Christmas Skype with our Missionary

Hola, my son!  Wow, what a week.  We LOOOOOOOOOOOOVED talking to you and seeing your cute missionary face.  You looked and sounded so good!!  It was completely reassuring for us.  And we are so very grateful for modern technology.  What an incredible blessing!

So after our call we all just sat there for awhile.  It was hard for us to click off Skype and know we wouldn't talk to you again for almost five months. Ugh.  I hope it didn't set you back, or make you feel too homesick.  After that we mostly sat around, tried on our new skis and played with our new electronics all day. 

Thursday morning we got up early and headed for the slopes!  Margaret and Travis and kids met us at Beaver Mountain and we skied all day with them.  It was fun!  Stefanie and Sloan stayed on the bunny hill for most the day, but the last run of the day we all went up the longest lift.  Stefanie did great, except for one colossal, epic wipe out.  She ended up doing a couple of somersaults, lost both skis, and landed face down in the snow.  But she was tough, she got back up and made it the rest of the way down.  She and Dad have definitely improved since Sundance last spring.  We plan to go at least a couple more times this winter, and maybe sign up Dad and Stefanie for a few lessons.  By the time you get back we will be ready to ski with you!

We spent Thursday night and Friday in Preston.  Five of the eight siblings were there with their families, it was crowded and LOUD!!  But it was so much fun, and lots of good food.

Today (Sunday) was Annika Hancock's farewell, it was great.  She spoke about following the spirit, even when it is hard.  She said she is excited to go to the Philippines, and knows that is where the Lord wants her to be.  She will be a great missionary. 

I'm glad you got your birthday package!  So far I have sent three packages and you have received them all!  Who says the mail in Central America is unreliable!  It hasn't let us down yet.  Hopefully you will soon get the package I sent with the lady from Utah, her son was recently a missionary in Honduras and the whole family is going there for Christmas.  Maybe our family can do that someday!  Anyway, she was kind enough to contact a couple of missionary families and offered to deliver their packages directly to the mission office in Tegucigalpa.  Awesome!   

We love you!!!!  We are glad you are safe and healthy!  We know that Heavenly Father blesses his servants, and we know we have received many blessings here at home as a result.  We are looking forward to 2014, and know that it will be a great one for our whole family.  Keep working hard and Happy New Year!  

Love, Mom

Christmas, 2013

Christmas was magical and wonderful this year.  It started early in the morning when Rachel and George came over to open presents with us. We were so glad to have them there! 

Stefanie got a few unexpected surprises...her favorite.. an ipad mini. She had been asking for one, but in her words, "I didn't think I would get it!."

Santa brought us all skis for Christmas.

But our best gift of all...better than any presents under the tree...was talking to our missionary!  He looked and sounded so good.

Stefanie took the laptop outside on the deck and panned the horizon to show him the snow.  He said he had almost forgotten what snow looks like!  Haha. 

We got to talk to him for nearly two hours.  It was wonderful to see his face and hear his voice.  He introduced us to several other missionaries including his companion who speaks no English. Amazing to hear him translate our greetings and questions. 

We love our missionary!  So grateful for the opportunity to see and talk to him.  Best Christmas present EVER!! 

Christmas Card, 2013

Almost Christmas

Dear Elder Smith,

Feliz Navidad!  We get to talk to you on Wednesday!  Rachel downloaded Skype to my laptop this week, and I will have a couple of practice runs before then so we will be ready.  Now we just need to know the approximate time this event will happen, and if you want anyone besides family at our house when you call?  We are all excited!

This was a crazy week for us.  Stefanie and I were on our own for most of it, Dad was in St. George with his basketball team for four days.  He left on Wednesday and got home late Saturday night.  Other than one disgusting dog poop incident we got along just fine.  But we were very glad when he got home.  

