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.

Happy Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING too all my friends and family. What a wonderful time of year, leaves are falling all around us. A bit of chill in the air and snow on the mountain tops, families meet together to show gratitude and eat great foods, and hopeful memories abound in-between bites of pumpkin pie. Well, this year was different year. Laura 3,000 miles away sharing memories and learning of her new friends past Thanksgiving day memories. I was invited to dear friend Jill's family The Minor's. I wasn't much in the mood until I was walking up the steps, then the smells of thanksgiving dinner snapped me back to thanksgivings of old. We had such a lovely day, and enjoyed a lovely meal. It's kinda of weird not being "home" shooting the breeze with the siblings I used to fight with. I missed my papa putting his hands on my mama Sue's shoulders and saying "well Mom, I guess well keep you another year" This the the reason we write books about our own history and family stories and traditions. Because...someday when you least expect it, YOU could be alone too. The generosity of the Minor Family was overwhelming, I was treated like a guest, and didn't have to life a finger. I was able to indulge in adult conversation and enjoy a beautiful dinner. I felt spoiled and I want them to know how much I appreciate their kindness and opening their house to me. They even sent me home with some "Silver Soft" , a product which O'dell Minor has invented and patented. It helps scrapes, excema, abrasions, infections etc. Our Laura has had a flare up of excema and has been put on those darn predisone tablets to get control of this skin problem. So if this works for her, Look out Rochester, she will not only being out walking the streets to share the Gospel, she will also put a plug in for "Silver Soft" once a sales man, always a salesman. I am grateful for the generosity of our friends here in Provo and the friends 3,000 away.
Thanksgiving also gives us a chance to reflect on all of the blessings we have in our lives.
We have families, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we have the knowledge of eternal families. Now we just need to live worthily to get all these blessings. I'm excited. Yesterday while at the Provo Temple, a temple worker said" Hi Kathy, how are you"? I could not place her, but she seemed to know me so well. I asked someone with better eyesight what her name was.... it was Sue McGivin, she rented me an apt. when I was 24 and going to BYU. Her memory is sharp, and it reminded me to be grateful for her and the deals she gave me while I was a student. In every step we take there is a blessing, we just need to recognize them and then be grateful for them, and then thank our Heavenly Father for all we have. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving day and got plenty of hugs. I thank those of you who opened your doors to some who are alone, cuz I was one of those this year. I thank the people/members in Rochester New York who opened their house to my daughter. I thank President Hemmingway and his dear Wife who keep a watchful eye out on Laura and see her needs and give her blessings. I especially thank my loving , silly, goofy,family for all the material they have given me so I can present a thanksgiving story at the drop of a hat. And also for the Love that is in my family. I get on bended knee and thank Heavenly Father for the two wonderful parents I have been blessed to have. There guidance, love, support,example, teachings,and sacrifices they made in my behalf are too many to mention. My last time I was doing "sealing Proxy", our Sealer said, "Next time you see your parents, thank-them for being born in the covnent, that is one of the greatest gifts of all" So I made sure my parents knew that. I am thank-ful for all of you, Laura's friends and my friends who write often, and check in with me often to make sure I am okay. I got a little surprise this week, when I got the missionary print out I noticed some gifts that Laura recieved for Laura's missionary fund. Thank-you to everyone who has helped put "Our" missionary thru. Especially in these hard times, people still know the importance of the missionary service and I am thank-ful for all of you. Take care and God Bless, and as always
" Stay on the Right Side of the Bright Side" Love to you all, a missionary mom, Kathy

Road Kill and pig dogs

Hi Family and friends,
Hope all is well and the snow doesn't fall too quickly this year. I am not ready for slick roads in Utah or Rochester. As I read my email from Laura yesterday, these thoughts came to my mind.
To the tune of "Green Acres"
Green Acres is the place to be.....
Real farm living is the life for me...
Clap board houses spread out far and wide..
Keeping these Sisters "Bookin it" side by side...

New York is where we really are........
No sky scrapers, but lots of bars..
Road kill and pig dogs everywhere
It's no surprise, we didn't do our hair.

da da da da da.... Acts :1... da da da da da Luke :2
da da da da da...da da da da
Bacon that pig just stole and ate my shoe.

We're called to Serve
Good-bye pampered life.....
So Spenceport we are here......

