Thursday, April 21, 2011

Flexible Dinner

SO...a "dear" friend of mine (Auntie Cathy) has brought it to my attention that as much as I "claim" to have posted the letter about the flexible dinner...I didn't.....I've told her over and over that I'm sure I did...she just doesn't know how to read....so I've spent the last hour trying to find the post....and ya know what? Hooked on Foniks werkt fer me!

So this time I really really am posting the letter from a member in Skylars last ward. It will explain why in the world these boys are eating off the table!


April 11, 2011

Cheri,

I hope we didn't create a couple of monsters with sharing a flexible dinner tonight with them. We have shared this with many missionaries over the years along with a lesson on how important it is in life that when things aren't going the way as planned, we try to make the best of what we are dealt. Another words when life gives you lemons, make lemonaid.
Both Elder Graham and your son seemed to enjoy the flexible meal. They are both great young men that continue to work hard and motivate the members to assist in the Lords work.
I thought you might enjoy some pictures of your son with his crazy companion. All in all I think they both get along pretty well, though they can get pretty goofy at times. I then remind myself that they are still teenagers, or barely beyond.
Enjoy the pictures!
Lorna DeRoest

She also wrote:

The best part of having the Elders into our home is the wonderful spirit they bring, and the message they share with us. Your son gave a beautiful message and testimony on the Atonement tonight that really touched my heart. I want to Thank both you and your husband once again for raising such a strong valiant young man that is willing to put his own life on hold for two years in order to dedicate his life to the Lord.



























































Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Transfer!

April 18, 2011

Mom writes:

Hey Buddy!

Transfer Day!!!!

You probibly won't get this until Tuesday...but just in case......

So......Whaaatcha doooin? (can you hear the girl off of Phineas and Ferb???) :D

Same ol' same ol' on the questions.....
weather...
companion....
ward members
are you eating.....
any prospects....

I swear we talk to you more now than when you were home!!!

k - so in this box that I would like to get sent to you before Easter has not much in it....what would you like in it? We don't know the new companion yet so we don't know what he likes but if there is any way to find out a small something that would be nice...I'm thinking like a treat or something....that would be nice....so we can drop something in there for him too.

So...yesterday was Dallin's farewell. It was good. He was nervous and talked really soft so it was hard to hear him but the spirit was still there...then of course we got our grub on the the Davis Casa! Yum! As always! Would you expect anything less from Molly?
She gets a couple months break then she gets Joshie back home....so she'll be planning a wedding and grandbabies! ha ha ha

Were the Coopers in the ward before you left??? Their son Cody just got his mission call to Utica (spelled wrong?), New York.

Dad talked to Grandma and Pa last night....they were doing well. Heathly for the most part....but every day is a new day with them right???

Kylee got a job....but I'll let her tell you the specifics on that....guess it's her news to tell....she was all bummin cuz we sat down and figured her wages and her bills....she'll have about $20 at the end of the month for play money...growing up stinks!!! Guess it's time she learned. But she doesn't listen to me.....I'm the mother of a teenage girl so by definition I'm the enemy!

Dad is off serving at DI today. They needed some volunteers for a few hours this morning....he's been really good to serve here lately. He went and helped the Bennetts move this weekend...they bought the house next to Hongo's old house....right there in the middle....


It's so funny that this story that was told A MILLION times yesterday.....so the Bennett's have this side by side fridge....I guess it was on the trailer and wasn't set just right and it started to topple a bit.....dad went over and put his hands on it to keep it from totally falling over.....by the end of yesterday.....OMG!!!...this HUGE fridge was FALLING OUT OF THE TRAILER AND DAD RAN OVER AND CAUGHT IT AND SUPER HERO'D IT BACK UP ONTO THE TRAILER! THAT IF HE WASN'T THERE IT WOULD HAVE COME CRASHING DOWN FACE FIRST AND WOULD HAVE SHATTERED!!!!!

We teased dad all night on that one. Total fish tale if I've ever heard one! But seriously.....his back made it through....guess we have you to thank for that...so....thanks!

Then when he was done saving fridge's from complete and total destruction he was on his way home and saw the Hormann's moving...ya know....PJ's family??? Anyway...they bought our old house. Michelle feels kinda weird about it. She knew they were gonna put a bid on it but asked us first if that would cause any problems or if we would not like it. We were like....not a bit! Please do! But even after they won the bid she called to let us know and to apologize. So I think as an act of good faith dad stopped and helped them with a load or two. I think all is well now.....hope they have many happy memories there.
They ripped up all the carpet....which so completely needed to be done....and laid tile. They painted all the rooms....so no more Pokeball room!

hmmmm.....what else????

So....still need to know some info on Mother's Day. Not sure what we'll talk about for an hour. Oh yes I do....weather.....companion....ward members....ha ha ha

Maybe we shouldn't write for the next 2 weeks so that we'll actually have something to say!

Oh hey Sis. DeRoest sent some pics of your yummy dinner! So funny! They seem like a fun family! She loves you to pieces! But I'm sure she let's you know that.

(I'll post the pics of their dinner at the end of this post)

We got the SD card.....I have everything saved on the computer here....at the store....on my terra...on a disc.....so if you want to delete most of or all of the images you can. I don't know if you save some just for your own reference.....but if you need to make room on there feel free.......

hmmm....well....guess that's about it....hope all is well.....everyone else loves and misses you.....me?...na so mush......

take care!

mommasitarosaritarefriedbeans


Skylar writes:

haahaha im so excited!!! I got the best transfer ever!!! i am now in hillsburo aka hillsburrito!! lol lots on mexicans.. i will brush up on my spanich tracting(im gettin pretty decent) we live with members who are so sweet!! nither me or my comp have ever lived with members before so it was weird at first.. but they are so sweet!! they served in france and germany as a couple.. My companion and I whitewashed into here as the DL's (well hes the DL) but in this mission it has become a team calling. it sometimes can feel like a secretary job but hes pretty good about spliting things up and he like allot of my Ideas.. so its like being the Dl without having my neck on the chopping block.. in the district there are no sisters :( sis willmore and sis todd were way chill. I love sister missionaries. they are awesome. they have helped me see that i need to marry an RM.. its official haha. I will miss them allong with my good buddy sorenson and Rossi. But i will see them around.. THe APs are in my district!! so allot of preasure to do good.. i can take the heat.. I am done Babysitting Elder Graham now so i can get back to work!! he is being put with another missionary and they are babysitting eachother in the Mt scott ward.. I love him but am glad to have moved on. I was happy to transfer but not happy to leave.. I felt so at home.. Sis reck was crying and told Cassie(the only person that i was with start to finish in the baptism, shes my favorite!!). She walked out of the chapel crying and called the mission President.. she was not happy!! especialy because her daughter who i taught is getting baptized this saturday!! She said that i had to come.. and she would arrange the ride.. I love cassie and her fammily so much!!! i cant wait to be there when she gets married in the temple.. The mission has made me see what life is all about... umm what else happend. oh ya!!! so there was some tears by the young wimmen as well when i left.. they sure love those tags.... and guitar players haha... it was weird... but kind of cool at the same time..
HIllsburrioto is way sweet!! the members are so cool and love to take us to winco (like costco but better) and feed us.. Elder Shonefeld my new comp is pretty much the coolest person I have ever met in my life!! we are excited to do work and jam at guitar center on Pdays hahaha. We get allong Great!!
oh BTW! we got txting in the mission!! its like the coolest tool we have!! it makes the work so much esier but they are monitered hardcore.. understandable..
Elder Clayton of the 70 came and taled with us.. it was cool but not anything like bednar...
Today we are going to unpack and play some basketball!!! yayy!!!!
ummm....
oh ya dad is a superhero for sure!! and Im glad hes serving!! its great. i think that there is no better way to share the gospel.. and i still cant find you guys on mormon.org... i love you guys but seriously!!!! will you do that... I know you busy but its important to me and you will be blessed... like you always told me mom "just get it done"...... that and feeding the missionaries.. i am telling you you are going to do it and it will change your life.. you have no idea how cool they are..
for the box.. purple skittles.. YOUR TESTIMONY AND HOW YOU CAME TO KNOW THE CHURCH IS TRUE!!!! ifeel like a broken record......... i am tiard of not being able to share things about my families conversion.. I get asked "how long has your family been in the church? " and i say that you are converts.. and there like "how?" and im the ignorant idiot that says IDK??
please do that for me... you can tell me now or we will have to waste the mothersday phonecall hour on it. thats my 2 cents for the day :)
things are going great and i cant belive that at the end of this transfer i will be at my year mark!!! AHHHHHHH
oh and the 60 bucks at ross was paying the missionary that i bought the bike from.. i will send you pics.. its shinny...... oh and let kylee know that when i get home i am reletlessly harping her to go on a mission.. and you guys... i swear i am going to make big bucks so that i can send you and dad to serve in Australia... you know you get to pick when your old..serve like there or tahiti or hawaii... haha..... or if you feel liek you really want to lear somthing you can go serve in novosybirsk russia haha.awwwww i just thought about not serving at generous ventures anymore........ :( no mor learnning russian.... :(
well see you latter
DAS VIDANIA! (russian for goodbye) (not exact because they use different charecters)




Onnie writes: (Skylar replies)

Elder White--Hello!!!

How are you? How are things going in OR? I hope all is well there. I hear this week is transfers--so you'll have to fill us in on the details.

