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.

A dip or a slip in Holy water

Good Morning one and all.
Sorry for my delay in letting everyone know of Laura's first baptism. Kellie the precious one who couldn't wait to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was baptised last Saturday. To read Laura's events for the day, is amazing. Coordinating the Bishop's, failure for the program to print, talks that almost didn't show up, decisions, decisions, decisions. Both Sister's Burns and Ure could see how Satan was trying to foul up and discourage this special day. Tension was high, it took 5 hours to fill the font, Kellie's dear Mother presented Kellie with a gold cross to mark the occasion :), and Laura ended up soaking wet in the baptismal font. What a surprise !! NOT, it was bound to happen sooner or later. It was a wonderful day for all. On Wed. Laura was transfered to Brighton. I think the tears that fell to the floor that day were many. Sister Ure was a pure blessing to come in to Laura's life, and mine too. Laura said Sister Ure every night she would remember me in her prayers. How sweet is that? I love that girl and can't wait to meet her and thank her personally for taking care of my daughter, making her laugh and feeling the Spirit. The new comp. is Sister Evans, don't know anything yet, but I am sure she is great. However, my heart will always be grateful for the time Laura was with Sister Ure. I received an odd message on my phone last Sat. I had to replay it 5 times before I could make it out. Sister Ure and Laura found a phone with no one around and wanted to " see" if it called Utah. yep, yep. Sure did and I will save that message forever. I also received pics from the days at the MTC, it looks like they had a bit of fun, light sabers, matrix poses and lots of smiling guys and gals. Once Allison teaches me how to scan in the photos, I will post them for you to see. Allison my niece is staying here for a few weeks, we have had so much fun, her heart is pure and she is a blessing in my life. We had the Missionary's over for dinner followed with a baptism. Two of my Young Women's father was baptised . We were both touched by the sweet Spirit, and thought " this is what Lolo is doing' WOW !! I've got to close for now. Laura's new address is 1308 Elmwood Ave Apt. #1 Rochester New York 14620. My gratitude to all of you for your many letters to Laura. I was able to read quite a few of them, she sent them home for safe keeping as not to be lost in the transfer. They are so precious and dear. Thank-you one and all for your sacrifices and support of my lovely Daughter Laura. She is making all of us proud. Stay on the right side of the light side, hold to the rod and pray for our Missionary's. Love you all so much. Mommy, little Roo and cuz Ali.

Booty Socks & Shakin fists

Hi everyone, well its that time of the week again, when I try to give everyone an idea of how Laura is doing. The weather in Rochester is very hot and humid, so all the Sister Missionary's wear knee highs. Laura was in need of some knee highs in a hurry so she bought some cheapies from the dollar store. Thinking they would work, they kept rolling down around her ankles. So they called them the booty socks and laughed all day. A baptism might be going down this week. Kellie 12 years old, and smart as a whip, is so excited to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The Sister's are very excited for this event. Laura had the opportunity of holding her ground and reminding everyone not to give up on a investigator. A very nice lady who has a few vices, was told by a inactive member that the Mormon Church would be a great place for her to start in her search for the truth. She looked up President Hemmingway 's phone number and told him she really needed to see the missionary's. He called Sisters's Burns and Ure and within 12 hours they gave the first lesson. Laura said and I quote" She is our miracle that God gave to us. She might not get baptized this month or next, or next year., But she was put in our path for a reason and God wants us to teach her, we are part of his plan for her and all we have to do is keep working with her and make sure that she is taken care of after we leave." With that said, cute little Sister Ure promptly added " ah, look at my Baby all grown up and being a missionary." We both hate to see those two crazy Sisters split up. They are doing such wonderful work together, the transfer could be this week. I will let you know who the new companion is, but it will be hard to replace such a special companion. Another story about Sis. Ure. Laura says that she shakes her fist, making a point. Then Kolakos started laughing and before you knew it, little Sis. Ure was arm wrestling a huge Liberian on the trunk of the car, she lost, but not without much laughter. Kolako is still taking lessons and always says how much he loves his family, and he would do anything for them. That is such a great lead in for the Sisters, because of Heavenly Father's plan for families. Laura's new favorite quote is " We are not human beings having a spiritual experience, we are Spiritual beings having a human experience". Laura had a meeting/interview with President Hemmingway, and he told her she is 18% done with her mission. He was very proud of Laura and Sis Ure. Their beautiful smiles and bright countenance that light the way, open doors that otherwise might stay closed. They are very successful in their work for the Lord. I am so proud of Laura and her decisions to serve, she is so happy doing the work that needs to be done. The other day they walked 10 miles to a home. It's days like those that warm your heart and make Mom's so proud. Thanks for your love and support to my Lolo, we love you, Stay on the right side of the light side Love the Missionary Mommie and little Roo.

