"Hinks"

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE !!
I didn't know where to start for this past year has been chock full of BIG events. So I thought I would share a little personal story to end the year. President Gordon B. Hinckley was Laura and my most favorite Prophet. Maybe it was the way he said "Wonnderful ", or the way he challenged all of us to read and be excited about the BOM. Maybe it was the way he waved his cane to the people who loved him. I just wanted to pick him up and put him in my pocket. Whatever it was... President Hinckley made us all want to "Stand a Little Taller". We ...like most LDS members, felt the bittersweet sadness in our hearts when he passed on from this earth life. We were joyous for him to be reunited with his sweetheart, but how he is missed. The day of his funeral, it twas about 5 am and I had walked to the Provo Temple. I was sitting by the fountains and looking up at the gracefully waving Flag at half mass. The gentle falling of snowflakes had just begun, and I was missing my guy. Lolo called him...respectfully...".Hinks". I ever so softly heard my name...Kathy.... I perked up, sat alittle taller, I heard it again..Kathy....In my dramatic mind I was thinking " this is it... my personal inspiration" I stood up," Hinks is that you", cocking my head and waiting for some profound instructions on what to do. I heard my name again, this time there seemed to be a question mark at the end of Kathy. I turned and looked around...was anyone else hearing this, of course not, only the temple workers arrive that early. My bubble sorta popped when I heard my little neighbor calling out my name." Kathy, do you have on those gripper shoes"? I just had to giggle as I helped her up the slippery slope. Next big event. Laura and I going thru the temple together, as she was preparing for her Full-time LDS mission in Rochester New York.
I am proud to say I am following the footsteps of my great-great-grandmother, Martha Cragun , one of Utah's first children in the Salt lake Valley. She was driven to do as much temple work as she could. Martha was able to do many names for President Woodruff. I took that as a challenge to be like her. To have a desire to do the work. To date.. I have taken out endowments for 103 people. I have gone thru for women dating back to 1537 and some really cool Indian names, like Eating Bull, Tangled Hair, and Woman with pipe. I have a new OCD, and I love it. But my greatest day was another bittersweet moment. My daughter Laura packing her bags and walking thru the doors of the MTC. She was so calm, so positive, so ready, and possibly the most perfect daughter ever. We often thought 18 months... that's nothing, that's 18 fast Sunday's, it will fly by. I have never seen her braver. There was no time for tears and fond farewells. She had a mission to do, and by golly, "let's get this show on the road." You probably already know she was asked to give the closing prayer in front of 500 people. I was shaking in my boots, I just wanted to hold her, and love her up ( Debbie Kellogg saying), and hear her voice for 12 more hours. Okay... just 5 more hours, one hour, 15 minutes, please can I keep her? However, Laura is a warrior and a valiant missionary and she needed to go and to serve. How my heart is full, how my tears flow down my cheeks when I think of what she is doing in the service of our Lord. Laura is doing amazing work as a missionary. Her letters are inspiring, full of miracles and love. My best gift in this world is Laura, I could be living in a van down by the river and never feel lonely or in despair or poor. Laura is my miracle and the pounding of my heart is from her doing what is right, and being a worthy daughter of God to make this life decision. October 2009 will not come fast enough. But there is work to do and time is really quite short. I only wish I could film her every move and replay it day after day and beam with pride. My pledge to her and "Hinks" is to make both of them proud of me and for me to do my best at all times and " Stand a little Taller"
I pray for a "Wonnderful" year for each of you. I love you all, I appreciate you all. My heart of full of gratitude to our Savior Jesus Christ and the Atonement. Our Stake Presidency sent out a card this year and it states" And his name shall be called" Almighty...Beloved, Christ the Lord, Creator, Deliver, The Good Shepard, Eternal Father, Messiah...Mighty God...Prince of Peace, Son of God.... True and Living God.... and ending with Wonderful. May we all remember Jesus is the reason for this season. May we be happy...and grateful for all we have. Let's all try to make it a banner year, to be happy, to serve, and Stand a little Taller.
I shall write next year and in the in between time..."Stay on the Right side of the Light side"
and find comfort in knowing you are of great worth to our Heavenly Father and you are loved. Be safe, healthy and like our new Prophet... President Monson says " Enjoy the Journey"
Love and hugs to you, a Missionary mom, Kathy.

