Roostie's Reflections.....

Hi everyone, it's me again Roostifer Jane the bundle of pure whiteness, love and dog diva. It's a wild and crazy world. I think I forgot to tell you, but Mom splurged and bought me a Mercedes-Benz . It's pink and has paw prints on the side, everyone points and says" is that a dog in that buggy"?. We ran into a couple of her girlfriends tonight and I was just walking around and from underneaths my tail was a psssfttt..sound, I just looked around and kept on skipping and they were rolling on the ground laughing as hard as I've ever seen. As Jill McCloud says" the whistle before the train. Jill's full of one liners, she makes Mom and Grandma in the garden laugh. Why just today me and Mom were reflecting back on Lolo's day's in the mission field. We were watching the video's she sent home. There was the one about.."Jump aerobics", and the "Transfer dance" by the Elders. Painting the Elders toenails on P-day, dancing with the members of Rochester.. ah ... it was glorious, then out of the blue I felt something wet on my pure white fur, what the....? then another drop... I looked up at Mom with my perfectly dark round eyes and saw she was tearing up. I think she really misses Lolo. Last week was a toughie, July 18 was the last day of the Palmyra Pageant, and Mom was really sick and had to go to the emergency room. Poor Mom, sitting there with all sorts of strange and unusual people ( she actually fit in quite well- she forgot her tooth, poor Mom.. what are we gonna do with mom... love her..just love her..that's all we can do) on Lolo's last Pageant day, when she really wanted to write a heart-felt letter to her one and only daughter serving the Lord . Lolo had a great story about a " last minute miracle", Me and Mom read and re-read her letters of how the Lord works and brings light into the lives of investigators. What a Onederful( Hinks) blessing we have with the gospel of Jesus Christ guiding our lives. I think I have every song from "Called to Serve" CD totally memorized. Did you know Mom plays it 24/7 and hasn't stopped playing it since May 14,08. It brings her comfort and peace, even though I thought I brought her comfurrt and psssfftt. : ) She says that music invites the Spirit. And I have seen it happen. Not... a last minute miracle. Oh yes. The fun part of the blog.... Holiday Bryn!!! Mom and me got some pictures from Holiday Bryn on her favorite holiday. The 4th of July parade in Midway... guess who's she sitting by?... The Romney's... and everyone's smashingly decked out in red-white-and blue, how much more patriotic can you get. Wow.. Holiday Bryn is amazing, next thing ya know, she'll be sending pictures of her bad self in Hong Kong , Yankee stadium or some other far away land. We love our Holiday Bryn, she's better and prettier than any Mattel squeeze toy ever invented ....Mom just informed me it's time for prayers, scriptures and bed. She has her roostine just like clockwork, she's not very spoontainous ( little diva dog joke there) she is gonna write about Lolo's " Last Minute Miracle" at Palmyra Pageant next blog, I have totally convinced her I need her more. Stay on the "Right Side of the Light Side" Thank-you for your loves and support for Lolo and Mom. You all are our earth angels, and we love you. Love from a Missionary Mom, Kathy and little Roostifer Jane "the Lamb of God"

Roostie's Letter

This letter to Lolo is from Roostie, Laura's beloved Maltese.

