Hola my son. How are you today? How was your week? I loved the pictures
you sent last week of the jungle garden behind your investigators
home. So beautiful! I hope Consuelo and Xiomara and their families
are doing well, and progressing towards baptism. Excited to hear about
your week.
Well, it was kind of a quiet week here at home, not
too much excitement around here. Dad hosted another big track meet on
Saturday. Twenty teams participated, it was another very LONG day for
him. I'm glad he likes coaching track but I really miss him on Saturdays
during track season! But this week he came home happy and excited
because both his boys and girls teams came in first place. A good day
for Dad and for Copper Hills!
This week Stefanie was in charge
of her YW combined activity, she decided to have a "glow-in-the-dark"
volleyball activity. Did you ever do that when you were in YM? Dad
rounded up all our black lights and we borrowed a few more, then they
went early to get it all set up. The leaders brought glow sticks and
glow necklaces and everyone wore white and florescent clothes. Stefanie
said it was awesome! Lots of kids loved it, they want to do it again!
She worked hard getting it together, glad it was a success.
That's
it for this week! Next weekend is General Conference and Easter!
Looking forward to celebrating the resurrection of our Savior, and
listening to the counsel of our prophet and leaders. Love you!!
Love Mom
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Sunday, March 22, 2015
March Madness
Hola, my missionary son. Happy spring! The first official day of spring
was Friday, and it couldn't come soon enough for me! I really love this
time of year. I hope you've had a great week, excited to read about it.
So I have a few things to tell you about this week. Our week has been pretty much consumed with March Madness! Lots of upsets this week! One #1 team (Villanova) went out the first weekend, unfortunately it was the team I had picked to win it all. I will not be winning the bracket pool, haha. And University of Utah is in the Sweet 16! Very exciting. Speaking of basketball, unfortunately Dad was NOT offered the Lehi job, he got the call on Tuesday that they decided to go with a clean slate, and hired some guy Dad didn't know. He was most recently the girls basketball coach at Lone Peak, but before that he had won a couple of boys state championships. So darn it! Dad was disappointed for a few days, but he is resilient and optimistic that his basketball coaching days are not over. And we've had plenty of experiences through the years that prove to us that Heavenly Father is involved in the details of our lives, and leads us in the direction that is best for us. I remember all the interviews I had--at least a dozen--before landing my job at Lehi Elementary. It was a lot of rejection and disappointment, but now I couldn't be happier with my job, the perfect place for me! So we believe that Dad is meant to coach somewhere else, or that maybe he avoided some unpleasant experiences by not getting the job at Lehi. He hasn't given up. In the meantime he is very busy coaching track. Saturday was a huge meet--34 schools participating--hosted by Copper Hills. Dad left at 5:30 a.m. and didn't return home until later that evening. Stefanie went along to take tickets, stamp hands, hand out medals, organize race sheets, etc. Dad said she was a huge help! They both came home tired and sunburned, but they said it was a fun, exciting day. Stefanie had decided not to join the track team at Lehi this year, but after watching the races all day she said she wants to do it next year. So we'll see.
On Wednesday I met Elder Porter's mom! She was visiting her family in Utah and stopped by Lehi Elementary to have lunch with her sister and the other first grade teachers. Sister Porter and I chatted almost the entire time about our missionary sons--my favorite subject! We talked about our boys' experiences together and laughed about your weekly Friday night hot dog roasts. We wondered if all your clothes smell like campfire, haha. She said her son LOVED serving with you, every week he wrote about what a great team you were together. It was super fun to meet her, she is a very nice lady! I'm sure you will see Elder Porter after the mission when he visits his family in Lehi.
Some news about George, he has been going to school at the MATC to become a computer tech, he just landed his first job! He is super excited and glad to be doing something he loves. And he's really good at it! We are very lucky to have a tech guy in the family, he has completely fixed every single one of our electronics! Our computers, laptops, tablets and cell phones are all completely virus free and working at top condition, and he has added extra memory to all of them. Definitely a huge blessing for our family.
That's it for this week! Life continues to roll forth at a quick pace. It is good! Lots of exciting things to look forward to. We love you so much and look forward to every letter. We are so proud of you! Hope you will have a good week.