Things here are going very well. The weather has been very clear and very warm. It's perfect. Scott was out of town a few days for a "guys golf trip" this past week. He had a great time and played lots of golf. He has a spring turkey hunt this weekend and we all get to go and camp with him. I can hardly contain myself. :) The kids are doing really well and are getting SO big. They are very excited for our upcoming trip to Disneyland. I'm doing well too. Looking forward to the Disneyland trip and also some less busy summer days!

Your questionnaire:

Do you get to do anything special for Easter weekend?NO ITS A NEW AREA
How often do you have zone conferences? QUARTERLY
Do you take vitamins? I NEED A DAILY MULTIVITEMEN AND MELOTONIN BUT I WOULD???
Do you use pass-along cards? AT EVERY DOOR
What do you eat for lunch most days? RAMMEN NOW
If you had the opportunity to see any piece of religious history (IE tablets the ten commandments were written on; Urim and Thummim; etc.) which one would you pick? I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE CITY ON ENOCH BEING RAISED UP.. OR THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT.. CHRIST IN THE AMMERICAS.. THE LIBERTY JAIL REBUKING.. BRIGIAM YOUNGS COUNCIL FROM JOSEPH SMITH AFTER HIS MARTERDOM

I wanted to give you and Easter quote this week and I came across this one as I was search and loved it:
“Each of us will have our own Fridays—those days when the universe itself seems shattered and the shards of our world lie littered about us in pieces. We all will experience those broken times when it seems we can never be put together again. We will all have our Fridays.
“But I testify to you in the name of the One who conquered death—Sunday will come. In the darkness of our sorrow, Sunday will come.
“No matter our desperation, no matter our grief, in this life or the next, Sunday will come.”
~Joseph B. Wirthlin

The Savior's "Friday" was far worse than any of our "Fridays" and His Sunday was far more glorious than any of ours will be. Yet, the fact remains that great blessings and peace come after our hardest trials. And Christ knows our pain, troubles and sorrows because He felt exactly what we feel when we go through them. This is a wonderful lesson taught by the miracle of Easter. I hope you have a great holiday and that you are filled with the love of our Savior as you tend to His sheep.

We love you and are so proud of you! Keep up the good work!

Onnie

LOVES HEY WILL YOU GUYS DO ME A FAVOR AND MAKE A MORMON.ORG ACCOUNT?? AND STAY ON MY PARENTS ABOUT MAKING ONE... PLEASE AND THANK YOU






Monday, April 18, 2011

Just being weird!





....more rain and snow.....




Typical Portland day.....yuk!





Pics and such!

From Aunt Omique

Skylar, I always follow your sight. blog thingy. (I'm so computer illiterate it's not even funny). I really want to let you know Skylar,that when I read over the things that your doing and accomplishing, and I see how you overcome the many challenges as if they're nothing,I want you to know how truely proud of you I am. You've always been awesome!! With all that you were doing here, the music, working , graduating, if nothing else, the jokes alone.....I always seem to get something out of your words you send home, and there are times Skylar I really feel like I need a lift. I know that everyone is faced with different problems and that the blessings are there if we we open our hearts to see them, You are one of my blessings, It's easy to do what you're doing when your heart is where it is, and you're so good at it. I love you and miss you.. Aunt Monique

Finally done!

k - it took me hours upon hours to get this post in some sort of order. Don't ask me why! No matter what I did it always posted as one big row of lines...no spaces no nothing! Anytime I found a mistake I'd go back to correct it and it all went back to one super long paragraph...so here it is. ya git whatcha git! There are some random letters in there..part of the HTML codes...sorry...not gonna go back into it or it will put it ALL back to garbage.....do your best to follow along.... Oh, I still have pics to post. I was going to insert them wherever he mentioned them but again...can't go back in...so I'll do a post of just pics and videos.... Loves to everyone!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

It's been a while!

k - guys grab a snack and have a seat. I know it's been a while but in my defense there hasn't been a ton to report. Skylar has had a rough few months. He has struggled with his last 2 companions. They want to play like they're on vacation and that's just not acceptable! Skylar has a lot of growing to do so while it's hard to see him struggling it's very necessary to make it in the end. Most of the emails and letters are prefaced with "Please don't blog this"....so out of respect I haven't. I will however edit everything we've gotten and just give you a Reader's Digest version of what's been happening with him...most of it won't make much sense. I've tried not to edit it so bad that his letters are hard to follow but with that handwritting and spelling....HOLY COW!!!! This last letter had videos and pics so this will all be worth it by the time you make it to the bottom.....ya...I'm gonna go backwards so that the oldest stuff is here at the top....

k - here we go!


January 30, 2011

Dad writes:
(Skylar reponds)

Hidy Ho, How is your is your new companion?
Hes doing realy good. he is a good looking guy so its constant girl control. BANG BANG! bUT WE GET ALONG GREAT AND WE GET ALLOT OF WORK DONE WE HAVE 3 NEW INVESTIAGTORS THIS WEEK. WE ARE DEAD TIARD TODAY
How was your week? Mine was terrible but I am better now and hoping it stays that way for a while. WHAT HAPPEND TO NAKE IT SO TERRIBLE..OH YA YOU PEED A ROCK. I HOPE IT LOOKS GOOD IN THE YARD HAHAH. Went from the flu, to my back out, to passing a kidney stone, so I'm ready for a good week. How has your weather been, has it stopped raining? HAHA NOT HARDLY Talked to Grandma tonight, she is feeling better, she has surgery on Thursday so keep her in your prayers, she ask if you go the card and $. YES I DID. I WILL WRITE A LETER ASAP How is the work going? Any new animal sightings? tomorrow is moving day, we will be at the other house by Friday so don't send anything here. You might want to send things for now to the store address. It is 85 W. Combs Rd., Ste. 113 Queen Creek, AZ 85140. Mom is sending you new mailing labels.WOWOWOOWOWOWO! NEW HOUSE! I NEED PICTURES!! UMM THIS IS STUFF TO LET ME KNOW. CALL UP VANCE HE PROMISED ME HE WOULD HELP YOU MOVE FOR ME!! AND CALL THE MISSIONARIES AND WARD!!!! AND FEED THE MISSIONARIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Chaz leaves on Wednesday. GOOD FOR HIM I NEED AN ADRESS Is there any thing that you need?UMM. YES!! LOTS OF GRANOLA BARS!! how's the scripture study going, any new insights that you'd like to share. UMM. JUST READ JACOB 2... IT IS SWEET (He doesn't mean sweet like baby chicky sweet he means SA-WEEEET yo!) What is your favorite color now. GREEN. LIKE NEON What is your daily schedule now.WE TRACT AND TEACH. FROM 10 TO 9 WE ARE DONE BEING TRUNKY AND ARE WORKING TIME TO DEATH Any plans for Pday? HAND AND FOOT... BTW DID YOU GUYS PLAY POOHEAD What part of Texas is your companion from?DALLAS. AND HE HAS THE BIGGEST HEAD. BUT HES BLOND SO I CAN MAKE JOKES AND HE DOSENT GET IT. SO IT BALLENCES OUT. How long has he been out. A YEAR What is he like, do you have anything in common.WE HAVE ALLOT IN COMMON.. WE BOTH NEED TO LEARN TO SING AND PLAY UKE What is your ward like.THEY ARE SWEET. I LOVE THE ZELLER FAMILY. I AM GIVEING HER YOUR EMAIL, BECAUSE YOU WOULD GET ALONG WITH HER. SHE REMIDS ME OF MOM ALOT. HAHA How are you eating? Is the ward keeping you fed? OH YA Can you send pics. You know your mom lives for them. I WILL SEND A CARD ASAP Well I better let you go so you will have time to mail others, have a good week, Know that you are in my prayer and that I love you and am Proud of you and all that you are doing. I know that the people of Portland are Lucky to have you and that you and them are being blessed By a loving father in heaven. I will talk to you soon so keep up the good work.
Love you,

Dad


LOVE YOU GUYS!!! THANKS FOR EVERYTHING. I REALIZED YESTERDAY THAT I DIDENT CONTRIBUTE ANYTHING TO THIS GREAT EXPIRIANCE. I AM FINALLY HAVING THE MISSION I DREAMED OF... I WANT TO KNOW WHO TO THANK FOR THIS WHEN I GET HOME. I NEED YOU TO KEEP TRACK OF EVERY PENNY AND WHO GAVE IT. WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE MY GRATITUDE. I SEE SOME PEOPLE WHO DONT HAVE THIS OPPERTUNITY. SOME DONT GO BECAUSE THEY CANT AFFORD IT. i LOOK AND SAY WHAT MAKE ME SO LUCKY.. i AM SURE THAT THERE ARE OTHERS FAR MORE WORTHY OF THIS.


lOVE YOU BYE


k - Skylar can't just write a letter...he does much better with specific questions....I will forget most things so I have to write to him as I think of things......here's one random note I sent him....


Feb. 10, 2011

Answer each one specifically....

Are you around any of the following....they all look pretty far away....the map shows that these things are around you...if there are some that I didn't list please add them to the list.....

1. Please put in order of what is around you

2. Please put in priority order of what you would like (if any)

Here we go:

Albertson's

Quizno's

Subway

Burger King

Jamba Juice

Dairy Queen


FYI....there is a Wells Fargo at 12005 SE Division St (Southeast Division St & Evergreen Court (ish)


That's it for my lo-jack session today....

