.  2 minutes later he subs Trevor in for Reece.  We are down in the first quarter 9-5.

Robert bringing up the ball

Nice ball handling

 At the end of the second half Robert scored the shot to take the lead with 16 points, but then we counted the baskets for New Albany and realized they had 16 points too - so it's really tied.  Robert was disappointed.  He did great - having 5 or 7 points in the first half.

Passing it off

 In the second half of the game (even though it is played in 4 quarters) Robert's team did well when he was in but not so well when he was out.  Usually Bobbi and Chase have good games, but Chase would drive and go up but then pass the ball to nobody, and Bobbi's shots were off today.  He made one 3 pointer the whole game (at least 10 attempts).

near the end of the game

Robert had a few more baskets and assists.  With 1:10 left in the game, Robert made a shot and was fouled.  He missed his free throw but we got the ball, but we just couldn't catch up.  New Albany won 33-28.  Robert had 11 points.

Jessica and Tate Meet Mark and Marissa in St. George

Jessica and Tate finished up their classes on Friday and then drove from Provo to St. George together.  They seem to be getting along very well!

They arrived in St. George in good time and spent the night with Mark and Marissa.  They went to the St. George Temple and had a great time touring outside.  The weather was perfect.  They were outside in the dead of winter in tee-shirts and jeans because it was a balmy 73 degrees!

Later that night they spent quality time together (all 4 of them) watching a movie and hanging out!  Too fun!

Marissa Flies SOLO (add photo)

A few weeks ago Mark learned he would have to be in California for a week, the week just before Valentine's Day.  He was thinking about it and thought it would be a good trip to stop over in Utah on the way back to see Jessica (like he had done before her mission).  When Marissa heard this, she wanted to go too... and for some reason ... we considered it.

It didn't take much time to think that was a super great idea.  It would be super special for everyone.  Marissa really misses Jessica and they have a very special relationship.  I looked online and booked a flight for her... but now the reality sets in - she will be flying for the first time ALONE!

Preparation:  we had to pack up Jessica's winter coat, gloves, hats etc along with Marissa's stuff for skiing and the trip.  She is so excited.  We used space saver bags to compress everything to fit into a carry-on suitcase.

Marissa's flight is at 6:35 am on Friday, February 13th.  She got up super early to get ready - I didn't get up until 10 minutes before we had to go.  We were there at 5:30 to go through the line to get me a companion pass to walk her down to the gate.  I couldn't believe the long line at security.  It's like everyone is traveling on Valentine's weekend.  We made it through security and to the gate with no problems.

She figured out the difference between gate B17 and boarding #B27.  It's confusing - I'll give her that.

It was hard to walk away but I know she will be fine ... away I left after a long hug and a few "I love yous!!!"

Marissa's flight arrived in Las Vegas at 7:40 (earlier than expected).  She now has to wait for Mark to arrive from San Fransisco at 11:00 am.  She got herself some food and a Jamba Juice.  Unforturnately, she couldn't figure out how to get to Mark's gate (it was in a different terminal) and somehow ended up in Baggage Claim - once there she couldn't get back into the secure area.  She was stuck in the unsecure area of the airport for the remainder of the time she had to wait for Mark.  Luckily that was only around an hour - it was sad but it all worked out.

Mark found her and together they headed off to the rental car and drove to St. George!

Devon Week 34 3/4 - from 2/9 - all caught up :)

I am in a Trio with Elder Turner and Jones.  We now cover 4 wards and two areas. It is really fun to be in a trio but also much more stress.  We are handling it well and we have a car to cover both areas.  Zone Conference was fantastic.  I am grateful that  it was focused on finding!  I am going to apply what I learned.  I am excited to go to the temple and feel the spirit.  The Taylor's are starting to read the Book of Mormon and they might stay all three hours of Church!  Jen is almost done with all the Lessons and she is ready for baptism but her Mom will not let her.  Our investigators and less actives like Elder Jones.  The Dickerson's have been sick but they are reading and meeting with us.  They struggle with coming to church could you guys pray for them.  We meet someone new and his name is Patrick is has been inactive for a long time and was a Do Not Contact.  He wants to change his life and come back to church!  I am so grateful that God prepares people and that he answers Prays.  

Devon Week 34 1/2 - from 2/2

Happy Ground hogs day!!

This week I got a new companion and his name Elder Logan Jones.  He is from Casper Wyoming.  He is really cool and chill.  We already get along with each other.  This week I went around and introduced Elder Jones to members and our investigators.  All of them like him :).  

