| Dear Austin! Well Happy New Year's Eve! I am sure you are having more fun there in the MTC than we are here. Dad has 2 papers to write by tomorrow, I have lesson plans to create, Logan is working and Kyle has basketball practice and I bet you can guess what Sierra is going to try to do all day today :) So like I said - I am sure you are having more fun there in the MTC. On Saturday Lana and her family came down to Ephraim and we went sledding over by the Elementary School (behind the playground). It was kind of like a birthday party for Dad. It was fun. Lucy and Langley stayed at our house with Lana because Lucy did not feel well so they did not go sledding. I will send you a picture or two to add to your photo album. Yesterday on his actual birthday after church Dad and kyle took the Rhino up the Canyon Road and then over to little mountain, by the rental house. I guess they had a good time but they were frozen when the got back home. We got dad a big Hershey's Candy bar with Almonds, a personal nose hair trimmer and a garage door opener for his truck. Logan programmed it to open both garage doors, separately. It was not much but I think Dad appreciated the efforts. Then I think the best part of his birthday was after dinner we all watched and actually stayed awake for the Fiddler On the Roof! Dad was in his glory. It was actually the first time I watch the whole movie. It was fun to watch the actors do the Russian Dance. We thought it was filmed in Russia but actually it was filmed in Yugoslavia. Anyway on to more spiritual things. I have been studying and reading in Moroni 7,8,9 and 10. It is such a fascinating couple of chapters. This time in my studies I am using the Teacher and Students Book of Mormon Institute Manuals as well as reading the scriptures. I have enjoyed it because the manuals also give reference other talks and quotes from modern day prophets on the topics in the scriptures. It has also been great because we are also studying these chapters in Sunday School. Yesterday we finished the Book of Mormon and it was a powerful conversation. One of the really cool discussion we had was what comes first, Faith or Hope? Is Hope required in order to have Faith or is Faith require to have Hope? Of course there were different options in the classroom but it was a good conversation. What do you think? Have you ever thought about that? I know I had not really thought about it before. In Moroni 10:20-22 can help understand what comes first. I really like Moroni 10:23. I believe this to be true. We also talked a lot about Charity. In a talk someone referenced in class it talked about Moroni 7:45. The lady's name was Charity that was speaking and she suggested that we all substitute our names in in place of hers "Charity" and read the scripture again. I did that and it is pretty cool. It states all that we should being. Someone else suggested that you can replace the word Charity with the Atonement not only in verse 45 but also in 46 and 47. That is really cool also. Anyway - that is what I have been studying and pondering this week in the scriptures. I truly know that the Savior came to the earth to save us. He loves us and wants us all the to the opportunity to return to live with Him again. I know that our family is being blessed because of YOUR sacrifice and obedience to do what is right. I am so grateful of the young man you have become and are continuing to become. Moroni also talks about gifts of the Spirit and I truly believe in those gifts because I have seen those gifts you have been blessed with. You did not learn languages because your earthly parents are good at languages - that blessing came because you are a SON of our Heavenly Father! He has blessed you with so much and we are so proud and humbled that our Father sent you to live with us and be sealed to our family FOREVER!!! That is such a hugh blessing to your earthly father and I. We LOVE you and all that you are becoming. I want you to know I have a testimony of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know that He lived so that we might have the perfect example of how to have Charity and love for ALL people. He died so that we might live again after death. He walked that bitter road for us so that we could repent and become better. I know that our Savior is there for us ALWAYS even when we are weak He is there to lift us up. If I did not know these things to be true I would not have been able to let you go and teach the people of Russia. It is only because this gospel of Jesus Christ brings me such joy and happiness that I can stand to let you go be a disciple of Christ. Go forward with Strength and a love for the gospel of Jesus CHrist and a desire to share it with as many people as the Lord is preparing for you to find. We are so proud of you and so look forward to hearing from you again soon. We love you! HUGS & Kisses! MOM |
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
December 31, 2012
December 27, 2012
Dear Austin!
Hope all is going well. I am sure you are back into the classroom routine and speaking lots of Russian. Not much happening here - just trying to pay bills and clean the house. Dad is studying of course. Something funny... yesterday Kyle and Logan were running around the whole house shooting each other and anyone else in their way with dart guns. Sierra even got hit several times and I am sure you know how well that went over :) Anyway - they decided to bust in on Dad studying in the tub :) Dad did not really react to much but Kyle and Logan reacted when they saw dad sitting in the tub at his laptop. It was so funny. Logan reverted back to being about 8 years old yesterday - running around and just plain having a good time in life.
Anyway they both went to work today. I guess they called off the other housekeepers since there are only 3 rooms to clean today and they wanted Logan to do them - probably to give him more hours. Well hope all is well with you there in the MTC. Oh by the way - we got a Christmas package from David's family. We were so surprised. They sent us Chocolate :) Have they been able to write to you using Dear Elder? Have you heard from them? I know they were planning on writing you but I was not sure if Dear Elder would work from Germany. Let me know.
Love you TONS!
Hugs & Kisses
MOM
Hope all is going well. I am sure you are back into the classroom routine and speaking lots of Russian. Not much happening here - just trying to pay bills and clean the house. Dad is studying of course. Something funny... yesterday Kyle and Logan were running around the whole house shooting each other and anyone else in their way with dart guns. Sierra even got hit several times and I am sure you know how well that went over :) Anyway - they decided to bust in on Dad studying in the tub :) Dad did not really react to much but Kyle and Logan reacted when they saw dad sitting in the tub at his laptop. It was so funny. Logan reverted back to being about 8 years old yesterday - running around and just plain having a good time in life.
Anyway they both went to work today. I guess they called off the other housekeepers since there are only 3 rooms to clean today and they wanted Logan to do them - probably to give him more hours. Well hope all is well with you there in the MTC. Oh by the way - we got a Christmas package from David's family. We were so surprised. They sent us Chocolate :) Have they been able to write to you using Dear Elder? Have you heard from them? I know they were planning on writing you but I was not sure if Dear Elder would work from Germany. Let me know.
Love you TONS!