Don't love you,

Momma


He replied:

Taco Bell!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quizonos!!!!

Subway!!!!

MCdonalds!!!

Arbys!!!!!!!!!

those are the places I go.


hows the new house?? look for a letter! i wrote gramma and vaughn. and I am writeing onnie today.. How long will you be at steves house? is it like a rent to buy? or what. HOws the store? i met a ward member who has heard of it.. Hows the pooch!! wheres my room??? or am i a couch junkie!! bos thinkin BYU- RM's go cheap!! and get accepted. hope all is well. send pics of the house. love my pacage!! ummm.


I hate you so much that i........ i....... oh forget it i just hate you!! ;
)

your retarded son!!



(Don't we have the WEIRDEST relationship? Hey Troy and Jill....I totally get your relationship now....)




(I happened to be online when he sent this reply so here ya go )



HI...what are you doing on line!!
I JUSCT CHECKED AND REPLIED ON MY MORMON.ORG TIME. WE GET TIME TO REASERCH MORMON.ORG EVERY WEEK. MAKE A PROFILE!!!! Thanks for the responses.... k - real quick cuz you'll have to go... I GAVE THE MISSION OFFICE THE STORES ADRESS FOR MAIL. SO THAT IT GETS TO YOU.
letters are good... Heard of the store??? ROCKIN!!!!! Have them facebook us! WILL DO!! GIVE AND AD TO VANCE AND SEE IF HE CAN PUT IT ON OUR MYSPACE... facebook.com/CuteNDarlingBoutique BYU is good.....room with Vaughn..... YA!!! AND I THINK THAT I COULD MEET A FEW GIRLS THERE THAT I MET IN OREGON. HAHA... JUST SAYIN... AND KYLEE WOULD PROBABLY BE GOING TO SCHOOL WITH ME.. IF SHE STILL PLANS ON GOING THERE Hope all is warming up for you....78 tomorrow......brrrr.... HAHAHA BURR?
k hate you.....lots!

BYE BYE!!
momma

Feb. 13, 2011


Dad writes:
(Skylar replies)

How are things going?
GOOD. WE WNT TO PORTLAND TODAY.. i GOT A BACKPACK SCRUNCY TO KEEP MY SCRIPTURES DRY. AND A BOOK.. THE MERICLE OF FORGIVENESS
Are you warming up there yet or is it still pretty cool? NOT WARMING UP A WHOLE LOT BE GETTING THERE. AND GETTING WETTER How's the companion? HES GOOD JUST VERY HIGH MATINANCE. i AM TRYING TO SHOW CHERITY THOUGH. How many have you baptized now? PERSONALY JUST ONE. BUT I HAVE HAD 5 BAPTISMS Any new prospects? NO.....:( ITS BEEN A HARD WEEK i WILL TALK ABOUT IT IN A LETTER SO THAT IT DOSENT END UP SOMWARE IS SHOULDENT. what's the days of straight rain at? NONE YET BET ITS GETTING HERE.. THATS WHY I HAD TO GET THAT BAG. IT WAS ONLY 20 BUX. IT WAS ON SALE SO I GOT IT. Had a good ward conference today, Pres. Lawes ask the the question if we were on the same page and if it was the Lords page. i AM TRYING TO BE BUT ITS HARD SOMETIMES. I hope that I'm working to be on that page. How is the work going, do you feel a change in the way you view Gods children and is that Going to help you to be a better person? A member from the stake said today in Sunday school you Know how you feel about your children And how you would give your life for them, well that's how Father feels about us and all his children. Makes you think how you treat others When you know that he feels that way about them, even the ones that we feel are unworthy of it, he still feels that way. So I just I had better try harder to see them as he does. Well we are about moved in and things are going good, my back held up through the move, I prayed for it daily and prayers were answered. We are setting up your room last so it might be ready by the time you get home, you know we have some time. Glad to have the email back and its good to write you again. Are you needing anything? We will be sending out a late Valentines thing this week, so have a great day and be watching for it. Is the new ward warming up to you yet? UMMMMM. i WILL EXPLAIN IN THE LETTER. BUT FOR THE MOST PART YES. SISTER ZELLER IS LIKE THE SWEETEST. SHE IS PRETTY MUCH YOU... SO ITS LIKE HAVING A MOM OUT ON THE MISSION. SISTER GREEN AND SISTER RECK ARE MY OTHER MOMS. SISTER RECK ALWAYS MADE SURE THAT I ATE . AND SISTER ZELLER IS JUST FUN TO MESS WITH. HAHA AND LIKE MOM. SHE JUST GIVES ME A GOOD SMACK. How are you doing with the ward members, are they able to give you any leads? WE ARE TRYING BET ITS NOT WORKING TO WELL Grandma said she got your letter and she is feeling better so I hope that she might be her old self by the time we pick you up. Keep her in your prayers just in case. Have you been in touch with Bo and Josh? (Bo is a friend of the family....he's serving in Honduras) BO IS THE MOST FAITHFULL LETTER WRITER i HAVE!! HE WRITES ME FIVE PAGE LETTERS AND SENDS THEM ON THE DAY HE GETS THEM!!!! HE IS MY BESTY!! WE ARE STICKING TOGETHER FOR SCHOOL AND LOTS OF OTHER STUFF TO. LIKE THE STUDIO! .IS JOSH STILL ALIVE??? I HAVENT HERD FROM HIM IN FOREVER!! We saw Barb on Saturday, and they are all doing good. Will is in Idaho and she said that John is getting old and needs glasses, well arnt we all? HAHHAA. dONT BE DEAD MAN!!! Hope you are making the most out of it , you'll always remember it and it will always be there for you to draw strength from. I love you, have a great week and I'll be writing you soon.

Love Dad


UMMMMM........CAN I HAVE A UKE FOR MY BIRTHDAY????? I PLAY ELDER GRAHAMS AND I FEEL LIKE I AM GETTING PRETTY GOOD.... AND IN MY NEXT BOX CAN I GET A COPY OF MY DEMO.. I GUESS I AM ALOWED TO SHOW IT TO PEOPLE.. I JUST CANT LISTEN TO IT. SO I FIGURE THAT I CAN GET THE YOUNG MEN AS A FAN BASE IN OREGON..

LOVE YOU!!


(I think this is his weekly letter to his Mission President


Hello, This week was very disapointing to me. We had about 5 canceld apts. But we did get to teach Derrick and michelle. They are y sweet I cant wait to teach them again. He is realy sinceare and he is willing to study, we made a deal with him that we will rake his leafs and he will come to church. We also had dinner with sister Aung and taught her and Min. She says that we are Mins only positive male infuance. I hope that we can set more apointments this week. Elder Graham Is doing good. he told me about the dificulties he has had in previous wards and We dicided that as long as we stayed together at church we would be fine. He told me he has some things that he working out, but who dosent. Hes Trying hard though. He just struggles with sticking with me on bike. i told him i would try to keep up with him if he would try to stick with me. I am doing alot better. I have been doing alot of reflecting on my mission. And I am tiard of it not being the best it could. I feel like disobediance is not worth the price of loosing the spirit. I want to do whatever it takes to make my mission the best. I need the change. I need the work. I am completely invested. Thanks for all that you do. see you tomoro
.


Onnie writes:
(Skylar replies)


Hello Skylar!

Happy Valentine's Day! Hope this p-day is filled with some fun and love towards all men! Remember LOVE ONE ANOTHER! How are things going? Things here are great. This morning started with our traditional family Valentine's breakfast--heart shaped pancakes and everything. Scott and the kids are well, and I think Grandma is feeling better too. The weather here has been so nice and we really enjoyed a weekend that we could be outside. We have a busy week ahead of us, so hopefully everyone survives. :) Now for a few questions! Are you tired of the questions now? NO I LOVE THEM.. I HAVE JUST BEEN VERY BUSY REDOING THE WARD LEADERSHIP How is the singing in church going? BETTER. I AM IN CHOIR. AND GETTING SOME PDAY LESSONS Any baptisms scheduled? NO BUT THE SEEDS ARE PLANTED How is your companion? Are things going well between you? SEE LETTER TO PRESIDENT Who do you hear from regularly? YOU AND MOM AND DAD AND GRAMA Since it's Heart Day: Did you get any fun Valentine's gifts? A RIB... COOKIES... AND A HEART FROM THE YOUNG WIMMEN What will you do today to show your love for others? I WILL BE FORGIVING.. i AM READING THE MERICLE OF FORGIVNESS AND I FEEL LIKE CRAP.. And what will you do to show your love for the Savior? I WILL BE 100% OBEDIANT Okay now a special Valentine's day quote: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said: “Because love is the great commandment, it ought to be at the center of all and everything we do in our own family, in our Church callings, and in our livelihood. Love is the healing balm that repairs rifts in personal and family relationships. It is the bond that unites families, communities, and nations. Love is the power that initiates friendship, tolerance, civility, and respect. It is the source that overcomes divisiveness and hate. Love is the fire that warms our lives with unparalleled joy and divine hope. Love should be our walk and our talk.”

We LOVE you!
>
Onnie

LOVE YOU AND THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!! I WILL SEND YOUR LETTER TOMORO!!