Love, Mom
P.S. Any recent packages from home? I sent one several weeks ago, I always give your package a big hug and kiss and say a little prayer for it before I hand it over to the postal worker, haha! So far it has worked every time. :)
So I have a few things to tell you about this week. Our week has been pretty much consumed with March Madness! Lots of upsets this week! One #1 team (Villanova) went out the first weekend, unfortunately it was the team I had picked to win it all. I will not be winning the bracket pool, haha. And University of Utah is in the Sweet 16! Very exciting. Speaking of basketball, unfortunately Dad was NOT offered the Lehi job, he got the call on Tuesday that they decided to go with a clean slate, and hired some guy Dad didn't know. He was most recently the girls basketball coach at Lone Peak, but before that he had won a couple of boys state championships. So darn it! Dad was disappointed for a few days, but he is resilient and optimistic that his basketball coaching days are not over. And we've had plenty of experiences through the years that prove to us that Heavenly Father is involved in the details of our lives, and leads us in the direction that is best for us. I remember all the interviews I had--at least a dozen--before landing my job at Lehi Elementary. It was a lot of rejection and disappointment, but now I couldn't be happier with my job, the perfect place for me! So we believe that Dad is meant to coach somewhere else, or that maybe he avoided some unpleasant experiences by not getting the job at Lehi. He hasn't given up. In the meantime he is very busy coaching track. Saturday was a huge meet--34 schools participating--hosted by Copper Hills. Dad left at 5:30 a.m. and didn't return home until later that evening. Stefanie went along to take tickets, stamp hands, hand out medals, organize race sheets, etc. Dad said she was a huge help! They both came home tired and sunburned, but they said it was a fun, exciting day. Stefanie had decided not to join the track team at Lehi this year, but after watching the races all day she said she wants to do it next year. So we'll see.
On Wednesday I met Elder Porter's mom! She was visiting her family in Utah and stopped by Lehi Elementary to have lunch with her sister and the other first grade teachers. Sister Porter and I chatted almost the entire time about our missionary sons--my favorite subject! We talked about our boys' experiences together and laughed about your weekly Friday night hot dog roasts. We wondered if all your clothes smell like campfire, haha. She said her son LOVED serving with you, every week he wrote about what a great team you were together. It was super fun to meet her, she is a very nice lady! I'm sure you will see Elder Porter after the mission when he visits his family in Lehi.
Some news about George, he has been going to school at the MATC to become a computer tech, he just landed his first job! He is super excited and glad to be doing something he loves. And he's really good at it! We are very lucky to have a tech guy in the family, he has completely fixed every single one of our electronics! Our computers, laptops, tablets and cell phones are all completely virus free and working at top condition, and he has added extra memory to all of them. Definitely a huge blessing for our family.
That's it for this week! Life continues to roll forth at a quick pace. It is good! Lots of exciting things to look forward to. We love you so much and look forward to every letter. We are so proud of you! Hope you will have a good week.
Love, Mom
P.S. Any recent packages from home? I sent one several weeks ago, I always give your package a big hug and kiss and say a little prayer for it before I hand it over to the postal worker, haha! So far it has worked every time. :)
Sunday, March 15, 2015
Purple Balloons
Hola, my boy! Hope you are doing well in the Valley of
Angels! So glad that you are in a safe area with strong members and
plenty of food to eat. How is your new apartment? Do you still have
someone to cook for you and do your laundry? I have been thinking about
changes and how hard it must be to put your heart and soul into an
area, to grow to love the people, your zone and companion, and then
suddenly have to pack up and move away. Sounds very difficult, but I
guess that is the life of a missionary! We are doing great, lots of stuff going on around here. Dad finally heard from Lehi High School, his interview is scheduled for tomorrow (Monday) at 10:00. By the time you read this it will be a done deal, then we will just have to wait and see what happens. Keep saying prayers and crossing your fingers for him!
This week Stefanie came home from school to find a GIANT bouquet of purple balloons tied to the front porch. Yes, you guessed it...an invitation to PROM!! She was really sad and shed a few tears, but stayed true to her conviction to follow the prophet and not date until she is 16-years-old. Sometimes obedience to the commandments is really hard, but I know Heavenly Father will bless her. I told her that next year we will spare no expense in getting her the most beautiful dress ever. I did feel a little sorry for the boy who asked her, Stefanie sent him a text message explaining why she could not go.
I forgot to tell you that Daylight Savings came to an end last week and we are back to being on the same time zone with Honduras. Bummer, now I have to wait an extra hour to get a letter from you, haha!
Last Monday was fun, for FHE we went to this new place in Sandy called Soccer City, a huge indoor soccer facility, to watch Rachel and George play in an adult coed soccer league. It was fun, they did great! Speaking of soccer, your Alma Mater is not off to a good start, they lost their opener against Orem, lost last week against Bingham, and tied Brighton. Bishop Hancock told us that Tyson has had three concussions in the last few months and was not allowed to try out for the team, poor kid! Only three more pre-season games and then region play will begin. Hopefully Lehi can get their act together and win a few games!
March Madness began today, we are ready to fill out our brackets. Both BYU and Utah made it into the tournament. Good times.
Well, that about sums up all our news. The church is true! Hurrah for Israel! Keep working hard. Love, Mom
Sunday, March 8, 2015
Yard Work
Hola, my son! We have been anxiously waiting all week to find out if
you had changes, where you were sent, who is your new companion. It is
hard for us not knowing where you are and who you are with! But we know
you are being watched over and taken care of, and Heavenly Father knows
exactly where you are. We can't wait to hear your news. We want to hear
all the details about your new area, your new house and neighborhood,
the people you are with. We hope and pray you are safe and happy!
