Sad News About Steve Hermanson

I hate to be the bearer of sad news, but I am. Dad wants you all to know that Claire Hermanson (Aunt Marie and Uncle Ed Bench's daughter) has suffered a shocking and sad loss. Her husband, Steve, shot himself in the head. He is brain-dead but is being kept on life support because he wanted to be an organ donor. I am not certain when the funeral will be. It depends on how long it takes for all of this to be done. Because he was alone at the time of death, there will also need to be an autopsy. Auntie Helen, who has been staying at the hospital with Claire, was not certain how that was to be accomplished.

The organ harvesting team have already determined that his heart cannot be used. Claire was surprised to find he had advanced heart disease and would likely have died of a massive heart attack in two years. He had severe blockage on one side of the heart and clogged arteries on the other. He had passed his physicals and was a runner. It makes me wonder if he would have continued to pass those exams needed to be a fireman and would then have just suddenly died.

Steve had been in a mental hospital for a short time because he was suffering from severe depression. He was released a day or two before he shot himself. He was to start back at work the next day. Claire was at work and came home to find him barely alive. She called the paramedics and they transported him to the hospital. Auntie said that the EMTs arrived very quickly. While Claire was at the hospital, Hazmat came in and cleaned her home so that she would not have that horror facing her.

Claire does not want flowers for the funeral. She would prefer money donations. Because Steve took his own life, insurance will not cover the expenses. He was a Salt Lake City Fireman and Paramedic. Hopefully, his fireman buddies will raise money for his hospital and funeral expenses. I know that they do things like that.

Who and Why?

Just concerned,  Thought to write that earlier in hopes to scare off rather than alarm.  Hope all is well.  Its a gloomy winter day,  but the weather is actually warmer than it has been.  Wally did well on his testing and we were just in Utah for 42 hours.  That included the Dr. appointments, a stay over and dinners at Markays, a visit with cousin Stu who lives in Farr West and road time to and from Boise and SLC.  An unusual storm for Utah, coming from the south hastened our time to return.  The roads were not good and only about 30 miles of all the travel were dry.   Enjoyed the music and messages you sent out on Face Book.  Like to share, feel free, I will not make exposure again.  This world is filled with the weird and to contain such is perhaps a reason to expose?  Do you remember Ardith Thygerson?  She lives in Provo and went to school with Wally.  Class of 61 was sent a post card in regarding a summer reunion in Price, but nothing since last Oct has been undated. Think she organized their last one. Stuart Wallace, Wally's cousin graduated in "61 as well.  Feel worried about Jay and Alice Hall in Australia and his homeland is New Zealand.  Plaxo seems less unless you pay more, do you?  Hope to hear from them.  Laurel and Tom have the tiny girl, they are so thrilled.  Any babies yet at your place?  Take to Care.  Love and Hugs,  Charlotte

Another Week in the LIFE

Yet another crazy week has gone by in the week of the dear Elder B. This week was rather eventful compared to the past few weeks. I was going to baptize a family this month, yet we had to put the date for the 5th of March. Sad but good at the same time. Highlight reel of the week: met Korihor/Jack Sparrow/Professor Trelawny, met a Catholic woman that wants to be with her husband forever but will not get baptized and knows that our church is the church of Jesus Christ, decided what I'm going to study/not going to be in the future, started making reports of my area and district and other fun things, and I had some fun traveling to a little community and working with some of the members of my district.

This week I went to a community in this province, Leon, called Momotombo. It's tiny and the people are very simple, a lot like the people from Puerto. I went out there with one of the Zone Leaders so that we could do divisions and do interviews with some of the investigators of the Momotombo Elders. The first "investigator" was a crazy man that tried to teach us a lot of interesting doctrine that he could not back up nor explain very well. For instance, Satan killed God (in his PHYSICAL BODY) before this life and in doing so gained the name of Father and earned half of the inheritance of heaven; so when we pray to the Father or baptize in the name of the Father we are really doing it in the name of Satan. I was getting very frustrated. This "meeting" was one of the few moments that I have almost lost my cool on my entire mission. The man was insane. Poor guy. He tried to condemn me for testifying that I knew that what he was teaching was false because God revealed to him in various ways. Fishy.... Okay the crazy woman was after that. We went to go speak to a woman who is married to a member but has never gotten baptized. We spoke to her for a while about her family and her husband (who is also rather odd). Her husband is inactive and we thought maybe visiting his wife would be a good idea, but she doesn't really want anything to do with the church. She has read the Book of Mormon and knows that it is true as well as recognizes the need to have a prophet on the earth. She wants to be with her husband and family forever. Perfect investigator, right? Well one thing, she doesn't believe that she should be "Mormon". She was born Catholic and wants to die Catholic, like her mother. She also does not need to repent. She has no sins. All in all, that was a very productive two days in the middle of nowhere.

My companion and I started studying Spanish together this week and we ended up discussing how we do not to be NOTHINGS in our lives, how we don't want to be like some of the people here in this country who "work so hard" every day walking around selling fruit or ice cream for 4 hours. I think, "Wow. I walk around offering eternal life for free every day for about 10 hours and get hot and sweaty but keep working. Yet, you get too hot and tired in 3 hours in your own country, of selling to earn somehting that will keep you alive for just another week." I still have to pray about the decision, but once approved I shall inform you all.

Got another short haircut. Yay for the heat of Leon! Seriously sometimes I am so hot that I cannot even think properly.

I am having fun, working hard and really excited for whatever the Lord is preparing for me not only in my time here on my mission, but in my life. I used to fear some of the "blessings" that the Lord has laid us in store for me according to my faithfulness and hard work; however, right now I am learning to accept and look forward to such blessings. The things that I am learning here are going to help me so much in the rest of my life and I know that I can be a more effective tool in the hands of the Lord thanks to all that I am learning, applying, and become here in the mission. I am happy. I love all that I am learning and doing. I want you all to know that.

I still need to send letters to like a million people. Problem #1: Time (regard Post Office scheduling, as they close whenever they want). #2: Money...a dollar to secure a letter to the states, in other words, if I want to be sure that the letter gets to the place I send it to, i have to pay 50 cents more. Lame.