Feb. 21, 2011


Mom writes:


Hey buddy! It's mom.... Crazy here today. Since the girls are home for President's Day we are using today to get this house in order. Tired of living out of boxes. Grandma is pretty much healed up from her surgery. Pa is as well as he can be I guess. I was sicker than a dog for Valentine's Day....think I just had too much on my plate and my body just shut down.....other than that all is healthy. Dallin got his mission call.....Guatamala....spanish speaking......he leaves April 24th....then Josh comes back in Sept....can't believe it!!! It really does go by fast! Jeff Millard is getting married...... So I was talking to Jeff Perkins the other day and get gave me some great insight. He was telling me about his father in law....how he has had some struggles in his past....and on his mission he was bummin about how the work was going. He said that his mission president gave him a scripture from scripture mastery....that I'm sure you know but I I don't.....it's the one about "bringing just one soul to me".......since his past was not as obedient and clean as it should be he thought that instead of focusing on baptisms and/or the lack of them....he worked on himself....that maybe that one soul was HIM! After that the teaching went better.....the baptisms came easier and he was more dedicated to the Lord. Dunno....maybe instead of stressing about what's not happening maybe you need to step inside yourself and truly hand it over to the Lord. Humbly, sincerely "be done with it"....... The past is in the past......be passiontate, not errogant.....be firm, not argumentative....when someone disagrees with what you believe to be true....just love them and know that it's just not their time but that it soon one day will be....be excited for them for what they will one day learn.....plant seeds wherever you go..... So the weather your way looks yucky! sorry 'bout that..... k - demo in your next package, some gift cards..... k - hope all is getting better.....companions.....ward members......leaders who need a kick in the buttocks!

We love you...

well, they do,....their proud of you......they miss you....


Momma
(makes me think of Waterboy....I love Momma!)



Skylar writes:
we are giving the leaders that kick but its not going to well. the stake has shut down on us. we are trying to get the ward going strong.. we will see how it goes this sunday. i am glad to hear that the house is getting in order. Did you get the letter? my comp is doing good now. he was just about ready to go home... but i stoped him and we talked about obediance and how if he dident learn it hear than how could he expect to learn it anyware else. I told him he needed to find out if the gospel was true right now. he did... and we are good to go. He is sending his stuff home today. he is definitly struggleing. but its getting better. i had to get new brake pads and a light the other day. the last brakes were from like 1976... i guess its time. haha. but other than that the bike is running great... oh tell howell that i ran into a shane westwood. he is the EQ pres. and he remembers howel from the mission. i am also sending a package to the store. i have in it some ties. one for dad. one to get to bo.. somehow.. if it could get thrown in with one of mama chapmans... and one for dallin. a congrats. i also gave him my spanish missionary book. i hope it helps him. ummm. We got jesse green in the ward. he is back from his mission to tywan.. (spelt wrong) he is way chill. he took us to mt hood to play in the snow.. will send picks. It has been snowing for 2 days and im scared...... is cold and theres this white stuff on the ground........... what do i do??? is it a no no to touch?? is it posionous?? IDK??? (ahhhh this kid makes me laugh!!!) I could realy use white short sleave shirts with the wether that is coming up. i wear a warm coat but for some reason i am warmer and more comfortable in short sleve. im not to fat so 15 and a half are good. (we sent him a few) I am trying to earn the personal progress. for fun. and to rub it into my eternal comp... it is teaching me alot about the devine woman qualities. based on what i have learned, they need to be virtuous loving. trusting. and have earned the personal progress. I think an RM is the kind of girl for me. there are qualities that she need that i know she would have from a mission. but she for sure wont have it without the personal progress. that a must for me now. Before i started i had one expectation.. she has to be hot!!!! thats still true but she needs other things with that. you have to be attracted that "Daughter of God". you cant just merry some "sweet spirit" with a great testimony. but what are you going to do... wake up every morning streach and yawn, roll over and say "AHHH... HONNY QUICK!! BEAR YOUR TESTIMONY!!!!......no your not... just a random thought.. ....just sayin.. I am almost done with the faith and devine nature requierments.. and i am working on my faith project. sis. Zeller and Sis. Westwood are acting as my leaders.. But I need your help. as a mother.. what do you feel are the most important attributes of a mother.. I read in helamen about the strip.. wariors. they followed there mothers example and said"we do not doubt that our mothers knew it" because she led in ritiousness and let them see her live her faith. they new of asurety that the lord would protect them.. I had the oppertunity to help an investigator move. she is a single mother and her struggleing. she got the uhaul to her apt. the sherrif gave her one hour to get out before he loced the doors... i called up 2 other companionships to come help. It was great to get her out in time. it dident matter to me why she was getting evicted. I could have said that she did it to herself.. she most likely did. her stuff was heavy and she had 3 little kids. we had other things that we wanted and needed to do. we left emails..(heance i am writeing today..) and helped her in the rain. But i was filled with compasion because of something i read in the scriptures.. "do unto others." I thought about it and I thought that I would deffinitly want the missionaries to help my mom in her time of need. no questions or judgement. I thought of who i am serving in behalf of. how could I honestly call myself his representitive and not do what I know without a doubt that he would have done. at that moment i felt his love. I felt that this was his child. she is someone important to Him. I know that no matter what we do.God is always our biggest fan. He works threw us to share his love. we are the apex of his creations, the means by which he glorifies his name. though to us some may seem insignificant or bad. but to our hevently father. they are everything. they are his beloved children with the devine potential of becoming like him. why would they not deserve to be treated as such.Christ said "the king shall answer and say unto them; Verily verily i say into you. Inasmuch as you have done it unto "one" of the least of these, MY BREATHEREN. ye have done it unto me. I know now.. a little better than i did. the love that He has for His Children. I know that one single mother. with a spending habit. a sex and drug addiction, no job mean the world to a loving hevently father. even if she dosent always show that she loves him. If only I could love so unconditionaly, how much better off I could be.


Onnie writes:
Poor Skylar--sounds like he is having a rough time...

Here's her original letter:

Hello Elder,
I hope things are going well for you. We didn't hear from you last week--probably because of the holiday and the library being closed. So we hope you are healthy and happy and moving along the Lord's work. Things here seem to be going well. We have had an interesting week. Casen and Kaelyn and I have all had respiratory infections this past week. Kelsey had an incident with a knife tonight and ended up with a huge gash in her foot (that should have had stitches, but got steri-strips instead), and Scott has surgery tomorrow. SO I think we have had all the fun we really want this week. Hey--you can answer the questions from last week, but here is a quick quote for you. I'm sure you experience physical, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion often. So I wanted to remind you that the LORD can give you rest from all of these things. Ponder this thought when you are just tired in every way. "In the most difficult circumstances of life, there is often only one source of peace. The Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, extends His grace with the invitation, 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11:28)." ~Donald L. Hallstrom

We love you!

Have a great day...

Onnie
F

Feb. 28, 2011


Dad writes:
(Skylar replies)



Hi low, how are things going in the high country?
WET AND COLD!!! MY COMP THINKS HE IS GETTING SENT HOME.... NOT SOMETHING THAT I THOUGHT I WOULD HAVE TO DEAL WITH on the mission. Lots of snow? UMM. JUST A LITTLE We have had rain and Globe and the Superstitions have snow. KYLEE TOLDED ME It looks like it's going to be a nice day here.I AM SO GLAD.. ITS BEEN GLOOMY WITH MY COMP GOING THROUGH A MENTAL BREAKDOWN How is the work going? Any thing that you can share with us. YA ITS GOING PRETTY GOOD...... BUT NOT A WHOLE LOT IS GETTING DONE WITH MY COMP BEING THE WAY HE IS. I AM TRYING TO WORK THINGS OUT.. BUT HES NOT WANTING TO .. THE ZLs (Zone Leaders) CAME OVER AND HE JUST TOLD THEM WHAT THEY WANTED TO HEAR. HE DOSENT WANT TO BE OBEDIANT.. PRESIDENT TOLD ME THAT ITS BETTER TO BE TRUSTED THAN TO BE LOVED... AND TO STICK TO THAT. We are still getting settled from the move and it never seems like we will get all the boxes emptied. We got thru another Blue and Gold and it went well, Had Brett and Spencer talk to the cubs about how their eagle will help prepare them for life ahead. How are things with the companion. WELL. BETTER.. BUT IM UNSURE UNTIL HE GETS A CALL FROM PRESIDENT Are there any new animal sightings, like snow leopards or snow shoe bunnies. YA THERE WAS A MAMOTH THAT CHARGED US GOING DOWN THE HILL. I HAD TO USE MY NINJA POWERS TO SUBDUE HIM UNTIL MY COMP COULD RIP OUT HIS HEART... WE HAD LOTS OF STEAK THAT NIGHT. How are you eating, still getting fed by the ward? EATING GOOD!! WARD IS FEEDING ME EVERY NIGHT. Is there anything that you need. UMM. I THINK A MASSAGE AND SPA TREATMENT WOULD BE GOOD. A BASEBALL BAT TO THE HEAD. I am keeping my eyes open for a uke lee is there any special request for type,color, or what ever makes it better. UMM. MY COMP HAS A "FLUKE" IT HAS A GOOD SOUND.. I DONT KNOW WHAT THE PRICES LOOK LIKE. MAYBEE YOU COULD GO LIKE HALF WITH GRAMA OR SOMETHING.. I WILL DEFINITLY KEEP IT LONG AFTER THE MISSION. I HAVE LEARED ALOT OF HYMNS ON IT.. AND KIDS HYMNS.. SO IF I EVER GET CALLED TO NUSERY I KNOW WHAT TO DO HAHA. ARE YOU GUYS STILL IN THE CASTLEGATE WARD?? IF NOT WHERE YOU ARE??? AND HOWS THE JOB SEARCH COMMING. I TALKED TO BISIOP KELLY.. HE HAS A RELITIVE IN GILBERT WHO NEED TO FIND A TOURTISE ANEW HOME?? DID YOUR NO EATING OR POOP THING STICK??? (Dad says that nothing else is coming into this house if it eats or poops!) EWW I JUST USED POO AND STICK IN THE SAME SENTANCE, HAHAHA BECAUSE WHEN I GET MARRIED IM PRETTY SURE MY WIFE WILL EAT AND POOP..... (SKY-LAR!) Mom is getting a box ready to send out, you know the one that was going out for Valentines, yes it's still here but we will get it out this week. Have I told you that I dislike dogs and any thing that eats or poops. Yes the house rule is still in affect. WOW!! I DIDENT READ THIS BEFORE I TYPED THE ABOVE THING... WEIRD. Bro Howell talked about Prayer in Gosple doc. and said how his companion would pray with his planner and would pray for each of his prospects, stop and write down his feelings or impressions And move on to the next one. How often do we just not listen to what the spirit is telling us to do. I know I guilty of just running through the prayer and moving one with my day and not stopping to Hear the answer or even the prompting to go another way. What is happening in your area, is there any trail that you ward has had to endure? YA... JUST THE LACK OF FAITH IN THE MISSIONARY WORK.. BUT ITS UNDERSTANABLE BECAUSE THEY HAVE HAD ALLOT OF BAD MISSIONARIES. You know that sometimes it takes trials to turn people back to what they know they should be doing. I JUST READ A TALK ABOUT THAT BY RICHARD G SCOTT.. CALLED FAITH TRANSFORMING CHARACTER I like the saying that you have to beat steel to make it strong, so don't get discouraged when the lord tests the strength of your steel by making you use it. YA.. I HAVE AN ANALOGY FOR THAT TO,... I WILL SEND IT TO YOU.. ITS A LITTLE MORE IN DEPTH Hope that your getting beat around alittle but know that I'm always on you side, and I know that you will never be given trials that you can not get thru.(1 COR. 10:13)
Love you and am so proud of all your doing, Keep up the good work and the lord will bless your efforts.

