July 6, 2014

Hey Sweetie:

How are you?  I hope you are enjoying you mission so far!  It was so nice to get to talk to you when you left.    It was also AWESOME that the Bishop in your ward sent me a picture of you and your companion and told me where you are.   Your Aunt Cindy is real excited.  I guess her in-laws (the Landeens) are in your ward.  I hope your Bishop understands that we are not like my sister…oh well!

We had a fun vacation.  It got a little long though.  We spent the weekend at Grandma and Grandpa Porter’s.  They kept telling us how much they enjoyed picking you up and taking you to the MTC.    They felt that you are so ready to be on a mission.  They are so proud of you.  Did quite a bit of bragging.  Gpa donated to your mission…$2000.00.  You may want to make sure you send them a letter.  Do you need their address?  You don’t need to mention the amount he donated.  I just thought you would want to know.  I think they would just appreciate that you wrote to them.

Do you need me to send you some white socks? Or are you going to go buy some?  Just let me know.  I can always order them from Amazon and have them 2 day aired to your apartment…or to Cindy’s in-laws.  Up to you.  Let me know if you need/want anything else J

I know that Cindy is going to try to see you.  She has been having a real hard time with missing family.  I wonder if you weren’t sent there for her. J  You never know.  FYI…she was going to try to arrange to feed you and your companion lunch at her in-laws.  She is actually in your stake.    I hope that is alright…if not, tell Sister Landeen that you would rather not see her.  I don’t know if she is going to church regularly, she lives on the outskirts of her ward and doesn’t have a lot of interaction.  Then she has IDIOT children who are so mean to her (just my opinion).

So, back to our trip…So Monday, we left Gpa and Gma’s house and went back to Provo.  We met up with our mission president.  Not sure if dad told you, but I will tell you again if he did.  He and his wife have gotten REAL OLD!  He had a stroke so the whole right side of his body is sort of dead.  His wife has osteoporosis real bad…she is hunchbacked and has to wear a brace to support her.  She looks so frail!  They were real excited to see us.  Poor Tiffany was NOT a happy camper.  She thought that we should have left SOONER!  She kept telling me that we should go…but President kept talking to us.  She got so upset that we didn’t leave that she ended up in tears (really upset me).  We weren’t there for even an hour.  I doubt that I will ever see them again in this life!  Oh well, such is life!  I guess you can say that she was “bored to tears”.  We had dinner at the Spaghetti factory and then went back to Kaylas.

Tuesday, we went to the Life science museum at BYU.  It was fun…until David and Kim with their 2 little ones showed up.  Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE family, but I really don’t want to have to watch 2 little kids!  I already did that…ha,ha.  We saw the art museum there, but weren’t impressed.  Wednesday, we went up Provo canyon…then on to Heber City.  We ended up with an AWESOME shake there…when we got back down,  we went to a movie…we saw Maleficent.  It was AWESOME!! It is better than Sleeping Beauty.  It is definitely one to put on your list of things to see!

Thursday we went into Provo for their carnival…it was disappointing!!  Then we had dinner at Dave and Kim’s.   It was weird because none of us really enjoyed ourselves!  On our way home, we went and got fireworks.  It was a buy one get one free…so when we got back to Kayla’s, we lit off one of the packages.  Tiffany thought it was awesome…she had never done that before!  Friday, we went and saw the parade in Provo.  Tiffany was NOT happy…too many people.  I think she talked herself into being miserable.  It really upset me.  Then I got grumpy and it wore off on dad…then we were all grumpy.   (NOT a good situation)

Later, we went to the Powells (Tim and Jessica were flown in for the weekend).  We got to swim and hang out with them.  It was real fun.    We had a BBQ and then swam some more.  Then we watched fireworks (they were crazy good)  and Tim and his brothers lit off their fireworks and ours.  It was real nice.  It was fun to see Tim and Jessica.  It was hard leaving them though.

We drove home Saturday…Oh my goodness that is a LOOOOOOOOOOONG drive!  We are now home and ready to start the new week!

Well, I have rattled on and I need to write to Ryan still…I may copy parts of this letter (is that cheating?) 

Always remember who you are!  Mind your p’s and q’s!  Be strictly obedient!  Work as hard as you play, and play as hard as you work.  Know that I love you beyond measure!

