Week 59: Like a Turkey With Its Head Cut Off

Some of the finest missionaries the WATAC has known

 Wow! What a week. Fall is our favorite time of the year, and Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday. It's always been a holiday to relax and enjoy family. We missed not being able to be with our family, but we did enjoy seeing and talking to most of them via Facetime. We are so grateful that they were able to gather together.

Sisters Thompson & Dale

On Monday evening we were able to go to dinner with Christopher. He came down from Seattle and we went to the Silk Thai here in Tacoma. This was Christopher's birthday present to his dad. We really enjoyed the food and being able to visit with Chris. Could kick myself for not getting a photo that night. Have to do dinner again!

Other than that, it was far from a relaxing week. This week was a transfer week. We both had a grundle of work to do at the office. I think I put out 65+ letters this week in addition to all the other work that goes into bringing in new missionaries and sending some off.

Spent a lot of time in the kitchen as well. Sister Harwood and I fix lunch each transfer for all the new missionaries, office elders, AP's, office staff, and President and his wife when they come in. That was on Tuesday. We do an orientation with them and introduce them to their new companions.

Then all of the mission came in that day for Transfer Meeting. We got to hear testimonies of the 21 missionaries who departed on Wednesday. These are 21 of the finest missionaries ever. Thirteen of them were Sisters -- each so amazing. We've grown rather attached to this group. It was very hard to say goodbye. Before Tuesday ended, I had to get these 21 missionaries check-in for their flights and print boarding passes. It's a long, twelve hour day, but yet, at the same time, quite invigorating.  Missionary work does that to a person.

We were up early Wednesday. Picked up three missionaries at 6:45 a.m. to get them to the airport. The rest of the group left a little later. Then we started our day at the office. Plenty to do. I take notes at Transfer Meeting (thank heavens for those shorthand skills) so I am able to put a summary of each missionary's testimony in our monthly newsletter. The next newsletter has to go out Monday morning, so no putting off that project.

Wednesday night was for more ..... cooking, of course. I made vegetable dip, two pie crusts, and our family's traditional yam casserole.

Thursday morning .... more cooking, but it was kind of a bad day in the kitchen. Tried my hand at homemade Coconut Cream Pie. Didn't turn out well. Made a Banana Cream pie. First attempt had lots of teflon flecks in it -- bad pan, bad pudding. Sent Elder Hadlock to the store for some instant pudding. Used too much whipping cream to make it; very thick, but tasted OK. Due to pie frustration, I didn't get the yam casserole in the oven to bake when I should have. Dinner had to wait a bit.  On the plus side: Rhodes rolls turned out great and Mrs. Cubison's dressing took care of itself fine!

We joined with the Harwoods and Martins for dinner. It was a lovely meal and we enjoyed playing Ripple with Phase 10 cards afterward. Best part of the day, however, was visiting with the family.

Thursday evening .... more cooking. This was for Friday's lunch. Fixed two turkey breasts, frog-eye salad, and pumpkin cake. Sister Harwood and I were in charge of lunch for about 50 at the New Missionary Training meeting held Friday. Normally this is handled by a committee of sisters in the Tacoma Stake, but they were unable to do it this time. A little bit of work, but a lot of reward as we got to again be with missionaries. At the end of these meals, they even sing to us!

Saturday we had our workout at the YMCA, did our cleaning -- which, by the way goes pretty fast when you're in a small apartment. Makes me wonder if I really want a bigger house to clean.

Sunday meetings were delightful. It's quite cold here (low 30's, but feels colder) so we're glad to be able to spend the rest of the day at home. Tired of turkey so we had a simple hamburger for Sunday dinner. It's now about 6:45 p.m. and I'm determined to finish the blog, and get a letter off to Ben so we can start popcorn by 7 p.m.

No more turkey for a while!

