Missionary Update:

Anthony has had his first week in Argentina, at the MTC.

I received his email Thursday morning.  (Sorry it's taken me a few days to share.)  Thursdays will be his prep day while he is in the MTC.  Because of the time difference I will receive his email early in the morning, and will be emailing to him on Wednesdays to make sure he gets it before he sends to me.


He seems to be doing well.  I had a comforting feeling as I read his words and felt of his love for his family and for the Lord.

He is having some wonderful experiences that are helping his testimony grow.
On one occasion he was asked to write his testimony in Spanish.  He was not to memorize it, but write it in Spanish and then read it aloud.  This was a great opportunity for him - one he enjoyed and that made him more aware of what his testimony really is and how it affects him and others around him.

He loves the food :)
He loves the language :)
He loves everything about his experiences right now :)


I know the Lord is watching over him and will help him through every day of this mission.  I know Anthony will experience some trying moments along with the good, and I know that our Savior will be there with him, strengthening him through each and every moment.

And, as is true for all of us, Christ will carry us through the most difficult times in our lives, when we need Him most.  We just need to follow Him and allow Him to help us, even invite Him to help us.

IT'S A FEEL GOOD DAY!

So I'll share this (again) since it's been on my mind while writing this post. (skip the add)

I hope you have a wonderful day!

Missionary Send Off

This morning I sent our youngest son on a plane to serve a two year mission in the Argentina, Buenos Aires South mission.

I hate putting photos of myself out there, but here is one to commemorate the occasion.  With my son, Elder Anthony Keith Hebdon.

It is a sweet moment. It is something that Terry and I had been working toward and praying for and even expecting would happen, and now it has.

OK ... I know ... still a long two years to go ...  I am familiar with the way this works, and yes ...  that is the tricky part ... :) ...

but we are off to a good start of those two years.

Up Up and Away!

He arrived in Minneapolis and found iPads available for anyone to use, and he emailed me to let me know he had arrived - he had a four hour lay over, but was doing well.  That was a fun surprise.


Then, a few hours later,  a surprise on my phone - you can see the time (but I did remove the sent from number).

I'm sure it will be a long night, but I know that the Lord is very close.  This is a day of tender mercies!


Today, among all of my many blessings (which definitely include my family), I am feeling grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and for our Savior, Jesus Christ, and for Their constant care, given thru the Holy Ghost.



Update:
Studying for seminary ...

Matthew 28:19-20

The Call

Anthony Keith Hebdon

has been called to serve a full time/24 month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in the Argentina Buenos Aires South Mission / Spanish Speaking.

He is to report to the Argentina MTC October 6, 2016.  This gives us a little time to get things ready before he embarks on this spiritual journey.

Anthony is the last of our 8 sons to be called to serve full time missions.   Terry counted himself as Elder Hebdon #1 ,making Gregory Elder Hebdon #2, etc. Continuing this way makes Anthony Elder Hebdon #9.


Terry - Spain Barcelona 1976-1978 Spanish Speaking
Gregory - Guatemala, Guatemala City South 2001-2003 Spanish Speaking (FYI - His first call was to Peru Chiclyo, but while in the Provo MTC received a second call because Peru was no longer issuing Visa's.)
Brandon - California San Diego 2003-2005 English Speaking
Thomas - Brazil Florianopolis 2004-2006 Portuguese Speaking
Skyler - Argentina Salta 2007-2009 Spanish Speaking
Michael - Japan Fukuoka 2009-2011 Japanese Speaking
Chase - Young Performing Mission in the Nauvoo Brass Band (trumpet) May 2011-August 2011, and 
Nevada Reno Mission June 2012-2014 English Speaking
Connor - Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission 2013-2015 English Speaking
Anthony - Argentina Buenos Aires South Mission 2016-2018 Spanish Speaking

A Scripture

Our ward has a plaque made for each missionary before they leave for their mission.  Each missionary chooses the scripture that he would like engraved on it and that plaque is then displayed in the foyer of the church for the time the missionary is serving.