Giggles and Service

Hi Friends, Lucky, lucky me. Just yesterday I received a envelope of fabulous missionary pictures. I got to see the Palmyra Pageant pictures, 4 th of July , roasting marshmallows in a dress no less, a lifted van that takes a 7 foot ladder to get into. Also a tiny, tiny frog named Razzie, Missionary companion Sister Ure ( adorable) a few P-days and some cute Elders doing funny things. My most favorite was a picture of my darling daughter smiling, and she looked so happy. Sister's Burns and Ure seem to be very giggly of late. Could it be because a member who is about 100 years old needed them to paint her toe nails for a reunion. Of course they said yes, giggle...giggle. Or was it because Sister Ure walked in unexpectedly on someone using the bathroom. Member..... "Oh honey, I didn't realize you were home" giggle..giggle. Or maybe while doing 5 X 5's the investigator's flag got stuck on Laura's face and she was trying to talk through it, giggle...giggle. Those two girls seem to be having fun and enjoying their service to others. When I was doing Proxy sealings last week at Provo Temple, there always are rooms full of young Elders and Sister Missionary's. The Sealer told the Missionary's " Work hard, and you will have fun... don't... and you won't" simple as that. The joy from service carries you through even the toughest day. I am grateful for the bright sunny disposition of Sister Ure, she brings out the funny of Laura. We will be missing her if one or the other gets transfered in 2 weeks. Talking about time flying by. We are just hours away from the 3 month mark. Can you believe it. I seems like just yesterday we were standing at the MTC taking pictures, and trying to be brave. One thing I have noticed. If ever a family has someone leave on a mission, they are tied to Missionary's forever. There is a bond that comes naturally with those choosing to serve the Lord. I can't walk by the MTC without thinking back to May 14, when the MTC President said " Those high walls aren't to keep the Missionary's in, they are to keep the Mother's out". It was like a giant magnet pulling me towards the gate. How I stayed out, I still never know. I probably would have found Lolo and bunked down with all the girls. I find I get excited to run into Missionary's and find out where their going and where they come from. I know now I will always support a Missionary. Their hearts are so willing even when their dogs are barking. While looking at Laura's pictures, I thought back to our last vacation together. Three years ago, It was to Santa Maria, Ca. to visit my family. One week turned into 6. We just didn't want to leave. I thought how Laura and I walked for miles and miles, just talking and pretending to be pioneers,warriors or soldiers. We walked and talked about everything. dreams, school, pet peeves, futures. And if we found a penny we raced to it. When we returned to Utah ,she soon started at Nordstroms, and I fell " victim" to shoddy dentistry that almost took my life. Now Laura is spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to those who might not have ever heard it. I am still working on my health. We both have new challenges and I am so very proud of Laura and her unselfish decisions. The eternal perspective is grand and Laura is grasping a firm understanding on what is required of us to reserve a spot after our Earth life is over. What a gal. She is amazing and sharing her special gift with others is overwhelming at times. I love that the people of Rochester love her and appreciate her. Laura will be able to reach into the hearts of people searching for the truth and she will help them find true happiness. Laura tells me of how the Spirit guides them and is the 3 rd companion. How lucky I am to be the Mother of such a precious Daughter of our Heavenly Father. On that note, I will close for now with goose bumps on arms, tears on my cheeks and a prayer in my heart for my daughter Laura and all other missionary's in the field. Thank-you to all who help support, pray and send letters to my Missionary. We appreciate all everyone has done in her behalf. Like always..Stay on the right side of the light side. We love you. Always a Missionary Mom and little Roo.

Ant-tony in a yellow pimp suit, Who - Ya

Hi Guys, Our Sister Burns says that miracles are happening. Laura wrote about 15 names who are interested and/ or they are teaching. How great is that. My favorite story this week was about 10 year old Anthony in his yellow Pimp suit at church. I was wondering if he had a a long purple feather poking out the top. He was proud as a peacock as he ran to Sister Burns for a big hug. His mommy Stacia, and sister Alexendra all want to be baptized, Mommy just had a Word of Wisdom Problem, but she is working on it. My next favorite story was when Sister 's Ure and Burns went to a potienal investigators house to give a lesson. As they waded through the thick cat hair on the carpet and made their way to the lady, she explained that her cat wasn't feeling well. The cat hadn't eaten or drinken for a couple days. Sister Burns went into action. Get me syringes ** STAT*** get me gatorade or pedylite **STAT, she said the look on Sister Ure's face was priceless. Sister Burns was able to get 3 syringes of H2O down the cat before heading to the store for gatorade. When they returned, the lady was outside jumping up and down. ' I GOT TO TELL YOU, IT WORKED' the lady's heart was so softened that Lolo saved her cat, she is setting up an lesson. Reach out in other ways to God's people, is something Laura says to herself. Weed a garden, run an errand, work in the school consession stand, help a drunk up on his feet. By loving the people she is meeting, she is sharing the pure love of Christ. She had alot of experience living with me. If I ever needed her to re-hydrate the dog, she could do it, run an errand, rub out a migraine, she had the magic fingers and golden heart. Ready to help anyone in need. She is bringing hope and love to the people of R0chester NY. Her work is just begining, and I can see miracles everywhere, her letters home are fantastic, like I said before, goose bumps, crocodile tears, beaming, and a little missing her beautiful smile, but so grateful she is sharing that gorgeous smile with the town of Rochester. I can just picture Ant-tony in his pimp yellow suit , lookin fine and wanting to learn more about the Gospel and the Plan of Salvation. I am beyond proud of my daughter and the choices she has made in her life, she has kept her oil lamp full and is prepared to progress in the Gospel. Ya know, you can't love your children too much, your love is an investment in their future. I was sometimes chastised for always wanting to be with Laura and her friends. But I looked upon it as my chance to show and teach by example and for her to know I love her with all my heart and soul. I do believe Laura doing the Lords work is a reflection of staying close to her Father in Heaven and being a side kick with her Kidea. She is awesome. Thank-you for all your help,love and support for my missionary. Stay of the right side of the light side Lo. Love Mommy and little roo.