To bring you some
Christmas cheer,
here's some of the things heard in our house this year.
Light Of The World
"Fam with Fawna" An appreciative nod to Jacob, we wear his thrift store treasured sweaters.
Jacob's NEW job title, "Elder Sargent"
Elder Randall and Jacob, Elder Sargent (in the hat) Light the World by cutting back grass with a lucky machete.
Jacob has also developed a healthy fascination machetes. I think it's a little dangerous, but he said that everyone has one, used to cut the lawn. I say fascination because, seriously he has sent us so many picts of him with a machete in hand. Panama is a really warm beautiful tropical climate. It has a rainy season that can turn the dirt roads into a muddy stream. Jacob writes us weekly emails messages of hope that come from experiences he has while he teaches others of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We JUST love this Elder!! Sometimes he doesn't tell us why or the full story. When he told us about bucket showers was it because running water was unpredictable. No details why all the missionaries in that apartment slept for months in hammocks. No details about the picture of big red blisters were all over his feet and ankles. When I asked why he was eating grilled cheese sandwiches for days, he just said "because they are delicious" But through his adventures, it is clear that he loves the people of Panama and loves serving them. He has learned Spanish and the word "Consechas" in almost ever email. I looked it up, "cosechas" means "gathering or harvesting". His words illustrate what he means,
I love the joy that comes from the gospel and the confirming voice of the spirit I can feel every day saying Im doing the Lord´s work there is literally nothing more important. The purpose of this life is to gain knowledge and make it back to our Father in Heaven and the Lord has given us the opportunity to be Saviors on Mount Zion and seek out those specially prepared children of God that are ready to enter the covenant path. I really love studying the Book of Mormon every day and looking for the way that the great missionaries of old shared the gospel and had so much success because I know thats the kind of potential that waits in store for us we just gotta tap into it. Im planing on starting to study from a new Book of Mormon I found in the house when we restart the Book of Mormon again but this time focusing on "The One" like ministering and service and focusing and effort that just went into helping one person so that I can really understand more of the value of just one soul. You really do get out of the gospel what you put into it and the way you treat these topics determine the strength of your testimony and its just incredible to find these people that are just so prepared to receive these words of eternal life.">I feel like my mission is almost over and I haven't even technically hit a year yet but I really am grateful for this chance I have to be here. Love all of you guys and don't worry about me. Just worry about the person next to you."
Love, Elder Sargent
Elder Clymer and Elder Jacob Sargent (on the right)
Carter's current job title, " Run, Read, Write, Fun, Repeat"
Carter is now a Senior in high school and sweet dance moves.
Carter continues the tradition of farmer's tan proud and crazy statement socks during races.
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This picture was taken during our summer camping trip at Tetons! (Basically it was beautiful.) This photo represents Carter for me during his year of being 17. Carter has decided to do the heavy lifting. He decided to take challenging classes his last year of high school. He's doing great and loving this last year, I'm embarrassed that I encouraged him to take it easy with fun classes this year. He also wanted to challenge himself in sports, he switched to cross country. He tried track the last semester as a Junior and loved it. We didn't even know he liked running. He never really ran much, so we were a little shocked. I mean, who tries a new sport as a Senior? He loved XC and is looking forward to track and has started early season training. In between sports, he took a few weeks of Karate and loved it too. I felt like the years of training I had put him thru with Karate Kid were finally paying off. We have been talking a lot about how he needs to saving some money before he graduates. Past summer he worked at Chick-Fil-A and somehow their delicious sandwiches cured his abhorrence for chicken. Amen to that ending! He challenges himself, and then likes to rise to each challenge. He learns that he plays piano by ear, he hears the music and doesn't have to fumble to find the notes, he feels it. But I think of all the things I have watched him go through this past year, the things that really stand out for me are unique. He is kind enough to have a short lunch break with his little freshman sister and her friends, being seen in the lunchroom with them at the high school. Who does that?? And the other thing about this boy is that he hates being late to anything, even choir practice or seminary religion class at 6am in at church. He is big into all music and loves singing his little heart out with choir at church. We know he loves the Switch, Subway and hanging out with his buddies. But he has also really focused building a testimony that he is a son of God. I'm grateful to have watched him become someone of depth, but also he's pretty easy going and patient. I've already started missing him. I've found if you miss them early, then you have a great chance of being "less of a mess" when it's time their adventures lead them into their own paths, and away from home. This kid is so loved by his parents, he will give us a kiss goodbye every single day. Who does that, Carter kid.