Love ALWAYS

Mom

July 13, 2014

Hello my sweet baby boy!

How are you?  I just want you to know that I am so proud of you!  I hope you are working hard and feeling the Spirit a lot!!

This week was a little slow—but I think that is good.  I am hoping next week will be also since I have several papers to write for my class (ugh!).  Monday, I got caught up in my class and started the take home test.  Since it is open book/open note, it is very difficult!!!  It takes FOREVER to finish.  In fact, I finished it Tuesday.  I missed 2 questions, which means I still got an A.  We are currently working on a group paper that has to do with a movie we watched and writing about the ethical issues in it (there were a lot!!!)  I am in charge of writing about the ethical principle of veracity which falls under the principle of fidelity.  It shouldn’t be too bad.  I always have trouble just starting.  I haven’t look to see what this week’s topic is that we will write on. (I plan on that after I write to you).

Tiffany went to pre-camp this week.  She left on Thursday in the morning and returned on Saturday.  I believe she had fun!  Wednesday night they did a gun safety class.  Then on Thursday, they all got to shoot the gun.  Tiffany really didn’t say anything about it—maybe she didn’t—I’ll have to ask her!  Ha,ha.  It was weird being alone at home on those couple of days.  I kept busy with g-pa though. Friday, I met Aunt Lori in Castlerock.  There was a quilting show.  I was not real excited about it, but ended up enjoying myself.  In fact, I am going to attempt to make a quilt myself.  I have already bought the material.  Hopefully it will be as easy as it appeared to be.  Ha,ha.

While we were in Utah, we went to the Springville Art Museum.  There was a piece of art that really hit me…

It is called Faith of a Mustard Seed.  If you notice, at the bottom of the rock, there is a seed.  If we have enough faith, we can do miracles!  That tiny seed was actually able to break the rock in order to make it through its trial.  Kind of like us…sometimes we feel as though we are being crushed.  If we try to deal with it on our own, we will fail.  But with Faith in the Lord (even a little bit—even just a desire) we can accomplish all that we need to!  I am not a big art fan, but this one seemed to speak to my soul.  I am not sure if I was allowed to take the picture, but I couldn’t resist since it was so powerful to me. (Let me know if you would like me to print up the picture for you and I will send it).  I know the picture really isn’t beautiful, but the message is!

I want you to know that I have a testimony of faith!  He has helped me through a lot in my life time.  I did some extra praying when you left on your mission.  Yes, I did cry at the airport, but as soon as we left, a calm spirit came over me.  I knew my boys would be alright and that they were where they are supposed to be.  To me this is a miracle.  I was so afraid that I would spiral down into a depression…but it didn’t happen.  (Actually, I think I will just mail this letter to you.  Will you send me your address?)  I know that Christ leads our church.  I know that the Book of Mormon truly is the word of God.  I know that my Heavenly Father loves me AND my children.  He is very much aware of us all!  I am so grateful that you were worthy enough to enter into the Temple and make sacred covenants and then go on a mission!  Your life will be greatly blessed for this time.  Remember, this is the only time where you will be serving the Lord full-time.  Make sure you utilize every moment of it!  Enjoy it! Learn from it!  I sure love you!!!

Always remember who you are!  Mind your p’s and q’s.  Be strictly obedient.  Play as hard as you work.  Know that I love you beyond measure and that I am proud of the person you have become. 

Love Always

Mom

July 20, 2014

Hey sweetie!

How’s it going?  How did your week go?  Did you get the other baptismal commitments that you talked about?   Are you getting along with your companion?  What is he like?

I am the most spoiled person in our family!  I know, you may think that others in the family are more spoiled…but it is not true!!!  Your sweet father bought me a new computer.  My computer would not hold a charge…it was very frustrating.  I could not take notes on it—it would die about an hour into the lecture.  Dad then bought me a tablet.  I hooked up a keyboard, but I could never really type on it…the keyboard was too small and I could not get the hang of using it.  It also lost it’s charge…it was so frustrating.  So, we went to “look” yesterday—and I came home with a MacBook Air—yep, I have an apple.  It is supposed to remain charged for about 9 hours.  We shall see!