It has been a good week for us, spring has officially arrived in Lehi, Utah! Dad and I spent all day outside doing yard work. Dad bought himself a chainsaw and had a blast trimming hedges and tree branches, then we dragged them all to an enormous pile in the garden. We will soon have quite a bonfire! Our trees are getting bigger, I wonder if you will notice a difference? We planted three new trees in the back yard last fall, looks like they all made it through the winter. Everything is budding out and showing new growth, we will soon have a yard full of daffodils and tulips. I love spring!
Stefanie is doing good. Prom is coming up soon, some of her friends have already been invited. I asked her if she wanted to go, she said, "I can't go, Braden won't let me!" Haha, you do have some influence on your little sister!
Dad still has not had an interview for the Lehi head basketball position, he got a call from the principal who said there had been a hangup at the district, so it might be another week or so. Ugh, we all just want to know one way or another! Track practice stated last week, Dad thinks his boys will be pretty good. He is excited to get back into it, the first meet will be on Wednesday.
Dad and I got a message from Coach Atkinson regarding an official signing of a "National Letter of Intent" to play soccer at Western Wyoming. It is a two-week timed document, so there is no way it could get back and forth from Honduras in that amount of time. Is this for sure what you want, have you have made your decision?? If so, you could give Dad and I permission to sign on your behalf, or we could make a quick trip to Rock Springs very soon after you get home. Your choice, let us know what you want to do.
Well, we sure love you, we are proud of you! Honduras is lucky to have you! Keep working hard, there is still a lot of work to be done. Love, Mom
It has been a good week for us, spring has officially arrived in Lehi, Utah! Dad and I spent all day outside doing yard work. Dad bought himself a chainsaw and had a blast trimming hedges and tree branches, then we dragged them all to an enormous pile in the garden. We will soon have quite a bonfire! Our trees are getting bigger, I wonder if you will notice a difference? We planted three new trees in the back yard last fall, looks like they all made it through the winter. Everything is budding out and showing new growth, we will soon have a yard full of daffodils and tulips. I love spring!
Stefanie is doing good. Prom is coming up soon, some of her friends have already been invited. I asked her if she wanted to go, she said, "I can't go, Braden won't let me!" Haha, you do have some influence on your little sister!
Dad still has not had an interview for the Lehi head basketball position, he got a call from the principal who said there had been a hangup at the district, so it might be another week or so. Ugh, we all just want to know one way or another! Track practice stated last week, Dad thinks his boys will be pretty good. He is excited to get back into it, the first meet will be on Wednesday.
Dad and I got a message from Coach Atkinson regarding an official signing of a "National Letter of Intent" to play soccer at Western Wyoming. It is a two-week timed document, so there is no way it could get back and forth from Honduras in that amount of time. Is this for sure what you want, have you have made your decision?? If so, you could give Dad and I permission to sign on your behalf, or we could make a quick trip to Rock Springs very soon after you get home. Your choice, let us know what you want to do.
Well, we sure love you, we are proud of you! Honduras is lucky to have you! Keep working hard, there is still a lot of work to be done. Love, Mom
Sunday, March 1, 2015
March
So I think you may have changes coming up soon...is that happening this week? You have been in Los Llanos for awhile, are you ready for a change? We are excited to hear your news.
Good things are happening here! Dad got a call from the principal at Lehi High School, he has an interview for the Head Boys Basketball position this week! He is excited and hopeful. Saturday was the State Championship game, Lone Peak went out early so everyone was happy to see a new winner after their four-year run. It ended up being Layton vs. Brighton in the final game, Layton came from behind to win by one point. So exciting! And just like that the high school basketball season is over for another year. Say a prayer or two for Dad this week that he will nail his interview and become the new head coach at LHS!
We are moving forward with your plans to go to Western Wyoming. This week I got you signed up for housing, you will be living on campus in a dorm set aside for the Men's soccer team. How fun will that be?! You will get to know your teammates well! I sent a text to Landon Jacobsen, he replied in about 30 seconds, haha! Thought you might be interested...
Me: Hi Landon, this is Janeal Smith, Braden's mom. Coach Atkinson gave us your #. We are wondering about housing for Braden, do you recommend he live on campus? There is a $150 deposit to apply for housing so we wanted to check with you first.
Landon: Heck yes Im excited thats what I was hoping for! Good to know ill be playing with him again!! If my roommate now doesn't come back next semester im going to push to have braden as my roommate just to let you know on that!! :)
Haha, so there you go, you may or may not be Landon's roommate, but at least you will live in the same building as him and the rest of the team.
In other news, we found out this week that you will soon be getting another cousin! Linda and Rob are expecting baby #5 in August! Haha, it was a big surprise, Caden is 11! Hunter will come home from his mission to a new little sibling, wow! Also, your cousin Sarah just had a new baby boy, Paul Xavier Lontine. We've only seen pictures of him, hopefully we will get to meet him soon.
That's it from us this week! We love you! Keep working hard, we are so proud of the great work you are doing!
Love, Mom
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