I am excited for this week and the baptism that we're going to have. You shall have photos next p day...when I turn 20 YEARS OLD. WIERD. I am making plans to go out with this family in my area and see some cool things in the city. I am going to take them out to eat, I think. They don't have very much money, but they work so hard for the church here in this part of the vineyard. I want to reward some very humble people for their faithfulness. Also, if any of you want perfume or cologne...it's super cheap here. $80 for a bottle of 200 mL Givenchy, Elizabeth Arden, Paris Hilton, etc. Also, shipping is approximately $2 or $5. Just because I love you all.

Hasta ver!
Elder B

RE: Who and Why?‏

Myrna wrote to Charlotte: It has been an eventful week for us. Two of our friends in Nephi died. Then one of our friends at the temple died of a sudden stroke. The final death occurred when my cousin, Eva Jane Smith, died. We went to Springville to the funeral. She was a quiet, capable and sweet woman. She was 16 years my senior. Eva Jane treated me, kindly and with gentleness. In addition, she and her husband, Leon, came to every wedding of my children. She had a beautiful singing voice, like most of the Smiths and, in the last year, as her mind was slipping, the one thing she could still do was sing hymns. She was on tune and remembered every word. Her father, Tom Smith, sang with the Mormon Tab for many years. For that reason, music was always very important to her.

I guess you heard the news that Kirsten is expecting again. Her baby will be born in September right around our 50th wedding anniversary (Sept. 9). So we will have quite a nice present, right? Julie's little son, Jens Luke Jones, is to be born on May 10. That means we will have 33 grandchildren by the end of the year. We are quite excited! We also have two high school graduations this year. One is in Ohio and one in Mass.

I guess you can do it.‏

Myrna wrote: I guess it can be done. I ran across this when I did an internet search: "How to Record From DVR to DVD" By an eHow Contributor.



Kirsten wrote: Did you have an S-video and DVD player/recorder?  Or did you choose the record live newscast from internet option?  I remember they used to record our newscasts, but they had special software for that... Kirsten


Myrna wrote: I don't have a recorder. I do have the cord I need, thanks to David, but I can't record. My DVD player is just that--a player. I recorded it on DVR just in case I can find an inexpensive recorder. I used the record live newscast from the internet option. However, of all those choices, I think using the link KSL provided and going to KSL.com for the story is the best idea. I told her to contact her stake tech and have them help Brandon show if from KSL.com. Each stake is supposed to have a tech and she said she did have one. So I have a DVR and an internet download. I've got copies all over the place that are, basically, no good to anyone at this point.

KSL did say that Carole was going to do a full hour report between conference sessions in April. I think it is safe to say that by then we will all know what we are doing.

Meanwhile, I think I will check YouTube and see if someone has done the work for us.

My mother's cousin, Eva Jane Smith Bjarnson

Eva Jane Smith Bjarnson

1924 ~ 2011

Eva Jane Smith Bjarnson, our sweet wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away quietly at home with family on Friday, the 18th of February 2011. She was a valiant strong lady in life and still continues that quest. She was born on the 19th of August, 1924 to Sydney Thomas and Dolly Grey Lewis Smith in Springville, Utah. She was very proud of her heritage.

On the 12th of June, 1946 she married her sweetheart Leon Gourdin Bjarnson. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple, on the 25th of June, 1954. They raised four children with the goal of an eternal family.

She dedicated herself to her family and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She spent many years in church service with Primary and Relief Society. She and Leon served as guides in the Provo Tabernacle. They also enjoyed service in the Provo Temple. A highlight of her life, second only to marriage and family, was a mission they served together in the Hawaii Visitors Center. They saw many people there and she loved bearing her testimony of the Savior and His church.

She graduated from Springville High School and attended BYU. She enjoyed many hobbies through the years such as reading and sewing. She grew to love dance and music through her parents. One of her great loves was music. She enjoyed outings and trips with Leon for many years. In all her years she loved being with and watching "the little ones", her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The theme of her life was her testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She loves Him and has earned her sweet rewards. She will be missed by all and we look forward to a happy reunion someday.

She is survived by her husband Leon of Springville, Utah and four children; Linda Craig (Jim) of Mesa, Arizona; Karen Miner (Sherl) of Springville, Utah; Diane Poulson (Alan) of Springville Utah; Steven Leon Bjarnson (Margo) of Mapleton Utah; 21 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren; and her sister Dolores Anne Bahr of West Valley City. She was preceded in death by her parents Tom and Dolly Smith and a grandson Marcus Ash.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation and love for those special people who treated her like a princess in her last months; Community Nursing Services and Hospice of Utah and especially Virginia and Becca. They were unselfish and tender.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday the 26th of February at 11 am in the Hobble Creek West Stake Center, 555 South 600 East (Averett Ave) Springville, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday evening, the 25th of February, from 6-8 pm at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 East 200 South, Springville, and at the church prior to the service on Saturday morning from 10:00 am to 10:40 am. Burial will be at the Evergreen Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent at www.wheelermortuary.com

About Eva Jane Whom We Loved

Myrna wrote: Dear Gordon: Thank you so much for letting me know about Eva Jane. I might have missed the obituary because I have been so busy. I will need to talk to Leonard because we work at Manti Temple on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. We will need to see if we can work out our schedule or find a sub and which would be the best day to do that on. He isn't home right now he is babysitting AnnMarie's kids. She had a DUI case to prosecute today and I had county commission meeting to attend.

I so loved Eva Jane. Deloris told me, in her Christmas card, that Eva Jane had had some rough patches but I did not think they were that rough. What happened? (Other than the fact that she was 86.) 

Eva Jane had that same dark coloring that my mother had in the few photos I have of her. For that reason, she always reminded me a bit of my mother or of what she might have looked like if  she had been given the opportunity to age. Aunt Renee, always told me that Mother Elaine was really like Grandma Vivian as far as personality is concerned. Your mom always said that and then added that so was I.

I am having two new grandchildren this year. If I live to be 86, IF, they would only be 16. It is hard to believe. I just don't know where the time has gone.

Gordon wrote: Eva Jane has had dementia for some time.  She also had some other health problems.  She has not been doing very well for some time.