Hi Lolo, how is Palmyra? I wanted you to know I think about you all the time. I miss your laugh, your bright smile, your pretty fingers, your red hair and how you take good care of mom. I love how you read me the Book of Mormon and said I will be with you forever. I love how you gave me so many names like Roostifer Jane Cragun.. the Dean of Roostifer Jane University. You have a talent for nicknames. bloosey coo, Baby, Kidia, Kathabeblion, winder's, warm cozy, cuddle front,spoony and almost everything in the house has a nickname.Mom's writing as I talk to her, remember I don't have oppossible thumbs, or a baby box. But did you see my face today? I am so cute. Mom is crazy about her new Doctor. Lolo...What are we gonna do with Mom?... remember you said that? then you said" love her... just love her..that's all we can do" I am proud of you and your decisions, no matter how much I miss you... I am beaming like Mom does. It takes a strong , determined and un-selfish person to go on a mission and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. I say prayers with Mom every night and we always bless you and the investigators. Well I need to go help Mom get ready, you know how she gets tangled up in her clothes. Sometimes I need to stop her at the door and adjust her a bit. Then I remind her to
"Stay on the Right side of the Light Side" and off she goes. I love you Lolo and I am planning a big wing dinger of a party for your return....everybody clap !!
Love little Roo and Mommy too !
PS Hi Holiday Bryn, be safe in the skies. and sorry I bark so much, just trying to get a word in edge wise. LOL xoxo

Laura's Journal

........It's starts like this...." oh Mom, I can't wait to read you my journal" Okay, Lolo, you know my hormones are out of whack, then she says" we had a personal tour of the Sacred Grove by the grounds keeper, Bob Parrot, Oh... if those sacred trees could talk". Stop smalls your're killing me. I love the experiences she shares with me, and I can't wait to listen to Her read her journal. All I can say about that is "PRICELESS".
Seriously folks, I almost can't talk. Through the miles... and on a computer printing out black words, I could feel her spirit. Amazing !!!
Since I am almost speechless I will write in her words a fun experience that happened at Zone conference.
" After spilling my water bottle everywhere, nearly destroying everything we ( all site sisters) were sitting at lunch by Elder Ryan and Despain I walked to Elder Ryan and said "Thanks for being the testosterone at the table" and he said straight faced, " Oh, I thought you had that covered". Everyone busted up laughing, then he said" Burns... you know you were the only one I could say that too" So then, I'm walking towards the bathroom and Elder Despain is too and I was like" well...apparently I have a lot of testosterone.so that means I can go to the men's room too" I was pretending to follow him into the men's room, and I ran smack dab into President Hemmingway as he walked out. The place erupted in fits of laughter. As embarrassed as I was, I knew it was a great story and memory". Having the distinct honor of being the Mother of Laura, I was so happy that her easy going personality had shone thru and the other Elders and Sisters were able to be themselves while serving the Lord. It also reminded me of a story when I was her age at Hancock Collage and I walked into the men's locker room (a double dare) and pretended to be one of the guys. I stayed in there until the Coach walked by. So I can't say "What ever possessed that child to do such a silly thing"
Serving in Palmyra for the tail end of her mission, is like icing on the cake. Can you imagine how it must feel to stand where Joseph Smith received revelation and restored the true Gospel of Jesus Christ? Can't go there.... this is my little red haired wonder, my baby goat, my magnificent daughter, who put all things in her life aside to do missionary work. The daily gem last week says, " Missionary work is the greatest, most powerful service one can do"
We can all be missionaries, where ever we might live. We must stand as a witness of God at all times, in all things and in all places" by our example we can bring others into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My favorite song these days...besides "Halo" is the primary song " Sent his Son", in it's simplicity, it states how we should be living our lives .... Like His Son. It is Onedurful ( as Pres. Hinckley would say). Next time you have a moment listen to the words and imagine how hard it was for our Heavenly Father to send his beloved Son to earth and die for our sins, so we could ALL return back to live eternally with him. The Atonement of Jesus Christ was done for us and every day we need to show gratitude and thankfulness to our Lord of Lord and King of Kings. How blessed we are to be here on earth, learning, growing, perseverance thru trials and finding Joy in the Journey ( Pres. Monson)." Some days are harder than others, every life has peaks and shadows and times when it seems that the bird don't sing and bells don't ring. Yet in spite of the discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result" ( Joseph b. Wirthern)
How proud I am of my little Lolo for her sacrifices and hard work. I am truly a blessed Mother in Zion.
I was also blessed to have Holiday Bryn stop by this week. Have I mentioned how cheerful and wonderful she is? I learned something new... Holiday Bryn's favorite holiday is the 4 th of July.
The joy Bryn brings me is grand, and she calls me Mama Kathy. I'm lovin it !!
Thank you for your letters to Laura, you are all so wonderful to take the time to send her a letter, it is so appreciated and treasured. Have a happy 4 th of July!!
As always....Stay on the Right Side of the Light Side.
Love a Missionary Mom, Kathy
PS. if you don't have the words to "He sent His Son" I will print next time.