The scripture Connor chose to put on his plaque before leaving for his mission is D&C 42:5-6:

5 And I give unto them a commandment that they shall go forth for a little season, and it shall be given by the power of the Spirit when they shall return.

6 And ye shall go forth in the power of my Spirit, preaching my gospel, two by two, in my name, lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, declaring my word like unto angels of God.

It is a great missionary scripture and it meant something to him at the time he chose it, but it means something more now than it once did.

The bishop gives the return missionary the plaque after he speaks in Sacrament Mtg. upon his return. Connor spoke Sunday (sorry I didn't even remember to post about it previous to it and I didn't even think of a gathering after church - I guess my mind was elsewhere, if anywhere at all).

The bishop asked Connor to read his chosen scripture out loud at the end of the meeting Sunday and Skyler noticed something as it was being read.

"...it shall be given by the power of the Spirit when they shall return."

Connor had a unique situation with the poor health of his father.  We shared what we knew about Terry's health with Connor, which was that there was no longer anything the doctors could do for the cancer in Terry's body and that he would not have much time.  The doctor did promise to try to help him through the holidays, but her expression seemed to tell us that she doubted he would make it. We were still determined to try as hard as we could, and we put our faith in the Lord to help us.

Connor's mission president was informed, and I had a few phone visits with him during those last couple months trying to inform them of Terry's health condition and helping decide what Connor should do.  I could not help make Connor's decision whether to come home early, but promised to pray for the Lord to help him make that decision.  We fasted and prayed for him and put his name in the temple, then we turned it over to God to help Connor make that decision.  With the help of the Lord, and a branch president and a mission president and unique experiences meant just for Connor, he was able to know what he should do, and his release date became December 17th.

Terry wanted so badly to make it to that date, but the Lord had different plans for him.  But Connor was able to be here for the funeral and find some comfort with family at such a sorrowful and critical time.

Not every missionary gets to choose when he shall return, but as Connor's scripture stated "...it shall be given by the power of the Spirit when [he] shall return."   Connor didn't choose the exact date he returned -  that was given him, but he did choose to come early, which was different than he had been thinking  (because he really would have liked to have extended his mission instead).

I will not share the complete story about how Connor was able to decide when he should return, but he had some personal and spiritual experiences that helped him know he should return early, then the leaders chose the date for him.

Realizing the significance of this scripture (and that Connor chose it before he left with no knowledge of what would take place at the end of his mission) has been another tender mercy or small miracle that has brought peace to our hearts and reminds us that the Lord is aware of each of us, and we, and all things, are in His hands.

Welcoming Connor Home!

It's been a long week waiting for this event to take place. Well, actually the wait began before last week, and we had hoped that things would have turned out differently, but the Lord has plans that we just don't always understand.  The other day when I was reading my scriptures I was thinking (again) about how hard it was for me to understand Heavenly Father's reason for taking my husband, my children's father, from us at this time.  Wishing to understand, these words came to me -

 

It is not for me to understand, it is for me to TRUST the Lord.

 

He understands much more than I can and I know that He does what is right, so I must trust and not loose faith in Him and His Son.  So, amongst my sorrows, I will try to find the joys and carry on with faith, remembering I'M FINE!   I am finding that many of my decisions the last few days are made with the thought of "what would Terry want me to do?"  

 

 

Some of the cutest children in the airport this afternoon.

 



Tawnee helped the kids make a sign to welcome Connor home.  It was fun for me to see this sign too.

His plane arrived late and that caused a bit of anxiety on my part, but my joy was great when he did walk in.  It was one of those times when my joy is great and my sorrow is great too.  Strange how that can happen all at the same time.  I will never stop missing Terry and wishing he was with us (physically) but I do hope that someday my tears will be less so I don't embarrass those who are with me at times like this.

Connor greeted all of the family.

Then we went to have him released. 

That is always a bittersweet moment for our sons when they have to remove their name tag, no longer a full time missionary.  They are happy to be home but will miss the life they had for two years.  In my mind I wonder if it is even harder than leaving family for a mission because, as a teenager, there is so much excitement in leaving to be on your own and do something great.  Maybe I should ask the boys about that someday.


