The Office

So, special assignment Elder Bolton here for the update on the work here in the office. Here, things are so much more different than the real mission field. I have a love/hate relationship with the work here, as I am sat in front of a computer typing up LOTS of reports. I have gotten to know every area here in the mission, and now I am getting to know every single missionary. I am doing a lot of reports and seeing lots of numbers and as a result have gone slightly mad, just a little. ;) But I have realized something, I do not think that I could do a serious office job. I might die. Being stuck in front of a computer all day looking at reports, numbers, calling people about missing information, getting blamed for discrepancies when I use the numbers that I'm given. Yeah, stuff like that. Yet I would not trade these experiences for anything. Anyway, I am thinking about changing whatever idea I had about going into business. My life lies beyond the confines of an office and a computer, I believe.

I have been reading my Patriarchal Blessing a lot more frequently as well. I find it rather interesting that two brief pages can keep my so entertained and so happy. I am grateful for the fountain of revelation that comes from such a sacred document. I am also grateful for the Book of Mormon as I know that it truly is the word of God and that it has the power to help us to change our lives. I learn so much from reading just one chapter a day that I am amazed how many parts of my life can become better based on serious application of the lessons in the Book of Mormon.

I also have to admit how much fun I have had here with the other Secretary and the Financier. We are currently in a trio, but it is so much fun. It is interesting how relationships are formed so fast in the mission and how three missionaries can get to be such good friends in a week's time. On our P-Day (Saturday) we played tennis, we went out and got Sushi while the APs and President were gone in Matagalpa. In short, we are tight like unto a dish. ;) We get along really well, and we have fun teaching the few investigators that we have.

Well, I shall take lots of new photos thanks to the new camera that I have (thanks Mom and Dad)! You should all enjoy them so very much. 

Love ya lots,

Elder B

Wondering

Myrna wrote: Dad keeps thinking that with the skills of Brandon, Todd and Howard, there might be a way to set up a business that all of these men in vulnerable jobs might be good at. They would be the owners and would make a good living but would not be beholden to business owners because they would be the owners.

I always remember that my grandmother would say, "Never go into business with friends because, when you are done, they won't be."

AnnMarie wrote: Even if you started a business, they would be vulnerable.  So many start-ups fold every day.  Look a Brandon's brother Kalen, he lost everything.  There are no guarantees.  In fact, since Todd and Brandon are still employed at a great pay, they might be even more vulnerable leaving that for a start-up.   

www.ldsjobs.org

Myrna sent: LDS Conference Preview: Church offers help to job seekers

If you have found yourself out of work recently, are looking to improve your skills, or are returning to the work force after raising a family, a website offered through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may be able to help.

The new site, www.ldsjobs.org, is designed to help people find resources to improve their situation, said Brenda Smith, manager of the website.

The site offers hundreds of tips, articles and information about how to approach a job search, how to choose a field of study and how to improve your job performance.

Melanie wrote: Thanks. Howard filled out the form in November or December. He has been checking with them every week. The Employment Specialist Missionaries for our area are going to be in our ward next week. Howard has an appointment with them already. 

Thanks Mom.

Mel

Wonder

Myrna wrote: Are you feeling better after a few days of adjustment? Dad and I just want you to remember that we love you. 

I don't know whether you read my reply to your email or not. I hope you know that it was sent with great love and concern. I admire you so very much. You are a great woman. I would like to be more like you and I just wanted you to know that. I will always love you!!!!!

Melanie wrote: Still reeling from the blow. I am not crying so much anymore. I never cry around Howard, as he feels so horrible about letting me down, that I don't need to add to his worry. Church was a help. The temple opens tomorrow (but because of young women stuff I won't be able to go), Howard and I have a breakfast date to go on Wednesday morning. 27 years of marriage has taught me a few things, but this one is so new, I will be looking for clues daily. 

Thank you for your encouragement and your love. This is a lot more tough than any of the illnesses that have ever faced me. I am trying to figure out why I can't fight it like I have everything else...

Love, 

Mel

Question

I did get BOTH cards! Thank you so much for the money grandma! It helps get some really good food out here (seriously, a Sushi roll at a nice restaurant is like $5)!

On Tue, Jan 11, 2011 at 12:27 AM, L H and Myrna Trauntvein wrote:

Did you get the Christmas card and the money?

Did you hear? Auntie Julie is having a baby giraffe? That's what Stephanie told me. "Guess what, Grammy, Mommy is having a baby giraffe."