Hugs & Kisses
MOM
December 23, 2012
| Dear Austin! It was so exciting to get an extra letter from you this week. I am sorry your companion was ill and I hope he is feeling better. Have you been able to keep up with his Russian? I am sure that will really help you learn the language quicker. Well it is almost Christmas and I sure wish we all had the opportunity to be with you there in the MTC away from all the worldliness of Christmas. I can only imagine the Spirit that you can feel there and I wish that we were able to be immersed in the Spirit every minute like you are. I hope that you got your Christmas box from us and also your dictionary. It was so hard to know what to get you for Christmas this year so hopefully you find something in the box that you enjoy. Most of all we want you to know that we LOVE YOU and will miss you. I loved the poem that you copied for us. I have often thought of what Mary must have felt like when Jesus told her that he needed to leave and go about his Father's business. I can feel what sadness she must have felt to a certain point but the difference is that I know you will be coming home in 23 months and I can at least hear from you and write to you. Today in Relief Society we talked about the Savior and what he would think of us. It really gave me a lot of think about and reflect on. When we get to the judgement day will the Savior be pleased with who we have become? I think that some days I could answer yes but not on most days. I also reflected on what I should be doing to improve my life to be more of who I was sent here to become. I know that reading my scriptures is one area that I need to strengthen. That is my goal this next year. I am going to work on improving the time I feast on the words of Christ. We also talked about recognizing the hand of the Savior in our lives. I think the it was said my Elder Holland that we should write down everyday all the ways that the Lord is involved in our lives. That is my second goal for the new year - to write down everyday how the Lord has been a part of my life. As I reflected today over the last couple of years I can remember specific times when the Lord intervened and saved me from bad situations. Like when the BMW got a flat tire on my way home from Holt. It was after I had gotten off the interstate and close to the Nixon's neighborhood. I was able to coast to their house where it just happened to be about 5 minutes before the whole boy scout troop was coming over for an activity. So their leaders changed the activity to teaching the boys how to change a tire and they changed the tire on the BMW for me. That was such a miracle and a blessing because I had no idea how to change the BMW tire. I could have figured it out - but the Lord knew I had already had a stressful day and so he took care of me that day. Anyway there are so many of those experiences as I look back where the Lord intervened in my life to either give me support or saved me from myself. Even as I am teaching he helps me to have patience for these little 3rd graders and to take the time to love them. For the high schoolers especially He helps me to see past their rough outer-shell to see that He loves them. There was a really bad situation in my SOAR class room on Thursday this week in which there was almost a fight between 3 of the white boys and the "Mexicans" and the rest of the class. It happened right before I got there and my Teacher Assistant was in tears by the time I got there. I literally spent 2 hours trying to calm everyone down and figure out what happened and what I was going to do about it. As I was talking with each of the 3 "white" boys, who think that the "Mexicans" are treated differently and have more privileges and who started the whole problem that day, I could feel the Love the Savior had for these boys and that even though they were being trouble makers right then - they were still important to Him. Anyway it was an exhausting 2 hours to try to get everyone to calm down and get back to work. Hopefully in my conversations with them each I was able to get through to them and help them to see that everyone is just trying to do the best they can no matter what their skin color. On Saturday Dad and I went back to Timpanogos Temple for Rachel and Caleb Condie's wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony and fun for Dad to see about 6 or 7 people from the University Ward that are out here now going to school. While we were sitting in the Chapel part waiting for the ceremony Nanny and Pappa Walker's bishop from Ephraim walked in for the same ceremony. It is such a small world but they are good friends of Caleb's parents from their college days. Anyway - it was crazy. Also Justin (tall and skinny with whitish blond hair Justin from his ward) was there. He graduated and found a girl here in Utah. They are engaged and getting married on March 30th in the Draper Temple. We are relieved that he found someone since he was older. Dad was a little worried about him finding the right girl. Being in the Temple again was wonderful and the sealer was so funny. He was an older gentleman probably in his late 80's. Anyway he told them, after the ceremony, that they could kiss over the alter. They did and afterward the sealer said "Wow - I could almost feel that way over here!" I laughed so hard (quietly of course since we were in the Temple) but it was hysterical. Anyway it was good to see the Boardman's and their family and others from Michigan. Well Son - we love you and MISS you. I really wish we could talk with you on Christmas Day but I know that the Lord is in charge and He knows what is best. I hope you enjoy the stories I sent you with your presents. Someone sent those to me and I thought you would appreciate them. They might be ones that you can use when you have to give a talk someday. Did you guys have a Christmas program in your Branch today? Do you have all 3 meetings or just Sacrament meeting? I hope you are writing in your journal about what the Lord is teaching you each day and recording your feelings. They were will be treasures to you when you come home and even as you go through out your mission. Even though I miss you tremendously I am also so jealous that you have this incredible time to really get to know the Savior and to feel the Spirit. I wish I would have had that opportunity to learn as you are learning and then to go and share the gospel with all those that are searching for truth and happiness. I know I could have those experiences now it is just so much harder when there are bills to pay and life to keep up with. This is such a blessing to really spend your days focusing on the purpose of Life, why we are here, who we are and who we can become. What a special opportunity you have been given. I know that the Lord has prepared you for this time in your life. I know that the talents and skills and the people who have been in your life up to this point have been preparing your for all that you will accomplish these next 23 months. It strengthens my testimony to hear all about what you are learning and what the spirit is teaching you. These are the last days and you have been prepared to come forward at this time to touch the hearts of the people in Russia. I know that while you are there in the MTC the Lord is working in Russia to prepare those you will come in contact with. Just think we have brothers and sisters out there in Russia who have no idea what true happiness is. They have been living their lives in fear and sadness not understanding why they are here. YOU have the opportunity to take the good news to them and help them see the light. I can't help but think about Saturday Warriors and there is someone you promised to find. I am so proud of you and your willingness to find them. You are the BEST! We LOVE you! Merry Christmas! Hugs&Kiss MOM |
December 20, 2012
Dear Austin!
Oh my it is so good to read your letters. I especially liked getting 2 letters this week - that was a wonderful surprise. We are not not surprised that they moved you up to the more Advanced Group. It sounds like you will have your work cut out for you now with your Russian.
I was however very surprised and Very sad that you can't call on Christmas!!! I know there are reasons - probably because of all the Elders there - the phone bill would be out of control. Although we are very disappointed - we know you are doing the right thing. I will try to be strong - although I will miss talking with you and being with you on Christmas Day - but I am sure you are going to have the Best Christmas ever in the MTC. I can't wait to hear what they have in store you all you guys and gals at the MTC :)
I am sending your Christmas package tomorrow if all goes the way I am planning. It is so hard to buy for you while you are in the MTC knowing that you have hardly any room in your suitcases so we did the best we could. When you get the package you there are certain presents to open on certain days. It tell you on the packages but with each package is cool Christmas story. Someone sent them to me and I thought they were good stories. The present that is with them is or is not something that goes with the story but more something I thought you would enjoy. Anyway - there are some labeled for Christmas Morning - so you have to wait on those.
We had a late Choir rehearsal tonight (9pm-10:20pm) for the program on Sunday. We are singing and speaking a Fantastic song. It is a very difficult piece but really sends the message of the true meaning of Christmas. How wonderful that you can be in the MTC during this time of year and be protected from all the Worldliness of CHristmas out here. Everyone is running around grabbing this and that - treasure this time you have to really spend several hours a day reflecting on the reason we are here on Earth. I know that I often forget why we are truly here but I am trying to get better at staying focused on the purpose of life and not worry so much about the small stuff I can't control.
I know the Lord blesses us as we keep the faith and try to do the best we can. I am so grateful that he has made up the differences for my weaknesses and loves me enough and all of us enough to do that for us. That is truly Unconditional Love! I am so grateful for our Savior and his atoning sacrifice. Thank you for sharing your growing testimony with us all. It is so nice to hear and be reminded to take time out for the important things in life.
Yes - I will send you the list of relative birthdays sometime in the next week. Just so you know Travis wanted me to add Brayden and Mya to your email group so they get your letters each week also. It will be good for Brayden to read your spiritual message each week - not sure how much he gets at home.
Anyway - it is late and I need some sleep before I have to "Herd the Squirrels" again tomorrow. Sure do Love you and we are so proud of you and all that you are accomplishing so far on your mission. I am so glad that you like your new companion and district. Be sure you get their home contact information before you all separate so you can keep in contact after your missions.
Oh - When do you think you will be leaving for Russia???? Someone said you can call home from the airport before you fly out. Please!!! Let us know right away when that will be so we don't miss your phone call. Are they going to send you earlier to Russia? Will you still be in the MTC until Feb.? Anyway - let us know ASAP.
I love you and pray for you always!
Hugs & Kisses
MOM
Oh my it is so good to read your letters. I especially liked getting 2 letters this week - that was a wonderful surprise. We are not not surprised that they moved you up to the more Advanced Group. It sounds like you will have your work cut out for you now with your Russian.
I was however very surprised and Very sad that you can't call on Christmas!!! I know there are reasons - probably because of all the Elders there - the phone bill would be out of control. Although we are very disappointed - we know you are doing the right thing. I will try to be strong - although I will miss talking with you and being with you on Christmas Day - but I am sure you are going to have the Best Christmas ever in the MTC. I can't wait to hear what they have in store you all you guys and gals at the MTC :)
I am sending your Christmas package tomorrow if all goes the way I am planning. It is so hard to buy for you while you are in the MTC knowing that you have hardly any room in your suitcases so we did the best we could. When you get the package you there are certain presents to open on certain days. It tell you on the packages but with each package is cool Christmas story. Someone sent them to me and I thought they were good stories. The present that is with them is or is not something that goes with the story but more something I thought you would enjoy. Anyway - there are some labeled for Christmas Morning - so you have to wait on those.