It is an adjustment though.  Things are similar but different.  I am attempting to get acclamated before the semester begins.  Because I am able to get Microsoft office for the Mac through UCCS.  I have that…it is awesome!  As long as I have that, I don’t have to do too much adjusting.  I want to gradually move over to the apple word processing.  We shall see!  So far, it is working out pretty good.

Let’s see…what else to talk about.  I can’t remember what I wrote to you in my letter…hopefully you got the actual letter!  Did you like the photo album?  Ryan had asked for one, so I thought you would like one!

Tiffany went to a church dance last night.  It was the outdoor one that they do every year at the Liberty Building.  I think she really enjoyed herself!  She came home all smiles.  She danced basically with 2 guys!  She came home ALL smiles!!!  It was kind of cute!  I think she is really into boys!!  She actually put on makeup  and put a necklace and earrings on.  She looked smokin’ hot!  :)

OH, speaking of Tiffany….I think she is about ready to take her drivers test.  She has been doing real well.  The only thing I worry about is that she will get lost.  She has NO sense of direction…kind of like Jessica, ha,ha.  If you have time to write her for her solo experience that would be great!  You only have a week to get it to me.  I have to turn her letters in no later than Sunday…they would prefer earlier.  I think it would be nice…she really misses having siblings around.

I have hired Alex McManus to cut my trees.  The front tree needed trimming (he did that already).  Then there are trees in the back that need done.  Dad doesn’t have the time or inclination to do it, so he gets to.  He has really been working out.  I am surprised how buff he is.  He will be returning to New York (I think—somewhere back east) soon.  Ryan McManus graduated from the School of Mines.  He has a job in Denver.  He is dating some girl that used to be in bad (don’t remember who—looked on fb.  it is Rachael Scharp.  Anyhow, according to his mom, things are getting serious—may be a wedding in the near future.

I am healing real well!!!  I was actually able to mow and weed eat and trim the lawn on Friday…didn’t hurt my wrist at all.  My ankle is still sore, but that is life.  I have been walking every morning with Sheri McManus.  We are up to 3 miles a day.  My goal is to get 10,000 steps.  So far, I am doing pretty good.  How are your burpees?

Well, I don’t have a lot more to say—haven’t really done anything exciting!  I guess I am boring, ha,ha.  Well, always remember who you are.  Mind your p’s and q’s.  Be strictly obedient (remember tomorrow is always a new day!).  Work as hard as you play. Know that I love you beyond measure!!

Love, Mom

July 27, 2014

Hello my Sweet Baby Boy!

How are you?  I hope all is going well with you!  I also hope you had a good week!!!  It has been good here, just a little slow, or I should say, I have been procrastinating, ha,ha.  I am glad to hear that you and your companion were able to work out your differences.  Always remember to get things out in the open…the sooner you do it, the easier it will be!  Hate to say it, but that will not be the only time you have issues with companions—I have always told you that a mission prepares you for when you get married and have a spouse…so learn all you can from the companionship aspect!

So, this last week I worked on my final—I ended up with a 90% on it.  It frustrates me that I can’t seem to do good on the tests.  It is open book, open notes (just no working with other classmates).  I believe that they make them harder when it is open book/notes.  Oh well…no big deal right??  Ha,ha.  I also worked on my group paper.  That was really frustrating.  Everyone seemed to procrastinate (worse than me) and there were big areas in the paper that needed to be done (like the conclusion).  No one would offer to write it up, so I did my part of the paper, the conclusion, the reference page and the appendix.  Then when I asked everyone to please proof read…only 1 other person did that—there are 7 in our group.  Needless to say, I was NOT happy.  Then when I went to turn it in, there was NO link to do so.  I looked EVERYWHERE.  I even called the IT people.  They told me that the teacher didn’t put it in the assignment area.  She sent me an email telling me what was found and she said it would be good if I forwarded it to my professor.  In the mean time, I texted the teacher—she told me to just email it to her.  So, I finished it!  I emailed everyone in my group…do you think there would be even one thank you??? Nope!!  Rude people is all I have to say.    Oh…and I finished my last posting on the discussion board…so I am officially DONE with my on-line class.  Depending upon the grade we get on the group paper, I could either end up with an A or an A-…unless we TOTALLY bomb the paper!

