Getting Bolder 1-27-10

Well, this week has been fun we learned that one of our investigators is only in it for the money and we haven't been able to meet with her since sunday after she "slept in" after calling here and talking to her the day before, so we might try and talk to her and see what is going on but I don't really know.
A really cool thing happened yesterday, I talked to guy and point blank asked him why he was smoking. I was bolder than I have ever been, and I want to keep being that way the best I can. With the month almost over we have started to see more people come out of the houses. Since it has been really cold the last few weeks, the last week was really nice, no rain and warmer. that about wraps up the week
I love you all, thank you for the support and the prayers have been helping, I played chicken with a car and won! No, not really, but I have felt safer and know that it is because of your prayers. Time is going by fast, I really need to starting runnng just to make up.

Office got Flooded 1-27-10

Hello, Son,
How has this week been for you. Since I missed the letter last week I will get to cover some of what happened last week also.
Sue and Robin came up for a quick weekend visit. Steve and Tausha blessed Grace and had a nice get together at their house. They had brats and lots of sweets. Mary Ann was good and didn't eat anything but her salad, but I had a brat, or 2, and some lemon bars, and some chocolate cake. It was all delicious. Aside from a moment of weakness, I have been very good on my diet.
Mary Ann and I have both gotten down to our lowest pre-Christmas weight. It was fun to visit with Sue and Robin, and we did go out to American fork for some Sushi. Robin tried it for the first time last month and he loves it. I think going out for Sushi is going to become a regular thing with their frequent visits.
I expect that you have heard that Anneke got a car last week. I didn't tell you last week because I thought it only fair that she get to tell you. It is a good first car for her. It has a manual transmission, so she had to learn how to handle that. But, she is pretty comfortable with it now. She is enjoying it, and I am happy for her.
Work is going well, and I am staying busy. Monday, when I got to work I found my desk was soaked with water, and one of my computers was destroyed. We had a boiler leak right above my desk. So I moved my other system to a difference cubicle with a window. Today I was looking out the window and saw a Great Heron fly around and then land in the field next door. It was cool. It will be a week or more before I can move back to my office.
I hope that you are having wonderful success, and that you are take advantage of every opportunity that the Lord makes available to you.
We love you, and we pray for you everyday.Dad, Mary Ann and Benson.

New Investigator Kerin 1-20-10

Well, this week has gone by slower then normal, as the week came to a close time flew by and now here we are emailing again.

We have a new investigator named Kerin, she is really excited about learning and everything about the gospel, she wants to get baptized as soon as possible. We also talked to Paige, she broke up with her boyfriend (Brandon Fly) and because of that we got nervous if she would still investigate the gospel. That can be how some investigators in the situation can be, but we talked to her yesterday and she still wants to get baptized and come to church, things seem ok for now but I really dont know, she has lots of fellowship in the ward so.

I have learned a lot in the scriptures this past week. Today I was reading about Solomon's temple and learning a little about that. As well as reading about Nephi leading his people away from the Lamanites and building a temple. The Book of Mormon is such a cool book to read and learn from, there is so much you can learn about, when you really find that topic that just click and everything falls into place is really cool.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I love the snow but I don't get it. the book of Mormon is true and the work is to.

Stomach Flu 01-13-10

Well, this week has been fun, it started off just right, I got sick with a stomach virus, and had to stay in the last two days, then go out later in the evening. Other than that I really haven't done much but sleep and try to get off it as fast as I can.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I love the snow but I don't get it. the book of Mormon is true and the work is to.