We had a late Choir rehearsal tonight (9pm-10:20pm) for the program on Sunday. We are singing and speaking a Fantastic song. It is a very difficult piece but really sends the message of the true meaning of Christmas. How wonderful that you can be in the MTC during this time of year and be protected from all the Worldliness of CHristmas out here. Everyone is running around grabbing this and that - treasure this time you have to really spend several hours a day reflecting on the reason we are here on Earth. I know that I often forget why we are truly here but I am trying to get better at staying focused on the purpose of life and not worry so much about the small stuff I can't control.
I know the Lord blesses us as we keep the faith and try to do the best we can. I am so grateful that he has made up the differences for my weaknesses and loves me enough and all of us enough to do that for us. That is truly Unconditional Love! I am so grateful for our Savior and his atoning sacrifice. Thank you for sharing your growing testimony with us all. It is so nice to hear and be reminded to take time out for the important things in life.
Yes - I will send you the list of relative birthdays sometime in the next week. Just so you know Travis wanted me to add Brayden and Mya to your email group so they get your letters each week also. It will be good for Brayden to read your spiritual message each week - not sure how much he gets at home.
Anyway - it is late and I need some sleep before I have to "Herd the Squirrels" again tomorrow. Sure do Love you and we are so proud of you and all that you are accomplishing so far on your mission. I am so glad that you like your new companion and district. Be sure you get their home contact information before you all separate so you can keep in contact after your missions.
Oh - When do you think you will be leaving for Russia???? Someone said you can call home from the airport before you fly out. Please!!! Let us know right away when that will be so we don't miss your phone call. Are they going to send you earlier to Russia? Will you still be in the MTC until Feb.? Anyway - let us know ASAP.
I love you and pray for you always!
Hugs & Kisses
MOM
December 16, 2012
Dear Austin!
Oh things are crazy around here. Everyone is going a mile a minute trying to keep up with school work, work, practices, etc. Sierra had her dance recital on Friday night. She did a good job and had lots of fun. Kyle and Logan worked literally all day at the hotel. The hotel was so full and everyone was checking out except for 2 rooms. I'll bet you don't miss that. They even had Kyle stay and help tear down the rooms with Logan.
Dad, Sierra and I went to Sandy and then Provo to try and get some shopping done. The traffic was crazy I thought Dad was going to for sure leave there with Road Rage. We had dinner with Donald and Amy and that was fun. Erin is coming home this week. Things got really bad out there and so she is coming home for good.
I am exhausted thinking about trying to keep up with my 3rd graders this week. They are going to be so excited about Christmas break that I hope we can do some learning this week. I have just spent the last 2 hours trying to plan fun but beneficial activities for them to do. So hopefully the week wont drag on to long.
Dad spoke in the 8th ward today and we went to support him. He did a great job. He spoke on the Beattitudes and how they relate to the 1st 2 great Commandments (to Love God and then to love your neighbor). It was a great talk.
I will be sending your Christmas package this week I am just finishing up the final touches. It is so hard to know just what to get you for Christmas this year. We don't want to send you anything 2 big that you have to pack. Anyway - we want you to know we love you and are so excited to hear all about your week and all the wonderful lessons you have learned. I hope you are keeping a journal of all that the spirit is teaching you.
We went to tithing settlement tonight and we told the Bishop you were a full-tithe payer, just FYI.
Well it is getting late - just wanted to send you a quick letter to let you know I think about you all the time and hope that all is going well for you. Sure do love you and we are so proud of you.
Hope you have a good week!
Hugs and Kisses!
Mom
Oh things are crazy around here. Everyone is going a mile a minute trying to keep up with school work, work, practices, etc. Sierra had her dance recital on Friday night. She did a good job and had lots of fun. Kyle and Logan worked literally all day at the hotel. The hotel was so full and everyone was checking out except for 2 rooms. I'll bet you don't miss that. They even had Kyle stay and help tear down the rooms with Logan.
Dad, Sierra and I went to Sandy and then Provo to try and get some shopping done. The traffic was crazy I thought Dad was going to for sure leave there with Road Rage. We had dinner with Donald and Amy and that was fun. Erin is coming home this week. Things got really bad out there and so she is coming home for good.
I am exhausted thinking about trying to keep up with my 3rd graders this week. They are going to be so excited about Christmas break that I hope we can do some learning this week. I have just spent the last 2 hours trying to plan fun but beneficial activities for them to do. So hopefully the week wont drag on to long.
Dad spoke in the 8th ward today and we went to support him. He did a great job. He spoke on the Beattitudes and how they relate to the 1st 2 great Commandments (to Love God and then to love your neighbor). It was a great talk.
I will be sending your Christmas package this week I am just finishing up the final touches. It is so hard to know just what to get you for Christmas this year. We don't want to send you anything 2 big that you have to pack. Anyway - we want you to know we love you and are so excited to hear all about your week and all the wonderful lessons you have learned. I hope you are keeping a journal of all that the spirit is teaching you.
We went to tithing settlement tonight and we told the Bishop you were a full-tithe payer, just FYI.
Well it is getting late - just wanted to send you a quick letter to let you know I think about you all the time and hope that all is going well for you. Sure do love you and we are so proud of you.
Hope you have a good week!
Hugs and Kisses!
Mom
December 6, 2012 ~ Letter from Sierra
Dear Austin,
Sorry its been a while I've just been very busy.
How was your weekend how's'; it coming with your Russian speaking? Well i guess you want to now about my week
it's been good I had a big project I had to do for Mrs.Bradley the project was about hatchet!!! It was super fun I got an A- i don't now why? oh bye the way Mrs.Bradley is my English and geography teacher!!!!
Well have a nice time and merry Christmas!!!!!
luv,sierra Robison
Sorry its been a while I've just been very busy.
How was your weekend how's'; it coming with your Russian speaking? Well i guess you want to now about my week
it's been good I had a big project I had to do for Mrs.Bradley the project was about hatchet!!! It was super fun I got an A- i don't now why? oh bye the way Mrs.Bradley is my English and geography teacher!!!!
Well have a nice time and merry Christmas!!!!!
luv,sierra Robison
December 6, 2012
Dear Austin!
It was so good to hear from you on Weds (2times even better). I still have a crazy desire to pick up the phone and call you when I read your letters or think about how your day is going. Maybe it will become more real that that is not possible when you are actually in Russia.
I am so glad that some of my advise over the years maybe coming in handy. Sorry that it has been rough - but I am sure you will both grow from being companions. I was so excited BUT not surprised that your coaches want to move you up to the more advanced district. That would be a very hard decision - I hope they don't make you choose. It really sounds like you have grow to really love the elders in your district and that is wonderful. I am wondering if they move you up to the advanced district if that means that you will leave for Russia sooner? What about your Visa? Anyway - I am sure you will tell us what is happening next week.
We have had several people asking about you and I am so proud to say that you are doing really well. I will try to get the book you wanted sent to you. For fun - the postmaster told me how much that last package would have cost if I were sending it to Russia. It would have come to $45.00!!!! I was shocked. If I used a different box - not priority then it would have been $22! That is a big difference. I guess I better spoil you while you are here in America! Of course you know I won't be able to resist sending you packages in Russia - I will just have to get creative.
By the way - I am using your computer for a little while at work. Mine totally quit on me yesterday afternoon. It won't move past the gray beginning screen. I sent to into the district office and hopefully they can fix it. I am praying they can as ALL of my SOAR program files, letters, graduation requirements, all my 3rd grade stuff, etc. is on the hard drive only! Really dumb - I should have been smarter so I just pray the Lord can help them fix my computer :)
Sounds like you are having an incredible time. I am glad your companions dad sent lights to you guys. I was going to in this last box you just got but I was not sure if it was allowed or not. Your dad was there in the summer and he did not know either. Sorry - I will still send you some of you want me to. Do you want any other decorations?
