Trip to Utah to Babysit Cayson

Mark and I had the best adventure - we got to fly to Provo UT to babysit Cayson while Jessica and Tate take a vacation to Thailand.  They have been looking forward to their vacation, and we have been looking forward to our vacation with Cayson. 

The first night we went with Jessica and Tate to the River Town Mall because that is one of the places Cayson loves to play.  They took us on a merry-go-round ride and showed us around the indoor play place.  Cayson had a ball running and crawling through the tubes.

While we were here we also got to go see Santa.  

Mark and Betsy with Cayson and Santa in Provo, UTAH

Sunday, We took Cayson to church at Jessica and Tate's ward.  He was a sweet angel for us.  He sat through the whole meeting.  He seemed to be a bit under the weather.  I dressed Cayson in one of my favorite GAP sweaters for church.  I especially loved to see Cayson in clothes that I bought him.  After church he took a fantastic nap.  When he woke up her felt a little better and played for a while.  I loved to see him play with toys or gifts that I had given him or sent to him.  I love to see his joy at experiencing something new in life, hearing something make a sound, singing a song, dancing, pure joy!  He finds joy in everything.  We were glad he was feeling better.  Unfortunately, that evening he started to have a fever and didn't feel well.  I went to the store on Monday morning to purchase a humidifier for his bedroom.  She got carried away and bought dark "black out curtains" for Jessica and Tate's room and Cayson's room too.  She got a few other things for their apartment, just for fun.  When Cayson naps, I organize the clothes that he has outgrown so Jessica can have more time with Cayson.  

Monday we took Devon and Sierra out for dinner at their favorite place - the Brick Oven. Devon and Sierra love it because they get the all you can eat buffet.  It was delicious and we had such a fun time getting reacquainted with them.  We celebrated their one year anniversary with them (a bit late), but still we wanted them to know how much we love both of them so much, and how much joy we see in Devon since he is with Sierra.  

Devon is a natural with Cayson.  He took him for a short walk around the Brick Oven so Dad and I could finish eating and get to know Sierra better.

Sierra and Devon with Betsy

Mark holding Cayson with Devon and Sierra

BLISS - Pure Bliss

What a happy baby having loads of laughs with his grandma

Grandpa loves to play with Cayson 

Having Ali and Chris over for games and desserts. 

Fun with his Great Aunt Ali Hodge

Bedtime stories with Grandpa

Mark and I took Cayson to the Provo Rec Center several times.  He loved to go around the water play center, go down the slides, and play in the water.  We loved being with him.

Having fun with Cayson 

This was a grandma and grandpa heaven on earth week.  We loved every minute we got to spend with sweet Cayson.  Getting him dressed, changing him, giving him baths, feeding him, playing with him and snuggling were all the best!!!  

One night while Marissa was in Provo we went to Brookers to get ice cream.  This place is Devon and Sierra's favorite ice cream place.  It is modeled after the revolutionary war period.  

Thanksgiving Day

On Thanksgiving Day we celebrated Thanksgiving by going to Cracker Barrel (Marissa's favorite) in Springvale, UT.  We had to wait 45 minutes, so we had plenty of time to shop around - actually I we drove around with Cayson so he could nap and then it was the perfect time to arrive back at Cracker Barrel for dinner.  Once they called us back we ordered ... not the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but Marissa and Betsy ordered pancakes.   Mark is the only one that ordered the traditional Thanksgiving.  Cayson was a food scavenger and ate food that we brought from home, and pieces of pancake, turkey and bread.  It was so fun to take him to Cracker Barrel with us.  He's such a character and he's so cute.  He definitely has developed his own opinions about what he wants to eat.  Pancakes was his top pick. 

Kisses for Grandma 

Marissa and Mark - Happy Thanksgiving

The day after Thanksgiving we were going to stay inside, but we really needed to get out with Cayson.  We took him outside to play in the snow for a little bit.  He had a blast.  Then Mark had the idea of meeting Devon and Sierra at Zuppa's for lunch.  We all met at Zuppa's even in the middle of a snow storm.  To dad and I, YIKES - to Devon, Sierra and Marissa - this was nothing.  We had a delicious and healthy lunch at Zuppa's and another opportunity to spend time with Devon and Sierra.  We were headed to University Mall after this, but they had other things to do so we said our good byes (for now) there ... in the snow... 

