Happy Mother's Day!!!

 Mother's Day this year has taken on a different look this year.  Yes I got flowers and some clothes and such.  But what I really looked forward to was talking to Jed.  We got everything all set up to use Skype for our conversation.  This way we could see him too!!!  I could hardly breathe as his image came up on the computer!  Oh how I miss my little buddy...who isn't little anymore.  He has grown into a bright, loving, kind young man.  We all just giggled as we talked with him.  In total amazement at how he physically looks and sounds the same but knowing how much he has grown emotionally and spiritually.  Right off the bat I ask if we can talk for an hour.... he says "no Mom it's a rule".  Only 30-40 minutes.  Oh how some days I wish he would break just one little rule.  haha!

So we were able to keep him on the computer for 45 minutes.  He was silly as usual.  Grandpa and Grandma Wallis came over along with the Fowers Family.  He was so happy to see everyone.  When I asked him if it was going to be hard on him after talking with us....he said "No".  See some things never change!!!  haha!
As the time came close to saying goodbye, I felt as though my anxiety was skyrocketing.  It was really hard to say those last few words knowing that I wouldn't be able to hear his voice again until Christmas.  I could tell that he has grown so much.  And that our family has grown closer having him serve the Lord.  But saying goodbye was so hard.  When the computer screen went blank... that dang emptiness settled in again.  It is a battle that is harder some days than others but the gratitude that I feel and the pride that I feel is what I use to win.
I am so very thankful for my family and for our extended family.  This is what life is all about.  Learning, loving and accepting.

Burning of Ties, Shirts and Pants!!!

May 3, 2011

So it has been 6 months since the day we drove the long drive to Provo and dropped Jed off at the MTC.  There have been so many emotions that we have all felt.  Tears, laughter, joy, pride, excitement, loneliness but most of all happiness in knowing that Jed is doing what he has always wanted to do.  He was born to be a teacher.  And especially being able to teach what he loves the most and that is the gospel.  I just wish I could be a fly on the wall and watch him teach.  To see his eyes light up as he realizes that he is touching the people who are searching for the truth.  Thank you Jed for being a teacher!  I love you and am so very proud of you and all you have accomplished.

Well since Jed's mission President wouldn't allow him to burn a tie for his 6 month mark we felt it be appropriate to burn one for him.  Along with burning Jed's tie, we also invited the local area missionaries over to burn their corresponding items.  Elder Stulen who has also been out 6 months would burn a tie.  And Elder Christensen who has been out 18 months, burned a tie, a white shirt and a pair of slacks since he has never had the opportunity to partake in this type of ceremony.
So as you all know...Curt likes to build BIG fires!  And this was going to be no exception to the rule.  My contribution was the HUGE wreath from our living room.  Due to the recent remodeling that we have undertaken I felt it was too dusty to hang again and felt it was my way of also letting go of my stuff and moving forward into a simpler life. (WOW...is anyone buying this?)

The following are pictures of the massive fire!  Flames reached about 30 ft high!  IT was AWESOME!!!!

This is what happens to slacks...they melt!

Easy Jake that is Elder Stulen...not your brother.

Elder Stulen and Elder Christensen

Burning pants for the 18th month mark

The 3 amigos...Elder Stulen, Christensen and Hunt

Those were some good slacks....

Our Elder Stulen!!!

Elder Stulen wanted to cook his tie like a marshmallow

Sweet flames!!!

6 MONTHS!!!!

 May 1, 2011

So how is my boy today?  There have been way to many storms and tornadoes out there that have worried me a little bit!  I won't lie I have been watching the news closely!  Lots like there were a couple in Tennessee that were about 150miles away from you.  Any big news about seeing tornadoes???  It's ok you can tell me...I'm your Mom! =)  I can handle it!!!!  Just freakin tell me!!!

Ok so now that I have said my peace about that how did the Baptism go???  I can't wait to hear about it and hopefully you took some pictures too.  I need details Elder Aldous!!!