We added one more event to our day when a few of us went in to Anthony's band concert. We are so pleased with the band and the choir and their performances.  Well done!

Now, stepping back in time a few hours, in the middle of the night we had another family member arrive home.  BrittanyJo is now here with us for a couple weeks.  (pictures of her later - she is the one behind the camera when these photos were taken.)  We are excited to have her home too.  Her stay will be shorter than we originally thought because she has been invited to attend winter semester, and chose to do so.  It was the right choice and I am so proud of her for making the decision with thoughtful prayer.  I know it is what her father wanted her to do and I know it is what her Heavenly Father wants her to do.  We will try to remember that we can do hard things.

Home!

I guess I should tell you that we are home from the hospital.  Terry had a few days without fevers and home health care was available and scheduled so that we could come home Saturday afternoon.

We saw this on our way home ..., just up the road from our house.  It's cold and that icicle proves it!

We had a great home health care specialist come help us and teach me about each of the three IV antibiotics that I have to give here at home.  They are all different than I have given before, but one does use a pump like we have used before.   It would have been really difficult to figure it all out on my own and he was a very kind person. 

As for Terry's first night at home ...  it was kinda crummy.  He didn't sleep well, had some pain and a fever this morning.  We knew we should not be out among others today so we stayed home trying to keep him warm and comfortable and away from illness as much as possible and gave him his IV meds on schedule. 

Next doctor appointment is Tuesday unless something unforeseen happens (and we are praying that it doesn't).


Now I'm going to step back a few days and share a couple photos from the hospital because I don't want to forget them.  The first is of Turner with his grandpa.

This next picture is of Elsie and Michael fixing the slide we gave her for her birthday.  And then one of her enjoying the slide...and she does!  ( I stole that photo from Tawnee's Instagram)

So, it's Thanksgiving time of year and I am almost feeling compelled to list a few of the things I am thankful for today. 
I am grateful that Terry was able to come home.  I am thankful for Terry!  I love being with him.  I am thankful for our home and the comforts within it.  
I am grateful that we had a good home health care specialist to help me learn my new responsibilities.  It's so much easier when you feel comfortable around a stranger in such a time as this.  I am grateful for doctors and medicines that help cure illness and help prolong life. 
I am thankful for life! 
I am thankful for every member of my family!  I love to see them smile!  I love happiness!  I am so grateful that we are an eternal family.  I am thankful for love. 
I am thankful for the Savior and for the peace and comfort that He sends our way in time of stress and frustration and pain and sorrow.   I am grateful for His servants, His Prophets and Apostles and for their inspiring messages, especially those given this last general conference.   I am grateful for every opportunity to be better than I am or have been, and for those things that inspire me to do so. 
I am thankful for the priesthood and the powerful blessings that we receive through worthy priesthood holders. 



Oh!  One more thing ...
We have Connor's release date ...
December 17th.  This makes our hearts rejoice!

He's Home!

 

Chase is home and released from his 2 year missionary service in the Nevada Reno mission.  

 

Here is Elder Chase Hebdon with his mission president&wife just before leaving Nevada.

I found that last photo on the Nevada Reno Mission Blog - click on links for more photos of Chase's last days in the mission field.   Departures here, and Transfers here (some of you will recognize the Sister in the first photo - she's from Royal!).

It's good to have him home, he is doing well, and out to work already. 


 

Returning With Honor

Our lives have been quite busy the past few months, and it doesn't seem to be letting up anytime soon.  Much of what has kept us busy has been family coming home to visit ..., visits that we cherish and enjoy.  This week we add another family coming home - Chase will return home from his mission (Nevada, Reno) on Wednesday and will report in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday (29th).  
Needless to say - WE ARE SO EXCITED!

Join us if you'd like - He will be happy to see you - and so will we!
Sac. Mtg begins at 9:00am and after our meetings we will have a luncheon at our home.