I got an email from Ulrika today (really late for her) saying she was so happy to see you were happy and so glad we were forwarding them your letters. Well I need to write a Fractions test for tomorrow for 3rd grade. Know that I love you and think about you every day several times wondering what you are doing, etc. I know when in doubt I am sure you are sitting in class :) so I know you are happy:)
Sure do love you and look forward to hearing more from you next week. BTW - do you get to call home on Christmas? If so what time? Do you get to Skype????? I sure hope so! Keep us posted on if they decide to move you up or not. In your next letter if you think about it - tell us what your daily schedule is. That would help me know what you are doing when I am thinking about you.
Ok - I better write this test! I Love you TONS!!!!
Hugs and Kisses!
Mom
It was so good to hear from you on Weds (2times even better). I still have a crazy desire to pick up the phone and call you when I read your letters or think about how your day is going. Maybe it will become more real that that is not possible when you are actually in Russia.
I am so glad that some of my advise over the years maybe coming in handy. Sorry that it has been rough - but I am sure you will both grow from being companions. I was so excited BUT not surprised that your coaches want to move you up to the more advanced district. That would be a very hard decision - I hope they don't make you choose. It really sounds like you have grow to really love the elders in your district and that is wonderful. I am wondering if they move you up to the advanced district if that means that you will leave for Russia sooner? What about your Visa? Anyway - I am sure you will tell us what is happening next week.
We have had several people asking about you and I am so proud to say that you are doing really well. I will try to get the book you wanted sent to you. For fun - the postmaster told me how much that last package would have cost if I were sending it to Russia. It would have come to $45.00!!!! I was shocked. If I used a different box - not priority then it would have been $22! That is a big difference. I guess I better spoil you while you are here in America! Of course you know I won't be able to resist sending you packages in Russia - I will just have to get creative.
By the way - I am using your computer for a little while at work. Mine totally quit on me yesterday afternoon. It won't move past the gray beginning screen. I sent to into the district office and hopefully they can fix it. I am praying they can as ALL of my SOAR program files, letters, graduation requirements, all my 3rd grade stuff, etc. is on the hard drive only! Really dumb - I should have been smarter so I just pray the Lord can help them fix my computer :)
Sounds like you are having an incredible time. I am glad your companions dad sent lights to you guys. I was going to in this last box you just got but I was not sure if it was allowed or not. Your dad was there in the summer and he did not know either. Sorry - I will still send you some of you want me to. Do you want any other decorations?
I got an email from Ulrika today (really late for her) saying she was so happy to see you were happy and so glad we were forwarding them your letters. Well I need to write a Fractions test for tomorrow for 3rd grade. Know that I love you and think about you every day several times wondering what you are doing, etc. I know when in doubt I am sure you are sitting in class :) so I know you are happy:)
Sure do love you and look forward to hearing more from you next week. BTW - do you get to call home on Christmas? If so what time? Do you get to Skype????? I sure hope so! Keep us posted on if they decide to move you up or not. In your next letter if you think about it - tell us what your daily schedule is. That would help me know what you are doing when I am thinking about you.
Ok - I better write this test! I Love you TONS!!!!
Hugs and Kisses!
Mom
December 2, 2012
Dear Austin,
I hope all is well with you! Things are crazy around here. Logan and Sierra have been crazy today. Logan decided to attack, with the dart gun, Sierra while she was in the closet under the stairs. She was getting the Christmas decorations out. Of course she screamed her head off and Logan persisted and kept laughing. When I asked him what he was doing he said he was pretending to be a member of the Seal team and Sierra was Alkida (sp??)
Later in the day Sierra decided that she liked having a dart war with Logan and the 2 of them ran all over the house shooting each other. It was a real circus here today. Nanny and Pappa came for dinner, before the war broke out. :) We are having the Elders over for dinner next Sunday, it is finally our wards turn again.
By the way - Sister Bradley's son announced his Mission call today. He was called to a mission in Russia! It is not yours - somewhere closer to the Korean border. He is so excited. Remember Sis. Bradley is the one with the Mexican kids she adopted. Anyway the Bishop made a big deal about having 2 Elders from 4th ward serving in Russia! He goes to the MTC the last Weds. in January. You will probably see him.
I had to teach part of the lesson in RS today on Christmas. I talked about you and let everyone know you were doing great. I also shared with them the part of your letter when you said when Jesus said "Walk with me" it was not a casual suggestion, but that he really did want us to spend time with him, getting to know him and who he was. You could really feel the spirit in the room and several sisters' eyes filled with tears. Thanks so much for sharing that insight with us - I have spent a lot of time thinking about that statement.
Last night we saw Forgotten Carols at Snow. The music was incredible but the play part took some getting used to. We were not really sure what was happening between John(the old man) and Constance - that was weird. The singing and dancing were incredible. There are some very talented people at Snow College.
Well it is getting late and I still need to read my scriptures today. I can't wait to hear from you again this week. I hope and pray things are going well for you. Dad forwarded you Collin's latest email - I hope you can read it on Weds. Also... Becca and Nathan had their little girl this morning! It was actually the due date :) She is beautiful and healthy. They named her Ruth. I emailed you pictures of her so you can see them when you get to a computer on Weds. Anyway - we are so proud of you and all that you are becoming. Keep the faith and when things get hard - get on your knees!
Know that we love you and pray for you always.
Hugs and Kisses!!!
MOM
I hope all is well with you! Things are crazy around here. Logan and Sierra have been crazy today. Logan decided to attack, with the dart gun, Sierra while she was in the closet under the stairs. She was getting the Christmas decorations out. Of course she screamed her head off and Logan persisted and kept laughing. When I asked him what he was doing he said he was pretending to be a member of the Seal team and Sierra was Alkida (sp??)
Later in the day Sierra decided that she liked having a dart war with Logan and the 2 of them ran all over the house shooting each other. It was a real circus here today. Nanny and Pappa came for dinner, before the war broke out. :) We are having the Elders over for dinner next Sunday, it is finally our wards turn again.
By the way - Sister Bradley's son announced his Mission call today. He was called to a mission in Russia! It is not yours - somewhere closer to the Korean border. He is so excited. Remember Sis. Bradley is the one with the Mexican kids she adopted. Anyway the Bishop made a big deal about having 2 Elders from 4th ward serving in Russia! He goes to the MTC the last Weds. in January. You will probably see him.
I had to teach part of the lesson in RS today on Christmas. I talked about you and let everyone know you were doing great. I also shared with them the part of your letter when you said when Jesus said "Walk with me" it was not a casual suggestion, but that he really did want us to spend time with him, getting to know him and who he was. You could really feel the spirit in the room and several sisters' eyes filled with tears. Thanks so much for sharing that insight with us - I have spent a lot of time thinking about that statement.
Last night we saw Forgotten Carols at Snow. The music was incredible but the play part took some getting used to. We were not really sure what was happening between John(the old man) and Constance - that was weird. The singing and dancing were incredible. There are some very talented people at Snow College.
Well it is getting late and I still need to read my scriptures today. I can't wait to hear from you again this week. I hope and pray things are going well for you. Dad forwarded you Collin's latest email - I hope you can read it on Weds. Also... Becca and Nathan had their little girl this morning! It was actually the due date :) She is beautiful and healthy. They named her Ruth. I emailed you pictures of her so you can see them when you get to a computer on Weds. Anyway - we are so proud of you and all that you are becoming. Keep the faith and when things get hard - get on your knees!
Know that we love you and pray for you always.
Hugs and Kisses!!!