So it looks like you haven't been eating out... yes your Dad is very happy about that.  And we are proud of you.  Budgeting is a hard thing to master.  I am still working on it!  haha!  Anyway I have a package with your meds and stuff in it that I will ship Monday.  Of course I have filled the box with some other good stuff.  Let me know if you are needing certain things since I will now be shipping you your medication.  Dr. Lilinquest called me and he will write the prescriptions and then I will fill them and ship them to you.  You have got to let me know if you are running low on any of them.  PLEASE. 

Did you like the white shirts I sent?  If you want I can get you another couple.  Let me know.

So it is freakin hard to believe that you have been out for 6 months this week!  Way to go!  You are AWESOME!!!!  That is an amazing accomplishment.  I am so proud of you!  So are you going to burn a tie????  Let me know how that goes!!!  Take some pictures!!!

Ok so we got a  webcam for Mother's Day.  We downloaded Skype and should be ready for your call!  I am so excited to talk with you and even see you!  Can you call us on Sunday between 5-7pm your time?  That would be 3-5pm our time.  Please let me know.  If you don't know by tomorrow when you email me- just send me a note in the mail if you need a different time.  We want to be home when you call and I will be so excited I probably won't sleep Saturday night!  It is going to be the best Mother's day ever!!!!  How long can you talk???  EEEEEEEeeeeeeeee!  I am excited!  counting down the days and then hours!!!

Ok well enjoy the package and know how much I love you and how proud I am of you and all you are doing.  Keep working hard and know we are here praying for you daily!  Follow the spirit and he will tell you what to say and when to say it.  I love you!!!!

Love,
Mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Hey bud

Dad here.. Glad to see that your doing better with the money...Yes I am proud of you but please budget only $35.00 per week of your "MISSION MONEY FIRST" and if you need to use your personal account then do it but please let us know you will be going over your $140 allotment of money. Please, Please, Please be accountable on this one... You never had to be before because we always bailed you out but no more. You have to step it up and be accountable.   I have not turned off your card but I will if you do this again and you will be left with no money for the rest of the month...

Let us know what happened with your investigator. You write so little about who you are teaching... We would "LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT IT"""  HINT HINT WRITE MORE PLEASE

All is well here. Raining, Snowing, Raining more and Snowing more... Its like winter is not ready to let go...This next week seems to look better weather wise...

Your brother is still kicking my butt on xbox... It does not matter what we play he just beats me bad... Anyway thought you would get a laugh out of that one..

Love ya bud.. I am proud of you.. Hard to believe 6 months already. Time flys.. Love ya

Dad

 May 2, 2011

Hey Ya'll

I think 6 pm will be great to skype you guys.. I'm excited and ready!!! 

The baptism was awesome!  It went very well.
Remember the minister Monta in my last area.. he got Baptized!!!  BUT I GOT TRANSFERRED BEFORE I COULD SEE IT.. AAAAARRRRRGGHHH!!!!!!!!!

I went to the Atlanta temple re dedication yesterday.. not every day you get to go to one of those eh?

About the Music thing.. yes I would like EFY 2004 and 2006 on CD,  but on one of those, could you put "Praise to the Man"  on it?  And I mean the one with the bag-pipes and violins Please? Thank You!
And with them could you send my replica of the first Book Of Mormon too?  Everyone wants to see it.. its in my closet on my bookshelf.  Oh, and remember the big picture book of paintings from Adam and Eve - the latter-day prophets?  I could use that too.. especially when it comes to teaching little kids.

Transfers is next Tuesday so hold on to everything else you're gonna send me for now. 

I'm almost out of my Lamictal.. I only have 3 weeks left of it.. just to let you know.  All is well on everything else.

Sorry.. NO BURNING A TIE!!!!  President Thomas says we can't burn anything on our missions.. I know, no fair!!!!!!

So Jake,  still kickin dad's but on the xbox huh?  Well, keep it up!!