Myrna wrote: We were able to get subs for our Saturday shift at the temple. We will be at the funeral. I am so happy that we can attend. THANK YOU for letting us know early so that we could make arrangements. You are a wonder!

Melanie wrote: I think we all loved Eva Jane. She actually attended a lot of our family gatherings. I am not sure Gordon knew that.  
Mel

Myrna wrote: You are probably right, he likely doesn't know. I will tell him that. As you can see, I was nearer in age to some of my mom's cousins than she was. I guess it would be like Siovhan and the new little ones. They are cousins but it is fairly certain that the babies being born will have more in common with her kids.

How to read the Times-News Online

Well, now we know that my coping the newspaper to pdf for you doesn't work. I can't send you the pdf file unless I can figure out another way. You have to go to www.nephitimesnews.com/

You have to have the password: groundhog (This month, that is the password. It changes every month.)

Follow the instructions below. I have to download the file holding down the option key and save the file. Then I have to drag it to the Abcrobat Reader icon and drop it in. I then have to use the password. I KNOW there has to be an easier way. Allan's instructions follow:

Window users, please press the control key and click the link below or right click and chose save file. Macintosh users, press the option key and click the link.

Kirsten wrote: Also, if you have a Mac, you have to use Firefox and Not Safari.


Myrna wrote: I did get it to work with Safari. But I had to download Adobe Reader. Honestly, do you want me to go back to having the paper delivered?

Todd wrote: I can see them just fine with the login he provides us.

Sorina Baptism‏ Invitation

Kimberly wrote:

Sorina Baptism

Saturday, March, 19th 10am

Layton West Stake Center

1715 W 1600 N Layton Utah

From Gordon Smith

Eva Jane Smith Bjarnson  passed away Friday, February 18, 2011.

She was 86 years old.  Her father was my father’s brother.  I am sure

you knew that.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 26, 2011

at 11:00 a.m. in the Hobble Creek West Stake Center.  The address is:

555 South 600 East, Springville, Utah.

 

There will be a viewing Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Wheeler Mortuary.

The address is: 211 East 200 South, Springville, Utah, and at the church one hour

prior to the service.

Her father was your Grandpa Raymond James Smith's brother.

Matthew's Report

Matthew chose to do a report on Morten Sorensen for his  immigrant report for school.  We need a picture and description of him.  I am using the materials Aunt Eva gave us for Christmas in 2001.  (Thank heavens for those materials.  I use them often.)  The pictures are really small.  Do you have a larger picture of him?  It can be the one with his wife when she is turned sideways to hide her damaged eye.  We will be creating a poster which includes a photo of him, of the place he came from (I will look for something online) and other interesting details.

AnnMarie

My New Motor Home

Gordon Smith sent a photo of an extremely extravagant motor home with this comment: I just thought I would send all of you a picture of my new motor home.
At least I wish it was mine.  However, I wouldn’t even be able to buy the gas for it.


Myrna wrote: Nope! I'm with my dad: take a comfortable car that can get into any parking lot, eat out and sleep at a good motel. Take your time and have fun. Can you imagine trying to drive that thing in Nauvoo? If you want to camp out, you couldn't even get that thing in a campground. Sometimes, big isn't better.


Gordon wrote: I don’t really want a big motor home like that one either.  We have a nice medium sized travel trailer.   We enjoy it very much. The trouble with motel camping is:  I can’t take that motel and park it along the stream where I like to camp.  I can’t sit around the camp fire and watch the fish jump in that stream while I roast a hot dog when I motel camp.  I can’t sit in a folding camp chair and look at the beautiful sky, watch for satellites, find the big and  little dipper with the North star, without being hampered by all of the surrounding city lights when I am motel camping.  I can’t conveniently cook my favorite forty mile Dutch oven stew on the
asphalt in the motel parking lot.  I can’t walk on the trail through the trees along that stream while camping at the motel.  There are a million reasons why camping in the mountains is better than camping  in a motel.  But most of all, the food just tastes better up there.  And I like to watch all of the animals.  Last time we camped, I saw deer, forest grouse, wild turkeys, many types of birds, butterflies, fish. squirrels, and voles.  Plus, if I want to, I can take my trailer to trailer parks near all of neat places a person would like to go like Disneyland, Nauvoo, etc., etc.

Oh well, motel campers help me to have more space in the mountains.

Lots of love,

Gordon


Myrna wrote: I didn't mean to imply that we don't like camping because we do. We have family camps and 'just us" camps all summer long. We love it and always have. So did my dad who would invite us all to go boat-fishing with him. BUT, when we drive cross country to Boston to visit Melanie, or Johnstown (Todd), or Colorado Springs (Kirsten) or El Paso (David), we drive long days and stay in motels at night. We'd rather spend the time in the homes of the kids than drag a trailer around. We have a mid-sized trailer that sleeps eight and we spend a lot of time camping in our beloved mountains. I still like campfire cooking even though we have a good stove and oven in the trailer. (We even have a microwave, if you can imagine the weirdness of that.) We'd rather Dutch oven our meals. Remember, I am married to a man who has 40-years of scout mastering in his blood. He even likes tent sleeping.


Gordon wrote: Myrna,  Do you have any idea how special you are?

Yes, there are times when it is better, and easier, to stay in a motel when you travel. And I also have enjoyed tent camping.  However, this old body of mine with the artificial knee, artificial hip, back with two rods and six screws,  three vertebra unroofed in my lower back, and three vertebra fused in my neck, I just don’t sleep very well on an air mattress anymore.  As my English Department chairman at Spanish Fork High School said to me the year before she retired, “Old age is a s _  _ of a b_ _ _ _!”  She just came into my office, shut the door, and said, “Gordon.”  I said, “What.”  She then said what I have quoted her as saying.  She then opened the door and left.  That was the total conversation.  She was a jewel.  I loved her like a sister.  The students
loved her too.  She retired the next year, and was dead the next year.  The stress of public education does not kill you.  However, the stress of it lowers the ability of your body to defend itself from other problems.  She died of cancer.