This is among the last photos we will see of him on the Mission Blog.  Do you see him in the center front ... thumb up?  It is possible he will be in a photo as he leaves the mission, but we may see him before we see those photos.  ;)

Missionary Report

It has been awhile since I reported on our missionaries, and I'm almost too late, but better quickly say that they are both doing well.  If we hear something when they email tomorrow that we need to update I'll do so, but for now this is our missionary report.

image here

Chase only has a few more weeks.  He will return home, with honor, on the 25th of June!  Wow huh! 
He was transferred a couple weeks ago and there are four missionaries living together in the house they are in.  He likes that arrangement because he gets along well with one of the other Elders in the second companionship and is happy to visit together when they are home.
This is his new address:
 
Elder Chase Hebdon
4348 Reno Highway
Fallon NV 89406

from here

Connor was also transferred a couple weeks ago and was called to be Zone Leader.  He mentioned that he had felt a special feeling and understanding that his mission president was inspired to send him to that area (that he was just moved from) and that he knew that his time there was complete because he had felt and heard the Spirit speak to him, telling him that he had done well and there was another job for him. This was a special experience for him and it will surely be a blessing as he continues the work. He has immediately felt a love for the people in the new area and looks forward to serving there.
This is his new address:
 
Elder Connor Hebdon
136 Oakville Drive Apt 1-C
Green Tree PA 15220




from here

Quotes

Elder Connor wrote this morning ... he is doing well ... and sent these two quotes he saw at the Bishops house.  (He sends us quotes on occasion.  We send him quotes on occasion.  We always send a spiritual thought either from the scriptures or conference message or church magazine, etc.  It's been fun!)

Elder Connor Hebdon

Connor had a transfer, so here is his new address. 

 

Elder Connor Hebdon

200 Fernwood Rd. - APT #36

Wintersville, Ohio

43953

He is doing well! 
His last email was wonderful ..., one of those letters that brings tears to your eyes and gives peace and satisfaction to your mind and soul.  He has experienced tender mercies that help him understand his purpose for this moment in his life and mission.  Due to it's spiritual nature, we choose to share only that much about it in this place and time. 

T9 and our Missionaries

Our appointments were late today so we walked to the clinic for a 3:00 blood draw and 4:00 team visit, then waited at the pharmacy for hydration.  It was dark and cold by the time we were done (5:15), so we took the shuttle back to the apartment. 

There isn't a new report to give, things continue as expected, slow but steady.


However, we did get photos from each of our missionaries today and we think you might enjoy seeing them too.

Chase and ?  Does anyone recognize this guy?  Somebody should ... how about the Lee family?
Chase and his comp were able to go to the UNR vs BYU game (they are teaching one of the UNR players) and he found this young man, a cheerleader for BYU, who is related to the Lee family.
Reminder - Chase is in the Nevada Reno mission, June 2012-2014.
Address - 3986 Bellmore Way; Reno NV 89503

Connor and other missionaries.
Reminder - Connor is serving in the Pennsylvania Pittsburgh mission, January 2013-2015
Address - 16 York Avenue Apt #2; Towanda PA 18848

It was so fun to see photos of them.  They look pretty much the same, though they have each probably gained some weight. 

Merry and Missionary and Medical Moments

I forgot to mention something that happened yesterday.  I was either cleaning or fixing a meal and Terry was on the computer when we heard some children talking and laughing.  It seemed to be so close and it was so fun to hear.  I walked to the window and saw that there were children on the deck below us.  It's not a very big deck but it is larger than the two foot ledge we have, and it was so fun to hear and see them enjoy the moment.  It was kind of a tender mercy for us, bringing some light and joy and cheerfulness to our day.  It reminded us of the fun times we had with our children and grandchildren when we were here over 3 years ago.  We have missed the grandkids, so it was a pleasant sound.  I even wanted to go out and thank them but didn't want their parents or grandparents to worry.  If we ever meet the people who live below us I will share our feelings of this merry moment with them.