" What a Wonderful Life"

Good-morning my friends. I hope all your Christmases were bright and Santa brought you at least one thing you wished for. On Christmas Eve, I was watching the classic "What a Wonderful Life " with Jimmy Stewart. We were about 15 minutes from the end of the movie and I hear a knock at the door. I grab Nightmare in her cute pink sweater with pearls and head to the door.
Well there he was....No not Santa, but pretty close. O' Glade Hunsaker , Mr. tall dark and handsome was holding a tray. He said" this is from Ms Kristen, This is from Ms. Judy, and this is also from Ms. Judy and me." He asks if all is well and am I ready for Santa. As I closed the door, I thought " What a Wonderful Life" to have friends who stop by in a snow storm to deliver love and glad tidings. Friends who make sure you are doing okay alone after zipper neck surgery. Friends who check up on you twice a day to make sure you are breathing( Jilly), Young Womens who sneakily leave me gifts and hide it behind a broom on the porch. Friends and neighbors who move snow in the middle of the night. And how wonderful to have a worthy, beautiful daughter on a mission, serving with all her might and soul. How lucky we are to have our Savior Jesus Christ and the atonement . It is a wonderful world and we are so blessed. My Christmas was perfect. A yummy family traditional meal with the O'dell Miner family. Watching Grandpa Miner put on his grand children's Indiana Jones hat and play with the whip. His lovely wife Dorothy by his side and always a sweetie who beams with the light of Christ and has so much love for her family, the feeling is a memory for sure. Watching the boys Mason and Logan play with the toys Santa brought. Watching adults trying to " figure" these flashlights out. Oh.... it was a joyous day for all. Thank-you to everyone who invited me into their home to share traditions and stories. And also for D'Anna Ely for inviting me over for a beautiful turkey dinner and to meet all her family. I thank-you all from the Southwest, Northeast, North west, Southeast sides of my heart.( Did ya get that Jilly) You.... my friends are truly wonderful and I love you all.
It is a Wonderful Life, Happy Holidays
Love Kathy, the Zipper neck. Stay on the Right side of the Light side always. right Bryn.!!

Holiday Barbie/Bryn

Okay.... let me tell you about Bryn, Bryn-a-lyn- Bryn-a-san, Daughter #2, . Well ...why don't we just call her Mary Poppins, because she is "Practically Perfect in every Way" Yep, yep there is only one person with as much energy, ambition, motivation, STORIES, and kind heart as my Brynny. Many years ago, when I was a high powered office manager. We needed a nice girl, someone who would be a team player, work hard and laugh. The day Bryn walked thru the french doors at Dr. Hunsaker's dental office, I knew I found my girl. All decked out in red and khaki , her little blond bob neatly coiffed and just as polite as a well trained debutante. I asked her a few questions, and zippy-do-da... decision made, we had found our girl. Little did I know at the time, it would be a friendship of a lifetime, with more laughter and more stories. This girl has some narly stories. Come on Bryn , she is so modest. Who else rides horses with MITT ROMMEY?, or charmed Dennis Rodman to pose for a picture at his restaurant. " Ahhh come on Dennis... one little pic", Or even better... who gets to part-tay with Governor Huntsman, at the manse no less. If there is a will there's a way, she can do anything. As I was lying in my Hospital bed at the 5 star Huntsman Chateau, the door creaks open, and I see this bright cheerful, almost bewitching smile. "Hi Kathy, " Bryn says as she slowly sashays in the room. Oh my... is it the morphine or did Holiday Barbie just walk in the room. A festive red blazer with a holiday brooch. Yep, that's my girl. I looked like a cat run over and dragged 15 miles thru dirt,snow, blood and left for dead. Bryn on the other hand, couldn't have looked more lovely, bright and festive. How does she do it? We chatted for awhile, she sat patiently while I begged the nurse for more pain meds (refused), she gave me sympathy when they misplaced my clothes ( most importantly my tooth), and was so excited to learn I got to order anything I wanted from the menu. " Oh... Bryn says," they have the best food here, it is unbelievable" I'm like " Come on, lets get mad, no drugs, no tooth, and no food yet and it's 12:00. Bryn patiently sits and has a nice comment to say about everything. Flashback to the dentist office. In Dr. Hunsaker's 10 years of practice, Bryn was the only employee to get her picture with him. Bryn convinced the car detailing guy to let her sit in Dr's red hummer and take a picture. Bryn introduced Dr. Hunsaker to Cafe Rio, and he would only order it if Bryn wanted it that day, the girl is magic. And I mean it ...honestly. We won't go into detail the day she gave her two week notice, planning on heading to Wash., DC. to intern in a law office. Heh...Heh.... our secret Bryn and I love you for it. If I haven't heard from Bryn for 10 days or so, I wonder..."is she building a school for orphans in Hati", is she climbing the Great Wall in China?, Is she eating roasted chicken with her fingers with my daughter in Hawaii?, Yes..Yes.. and Yes... Bryn knows everyone and loves everyone and never has a mean thing to say. My heart is full of the love I have for her and her sweet mother Linda. Each time they visit, I am left feeling better about life. They are amazing and marvelous. I am so blessed to have them in my life. I love the fact that Bryn made a commitment to donate money to Lolo's mission fund, she says, she believes in LDS missions and blessings received . Bryn's mission is in the sky's. Flying for a major airlines, she is close to God and I do believe they communicate when she is in the clouds. Bryn has a pure light so bright, no one or nothing can dim it. I love you Brynny. I hope the stories continue and I will come to the cottage and enjoy some R & R with you when I am well enough to drive. Have a Merry Christmas - Happy Holidays and thank you for all you have done for me and Lolo. I don't need to tell you, but here goes" Stay on the Right side of the Light side" I love ya missy and would do anything in my power for you. Take care and thanks for letting me write about you.
Love Mommy #2 ,Kathy, Zipper neck, or just plain Fancy Pants.