I would like  to take our trailer and travel across America and back some year.  Travel three or four hundred miles, stay for a week, see what you wanted to in that area, travel again, stop again, etc. until we had been to the states and places we would like to see.  Then come home.  However, I am not sure this eighty year old body of mine will let me.  Therefore, maybe I will just take us to the nice places  closer to home.   I do still go on the deer camp with our boys each year.  I don’t hunt.  Just camp and cook.  The last time I hunted was when I was seventy two.  I did get my deer that year, and drug it out by myself.  Three years ago, Roberta went with us on the deer hunt.  The boys all had permits in the Book Cliffs.  We stayed nine days.  The boys all got a nice deer.  That was the year I received my artificial hip.  I am sure Roberta went just to take care of me.  However, the boys have all said over, and over, that it was the most fun hunt they have ever been on.  It wasn’t the deer they got.  It was just that  mom was there.

We have taken the trailer to Utah Lake State Park during general conference in the Spring.  It is nice to relax there and watch conference in the trailer.  I want to do the same thing at Rockport Reservoir some year.  We camped there on the deer hunt one year.  I found that you can get channel five on television there.  Good fishing too.

Well, I am sure you are tired of reading all of this blarney.  And I think I better get to bed.  It is 12:40 am.

You and that good man of yours have a good day

Love Ya,

Gordon

Arranging for Baptisms

Ed wrote: We can work out something for the 21st. Call me. 835-2291. Love, Pres. Pinegar


"Call me 435-835-2291 or 435-835-4727. Schedule your baptismal dates with the temple 435-835-2291. I look froward from hearing from her (AnnMarie). Love, Pres. Pinegar"  


Myrna: President Pinegar spoke at Julie's conference session on Saturday. When I got home from the temple that night, he had left a message to call him because, he said, he had it worked out. I knew he was speaking again today at a different place so I decided to just facebook message him. He usually answers on Monday morning, though the temple isn't open until Tuesday. I would still call him tomorrow on the special number he gave you.

I have commission meeting on Tuesday morning but Dad is planning on coming up for little Rachel and for the other kids if they need picking up or whatever. He said he and Rachel would go to McDonald's for lunch and she could play there for awhile. I hate that we have holidays on Monday because that always fouls me up. Dad said he will miss me only because he will end up sitting on the floor playing dolls with Rachel. (Secretly, he likes it--being the doll that does whatever Rachel tells it to do.)

Ed Pinegar wrote: "Perfect. Call me at the temple between 7 am and 2 pm Tues Weds or Fri and we will work it out. Love" 

"Myrna, You and your great husband are examples of light to all who know you. Thanks for your kindness. Love, brother Ed" 

Faith

I would like to start off my email by telling you all a story of true faith, one that I believe you will enjoy.
Once upon a time there were two Sister missionaries who belonged to the Idaho Pocatello Mission. The dear Sisters had a fairly large area, and the district to which they belonged covered vast amounts of land in southern Idaho. One day after having some meetings and some appointments, the Sisters got into their cute, little Toyota and started driving; however, the Sisters forgot to check their gas gauge before getting into their car and driving away. After a while the car ran out of gas and the car came to a complete stop. The Sisters were bewildered and had no idea as to what could have happened until they noticed that there was absolutely no gas in the car. Confused and nervous the Sisters brainstormed and tried to be missionaries of solutions, not problems. Finally the Sisters got out of the car and did the only thing that they could think of. Yes........they filled the tank with a few gallons of WATER. They took the water that they had for emergencies and poured in all into the gas tank. The Sisters then got back in the car and prayed that the Lord might bless them and change the water into gas. One of the Sisters turned on the car, but to their surprise, NOTHING HAPPENED. Lesson learned? The faith of two Sister missionaries just outside Pocatello, Idaho is not great enough to turn water into combustible gasoline.
Gas: $2,50/gallon One Toyota Car: $30.000 Trial of Faith: Priceless

It is interesting to think about how much faith they must have had to have that idea and think that it would work. The Lord promises us miracles all the time, but we really do not understand how He will do them. I really like this story because, apart from being freaking hilarious, it helps me to realize that we all need to trust in the Lord so much and we need to rely on His ability to work whatever kind of miracle in our lives. No matter how big, no matter how small, he will be able to help us with any problem and He will do his part to help us.

So this week has been rather interesting. We had another training activity in Managua on Tuesday, and then Tuesday night I went to go speak to my Zone Leaders' investigator. Their investigator had been having some problems in deciding to get baptized and finalizing a date for his baptism. On the way back from Managua I was speaking to one of my Zone Leaders and he looked at me and said,"You need to go meet/talk to Denis tonight." I said, "Okay." Well, the other Zone Leader and I went looking for this man. He wasn't at home, he happened to be in the hospítal tending to his sick mother, so ZL 2 and I went on the hunt in the hospital. On the 4th floor we found him with his mother, the poor woman. Side note: Hospitals in Nicaragua are like hospitals from horror movies, with the light, the same look, feel eerie sense of something lurking about in the darkness waiting to come out and snatch you. After a few minutes of chatting with this man and his mother I told him that I would like to speak with him alone to see how much the "lazy boys" were teaching him. ;) We started talking and I started doing his interview with him. He answered all of the questions well, but there was something inside me that was telling me, "He's still doubting. There's a problem." and i was just like, "GOSH! What do I need to do? How can I help him?" ANd then I just started asking him a few other questions until I finally asked him what his worry was, why he was doubting everything. He explained it, laughed a little bit and then just looked at me. In that instant I was able to see him as a child of my Heavenly Father, I was able to love him and testify of what I knew, believed, and felt. I was able to help him. He got baptized on Saturday. That was an amazing experience that made me SO happy.

Wednesday was interesting, but I cannot remember why. Thursday and Friday we did "mini changes" in the Zone. I was assigned to be with an elder for 24 hours and then we went out to work together. We had so much fun and we worked really well together. I got to know him very quickly and we get along so very well. We talked about everything from surfing to Russian literature, from family to strange cultural identies. We talked about a lot of different things. We also found a few interesting people to teach. Then Saturday came and I helped the Zone Leaders out with their baptism and went to the Adult Session of Stake Conference with a recent convert family. Sunday was equally crazy and packed full of fun crying babies, crying adults, people running around in the hallways and missionaries trying to count the assistance of the conference fervently while having literally hundreds of people getting up and walking around, talking, eating you name it while the conference was happening. Fun stuff.