First thing this morning I wrote to our missionary sons, as I normally do each Sunday morning.  We don't hear from them till sometime on Monday, but I like to be sure to get an email out to them early.   I always get to re-read their letters before I write them, so I was reminded of something Connor told us.  A little 7 year old girl was telling her grandpa that her favorite missionary was the black missionary.  The grandpa was confused because they have never had a black missionary in their area.  As they kept talking he learned that this little gal's favorite missionary was Elder Hebdon, the missionary who has black hair.  Connor's hair does look black when he gels it or when it's wet, and that is why she was calling him black.  So now Elder Connor Hebdon has become the first black missionary in the ward and everyone is having fun with that.  I thought it sounded so cute, it made me wish I could be a part of it, yet very happy that he shared that with us.  ;)

Chase sent a short email last week, but it was sweet.  He thanked us for being great examples for him.  His letters from previous weeks have shared that he is in a Tongan ward and enjoying the members there.  He says they are spiritually strong and very compassionate and kind.  He loves to hear them sing because of the sound and also because of the feel, as it touches his heart.


We enjoyed listening to a few speakers from the Saturday morning conference session.  Each Sunday during our stay for the first transplant (in 2010) we listened to past conference messages so we decided to do that again this time.   It's something I look forward to all week.  I love the counsel those great men and women give us and the spirit that accompanies them.  Each message makes me want to be better.


We walked to the clinic for a chemo teach, which means we learned about the chemos coming up and all of the medicines that Terry is and will be taking.  It becomes very confusing information, but we listened carefully, kept notes, and received a medicine schedule to help us.  We walked home and the first thing I did was pull out our notes and schedules and reviewed them and combined them so that I could be more prepared.  It all starts tomorrow at 7:30am.


We had a nice visit with Skyler today (on the phone) for about 50 minutes before we walked back from the clinic.  The nurse let us stay in the room to talk.  The clinic was pretty empty today - we were the only people in the waiting room, and we saw maybe half a dozen patients in the halls or other parts of the clinic. That's kinda the way Sundays are. 

There is a table of complementary coffee and cocoa set up in the lobby on weekends so we made some hot cocoa to help make our walk home a bit more pleasant since it was a chilly, windy, rainy day.


Thank you for your comments, emails, cards and letters.  We thank you for loving us, and letting us know that you love us!  It feels good and helps us along our way. 
WE LOVE YOU!

Monday and Missionaries

The weekend is over and we are back in Seattle at our apartment.  We brought a load of things with us again.  It just doesn't end, we keep finding something else we need.   Lucky as we feel to have this place, we are finding that there are still a few comforts that it lacks.  So this is what we brought with us this time.  My office chair ..., now I can sit for a longer period of time without aching so badly.



We put some things away, had lunch, and walked to the clinic to ride the shuttle to UWMC for Terry's ENT appointment. 

Dr. Davis said things are healing well and will continue to get better so we are looking forward to that. Terry still sounds a bit congested and has a bit of a sinus headache, but there is hope with the good news of improvement on it's way.

We went back to the SCCA clinic for a platelets infusion - in at 3:00pm and out about 5:45pm.  We are hoping he is ready for the surgery tomorrow without the need for more platelets. 

We will head to the clinic early in the morning, fasting in preparation for the surgery.  The Hickman Line will be so much easier than poking him over and over again so we look forward to it.


ABOUT OUR MISSIONARIES:

Chase has had some struggles lately, but is feeling really pleased with things right now.  He has been transferred to an area that has a Tongan ward.  His companion speaks Tongan and Chase is in hopes of learning from him.  His last couple emails have been so positive and encouraging.  He is loving the work and is doing well. His new address is

Elder Chase Lamont Hebdon
3986 Bellmore Way
Reno NV 89503

Connor is also doing well. He is happy to be serving a mission and strengthening his own testimony. He loves the people they are working with and is grateful for the many wonderful experiences he is having.  His emails always make me smile.  His address hasn't changed for awhile, but I'll share it again here

Elder Connor Ronald Hebdon
16 York Avenue, Apt. #2
Towanda, PA 18848

They would surely love to hear from you if you feel an urge to write them.