MOM
November 28, 2012
| Dear Austin! I was so good to hear from you again today! I struggled with not being able to pick up the phone and talk with you as soon as I saw the pictures and read your letter. I guess I will get used to it - but you know me - I like to TALK! :) I am so glad you received the inspiration when you needed it most. It is reassuring to know that our Heavenly Father will be there to give you a hug when I can't. I really liked what you said about when Jesus said "Walk with me". I have been thinking about that and I really think you are right. I really felt the spirit in my 3rd grade classroom as I read your letter at lunch today. I am so grateful you are having a wonderful experience. I LOVED the pictures!!! I will print them and have them here for you. I can also print them and send them to you to add to your album if you want - just let me know. It looks like you are with a great bunch of guys. I forwarded your letter on to the 30 people who are on your email list. I am in the process of making you a secure website through dearelder.com. Not sure what I am doing with that but I am working on it. I figure I will post your pictures there. I have set it up so people have to have the password in order to access your website. Just so you know the password is "utah" in case someone asks you. I did send your pictures to dad, nannies and pappas, aunts and uncles and Ulrika too. That way they don't have to wait for the website to get going. Things here are going well. Nothing new is happening. Logan is as busy as ever. Kyle is running ragged with both driver's ed (which ends tomorrow) and basketball. Sierra is getting ready for her Dance recital on Dec. 14th. Dad is busy with work and of course you know me - up to my ears in grading papers and paying bills :) We sure do love you tons! I wish you could see the impact your letters are having on your brothers. Logan is so peaceful and calm. He is so ready to go on a mission himself. It is so wonderful for them to read your testimony and about the spiritual experiences you are having. You are setting a great example for them and as parents we thank you! I know there is a reason you were born 1st in our family. That is a big role and you are playing it well. Sierra is just so happy to read your letters. She really misses you but knows you are so happy and she is excited for you also. Well it is getting late and I better get some sleep. Good luck with your new investigator. Do not be to hard on yourself - remember the Lord will bless you in your efforts. Be patient the language will come. Line upon line remember. You are the BEST! We love you and are so proud of you! Hugs and Kisses! MOM |
November 26, 2012
Dear Austin -
I was so happy to get a letter from you today! Sounds like you had a great Thanksgiving Day. Logan was VERY jealous you got to hear Holland speak. He asked if you told him your brother said HI?
I am so sorry about the Elder in your district that went home. I am glad that he felt he could come and talk with you. Don't carry the burden of that around with you - you did all you could. I know it must hurt but you never know there could have been other things going on in his life. I would still pray for him - things are going to be rough for him for a little while till he comes to grips with the abrupt change in his life. You never know - maybe he will get it together and come back. Just pray for him until then.
I am glad your companion likes my cookies. I will send you some more treats sometime this week. Try not to be to frustrated with him and his ADD. I know it can get so frustrating. I have a couple of my 3rd graders with ADD and UGH some days are rough. Just remember he does want to be this way. Here is something you can have him try... when you are planning - have him squeeze a stress ball or pair of socks or something. If he can use something to keep his hands busy it might help defuse some of the extra energy and then maybe his mind can focus a little better. Also - he can try to plan while he is walking around the room, etc. If he tries to just sit still and think - it will not work very well. He needs to have part of his body moving to help his mind stay focused. I know it sounds crazy - but it works with some students who have ADD. Some college students with ADD take notes on a clipboard while standing at the back of the lecture hall. The movement helps them stay focused. Probably not the best to walk around during a discussion but maybe he could be squeezing something while talking and listening.
I don't know - just thought I would share my thoughts. When you were talking about how you felt about the elders in your district and your concern for them it reminded me of what Dad used to say about the students in the Univ. ward when he was their Bishop. It is weird how the keys of stewardship really do make a difference. Make sure you council with the Lord each day on what he needs you to do to be of service to the elders in your district. There is a reason He called you to this position - make sure you do what you can to be there for them.
Most importantly - how are you doing???? I know it sounds like things are going really well. Be sure you take care of yourself mentally and emotionally also so you have the strength to serve. How is your Branch Pres. etc.
Well it is getting late and I still have HS stuff to do. We sure do miss you but LOVE getting your letters. Hang in there - you are doing what the LORD would have you do at this time in your life. Know that we love you and pray for you several times a day. Be strong!
Tons of Love and HUGS and Kisses!
MOM
I was so happy to get a letter from you today! Sounds like you had a great Thanksgiving Day. Logan was VERY jealous you got to hear Holland speak. He asked if you told him your brother said HI?
I am so sorry about the Elder in your district that went home. I am glad that he felt he could come and talk with you. Don't carry the burden of that around with you - you did all you could. I know it must hurt but you never know there could have been other things going on in his life. I would still pray for him - things are going to be rough for him for a little while till he comes to grips with the abrupt change in his life. You never know - maybe he will get it together and come back. Just pray for him until then.
I am glad your companion likes my cookies. I will send you some more treats sometime this week. Try not to be to frustrated with him and his ADD. I know it can get so frustrating. I have a couple of my 3rd graders with ADD and UGH some days are rough. Just remember he does want to be this way. Here is something you can have him try... when you are planning - have him squeeze a stress ball or pair of socks or something. If he can use something to keep his hands busy it might help defuse some of the extra energy and then maybe his mind can focus a little better. Also - he can try to plan while he is walking around the room, etc. If he tries to just sit still and think - it will not work very well. He needs to have part of his body moving to help his mind stay focused. I know it sounds crazy - but it works with some students who have ADD. Some college students with ADD take notes on a clipboard while standing at the back of the lecture hall. The movement helps them stay focused. Probably not the best to walk around during a discussion but maybe he could be squeezing something while talking and listening.
I don't know - just thought I would share my thoughts. When you were talking about how you felt about the elders in your district and your concern for them it reminded me of what Dad used to say about the students in the Univ. ward when he was their Bishop. It is weird how the keys of stewardship really do make a difference. Make sure you council with the Lord each day on what he needs you to do to be of service to the elders in your district. There is a reason He called you to this position - make sure you do what you can to be there for them.
Most importantly - how are you doing???? I know it sounds like things are going really well. Be sure you take care of yourself mentally and emotionally also so you have the strength to serve. How is your Branch Pres. etc.
Well it is getting late and I still have HS stuff to do. We sure do miss you but LOVE getting your letters. Hang in there - you are doing what the LORD would have you do at this time in your life. Know that we love you and pray for you several times a day. Be strong!
Tons of Love and HUGS and Kisses!
MOM
November 25, 2012 ~ Thanksgiving Weekend
My dearest Austin!
I hope you have had a wonderful and glorious weekend! I am anxious to hear who was your speaker at tonight's fireside. I am sure it was great and the spirit was really strong. We miss you so much! We know you are doing what the Lord would have you do right now in your life.
So not much happening around here this Thanksgiving weekend. Dinner with Nanny and Pappa Walker, Adam and his kids. Then on Sat. we went to Lana's and played Flag football. It was funny to see the young kids try to catch the ball and then they would get scared and drop the ball when they saw Logan, Kyle and dad going after them. I took lots of pixs and can send those to your email if you want. We drove by the MTC 2 times on Sat. but no luck in seeing you. Did see a couple of missionaries outside but not you :( That is Ok, I know you are working hard. How is the Russian coming along? I am glad your companion is getting pretty good at Russian too.
Several people at church today asked if we had heard from you yet. They were so glad to get the news of how you were doing. I was even able to talk about you without crying - I was impressed that I did loss it. It is kind of weird but I really feel that a sense of peace and comfort has come over me to help me get through this separation. The hardest thing for me is not being able to pick up the phone and call or text you. The other day Logan said he had a question for you and grabbed his phone to text you. That will take more getting used to.
On Friday Nanny and I painted their HOT pink room. It is now a pretty Bluish color. It took all day on Friday but we got it done. Logan and Kyle are painting their garage. That is a hard job. They worked all day and only got about 1/2 of it done. Logan is going back to finish it this week. Kyle will be so busy with basketball this week. His next game is not until Friday but he is trying to work his way off the bench. He went to the gym with someone in the family everyday this holiday break except for Sat. Pappa Walker took him on Friday evening and I guess made him run suicides then stop and shot free throws. He set up chairs and made him dribble around the chairs around the gym. He really worked him hard but Kyle shot 180ish free throws. Anyway he is working really hard to prove himself to the coach.
Sierra is doing pretty well. She has turned in all her work lately but had some papers and tests to re-do to raise her grade. School is so hard for. She just really has a hard time comprehending what she is reading or being told. At least she had everything turned in this week - that is an improvement.