I just want you all to know that despite the amount of complaints I make, I really do love my mission. I love the opportunities that I have to help the Lord's work here in this part of His vineyard progress. I am so grateful for the wonderful people that I have met in every single one of my areas and for how much they care about me, how much they teach me and how much they are willing to sacrifice for my wellbeing. Right now I love this one family in my ward, the Acosta famliy. They are some amazing people. Next week I will tell you about them a little bit more. Apparently they have not been very happy with a lot of the missionaries that have been here in the past, but they love me and my companion and they are willing to help us do anything.

Well, I love this mission. I love this area. I love my companion. I love my investigators, my Savior, the family Acosta, the food here. I am so grateful for this blessed opportunity. I hope that you all have a great week and that you are all able to find peace, tranquility, and happiness this week as you go about your varied activities.

Grandma, I cannot wait to get back and go to Manti with you and Grandpa. I have never been that great of an artist, but I am good at public speaking and things dealing with writing creatively. Hahaha. Still proud of me?
Andrea and Alena...how's life? Maybe I'll have to save up money when I get back to invite you, your husbands and your children to Brick Oven. :P

Love,
Elder B

Emma

Kirsten wrote: Momma, 

You have a granddaughter with your talent for artistic detail. Just got a note from the school district that one of Emma's pieces of artwork has been selected to be displayed in the District Office and has now also been automatically entered into the AAFCU Art Scholarship Contest. Just thought you'd like to know that your talent totally missed me but lives on! :)

Love you! Kirsten

Myrna wrote: Congratulations to Emma are in order. I am happy that the generation coming is so talented. How lucky am I to have grandchildren who are so wonderful in so many ways?


Todd wrote: Nicely done Emma!


Shawn wrote: Good job Emma, how delightful.



Myrna wrote: I am so proud of Emma!!!!! Thank you for letting me know about her artwork! I hope she knows how important I think her recognition for work well-done is.


I should have stayed with art and not journalism. Pass that on to her for me. Tell her to keep at it. My high school guidance counselor told me that art was a waste of time and did not pay for a woman (or man) because very few became famous. (In spite of the fact that my college education was paid for by an art scholarship.) Well, I have news for Mrs. Peterson, in today's world those paintings by unknown artists still get several hundred dollars on the market. Show me a newspaper article, even a prize-winning one, that commands that.
 
TAKE PHOTOS! I remember how proud I was when my poppy poster (7th grade) placed in the state finals and I won a check. It got sent on to the national contest and placed there but I never got it back. The same thing happened when the mural I painted (5th grade) was taken to the state board of education for display. It was selected to be kept there. I didn't ever get it back either. I sold my paintings that were on display at the bank in Price. I don't know if they are on someone's wall or in the trash. And there was the chicken I painted from life (in pastels) that was selected for display at Carbon College. I never got it back. TAKE PHOTOS!!!!!!

Couple Things

AnnMarie wrote:

1.  haven't heard back from President Pinegar.  He has my cell phone number, so it might be that it is taking some time to figure out if it will work after all.  Could you kindly check when you go tomorrow?

2. Rachel's kindergarten program is Friday, March 4.  I know that is a terrible day for you.  It is at 10:00 am and then again at 6:00 p.m. (I think.  I could be off on the times.)

3. We are still looking at going to Disneyland in April.  We will drive to St. George on April 9 and stay over through church on Sunday.  Then we will drive to California.  Brandon wants to do the park Monday - Wednesday (it seems like the passes were usually 3 days to be used over 5), then leave Thursday and arrive in St. George Thursday night.  We will come home on Friday so the kids can do homework on Saturday.  You can join us and stay with us on the 9th, or come down on the 10th.  Either way would be great, they have plenty of room in the house to accomodate us.  Same thing on the return, we are planning on you staying with us in St. George on the return since it will be at the end of a long drive.  These are tentative plans.

4. I might need some help on Tuesday (March 1) with daycare.  I have to come to court here and help Perry with a jury trial.  Brother Burnside is still recovering from his ankle surgery, they had to put metal plates in to hold the bones in place.

Thanks,
AnnMarie

The #4 date is wrong.  It is this coming Tuesday, Feb 22.  I don't even know what week I am in, pretty scary.


Myrna wrote:
1. We will check with President Pinegar and with the office.
2. We would need to do the 10 a.m. program.
3. Are Brandon's folks still going to Disneyland with us?
4. Tuesday will be great! There is no problem.


AnnMarie wrote:
1.  Thanks.
2.  Ok.
3.  No.
4.  Thank you.  I'll talk to you about it.  Pick-up Megan at 2:15.  Pick up Rachel and Matthew at 3:15 (use Megan to run to the door since they are cracking down on leaving vehicles in lower lot and sometimes upper lot is full).  We have voice lessons in Orem for Kyle and Alyssa at 4:15 - 5:15.  Dance for Rachel at 5:15 (then I go pick up Kyle and Alyssa).  Brandon should be able to pick up Rachel at 6:15 so you could leave after you drop Alyssa and Kyle off.  Sorry it is so crazy.  I didn't plan on working on Tuesday, but Perry would like an assistant for his jury trial.  

Aprons

EllaDean wrote: I would love to have pattern for some of the old aprons. Miss my Grandma and seeing her in her aprons!

(Notice that a "Medium" is a size 14 - 16)

Remember making an apron in Home Ec? Remember Home Ec? If we have to explain "Home Ec" you may delete this. I just don't have the energy anymore. Read below.

The History of  'APRONS'

I don't think our kids  know what an apron is.
The principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath because she only had a few and because it was easier to wash aprons than dresses and aprons required less material.  But along with that, it served as a potholder for  removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children's tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears.
 
From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids.

And when the weather was cold, Grandma wrapped it around her arms.

Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.
From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables.
After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls.

In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.
When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.

When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men folk knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that 'old-time apron' that served so many purposes.

Send this to those who would know (and love) the story about Grandma's aprons..