Proud Mommie

Hi Guys and Gals, I know I wrote a blog last night about my Jilly and I surely don't want to overload you all with my thoughts, but today I received a letter from MY Missionary Daughter.
Wow, Wow, Wow, You would all be so proud at her accomplishments in New York. I am in awe of her. Laura has the ability to touch so many people. Every investigator she has taught, prayed for guidance over on how best to reach these people had made baptism dates. They had a missionary Christmas party yesterday and they met up with everyone ever served with, the news back to our Lolo was that people she taught are making the choice to be baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints. I am sure she was in tears. She is making a difference, and bringing people to the Gospel. I was reading a talk by M. Russell Ballard " Daughters of God" and there was a part I loved so much I wanted to share it with all of you.
"There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. the choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be "full-time moms"', at least during the most formative years of their children's lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part-or full-time: some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else" I loved that part. God knows all our challenges, skills, talents and abilities and he trusts us with his most precious children. We as Mothers in Zion need to WANT to put our family first. To fight for them, to teach them correct principles, to set examples of purity and goodness. To make our homes a safe haven from the world. We are held accountable for what we teach God's children. Whoa !! That alone should keep us on our toes. Laura was a strong and valiant Spirit in the pre-Earth life, she listened to the lessons there, she made promises with the Father to return to Him with honor, she will not falter, her head is held high in the face of the adversary. Laura has such a gift of discerment, many times she told me what certain things meant. I was lost looking at the trees and she was like MOM...MOM... get your head out of the trees and listen to what I am saying. Then she would say something profound and I would again be shaking my head. Who is this girl, and how does she know so much? We are all born with the light of Christ, some let their light dim, others strive to keep the glow bright. I like to think of Laura as a beacon of light, helping everyone to be in tuned with the Spirit. Her actions and decisions have blessed me beyond words. In two days I will get to talk to her on Christmas Day. My heart pounds really...really hard when I think about it. What news will she have to tell me, I know one thing... it's not about presents under the tree. Laura will talk of the strong Spirits of the investigators and how she KNOWS they will be baptized. Laura will talk of the pure love of Jesus Christ, Laura will talk of the love she has for everyone in the mission field, but best of all Laura will talk to me.... her Mommy and I will hear her voice say " I love and miss you" . That will be my greatest Christmas gift this year. Just to hear her voice and the sweet spirit she brings into our home. Of course I am hoping a little Roo voice sneaks in there.
Thank-you everyone for the letters of encouragement to our Laura, the secret money sent to the Bishop to help out. We appreciate all you have done and wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. PS. Lolo's Christmas cards got lost in the mail, so don't be surprised if you get them later in the year. Remember to stay of the "Right Side of the Light Side", love to you all, Kathy...aka Zipper neck a missionary Mommy