Here are some pictures:
Pic#1:  Baptism.  woman in the middle is the one who was baptized, her name is Elizabeth Keel (we call her BJ); man on the right is the one who baptized her; lady on the left is her friend.
Pic#2: cool picture in our apartment (look in the mirror and you will see).
Pic#3 and 4: Something you don't usually see downtown in Ogden or Salt Lake.  I call him...BANJO GUY!!!!!!!!!!!
Pic#5: Me and Jared Greiner at a zone activity (make sure Melanie sees it).

Well I gotta go, I guess I will talk and see you soon.

Love Ya'll

-Jed

Jed and Elder Anderson

First Baptism!

Jed loves this picture

Banjo Man!

Jed with Elder Greiner from Ogden!

A Baptism!

 April 25, 2011

Hey Ya'll

Loved the Easter basket.. Thanks! Thanks!

Didn't spend a single dollar last week.. But I will today.. Shopping day(P-Day)!

Hey Guess What.. ONE OF OUR INVESTIGATORS IS GETTING BAPTIZED THIS SATURDAY.. WOOHOO!
I'll be sure to send you a picture of it OK!!?? This is going to be one heck of a week!!!!

Morning: exercise, breakfast, and study.
Afternoon: lunch, and work.
Evening: dinner, work, nightly planning.

Dad, Those are some crazy tree pictures.. Holy Cow!!!
        You should be proud that I didn't spend any money last week!

Jake,  You looked grumpy.. But you mowed circles around the trampoline like I do.. Good on ya mate!!

Ashley, well.. I miss ya!!

Mom.. You and your remodeling Ideas.. You're so funny!

I found a member who has Skyype.. Whoohoo!  Let me know what time you want to do it and I'll be sure to tell the member (because the time up here and back home is kinda screwed up) OK?!

Well, Gotta go.. Gotta prepare for this baptism this Saturday.. I'm really excited!!!!!!

Love Ya'll

-Jed

 

Wow...I think Jake misses Jed!!!

Big Tornadoes near Jed??? Who knows???

 April 17, 2011

So how is my boy doing?  So the big storms came roaring through North Carolina.  Did you see any tornadoes or crazy stuff.  I have to admit I was just a little bit nervous of the thought of you caught in a big storm but I know you are being watched over and are safe.  But I am still interested in a good story. 

I talked with Dr. Lilinquest about your adderall prescription and he is just going to send me the prescriptions and I will mail them to you.   So no worries there alrighty.  You just keep focused on the teaching.  haha. 

So I am assuming you received the note from your Dad...he was really mad!  You need to be better at answering our questions or we are going to have to call the mission President and talk with him.  You should have enough money if you budget it out for $35 a week.  You may have to start packing a peanut butter sandwich instead of eating out.  Is that a possibility?  It is really unhealthy for your body to be eating out 2 times a day buddy.  Please don't do that.  You will get so big that you will get sick.  Being overweight is not a good thing and it is just too hard to lose the weight so you need to not eat too much. 

So when we ask you questions PLEASE answer them!  Your Dad is talking about turning off your debit card.  Then you can't use it at all.  It should only be used for emergency purposes.  You need to learn this.   

Ok so enough of that.  Life around here is the same as usual.  We are working and schooling it.  Ashley is staying busy working 2 jobs and trying to keep up with school work.  Jake is doing well in school and playing alot of Halo against Dad.  When the weather is nice he plays basketball but it just seems to keep raining and raining here.  YUCK!  My job is the same as always...long hours and kind of boring.  Dad stays busy at work and is looking forward to the turkey hunt.  Him and Jake have been trying to get out to Tooele but the weather is still too rainy. 

Grandpa and Grandma Wallis are back in town.  Austin got married yesterday in the Idaho Falls Temple.  It was a really nice ceremony and he looked really happy.  His wife is a cute girl and they look happy.  Christian has taken over your place of rough housing with the little cousins.  Josh misses you!  You are such a great example to Christian and the rest of the cousins- Thank you!  Maybe try to send something to Christian, Hogan and Katelyn when you can. 