I joined a Missionary Moms email group. It is a group of moms with missionaries in Russia. I just joined so have not officially gotten involved in any conversations but I look forward to talking with other moms to see how things are over there for their sons. Lizzy emailed me and asked me to add Jordan Strickler to your email group. I did and so I think there are about 28 people I send your emails to each week. Nanny Robison responded to you forwarding of your email but she responded to you :) She did not realize I guess the email was coming from me. Anyway she said she loves you and is proud of you. She is glad you are doing so well.
Do you need me to send you some stamps? I have to call Snow College tomorrow to get your check sent to us. It has not come yet in the mail. Kyle picked up your hotel check on Sat. It was about 250.00 so I will get that put into your account.
Well son - I sure do Love you and Miss you tons! I will email you tomorrow with some pictures so you can see them on Weds. when you get computer time. Hope you got the last package with your shoes, etc. I look forward to getting your next email and hearing all about how your Russian is coming along and more about what you do all day long.
Oh by the way - I sent David's family your email and Ulrika was so excited to get it. She said that David set up an account at Dear Elder.com immediately and so hopefully you are able to get their letters also. She wanted to know what S..... was before your name. I told her I thought it was Elder in Russian and that that is the Priesthood position that you hold in the church. She also commented on seeing Obama on TV over there with the Turkeys on Thanksgiving day. She thought it was funny. Anyway - hopefully you have gotten their letters Ok.
Well it is late - I better get to bed so I can function tomorrow. Sure do Love you and I am proud of you and your efforts to become all our Father in Heaven wants you to become. I know these are the last days and you are going to play an important part in ushering in the 2nd coming of the Lord. Be strong, humble and compassionate just a the Savior.
With tons of Hugs and Kisses and LOVE!
MOM
I hope you have had a wonderful and glorious weekend! I am anxious to hear who was your speaker at tonight's fireside. I am sure it was great and the spirit was really strong. We miss you so much! We know you are doing what the Lord would have you do right now in your life.
So not much happening around here this Thanksgiving weekend. Dinner with Nanny and Pappa Walker, Adam and his kids. Then on Sat. we went to Lana's and played Flag football. It was funny to see the young kids try to catch the ball and then they would get scared and drop the ball when they saw Logan, Kyle and dad going after them. I took lots of pixs and can send those to your email if you want. We drove by the MTC 2 times on Sat. but no luck in seeing you. Did see a couple of missionaries outside but not you :( That is Ok, I know you are working hard. How is the Russian coming along? I am glad your companion is getting pretty good at Russian too.
Several people at church today asked if we had heard from you yet. They were so glad to get the news of how you were doing. I was even able to talk about you without crying - I was impressed that I did loss it. It is kind of weird but I really feel that a sense of peace and comfort has come over me to help me get through this separation. The hardest thing for me is not being able to pick up the phone and call or text you. The other day Logan said he had a question for you and grabbed his phone to text you. That will take more getting used to.
On Friday Nanny and I painted their HOT pink room. It is now a pretty Bluish color. It took all day on Friday but we got it done. Logan and Kyle are painting their garage. That is a hard job. They worked all day and only got about 1/2 of it done. Logan is going back to finish it this week. Kyle will be so busy with basketball this week. His next game is not until Friday but he is trying to work his way off the bench. He went to the gym with someone in the family everyday this holiday break except for Sat. Pappa Walker took him on Friday evening and I guess made him run suicides then stop and shot free throws. He set up chairs and made him dribble around the chairs around the gym. He really worked him hard but Kyle shot 180ish free throws. Anyway he is working really hard to prove himself to the coach.
Sierra is doing pretty well. She has turned in all her work lately but had some papers and tests to re-do to raise her grade. School is so hard for. She just really has a hard time comprehending what she is reading or being told. At least she had everything turned in this week - that is an improvement.
I joined a Missionary Moms email group. It is a group of moms with missionaries in Russia. I just joined so have not officially gotten involved in any conversations but I look forward to talking with other moms to see how things are over there for their sons. Lizzy emailed me and asked me to add Jordan Strickler to your email group. I did and so I think there are about 28 people I send your emails to each week. Nanny Robison responded to you forwarding of your email but she responded to you :) She did not realize I guess the email was coming from me. Anyway she said she loves you and is proud of you. She is glad you are doing so well.
Do you need me to send you some stamps? I have to call Snow College tomorrow to get your check sent to us. It has not come yet in the mail. Kyle picked up your hotel check on Sat. It was about 250.00 so I will get that put into your account.
Well son - I sure do Love you and Miss you tons! I will email you tomorrow with some pictures so you can see them on Weds. when you get computer time. Hope you got the last package with your shoes, etc. I look forward to getting your next email and hearing all about how your Russian is coming along and more about what you do all day long.
Oh by the way - I sent David's family your email and Ulrika was so excited to get it. She said that David set up an account at Dear Elder.com immediately and so hopefully you are able to get their letters also. She wanted to know what S..... was before your name. I told her I thought it was Elder in Russian and that that is the Priesthood position that you hold in the church. She also commented on seeing Obama on TV over there with the Turkeys on Thanksgiving day. She thought it was funny. Anyway - hopefully you have gotten their letters Ok.
Well it is late - I better get to bed so I can function tomorrow. Sure do Love you and I am proud of you and your efforts to become all our Father in Heaven wants you to become. I know these are the last days and you are going to play an important part in ushering in the 2nd coming of the Lord. Be strong, humble and compassionate just a the Savior.
With tons of Hugs and Kisses and LOVE!
MOM
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| Lincoln holding the ball for Logan. |
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| Logan holding the ball for Annabell to kick. |
November 21, 2012 ~ Just so many thing to tell you!
Dear Austin,
So sorry, maybe I am writing to often - there are just so many things I want to tell you and I am used to you being right here to tell you. I was so glad to get your email this morning. I made the mistake of logging into my yahoo account at work this morning and saw you had sent an email. I started to read it while my 3rd graders were working on their math problems. I have to admit I got teary eyed and had to close my computer before I completely lost it. I got myself together and read it a few minutes later. :)
I am just so glad things are going so well for you. We are so proud of you and I know that our Heavenly Father has so much work for you to accomplish. You were a valiant soul in the pre-existence and I just have this feeling you are going to play an important role in the bringing forth of the 2nd coming of the Lord. I was reading in Jesus the Christ about the pre-existence and how some souls were more valiant then others, 2 of which were Jesus and Lucifer. That Heavenly Father presented his plan and asked who would go down to fulfill the plan. Lucifer, crazy guy, thought he could come up with better plan and offered that plan. Or course he wanted the glory. Fortunately Jesus said he would come down and fulfill the plan. As I was reading this chapter I cannot help but wonder what the rest of us were doing. If we were shocked, scared, excited, etc. Some days I wish I could remember that time. When I go the Temple the feeling I have there feels like being so close to heaven.
Anyway - it is such a good book and I am really enjoying reading it.
Where is your companion from? Be sure to take pictures of you and your companion and then also of your whole district. These are memories you will want to hold onto with pictures. Also be sure to write in your journal about what the Lord is teaching you.
I sent you your package today with your shoes, some rolls, sticky notes, papers and hymn book. It won't get to you until Friday however, sorry.
I am not sure how many letters you have gotten from people but it is OK if you don't respond to all of them. They know and understand that you have limited time on the computer. When I sent out the dearelder.com information to everyone I made sure to tell them that you might not be able to respond but would love to hear from anyone that had a few minutes to write to you.
Everything is good here. Keeping it pretty quiet and low-key. Adam and his kids are coming tonight and will eat dinner with us and nanny and pappa tomorrow night. I text Marie today to see if she wanted to catch a bus and come be with us this weekend. We did not want her to be alone on campus. I felt bad it was such late notice but you know me - last minute is my name :) She sent back that she was at her friends house in Colorado but appreciated the invitation. I also added her to the email list for your emails along with Carolyn and Gaylan Rasmussen. I hope that was OK.