Friday night was the Ward Christmas party.  I was asked to organize and direct a chime performance, I asked a group of primary children, we played "Away in a Manger".  Of course it was wonderful, and the best musical number on the program (in my opinion…).  It was a nice evening and fun to socialize with the good people in our ward.  The full time missionaries were there, one from Switzerland, one from Canada.  I told them that I am a missionary Mom, and gave them both a hug.  Love those guys! They remind me of YOU!

Monday night was fun, Margaret's family came for a visit.  We hadn't seen Travis for several YEARS, it was fun to catch up.  We had taco soup for supper, then sat around and talked while the kids ran around and played.  All the kids look so much bigger, Camryn, Ethan, Sloan and Isaac.  Cute kids!  They went to Preston the next day for two weeks, we will see them again when we go up the day after Christmas.

Friday afternoon we had an unexpected visitor…your ex-girlfriend Courtney stopped by! She had made cookies and wanted to share them with us.  Stefanie and I chatted with her for over an hour, it was really fun.  She told us all about college and her mission call, what a nice girl!  She will be a good missionary. 

Stefanie got a new calling…she is 1st counselor in her Young Women class.  Today she was set apart, so Dad and I got to witness that, and Dad stood in the circle.  It will be good for her, glad she will get this experience.

We are ready for Christmas!  We delivered neighbor gifts this evening, and our counter top is covered with an assortment of neighbor gifts and goodies we have received.  Can't wait to hear from you.  Love you!  Chat with you soon!!!  Haha, love saying that!  

Love, Mom

Pictures of Stefanie

Stefanie has had a busy month!  This week she went with the Young Women to Temple Square to see the lights.  They rode Front Runner and stopped at the mall for hot chocolate.  I found this picture on Facebook this morning!

Her first cheer competition of the year was last Saturday at the Southtown Expo Center.  There were six teams competing in her division, her team took 1st place!!  So exciting!  She loves cheerleading!

Her drama class at the Middle School put on a production of "Alice in Wonderland" for three nights running.  Stefanie was the stage manager.  She wore a head set and kept things moving along smoothly. On the final night, the cast called her out on stage and presented her with a bouquet of flowers in appreciation for all her dedication and hard work.  She also got flowers from Rachel and George who came to see one night of the performance.  

This week we had a houseful of cousins from Florida and Utah.  She hadn't seen her Florida cousins for a couple of years, so it was a fun get-together!  Cute kids!

A couple of weeks ago we had a little family field trip to the "Festival of Trees".  So beautiful! 

And this is what Stefanie has been doing lately!!  :)

Two Wins in Overtime!

Hola Elder Smith!  How was your week?  What do you think of being in charge, and making all the decisions?  That is such a big responsibility, I'm sure it is not easy.  Maybe it makes you appreciate Elder Glassett a little more.  I will miss having him as your companion, I enjoyed reading his letters each week on his missionary blog.  He always said nice things about you.  In his last letter he wrote that you were his favorite companion of his entire mission.  Warmed my heart!  I'm glad you had a good experience serving with him.  

It is soooo cold here in Utah!  Friday morning on my drive to work the car thermometer read 3 degrees.  Brrrrr!  It snowed the entire weekend, Dad shoveled the driveway three times yesterday, and it was covered again this morning.  We wish we were in Honduras with you!  

Today (Sunday) was Elder Dalton Beck's mission report in Sacrament Meeting.  It was so good!  He was a great missionary.  We loved hearing his experiences and testimony. 

Dad had a really busy week, he had two basketball games this week…Tuesday at Maple Mt. and Friday at home against Hunter.  Dad's JV team won both games, and the varsity won BOTH in overtime!!  So intense! Dad was super excited after every game.  What a great week!  Gavin Rasmussen has been amazing!  Now their Varsity record is 2-1, JV is 3-0.  This week he has three games coming up against T-Ville, Copper Hills, and West.  It will be strange and awkward for Dad to coach at CHHS and sit on the visitor's side.  We are crossing fingers for a big win that night.  

