Ribs, Bibs and "Stalking Santa"

Hi friends, well another beautiful Fall day in Provo Utah. I could live the Fall season year around. Our girl was able to go back to the Church sites with deaf investigators. She said it was so great and they got to attend a Temple session in ASL. Laura was is the American Sign Language Club while in high school, maybe some of it is coming back. They have had many spiritual experiences with the deaf investigators, one can see the Hand of Heavenly Father every where. There is another baptism on the horizon, lets pray for Kenneth. Laura describes Kenneth as a little oompa loompa Matt Damon look alike with the cutest laugh and smile. His Spirit is strong and he is ready. While at the E.B. Grandin Building everyone wanted pizza. There is a Pizzaria across the street. It was filled to the brim with Morman's, telling the Missionary's ' order whatever you want missionaries don't pay when menber's are around" , then a Bishop from Syracuse joined in and offered drinks and whatever else was wanted. The Missionary's were very full and very grateful for their generosity. The investigators were able to be a part of all of it and it was great. Then as the Relief Society General Broadcast was going on Laura last Saturday , Laura spotted Lisa Clark's mom singing and yelled out in the Chapel " That's my friend." We just get excited when we see our friends on National T.V. Then the"Stalking Santa Movie" became a hot topic. For those of you who don't know what "Stalking Santa" is, well... it is the Clark's movie they made about this zanny guy out to prove Santa is real. We love the movie and all family members got it for Christmas last year. Deseret Book sold it, I would suggest if you see it, grab it and have a wonderful family evening. So... once again... we are buying the heart-warming " Stalking Santa" for all the Missionary's and their families. The Clark's son Miles was my Sunbeam when they moved into our ward 5 years ago, he also is a STAR in the movie. We love the Clark's and the movie. ( a little plug). Laura is working hard, praying harder and getting the word out about Jesus Christ and his Gospel here on Earth. I am so grateful for her growth and her decision to serve. I play the "Called to Serve" CD 24/7 at home, it invites the Spirit... as music does, and reminds me hourly what my daughter is doing. How proud I am of her choices and keeping her oil lamp full and staying worthy to be a represenative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am humbled by her and all who dedicate their time and energy to be a Missionary. My sister Mary told Laura a little secret when she got her mission call. Auntie St. Mary said to Laura" You know what Laura? missions are really hard work, but what they don't tell you is that, its fun too". By reading Laura's letters and seeing the pictures she sends home, I can see the sparkle in her eyes and she is having fun Aunt Mary, she is having fun. When you are living right you find true happiness. Thanks for your letters of support and those who sacrifice in Laura's behalf. Your encouragement to Laura and to me is much appreciated. Okay Bryn here we go...." Stay on the Right Side of the Light Side" Love to you all.
Missionary Mom Kathy

Flirt to Convert

Hey Friends, Whoa..... it's been a busy and hectic 2 weeks. I feel so guilty for not having a spare second to let you know the what's what with Laura. Bryn, I now know when your're not "horsing" around with Mitt Romney or decorating bungalows you engage in a bit of humor, mingled with the spiritual good works of my missionary while running to catching a plane. I feel especially lacking in my Mommy tales. Are you happy you can catch up ? Ya know I love ya dearly my Geisha Girl. On with the tales of Laura. I titled this post "flirt to convert", because that is a new phrase recently learned and practiced by little Lolo. One of their newest investigators is the young plumber who was sent to fix their toilet ( of all things). Well now we know it works, both the toilet and the catch phrase. I do believe the Sisters are on lesson #3. I can picture it now, 2 adorable Sister Missionary's sitting on the edge of the tub, while preaching the Gospel. Laura had another cute story. They were helping out in a retirement, old folks home, the cutest, tiniest, Jewish grandmother was in her walker... walking excitedly towards Laura. She had something fun to say and her walker couldn't move fast enough to talk to the "Red-haired one", Laura was flattered that this 95 year old grandma wanted to share a secret with her. Laura was thinking, "ahhhh the training with my Mom years ago in the old folks homes is coming through", then the Jewish Lady finally got to Lolo, out of breath, yet with a big smile on her face, told Laura a secret. "Guess what? she says, we have the SAME SHOES" Well at least we know Sister Missionary's are fashionable!!! On a sad note, the Sisters had a investigator pass away unexpectedly at age 32. I saw the pictures of Sister's Burns and Evans crying with mascera running down Sister Evans face. If it wasn't so tragic, it could be funny. Someday when they are home and look back on their mission pictures and come across that one, there will be once more laughter mixed with tears. Having the knowledge of Heavenly Father's plan brings so much comfort when tragic death happens. Maybe it actually makes the Missionary's work even harder to spread the Gospel to everyone so they will find comfort in times of trials. Also our friends Christopher and Lisa Clark's sister and husband were in a plane crash in Mesa AZ. Aug. 16, both are in an AZ. hospital with years of extensive surgeries ahead. Stephanie( Clark Nielson) wrote the blog NieNie Dialogues about her life at home as a wife and mom. It is told that she had fans everywhere reading her daily life being a mommy and wifey. She has made a great impact on the lives of "readers" enjoying her life. What a wonderful missionary she is. People want what she has written about. Her love, joy, trials, about her everyday life have brought many to inquire about the Gospel. People in this troubled world are looking for some light, some brightness to help them along in their struggles and found her blog refreshing and happy. Please remember the Clark Family in your prayers, their medical bills are set in the millions. If you have a spare dollar or two every donation is much appreciated. I am so thankful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that Laura is serving a mission. She is working so hard in every way to bring people one step closer to eternal happiness. As exhaustion hits those serving at the end of the day , they must feel so full of gratitude for the blessing we all have. Also thank-you for the prayers said in Laura's and my behalf. My surgery went well and I am on the road to Rockin Provo when I fully recover. Always remember to Stay on the Right Side of the Light Side and be cheerful and grateful in all things. We thank-you for your friendship and support. Love to you all, Missionary Mommy , Little Roo, and cousin Ali too.