Our Laura is having so many experiences with a great many people. She has eaten Holopsi in the sauna with a Ukranian family, has had stimulating conversation with Agnostic Jew who is so knowledgeable and great to talk to. And tried to convert a whole group at the local scrapbook store by inviting them to enrichment night. My ...my that girl is busy and touching so many lives. Her goal is firm, teach the gospel of Jesus Christ and bear testimony of his atoning sacrifice for us. and the truth of the Book of Morman . I just want to shout with joy and the proud feeling I get just seeing her growth. Laura has a firm understanding of the eternal perspective , she knows what needs to be done and what she needs to do to accomplish her goal and return with honor. This will be a hard Thanksgiving and Christmas with out hearing the laughter of Laura. But I look at it with the knowledge that her light is shining and bringing joy and everlasting happiness to the children of our Heavenly Father. Knowing Laura has dedicated this time of her life to the service of the Church and our Savior is the best present I could have in my life. What a blessing it is to have her in the mission field. I have become a active temple worker. I excitedly drive to the temple 5 times a week to do the temple ordinances for those who can't do it for themselves. By Laura's example I have become a better person in serving the Lord myself. I went to a World wide Cragun Family reunion a few weeks ago. My 3 times great grandmother Martha Cragun Cox has inspired me to always be of service to God's children. And with Laura on a mission, I have no other choice but to be of service. I want to make my family proud of me. And talk about stories about the wild, wild west, now I see where Jack gets it, and Jack's Kid get it, and Jack's Kid's Kid get it. We need to count our blessings, just like the famous song, we will be surprised what the Lord has done. We have so much to be grateful for, and need to help others daily. I was watching a show on the History channel the other night. It was about gangs, jail, and religion. A return missionary who got sided by gangs told his story. He went on to say " I've served 2 years as a missionary and served 2 years in jail, and I'll tell you, being a missionary is harder than jail time". Yeah Laura, we are so proud of you. Thank- you everyone for your letters of support and love to Laura. I can't begin to thank you enough for your love, support and dollars that help Laura along. Laura is OUR missionary, she is OUR girl, Our friend who is praying and working to be best she can be and make all of us proud. As always "Stay one the Right Side of the Light Side " and you will be blessed. Love from a Missionary Mom, Kathy

Call in the Troops

G'day friends,
This past 2 weeks have been topsy turvy for our little Laura. But first a little giggle on what happened to me on Saturday at the Temple. I had a migraine all day, as I was lying under a pillow of ice, I thought to myself, " oh just get up and go serve." So I pretty much jetted out the door. Once there, I noticed I wasn't wearing a bra, but at least my clothes were on. I put on my dress and something felt airy, I took dress off, zipper broke, oh brother, maybe I should just go back under the pillow of ice . The kind little ladies helped me fix it and off I went to the Chapel. I love watching the young Missionarys come in. There was a whole row behind me, all these handsome young men, so willing to serve. I leaned over to grab a Book of Morman and I felt that zipper start at the bottem and very quickly open all the way to the top. Back exposed!!! and missionary's behind me giggling. Once again, I was ushered out and helped by sweet little ladies who just found me a new dress. I almost felt VIP as they wisk me out and down the elevator and back up all in record time. All is well, but a funny memory. Okay back to Lolo. On Saturday night, I had a strange feeling, couldn't peg it. Well...maybe the time change or Christmas coming up. So I retired early with Little Roo. I couldn't sleep all night. Up and down, looking at the clock, twinkie snack, mystified, I finally went to sleep at 4:35 am. The Young Woman's President called about 9:00 am to go over plans for the Evening in Excellence coming up on Wed. After talking to her, I thought I could see if anyone called my cell phone. I opened the phone and there was a message at 4:32 am. It was from Lolo. FREAK OUT !! It was quick and to the point. Laura had an emergency transfer the night before and wanted to give me the new address to send her winter boots. After a near breakdown of what could have happened to cause a emergency transfer. I started to think about the events of her time served thus far. Hmmm she just had a blessing from President Hemingway, 2 weeks before Laura met with a General Authority, Palmyra Pagent, Sacred Grove, baptisms, Her and Sister Evans were working hard to be led to investigators and people searching for the Gospel. After wearing out the living room carpet, I sat and thought for a second. Laura is responsible, nurturing, hard-working, dedicated to sharing the Gospel, willing to do what ever is asked of her, and I raised her to always choose the right way, or else the Angels will put black marks on heavens chalkboard. Well I couldn't get to the computer soon enough on Monday morning. As it turns out there have been some problems with OTHER Sister missionarys, different girls, hormones all come into play. Some people just have a harder time adjusting to the life of 100% service. Well.... not my girl. The President chose Laura because of all her skills and talents for making a situation right. Laura has the ability to keep people calm, and get along with everyone, and then make them laugh. So it was like calling in the troops to fix things. President knew Laura could calm a crazy situation and make it all okay. Laura had a hard time packing her things, she loves the Elders so much, why I am Mama Love to them and they write me. It was a group effort getting her ready to move on, everyone was crying, and there were Elders racing across Rochester to help out. I bet she really felt loved. Oh... the trials of a mission, I feel like I am right next to her living out the sad, happy, excited, disappointed times with her. As sad as it is, it will make her stronger and a stronger leader. I told her to find the good in the move and be grateful for the trials we all experiencing. Easier said than done for her. But I have total faith in my daughter, she will rise above the chaos , calm it down and make it all better, then grow from her experience. I think of the emergency transfer as a gift, a gift to others who now have the opportunity to meet a Angel and serve with her. I kinda feel that is why I couldn't sleep, even 3,000 miles away Missionary Mommies are tuned in. Thank you all for the letters you send. Laura sent back a stack again to " archive", Bryn, Linda, Debbie, Papa, Mama Sue..... thank-you for the precious words you send Laura, your support is so appreciated, we love you all. Have a good week and I will keep you posted on the new transfer. As always "Stay on the Right Side of the Light Side" and you will be blessed. Love Kathy a Missionary Mommy