White House

Happy Friday everyone,
Laura has given me the new place of living address:

603 St route 21
Palmyra
New York
14522

Laura's new residence is called the "White House" It is directly across the street from the Palmyra Temple, and Hill Cumorah is 2.5 miles away. She says" we are close to everything!!"
I guess being out in the boonies for so long, she is thrilled to be able to take a stroll after her work is done. Look out Palmyra... you could wake up to a red town. Lolo's on the loose. Well...Not really..... but I needed to spice up the address blog. : )
Loves to you all, Missionary Mom Kathy
"Stay on the Right Side of the Light Side" Holiday Bryn loves that line.

Badge of Honor

Hello friends, I know you thought I fell off the face of the Earth. It took our dear friend Holiday Bryn to get me going. Thanks Bryn, I love ya. It's been one month since my last blog about Laura. She is so busy, I get a couple lines every Monday. And that's O-kay, I'll take what I can get. Three weeks ago Laura sent me a box, a very large box of things she didn't need anymore, winter shoes, coats, turtlenecks. I asked her do you want me to open it now? or just wait until you come home and we can go through it together. A week later she responded, "Open it Mom, there is something at the top, I think you'd like"
So last Thursday night, I thought, well, if there is something for me to look at, I'll open Pandora's box.
Sitting on top of all her winter clothes, was a very small letter, I opened it up. Gently placed between two worn tissues was a slightly broken Missionary badge. Laura's missionary badge, the one that says "Sister Burns ...The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." My heart about jumped out of my body. I held it, as if it were a block of gold. This is the badge Laura has worn for at least 1/2 of her mission. What an honor to wear that badge and let the world know what you stand for. After wearing the badge for so long, she says the words are emblazed on her heart now and forever. It was ...of course a tear jerker. My little girl, my little lolo who sleeps with a baby blanket is a Missionary, sometimes I still can't believe it.( The blanket is in a drawer, I found it months after she left, for those of you who know Lolo well, that was probably harder to leave behind than me or Roostie)
In the Daily gem for the day it says," The Lord's Church has the responsibility to preach the gospel in the world. This is the foundation of missionary work, and the duty of our missionaries is to "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the holy Ghost , and enduring to the end" This is what my little baby goat has been doing. She is serving the Lord in a most committed way. That 110% of her time, thoughts, goals are all in service of the Lord. I could not be more proud of my daughter.
Today I emailed her and asked her to please keep the Tamiflu medicine in case the swine flu comes back in her area. She says and I quote" don't worry about it little mommy, the Brethren will let us here in NY know if we need to worry" Laura has so much faith it is amazing and so wonderful, her faith in blessings and the power of the Priesthood makes me thrilled she "gets it". Susie Bramble told me once , that when the children came home from their missions, she didn't worry about them as much. Because they came home from their missions with more knowledge and strength to live righteously , and be worthy to receive the blessings promised them. "They get it". I now know Laura"gets it"
Last week I went to the Temple with not much time to just hang around. I chose to do initiories, it is usually 45 minutes. With out saying too much, in regards to the sacredness of Temple ordinances. I mentioned my daughter was serving a mission in New York. My names were all New York women. One of the workers couldn't hold back her emotions , she said later, "I was just struck by the thought that your daughter is serving the Lord in New York, and you are here serving the Lord for New York people". I just love when things like that happen. It strengthens your testimony and is a good experience to have on hand for teaching. I have received a bundle of letters from missionary moms, internationally mission moms, people Laura taught and were baptized. They are so tender and treasures to keep forever. I usually make a copy and send to Grandpa and Grandma in the Garden. They have sacrificed so much for Laura and even the little grandchildren have sacrificed for Laura. There were no birthday gifts to the grandchildren this year. All birthday money was sent to cousin LAURA. How is that for family love in supporting a missionary. We are grateful or all of you who have put your wants aside and helped Laura serve the Lord. Laura is a family missionary and you will be blessed for your sacrifices made in her behalf. Thank-you everyone of you for the love, support and letters sent to my girl. We appreciate everything and just think in 3 or 4 months, she will be home, spooning, and taking Roostie for a walk in her new pink buggy and telling me every single thing that happened while she was in the service of our Lord. Remember to "STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LIGHT SIDE" and know we love you. Love from a missionary mom, Kathy PS. She was transfered to Palmyra today, they are getting all missionaries in place and ready for the pageant so I will post new address as soon as I get it.OXOX