Tears of Joy 01-13-10

Hey William,
I just got your letter today and it made me cry. The were tears of joy, but they were still tears. A letter like that is a father greatest gift. All I have ever wanted for you, is that you become aware of your eternal potential. And to read your comments, tells me that you have figured out that you are truly a child of God.
Thank you so much for that letter.
We are excitedly waiting for Sue and Robin to come up this weekend for Steve and Tausha baby (Audrey Grace) Blessing.
The passenger side door handle on the truck broke last week. Benson fixed it this week within 25 minutes of the new handle arriving in the mail. He is working hard to keep that truck on the road.
Work is going well, and Mary Ann is still looking for a job. We are having success with our diet and are continuing to lose weight. I am still shooting for 220lbs. But I may go lower.
I have been listening to several classic books on tape at work. Last week I listened to "1984" and was disappointed. But is was great when compared to "A Catcher in the Rye. It is was stupid from beginning to end. I would rather read "The Scarlet Letter" again that to have to listen to that crap. (Remember how much you enjoyed "The Scarlet Letter")
We had the opportunity to go to the Temple last week, and do sealings for the last of the 5,000 temple cards that I had to get done. I am glad to see the last of all those ordinance cards get finished off. It was a very special experience to feel the dead family members there with you as you are able to seal their family members together for time and for all eternity. One of the other workers told me I hope you could feel them there, because they sure were there. I really could feel them present.
Well, I guess that is all that I have for this week. take care of yourself, We love you and we are so proud of you.
Love Dad, Mary ann, and Benson

Cut off my Finger - 1-6-10

I actually put the 10 first instead of 09 then erased and put 10.

Well, what do ya know. After I email you, all the fun stuff happens. First, I cut the tip off my finger. Luckily, it was one I have not cut off yet, so I should be ok for now. Then, I made chili from scratch, and a seasoning mix, it was really good.

I will probably make it again this week. Portsmouth is great, cold but great, we are teaching a less active members daughter named Brook. She has wanted to get baptized since she was 8 but because of things and life she wasn't able. But, now her Mom has pushed really hard to meet with us (getting off work and stuff) and she will probably get baptized in the next month or so.

We are working really hard and things have been happening, the Lord really has a hand in this work, and I know it. With out his help there is no way I would have made it this far.

Thank you to all at home for your support and help, I have been extremely blessed because of you. Until we meet again.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I love the snow but I don't get it. The book of Mormon is true and the work is to.

After Christmas Stuff - 1-6-2010

Hello William,

It sure was great to talk to you on Christmas day. I didn't realize that I missed sending out a letter to you last week until it was already friday. I had the entire week off and was not keeping track of what day it was.

I included a couple of pictures for you. 1 of my 2 new 23 inch LCD monitors. and the other one of Mary Ann looking good after losing 55 lbs. We are starting up out diet again this week and I have alread dropped the 5 lbs that I gained over the Christmas break. So I am ready to hit a new low in my weight this week. I am now wearing a Large shirt instead of a 2XL, and I told you about fitting into Benson's size 36 jeans.

Things are going well at work, but Mary Ann is really having trouble finding work. There just aren't any jobs right now.

We saw Taylor Campbell the other day. He was out looking for a job. He moved out into his own apartment this week, and is finishing up school this next semester. I made some taco soup for our diet yesterday, and I have got to tell you that I have this recipe down to perfection.

1 lb of ground beef, 1 package of taco seasoning, 4 large tomatoes (diced), 2-4 cups of water, and 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro. Simmer it for 45-60 minutes.

You should give it a try. I got your letter yesteday, and was sorry to hear that your Helicopter stopped working already. Benson's died just as fast. We were able to return his to the store, but we have tossed the receipt long ago. You could send it back home and we could try to return it, but you may want to just chuck it. We will have to send some thing out to replace it.

I hope that you are having continued success, I am so proud of you.

Love Dad, Mary Ann, and Benson

Ghetto Tree - 12-30-2009

The last Email for 2009 the time to refine, I can't belive this time has moved so fast I am already a year out and 2010 is in 2 day and wow.

I found out that I am staying in Portsmouth for 6 weeks more (Matt shock and I have tried to for the record), and Elder Vosters and I have been working hard, we should be having a baptism in two months and depending on Mckayla's Dad she will get baptized soon also.

I would love to be hear for both of them but I don't know, transfers are before paige's baptism.

So how was Christmas for every one? I had a really cool Christmas, we went over to Brent's house and Earl Fly's house and had lots of fun there. I got some really cool presents and things so, thank you to all my frends and family.

pictures:Homemade Christmas tree (getto tree) it was really cold at night

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I love the snow but I don't get it. The book of Mormon is true and the work is too.