Lots of love, Grammy and Gramps

Be of Good Cheer

Myrna wrote: We are willing to take over the payments for Bradon's mission. We love you dearly. You stood by us all of the times we needed you.


Melanie wrote: Julie offered to help as well. We are okay for now and need the blessings of paying for Braden's mission. If Howard doesn't find work in the near future, we might need to have help with the mission payments. Julie and Jim offered to help as well. So did AnnMarie and Brandon.

Thanks Mom. My heart hurts, my head hurts, my stomach hurts...I am so scared.

Mel


Myrna wrote: If you remember, Dad and I faced a bad situation many years ago. I think it was when Benjamin (or was it Braden) was born. Dr. Wright didn't want Dad to be principal any more  and, instead, wanted him to be a high school counselor and the district director of risk management with the charge of bringing the district into ADA compliance. Dad was really qualified for those jobs. I cried all the way home from Nebraska. Actually, looking back, it may have been for the best. Dad loved the jobs and there was not the constant pressure. Our income did not suffer. The next principal proved what an excellent one Dad was. Dad brought the district into compliance with the new requirements for the disabled. He also started some innovative career counseling programs that have benefitted district students. We are praying that this will also be a "closed door--open window" in your lives. Howard is so brilliant and so talented and knows so many things that I am sure he will find something even better. I've wondered for years why he wasn't a teacher. I know, the pay is not as good, but he would be so great at a college. He could even be a professional photographer. I think that your choices are limitless. In addition, you, yourself, are bright and young. You can do many things. You can go back to your job, that you loved, working with old people (like me).

I still remember what a comfort you were to me then. You were not only my loving daughter but my good friend when I badly needed one. Thanks for all you are to me.

I love you, Dad loves you, your siblings love you and, most importantly, Heavenly Father loves you and so does your Savior. We are all in your corner. I know that the members of your ward are grateful for you and love you as well. You have made them part of your family and they will be good to you now.

Jim said the best thing that ever happened to him was the year that his father didn't have a job. He grew up and faced reality. Perhaps that will be so in the lives of your children. Although, I am certain, Howard will not be without work for that long. He was looking for a job when he found this one. I hope this doesn't sound like a long note of platitudes. I really believe what I am writing.

Just remember, when it comes to the mission, we ALL need the blessings that come to our family from Braden's service.

Go take a couple of aspirin, pray and then just stand back and watch the miracles.

Charlotte Writes About Laurel's Move

Oh, Happy Belated Birthday Leonard,  feel bad that I did not get a card off to you.  We love you and hope you will share some of your birthday events with us.

Tom especially has had a growing discomfort with the cold winters and the closer he gets to the day of retirement I do believe the more anxious he gets about moving to a warmer place. Tom has arthritis and has for some time.  Laurel seems close to our cousin Elaine Lubbe Johnson through the years and  decided after a few places didn't develope for them in Las Vegas they would join the many who are building in Mesquite.

Perhaps a ride one day this Spring to there new place would be a fun time?  Stay over with them. ( Wally will now go to testing in SLC the 18th of February, weather maybe better by then for us to venture.)

Guess they are able to use the golf course there as well for very little as it is sorta in the neighborhood where they have the new house.  It is finished and as time permits they will take things from Price down and leave them and stay over and etc.  Don't know what they will do with the Price home.  He maybe has a couple years I thought, but maybe  retires earlier? They are not far from Vegas and close to St George where his oldest sister lives and they have a very close niece, Denise, and her husband who I believe live in Vegas as well.

Tonight  I have dinner tickets for me and the Wally from Lifes Kitchen, a culinary school here that does a fabulous job of catering weddings and special events.  It is the dinner for the Idaho Watercolor Society Winter Social. It will at the Woods, a member's home that holds as many as 70 guests and it is gated.  We have an exchange.  Each member attending must present one of their  original minature watercolours with mat and wrapping as an exchange fun.  I must go now and get that done,  gee, hate to feel rushed! Just remembered that part, dang...

God Bless,  and Happy Birthday Tim.    Love you folks, Char and Wally

P.S. Did you get your computer virus fixed?  Laurel thinks you and I both have a virus so she won't open anything I send.  Told her we have a Mac.  Anyway, she doen't do much of anything on the computer, just Tom.  Oh well, if I ever have a visit I will try to help her although most of what I know isn't all that much so its good to help someone who has "0" computer skills and they would perhaps appreciate.  Ha! Send to Cyd too but they never respond.  Take care.