REMEMBER:
Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool.  Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw.

They would go crazy now trying to figure out how many germs were on that apron.

I don't think I ever caught anything from an apron - but love.

Myrna wrote: You think about it, though, and I don't think Grandma's apron was ever dirty. She would change it a lot. I wondered, as a child, if that sweaty dress did not also need to be changed. It lasted all day and sometimes through two days. Grandma was clean and washed herself a lot but that second-day dress, if I wore it, would be a problem. The underarms would smell--and not with the good odor of talcum powder. My smell would not be something that could be covered up.
 

Sister Chicks from Charlotte

Myrna wrote: Thank you, Sister Chick! “Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.”

Charlotte sent: To all my peeps!  

WE SISTER-CHICKS NEED TO STICK TOGETHER - LOVE AND PRAY FOR EACH OTHER - STAND WITH AND FOR EACH OTHER - SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER - YEP - THAT'S WHAT SISTERS DO BEST!!!


YOU HAVE 10 MINUTES TO TELL 10 SISTERS THAT YOU LOVE THEM (INCLUDING ME)
BECAUSE  TOMORROW'S NOT PROMISED. SO.... I LOVE YOU! GO!!!!

Avon Ring

Myrna wrote: Bree, It seemed to go through OK. It asked for your telephone number and I entered the one from your ad. Please check and make certain you got credit for the sale. The particulars are below.

It is a very pretty ring. I will wear it in place of my wedding ring. I still feel terrible about losing the setting. It makes me want to cry all over again.

Welcome, Myrna

Thank you for your order. It has been forwarded to our fulfillment center. 

The confirmation number for this AVON order is: AVO0119614226 
Subject to credit card approval your expected ship date is Friday, February 18, 2011. 

To check your order status at any time, please go to the 'My Account' section of the website. You will also receive an email containing all order details within the next 24 hours. 

If you have any questions regarding your order, you can email us or call 1-800-500-AVON (1-800-500-2866).


Bree, if it goes through and you get the proper credit, I will use this method for future orders. If not, I will be upset. PLEASE let me know. Love you, M

From: DearAvon@Avon.com
To: mandlht@msn.com
Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2011 12:30:00 -0500
Subject: avonshop Receipt

 Dear Myrna:

Thank you for shopping online with AVON. 
Your order is on its way to being processed.

AVON Confirmation Number : AVO0119614226

Your AVON order will be shipped Standard Ground. The expected ship date for your order is Thursday, February 17, 2011. At the time your order ships, you'll receive another e-mail confirming the shipment. You can expect this order to arrive within 4-7 business days (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays). 

 If you have any questions about your order, simply reply to this message, or call us at 1-800-500-Avon (2866). Please have your order confirmation number available.



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Revas family photos‏

Patty Edards wrote:

Hi Myrna,

I hope this email finds you well. I spoke to Charlotte a few weeks ago to see if she would send me a copy of the disk with the Revas family photos. She was very nice and agreed to send it; I have not received it yet. I don't mean to be a bother, but I was wondering if you could send me a copy of your disk, then if I get Charlottes I will have the names to go with the photos. Three of my mother's siblings are living, two of them could assist me with putting names to the people in the pictures; the other sister, Georgia, is afflicted with Alzheimer's.

If you are agreeable with sharing the pictures with me, I will send you my address or, if you would like, I can send you my Sam's Club membership card number and you can upload your disk to the photo center and I can pick up a copy of the disk at my local store.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Patty (pe.socalsis@gmail.com)


Myrna wrote: My big problem is figuring out who the Revas people are. Unfortunately, not all of my dad's photos are labeled so I do not always know which person is which or who is who. Some are labeled with first names only. How about sending me some of the names of the folks you are looking for and I will be happy to comply. It was too bad that I did not pay good enough attention while Dad was alive. I thought I was but I should have written more and talked less. How does your connection work? You, ?, ?, ?

I would like having your address but I think downloading directly to you would work well. I think the best way to send the photos would be to send them as attachments to email. That seems to work well. We do that all of the time for the newspaper (Nephi Times-News, where I work). Then you can do what you would like. If some of them are not on the mark, for example, you would not need to print them.


Patty wrote:

Hi Myrna,

Sorry to be an inconvenience. My Internet connection is fiber optic so downloading a large file shouldn't be an issue.
The people in the Revas family are as follows: Tom and Cleora (parents) and their children: James, Georgia, Luke, Bill, Christene and Catherine.

My address is P.O. Box 934, Chino Hills, CA 91709.
Thanks again,
Patty

President Pinegar for AnnMarie

Hi Myrna,
Ed Pinegar wrote: "We can work our something for thw 21st. Call me. 835-2291. Love, Pres. Pinegar"

Call me 435-835-2291 or 435-835-4727. Schedule your baptismal dates with the temple 435-835-2291. I look froward from hearing from her. Love, Pres. Pinegar

Perfect. Call me at the temple between 7 am and 2 pm Tues Weds or Fri and we will work it out. Love

Apricot Jalapeno preserves (Amy Smith and Amy G Trauntvein both have the same recipe.)

Gordon Smith wrote:
Myrna, if you don’t have this recipe, it is good poured over cream cheese.  Then use crackers etc. to eat it.  It is also good alone on crackers.

Amy, who is the wife of our son Todd, brought it to a party at our house.  She then sent us the recipe.

Here is the Apricot jalapeno preserves recipe. I did not put the food coloring in. I used the certo liquid pectin, two packages come in a box. I bought a big bag of apricots from Sams Club. I think it did at least two double batches. When we did it we did double batches and it made between 16 to 18 jars. The making part did not take very long. It was cutting everything up that took so long. We just used a little food processer to cut up the peppers and used scissors to cut up the apricots. I did not use the blender for the peppers, my mom did. You can do what you want. Have fun and enjoy.