It has been a full, fun, crazy busy week. But we are so, so grateful to be here and to have the love and support of family and loved ones.  Someone at church referred to the Law of Occupied Space which says that no two things can occupy the same space at the same time. When thoughts of gratitude fill our mind, there is not room for bad thoughts, negativity, self-pity, unkindness, etc. Gratitude makes us feel better.

Ok, well, time's up. Life is good. May we keep moving forward -- in gratitude.

Week 58: 32 Years and Counting

32 years together -- Yippee!

Highlights this week included Elder Hadlock selling four of the six cars the mission has for sale and celebrating our 32^nd wedding anniversary.  We did so by getting a bite to eat and going to the movie Interstellar.

We didn’t take any photos during the week, and Saturday was  full of chores and errands. Today (Sunday) we rode to Chehalis for a missionary fireside.  We used the drive time (one hour each way) to talk about memories we’ve shared in 32 years of marriage and some things we’ve learned along the way. Also gave us an opportunity to take a few photos. 

So, in the few minutes I have until bedtime, I’ll share just a few memories and things we’ve learned. Some of our favorite memories include (in no particular order):    

• Trips to Disneyland -- just the two of us as well as with our whole family.
• Family vacations to Yellowstone, Jackson Hole (the Bar J Wranglers), South Dakota, and Lake Tahoe.
• Our Alaskan Fishing Trip, a trip to Hawaii, and a Bahama cruise
• Family reunions
• Watching children develop their talents, interests, personalities, and become contributing citizens
• Spending time with grandchildren
• Having our hearts ache like none other when children are experiencing trials
• Having prayers answered in their behalf
• Growing closer to one another through these trials

  

  WATAC missionaries from Vernal, Utah

• Feeling joy and satisfaction when children "figure things out"
• Feeling even greater joy when we "figure it out"
• Feeling extra joy when that last Pinewood Derby car rolled down the track!
• Working together to start and run a business
• Seeing the hand of the Lord in those efforts and how it all turned out.
• Serving in the Church -- much of the time with the youth in Scouts, Single Adults, Young Women, etc. 
• Three "treks" at Martin's Cove with the youth and three of our children 
• Serving a mission in Tacoma Washington

A selfie attempt

The list of memories could go on forever. We feel so very blessed.  We are grateful, too, for challenges faced. We know we've been strengthened and watched over in our trials.  We look back and see the hand of the Lord trying to help us and teach us.  What have we learned? --

• Life doesn't always turn out like you think, but God is in charge and he knows what's best, but He will not take away one's agency.
• Our parents got smarter.
• We feel "dumber" -- the older we get the more we realize we really don't know.
• There is a supreme being -- a God. There is life after life.
• The most important relationship to take care of is with God and His Son Jesus Christ.
• Second in importance is our relationship with our spouse. Dates after marriage are critical.
• Relationships are worth the effort; we still need to make the effort daily
• Van says, "If Mamma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."
• Wendy says, "Papa's not ever happy about going shopping -- leave him home."
• Happiness comes from living the gospel and keeping covenants.
• Nothing feels better than the Spirit. Contention drives away the Spirt
• Laughter heals
• Selfishness hurts
• Popcorn makes everything better!?

Well those are a few of the things that came up in our discussion (except the popcorn thing). The list could be better (and much longer) if we gave more thought to what 32 years together have brought us. Suffice it to say, Life has been good to us and we hope to continue to learn what we need to learn.

Week 57: S & P

Pine boughs strewn about the parking lot

Lots of S & Ps this week -- I'm not meaning Salt & Pepper.

Weather has been dry -- but cold. Not complaining though because we've had clear, blue skies. Had a lot of wind one night that did a number on the Pine (or fir) trees all about us. Trees blew over in several places, but we just witnessed lots of pine tree debris all over in our parking lot and covering the streets.

Sister in the middle is about to leave the mission

This week was "Mission Tour." Elder Steven E. Snow and his wife Phyllis, spent Tuesday, Wednesday, and half of Thursday in our mission. I spent much of Monday preparing agendas and materials for meetings.