Stefanie had a busy week too, she was involved in the Willowcreek production of Alice in Wonderland.  They have been practicing all semester and performed on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  Stefanie was the stage manager so she wore a headset and ordered everyone around, she loved it.  On Friday the cast called her out on stage and presented her with a bouquet of flowers in thanks for all her hard work and dedication.  So cool!  

One more sports update, but this one is a sad one.  Real Salt Lake lost the MLS championship in overtime to Kansas City.  Ugh, it went into shootouts and I DO NOT LIKE SHOOT OUTS!!  We lost on the 10th shooter, he kicked it off the post. The final score was 6-7.  Heartbreaking!  It was a great season, we are sad to see it end.  It is kind of amazing how popular soccer is becoming here, I think we are beginning to catch up to the rest of the world!  

Today we had Tithing Settlement with Bishop Hancock.  (We are still trying to get used to calling him that!)  It was good, he asked about you and we always love telling people about you.   

Did you get to see the First Presidency Christmas Devotional this evening?  We watched it on TV.  It is always such a privilege to hear President Monson speak, I know he is a prophet of God.  It was nice to be reminded of the real reason for Christmas, to listen to the hymns, and to feel the spirit. 

We love you!  We love reading your letters each week!  And we are so excited to talk to you on Christmas!  Can't wait.  

Love, Mom and all

Baby Pics

So my awesomely creative sister-in-law had a fun idea for a Thanksgiving Day activity.  She asked everyone in the family to send a baby picture.  She arranged and numbered them all on a couple of posters, and we all had to try to guess who was who. 

Here are the submissions from our family...

Kent

Me!

Rachel

Braden

Stefanie

A Missionary Mom's Christmas

(author unknown)

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving. The thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa, my decorating has less flair.
His gifts are not wrapped beneath the tree, but sent through the mail...no fun.
My Christmas will be much different because ...

This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I've spent more time in the temple, my testimony stirred.
I've read and reread the scriptures, felt strength come from His words.
Our family prays more often. My tears are quick to run.
Heaven seems closer at home because...

This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I stare at his mission pictures, his letters seem to shine.
The decision he made to serve the Lord has made his soul divine.
A foreign land is now his home, his choice and mine are one.
I've put my faith in God this year,

I'm giving Christ my son.

I know there's One who understands, the sacrifice I'm making.
Who knows the gift I willingly give, the toll it has been taking.
For He has done it all before...greater love, there could be none.
For long ago God gave to me…

His only begotten Son.

The hands I held, the hands I washed, the hands I taught to pray; 

Now knock on doors to find the souls who will listen to what he'll say.
Because I know Christ needs him until the gathering's done,
My gift has taken 18 years to create...

I will humbly give Christ my son.

Thanksgiving in St. George

Hola Elder Smith!  So glad you made it through the elections safely.  And so sorry you were not able to do your work for three days!  Yes, that is a huge waste of the Lord's time, what a shame.  Those elections sound crazy, we kept up with election results on the internet, and through the "Missionary Moms" gmail group I belong to.  Glad there was minimal fuss where you live, and all the missionaries throughout Honduras were protected from harm.  And glad you are now back on the job, doing what you were called to do.  Oh, and congratulations on your awesome facial hair, very impressive!  haha

So...Thanksgiving this week!  Did you make it to KFC on Thursday?  We thought and talked about you multiple times all weekend, and wondered if you missed us!  We spent four days in St. George, we left early Wednesday morning and got home late Saturday night.  Everyone was there except for Margaret's family (they are coming for Christmas), our two missionaries, and Rachel and George...they spent Thanksgiving with the Ungricht family.  That is 31 people total, it was very crowded!  We spent  most of our time shopping, playing card games, visiting, eating and watching football.  Here we were on Thanksgiving morning as Dad and Grandpa carved the turkey. 

Friday morning Grandma kept the candy house tradition alive.

 Dad and I did a session at the St. George temple, and that night we all went to see the Christmas lights on the temple grounds.  So pretty!