Mark, Betsy, Sierra, Devon and Cayson

Black Friday is the traditional SHOPPING DAY.  We were going to avoid it but some of the things that I want to get for Devon and Sierra, I need to get while I am in Provo and this is the best day to get them because I will not have a car on Saturday - Mark is going up to visit his Thai buddies.  Marissa, Mark and I took Cayson to the Provo city mall.  It was packed, as expected.  Unfortunately, because we went later in the day - to avoid the crowds - we also missed out on the good sales and selection.  

I got some cute shirts for Cayson and Marissa.  She helped me pick them out.  We also were able to stop at a Give to the World Vending Machine and donate $100 in meals to families.  It was awesome.  I've been wanting to do this since they created the opportunity.

Give to the World Vending Machine

Cayson with his Grandma

Marissa with Cayson 

Cayson is so cute in this photo

A trip to BYU!!!

Grandpa and Cayson at the Wilkenson Center

BYU remodeled their children's area to have a replica of the "Y" mountain with a slide.  Oh my goodness, this was so much fun.  Mark would take him up to the top, and I would video or photograph him coming down and then catch him at the bottom.

Walking around BYU:

Cayson loves to play - explore - and have fun inside and out

Grandma and Cayson would play with his cars, musical instrument, bake and of course, play with bubbles.

Cayson with bubbles

Cayson catching bubbles 

Saturday Devon and Sierra had a wedding to go to so we knew we would not have much time with them.  Luckily they had a small break to come have lunch with us.  We ate at a barbecue place called CUBBY's.  We were there for an hour just talking and laughing.  We all took turns babysitting Cayson so the others could talk before Devon and Sierra had to go back to the wedding reception. Cayson is so spoiled to have so many people love him so much. Uncle Devon loved to chase him and play with him - peek-a-boo, where am I and so many other games.

Betsy, Devon and Sierra, and Mark at Cubby's 

Sunday morning we attended Church with Devon and Sierra.  We had bragged about how wonderful Cayson was at church the week before.  This week Cayson had a different idea.  He didn't want to sit in the pew for longer than 5 minutes.  First Marissa took him out, then I swapped with her.  He is darling, but he had to be on the move the whole time.  He never wanted to sit and listen to the speakers.  Luckily, Devon's ward pipes the audio from the Chapel in the hallways so I was able to hear the talks.  

After church, Grandma couldn't wait to have special time with Cayson as they decorated a gingerbread house and did other Christmas traditions.

Opening One present each with Devon and Sierra.

Sunday evening we invited Devon and Sierra over to get their Christmas Presents since they will not be coming to Texas for Christmas.  I also got something for their front door so I wanted them to have that before Christmas so I asked each of them to open one present with us.  Devon opened a present to receive a red sweatshirt - red is still his favorite color.  Sierra opened the present that had the door decoration.  I hope she liked it. 

Saying Good bye is always the hardest thing to do.  Our last day was filled with bright sunshine and warm hugs.

Week 78: Six months to sexy

Sooo yeah I am hitting my 18 month mark in like 4 days soooooo...I'm not ready for that! But on the bright side happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope everyone had a great week and got to look back on all the things you are grateful for.

My week was great and I actually had a really good Thanksgiving day. Thanksgiving was actually on the same day as zone conference, so we prepared a really good traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Elder Despain and I gave a really sick training on working with members and we came up with a cool idea called, the Board of Members. Basically, I have been taking pictures of the members (with their permission) and writing their names underneath each picture. Then I've printed out these pictures and cut them out and taped them up to our wall at home. We are planning on taking pictures of all the members, so that no one gets forgotten. Many times, missionaries will teach people and they will be baptized, but shortly afterwards they will go less active. We want to implement this system so that each and every member is accounted for with a picture and a name! My district and I are currently working on a PowerPoint to present to our president because we really believe this could change the mission. 