LUVS!!!


Love Dad



March 7, 2011




Dad writes:
(Skylar replies)




Hi , how was your week?
VERY TRYING AHHA. TO SAY THE LEAST. I ALMOST HAD TO CALL FOR AN EMERGANCY TRANSFER. BUT MY COMP FINALY CAME AROUND.. I REALIZED I AM BECOMING MY MOTHER.. (hey wait just a minute! He says that like it's a bad thing) I HAD A GREAT FAST SUNDAY. AM DONE WITH MY FAITH PROJECT. FOUND A "FL-UKE" ONLINE. UMM..... GOT PUNCHED IN THE ARM BY A YOUNG WOMAN IN THE WARD(STILL NOT SURE WHY... BUT SIS ZELLER THOUHGT IS WAS FUNNY) I WAS THUROUGHLY CONFUSED.... FIGHTING OFF A COLD... YUP THATS ABOUT IT Is the weather warming up yet or is it still cold and wet?.COLD AND WET... BUT THE SUNS OUT TODAY.. I DONT EVEN KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT FOR THE WEATHER. How is the companion thing going are they going to let him stay on. YA HES STAYIN.. AND IT LOOKS LIKE WE ARE GOING TO BE TOGETHER ANOTHER 6 WEEKS UNTILL PRES DYCHES GOES HOME.. What about a transfer are you thinking that might happen? NADA.. I AM STAYIN PUT SO IS HE.. How is the work going any new leads. NOPE.. NOTHIN.. BONE DRY.. ITS TIME TO REEVALUATE
Still having Mamoth stakes or did the meat get old? NA THE MAMOTH MEAT LASTS PRETTY WELL. What's going on In your area of the world any new news to report or is it the same old thing. UMMM... NO OREGON IS BOREING.. PRES GOES HOME IN 6 WEEKS OR SO.. NO IDEA WHO THE NEW ONE IS. Are you feeling good? It seem like everyone here is sick. YA WE ARE ALL SICK TO.. What are you studying now? PERSONAL PROGRESS (this is a program for the young women ages 12 -18 in the church)... JESUS THE CHRIST AND THE bom (Book of Mormon) Are you able to write all the people you want to. UMM. FOR THE MOST PART.. NO GIRL MAIL. PROBABLY FOR THE BEST BUT STILL.. I AM A TERRIBLE LETTER WRITER. I DO GOOD AT QUESTIONEERS. I got a call from uncle Vaughn and he said he had got a letter for you. SWEET!! How are the prayers going do you feel like your getting the answers that you need. ALWYAS THE ANSWER THAT I NEED. NEVER THE ONE I WANT. BTW.. I THOUGHT ALLOT ABOUT PRAYER.. AND THE GIRLS NEED TO HEAR MOM PRAY.. IT IS A HUGHE IMPACT IN THEIR LIFES... AND I CANT LET GRANDKIDS GO TO GRAMAS IF SHE CANT BE A GOOD EXAMPLE. AHHA BUT SERIOUSLY (Dang...gonna miss those grandkids!) I hope that you Know that your Father in Heaven loves you and wants what's best for you and some times its to let you struggle abit. I know that from personal experience. Is there anything that you need, or are you still ok. What is you favorite food now. UMM. SHERBERT AND POT PIE.. Are you missing good Mexican food. YAA.. BUT I GET SOME EVERY NOW AND AGAIN What is the critter report? RACOONS DOIN THE NO- NO IN A TREE BY THE APT.... YUKKIE. WE THREW ROCKS AT THEM... I saw a grey fox at the top of the world and Grandma has Javalina in her back yard. The weather here is warming up and the weeds, well are growing like weeds. I think we might have it wrong, we might need to plant weeds, they are drought resistant, they don't freeze, and they really don't require much of anything to thrive. I LIKE IT.. Well I better stop my rant and let you go so you can have a PDay hope all is going well.
I love you and am praying for you.


Love Dad


SO WHATS UP WITH THE QUESTIONS I ASKED LAST WEEK... WARD INFO... I NEED THAT BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO FEED SOME MISIONARIES.. ELDER DONKIN IN THE SPANISH BRANCH. HIS FAMILY IS FEEDING ME SO YOU NEED TO DO THE SAME!! AND YOU NEED THE MISSIONARIES IN YOUR HOME ANYWAYS. THEY ARE GOOD FOR YOU.. SEE IF THEY NEED A RIDE TO TRANSFER MEETINGS OR SOMTHING.. I KNOW THAT HELPING THE MISSIONARIES BRINGS AMAZING BLESSINGS.


LOVES!!!!!!!!!!

Onnie writes:
(Skylar replies)

Dear Skylar,


How are you? How are things in OR? I hope you are well. After reading your email last week I was very worried about you. I have thought about you a ton this past week and have prayed for you so much. I hope this email finds you in a better place than last week. We love you so much and we are inspired by your faithful service. It hurts my heart to hear that things are rough for you. So here's some unsolicited advice from your OLD aunt (take it or leave it, but I felt inspired to share). Skylar, the Lord loves you and expects you to love Him in return by serving Him. This will not always be easy, but He promises us He will never give us more than we can handle and He will never leave us alone. It's us that do the leaving, not the Savior. He stands by us. I know you have had a significant amount of trouble with your comps, but I want to remind you that YOU can only change YOU. It's not your responsibility to change them--that responsibility is solely theirs. You can love them and encourage them, but that is all. True change comes when a person turns to Christ and allows Him to work in their lives. I would encourage you to be your best, and do everything you can to be a good missionary. Pray for your comps and love them. As you do what is right and as you are strong, they will follow your lead. Be a good leader and take them straight to the Savior. An example of this: My first year of college I had a roommate with different standards and a different lifestyle than me. She smoked and drank, and cussed like a sailor. But she was a good person and saw the good in everyone. It was hard for me to see her struggle as she made bad choices. We had several run-in's about her choices. But finally I decided to take care of me, and my salvation and let her work out her own salvation. I prayed for her and in front of her. I left notes letting her know I cared about her. And I always encouraged her to make good choices. She asked me about institute, and began coming with me to my meetings. She liked the way she felt there. She stopped drinking, and then asked to hear more about our church. She had the discussions, stopped smoking and made a huge change in her life--her heart changed too. She was never baptized, but I feel that she made changes for the good, and I felt that it was in-part, because I backed off and just did what I needed to do for me. Okay--that was long, I'm sorry. :) All is well here. The kids are good and Scott did well with his surgery. A few quick questions for you: What is the weather like today?
sunny and bright!!! When did you last change your sheets? i washed them last week Seen any critters up there lately? no just racoons doing the no-no in trees.... weird How many people are you teaching now? none they have all ben sick for the past 2 weeks Any fun plans today? no just chillen What are you reading now? Jesus the Christ and doing my personal progress. always the BOM Now a quote for you: "If we approach adversities wisely, our hardest times can be times of greatest growth, which in turn can lead toward times of greatest happiness." Joseph B. Wirthlin

Love you!

Take care and know we are PRAYING HARD for you!


