Texas Dallas Mission - Spanish Speaking

(click on picture to see larger version)
The suspense is finally over Alex opened his call last night. It was a great experience. We had all been feeling like he would be called to the United States and most of us thought Spanish Speaking. Selina called Texas - Spanish Speaking at the end of April (she won)! The Bishop originally said Argentina, but changed his mind yesterday to Texas-Spanish speaking. He does seem to know these things! Alex goes into the MTC on August 26 - we are hoping the Swine Flu Quarantine will be over and they will allow families to go inside again. Right now there is only drop off outside and a quick good-bye. We are hoping that Ken will find a new job this summer, and if anyone has a good paying job for Alex, we would part with him to be able to earn some money. He is working part-time here and looking to add to that. We are most grateful for the wonderful son he is. He has always been a great example to us and his friends. He always tries to do the Lord's will. His patriarchal blessing says he has a strong testimony and he will be instumental in bringing many to the gospel while on his mission. We are looking forward to a great two years -- I miss him already!

Update - White Envelope has arrived!

Alex is camping with the scouts for a few days, and will be back tomorrow. Can't wait to see inside. Do you think he will notice if I steam it open?

Waiting and Waiting - No Patience Here

Well we are still waiting for the white envelope. We are hoping for this weekend, but could possibly be next weekend if things didn't get in when expected. Alex went to Scout camp for a day to pick up Ken. He and Trevor and Spencer have been gone since Monday. It has been a very quiet week, or as quiet as it can be with a two year old. It is about to get much quieter as Selina and Bobby are moving into a rental home in a few days. Not much happening on the job front, but we are looking forward. We are hoping to enjoy the few weeks of summer we have by working on scouting, scouting, and scouting. Trevor is hoping to get an Eagle Project approved and finished while schools out, we'll see how that plays out. Selina is in school working on a Masters and I am slowly trudging along on a Bachelors. We are busy with family, school, and church callings. We had eighth grade promotion last week and next year I will have my last two kids in High School - time sure flies by.
We are anxiously awaiting for Chelsea to find out what sex her baby will be. Hoping for a girl, even though we love our little boys. We are also looking forward to seeing April and Melanie and boys the first part of July and then Chelsea as well at the Reid Reunion. Life is good and we are grateful for all we have - (well a new job would be nice).

Papers Submitted

Alex has finished his paperwork and is now waiting for his call. If anyone wants to weigh in on where you think he is going - send it in!!
We have been told that it will take between 2 and 3 weeks to receive his call! (picture the jeopardy theme) Waiting - and - counting the days!

American Idol

Well another season of Idol and Biggest Loser are over. I never use to watch this stuff, but different people have gotten me interested in them. I didn't vote, but believe Adam has the most all around talent, although personally I like Kris Allen's voice better - apparently so do a lot of other people. I have posted 2 of my favorites on the side bar.
Tonight my favorite starts - So You Think You Can Dance - Thanks Aunt Holly for getting us into this several years ago. I don't get to watch my own children perform anymore, so I watch other peoples kids on TV - except sports of course.

Soon to be Missionary

We are finishing the process for submitting Alex's mission papers. He needs to have an interview with the Bishop and then the Stake President - then we wait! Which picture do you think we should send in with his forms:


Picture 1







Picture 2


Leave a comment!
Who wants to be notified when the call comes?

Here is what President Henry B. Eyring said about the inspiration of each mission call:
“I have had [many] experiences feeling of the Holy Ghost…But I’ve never felt what I have felt as I have…participated in the assigning of missionaries…Because of technology, it is possible for us to have your picture and the information about you displayed. And then quickly, on that same screen, all the missions of the Church with all of their needs are displayed. Within minutes, and sometimes less than a minute, the impression comes so powerfully that it would be, if it were a single instance, something that you would never forget. Can you imagine sitting there for hours at a time, having that happen time after time without interruption? I testify to you that it is real…[The Lord] somehow not only knows you but loves you enough to ensure that your call is where He needs you to go to teach the children of our Heavenly Father.” (Pres. Henry B. Eyring, “Called of God,” address delivered at the Missionary Training Center, Aug. 26, 1997).

April Update

So I have been having fun creating my own blogging pages, thanks to instructions from several websites including The cutest blog on the block. Let me know what you think. This is one of two that I did. I also found this great site for free digital scrapbooking papers that some of you might enjoy from the Shabby Princess. I love blogging and checking out whats going with friends and family from their blogs. Sooooo if you haven't done it (hint to my sister), jump in and do it. Some people only update once in awhile and others update at least weekly. It's easy and I'd love to give pointers if I can be of help.

What's happening in our neck of the woods? Well Ken is offically out of work and we are busy hunting down job leads. Nothing yet, but there is a job fair today and next Saturday, and he is also meeting with a job hunting professional group in Phoenix, and of course lots of applying through the internet. They say word of mouth is the way to get a job so if you know of anything he might be qualified for let us know - Experience = Business Manager with IT Experience, Bachelors Degree and many years experience - especially suited for a Controller/Business Manager position of labor company such as construction, mining, etc. Has worked with companies dealing with accounts in the millions/monthly.

Otherwise we are keeping busy - Alex had his wisdom teeth out last week in preparation for putting his mission papers in - 1 month to go. He will be home the end of April and will have about 2 weeks to get everything together and then he will send them in if all goes well. Trevor is busy with track meets, and Spencer is busy with Richie mostly. (I think he will have withdrawal when? they move out-of course Grandma will too.) Speaking of Spencer, we went to Circus Circus for his 14thbirthday while we were in Las Vegas for Katelyn's wedding and had a great time- I now have 2 (Teachers-Priesthood) in the house! Here's some pictures:

I'm staying busy with home, church, school, and a tiny bit of work. All these years I have been extremely afraid to go back to school - mostly because I'm old-but I love doing online classes and enjoy learning again. I am taking small steps, but will contine until one day many years down the road I will graduate!