I am sending you out an easter basket tomorrow!!!  Yiiiippppppeeeeeee!  Hope you like it.  I have also put in another short sleeve white shirt.  Let me know how you like it and I can send you another one.  I think Jake and Ashley are jealous of your easter basket!  hee hee

Thanks for sending us emails and little written notes.  It really does brighten my day to get something from you later in the week.  Sorry I missed writing you a letter last week.  I will put one in your basket!!!  Enjoy the treats and have fun with the things I put in there!!!

Well I Love you and am so proud of you!  I think and pray for you always.  You are the best son I could ask for!  Take care of yourself and the Lord will continue to bless you and guide you to the people you are supposed to teach and baptize. 

Write soon and let us know everything about whats been happening!

Love,  Mom
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

xoxoxxo

Trying to get Jed to respond to our questions has been a bit of a problem.  It is actually quite comical.  I laugh more than his Dad does as you can get from the letter.  Only a month until we get to talk with him on Mother's Day!!!!  So here is Jed's very short response to me.

April 18, 2011

 Hey ya'll

Nope, no tornado's, but huge storms though, there were a few tornado warnings, but none touched the ground.. yes, i'm safe.

thank you mom for the addrerall thing.. thank you thank you!!!!

Please don't turn off my debit card, I only have $46 dollars left on my mission card, I'm using it to buy groceries today, this time I will stop eating out, you're right.. it isn't healthy for me to do that, so I'll stop.. I swear!!!!

And I've been exercising like crazy out here, but I like the P90X videos better.

No Baptisms yet.. like I said we are not giving up.. we'll never give up!!

WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!  How dare that Christian took my place as rough house er.. tell him that when I get home... I"M COMIN FOR HIM!!!!!!!.. Just kiddin!!!  Tell Josh that I miss Him to, and Rachael, and Abby.  Don't worry, I'm workin on sending something to Christian, Hogan, and Katelyn.

Tell everyone all is well here.

Gotta go, see ya

Love,

-Jed

P.S. Tell Grandpa Wallis that I'm still thinking about him.

Learning Spanish????

 April 11, 2011

Hey everyone!!!

Mom.. please stop sending me beef jurcky.. because I haven't eaten all the rest yet.
The jeans fit perfectly. so thank you.
Yes you can call the pharmacy please. the pharmacy number is             801-281-3221      .  and the mission address is 6407 Idlewild rd.  ste 104 Charlotte, NC, 28212.
Tell Austin I said congrats.
You know the Shirts with the collar that has no buttons?  I like those, so if you can send me a couple of short-sleave ones, that would be great.
So you want to do the web cam chat thing Huh?  well it sounds like a great Idea.. I will look around and see if any members have it.

Ashley.."Hola, Mi Nombre es Elder Aldous.  Somos Misioneros De La Iglesia De JesuCristo De La Santos De Los Ultimos Dias!!"  You should be proud of me because that is Spanish for: "Hello, My name is Elder Aldous, We're Missionaries for the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints."  Yes, ever since I've been out here, I've learned some Spanish.

Well, Gotta go, Its P- Day, and I gotta go shopping!!!

Love Ya'll

-Jed

Well this was a short but sweet email.  At least we know he is alive...right?  Okay Okay I won't send anymore beef jerky.  hahahahahahaha

Letters from Sis and Mom!

Hey bro!!

So how is everything going?? i enjoyed your letter and CD. Thank you very much! i have just one question... :) ha i bet you can guess what that is. How come you tell the fellow elders in your district no to dating me?? haha You should send pics or let them write me so i can see how the other elders are. haha jk. you do what you are comfortable with. I trust your instincts. They might be weird... right? haha oh well. you are a protective big brother that should be doing that for me! :) Love ya!

So I am hopefully getting my cast off this friday!! April 1!!! yay!! haha hopefully!! otherwise they are going to pull an april fools joke and im gonna be all bugged! haha but ya! ill send pictures after it happens! and also on that day it is MORP. which is a dance. and i am gonna attach a picture of my costume! hahahahahahha it is great!! tell me if you have any objections! :) it is gonna be funny! i am taking cody! so hopefully everything turns out good again!