Elder Hadlock and I were able to attend the meeting held for the Northern Zones on Tuesday at the Bremerton Stake Center in Port Orchard.  That evening we attended a special fireside here in Tacoma. Two recent converts shared their "stories" and testimonies. Both were incredible. Elder & Sister Snow then spoke to us.

On Wednesday morning, Elder Hadlock and I took one of our Sisters to the SEATAC (airport). Because she has a brother who leaves for his mission in a week or so, she was able to go home just a few weeks early. Wednesday afternoon was filled with dinner preparations. Sister Harward and I fixed dinner for President & Sister Blatter, Elder & Sister Snow & the mission office staff. There were just twelve of us so we were able to have it at the mission home. It turned out to be a relaxing and pleasant evening. We enjoyed a delightful visit with the Snows.  I liked the Caramel Apple Pie that we had for dessert.

E Hadlock, Jr with convert and his wife -- she's from Roosevelt

Hump Day package

On Thursday, Elder Snow met with our Mission Leader Council. Sister Harwood and I helped prepare part of the lunch that was served after that meeting. It's just always a blessing to be with the young missionaries.

Friday and Saturday were a little less Stressful. Did some catching up on work at the office and at home.  More cooking on Saturday though. Our ward here (Sunset Ward) had their annual Soup and Bread dinner. Everyone brings there favorite soups. They also bring their muffin tins and fill each cup with a different soup. Great way to sample many Soups.

Thought I'd share a principal that stood out from Sacrament Meeting and scripture study this week.

An Arkansas spider

Alma 33 tells of Alma's teachings to the Zoramites. He is recounting what the prophet Zenos taught about prayer and how to worship. There are many times, places, and reasons to pray. The fact that God hears us and is merciful is referred to several times in verses 4-11. Why is He merciful? --"it is because of thy Son that thou hast been thus merciful unto me . . .; for thou hast turned thy judgements away from me, because of they Son." (v 11) . Then verse 16 really struck me: "...Thou art angry, O Lord, with this people, because they will not understand thy mercies which thou hast bestowed upon them because of thy Son."

Alma is trying to convince the Zoramites (and us) that it is "because of the Son" that all things are possible. All mercy, all goodness is because of Him. God hears us because of the intercession of the Son. Jesus Christ truly is our advocate. We need to let His gospel, His atonement, His mercy and grace work for us and in us.

Heavenly Father must get frustrated with us when we don't accept and take advantage of the gift of His Son. It is a huge gift born of much sacrifice on the part of the Father and the Son. They just want us to use the gift and follow the plan laid out for our happiness.

This was reinforced in Sacrament Meeting today when the Primary did their program. One of the songs they sang was He Sent His Son:

"How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?

In a sombrero

He sent His Son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.

How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go? -- He sent His Son to walk with men on earth, that we may know.

How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death? -- He sent his Son to die for us and rise with living breath.

What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say? -- Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way.

Our son with Brother Floyd, a great friend to missionaries

What does he ask? -- Live like his Son.

The message of this, and so many of our Primary songs, is Simple yet Powerful.

The words of the scriptures are often Simple and Powerful. I am so thankful for them. Why don't I let them Sink in and Produce results more often?

While I continue to ponder these things, I think I'll fix some popcorn with a little salt and ...... you guessed it -- lots of Butter!

Life is mostly swell. Life is always precious!

Disclaimer: Some of this week's photos really have nothing to do with what I'll write about. It was such a busy week that I really didn't think about taking photos.  Thought I'd share some we recently received of Elder Hadlock, Jr.

Week 56: Van the Man turns 60!

Waiting to get on the Ferry

 Getting moved back into the office occupied much of our time the first few days of the week. We were able to go to a senior missionary FHE at Zions Camp where we enjoyed a nice supper and viewed a short video called “Second Witness: The Elizabeth Panting Story.” Those who have gone on a Trek or seen Seventeen Miracles will appreciate this story.