That is funny that you got the Ukrainian information also. You will probably want to send that home - not sure you will have room in your suitcase to go to Russia. And maybe there is a reason you also got that information. Maybe you will be expected to learn Ukrainian also :) Should you tell your Branch Pres. just to be sure you are not taking something that you should not have. I don't know - you pray about what you should do with it. Maybe it does not matter.
I am sure you are your company will get the Russian down and blow the next newbies socks off and impress them and HELP them. How is your companion with his Russian? Has he had Russian before? I wish I could have been there to hear that 1st discussion. I'll bet you were so cute. Did you remember to separate your lips when you were talking?:) I got a laugh reading about the IRON Curtain. Be sure to send us pictures of that too. Would be great if you could get someone to take your district's picture eating behind the Iron Curtain.
I will look and see if I can find that dictionary your talked about. I will let you know. I will try to do that this weekend while I am off work.
Well Sierra needs help getting the guest beds ready for Adam and the kids. I am so glad you are having a wonderful time. I look forward to next Weds. when we can hear all about this week. Logan is getting so anxious to go on his mission. Of course I am sure he already been looking for the talk you referred to.
Well son - take care! Pray always, record your feelings and experiences. Also feel free to share the goodies I send you. I sent extra so you can share with your district or companion.
You are a Valiant son of our Heavenly Father. Go forth with faith and determination to do your best. We love you and pray for you always.
Love,
Mom
PS. Gerald and Coral Cooper (the one who gave you the picture) said to say HI! I saw him when I was mailing your package today.
So sorry, maybe I am writing to often - there are just so many things I want to tell you and I am used to you being right here to tell you. I was so glad to get your email this morning. I made the mistake of logging into my yahoo account at work this morning and saw you had sent an email. I started to read it while my 3rd graders were working on their math problems. I have to admit I got teary eyed and had to close my computer before I completely lost it. I got myself together and read it a few minutes later. :)
I am just so glad things are going so well for you. We are so proud of you and I know that our Heavenly Father has so much work for you to accomplish. You were a valiant soul in the pre-existence and I just have this feeling you are going to play an important role in the bringing forth of the 2nd coming of the Lord. I was reading in Jesus the Christ about the pre-existence and how some souls were more valiant then others, 2 of which were Jesus and Lucifer. That Heavenly Father presented his plan and asked who would go down to fulfill the plan. Lucifer, crazy guy, thought he could come up with better plan and offered that plan. Or course he wanted the glory. Fortunately Jesus said he would come down and fulfill the plan. As I was reading this chapter I cannot help but wonder what the rest of us were doing. If we were shocked, scared, excited, etc. Some days I wish I could remember that time. When I go the Temple the feeling I have there feels like being so close to heaven.
Anyway - it is such a good book and I am really enjoying reading it.
Where is your companion from? Be sure to take pictures of you and your companion and then also of your whole district. These are memories you will want to hold onto with pictures. Also be sure to write in your journal about what the Lord is teaching you.
I sent you your package today with your shoes, some rolls, sticky notes, papers and hymn book. It won't get to you until Friday however, sorry.
I am not sure how many letters you have gotten from people but it is OK if you don't respond to all of them. They know and understand that you have limited time on the computer. When I sent out the dearelder.com information to everyone I made sure to tell them that you might not be able to respond but would love to hear from anyone that had a few minutes to write to you.
Everything is good here. Keeping it pretty quiet and low-key. Adam and his kids are coming tonight and will eat dinner with us and nanny and pappa tomorrow night. I text Marie today to see if she wanted to catch a bus and come be with us this weekend. We did not want her to be alone on campus. I felt bad it was such late notice but you know me - last minute is my name :) She sent back that she was at her friends house in Colorado but appreciated the invitation. I also added her to the email list for your emails along with Carolyn and Gaylan Rasmussen. I hope that was OK.
That is funny that you got the Ukrainian information also. You will probably want to send that home - not sure you will have room in your suitcase to go to Russia. And maybe there is a reason you also got that information. Maybe you will be expected to learn Ukrainian also :) Should you tell your Branch Pres. just to be sure you are not taking something that you should not have. I don't know - you pray about what you should do with it. Maybe it does not matter.
I am sure you are your company will get the Russian down and blow the next newbies socks off and impress them and HELP them. How is your companion with his Russian? Has he had Russian before? I wish I could have been there to hear that 1st discussion. I'll bet you were so cute. Did you remember to separate your lips when you were talking?:) I got a laugh reading about the IRON Curtain. Be sure to send us pictures of that too. Would be great if you could get someone to take your district's picture eating behind the Iron Curtain.
I will look and see if I can find that dictionary your talked about. I will let you know. I will try to do that this weekend while I am off work.
Well Sierra needs help getting the guest beds ready for Adam and the kids. I am so glad you are having a wonderful time. I look forward to next Weds. when we can hear all about this week. Logan is getting so anxious to go on his mission. Of course I am sure he already been looking for the talk you referred to.
Well son - take care! Pray always, record your feelings and experiences. Also feel free to share the goodies I send you. I sent extra so you can share with your district or companion.
You are a Valiant son of our Heavenly Father. Go forth with faith and determination to do your best. We love you and pray for you always.
Love,
Mom
PS. Gerald and Coral Cooper (the one who gave you the picture) said to say HI! I saw him when I was mailing your package today.
November 19, 2012 ~ Letter from Sierra
| dear Austin, Today I woke up at 12:30am. I told kiana that I woke up at 12:30 and she said i was crazy. And in school this girl named Kayla told me she new Spanish so I said OK say something to me in Spanish and guess what she did tell me something in Spanish but it was not a nice word like she swore right in my face and of course I had no idea what she said so I just guess at what she said and it sounded like a swore word so I said Kayla did u just swore at me and guess what she said yes I did just swore at u. And then she said what swore word did I say and I told her that I wasn't aloud to say that kind of language and she called me a mean word but I don't care because I now that its not true. Any way tomarrow witch would be today I'm going to the temple for the very first time!!! love sierra Robison |
November 18, 2012 ~ Letter from Sierra to Austin
dear,Austin
I miss u so much I hope you have a great time in the MTC. And I also hope u have a great time in Russia
we have been missing so much!!! So how have u been?
I have been good nothing really happend seens you left but me and kyle found out that we had to get shots! it hert so much but besides that nothing really happend today in church it was so much fun!So what we did in church is we talked about thanksgiving
and got some cookies! Right now mom is making some fudge, cookies and schotcharoos and mom just found your oil. Mom will send that to u as soon as she can.
Some things that happend this weekend are that Melisa came over yesterday and dad made us rake the leafs and for dinner yesterday we had BLTS!!!!
Kyle has his first basketball game soon.and i will have my very first dance performance I am super happy but I'm also very sad that u wont be there:(
Well have an amazing week,
love always,
Sierra ann Robison
I miss u so much I hope you have a great time in the MTC. And I also hope u have a great time in Russia
we have been missing so much!!! So how have u been?
I have been good nothing really happend seens you left but me and kyle found out that we had to get shots! it hert so much but besides that nothing really happend today in church it was so much fun!So what we did in church is we talked about thanksgiving
and got some cookies! Right now mom is making some fudge, cookies and schotcharoos and mom just found your oil. Mom will send that to u as soon as she can.
Some things that happend this weekend are that Melisa came over yesterday and dad made us rake the leafs and for dinner yesterday we had BLTS!!!!
Kyle has his first basketball game soon.and i will have my very first dance performance I am super happy but I'm also very sad that u wont be there:(
Well have an amazing week,
love always,
Sierra ann Robison
November 17, 2012~ First Weekend with Austin gone
Dear Austin!
Well it is your first weekend on your mission and I am sure you are glad you are not home doing all the "Chores" around the house. :) Of course Dad has a list a mile long and it keeps getting longer and longer as the day goes on. It really is not his fault - he comes by it naturally from his parents.
Logan was lucky - he had a leadership meeting for one of his many counsels today from 8:45am til 2pm. Then he is going on his date for the Fall Ball that the Russell girl asked him to. Kyle of course is trying to get the MSU game watching in before he gets to work. And Sierra has Melissa over to "Play" lucky for Melissa - she is already roped into helping Sierra with her list of chores.