May 14...One Year Mark

Let 's see now..... Laura has passed her one year mark as of yesterday. I was at the Huntsman pretty much all day, train riding, shuttles, tests, more blood, blah....blah...blah, so I didn't get to log on to write what I felt. Well what can happen in a year? What did our Laura miss here in Utah? New Years, Valentines Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, July 4 th, All Birthdays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Memorial days, Labor days, teachers day off, 4 weddings and a funeral. Is that it? NO !! Surgeries, nuclear chemo, radiation, snow, hot sun, at least not humid. Weight lost, weight found( those lucky losers). Some family members, friends and Hollywood legends passed on. Great readings were penned,(mine's not finished :) Two fabu Church General Conferences. People got sick, people regained their health. I have attended church with out my side kick and have gone through 12 Fast Sundays, ( they go slow) and only 6 more to go. Alas..my dear ones, I could go on forever about the coming and going's of life. Now let me think, what did Laura do in one year. Walked, Talked and Sang about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Spoke as a main speaker at the Christmas Sunday Program. (Yikes), taught fishers of men on the side of a lake, ate a mussel,( Yucko) saved a cats life( she's allergic), gathered enough junk to fill a goodwill store, gave enough presents to be called a Saint or Santa Claus, wrote enough letters to fill our house, and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Had Zone Conference at Peter Whitmore's Farm, is a regular at the Sacred Grove, Palmyra Pageant worker, peace maker, and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Went searching for the lost sheep who have gotten off the path of light, helped drunken people up, carried someones burden, and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Made friends in many cities of New York , saw people who knew our "peeps" here in Utah, ate lunch with all the 'strays" in a yard with 250 bowling balls perfectly placed in the yard and stuffed animals in baskets hanging over there heads from the ceiling (creepy), walked through a secret garden (magical) and loved and taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Yep...yep... I could go on for a while, but the most important accomplishment Laura did last year was serve willingly and Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have 6 months to go everyone, let's see if she can safely land a jet in the Hudson, while preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With God all things are possible.
I would like to tell Linda and Bryn Arnell thank-you for your continuing and fantastic letters to Laura, I received a box to archive and there were 75 letters from those two gals. I would like to thank all my friends and family, Grandparents who supported and took the time to write, or send a few missionary dollars. Debbie Kellogg who at the drop of a hat and a worry in my voice, pens a letter while going through her own unimaginable trials. Jilly who sent a great B-day card about cats ( cats are such a joke), Aaron Warner Family,Christopher Clark family,Sarah Anderson, Cory White, Allison Pearson, Ally Barney,Helen Carbine, Faye Heimdal, Joan Ramey, Bishes,Thira Scifert, Littles, Hannah, the Primary, Achievement day girls, Elder Pack, David Kader, Sister Cutler, Sister Winterton, Sister Evans, Sister Ure, Sister Olson, Sister Autrey and the parts 1 and 2 of the Sister threesome. I know I won't remember everyone, so please forgive me. Thank-you everyone for the love and support you have given Lolo this past year. You will receive blessings from the Heavens , and kudos from Kathy. As Devin would say..." We're on the back 9". I will keep you posted on our little Lolo as she continues to bring cheer to Rochester and Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Stay on the" Right Side of the Light Side" Love to you all, a Missionary Mom, Kathy