Mommy Jilly

Hi Friends, I hope you are all surviving the holiday season. The snow in Utah is unbelievable. Today, Lolo didn't email me, cuz of the planned Christmas day telly conversation. I have chosen to write about a few of my friends who I love dearly. I will start with Jilly Miner McCloud. Jilly and I met when Lolo was in elementary school at Edgemont in Provo. Jilly worked with the disabled children, mainly down children. She always impressed me with her love and patience for the children. Jilly called them " my kids", I always felt super cool hanging with Jill, she was the happening gal of Edgemont. Fast forward 10 years. We meet again when our wards combined and she called me to be in Young Women's. If ever sad or down, she can snap you out of it with a single sarcastic word. One of my all time favorites is " the whistle before the train"? To watch Jilly with her boys, all 3 of them is a joy and warms the heart. The young- ins Logan and Mason, and the stud daddy Joe. I asked Joe if I could be wife #4. He is a popular guy, there are 3 ahead of me. I woke up one morning to see Joe shoveling my backyard snow. How cool is he? and he is as funny as he is cool. Jilly's mom and dad invited me up to their "casa" for Thanksgiving, a feast for sure, and I gladly accepted the Christmas invite. Jilly and I have so much fun driving up to Camp Shalom to visit the girls at camp. We laugh the whole way. My favorite story with Jilly is when we pulled into a convenience store to grab a goodie. We stopped at the ice cream counter, I asked the ice cream parlor boy about sanitary conditions, he said it was clean. After I had my ice cream cone in hand and went to pay, Jilly was left on her own. I do believe she mentioned something about cleaning the ice cream scoop, he then proceeded to dip the spoon in water and then wipe it on his jeans with the other germs of the day. There.... all clean. What a riot. After my nurse maids Charlene and Allison headed back to California, they put me in Jilly's care. I had to check in morning and night, when I didn't show up for church on Sunday, she was in a panic and at my door. What a friend.!! So I wanted to let all my friends know how much I love and appreciate Jill's love , support, friendship and motherly care. I am so blessed to have her as my friend and I will be forever grateful for her kindness and taking care of me while in recovery. I love ya Jilly and thank-you for everything. Your partner in crime, Kathy

Proud Mama

Read it" Me trying to sound Hi guys, It's 2:30 in the am and I can't sleep. I guess its because Laura read me the talk she has to present in Sacrament meeting for the X-mas program. I just can hardly believe it. She is a true missionary and so inspiring. The words coming out of her mouth are like some female apostle, or something. Laura has always been very sensitive, some have called her" over sensitive," but is there really such a thing? When Lolo was just a small babe, toddler if you will and we would go shopping for cards at Hallmark, she made me read every card to make sure they said what she really wanted it to say. Me" Ohhhh.... this picture is pretty and it's only $ 1.25, lets get it" Lolo enthusiastic cuz time was running out. Lolo " nope its not right", she would persuade me to read for what seems like hours to get the perfect card. Words have always meant so much, and she can tell a flake a mile away, so don't try to fool her, she's got your number. After listening to her talk, she had permission to talk, as she was checking up on me. Her talk made me think of things I love and things that make me sad. I will tell a few.
1. I love the smell of Christmas
2. I love the excitment in children's eyes at Christmas
3. I love my daughter, who God has trusted in me to teach and nurture.
4. I love the way she talks like our barking nightmare dog Litlte Roo
5. I love how Lolo likes to cuddle and spoon and how she places her head between my shoulder blades and heals me.
6. I love Temples and the work that is done there.
7. I love that I have gone 98 times this year and my first was with Laura.
8. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that my daughter is sharing it's truth to who ever they can teach.
9. I love my family, young and old, dead and living, funny and boring.... because they are MY family and the treasured memories are worth more than gold.
10. I love my friends who watch out for me and truly care.
It could go on a couple pages, so I will stop. My next thought at this awful hour is: things that make me sad.
1. Picturing our Savior Jesus Christ on the cross.
2. Seeing children cry cuz they are hurt or scared.
3. Seeing grown people cry cuz they are hurt or scared
4. Throwing away memories
5. People refusing the Gospel
6. Seeing my family get old and frail.
7. Thinking about Prophet Joseph Smith in the Carthage Jail
8 Never getting to shake hands with President Gorden B. Hinkley " Hinks"
9. People never going to the Temple
10. Wasted time.
Once again I could go on. Laura has taught me so many things, and that was before she turned 3. tee hee. What a privilege it is to have her in my life. The distance isn't too bad, and I know we can be a family forever, she will always be there for me ,making me laugh, spooning in the afternoon, talking like Little Roo, and teaching and nurturing me. I am beaming that she was asked to speak in church on such a special day. A day to honor Jesus Christ. Laura's talk will be amazing, she will cry, laugh and she will touch hearts. So... now I am sleepy and need my beauty rest so I will leave you with those thoughts . Maybe when its a quite moment you will write down what you love and what makes you sad. Then think of our potential and be full of gratitude for the blessings we have been given. Hey...I am alive, and my neck was sliced open. what a miracle. Well maybe next time I will have a chance to tell you all about the coming up baptisms. Lets just say that every life she touches wants more of that she has to tell them. Just to be near her is a gift. Boy oh Boy do I love that girl. So nightly night, and I hope you slept tight. And as always " Stay on the Light side of the Right side" Love a missionary mommy,