Onnie

THANKS FOR ALL THE ADVICE


Skylar writes:

So. very interesting week... Me and Elder graham almost killed eachother in our misdt fo finding out how to change our missions. But lo, and Behold we have emerged victorious. We are more unified than ever and ready to be the best missionaries the ward has ever seen. We have changed the attitude in ward council. We have new and Progressing investigators. We have allot of failiure under our belts that will give us so much the advantage in the transfer to come. only 12 hours of tracting have taken place this week but i know that we can aply what we have leared to make this the best transfer the mission has ever seen. Yesterday is unacceptable and tommoro is achivable, but only if we apply what we have learned today. Elder graham is ready to be obediant and work hard with me as a celestrial missionary. Elder Gardener has been a big infuance on him for the good. I am Doing better than ever... I am seeking daily ways to be a better missionary and companion. I can see how the things that i am working on will benifit me for the eternities.



Onnie writes:

Hooray, he sounds so much better this week!



March 14, 2010

Dad writes: (Skylar replies)



Got your letter to the pres. and am seeing how that went, Did he get his transferee or are you still trying to work things out. You know the Lord put you two together so That you could learn from each other and that might have been the kind of people that you don't want to be around. Just remember that its not always easy but it is always worth the lessons you can learn from.
WE ARE STILL TOGETHER. WE HAD A BIG TALK WITH THE DISTRICT LEADER. ELDER HAS MADE IT CLEAR THAT HE IS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ANY DIFFERENTLY. SO I DID THE BEST THING THAT I COULD. I ATE A HUMBLE PIE WITH A BIG HELPING OF PATIANCE AND AM DOING THE BEST I CAN TO LOVE HIM ANYWAYS AND NOT LET IT INTERFEER WITH TEH WORK. I WILL GRIT MY TEETH AND BEAR IT.. LEARN PATIANCE AND ENDURANCE. I AM GOING TO LOVE UNCONDITIONALY . HES JUST HIGH MATINANCE.. LIKE A GIRL IN MOST WAYS.. How are you doing with the rest of the mission. Are you able to follow the prompting's and are you visiting anyone? I FEEL VERY GUIDED BY THE SPIRIT IN THE WORK. I AM DOING THE BEST I CAN TO SURENDUR TO THE LORD. ITS NOT SO MUCH THAT HE WANTS MY TIME AND TALENTS... HE WANTS ME... ALL OF ME. ALL MY THOUHGTS FEELINGS AND ACTIONS TO BE DIRECTED TO DO HIS WILL BECAUSE I LOVE HIM. How is the weather there, it is getting warm here? ITS WARMING UP. 60 ALL WEEK. LOTS OF RAIN. MY COAT IN NOT SUFFICIANT. A MISSIONARY GOING HOME IS SELLING ME HIS FOR CHEEP AT THE END OF THE 6 WEEKS. I WILL PROBABLY TAKE IT. I INHERETED SOME BIKE PARTS THAT I AM TRADING AROUND TO MISSIONARIES FOR CASH. SELLING PARTS FOR LIKE A BUCK A PIECE. LOVE HOW THINGS WORK OUT SOMETIME. AND LOVE TRADING FAVORS AND BARTERING. HAHA Did you have any problems with the waves that hit your area? NO.. IM NOT BY THE COAST BUT I HEAR IT WAS NOT TO BAD. (Tsunami warning was issued with the earthquake in Japan) The last days are getting here and the work your doing is even more important as it grows closer. MAYBE. I DONT KNOW HOW CLOSE WE ARE THOUGH. THERES ALLOT THAT HAS TO HAPPEN.. AND IDK IF I AM JUST AN IDIOT BUT THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES DONT BOTHER ME NONE. I KEEP MY COVANENTS AND AM VALIANT IN MY TESTIMONY. HAHA Do you know who your new Pres. Will be yet? NO CLUE What classes do you go to at church? I GO TO GOSPEL ESSENTIALS AND ELDERS QUORUM.. SOMETIMES. THERES USUALY STUFF WE ARE DOING FOR THE WARD.. LIKE FIXING A CLOCK IN THE CHAPEL.. OR JUST STOPPING BY CLASSES FOR REFERALS AND TO GET SOME FACE TIME WITH THE MEMBERS.. CHURCH IS ALL ABOUT FACETIME. THEY LIKE TO SEE US UP AND ABOUT. MEMBERS ROCK. THEY DO SO MUCH FOR US. YOU MENTION THAT YOU LIKE FRUIT SALAD AND YOU HAVE IT WAITING ON YOUR DOOR WHEN YOU GET HOME.. THE WARD SEEMS THANKFUL FOR HARDWORKING MISSIONARIES. Have you been getting ready for General conference? I am looking forward to it. I AM STOKED.. I STUDY CONFERANCE TALKS SO MUCH. We are all doing well here and things are looking better for Grandma, I think she is feeling much better. GOOD. SHE DESERVES IT. I GOT HER BOX.. THANKS How are you doing with your cloths, shoes and things. SHOES ARE GOOD. 5 BUCKS AT GOOD WILL... I ONLY WEAR MY NICE ONES ON NICE DAYS AND TO CHURCH. ITS NICE TO HAVE ONES TO BEAT UP AND NOT CARE.. I WOULD LOVE MORE CTR ATHLETIC FIT SHORT SLEVE SHIRTS.. POMAROYS SHOULD HAVE THEM TO SEND IF I REMEMBER RIGHT.. GS ARE GOOD. IF IN PACKAGES YOU SEND LIKE A PAIR EVERY MONTH OR SO I CAN JUST CIRCULATE.. BUT THATS NOT A PRESSING ISSUE. I CAN ALWAYS GET THEM. MEMBERS ALWAYS ASK IF WE NEED ANY WHEN THEY GO.. HAHA Is there anything that you need. You Know some day we WILL get this box sent of to you. IM NOT BUYING IT HAHAHAH How is the ward are they coming around? GOOD GOOD. THEY ARE KEEPING COMMITMENTS AND WORKING HARD. I LOVE THE WARD!!! How is Bo doing? HES DOING GOOD THINGS ARE REALLY TURNING AROUND FOR HIM.. They said that all the Missionaries in Japan are safe and accounted for., What a blessing with all that devastation. Any plans for today or are you just hanging? UMM. I AM GOING TO PLAY SOME GUITAR AT PORTLAND MUSIC. AND MY COMP IS WRITING LETTERS Do you feel like your growing. Not just around the middle? I FEEL LIKE I AM DOING ALL THAT I CAN.. I FEEL LIKE IM DOING MY BEST AND GROWING ALLOT.. ESPECIALY THREW THIS PERSOMAL PROGRESS. i AM ALMOST DONE. I JUST NEED TO DO SOME PROJECTS FOR IT. I HAVE LEARNED ALOT ABOUT WHAT I WANT IN A WIFE AND WHAT I EXPECT OUT OF MYSELF IN CORALATION. Is there any changes that you want to make, that you feel might help you with your mission? LOVE... AND COMPLETE FOCUS.. 100% OF THE TIME.. IVE NEVER MET A MISSIONARY TO ACHIVE IT. Do you Know the muffin man? UMMM...... I THINK WE ARE TEACHING HIM Are you still thinking that you want a uke, for your Bday? Are you going to be able to use it with the new Pres.? IDK.. STANDBY What are your Goals for the week. I am finding that if I set thing that I want to get done during the week I am alot more likely to get them done. WOW THERES ALOT. I WANT TO LOVE MY COMP.. AND RUN IN THE MORNINGS I finished the dressing room at the shop. Yea Go Me. Looks like I am going to start rambling so I will let you get to your day, Have a great week, Keep up the good work and I know that things will work out for you and your companion even if its not together.

Love you and am Proud of you,

Talk to you soon

Dad.

LOVE YOU GUYS SEE YOU LATER..



March 21, 2011


Dad writes: (Skylar replies)


How are you doing?
good!! i am realy feeling the spirit and doing allot of life changing thinking! What is the companion status? he is good.. no change but i am just loving him How is the weather? it is getting allot warmer What are your plans for the day? just tracting.. we took pday yesterday and went to omsi (local Science Center) and looked at some fun sience. Do you need anything.. vitemens would be nice.. but not essential. (Did it...) If you didn't get your package its because I still haven't mailed it My bad now. Today I promise. What are the prospects like any new ones? UMM NO ONE JUST TRYING TO GET THE SAME ONES PROGRESSING. Do you have any new scriptures that you like? um i am really likeing alma 5 right now What's the critter report? none right now The Howell's had there baby, It's a boy 8lb+ They named him Blake. All are fine. Ty Driggs got his eagle. Pack meeting this week. 2 litter bottle rockets. lil has given up on sleeping so I might have to kill her. JK As for your ? To how I now the church is true and what made me want to join, It wasn't that I knew right away. As a family on Sunday we would go to the lake at that time I loved it. I loved the family time, Steve and I would fish and explore, swim and catch anything that crawled. When we had the missionaries over and they taught the lessons we played ping pong after the lessons, good guys and fun to be around. But I really didn't know the church was true for a few years after my baptism. I loved how the church was all about family and The people were great but for me it was that we have a prophet on this earth and that I knew that A true father would not stop talking to his children and when other churches think that the bible is the Last time he said anything important enough to write down, I just couldn't buy that. The principles taught by the church might seem weird at times but If you have that ounce of faith talked about, they Will always bring you peace and happiness, and if you Belive in a father in heaven and think he loves you, then you know that his church would do just that. You learn the rest as you go along And at times you relearn what you knew or thought you knew. Step by Step we might not ever be perfect but if we are moving forward we will be happy and even in hard times we will look forward And look for joy in doing what we know to be right. That Is what I think, might be weird but it works for me and I know that if you have faith you will find what works for you too. Hope this helps, I know how hard it is to give up things you think love, but It's the good, better, best, thing it was fun to go to the lake, it was better to spend time with family, it's best To spend eternity with them. I love you Skylar and love that you questions remind me to think about why we are doing all of this. Have a good day and a great week and know I'm thinking about you.