It rained every day this week so when Saturday presented us with blue skies, we got our exercising in, cleaned the apartment and then headed out for an “adventure.” 

Bicycle in a tree

We caught a ferry and went to Vashon Island. It’s a delightful place; we’d like to visit there again some day. Had lunch at the Hardware Store Restaurant, walked through a few fun little shops in the area, found the “bicycle in a tree”, visited the Country Store and then decided we’d better catch the 4:00 ferry as it would soon be dark. (The sun is setting here at about 4:40 p.m.). 

The ferry line was long. We missed the 4:00 ferry and the 5:00 ferry, but made the 6:00 ferry. Oh well. We enjoyed visiting and it also gave me time to read a book on Kindle and stalk Facebook. Love technology.

BUT …. The big event this week was Van’s birthday. Van my man turned 60 on Thursday. He got a few nice gifts and cards, but he especially enjoyed hearing from each of his children. Even Ben was able to send a text via someone in his mission.  His favorite gift was a small gift bag that contained 60+ slips of paper. On each slip was written a special memory of Van or quality that family members admire in him. (Thanks Cheryl for the idea).

I thought I’d share a few of those on the blog.

“You have always had something in you that would not let you give up. Fighting in the back yard with the gloves, on the basketball floor, on the football field, in your business, with your family and in the Church. Even when the odds have been stacked against you and it seemed as the task in front of you was impossible to over come, you NEVER GIVE UP, AND KEEP ON FIGHTING!! “ --Kent

“Dad has shown me how to sit back and relax and enjoy the beauty around me-- as well as a good movie :) I distinctly remember how hard Dad laughed when we were watching Home Alone and the tarantula spider gets put on the guys face. Of course,  I like some of the good ol' westerns too. Dad is obedient.” –Meagan

“He tried to cut me in two with a honey can lid. He was chosen as 'most preferred man' over me in high school when he was a sophomore and I was a senior.” –Tim

“I appreciate that Dad doesn't care about having expensive things or keeping up with the neighbors. Dad could talk to a homeless person or the Prophet and not treat them differently. I don't know what characteristic that is but it’s awesome. I enjoy how Dad tells a story.” –Heather

“I remember cleaning the car- whether it was me helping him, him teaching me the ins and outs of doing it or him consistently doing it once per week dad is meticulous in the maintenance of his vehicles.  I also remember when you ripped the bunny rabbit's head off and splattered blood along the side of the truck in the process- this was the first, and last time, you took Devan and I rabbit hunting.” –Sam

Sharing his birthday cake

“Van thinks about others a lot.  Most of us think more about ourselves.  He thinks about others and what he can do to help them.  I believe they call that charity.  Being concerned about and loving others.”  –Rex

“Van's stick-to-it iveness carried over in his ability to work hard in whatever he did.  He was a hard worker  and this also carried over in sports.  I remember watching him play against a center in Provo in basketball (I believe his name was Vroman.  This center was 7 feet tall if not more and Van worked his heart out guarding him.  Provo's coach said he had 't seen anyone work as hard as Van did against his center.  He was impressed with his work ethic and that he did as well as he did.”  –Rex

“He is a hard worker, very honest in all of his dealings. He is a great scout leader and role model. He leads by example and action as well as by his words.”  –Lonnie

Birthday dinner at Black Angus with Harwoods & Wingers

Well, there were many more nice things shared and said about Van the man. And they are all true. He is simply a great guy. I feel so blessed to share life with him. He is my best friend. He is fun to be with. I enjoy going places and doing things with him. It has been a special blessing to serve a mission together. It is fun to “watch him in action.” He is so good with people. He is kind, and unassuming. I am grateful for his love of and dedication to the Lord and to his family. I am grateful for his incredible patience and long-suffering—especially with me.

Way to BE Van my man.