Have a great evening!

SCCA Visit

It was bone marrow biopsy at SCCA for Terry today.

It was a very interesting day.

There were many people there today, making the wait very long.  It is always a sad thing when we see so many people at SCCA.  We saw some familiar faces there for treatment, and that is even more sad to us. 

 

After they drew blood they could not flush the line and that caused some concern.  We were instructed to go ahead to the bone marrow biopsy and we'd get further info as to what to do about this obstructed line when they figured out what we should do.

 

We then had to wait for the doctor and a form patient and doctor needed to sign.  That took another long time, but Dr. Hansen was so kind and friendly when he arrived - like we were all best of friends.  It was so pleasant.  Everyone we met today to help us along our way was so helpful and friendly.  It made all of the waiting okay.

 

The bone marrow biopsy went well - it was one of the better ones.  This was the first time that this person performed a biopsy for Terry, but she recognized him from other visits and was a very pleasant person. 

 

After biopsy we went upstairs to figure out what to do with the obstructed line.  We couldn't draw or flush it so they had to wait for something from the pharmacy to inject into it to help dissolve the clot and make it usable again.  It was injected into the Hickman line and then we waited a half hour to let it do it's magic.   And ..., it did!  We were then on our way home a few hours later than we had originally thought.

 

We decided to stop at Cle Elum and by the time we got there Terry was chilling and sick.  This has happened frequently the last couple weeks, so I'll call our oncologist in the morning to see what we need to do.

 

He is resting tonight and happy to have the bone marrow biopsy go well and be done.  We are anxious to hear the results, but don't expect anything for several days.

 

Here are today's blood draw counts -

 

WBC = 2.86L  norm is 4.3-10.0

RBC = 3.73L  norm is 4.40-5.60

HCT = 34L  norm is 38-50

Platelet = 34L  norm is 150-400

Neutrophils = 0.17L  norm is 1.80-7.00

 

We'll be checking on those neutrophils tomorrow too! 

 

It is nice to have today over, and hope that tomorrow will be a bit easier, but one never knows when dealing with so many tricky diseases and problems.  

 

PS - Both of our boys sounded real good in their letters home today - that makes any day a good day!

We hope you have a good day!

 

 

(It's too late for a picture, though pictures make a post more pleasant ... sorry!)

 

Missionary Addresses

Here is Elder Connor Hebdon's new mailing address for any and all who wish to write him:

 

Elder Connor Hebdon

16 York Avenue, Apt #2

Towanda, PA  18848

 

and just to keep things fair - here is Elder Chase Hebdon's again too:

 

Elder Chase Hebdon

118 Pebble Drive

Dayton, NV  89403

 

They would love to hear from you!

 

 

Our Missionary Sons

 

Chase has a new companion ... Elder King ... from Alabama. Chase's first impressions of his new comp is that he is excited about missionary work and is a very respectful person and has a sense of humor.  He is also 6'8" ... makes Chase look short ... Funny huh!

 

They met a lady that seems to be struggling right now with cancer/leukemia and is in need of love and encouragement. Chase is trying to think of ways to help her and show love to her, so he asked BrittanyJo if she could make some covers for the lady because she has a Hickman Line (like Terry has).  We sent some line covers/envelopes to Chase to give to this lady and he has reported that "she absolutely loves them". (BJo has a few hundred already made for us to take to SCCA.)

Chase met a Brother (Carl) Grimmer at a ward meeting a couple weeks ago.  Small world! 
 

----

 

Connor was able to baptize two people a couple weeks ago and is so grateful for that "major highlight" of his mission.  He and his comp "opened"  Titusville (first missionaries in the area) and Connor feels so blessed to help bring these two people unto Christ. Others were on their way to baptism, but Connor won't be there with them. 
He is moving on now ... he was transferred to Towanda. Only there about a week and has learned that there are a few people in Towanda that have lived in WA State or know someone who does.  One is a Brother Mayo who knows Brother Brown who "watched the Hebdon kids grow up". We know Brother Brown :) (Hi Brother Brown!) 
Small world indeed!

