Thirty Years Ago

I just figured out that thirty years ago my mother was on her mission with my father in Sri Lanka. She was my age. How could that possibly be? She seemed so old. My father was 77 when they returned so maybe that is why she seemed older than she really was. It was a hard mission for her. She was excited to come home. But she had no idea what was a head of her. My father had his massive stroke the first night they were home. The first night her world turned upside down. There was no time to enjoy being with family, enjoying Mexican food, going to the temple, driving up the canyon, eating black nibs (she liked black licorice, too)--all of that was backseat to
trying to absorb what her life would be like now.
They sacrificed their last normal months to the people of Sri Lanka. I really didn't get it until just now, now that our bishop emailed us asking us
when we wanted to report in our ward.
Can I just say I am thankful for the sacrifice of my parents? I just am.
And she was my age.

Happy Birthday, Ann!

Mary Deane holding Ann, January 1984

Ann holding Mary Deane, December 2009

Dearest Ann,
What a year this has been. How grateful I am for your courage and strength as you faced the daunting news of Mary Deane's CF. I am continually in awe of your ability to see God's hand in everything, especially your knowledge that He has entrusted you with the care of your beautiful daughter--with Brendon right by your side! Thank you for your unwavering faith, for never doubting that God is there, always there.
I am grateful for your encouraging letters while on our mission. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of missionary work. Did you memorize PMG?
I have thought a lot about Grandma while I have been here. I know she is watching you, concerned for you and still holding you, in a way, by her own legacy of faith in Jesus Christ. What a great gift she has left us both!
I love you so much. Have the very best of birthdays!
Love,
MOM

More than anything, I must have flowers, always, always. Monet

Combined District Meeting

Sister Bergeson FINALLY got her Christmas package, mailed from Utah on December 4th! Her new companion, Sister Belen from St George, fresh from the MTC!

We get Elder Hunt back in our Zone and now in our district! And luckily we all ready have Elder Skousen!

Sometimes, at 10 PM...

..despite the fact you have no popover pans, you just need to eat one with fresh strawberry jam. Yum.

The Fork

The other day I told Kurt he is really lucky to be married to someone that has such a great sense of humor. He agreed. This thought came up again because of Katy's recent post. And because I do realize I lost my sense of humor most of the child rearing years. I do not know where it went. I want to blame it on the children but that certainly isn't true. I just simply forgot to remember that between the sorrows, the seriousness, the pleading, and the prayers, life can be pretty darn funny.
Most of you know the infamous moment during the most intense mothering period of my life when everyone at the dinner table, including the father, were arguing about something. See, I can't even remember what, but I was so upset, threw my fork down on the table in my upsettness and, low and behold, the fork stuck straight up, tines embedded into the (luckily) antique table.
Well, this was a great cause of glee among the above mentioned arguing family which fueled my anger much beyond the appropriate righteous indignation of a mother in Zion. So, I stormed off. The family then stayed dead quiet until they thought I was no longer in ear shot and burst into riotous laughter.
Above is a picture of me when life was really funny and not just because my mother cut my bangs into oblivion. I am one blessed little girl. Well, big girl, way too big of a girl. And that is the point, counting blessings brings joy and laughter. And a few days away from all the kids doesn't hurt either.

After Temple Dinner With Grace

Yes, Even the Cucumbers Know More Korean...

And the Korean is upside down. Oh brother.

Happy Birthday, Jacob

My dear Jacob: you were born with a tender heart and a gentle demeanor.
You also were born with a desire to do what is right--
to be a link of that unbroken chain of righteousness.
I am thankful for your integrity.
I am thankful, too, for your example of charity toward others.
Perhaps that is why everyone wants to be your friend.
I am sure it isn't because of your record collection, is it?
Or your shoe collection?
Or watch collection?
No, it is because of you.
I love you.
MOM

Drawing Monsters at English Class in Hwagok!

Their favorite BIBIMBOP Book!

Colors and body parts

Elder Knudsen instructs how to draw their monsters and Elder Woodbury translating.


The monsters must have two heads and six arms

But only four hands!

And eight legs and six ears on each head!

It's Your Birthday

Dearest Second Child,

I celebrate you today! I celebrate how much I love what you write, what you think, how you feel about life. I remember before Seth was born, I came down to New Orleans and you, the very pregnant daughter, let me sleep and sleep. Remember how tired I was? You brought me magazines and we talked, slept some more and then talked again. There is just something very special about a grown daughter that becomes a very good friend. You have not only tackled motherhood with your hands but also with your heart. I admire your tenacity with the goals you set. You never give up. And may I say you picked a fantastic hubby! I love you dear Jordan. Happy birthday.

What Is It About Food?

It uses all the senses. What better way then, for us to understand the phrase feasting upon the words of Christ--certainly a daily reminder as I taste the bounty of food I eat each day.

Incheon, Kang Seo, Young Dong Zone Conference

No Big Dill Giveaway!

Do you love this?

Then click HERE!

A Night With Amazing Grace

Grace is seeing how tall Elder Knudsen is compared to Brother Jeon. And then she wants to know what size my waist is. I taught her a new idiom tonight: GRACE HAS SOMETHING UP HER SLEEVE.

Grace's father, a new ward missionary!

Grace's wonderful mother.

I finally caught Grace on camera!

Carol, Grace's daughter, looking at our rubber egg.

Brother Jeon, Grace's friend and Cindy, Grace's daughter.