Myrna wrote: I have a Mac. My computer virus wasn't a computer virus. It was an email virus and was on MSN.com. All I had to do was change my password so I am all better. I think the sisters just don't like computers. I have to like them. I would be in a sad state working for a newspaper if I did not.

I honestly get poor Wally's b-day card sent late every year. Is it better late than never or not? Your dinner sounds like a great excuse to have wonderful food, lots of fun and celebrate a birthday all in one. LHT got two birthday dinners. We had one, just by ourselves. I even fixed a cake with candles. On Sunday, we had one with the kids.

Thanks for the news about Laurel's reasons for moving. You know, I thought Tom had about one year before retirement. He may get days off for service. I don't know.

I have a meeting tonight. Great fun! I have the great joy :) of attending Mona City Council meeting. I feel like a fragile blossom among cowboys on horseback when I go to Mona meetings. Ah, well. I'd best be on my way.

Still Laughing Because Julie Is Having a Giraffe

Myrna Trauntvein: A two-year old granddaughter of mine breaking the news about a new baby. "Grammy guess what? Mommy is going to have a baby giraffe!"

Kirsten Trauntvein Waite: Hey, that's what I got too! Well, I guess you could explain that extra part that way. ;)

Myrna Trauntvein: It's certainly better than a hippo!

Amy Trauntvein: Love it, too cute! So happy for Julie and Jim. Is Jim still floating on cloud nine?

Myrna Trauntvein: Jim has one of those faces that doesn't hide emotion well. So, yes, he is still beaming. He had the same look when he first saw Julie. I guess like mother like daughter, in this case, she has been so sick and still feels icky to the tummy. My boys all did that to me.

Jim actually called his mom and dad while they were waiting to pay the bill so they missed out on the giraffe story.

Mayna Lovell Burnside: Congrats to Julie and Jim.

Myrna Trauntvein: Thank you! Do you think they will make good parents for a boy giraffe?

Mayna Lovell Burnside: sure they will. This little boy giraffee was a long time coming and there will be plenty of big sisters to help. We are happy for them

So much fun that you facebook non-fans have to see it.‏

Melanie wrote: Notice the mother snowman's nose in the cartoon...where did the carrots for the jell-o salad come from?

Amy Wooten Brown: OH MY ... I love this. We mom's are always the martyrs!
WAIT ... or does this mean we cut off our noses to spite our faces?

Melanie Trauntvein Bolton: Maybe it could mean that some moms sacrifice everything for a good potluck dish!

Myrna Trauntvein: I should put this up on the fridge.

Shawn Kimberly Trauntvein: love it.

Andrew Bolton: such a statement tells the world you are a mormon from Utah!

Myrna Trauntvein: Or, at least, from the USA. From Texas to Massachusetts, all Mormons love that jell-o. At least, the ones I know do and not all of those folks came from Utah.

Amy Wooten Brown: Okay well does that include NC? Because I for one have a HUGE issue with vegetables in my jello ... fruits too for that matter!
Cool Whip! That is ALL that should ever be on jello!

Melanie Trauntvein Bolton: Fruited/vegied jell-o salad pretty much is exclusive to Utah/Idaho/Wyoming Mormons. British people love fruit and cake in their jell-o and they top it with custard and whipped cream...so, I think our love of things in jell-o can be attributed to that large influx of Brits in the 1800s.

Amy Wooten Brown: Then somehow Id like to blame my lack of appreciation for fruit/veggie filled jello on my lovely ancestors who decided the trek west was just too hard for them... come to think of it ... I have a LIST of things that I could blame on my ancestors who didn't trek west...too bad there is that convert thing! ; )

Myrna Trauntvein: Add Colorado and Texas to that list, Mel. I am the ONLY Mormon in Utah, that I know of, who prefers jell-o with NOTHING in it. I like whipping cream, whipped, on top.

Melanie Trauntvein Bolton: I never was a fan of the carrot-raisin-pineapple orange jell-o, with mayonnaise topping...most of us can say, "GROSS!"

Jeanette Knighton Stephens commented on Shawn Trauntvein Family

Hi Myrna,
Jeanette Knighton Stephens wrote:  "Funny thing! We had Dane in our 10-11 yr old boys group at Family Camp the second year that they had it and worked with Shawn and Kimberly who were part of the family camp staff that year. We have just seen them around through the years in other scout activities. When I saw your last name, I thought you had to be related to him and you had a Shawn listed as one of your kids on Facebook. Nice to meet you!!! Fun family. We loved having Dane in our group."