It was beautiful in St. George, sunny and warm every day.  There was a swimming pool in the complex, all the cousins spent a lot of time playing in the pool.  The men went golfing a couple of times, and the women did lots of Christmas shopping.  And that pretty much sums up our weekend!  You were definitely missed and everyone said they love reading your weekly letters on your blog. 

Today we are getting the house ready for Christmas!  The tree is up in the piano room, I'm starting to arrange my village, and Dad and Stef will decorate the ugly tree downstairs for FHE.  The front porch is all lit up, and I covered the front door with red shiny paper.  The stockings are hung above the kitchen table, and the nativity is all set up.  And of course I broke out my Christmas CDs so we have been listening to Christmas music nonstop, I love it.  This is really my favorite time of year! 

In other news, the basketball season has begun!  Tuesday was the first game against Mt. View, Dad's JV team did great, they won by 16.  But the varsity lost by six.  It is fun cheering for the hometown team, I had lots of friends to chat with!  And the best part was after it was over when it took only five minutes to drive home.  Yes!!  I will enjoy this season.  Next game is on Tuesday at Maple Mountain. 

We love you and are so grateful for your wonderful example.  I know you are exactly where Heavenly Father wants you to be, and doing what he wants you to do. 

Love, Mom

Elections in Honduras

Hola, my son!  Can't believe I will not get a letter from you today because you are under house arrest!  Hope you are enjoying a little time off.  We have been doing some research on the election process in Honduras.  We read that there are EIGHT political parties!  We have looked at pictures of campaign flyers and posters of candidates EVERYWHERE! It looks like the cities are covered, with a high potential of violence in the cities to go along with it.  

Is it that intense where you live?  We are praying for the people of Honduras, that they will make the best decisions for their country.  But mostly we are praying for the missionaries, that they will be safe and protected.  

Things here are not quite that exciting...but we are still staying busy and having fun.  Sunday was your sister's 21st birthday!  she is legally an adult!! She and George came over for birthday dinner, cake and ice cream.  She was happy and had a fun time.  Can't believe I have been a mommy for 21 years!  

This is an exciting week...the first high school basketball game is Tuesday!  They will play at home against Mountain View.  Let the season begin!  

Last night we watched the RSL game, they won the western conference final against Portland.  They will play next Saturday for the MLS Cup against Kansas City.  Everyone has soccer fever!  

Wednesday morning we will head to St. George for Thanksgiving...Grandma and Grandpa Kindred have reserved a couple of condos with their time share and have invited everyone to come for turkey dinner.  I will be thinking of you a lot during the holiday weekend!  Just before dinner when we all share what we are most thankful for my answer will be, "for an missionary son in Honduras who is worthy and willing to serve the Lord."  I am so proud of you!  

Hope you have a great week!  So sad I won't get an email from you today. :( Write as soon as you can!!  

Love, Mom

Twenty One Years

Today I have been a mommy for TWENTY ONE YEARS!!!  Happy birthday to my beautiful baby girl.  So proud of the young woman she has become, and so happy for the wonderful relationship we share.  She is one of the greatest blessings of my life!  So thankful to be her mom.

Cheer Showcase

Stefanie did great at her cheer showcase Saturday night.  Her tumbling and stunting has greatly improved this year at Utah Peak Academy.  Her cheer squad has several local competitions coming up in the next few weeks, and one in Anaheim in the spring.  Fun to see her skills improve.  

Mentally Strong

I recently came across a magazine article and loved it, I thought it made a lot of sense. It was all about being mentally strong.  It said that mentally strong people manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in ways that set them up for success in life. They are the people I respect and admire the most.  And the most mentally strong person I know is my husband.  He embodies each of these qualities and habits, what a great example he is to me. 

Here are the qualities of a mentally strong individual... 

They Don’t Waste Time Feeling Sorry for Themselves 
Mentally strong people don’t sit around feeling sorry about their circumstances or how others have treated them. Instead, they take responsibility for their role in life and understand that life isn’t always easy or fair.