Amy Smith’s instructions:

Combine apricots, sugar and jalapeno mixture in large saucepan.
Bring to a boil. Boil rapidly for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat. Skim off any foam that forms.
Allow mixture to cool for 2 minutes.
Mix in pectin and food coloring, if desired.
Pour into sterilized jars and seal.
Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Apricot jalapeno preserves recipe in the canning category
Recipe ingredients:

1/2 cup finely chopped jalapeno peppers, stems and seeds removed
1 large finely chopped red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed
2 cups cider vinegar
1 1/2 cups dried apricots, chopped
6 cups granulated sugar
3 ounces liquid pectin
4 drops red food color, optional (I like the food color included)
Recipe method:

Put jalapenos, bell pepper and vinegar in blender.
Puree until coarsely ground and small chunks remain.


Myrna wrote: Yummy! Thanks for thinking of me and for sharing. We love apricots and have a tree but last year it only had a few. It got touched by the April frost we had. Thanks for telling me about the using the Sams Club apricots. I buy them just to eat and it is nice to know that they can be used for this. I can't wait to go try it.

We have a daughter-in-law named Amy married to our son Todd. ;) We also have a daughter-in-law named Amy married to our son Eric. Yes, we have two Amys. Fun. One is Amy G (Todd's) and the other is Amy J (Eric's). Hehehe!


Kirsten wrote: Okay... I just have to say that I had to read and reread that second paragraph.  Too bizzarre that there is another Todd and Amy and that they are our relatives and that their Amy is also a good cook....  hence the reading and rereading!

Thanks for the recipe! Kirsten

Todd Trauntvein wrote: ....and both Todd's worked at storehouse at some point in time.

Myrna wrote: What are the chances of that?


Amy G wrote: ...And both Amy's have this recipe.  I got a bit confused at first too when reading this, since I got this same recipe from my own mother.

Amy G. Trauntvein (spouse of Todd TRAUNTVEIN)!  lol!

Apricot jalapeno preserves recipe

...And both Amy's have this recipe.  I got a bit confused at first too when reading this, since I got this same recipe from my own mother.

Amy G. Trauntvein (spouse of Todd TRAUNTVEIN)!  lol!

....and both Todd's worked at storehouse at some point in time.

On Feb 16, 2011, at 2:21 PM, Jared Waite <jjwaite6@aol.com> wrote:

Okay... I just have to say that I had to read and reread that second paragraph.  Too bizzarre that there is another Todd and Amy and that they are our relatives and that their Amy is also a good cook....  hence the reading and rereading!  

Thanks for the recipe!

Kirsten

From: gf_smities@msn.com

Subject: Apricot Jalapeno preserves
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:06:46 -0700

Myrna, if you don’t have this recipe, it is good poured over cream cheese.  Then use crackers etc. to eat it.  It is also good alone on crackers.

Amy, who is the wife of our son Todd Smith, brought it to a party at our house.  She then sent us the recipe.

Here is the Apricot jalapeno preserves recipe. I did not put the food coloring in. I used the certo liquid pectin, two packages come in a box. I bought a big bag of apricots from Sam's club. I think it did at least two double batches. When we did it we did double batches and it made between 16 to 18 jars. The making part did not take very long. It was cutting everything up that took so long. We just used a little food processer to cut up the peppers and used scissors to cut up the apricots. I did not use the blender for the peppers, my mom did. You can do what you want. Have fun and enjoy.

Amy Smith’s instructions:

Combine apricots, sugar and jalapeno mixture in large saucepan.

Bring to a boil. Boil rapidly for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat. Skim off any foam that forms.

Allow mixture to cool for 2 minutes.

Mix in pectin and food coloring, if desired.

Pour into sterilized jars and seal.

Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Apricot jalapeno preserves recipe in the canning category

Recipe ingredients:

1/2 cup finely chopped jalapeno peppers, stems and seeds removed

1 large finely chopped red bell pepper, stem and seeds removed

2 cups cider vinegar

1 1/2 cups dried apricots, chopped

6 cups granulated sugar

3 ounces liquid pectin

4 drops red food color, optional (I like the food color included)

Recipe method:

Put jalapenos, bell pepper and vinegar in blender.

Puree until coarsely ground and small chunks remain.

Re: AnnMarie and Temple Baptism's for the Dead

Myrna wrote: Dad said he also had never heard that you had to call in for a baptism date the first of January. He will talk to the president about it.

Did you find your anniversary card propped up on the counter? Poor little Matthew thought I had given each of the children $5 because he opened the card and saw all of the $5s. The real truth is that the lady at the bank didn't understand Dad when he told her he wanted $25 and so she gave him all $5s. I asked why he didn't just tell her and he said it was OK because it all spends the same way.

I sometimes wonder if I should give everyone $5 each. Dad says that if I did that, I could just mail the cards and would not send funny little items like pencils, etc.

Kirsten said she liked the packages and the first conversation heart she took out of her box said: "I love you." She said it made her day.

Kyle was certainly surprised when he tried to scoop up the package and it kept moving away from him. So was A.J. at his house. You should see Eric. He has lost over 50 pounds and now weighs about 188. He looks skinnier than Dad. Of course, they are the same height but Dad weighs 165. Maybe Eric has more muscle.

AnnMarie wrote: Mom,

Were you able to find out anything about our schedule for Manti?  I still haven't heard, but I know he is extremely busy.  I don't want to bother him.

Thanks,

AnnMarie

President Ed Pinegar: We can work out something for the 21st. Call me. 835-2291.

Myrna wrote: President Pinegar spoke at Julie's conference session on Saturday. When I got home from the temple that night, he had left a message to call him because, he said, he had it worked out. I knew he was speaking again today at a different place so I decided to just facebook message him. He usually answers on Monday morning, though the temple isn't open until Tuesday. I would still call him tomorrow on the special number he gave you.