Zipper Neck

Yep, yep folks, I am now an official, certified, organic lil' zipper neck. I can wear a strand of pearls for no reason, but to look cool. I can now say I was under the surgeons knife in the fanciest, most beautiful hospital in the world. It was totally 5 star. From the moment you park your car in the glassy window parking lot, to the soft knock-knocks at your door" room service" to the mints by your bed then the housekeepers come to empty your garbage. It was a riot, and I loved every minute of it. Well there was one minute I didn't enjoy. It goes like this. Nurse as she is poking at a blood clot," I just want to see what's under it" poke, poke, Me " NO, it hurts', Nurse: Oh ....let me must take a peek under that clot" pokke, poke, Me: NOOOO! swat hand away, kicking feet and thrashing around the bed with my sister Charlene and niece Allison watching. They could tell something was about to break loose and it wasn't those free peppermints. " Take cover folks she is about to blow" I sat straight up in the bed, held my hands up in the air, as if saying 10 Hail Mary's, and proceeded to quit breathing. Which in turn brought on more wheezing and weird noises. My brain heard them and thought, " what are those noises , and who is making them" This is a 5 Star Hospital ya know, all screamers lower floor please. And who is rubbing my back?? who is asking me questions about anxiety and panic disorder? No.... I am stable, it was my dad who threw the phone at the nurse at UCLA. I....am....perfectly.......calm, just don't touch me. After about 10 minutes of wheezing, sniveling, and a stranger danger back rub. I figured out those awful noises were me. Eggads..... Oh..my arms are still in the air!!!!, I hope they closed the door, did anyone see? how embarrassing.in a 5 Star Hospital. Well... that taught them, don't go poking around someones zipper neck when it hurts and is swollen. Like I said before, my stay was most interesting, next time I am going to bring my dog, and have a party, there is room for 5 to sleep there and showers, laundry, kitchens for all your friends. It will be most fun and eventful. Prognosis: I am recovering fine, actually went to the temple today, 97. ya ho. only 3 more to go. So this blog was about moi, but I have some fantastic news from Laura and I will write about her tomorrow. Remember to stay on the light side of the right side even in 5 Star Hospitals. Love and kisses, Kathy

Christmas wish list???