Sperry's current job titles, " Responsible teen in training" and "Official Jr. Park Ranger"
Sperry is now a FRESHMAN in high school. She leaves a wake of selfies on other's phones (see above pict for proof).
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Now let's talk about the "baby" of our family. She is loved mucho and I'll try to tell you why. Sperry brings the fun and is always making us laugh. But don't let this funny girl fool you, she's also pretty quick to strike up a conversation that is both logical and eloquent. Sperry can state her values in a respectful way that invite communication. She values others and loves everyone. I've been surprised at how many people know who she is, probably because she loves to laugh and loves people. May I just state here that she is a Freshman, and just because she has outgrown me, doesn't mean she is a Junior, and doesn't mean she can have a gentleman pursuing a relationship. I mean, she is squarely in the fun and; friendship zone people! This girl loves her Heavenly Father and is learning how a Temple can bring our peace in your heart. You share interests with her if you are into anything remotely resembling: a hallmark movie, volleyball, shopping with your parent's money, hiking/biking/skiing for bribery of a large Nutella jar, singing in a microphone on and off tune, having sweet dance moves, reading books that lack in pictures and look in stature of a dictionary, caring for others, being kind and a kick to be around, pretty good at 4 square, and lastly and perhaps most importantly play monopoly or scrabble with the winner receiving a coveted chocolate orange. She truly is a Jr Park Ranger and she truly loves dances, down time, and being home with her momma. There's not many people whose reading voice can lull to sleep a very tired, pain riddled person to sleep before a page is turned. Who cares if we have been in book 1 of Harry Potter for about 4 years and are where he is in the bank getting his money, or something... don't judge. I've seen the movies. And for all of these things, and more (like starting learning to drive, and earning her way out of a slide phone to an old iphone) she is earning the title of *responsible teen. *Please note this title is a work in process and can be presented/revoked/reserved several times within the same week. If you need a friend, let me know... I know someone who loves to be friends with everyone.
Park Ranger ain't a joke people, you've gotta earn it!
Marci and Scott/Ma-n-Pa: the age of parents
Parent's Bucket list competed items:
- Pretend you have an actual bucket list, instead of just "cool to do" ideas.
- Realize that even the hard days have evidence that God loves YOU and there are things only you can do. Pray to see the important things and have strength enough to do the essential.
- Tell people you love that you LOVE them. Show people that you LOVE them.
- Red Rocks: show the kids the coolness!
- Camp trip: Tetons. Yell beauty because it's so overwhelmingly in your face!
- Get a CANOE off craigslist within budget and within 5 years of searching
- Karaoke Party (anytime)
- teach kids fire building in potbelly stove. Get kindling from campers left after 1 night. wimps.
- hike a little, tandem a little, nap a little. Be grateful for the little things.
- Scott and Carter's ƐPIC this year: hike 25 miles in 3 days, cross divide twice (w/Bodine boys)
- Sperry and mom movie days: form an appreciation for chick flicks.
- Fix the _______ car, appliance, light, etc. (Scott)
- Celebrate 20 years together
- Watch Gone with the Wind and love it!
- Mourn friends who have moved graciously to heaven (Kelly, always in my heart, together tho' apart).
- prepare to be empty nesters:
- phase one, play with friends more. May or may not involve Donny & Marie.
- phase 2, start hording $4 karaoke mics; $1 reading glasses. Yell, "never have too many".
- phase 3, make new friends, and; love all babies, teens, older than us, n' missionaries.
- Visit family: play kickball, sing carols & have Thanksgiving w/grandma at Chuck a Rama.
- Prep for "Finished" Phase: when braces are off and all wisdom teeth are out!
- Live with a heart grateful that we have a Savior, Jesus Christ. We live near His holy Temple. Temples are where we can feel closer to heaven, learn more about the purpose of our time here on earth, and be taught about life with an Eternal Perspective.
- Love family history and learning more about "our people" from Denmark, Germany, England. Tell Carter that he is related to "the man in black" , Johnny Cash. 11th cousin 1x removed, thru my line and Grandma Karen.
- Complete the "better late than never" Christmas card for 2018.
Marci and Scott anniversary trip to Keystone
I give you, "Canoe".
Temple JOY truly something to celebrate.
Truth-ism: I have almost the exact same pict of me on my wedding day, come over and I'll show ya!
"Ɛpic Trip" of 2018, "not for wimps"
Fire starters
Tansgiving 2018 Grandma