They Welcome and Adapt to Change 
Mentally strong people don’t try to avoid change. Instead, they welcome positive change and are willing to be flexible. They understand that change is inevitable and believe in their abilities to adapt.  

They Don't Waste Energy on Things They Can't Control 
You won’t hear a mentally strong person complaining over small, insignificant annoyances. Instead, they focus on what they can control in their lives. They recognize that sometimes, the only thing they can control is their attitude.

They Don't Worry About Pleasing Everyone
Mentally strong people recognize that they don't need to please everyone all the time.  They're not afraid to say no or speak up when necessary.  They strive to be kind and fair, but can handle other people being upset if they didn't make them happy.  

They Take Risks 
They don’t take reckless or foolish risks, but don’t mind taking calculated risks. Mentally strong people spend time weighing the risks and benefits before making a big decision, and they’re fully informed of the potential downsides before they take action.  

They Don't Dwell on the Past
Mentally strong people don’t waste time dwelling on the past and wishing things could be different. They acknowledge their past and can say what they’ve learned from it. However, they don’t constantly relive bad experiences or fantasize about the glory days. Instead, they live for the present and plan for the future.  

They Learn From Their Mistakes 
Mentally strong people accept responsibility for their behavior and learn from their past mistakes. As a result, they don’t keep repeating those mistakes over and over. Instead, they move on and make better decisions in the future.  

They Appreciate Other People's Success 
Mentally strong people do not resent others' success in life, they appreciate and celebrate it. They don’t grow jealous or feel cheated when others surpass them. Instead, they recognize that success comes with hard work, and they are willing to work hard for their own chance at success.  

They Don't Give Up
Mentally strong people don’t view failure as a reason to give up. Instead, they use failure as an opportunity to grow and improve. They are willing to keep trying until they get it right, or make a better plan.

They Don't Give Away Their Power
Mentally strong people don’t allow others to control them, and they don’t give someone else power over them. They understand that they are in control of their own emotions and they have a choice in how they react and respond.  

They Enjoy Their Own Company
Mentally strong people are not dependent on others for companionship and entertainment all the time.  They enjoy spending time with others, but aren't afraid to be alone with their thoughts.  Instead, they are content and confident all on their own.  

They Don't Feel the World Owes Them Anything 
Mentally strong people don’t feel entitled to things in life. They do not allow the mentality that others should take care of them or that the world must give them something. Instead, they look for opportunities based on their own merits.  

They Don't Expect Immediate Results
Whether they are working on improving their health or starting a new business, mentally strong people don't expect immediate results.  Instead, they apply their skills and time to the best of their ability and understand that real change takes time. 

Our News this Week for Our Missionary

I enjoy posting the letters to my missionary each week, what a great record of all my family's happenings!  Here is our latest news…

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Hola my son!  Wow, P-day again and time for another letter from my favorite missionary!  Do these weeks fly by as quickly for you as they do for me? I live for Mondays, the best day of the week because I get to hear from my boy!

It has been another packed week for us.  Dad's X-country banquet was Tuesday, it was really nice.  He had a huge team this year, 86 athletes, 28 of them seniors.  He and Rushforth both spoke and shared their favorite highlights of the season.  He brought home a stack of cards and letters from his runners, all thanking him for being a great coach.  Dad sure loves his X-country team!  Basketball tryouts at LHS begin this afternoon, so exciting!

Last night was my primary "Priesthood Preview" for all the 11-year-old boys in our ward.  It was great, I gave a talk on the importance of the priesthood.  Of course I mentioned YOU and said how proud I am that I have a missionary son who honors the priesthood and is worthy to serve the Lord.  As I looked around at all their faces I could hardly believe these little boys that I have known since they were babies will soon be deacons!  They are good boys from awesome families.

Dad wanted me to tell you that RSL won their first round playoff series against Los Angeles Galaxy.  They were behind one point after the game in LA, but won at home in overtime Thursday night 2-0 to move to the finals.  Last night RSL played at home against Portland, the #1 ranked team in the league and won 4-2.  They will play in Portland later this week.