This week we taught Jen about following the prophets and fast and tithing.  We also asked her about baptism and learned that her mom will not let her get baptized.  So we asked Jen if we could meet with her Mom and explain to her about our religion and she said yes.  We asked Jen to fast this Sunday to know if she wanted to get baptized and she said that she would!  We got to meet with the Dickerson's and they are on of the coolest families that are investigating in the church. They are so solid.  The only problem that missionaries had in the past with them is they could not set appointments but those missionaries set some good seeds.  Now we have weekly appointments with the Dickerson's!  At this rate they will be baptized soon.  The Taylor's are still progressing.  The last time we taught them I got a small impression to ask her to be baptized and I didn't  because I didn't feel a strong enough impression.  So this week I am going to pray about it and find out what the Lords plan is for them.

We had many less active members at church which made me happy because I know that they are trying to come back even thought it is hard for them and that they want to feel the spirit.

We were walking down the road and I saw 3 cars outside and I thought about going over there and tract that one house because I felt a good feeling and then I thought to myself Na will just go and continue contacting. then as soon as i turn my head from that house I feel bad and I feel like I made a mistake so I knew that I had to go to that house.  I told Elder Jones that I wanted to tract that house. I knock on the door and meet Levi who was a former investigator that missionaries in Rexburg had dropped because he said he would think about being baptized!  When I heard that I was surprised that the missionaries dropped him.  He was really nice and may be a potential investigator.

Love,

Devon

Devon - Week 34

There was no news from Devon today, but we knew that because he was going to the temple for P-day.    He also said he was going to the temple, so not to expect an email until Friday.

YEAH!!

Marissa is accepted to BYU Hawaii

Congratulations to Marissa for being accepted to BYU HAWAII!!!

Photo and text from Boise

I love the people from Boise that think to send a photo of my missionary to me.

Tonight I received this photo along with this text.  

Have your sweet son over for dinner tonight (well, breakfast for dinner). He wanted me to tell you, "Hi Mom! I'm so sorry I didn't email you this week." Also that he will be emailing on Friday this coming week due to a change of p-days. Have a great night! Sister Shelley Carson

Then she sent this text:

Oh my word, he is one of the funniest guys I think I've ever known. I sure like him and he's been teaching one of our son's friends in our home for the last couple of months. We are really grateful!

Weekend getaway

Betsy took Friday off work and enjoyed the day doing various things.  At first it was supposed to just be a 1/2 day off because she was going with Sandra Orr to Georgetown, KY to scrapbook for the weekend (Friday and Saturday).  Well then she received a new calling, the second counselor in the Stake Primary so we have meetings on Friday mornings - so I changed my vacation to a full day.

I got to sleep in (a little bit) then attended my church meeting at 9:00 am.  From there I did some returns then got temped to do some shopping for Jessica and Marissa's ski trip.  WOW!  I got them both new ski jackets.

Around 1:20 I picked up Sandra at her house and off we headed to Georgetown, KY ... Scrap, Paper and Scizzors.  It was a smaller shop then we thought, but it served our purpose!  I wrote journal entries for my ancestor photo albums.  I had planned on finishing my digital scrapbooks, but she didn't have WIFI - UGH!!!!  We scrapped from 2:30 - 7:00 and then went to dinner at O'Charleys.  It was great to get away and talk.  Then we went back to scrapbook for a few more hours.  We were there until midnight.

Both Sandra and I were feeling under the weather so we both hit the sack as soon as we checked in.  We slept in.  I really couldn't sleep but she slept in until 10:00 am.  We stopped at Cracker Barrel for breakfast before heading back to the scrapbook store.

I was able to finish the 2014 Christmas pages and then continue with my journaling.  The best part about journaling is that I connect with those in the photos.  I spoke with my dad about his parent's courtship and then I called my cousin, Mark Lingel to get his story.  He had been married and divorced so I wanted to be sensitive to what I wrote about him.  It was so nice to speak with them and catch up.

Sandra and I packed up around 5:00 pm so that we could get back home by 6:30 pm.  While I was gone, Mark was in Lexington taking the CPA exam.  We wanted to get back home to take him out to celebrate getting the exam done!  I'm so proud of him for working so hard towards this goal.

We ate at the Noodle Company.  I hope we are making wonderful memories for our kids!

Devon - week 33

There was no news from Devon - Mark didn't get an email and I didn't either.

We were almost going to write the Mission President, but then on Friday someone from Boise sent a text with a photo of Devon with his new companion.  We assume there must have been emergency transfers and Devon just ran out of time to write us.

Can't wait to hear from him.