Alex McManus and his dad came and finished cutting on the trees.  The one on the patio right next to the house, sort of makes me sad…we ended up taking out a huge branch because it was on the house…it has a hole in it now.  I don’t think anyone else would notice it, but I sure do!!!  Yesterday, Saturday, we rented a trailer and put all the branches in it and took it to a place that will recycle it.  If you bring can goods for Care and Share, it doesn’t cost anything.  After we dropped that off, we did our Saturday shopping…

So, on Monday, I returned my new computer.  I had a hard time adjusting to it.  An apple computer is just WEIRD!  I was told that it would take a little bit of time to get used to it.  Well, I don’t have time for a learning curve.  It also cost an awful lot for me to not be 100% happy with it.  I think it surprised your dad when I told him that I was returning it.  He asked if I wanted another computer to replace it.  I told him no.  It really isn’t necessary…in fact, I think this way is better.  I will keep doing my notes for class how I have always done them—I print out the PowerPoint’s and I take notes on them.  The more I thought about it, the more I worried that if I typed what the teacher was saying, I may not get it into my brain.  So, yep…I don’t have a new computer and I feel GREAT about it!

Also on Monday, I ended up going up to Littleton to meet with Lori and Jenni.  Lori guilted me into having lunch with her at the Melting Pot.  Supposedly, lunch is significantly cheaper than dinner.    What I did not know was that we all had to have the same thing because there is only 1 burner for the fondue pot.  Lori insisted on having the 4 course meal—it was the MOST expensive!!  It was good, but not FANTASTIC!  She also ordered the oil rather than the broth to cook our meat in.  Only problem was, that was an extra $6, which wouldn’t be so bad in and of itself, but when the meal starts at $35—it is A LOT!  By the time we were all done and we added in the tip, It cost me $45—JUST FOR ME!  WOW…your dad and I don’t usually spend that much when  we go out to eat for our date night!  Then it was a lunch…and that is supposed to be cheaper!  HUH!?!

We need some extra prayers in the family.  Well, Aunt Lori put off going to the heart Dr for a long time (as in years).  Then ended up doing a heart cath, where they go into an artery that goes straight to the heart and measure the pressure in the chambers.  They determined that she is in heart failure.  Dr said it was a good thing that she finally came in…if she hadn’t of, he said she would have been lucky to live 6-8 months.  Right now they are trying to get the extra fluid off of her lungs, heart, body, etc.  Then next month they will do another heart cath.  They need to begin treatment for her pulmonary hypertension, but as of right now, the congestive heart failure is the priority.  I’ll keep you posted.

Then, Grandpa got the results from his echo cardiogram (like an ultrasound of the heart).  He has been REALLY short of breath (worse than normal).  Evidently, the Aortic valve is severely blocked.  He sees his cardiologist in August, so we won’t know what their plan is until after that appt.  On Friday, he had a procedure done on his back where they put in a TENS unit…it sends electricity into the nerves to trick the brain into thinking it is not in pain.  This one is a “trial”  where they insert the wires directly into his spine.  He has it on for a week to see if it makes a difference.  If it does, in about a month, they will put him in the hospital and put it permanently into his back, then they tunnel under the skin and put the machine (not sure what else to call it) into his back.  I guess he will charge it while he sits against some charging unit.  Sounds kind of cool.  I really hope it works.  It is so hard to deal with pain!

Now that the fish tank is gone (YEAH!!!) I need to paint the living room.  I am hoping to be able to get that done this week while Tiffany is at girls camp.  Although, I probably need to clean your bedroom.  We had rain and the window didn’t get shut and the whole room really smells.  It also could have been Chipper—he may have gone in and thought a nice pee would be nice…Dad says the whole house smells like pee, so I guess I will just do some deep cleaning.  Then, if I have time or energy, paint the living room.  I guess I will have to crank the music and just GO!  J

Well, my love, I sure miss you.  I know that you are doing what you are supposed to be doing!  Always remember who you are!  Mind your p’s and q’s.  Remember that YOU are a child of God and He loves you!  Be strictly obedient.  Know that I love you beyond measure!  Keep up the good work!

Love, Mom

August 3, 2014

Hey My Sweet Son!

How are you?  I hope you are beginning to settle in to being a missionary.  I hope you are happy and finding people to teach!  I remember how hard it was at first…then I remember when we were not teaching many and had to really work to try to get someone…anyone!  They were frustrating times!  I still would never change those experiences!