"Cradle of Restoration"

Hi Friends, Today as I think of my gratitude for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and for all I have to be thankful for. My happy heart is so full for all that is good, and all that is good comes from God. As Laura is serving so faithfully, she is experiencing miracles beyond our wildest dreams. Last week they had a Zone Conference at Hill Cumorah, THE Hill Cumorah, how wonderful is that? Then the Missionary's moved on to the E.B. Grandin building where the Book of Morman was first printed. Can you believe it, little LoLo was standing in the very spot of the first Prophet Joseph Smith, and the printing of the Book of Morman. Who would have thought!! It takes me back to when Laura received her mission call. She was on the phone to Grandma and Grandpa Cragun while reading her Called to Serve letter. When she read " you have been called to serve in the New York Rochester Mission," I could sense just a tiny bit of disappointment that she wasn't going overseas. With her brains, we thought for sure it would be Paris, Italy, Greece, Russia, somewhere as grand as her. Then, after the first letter from her Mission President Michael Hemmingway, stating she will be serving in the " Cradle of Restoration" we felt the Spirit so strongly we couldn't hardly speak. For we both knew it was a calling from God and that she would be where the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored. How grateful I am for where she was called to serve. I can only imagine walking on the same ground as Angels, witnesses, and Prophets. What an wonderful experience she is having. While at the E.B. Grandin building, she was "shopping" in a little gift area, and lo and behold, Laura spotted a familiar name...the name was Rand Packer, our dear friend in Provo. There were Missionary magnets that he created to inspire people. The Packer's gave her a set of these magnets when they heard of her calling. What a blessing to have such humble and wonderful friends. Laura must have been beaming telling all the other Missionary's she was raised with Shalayne Packer and how much we love and adore their family. Shirlee Packer is the sweetest example of what we should strive to be as Mother's in Zion. It seems like every letter I receive there are blessings abounding and miracles happening. We are so grateful for the Missionary program and that Laura is serving, sacrificing and learning each and everyday. President Hemmingway shared with the Missionary's a verse he wrote with the "Called to Serve" tune. It is beautiful and I would love to share it with you, but am waiting for permission. Laura said it was most inspiring and beautiful. Another blessing in our lives are President and Sister Hemmingway. They are watching out and teaching our Laura with the Spirit of God.
Next just a quick note on Sister Evans , Lolo's new comp. All is well, All is well. I am grateful for her and how easily they " mesh" . Laura was able to see Sis. Ure at the Zone Conference, a friendship forever. Sister Ure snuck Laura's planner and wrote messages on each page.so cute.!! Also..Lo asked for some perfume, which surprised me, and a cute shirt for P-Day. Hmmm what is that red haired girl up too? All is well, all is well.:) I just got back from Stake Conference, President Unchdorf spoke about Missionary work, I was so proud I think I could have lit up the whole building I was beaming so bright. I was also lucky to sit by handsome David Kader a long time friend who has just returned from a summer in Jerusalem. Laura serving a mission is the greatest blessing in my life, I have said before that when people find out Laura is serving a mission, often it is said, that since my only child and best friend is serving the Lord, the blessings will come pouring in buckets. I have felt many times the blessings of Laura serving are in fact recognizing the blessings we already have. How grateful I am today for all blessings we receive and for our eternal families and friends. Take care this week, we love you all and thank-you all for your friendship, letters and sacrifices you have given to us. And also a special thank-you to Bryn and Linda Arnell and Debbie Kellogg who have sent Laura so many encouraging letters while she is in the "Cradle of Restoration" Love to you, Missionary Mommy, little Roo and cousin Ali too.