Oh ya! i forgot to tell you! i got a job at the Country Club with Bob this year! yay! cool huh! i get to start on the range and then work my way up to catty and then maybe ill work in the pro shop or something. but ya! just thought id share that with you!

So do you have any new funny stories for us??? anything gross you have eaten lately? haha how about baptisms.. any of those yet? well feel free to share your experiences. they would be great to hear! :) anyways... I have yet to hear back from  you about that mystery kiss girl! haha i know you don't have any contact with her or anything.. but hey! me being the brilliant smart sister at home with all of her resources could locate her and get you an address or email address so you can write her or something!!! sound like a good idea?? all i need is a name! :) and believe me.. i have not told anyone. I know that is your personal business and that you would rather us not share that story. I will keep it a secret for you.

anyways.. i love you bro! have a great week and i will write again next week! be safe and have fun! remember... all i need is a name! :) haha

Love, Sis

So this is Ashley's outfit for a throwback dance!  I'm not so sure her brother would have approved.

Hey Buddy!

So I wrote you a letter in Sacrament meeting today and Jake is worried that you won't be able to read it haha!  He says I have bad handwriting.  Well it might take you a few days to read it but that is two days worth of reading right!  hahaha

So M'kay is going to go to Utah State for a semester.  He still isn't sure about going on a mission.  Maybe you could write a little something to him in your letter home and I will forward it on to him.  Or you can just write him an email. 

Austin is getting married in a couple of weeks in the Idaho Falls Temple.  Fun stuff. 

Suzie's belly is growing and we are hoping for a little girl- we will find out in a few weeks.

So the picture of Dad, Jake, Cam and Cooper at Maverick is a pretty cool story.  Jake wrote what happened in his letter that we are sending in the mail. 

What do you think about transfers???  Are you going or staying?  Your Adderall prescription should be to you today or tomorrow.  Are your new shoes ok?  what about the Tom Tom? 

How are your white shirts, socks etc doing?  Have you found a dry cleaner place yet?  Maybe ask a member if they can help with your dry cleaning. 

How are you doing with your anxiety?  and sleeping?  Ok Ok enough with the questions I know.  Sometimes I just can't help myself!  =)

Jake loved the comic and Ash loved the CD.   She didn't love that you tell the missionaries that they can't date her though!  haha!  You are a protective big brother and I know she loves that! 

So how is the work going...teaching new people?  Tell us a story or two.  We love stories!

So maybe send us a scripture in each of your emails for us to study as a family.  Tell us what you are studying personally and we will pray for you.  Well I love you and miss you!  Take care of yourself and work hard!  Oh and before you get off the email click on the inbox again and see if I have sent you another message while you are on.  Maybe we could chat back and forth for a second.  I would love that!!! 

Love, Mom

oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Here is the picture of the basketball hoop we won at Maverick!

Hey Ya'll

No baptisms yet but we are not giving up. 

I'm staying, but Elder mason is going home on the 29th, which is tomorrow.  The shoes are awesome, White shirts.. could use 2 more. because they are kinda out of shape, but socks are doing good.  

I loved your letter mom, you said your sending the Tom Tom right, along with the 2 missionary comics right?  If you did... HOOORRRRAAAYYY!!!!!

The only problem about the area is our car.  Even though its a 2009 Malibu, its hard to turn it, Jeez, Its like trying to turn a boat... Hahaha!!

And hey, ashley, you look like a hilbilly dressed up like that, to me, its scary...Haha!  Anyway, I hope the so called MORP dance goes well too.. and congrates on getting a job at the country club.. that is awesome!

No funny stories this time. 

Haven't found a dry cleaning place yet, but getting a member to help sounds like a really good idea, so thank you.

Oh yeah, mom, Dr. Lilijenquist called me and said the policy at the pharmacy in salt lake (which has been sending me my meds) has been changed.  So now I have to call them and make sure that they send the meds to the mission office, and not to my apartment.

Well, gotta go... Find, Teach and Baptize!!!