I re-organized a couple of drawers in the kitchen, put the pot lids in the drawer under the cookie sheets, etc. and just some general picking up and cleaning. I noticed that we never did clean the windows on the china cabinet. I was so embarrassed when I saw that this morning that I immediately dropped everything and did those glass doors. It took a while to get the sticky stuff off them, but they look great now! Oh well - people where here to see you - not my glass china doors :)
Last night Dad and I went with the Dodges to see a play at SNOW. It was The Foreigner. It was so funny and I was very impressed with how well they did. I really thought they did such a great job of acting. Definitely worth going to and we look forward to the next play or performance. Before that we went to Snow Dragon for dinner and just had a nice time out. Of course we saw lots of people of the 3rd and 4th wards at the play. EVERYONE we saw asked us about you and how I was surviving. I told them I was sure you were just having the time of your life. Me, however, well lets just say not as good as you I am sure. I sure do miss you and hope you are having the time of your life.
The thing I miss the most is not being able to talk to you whenever I want - just to see how you are doing. Also being able to hug you and see your cute face :) You know how nosy I get when it comes to what my children are up to and how they are doing. Only hearing from you once a week will take me a LONG time to get adjusted to. I hope you are doing well and everything is just perfect for you. I am anxious to hear all about your companion and your room mates, the food, your classes, your Russian and well just everything.
By the way - on this website (dearelder.com) it says that they are looking for English teachers for Russia! The teachers would leave at the end of January and return the beginning of June! The thought crossed my mind - except it is volunteer work and you would probably not be to happy with me "creeping" on you :)
All in all everything is going fine here. Nanny and Pappa Walker went to Grantsville this weekend but will be back on Sunday. Adam and his kids are coming down for the whole Thanksgiving Break. That should be - well fun - but I am afraid Lilly and I will have a few words about her disrespect and behavior. I am just praying I can be patient with them all here. It has been a LONG time since we have had little kids in the house who get up at 6:30am let alone kids who talk back to their parents or adults.
It is so nice to be so close to family and some of the cousins however. I know it is good for Dad as he loves being with his sibs.
Well I better get back to work! Sure do LOVE YOU! and we are so proud of you. I know there are going to be hard times as well as great times. I hope you find the time to tell us about the good and the bad. Be sure to take time to write in your journal and record the things the Spirit is teaching you - you will come to rely on those notes later in life. I know that this is the right thing for you to be doing right now. Separation is hard but the Lord has so much work for you to do so many people who are being prepared right now and their hearts are being softened so they are ready to hear your message when you get there.
I know the Lord will bless you and take care of you. Remember to turn to Him in the good and bad times. He wants to hear from you - you are his little brother and He is your Savior.
Let me know if these letters work out for you. This should be the 2nd letter you got from me. Your are the GREATest and we LOVE YOU!
Hugs and Kisses
MOM
Well it is your first weekend on your mission and I am sure you are glad you are not home doing all the "Chores" around the house. :) Of course Dad has a list a mile long and it keeps getting longer and longer as the day goes on. It really is not his fault - he comes by it naturally from his parents.
Logan was lucky - he had a leadership meeting for one of his many counsels today from 8:45am til 2pm. Then he is going on his date for the Fall Ball that the Russell girl asked him to. Kyle of course is trying to get the MSU game watching in before he gets to work. And Sierra has Melissa over to "Play" lucky for Melissa - she is already roped into helping Sierra with her list of chores.
I re-organized a couple of drawers in the kitchen, put the pot lids in the drawer under the cookie sheets, etc. and just some general picking up and cleaning. I noticed that we never did clean the windows on the china cabinet. I was so embarrassed when I saw that this morning that I immediately dropped everything and did those glass doors. It took a while to get the sticky stuff off them, but they look great now! Oh well - people where here to see you - not my glass china doors :)
Last night Dad and I went with the Dodges to see a play at SNOW. It was The Foreigner. It was so funny and I was very impressed with how well they did. I really thought they did such a great job of acting. Definitely worth going to and we look forward to the next play or performance. Before that we went to Snow Dragon for dinner and just had a nice time out. Of course we saw lots of people of the 3rd and 4th wards at the play. EVERYONE we saw asked us about you and how I was surviving. I told them I was sure you were just having the time of your life. Me, however, well lets just say not as good as you I am sure. I sure do miss you and hope you are having the time of your life.
The thing I miss the most is not being able to talk to you whenever I want - just to see how you are doing. Also being able to hug you and see your cute face :) You know how nosy I get when it comes to what my children are up to and how they are doing. Only hearing from you once a week will take me a LONG time to get adjusted to. I hope you are doing well and everything is just perfect for you. I am anxious to hear all about your companion and your room mates, the food, your classes, your Russian and well just everything.
By the way - on this website (dearelder.com) it says that they are looking for English teachers for Russia! The teachers would leave at the end of January and return the beginning of June! The thought crossed my mind - except it is volunteer work and you would probably not be to happy with me "creeping" on you :)
All in all everything is going fine here. Nanny and Pappa Walker went to Grantsville this weekend but will be back on Sunday. Adam and his kids are coming down for the whole Thanksgiving Break. That should be - well fun - but I am afraid Lilly and I will have a few words about her disrespect and behavior. I am just praying I can be patient with them all here. It has been a LONG time since we have had little kids in the house who get up at 6:30am let alone kids who talk back to their parents or adults.
It is so nice to be so close to family and some of the cousins however. I know it is good for Dad as he loves being with his sibs.
Well I better get back to work! Sure do LOVE YOU! and we are so proud of you. I know there are going to be hard times as well as great times. I hope you find the time to tell us about the good and the bad. Be sure to take time to write in your journal and record the things the Spirit is teaching you - you will come to rely on those notes later in life. I know that this is the right thing for you to be doing right now. Separation is hard but the Lord has so much work for you to do so many people who are being prepared right now and their hearts are being softened so they are ready to hear your message when you get there.
I know the Lord will bless you and take care of you. Remember to turn to Him in the good and bad times. He wants to hear from you - you are his little brother and He is your Savior.
Let me know if these letters work out for you. This should be the 2nd letter you got from me. Your are the GREATest and we LOVE YOU!
Hugs and Kisses
MOM
November 14, 2012 ~ First Day in the MTC for Austin
| Dearest Austin (Elder Robison), Not sure which to call you but I guess you will always be my Austin so I will call you Austin. I hope your 1st day was FANTASTIC! I am sure it was overwhelming and confusing but everything will settle down and then it will feel at home. I am sure the spirit is so strong there. Your brothers were so jealous they both wanted to put their papers in immediately and join you. We are all so proud of your decision to serve the Lord and I know you will be blessed throughout your life for making this decision.
When we got home Tia calmed down once we pulled in the driveway. She curled up and sleep on the floor under my feet the whole way home. She definitely knew something was happening. We made it to basketball try-outs 2 minutes before it started. I am not sure how fast dad was driving, however. I started reading Jesus the Christ on my IPad on the way home. I am hoping to finish the book before you get home :)
The house is definitely different knowing you are not downstairs in your room but as long as I know where you are and that you are safe I guess I will survive. After we left I decided I needed some ice cream to console me. We went to the BYU dairy and of course they did not have any waffle cones. That really compounded my day! I settled for ice cream in a bowl. It did not really help though - I just gained a bunch of calories and not comfort! Oh well, these 2 years or 4 set of 6 months will go by so fast. Pres. Averett was right - you have so much to do and so little time.I am not sure how this will print out - it might be a big mess when they print it out, but I wanted to try it out and see how it works. We will miss you terribly but we are comforted to know you are in the LORD's service and he will watch out for you. I am anxious to see who your companion is and how your first day went. Remember to take the "Dot" off ASAP :) I sure do LOVE YOU and I am so excited to hear all about your adventures and what the Lord teaches you. Take care and remember we are always praying for you. Hugs and Kisses! Mom |
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