Recent Photos

Mom received these from Ian this last week. Our Elder looks happy!

Two Posts

Letter of March 16th

Dear Mom and Pops,

When our temple date approached - when you and Dad were sealed for eternity and Gregor, Brendaen, Glenn and I were sealed to you forever as a family) I knew that what you/we were doing was important and necessary. I don't think, however, that I really grasped what this meant. (I knew that it was a good thing and I was excited, but I didn't really KNOW). It was only there in the temple that I started to understand. It has become more and more important to me now that I've been able to think about it. I still don't think that I can fully understand the weight/importance of that day at the Boston temple. But they say that when you testify of something, your faith and testimony grow as well. I am finding that to be true. I have been able to testify both in the Mission Training Center and now here in the mission field about eternal marriage and how families can be together forever. (I don't like crying, but the Spirit has been very strong and I have to admit I've shed a few.) 

Letter of March 21st

I know that the Lord has blessed me with wonderful parents and a wonderful family. I don't know what I did to deserve the privilege of being raised in a family with members of such CHARACTER. I know that you, my parents, and the rest of my family without a doubt impacted me and my decision to serve the Lord in His mission field. To know that you SUPPORT me and my decision is a great comfort to me! I know that this is where the Lord wants me to be, and I know that you are happy that I'm here. I love you, and I am eternally greatful and endebted to you.

March 9, 2009

This week was the first full week in the mission field. Our group left the MTC at 5 AM. It was weird to say good-bye to everyone in my branch ….they were great. We arrived in Denver in the late morning. Elder Hobbins and I were able to teach on the flight to Denver. The flight attendant was sitting right next to us and we struck up a conversation with her. We learned that she is Lutheran and believes that everyone should be able to read the scriptures. We explained that we share that belief, and proceeded to teach her about the restoration of the Gospel – Joseph Smith and the book of Mormon. We committed her to pray about the things we taught and also to read 3 Nephi 11. Her friend had given her a Book of Mormon, but she had not read it. It was such a cool experience to be able to teach a real person before we even got to our mission field. I feel like she really listened to us.
We spent our first day at the mission president’s home. President and Sister Ely are very cool. They shared with us their conversion story, which was very touching. Also at tthe mission home we were given a brief orientation on how the mission is run and the things we need (or need not) be doing.
So I’ve been in the Colorado Denver North Mission since March 3rd. My trainer’s name is Elder Cazier. I’m pretty sure we have the two hardest names to pronounce in the mission. He’s very cool! He actually lived in Vermont for a few years, so he loves New England (obviously!) and is a BIG RED SOX FAN!!! He lives in Arizona now, but I look at him as a New Englander. Everyone here loves him. He’s been a trainer for five times!!!
We are serving in the Savory Pond Ward. There are tons of hills here, and we have a constant view of the Rockies to the west. They’re a lot further away than they look.
Oh yeah – my knee (hee-hee) apparently I have patellar tendonitis. No fun.
I’m pretty comfortable with teaching. I never thought I was a teacher. The people here are friendly for the most part, and it is easy to love them. We’ve been teaching mostly members and less-active members, which is fun. But we did set a woman for Baptism on Easter. We’ve placed two Books of Mormon and given out I-don’t-know-how-many pass along cards.. Talking to people on the street is still kinda awkward, but is getting more comfortable. Getting shot down by people stinks,
I love you all.

03/15/2009

AHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA... yeah.. Glenn and Kim are parents!!!
Tate's a big little man huh!
I already love him!
What does it feel like being a mommy Kim? and a daddy Glenn?

The MTC was great. The food was not. My companion and my distict were great and I really learned a lot. I think it would be reaaaally hard for someone to go there and not gain a stronger testimony. (we got to see M. Russul Ballard...it's a really powerful feeling to be in the same room as an Apostle of the Lord..I hope I spelled his name right)

The MTC flew by and now I'm finishing up the 2nd week in the mission field. My Companion/trainers name is Elder Cazier. He lived in Vermont for a few years at some point and still claims to be a New Englander...he's also an avid Red Sox fan. He's taught me a lot so far...mostly that I shoudln't second guess myself or be too hard on myself. He has an answer for almost all my questions. He's way chill.
Another thing I had to get through my stupid little Ian brain is that we're not going to be able to convert everyone...infact we'll be rejected at least 75% of the time. Our job isn't to convert it's to invite and then help them learn and grow. I knew before this that I coudn't teach a single soul if the Spirit wasn't present...but the rejection factor I had to get used to.
I'm trying not to be such a "me monster"...to start thinking for other people and studying so that I might be able to teach others...I know that I like people and I like being around them and relating to them, but I need to work on loving them right from the get go...I want them to feel comfortable around me and I know that I really care.
We'll thats about all the time I have. Thank you for the advise. It's motivational.
Keep me posted on Tate...I'm dying to here more about the little guy.
I love you!

Ian's Last Meal

The night before Ian left, we had one last family gathering.  Just dessert, and plenty of advice.  It was a special night.  Ian and Nelson got one last air hockey game in and one last romp.

Let's all sing..."We owe it all to you...Heather...Arthur"

The Boys, I mean, "The Men of the Family"

"Cheese"

Paige still walks around the house saying, "Iah, wheh awe you?"

Paige is just sad Ian is leaving!

Write soon!