Quick note from Stefanie:  hey braden! sorry i don't write you very much, i just don't think that i have anything cool to say, or anything that you would be interested in; but i think that taelor has written to you more times than i have and thats really lame so i will try to write you more (: haha i hope that you are doing well in tegucigalpa, in geography we are learning about central america, so i've learned about and seen lots of pictures of honduras, so i guess now i know everything about it. (;  hmm. ha cheer is good, we are working hard, we have a parents performance next saturday, and i'm not sure how its going to go, hopefully good, and our first competition is in december, i have my standing back tuck on the ground now (most days) you wish you could do that (; we are going to compete in california in march so i'm excited to go there. first term of school just ended and i got a 3.6 or something, and hey i was pretty proud of myself. (: ha so anyways just wanted to tell you i love you, and miss you a lot!! you are such a great example, i can't wait til i'm on my mission, and i will get a letter from you every so often. (; byeee

There was a huge typhoon in the Philippines this week causing much damage, death and destruction, it has been a major news story all week.  Not sure how much access you have to world news, so you may or may not have heard about it.  We talked to Bishop Hancock on Friday, he said it is the same place where Annika will be serving her mission in a few weeks.  Also, I have been thinking about your friend Amanda, and hoping she and all our Philippine missionaries are OK.  I am so grateful for the knowledge that Heavenly Father protects his servants.  We pray every day for your health and safety.

Love, Mom and all

November Letter to My Missionary

Hola, happy P-day!  So glad you had a good experience at Zone Conference.  I did a little research on Elder Ochoa, he is really an amazing man.  I read that he had been a mission president in Honduras a few years back, so cool!  And I enjoyed his talk at last conference.  Glad you got to meet him and listen to him speak, sounds like a great experience.  

Well, here are the highlights from the week...  

*We had fun carving jack-o-lanterns with Bryan and Katie and family on Monday night for FHE.  You were missed!  We remembered how you carved four different faces last year, so any way you turned your pumpkin you got a different expression.  Haha.  This year Stefanie carved one for you that said, "I (heart) my missionary."  So cute, it was my favorite.  And we discovered that George is a surprisingly talented pumpkin carver--his was great!
.

*Halloween was fun!  I loved being at school all day and seeing all the cute costumes, and singing spooky songs with my music classes.  Rachel and George came over that evening for Burger Beef Stew and rolls, then it was time for trick-or-treaters!  It was a warm evening so Dad and I sat out on the front porch to hand out candy to my primary kids.  Love them!  Stefanie went trick-or-treating with a group of friends and came home with a boat load of candy that she doesn't want to eat.  Dad was pretty excited about that.  

*Saturday was J**** B********'s baptism.  What a sweet kid!  I was asked by the stake primary president to play the piano at the baptism which I was happy to do, since I was planning to be there anyway.  Speaking of…have you had any opportunity to play the piano in Honduras?  The one and only hymn you know…Sweet Hour of Prayer!  We miss hearing you play the piano!  Especially Don't Stop Believing, Hallelujah, Piano Man, Charlie Brown, The Entertainer…and all the other masterpieces in your repertoire!  One more thing we all miss about you.  

*Primary was good this week, I taught the Sharing Time lesson on the subject of gratitude.  I passed around a picture of you in the jungle, described your living conditions, and quoted a line from your first letter sent from Honduras…"Appreciate what you have because there are a lot of people with a lot less than you!"  It was perfect for my lesson, thank you for that!  My primary kids loved it.

*Daylight Savings Time started on Sunday night.  Ugh, not a fan, especially this year because we will now be an hour behind Honduras time for the next several months!  But it was nice to get an extra hour of sleep on Sunday morning.

That is all our news!  We hope you've had a good week, can't wait to get another letter from you today. We love you!  

Love, Mom, Dad, and Stef

The October Tradition Continues

We missed Braden this year.  But we were glad to have George join us for the first time!