Love Ya'll

-Jed

Mormon.org! check it out!

3-21-11

Hey Ya'll

 Dad, I can explain why I spent $33.11 last P-day at walmart, it is because I helped my companion pay for his groceries, ok?

 Nothing much to tell about the Biltmore House, just a big house which was the home of a guy who was filthy stinkin rich!!!

 I am so Happy for grandpa, You have no Idea what joy his email brought me.  And I'm glad He liked my birthday present for him.

 Have You Gone on mormon.org yet?  If you do, go to "Our People"  tab, then click on "I Am a Mormon."  Then on the right there are pictures of members, and they are actually videos, here are a few that stick out to me..

 -Gabe: Ex NFL.

-Rob: Ex NFL.

-Paris: High school drop out.

-Victor: a 9-11 survivor.

-Alex: Musician.

-And the last one is actually a pro golfer. You might know him, his name is Bruce Summerhays.  And he is in a very important position in the church, not telling you what, but if you do watch he story, you'll see.

Keep posted on how grandpa is doing ok?

Ashley, thanks for sending me a picture of the guy you went to the dance with.  He looks like a nice guy, so thank you very much.  Oh I sent something to you.. hope you like it.

 Jake,  I sent somthing for you as well. and its a comic book.  It will be in a small Yellow bubble wrap package, so be careful when you open it.  You are going to laugh when you see the cover, trust me.

 Tell President Watson that I love it out here.. ok?  Thanks.

Well gotta go… LOVE YA"LL

 Jed

Some P-Day Fun!!! RichieRich!!!

March 14, 2011

Hey ya'll

Last P-day was Awesome because my companion and I, along with 2 other elders, went to..THE BILTMORE HOUSE!!!  If you don't know what it is, its pretty simple, it is the biggiest house in the country, it is also the house where the movie "Richy Rich" was filmed.  We were not allowed to take pictures inside though, but here are some pictures of it outside. Oh, in one of the pictures, my companion is in the middle, and the 2 other guys are the other elders we went with.. hope you enjoy them.

ELDER OAKS WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!  He actually got my name right when I shook his hand, thats the thing about lawyers, they're pretty smart.  Elder Gay from the quorum of the seventy was there too.  Elder Oaks talked about revelation, they had the microphones passed around to other elders and members (who drove the elders to the meeting) and they shared their experiences and their testimonies on revelation, and Elder Oaks either validated it or expounded on it.  I didn't want to do it, because it is an apostle of the lord in which I would be sharing that with.  Yeah I know, I'm a Whoosie!!  Tell everyone that I met an apostle, and tell them that it was an awesome experience.

Hey Jake, I never got to congradulate you for being the star at your final basketball game.  Well.... CONGRADULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!  That is awesome that you made the 3 shots to win the game.  I forgot to tell you that I played basketball when i was your age, I wasn't very good at it though.  I'm Proud of you bud!!

What do I need?  Well lets see..Hmmmm.. I could some cash, so I don't have to use my card, and I could use some snacks.  And about the GPS,  If the Garmin is cheeper, then get the Garmin, I'm okay with that.  But when you download the Mr. T's voice, it is cheaper to do it on the Tom Tom than the Garmin.

My acnee keeps on going up and down, but yes, a new pillow case would be lovely, thank you.

And Ashley, hope you have fun at prom, and when you send the picture of the guy, Thank you for doing that.

Hey dad, Elder Mason is Austin's age, but he went to a different High school, but he says he has heard of Austin.

Well, gotta go, Love Ya'll

Jed

P.S.  Here is a picture of a BLUE PRIUS.  Yeah, its Pretty.. SPARKLY.. I did that that a little too well didn't I?

So Jed's companion had these two books and requested them.  They are completely silly!

And of course I sent them!

Elder Aldous' First Transfer!

So Jed got transferred to Asheville, NC.  From what we hear it is a beautiful place.  It is located almost to Tennessee, at the base of the Smokey Mountains.  Here are the latest pictures of Jed.
 

Elder Aldous and new companion Elder Mason