Merry Christmas almost .... to everyone. Is the Spirit of Christmas in the air? Is everyone excited for Santa and what he'll bring? Are we all giving to others something they can't live without? As I wrap Laura's Christmas gifts tonight, a big ole tear rolled down my hot little cheek. Hmmmm.... maybe it will be a lot harder than I thought. Then I said in a small whisper, barely loud enough for Roo to hear.....".i want you back.....i changed my mind.....i can't do Christmas alone....i need you."
As I am folding the corners of the paper and fluffing the bow, a moment of self pity swept by me like a firefly in the hot summer days, then as quickly as the tear came, it disappeared. My background music since Laura went on her mission has been Called to Serve. I have played it 24/7. Slowly the deep voices of the Motab start coming in. Called to Serve him heavenly King of glory, chosen heir to witness for his name, far and wide they tell the Father's story, far and wide their love proclaims. Onward ever, onward as we glory in his name. Forward pressing forward is the silent song we sing. God our strength will be press onward ever called to serve our King. Well, by now I'm dancing in the kitchen, singly loudly as all get out. In times like these, when we feel we can't go on, we must cast our burdens at his feet and trust in him. Our Loving Father in Heaven knows us and our children better than we do....what?? impossible, I know Lolo better than anyone. Wait a tic.... No I don't, the Master does, and the Master knows excatly what we need ..want,..should and shouldn't have. Have any of you been at the Temple and just sat and listened to the music? Music invites the Spirit, how blessed we are to be able to invite the Spirit in . And on the flip side...how easy it is for the Spirit to leave us alone to carry our burdens. Laura has told me so many spiritual experiences she has had in the mission field. It is fantastic, amazing, delightful and brings me great joy. Who am I do secretly wish her back into the arms of a mother hen, who am I to want her to leave her investigators and come rub my neck. Well...I am a Missionary Mom who misses her daughter to an extent so unimaginable I can hardly stand it. No...No.... I do not want Laura to sneak home, she has a calling, the dye has been cast. As Laura loves the writing of Henry B. Eyring. He states" I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won't give up, shut up,or let up until I have stayed up, stored up, and paid up for the cause of Christ. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till I know, and work till He stops me, and when He returns for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. MY BANNER WILL BE CLEAR". How perfectly President Erying puts these strong and inspiring words. I will look forward to next Christmas, and we will wrap presents together, tell ole family jokes, missionary war stories, and when a big ole tear rolls down our cheeks, it will be because of laughter and treasured memories and returning with honor. So next year will be delightful, maybe a party everynight, as long as it ends before 11:00, you know we are sleepy heads.
There will be 2 baptisms this Dec. 13th that Laura had a part of. How happy she must feel, her confidence is beaming, her self worth high. Laura is doing the loving work for the Lord, what better gift could I have . There is no way Santa could ever top this. This is amazing, I stand all amazed at the Love in the mission field and home. It seems like all the missionarys love everyone, Laura sends home pics that say..oh this is Nicole, an investigator", Hellllo, an investigator, my girl is teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Holy cow and holy Bessie. I am so happy and proud right now. Santa sorry, we love you, but the Master is the only one who can bring us true and everlasting happiness. One quick temple experience and then I am done. This week when I was doing proxy work for the dead , I was given a very unusual name , from Germany in 1740. I never did get hooked on phonics, so I worked especially hard in the pronouncation, it was a name I shall never forget. That was on Wed. on Friday, I had the 0pportunity to be present when she was sealed to her family and children. Wowwie. That doesn't happen very often. The Sister next to me said, there will be some very happy people to meet you in the hear after. I couldn't believe it. What a joy and blessing it was for me to do her work. Nope..... Santa can't do that either. So I guess what I am trying to say is,
The greatest gift we receive are our blessings from Heavenly Father, gifts for eternity. Christmas is a very special time of the year when we express to our loved ones how much we love them, we share stories and listen to stories, we become closer as a family and strive to live our lives in a manner that we will be together again. So what's 10 m0re months. We can do it, and do it we will. No more crocidile tears on hot cheeks, no more silent whisperings of wishes we really don't want to happen. We follow the example of Christ our Savior and love everyone. We reach out to those in need, to the lonely and down trodden. Our mission on earth is to bring happiness into the lives around us and develop a relationship with Heavenly Father, and do his will. I love Christmas, the lights, the colors, the packages under a tree, and thoughts of a babe in a lowly manger. I would like to wish you all Merry Christmas early, I am having surgery next week, and don't know when I will be back at the computer, so if you don't get a card, don't worry, I didn't forget you, I will just be a little slower this year. I love you all so much. Each and everyone of you have brought something wonderful in to my life and I thank-you for that. I thank-you for sharing your time, money, and thoughts with my missionary. May you all have a wonderful , warm Christmas...but don't forget the reason for the season. He hasn't forgotten you. "Stay on the bright side of the light side" and may your wishes will come true. Love to you all my buddies and Laura's friends.
from a Missionary Mom.