After zone conference we were invited over for a fancy Thanksgiving dinner with the Mission President and his wife, the Stake Presidency, and the senior couple here. So in technically I got 2 Thanksgiving dinners!! 

Our goal this transfer is to simply love the members and those that we teach. We are working on developing relationships by helping them increase their faith in Jesus Christ. 

Lastly, it's the holiday season! I can't believe it's already December, which means Christmas is coming up!! I had 2 exchanges this week with Elder Thorn and Elder Meyer. We visited a ton of members and asked them about their relationship with the Savior. We made a goal to talk with more people about Jesus Christ since it is the Christmas season. Believe it or not, nobody in Thailand really knows the meaning of Christmas. We've asked a lot of people and they all just think it is the Christian's new year celebration day. It's been a wonderful experience to teach people the true meaning of Christmas as the day our Lord, Savior, and Redeemer came to this earth. I'm grateful for my Savior and for everything he went through for me! 

I love you all so much! I encourage you all to light the world this Christmas season by serving others, smiling, and sending an uplifting message to those you know. Have a great week!!

Love, 

Elder Lowe

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Member Board

What is that on your head?

Thanksgiving with Marissa and Cayson

 

Since Mark and I are staying at Jessica and Tate's apartment, and Marissa has Thanksgiving break off, she came down to be with us for Thanksgiving.  Mark and I had hoped to have Thanksgiving with Devon and Sierra since we normally can't be they decided to have Thanksgiving Dinner with her parents. 

So - what does Marissa want to do for Thanksgiving Dinner - you guessed it - Cracker Barrel.  

We let Cayson finish his nap, and then we drove down to Springville for Cracker Barrel.  We didn't realize there would be such a wait, but of course, there was.  We browsed the store while we waited.  Cayson had fun playing with some of their toys.  

 

Finally our names were called.  Dinner is served!  Mark got the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, while Marissa got pancakes and I got French toast!  Cayson just ate off all three plates.  We had a great time and made a great memory!

Look at him - isn't he so cute!  I adore Cayson!

I'm so glad Marissa could be with us!  She is a delight to have around.

When we got home it was more time to play with Cayson!!!

We are so grateful for so many things - our health, our family - our wonderful in-laws!  How blessed we are!  

Jessica and Tate and Cayson

Devon and Sierra

Marissa

Robert

missions and mission presidents and their wives and the companions our kids had

BYU and higher education, my education at Sullivan

Mark's Job

our friends from all over the globe

our kids friends

our home

comforts

our transportation

the opportunity we have to travel and see our kids

sunshine

nature: animals, waterways, and vegetation!

our parents (good and bad) - they taught us so much

our religion

and most of all the Love of our Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ that sacrifice he made in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross - to sanctify himself for us.  WE have the blessing to repent and be forgiven. 

Each day brings new life and new hope

Jessica and Tate go to Thailand

 Jessica and Tate decided to go to Thailand and let Mark and I babysit Cayson while they are away.  

They left the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and will return after 10 days.  This is the first time they are leaving him while going on a trip.

Cayson was a dream for us.  Mark and I played with him like he was one of our own.  We went to parks, rivers, water parks, playlands, etc.  

Jessica and Tate went to Phuket, Bangkok, Chaing Mai.  While in Phuket they went out on a cruise to the beautiful tropical islands there.  While in Chaing Mai they played with and road the elephants, and Jessica got to be with a tiger!  In Bangkok they toured around but, they missed seeing Robert by one day!

On their way back to America, they had a long layover in China - so they went to the Great Wall.  How awesome is that!

They were so happy to be back with Cayson, and Cayson was super happy to see mom and dad again.

Week 77: SICK SICK week

So to be honest this week wasn't super productive like I wish it would have been. My companion has been sick for a while, but he took a real hit this week, especially on Tuesday. We have this thing called a district council every Tuesday and he had to lay on the floor the entire time due to his poor health. 