Tribute to Mother's

Today's thought is all about us Mommies, I have read so many poems , stories, etc., on Mothers I wanted to just do a little ditty of my own, maybe its a mix of every one's.
"Before being a Mom" poem from a friend

Before I was a Mom I never tripped over toys,
or forgot words to a lullaby,
I didn't worry whether of not my
plants were poisonous...
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom: I had never been puked on, pooped on, chewed on, peed on, I had complete control over my mind and my thoughts .
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom: I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests, or give shots, I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom: I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom: I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body...I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby, I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom, I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy,the love, the heartache, the wonderment or satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

My turn as I am sure you can all relate to that little poem:
Being a Missionary Mom:

Before being a Mom of a Sister Missionary: I never thought I would miss the extra bathroom mess, or piles laundry. Before being a Mom of a Disciple of Jesus Christ, I never really "caught" the meaning of 110% service to our atoning Savior.. Before sending my only daughter off to stop strangers in the streets, knock on doors and ask if they want to know more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I never knew I could be so proud of my daughter talking to "strangers" . I didn't think the nights would be so short and the days so long with out her. I thought having the computer all to myself for once would be so cool. I never thought about the swine flu outbreak, or 2 planes crashing , or a shooter in New York would effect me so greatly I would watch the news for hours to hear something new. I didn't realize I was a bit breakable without Laura by my side hold me up and giving me strength when I was nearly in fetal position in a dark dungeon, wondering what to do. To me the massive amount of love that pours from the Heavens above for us. We are not alone, we have our ancestors, own mothers, pioneer women , angels all pulling for us and giving us the strength we need to make it through a day without our children. I also didn't realize the many blessings of having a worthy daughter want to serve, then just going out and doing just that, at her own expense. I didn't realize how I could feel comfort and peace through the power of the Priesthood coming from 3,000 miles away. When the whole Zone is praying for you...you better believe you can feel it. Before being a Mom of a Sister Missionary, I didn't know I would become so popular with the "whole mission family" they would nickname me Mama Love. Before becoming a Missionary Mother who is within hours of talking to her missionary daughter, would start counting the minutes to hear her daughter's voice. Before Laura went on her mission to Rochester, New York, I had NO idea of the joy and blessings it would bring me daily, Yes, I miss that little spark of fire , but there is a greater warmth and feeling that come with knowing where she is and what she is doing. It will be 1 year on May 14, since I saw her walk calmly up in front of 500 soon to be missionary's and give a closing prayer, after singing " Called to Serve", a killer song, when saying good-bye. All the questions us mommies have... is she prepared to do this, is she scared, will she get sick, will she teach with the Spirit?.We all have these questions don't we, even before they are of age. That is what being a mother is all about. The unconditional love we give our children, for we love their little spirits, what ever path they have chosen. Can you imagine the love our Mother in Heaven has for us? The want for us to succeed and nurture and love our own as we are loved. It is the eternal perspective, the big picture that has helped guide me We can be families forever. What a glorious feeling. What a beautiful plan of Salvation and gift we have been given. I think of my own Mother and her Mother and all the ancestors before me who have sacrificed and worked so hard to benefit and prepare us to be good mothers. I thank all Mothers for their hard and diligent work in being the best they can be. I thank all my friends who are great examples to me in my life. I wish all Mothers a happy Mother's Day, and to be able to enjoy their families and know they are loved unconditionally for all they do. Stay on the Right Side of the Light Side. Love from a Missionary Mommie, Kathy