I have debated whether to tell you or not, but I feel that I need to tell you.  Grandpa Bill is having open heart surgery on Thursday.  They will by-pass his heart (stop it from beating using a machine to keep the blood moving in his body).  They will then replace his aortic valve.  It is the last valve in the heart before all the blood goes to the rest of the body.  Basically, the valve opening is about 1 inch in diameter.  His is about the size of a pin head---you know just a couple of millimeters.  It is really weird listening to his heart.  It sounds like his heart has asthma.  It wheezes through the “lub-dub” sound.  I won’t lie, it is a bit scary!    I have also had a very strong feeling that if he is given the opportunity to go to the other side, he will take it.  Uncle Rick gave him a blessing today and promised that there would be many “surrounding him”.  Afterwards he told me that he had a strong feeling that my mom and others would be with him.  I am not sure if that means he will not make it, or if it means that they will help him through.  Honestly, I am okay with whatever happens.  We have spent last week going to Dr. appt and getting his Will in order.  I feel prepared  emotionally for whatever the Lord wants!  It is a great feeling to know that I can turn it over to the Lord.  If he doesn’t make it, do you want to know?  If you do, I will call your Mission President, and he will most likely tell you.  If you do not want to know, you will have no clue until you come home from your mission…your choice!

On to good news!  I hacked into your gmail and got the info needed to obtain your AP score….you got a 5!!!! Woo Hoo!  What a smart boy you are!!  Dad kept saying “Dang I have smart boys!!”  ha,ha.  Pretty awesome huh?

I got your room ALL cleaned!  I don’t think I have EVER seen it look this good!  Chipper sure enjoyed peeing on your things though!  I did get everything cleaned up.  We ended up putting a baby gate in your doorway to keep him from going in.  Your dad has to remember to close the door to his office or he will go in there.  I think that it is painful for him to go down the stairs…easier to find a convenient place lol.  We put a gate in TT’s door also…now Nala can’t get in to eat the “tootsie rolls” out of the cat box. 

We have been cleaning up the dining room.  That I where Gpa will come to recover when/if he leaves the hospital.  We are going to take down the table and put TT’s bed in there…then TT will sleep in your room.  AT least we are getting things cleaned…that is awesome!  I have even cleaned out the cupboards in the garage—we threw out all the expired food (there was a LOT!)  I am sure the trash man won’t like it tomorrow!

Well, say extra prayers for the family!  Know that I love you beyond measure.  I am proud of you!  Always remember who you are.  Mind your p’s and q’s. Be strictly obedient.  Work as hard as you play!  Always keep your head up!

Love Always!

Mom

August 3, 2014

Hey My Sweet Son!

How are you?  I hope you are beginning to settle in to being a missionary.  I hope you are happy and finding people to teach!  I remember how hard it was at first…then I remember when we were not teaching many and had to really work to try to get someone…anyone!  They were frustrating times!  I still would never change those experiences!

I have debated whether to tell you or not, but I feel that I need to tell you.  Grandpa Bill is having open heart surgery on Thursday.  They will by-pass his heart (stop it from beating using a machine to keep the blood moving in his body).  They will then replace his aortic valve.  It is the last valve in the heart before all the blood goes to the rest of the body.  Basically, the valve opening is about 1 inch in diameter.  His is about the size of a pin head---you know just a couple of millimeters.  It is really weird listening to his heart.  It sounds like his heart has asthma.  It wheezes through the “lub-dub” sound.  I won’t lie, it is a bit scary!    I have also had a very strong feeling that if he is given the opportunity to go to the other side, he will take it.  Uncle Rick gave him a blessing today and promised that there would be many “surrounding him”.  Afterwards he told me that he had a strong feeling that my mom and others would be with him.  I am not sure if that means he will not make it, or if it means that they will help him through.  Honestly, I am okay with whatever happens.  We have spent last week going to Dr. appt and getting his Will in order.  I feel prepared  emotionally for whatever the Lord wants!  It is a great feeling to know that I can turn it over to the Lord.  If he doesn’t make it, do you want to know?  If you do, I will call your Mission President, and he will most likely tell you.  If you do not want to know, you will have no clue until you come home from your mission…your choice!