On top of that we had to go to MLC in Bangkok on Wednesday, but Elder Despain did not look good physically. In the end, I went to MLC with Elder Laurence, who is on his second transfer haha. Which totally caught President Hammond by surprise.

Bad news...I got pretty sick while I was in Bangkok just like Elder DeSpain. However, we had already scheduled a switch off with the Buriram Elders so I just had to push through it. I got to switch off with Elder Sugabo, who is on his 1st transfer and it was a lot of fun. I got to be like a trainer for a day which was so fun. I honestly miss being a trainer because it teaches you so much and you develop as a person as well. 

By the time I got back to my area I felt like death and honestly was the most sick I have ever been on my mission. Needless to say, we were still able to visit many members. Goals this week...get new people to teach. We are still teaching some people, but we want some new ones that may progress. 

Love you all so much. Next week I will hit my 18th month mark and it will be Thanksgiving! HAPPY THANKSGIVING. I'm grateful for all of you, for my parents my siblings, my friends, and everyone that has influenced me in my life. You all are the best!!

Love, 

Elder Lowe

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Dynamic Duo:  Elder DeSpain and Elder Lowe (background)

Week 76: Members #1

So it has been an interesting week for sure. Definitely one that I'll never forget. 

Transfer calls came on Tuesday night and one of the Elders in my house was not too happy about the next transfer coming up. He was completely silent the rest of the night and he decided to walk out of the house around 10:20pm to get some fresh air. He didn't bring his phone or any money either, so we knew he was just going to be right outside the house. He had been out there for a while and we are supposed to go to bed at 10:30pm, so we knew something was up. We then checked on him and he was just outside the house sitting down and thinking about life. We told him he needed to come back in for the night and he said just give him a sec. So we went inside and waited for a couple minutes and he still didn't come in. I was kind of worried something bad was going to happen and so we went back out and he was gone. We looked for him for about an hour after calling the President, but we had no luck. In the end he didn't come back to the house till about 2:00am that night! So yeah kind of a weird start to this transfer. 

Also one of the sisters in my MTC group just finished her mission this week, which is insane! I'm getting so old on the mission :/

We ate at a pizza buffet last week for p day and I ate probably over 30 slices of pizza (it was thin crust though). All in all, I felt way sick afterwards and never wanted to eat pizza again haha. 

We focused on some LA work this week by visiting members with other members. We are gonna make a strong push to meet with as many members as we can this transfer. Specifically bringing members to visit other members! The key to missionary work is the members and there is no way around that. Members trust each other, they understand the culture, the little things that missionaries miss. I can't stress the importance of working with members to strengthen other members and investigators. It is crucial!

On Saturday I got to work in Ubon for a service project. It was a whole zone service project, similar to the one we had last transfer. We got to scrape off paint in this one building, and then repaint it with a better color. It's very exhausting to scrape off paint trust me!!

The next day was Stake Conference in Sisaket, which was awesome! The members in Thailand are so great and have such strong testimonies. 

Lastly I interviewed with President after Stake Conference and he taught me a thing or two about Patience and Charity. I feel like I have become a little impatient lately, but my mission President reminds me that love is the most important thing. I need to have more love for those around me and have more empathy for them. 

Sorry this email was all over the place. I had like no time to write it! 

Love, 

Elder Lowe 

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Elder Depain

Missionary meal

Week 75: Trust in the Lord and good things will come

Hey everyone!!! I have hit my 75th week on my mission it's so crazy! I can't believe it's going so fast! This week was transfer week and I will be staying with my companion, Elder Despain. Not too much changed which I'm happy about because the other Elders in my house are all way chill. 

On p day last week we got to ride elephants!!! Last time I rode elephants was last year on my first transfer so yeah it's been a while. This time the elephants went in the water and started spraying water everywhere. How sick is that!!