Love Dad


Skylar writes:
Im glad to hear that all is going well.. I am doing this while my com is writing a email to his stake president. I dident see your email on monday. i am thinking allot about how I can maek my dreams come true and still do what i know i need to do.. I need to get married and have a family and be able to support them when i get home. But it is a dream i have always been trying to make come true of being a touring musitian... Me and bo bolth.. We want to make that happen.. i am just trying to figure out a way to make it all happen.. i know that it can. my blessing tells me that if i put the lord first I can accomplish all that i want in life. I know that it seems like a farfetched dream and a little juvinile but I am going to do all that i can to make it happen.. What are your thoughts?
HAve a good day!!!!!!!



March 28, 2011


Dad writes:


How was your week? We got your package and I gave Dallin the book and tie, we also gave Rocky, Bo's tie to put in the next box they send him. Thanks for the ties I wore the blue and pink to church yesterday, Kasey loved the dog and sleeps with it Kylee is unsure about wearing a tie. Kylee passed her driving test and is now a card careering member of the driving club. Pack meeting went well, I ended up building a duel launcher and it worked great. The pics and video were great we all loved them. Not sure why the email on Monday wasn't there, I sent it pretty early. You know you can still send a note even if you don't get one. We would love to here how things are going with your companion, the video looked like you were getting along good. The weather here is almost hot now, it still looked cold in your part of the world. I am going to the temple on Wednesday to work in the laundry, I think I'll go early and do a session. How are the prospects, any new ones? In response to your last email, I think that you can do anything you put your mind to. I would just follow the prompting and see where you end up. Do remember the story of the bush that wanted to be a tree, so he grew big and tall, and when the Gardener cut him back to a bush the he was disappointed Until the gardener explained that he just wanted a pretty bush, well I think that the lords will, will be done, and we should talk joy in how it all turns out. We are here to have joy, and he wants that for us so I know it will all work out, not without trials thou. Bonnie is wondering what's up!!! How is everything else going? Use this time to learn and grow, and all the other pieces will fall into place. I'll let you go so you can write to others.
Love you have a great week.


Dad


Skylar replies:


WEEK WAS GOOD.. I GUESS YOU CAUGHT ME JUST IN TIME.. ITS STILL COLD.. MY COMP IS DOING GOOD.. I AM JUST LOVING HIM. LEARNIG ALLOT ABOUT FORGINVING OTHERS AND MYSELF.. IT HELPS ME UNDERSTAND THE CONCEPT OF MERCY ALLOT BETTER. I AM GLAD TO SEE THE SCOUT PROGRAM DOING SO GOOD.. CAN YOU GET ME ROCKYS ADRESS.. I NEED TO WRITE THEM.. IM GLAD TO HEAR YOUR GOING TO THE TEMPLE.. I WISH I COULD GO MORE.. THERE IS SO MUCH ON MY MIND.. TRYING NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT THOUGH... I HOPE ALL IS WELL. HOW THE JOB SEARCH?? THANX FOR SENDING THE CD.. IT IS SERCULATING AROUND... AND WE ARE GETTING MORE MEMBERS HAVING US OVER AND GIVING US REFERALS.. AND I AM GETTING A LITTLE OREGON FANBASE GOING... MAYBE IT WILL MAKE THINGS BETTER AFTER THE MISSION... I AM HAVING SO MUCH FUN WITH THE WORK.. I CANT BELIVE THAT ITS BEEN ALMOST A YEAR.

LOVES!!



Onnie writes:


Hey Skylar,


We got your letter--thanks for writing to us. I'm so sorry to hear you have had such a hard time with your comp. But glad to hear you are doing your best to rise above and make the most of your mission anyway. This is a great life lesson for you, Because no matter where you go in life you will find people who are hard to love, or who just can't/won't make the right choices, and as a follower of Christ you just have to rise above and let your light shine. So good for you! Keep up the good work. I know the Lord is pleased with you when you serve your best and love others completely! And good for you on working on Personal Progress. I found it to be a life changing program as I went through it as a leader (the PP program was much different when I was a YW). That program really separates the girls from the women--so make sure when you get home and start dating that it is one of the first questions you ask: "Do you have your Young Womanhood Recognition Award?" It's a mouthful so maybe you better start practicing now... Ha ha ha! :) Last week was a rough week here. Scott is working out of town a lot right now, and I was very sick--I spent all week in bed with what ended up being strep throat. It was miserable. The kids had small bouts of sickness as well, so I did my best to take care of them and myself and found myself truly humbled and very grateful that I am not a single mom.
Well here are a few questions if you are up to them: How many scriptures have you memorized now? IVE BEEN SLACKING IM ONLY AT LIKE 130... What are you wearing today? MY SKINNY JEANS AND MY DEVIL WEARS PRADA T-SHIRT What's the weather like? RAINY AND COLD... BUT ITS GETTING WARMER What did you have for dinner last night? UMM. TACO SOUP Who is your favorite aunt on your dad's side of the family? UMMM.. IDK.... OH YA ITS YOU!!! HAHA And here is a quote for you--it's awesome! “In your testimony and your choices lies the hope of the Church and of the generations who will follow your example.” ~Henry B Eyring
We love you!
Take care...
Onnie


April 4, 2011


(Skylar writes)



This week was Great!! I love conferance and I had allot of personal Questions answers as well as allot of needed chastizment... if thats even a word. We dident do allot of teaching this week. Elder Graham and myslef have been a little under the wether. We will do better this week. We taught Mariana on the doorstep. She was headed out but we caught her for 10 minuets or so. We also tought taylor who is getting baptized in a few weeks. I am so excited to see cassies family come together. I feel so conected to that family. It makes any hardship worth wile to see a family brought together. Elder Graham is doing good. No complaints. I think he is trying really hard to apply things from conferance.. He works hard and has a great heart. I have found that you find what you are looking for in a companion.And if you want it to work it is just like marigge.. you need to both be willing to do what it takes and sometimes one of you needs to eat the himble pie. I have learned so much about love patiance and humility this transfer.. I feel like i can never have a problem with a companion again. As long as i love them and motivate them and be an example for them I feel the spirit and all goes smoothly..
Dad writes: (Skylar replies) How was your week? How are you doing with your companion? Is the weather still wet there or is it warming up? IT IS GETTING WARMER.. NO MORE COATS AFTER CONFERANCE.. JUST THE SHELL TO KEEP ME DRY. How was conference, I think Pres Uctchdorf rules, I loved his talk at the priesthood session and on Sunday. IT WAS SO GREAT!! IT GAVE ME ALLOT TO THINK ABOUT!! I LOVE THAT YOU TOLD ME THE BUSH STORY BEFORE!! BUT YOU LEFT OUT THE BEST PART.. "I LOVED YOU ENOUGH TO CUT YOU DOWN" BUT ITS OK I LOVED IT AND IT HELPED ME ALLOT What was your favorite talk? UMM.. I THINK ITS A TOSS UP BETTWEEN THE ETERNAL MARRIGGE.. LIVING BELOW OR PRIVLAGE AND TO DO OR TO BE. i NOTICED A THEME ABOUT PRIESTHOOD RESPONSABILITY. AND IT SEEMED TO ME THAT THERE IS SOMTHING REALLY BIG THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS.. NOT TO SCARE YOU.. BUT ITS SEEMED TO ME LIKE THERE WAS SOMTHING DIFFERENT.. SOMTHING THEY KNEW BUT COULDENT SAY.. THEY ONLY SAID AS MUCH AS THE SPIRIT WOULD LET THEM SAY. How are you doing with the prospects? NOTHIN'' AND ITS GETTING FRUSTERATING When are transferees again, Do you think that they will move you on. I HOPE SO.. I AM READY.. I FEEL LIKE I AM BEHIND A PACE CAR FIR MY MISSION PROGRESSION I spent the day on Wednesday at the Temple, It was great to stop worrieing about the shop,house and all the worldly things for even a short time. I THINK YOU AND MOM NEED TO GO EVERY MONTH.. I KNOW MOM DOSENT LIKE IT.. BUT..... FRANKLY.... I DONT CARE.. (WITH LOVE) ESPECIALY WITH THE WORLD BECOMING THE WAY IT IS THE BLESSINGS OF THE TEMPLE WILL MAKE OR BREAK OUR FAMILY.. YOU WILL NEVER KNOW WHAT A BLESSING IT IS UNTIL YOU CANT GO.. I HATE THE FACT THAT EVEN THOUGH IT IS A NEW YEAR I WILL ONLY GO 3 MORE TIMES... MAX!! THAT IS NOT ENOUGH.. TAKE 3 HOURS AND GO.. IT IS MORE IPORTANT THAN WHATEVER ELSE YOU CAN DO.. GET A RELATIONSIP WITH THE MISSIONARIES IN THE WARD.. FEED THEM.. LET THEM LEAVE THE HOME WITH A PRAYER.. GIVE THEM PEOPLE TO TEACH.. i LEARNED SOMTHING THIS WEEK ABOUT MY CALLING AND THAT IS MY ATHORITY TO PROMISE BLESSINGS ON BEHALF OF THE LORD.. AND SO I PROMOISE YOU THAT AS YOU STRIVE TO DO THE THINGS LISTED ABOVE.. AS WELL AS APPLY THE THINGS YOU LEARNED IN CONFERANCE.. THAT YOU WILL FIND A JOB.. YOUR STESS WILL BE LIFTED.. YOUR CONCERS FOR THE SPIRITUAL AND TEMPORAL SAFTY FOR YOUR DAUGHTERS REPLACED WILL AN ASSURANCE THAT THEY ARE FROM FOLLOWING YOU RITIOUS EXAMPLE PREPARED TO MAKE DECISIONS THAT WILL AFFECT THERE ETERNAL PROGRESSION.. I PROMISE YOU THAT A AN ORDAINED MINISTER OR OR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.. Is there anything else that your are looking for or need.I HAVE EVERYTHING THAT I NEED.. What is the animal report. We have gophers, but Kasey is getting good at trapping them so we are keeping them under control for now. I WILL SEND YOU A PIX OF A DEAD NUTRIA I FOUND Our Internet is bad right now so I hope this will send out to you. What are your plans for the day. GUITAR CENTER.. AND THE MALL.. AND GOOD WILL. Mom and I are going to the apparel show to order so new product for the store. It's doing better each month so keep us in your prayers. The dogs are good and so are the reptiles. Kylee is driving to school now and I am getting grayer. All and All I would say we are very blessed. Pinewood derby this weekend so I better get going on the trophy's.
Love you have a great week, I'll try to get a box started this week with some pic's and snacks , anything your craving.
PURPLE SKITTLES!!!