On to good news!  I hacked into your gmail and got the info needed to obtain your AP score….you got a 5!!!! Woo Hoo!  What a smart boy you are!!  Dad kept saying “Dang I have smart boys!!”  ha,ha.  Pretty awesome huh?

I got your room ALL cleaned!  I don’t think I have EVER seen it look this good!  Chipper sure enjoyed peeing on your things though!  I did get everything cleaned up.  We ended up putting a baby gate in your doorway to keep him from going in.  Your dad has to remember to close the door to his office or he will go in there.  I think that it is painful for him to go down the stairs…easier to find a convenient place lol.  We put a gate in TT’s door also…now Nala can’t get in to eat the “tootsie rolls” out of the cat box. 

We have been cleaning up the dining room.  That I where Gpa will come to recover when/if he leaves the hospital.  We are going to take down the table and put TT’s bed in there…then TT will sleep in your room.  AT least we are getting things cleaned…that is awesome!  I have even cleaned out the cupboards in the garage—we threw out all the expired food (there was a LOT!)  I am sure the trash man won’t like it tomorrow!

Well, say extra prayers for the family!  Know that I love you beyond measure.  I am proud of you!  Always remember who you are.  Mind your p’s and q’s. Be strictly obedient.  Work as hard as you play!  Always keep your head up!

Love Always!

Mom

August 3, 2014

Hey My Sweet Son!

How are you?  I hope you are beginning to settle in to being a missionary.  I hope you are happy and finding people to teach!  I remember how hard it was at first…then I remember when we were not teaching many and had to really work to try to get someone…anyone!  They were frustrating times!  I still would never change those experiences!

I have debated whether to tell you or not, but I feel that I need to tell you.  Grandpa Bill is having open heart surgery on Thursday.  They will by-pass his heart (stop it from beating using a machine to keep the blood moving in his body).  They will then replace his aortic valve.  It is the last valve in the heart before all the blood goes to the rest of the body.  Basically, the valve opening is about 1 inch in diameter.  His is about the size of a pin head---you know just a couple of millimeters.  It is really weird listening to his heart.  It sounds like his heart has asthma.  It wheezes through the “lub-dub” sound.  I won’t lie, it is a bit scary!    I have also had a very strong feeling that if he is given the opportunity to go to the other side, he will take it.  Uncle Rick gave him a blessing today and promised that there would be many “surrounding him”.  Afterwards he told me that he had a strong feeling that my mom and others would be with him.  I am not sure if that means he will not make it, or if it means that they will help him through.  Honestly, I am okay with whatever happens.  We have spent last week going to Dr. appt and getting his Will in order.  I feel prepared  emotionally for whatever the Lord wants!  It is a great feeling to know that I can turn it over to the Lord.  If he doesn’t make it, do you want to know?  If you do, I will call your Mission President, and he will most likely tell you.  If you do not want to know, you will have no clue until you come home from your mission…your choice!

On to good news!  I hacked into your gmail and got the info needed to obtain your AP score….you got a 5!!!! Woo Hoo!  What a smart boy you are!!  Dad kept saying “Dang I have smart boys!!”  ha,ha.  Pretty awesome huh?

I got your room ALL cleaned!  I don’t think I have EVER seen it look this good!  Chipper sure enjoyed peeing on your things though!  I did get everything cleaned up.  We ended up putting a baby gate in your doorway to keep him from going in.  Your dad has to remember to close the door to his office or he will go in there.  I think that it is painful for him to go down the stairs…easier to find a convenient place lol.  We put a gate in TT’s door also…now Nala can’t get in to eat the “tootsie rolls” out of the cat box. 

We have been cleaning up the dining room.  That I where Gpa will come to recover when/if he leaves the hospital.  We are going to take down the table and put TT’s bed in there…then TT will sleep in your room.  AT least we are getting things cleaned…that is awesome!  I have even cleaned out the cupboards in the garage—we threw out all the expired food (there was a LOT!)  I am sure the trash man won’t like it tomorrow!

Well, say extra prayers for the family!  Know that I love you beyond measure.  I am proud of you!  Always remember who you are.  Mind your p’s and q’s. Be strictly obedient.  Work as hard as you play!  Always keep your head up!

Love Always!

Mom