Landon's Birthday Sleepover

Landon is three years old now and we had him over for his birthday sleep over. I picked him up in Saratoga Springs and drove up to Papa's work. We checked things out there and then we rode the train (Trax) over to Gateway. Landon really liked the train. We found the food court and ate pizza, pasta and breadsticks until our tummy's were so full we couldn't even move!! We walked around for a while and then went over to Barnes and Noble for Landon to pick out a book for his birthday. It took him quite a long time to decide as there were many books that he liked, but finally he chose one. He put it up on the counter like a big boy and then Papa paid for it. He carried that book all the way to Trax and then to the car and into the house, not letting it out of his sight. When we got home we popped some popcorn, put on our PJ's and watched a new DVD that I bought called "Bolt". He really liked the dog. He said it reminded him of his dog Daisy (although Daisy doesn't talk or have super powers, but Landon has a good imagination!) After the movie it was time for bed. He said his prayers (which was really sweet) and climbed in. I read his new book to him and then we turned off the light. On Kimmy's bedroom ceiling there are stars that shine when you turn out the lights. We talked about the stars and then we had quite a neat conversation--it went something like this: Grammy: "What do you want to do when you grow up Landon?" Landon: "I want to go on a mission like Brett." Grammy: "What will you do on your mission?" Landon: "Teach people about Jesus and then they can be happy too!" Mind you this is a 3 year old and he knows and feels much more than many people do in this world. Anyway, we woke up the next morning (5:45 a.m I hear this little pitter patter of feet and then he climbed in between Papa and I for about 45 minutes) and ate breakfast and did some chores around the house. We wanted to fly a kite but there wasn't any wind in Tooele. We took him home in the early afternoon. We had such a good time with Landon, as we do all of our grandchildren. He is a sweet, sweet little guy!
As usual I have the pictures backwards so this is Landon with his new book.

Here is Papa and Landon on Trax

Landon eating Pizza. It was a HUGE piece and he ate most all of it!

Landon helping Papa clean off his desk

Landon on the skywalk into Papa's office.

Thinkin' of Brett

Before Brett went on his mission we cleaned out his drawers and closet and took a lot to the D.I. so that when he comes home he can have a clean room. There have been guests sleep in his room since he has gone, but the room has stayed the same. I went in there this morning and just sat on the bed and looked around. I love his room. I love the wallpaper, the wood around the windows and door, I love the little nook where his desk still is. I especially love the things he chose to put up on his walls and corkboard. On one wall there is a big orange sign that says "Missionary Under Construction" that he got when he was little. On another wall a small picture of Christ in Gethsemane, another wall a framed Aaronic Priesthood reponsibilities chart he got from one of his Y.M. leaders. In a corner he has a little wood plaque that he painted at my Mom's grandchildren's party years ago that has a stenciled picture of a house with the words, "Return Home With Honor". Then on his corkboard he has a big picture of the Savior along with several small Mormon Ad's and pictures of the family. I thought about this while sitting there and realized these things on his wall must have been important to him and are probably a reflection of what he wants to be. This says a lot about his character. He only has about 7 months left. In his last letter he stated that he was a little anxious about how little time he has left, he doesn't want to waste any of it. We feel a little anxious as well. Brett is so happy doing this work for the Lord and we know that this full time mission will come to a close. But we also realize there are even better things in store for Brett in the future. We love him so!

Service Mission

Last year (2008) I blogged about all the important things that happened to our family, births, parties, vacations, family reunions, etc. Well, I slurped my blog into Blurb.com to print out a hardcover book. It really is a history of our family for the year. I am pleased with it. One of the kids, while looking through, realized that I had forgotten to add something about my service mission. So, for history sake I will blog about it. I started my mission in October 2008 and serve in the Membership Record department calling people whose records have been sent back to SLC because the Bishops don't know where they have moved. I go in every Wednesday all day and call all over the United States and Canada to find these people. I love my time there. The average age of the people who serve there is 80 years old, and I am not kidding!! Many of them are in their 90s. In fact, we just celebrated a brother's 91st birthday this last week. He is a frail little man with a quick wit and mind. I want to endure to the end like they are doing. I have had some really wonderful experiences calling people, especially parents who are hoping someone will touch their children's lives. When I pray I ask the Lord to bless these lost sheep who we find with a good Bishop who will make sure they are nurtured and loved back into the gospel. I feel like I am making a contribution to the Lord's kingdom and I am so grateful to be of service to Him in this way.