I have commission meeting on Tuesday morning but Dad is planning on coming up for little Rachel and for the other kids if they need picking up or whatever. He said he and Rachel would go to McDonald's for lunch and she could play there for awhile. I hate that we have holidays on Monday because that always fouls me up. Dad said he will miss me only because he will end up sitting on the floor playing dolls with Rachel. (Secretly, he likes it--being the doll that does whatever Rachel tells it to do

My Soap Box

This week has been so crazy for me. Last week on Monday I ate Iguana, went and did some family home evening activities in my area and then went to Managua at about 4 a.m. Tuesday morning. We, as District Leaders in the mission, we called by the mission president to a two-day, super-training conference. It was fantastic and I learned a LOT while I was there. The highlight of the whole activity was that I learned that I am going in the right direction as a leader here in the mission. I had the opportunity to give a little bit of a sample district meeting lesson to a class full of district leaders and had the president and a zone leader supervising. I taught at the very end. I was so nervous to teach in front of everyone else, so I was praying a ton so that I could have the Spirit with me to guide me so that I could say what needed to be said, teach what needed to be taught, and really help myself and the others in the room to learn something new. It was a quick 10 min. teaching experience and I was so nervous throughout the entire thing, yet the class participated, I said everything that I felt needed to be said and in the end felt comfortable. We had a little bit of a "constructive criticism" session afterword and when they got to my part of the lesson nobody had anything bad to say. Not one complaint. I was stunned. As we were leaving the room, I stayed back a little bit so as to put everything away in my backpack, a couple of the missionaries that were in the session with me walked up to me, one by one, and told me that they thought I was one of the best "teachers" that got up (for one reason or another). I was speechless. I blushed and thanked each one as they left, but I was stunned, awestruck, you name it. I know, I know, humble Elder Bolton, right? But that was a serious answer to my prayers. I worry that I'm not the kind of leader that I should be some times because I'm not the most successful and I'm not the most intelligent, but at least I know now that I can help others learn and become better.

 

The training was two days and when we weren't in meetings we went out to work. I went back to La Primavera and found a family and baptized them with two other missionaries. The family was hilarious and it took a LOT of work to get them to the church, but they are a great family. Then I went back to my area and started working with my companion again. We have been working with a number of families over the past two week, about 10 to be exact. However, this weekend we hit problems with ALL of them. Every single one. This is such a trial for me, as I really want to help these couples get married and baptized, but occasionally it gets very difficult to help people to progress. I find that I get super discouraged when things like this happen, yet I have faith and hope. I know that things will get better and that eventually all will work out. I just have to remain positive.

 

Ok. My soap box. My turn to rant about how ridiculous I think some people are at times. I hate two-faced people. Hypocrites basically. I dislike people that say that someone should live one way and then they live the opposite. I try to be a leader here in the mission that is obedient, because I expect it of those in my district. I love those that I do not know, and I am kind to missionaries when they make mistakes or mess up. We are all human and are bound to err at times. So, I do not like it when others harass those that are obedient, I don't like it when good missonaries get so verbally bashed when they make mistakes, etc. I do not agree with the current mission "politik" in the which I find myself currently. Hopefully, with time, this can change here in the mission. I have so many ideas on how to help this mission become even better than it is, but unfortunately there are some people who do not like my ideas, nor would they like to take the time or effort to make such changes. Ok. Soap box over.

 

Now. The INFO. My companion is a Rexburgian. Born and raised in Rexburg, ID. He is 19, funny, fantastic and works really hard. We enjoy our time together and have lots of fun while working hard. He is one of the best companions I'v had here on my mission. Reminds me a lot of one of my roommates from BYU. I have 4 areas in total in my district. My area, La Posada 2, La Posada, Momotombo (a little coommunity), and La Paz Centro. Momotombo is about 2 hrs away in bus and is the residence of Elders Denton and May (Elder Denton was in Puerto with me for a few months). Both are from Utah, work hard and make me laugh a lot. Then there's the elders in the city of La Paz Centro (The Centre of Peace), Elders Martinez and Morales. Martinez is from El Salvador, and Morales from Panama. They are both pretty goffy but, again, good missionaries. In La Posada there are Elders Smith, Wyoming (tease him about that a lot and the Latinos don't ever understand), and his companion Elder Guevara (El Salvador). All in all, my district is tight, and I love all the missionaries. The Zone is fantastic, but really goofy. We have high goals for this month and we hope to achieve them all.

 

Anything else you would like to know? I am trying to record video journal entries lately of funny things that happen during the week and I'll have to figure out how to get them all to you.

 

Foods tried now: Brain, tongue, turtle, iguana, yuca, plantain (boiled/fried), bananas, watermelon, papaya, pineapple, mango, tamarindo, jocote and mimbro (SOUR fruits). Yeah. lovin the Nica food. This week I hope to learn how to make gallopinto so that I can make it for you all when I get back.

 

Lemme know anything else you would like to hear about in next week's email.

 

Love you all,

Elder B

AnnMarie and Manti Temple

AnnMarie wrote: I did not know that we had to call to reserve temple baptisms the first week of January.  Now we are being told that we cannot have a session on June 21 because all of the sessions are booked. 

 

I don't want another faux pas with President Pinegar.  I haven't heard from him on doing a fireside for our stake down there.  Is there some way to call him?

 

AnnMarie

Myrna wrote: I don't really think that they are all booked. I know we have people come all of the time, some large groups, who are not on the first schedule. Just call the temple and ask to speak to him. Let me know how that goes. If you are not successful, I will intercede. Dad said, also, that he would go in and talk to President personally. They work shifts, the temple presidency, and the office will know when they are or will be there. You could also ask for Carolyn Wallingford (a.m.) or Susan Davis (p.m.) They do most of the baptistry scheduling. Tell them who you are, your church position, and that you are our daughter.

His email is: brotheredjp@gmail.com

Dad said he also had never heard that you had to call in for a baptism date the first of January. He will talk to the president about it.

Did you find your anniversary card propped up on the counter? Poor little Matthew thought I had given each of the children $5 because he opened the card and saw all of the $5s. The real truth is that the lady at the bank didn't understand Dad when he told her he wanted $25 and so she gave him all $5s. I asked why he didn't just tell her and he said it was OK because it all spends the same way.

I sometimes wonder if I should give everyone $5 each. Dad says that if I did that, I could just mail the cards and would not send funny little items like pencils, etc.

Kirsten said she liked the packages and the first conversation heart she took out of her box said: "I love you." She said it made her day.

Kyle was certainly surprised when he tried to scoop up the package and it kept moving away from him. So was A.J. at his house. You should see Eric. He has lost over 50 pounds and now weighs about 188. He looks skinnier than Dad. Of course, they are the same height but Dad weighs 165. Maybe Eric has more muscle.