Though he misses the special people in Titusville, Connor is happy to be where he is and says his companion, Elder Woodruff, is a great comp.

Sorry no photo of Connor, just his comp.

---

We just got an email from Pennsylvania ... the missionary couple there, Elder and Sister Jackson, sent us an email telling us that they love our son and giving us a blog address.  I checked it out and found this photo.



I love it!
Her blog address, just in case you would like to check it out too, is http://www.fabulousjacksons.com/

(or click here)

 

I saw this at Landee see Landee do and thought it was cute.

 

 

As for my missionaries -

 

Chase was transferred this week to Dayton.

Connor is still in Titusville.

Both are doing well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thinking of MY Missionaries!

 

Connor is serving in Titusville right now.
He has met a missionary from Brandon and Megan's ward (from Yucaipa California) - Elder Durham,

and a missionary from Bryan and Sherri's ward (Terry's sister in Idaho Falls, who's husband this elder refers to as Bishop Larson) - Elder Lovejoy.  It's so fun!

If I understand correctly, there are 3 elder companionships in Connor's district, and one of the elders in each of those companionships has a connection - Elder Hebdon would be one of those three.

It's so fun to meet someone who knows someone you know!   

 

Here is the site for Connor's mission -  Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission

It looks like they post once a month.  (but I often have problems getting into it)

 

Connor sent a photo with his email yesterday, taken by an eight year old boy preparing for baptism -

 

by the way - Connor just celebrated his 19th birthday on his mission.

 

I wish I had a recent photo of Chase, but don't, sorry!
He seems to be doing a lot of service while in Battle Mountain, and construction seems to be the theme for that service right now.
He and his companion have been helping a man with some home improvements - breaking out concrete and pouring more and building an awning, etc.  (It sounds like there may even be french doors to be installed sometime in the future.)
The ward mission leader had a birthday party for Chase - he just celebrated his 21st birthday.
Chase told us he got a package from a family here in Royal and enjoyed the surprise.  It was a balloon - blown up ..., with some great cookies inside.  Thanks for thinking of him!

You know how every once in a while we see or hear something that reminds us of something or someone we love?  Chase has had that happen recently.  Anyone who has been to Keith and Idris' home may remember a picture they had hanging in their kitchen of two little boys wearing overalls, walking down the road, and written on that picture were the words, "You been farming long?"  Someone there in Battle Mountain has one of those, and it has brought back loving memories for him.

I googled that picture and found it here.



 As I looked at that picture and read how it came to be, my mind went back to some earlier days reminding me of a cute photo I have of my two boys serving missions right now.  It is just a random photo I took while they were playing.

Here it is -


Connor and Chase - August 1997

This was not a pre-planned pose - and I couldn't have planned it better.  The smiles are sweet and the colors are perfect together ..., but no, I don't know why they thought they should put the wagon up on the steps in front of the door.  I'm sure it kept them busy though.

And, while I was searching for that photo, I came across this one that I just had to post - my two missionaries (see their ties) happily sharing their ties with some old friends.  Now they are out sharing the gospel with new found friends (who may soon be wearing ties if they are not now). 



Connor and Chase - July 1997

Here is another couple pictures that shows how Connor and Chase played very nicely together when they were younger.



Chase and Connor - December 1995

Yes, they played nicely together, even in the puddles!  But at least they came in the mudroom door.



Chase and Connor - September 1996

They had a lot of fun times, but sometimes their fun got them into mischief as this next photo proves (like we needed proof, right!).

 

Oh the joys of childhood!  (or do I really mean parenthood? - Yes, I did find joy, I suppose that's why there is a photo of this mess.  Can you see and feel the joy?  I'm smiling, are you?)

Thanks for sharing this little trip down memory lane with me.  I really had a great trip, and hope you enjoyed it too.  Maybe we'll do it again sometime. 

 

Happy Easter!

 

The only eggs we colored this year -

 

 

In memory of our missionaries!

 

;)

 

They are out spreading the good news!