This week I switched off with the Assistants to the President. We left for Bangkok on Wednesday night and switched off on Thursday. I switched off with Elder Butnon, who is Thai. He is so so good and we taught a lot of cool people. We taught this one person who was an investigator about a year and a half ago, but then was dropped due to a lack of interest. However, she showed up at church 3 weeks ago and the Assistants began teaching her again. Her name is Sister See (ศิ) and she is about 45 years old. We taught her the restoration and bore powerful witness about revelation and authority from God in these latter days. She wanted to know if we had that authority from God. We told her we did so she immediately asked if we could give a blessing to her daughter because she has been pretty sick lately, and so we set up an appointment for Saturday. She said that I had to be the one that gave the blessing, but we told her I'm actually from a different area. She then told us that she would wait for me to come back to Asoke so I could give the blessing. 

Elder Butnon and I could both feel the spirit as we were teaching the lesson, and its obvious that she felt it too. I love having the Spirit with me at all time; it is such a blessing! 

Our zone did so great this transfer and we saw a ton of miracles. I got the opportunity to do a lot of baptismal interviews this week and the people I interviewed were so fire! They are so prepared to be baptized. I actually got to teach one of them about a month ago on a switch off and they have changed so much. I am amazed how much the gospel changes people and how it blesses people's lives in tremendous ways!

I love working with the members and that has been a huge focus in my mission lately. We have worked with our ward mission leader, brother ปอ (paw), who is so fire. He loves serving the Lord and is always excited to go visit his brothers and sisters who have walked off the path just a little. Brother paw walks a path of discipleship and is an example to me of what true charity means. He sacrifices so much of his time to the Lord to work with us. On Monday, we bought a ton of Sarapao (a Thai snack - meat or cream wrapped in dough) that everyone loves. We took all of the Sarapaos around to a bunch of members and we got to see their faces light up. It's almost Christmas time and we want to light the world and serve everyone we can! I just love the people and the members here. They are honestly the best. 

I love you all so much. Oh yeah! We had the opportunity to visit a member pretty far away this week and they are having some hardships in their life. I got to share from Proverbs 3:5-6 that we just need to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and he will direct our paths. She started crying and realized that she just needs to have more faith and remember all that the Lord has given her already. I love the pure and understanding heart of these people. They are incredible examples to me of what a Christian or true disciple of Christ really is. 

Alright have a good week everybody! You are in my prayers.

Love, 

Elder Lowe

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Week 74: Halloween and the New Prince of Thailand

To everyone back home...HAPPY HALLOWEEN! I can't believe it was Halloween week and now November! I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween and got a ton of candy. For me I had been planning this Halloween for a while since it will be my last Halloween in Thailand. We are teaching this guy named Tui (ตุ้ย) and he has a ton of clothing at his house for his work. He let me borrow a prince outfit, so Elder Tu and I dressed up as princes haha. Needless to say, it was a really good Halloween and I had a ton of fun. 

Me and Elder Laurence finally finished editing the video we made and we are excited to post it soon! It looks pretty good, but it is a little long!!

On Wednesday, we had zone conference and it went really well! Elder Despain and I gave a training about following the spirit and how we can become more successful missionaries. It was way awesome!!! It was full of the spirit and President Hammond gave a strong training on prophets. I know that we have a living prophet today to guide the true church of Jesus Christ! I'm thankful for a prophet or a mouthpiece of the Lord that allows us to communicate with our Heavenly Father. We can hear the words of the Lord through his prophet. 

President Hammond also interviewed me and has inspired me to continue to find and teach families!!

Speaking of families, the one we are teaching is so good. They are so close to being baptized and they really know the things we teach to be true. We are planning for them to be baptized very soon! I'm so excited. 

I also got to do a switch off with Elder Robley and Elder Halversen from Korat! They are way cool and it's always fun to go on splits with Elder Halversen cause he is in my group from the MTC. 

Lastly, we went around on Saturday visiting a ton of members. Me and my companion probably visited 15 different houses of families or individuals! We gave them some fruit and chocolate milk just to let them know we are here to serve them and help them develop a stronger relationship with us. 

Love, 

Elder Lowe

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P.S. My house has been filthy, like absolutely disgusting. No missionaries have cleaned it for so so long. So we decided to clean the house and it looks really good - good as new!!

Halloween Activity:

Sister ?, Sister Nielson, Robert and Elder Despain

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