Love you,

Dad



Onnie writes:
(Skylar replies)


Hey Elder!


How are ya? How are things in OR? I hope you are well and that you've had a great week. Things here are going good. Scott was out of town most of last week. I'm happy to report your cousins survived and so did I! The weekend was great. Conference was amazing. I'm always so grateful and so ready for conference weekend. I went into the weekend with many questions, and hopes that I would receive inspiration about some difficulties I have been having, and as always, I was not disappointed. The Lord is so wonderful. He truly does know us, love us and does answer our prayers. I hope you enjoyed conference as well! So here are some questions for you: How are things going with your comp?
IM JUST FOCUSING ON LOVING HIM AND PATIANTLY WAITING.... Where did you watch conference? MOMBERS HOMES.. IT WAS ALLOT FUNNER THAN GOING TO THE CHURCH Did you get to watch all sessions?YES What was your favorite conference talk? UMMM. I REALLY LIKE TO BE OR NOT TO BE Do you get the Ensign magazine? YES BUT I ALWAYS HAVE TO TRACK DOWN A CONFERANCE COPY... THEY ARE IN HIGH DEMAND Who are you teaching now? NO ONE.. OUR POOL IS BONE DRY.. WE ARE JUST DOING ALLOT OF CONTACTING.. BUT WE STILL HAVE TAYLOR BUT SHE IS A CHILD OF RECORD. If you could meet President Monson and ask him any one question, what would it be?? I HAVE NO CLUE!!! I FEEL LIKE ASKINGING HIM ANYTHING WOULD JUST MAKE ME FEEL DUMB. I WOULD JUST LOVE TO FEEL THE SPIRIT AROUND HIM LOVE YOU GUYS!! Around conference I always miss my favorite past general authorities. Elder Wirthlin is my all-time favorite, so here is a great quote from him. This quote has always brought me so much peace. I used to keep it in the front of my scriptures for those days when life seemed too much to bear. "Because Jesus Christ suffered greatly, He understands our suffering. He understands our grief. . . . Sometimes the very moments that seem to overcome us with suffering are those that will ultimately suffer us to overcome." ~Joseph B. Wirthlin We love you. Please let us know if you need or want anything. We apprecaite your example of service and we feel the blessings of your faithfulness in our lives and home. Keep it up! Remember you are where you are supposed to be and you will be BLESSED more than you can imagine for your work in the kingdom.


Love ya tons and tons and tons!

Onnie



April 11, 2011


Dad writes:
(Skylar replies)

How are things going this week?
OK.. I MADE SOME BAD CHOICES THAT MADE THE WORK NOT GO SO GOOD.. i DECIDED I WAS DONE TRYING TO FORCE MY COMP TO WORK.. SO I DIDENT.. AND NOTHING GOT DONE.. BUT WE HAD A GOOD ZONE CONFERANCE.. i SOLD MY MISSIONARY MY BIKE.. HE WAS HAVING SOME TROUBLE FINDING ONE IN HIS PARENTS BUGET.. SO I SOLD HIM MINE AND HAVE ONE THAT I AM GOING TO BUY WITH THAT MONEY AND A LTTLE MORE THAT I HAVE FROM GRAMA AND FROM MY LEFT OVER FUNDS FROM MARCH MISSION STUFF. I FELT LIKE IT WAS A GOOD THING TO DO. IT TOOK ALLOT OF STRESS OFF HIM. AND I AM ON A LONER FROM THE MISSION RIGHT NOW. HE IS ENJOYING THE BANNANA BOAT. I FEEL GOOD ABOUT IT. We just finished pinewood derby this weekend an am glad to be done with the big events for awhile. It rained here on Friday and Saturday and it was nice. We even have snow on the Superstitions. WOW!!! I WISH IT DIDENT RAIN ALL THE TIME HERE How has the Weather there been? WARMER BUT WET!! What are your plans for today? NOTHING.. JUST WORK.. WE ARE GOING TO SKY HIGH ON WEDNESDAY.. FOR THE FINAL PDAY OF THE TRANSFER How is your companion? WELL...... HES GOOD I GUESS. STILL DOSENT WANT TO WORK. BUT IM LEARNING HOW TO LOVE.. AND TO BE STERN AND LOVEING AT THE SAME TIME When do you get your new Mission Pres? JULY.. HIS NAME IS PRESIDENT MOLBY FROM OGDEN UTAH We got your letter and hope that, it helps you put it all behind you now. I once had a Stake Pres tell me you need to forget it now, and not to even talk about it.GOOD ADVICE!! He said you can never help someone up from a level your not above, use it to show compassion and understanding and it will have served a useful purpose.YOU CANNOT CONVERT PAST YOUR OWN CONVERSION!! How are you feeling you said that you have been under the weather, is it a change of weather kind of thing? I GUESS BUT IM NOT SURE I AM FEELING A LITTLE BETTER NOW.. I HERE IT JUST KIND OF HAPPENS ON THE MISSION.. YOU JUST GET SICK AND TIARD AND THEN YOU EVENTUALY ONLY SUSTAIN YOURSELF BY THE SPIRIT Talked to Uncle Vaughn Said he sent you some $, did you get that? YES I DID!! AND I SENT HIM A THANK YOU He is 14 Months from retiring so you two are on about the same count down. HAHA. DO I ONLY HAVE THAT!!! WOW I FEEL OLD.. Dallin went thru the temple and his farewell is next week. He seems pretty excited about it.GOOD. I HOPE ALL GOES WELL How are things going with the ward and Bishop? WELL. MY COMP GOT YELLED AT FOR FLIRTING.. AND I NEED TO DO BETTER AT MAKEING SURE THAT THEY STAY AWAY FROM US.. THEY LOVE THE TAGS... Are you getting plenty of meals. YES.. IM NICE AND ROUND Have you thought about any thing for your Bday, It will be here sooner than you think, and as slow as I am about getting thing out we better start now. UMM. IM REALY NOT SURE.. IF I GET A UKE AND ITS APROVED I HAVE SOMEONE THAT WILL MAKE ME ONE FOR CHEAP.. IT SOUNDS LAME BUT MONEY IS PROABLY THE MOST USEFUL THING.. I DONT DO A WHOLE LOT OF WINDOW SHOPPING AND I USUALY WANT SOMETHING UNTIL I SEE IT ON A PDAY... BUT NOTHING PRESSING HAHA. I AM PRETTY GOOD TO GO. I HAVE A NICE HEFTY STOCK OF EMERGANCY MONEY. IM IN AN IF IN DOUBT DONT BUY IT MODE. I PLAN ON KEEPING THAT AFTER THE MISSION When is your next transferee. NEXT MONDAY I SHOULD BE IN A NEW AREA. Grandma ask how your doing? I WILL WRITE HER THIS WEEK.. BUT I AM GOODISH Onnie got your email but it didn't get there until Thursday so she was worried about you. I USUALY DROP HER A LINE DURING MY COMPS SECOND EMAIL TIME.. HE COMES DURING THE WEEK TO EMAIL.. SO I USUALY HIT HER UP AND DO MY MORMON. ORG REASERCH Do you Know about mothers day yet? It there a plan in the works? UMMM. OH YA THATS SOONISH.. I THOUGHT I JUST TALKED TO YOU GUYS.. WOW THAT WAS 4 1/2 MONTHSA AGO I would take a pic. Of a dead Nutria, mom said its gross.
Well I will let you go so you have time to have fun,
Love you have a great week,


Dad
LOVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!