Love Elder Boy

New Bishopbric - 12-16-2009

This week went a lot faster then I though it would. We didn't have the best week last week, but this week is cramed full, and we have been runing around like dogs.

Anyway, (for Matt Shock) the bishopric changed, and Bro. Livesay is the 2nd counselor and Bro. Dodd is going to the stake. That was pretty cool and now the new joke is that the bishopric is now mostly the same shortness.

We should be having a baptism in the next week or so. It depends on if we can meet with him or not, for some reason all of our investigators after the first really good lesson get really busy schedules and work become harder or family problems or anything else you can think of comes up and they can't meet with us.

So that is hard to work with but, in all we are still trying and this is still the greatest work in the world and I am greatful to be apart of it.

By the way, next week I will not be emailing. I will just call you on Christmas, I am not exactly sure when, but I know that it will be between 10am and 6pm probably around 2ish so I can't wait to talk to every one.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, I love the snow but I don't get it. The Book of Mormon is true and the work is too.

Love William

Big Snow !!! 12-16-09

Hey William,

Everyone here at the ward says "Hi".

We got a bunch of snow this weekend and spent the day shoveling out from under it. It was the heaviest snow I have ever seen. It was like shoveling water. I included some pictures just for the fun of it. Is your weather better or worst.

It sure doesn't feel like you have been gone for a year, and to think that this time next year you will be home is unimaginable. Matt just got home in June and now he is getting married.

We are getting excited to leave for St. George to go to Matt and Melanie's Wedding. Benson and Anneke are coming with so we will all be together.

Mary Ann has the house looking so nice for the holidays. She made 30 dozen cookies and we delivered them around the ward. Tuesday we went to Anneke's Christmas Concert. It was really fun, and they had a nice collection of Christmas songs.

Mary Ann just found out that her kids won't be coming up until the day after Christmas. She is kind of bummed about that.

Benson is glad to report that the house he is working on is sealed for the winter. They have the roof done and the windows in, so they can turn on the heater and start working on drywall with the first of the year. He is enjoying that class so much. Thursday he will be done with his internship in Provo. He is glad that it is over, it hasn't been that much fun for him.

We hope that you are having a lot of success with the people that you are there to serve.

We pray for you always, that the Lord will bless and protect you.

Love, Dad, Mary Ann, Benson and Anneke

What I want for Christmas 12-09-09

My last christmas on a mission.

This feels weird to be at this point on my mission.

Well the week was cool, we got a new investigator named Jim. He was set by the last missionaries for baptism and then had to move over to Portsmouth, so we are helping him keep his baptism date. Jim has had a problem with the word of wisdom (tea and coffee) but he started to stop and is working hard at it.

Then yesterday a spoke on my back tire broke. For some reason I have had the worst luck with my bike since I got on my mission I have lost, broken, rebuilt, fix, replaced, or re-replaced just about every part on my bike. (over exaduration)

But the blessing of enduring is helping me grow to new heights and I really haven't been discourged about much of it. That has to be a blessing for the Lord to help me get through each trial.

Oh, We had a tornado watch this morning, I got a weather alarm for $7.50 and it went off this morning at 3:00am and sayed that there was a tronado watch, so I went back to sleep.

As far as things I would like for Christmas, a SCARF! (yes I did say I would never use one and you at home might not see me use one but out here it gets really cool and I have to be out in it), CD's are good, ties as always (no pictures can be on the tie or I can't wear it) a small R/C helicopter would be cool, math puzzles or handheld puzzles ( I have a rubiks cube), pictures are a must, and love, that is all I can think of.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

I love the snow but I don't get it. the book of Mormon is true and the work is to.

Getting ready for Christmas 12-09-09

Hi William,

Last Saturday we had our annual Day of Caring at Church. We made about 25 toy Dumptruck baskets full of toys for little boys and 25 cradles baskets full of toys for little girls. It was fun and I would rather help make Christmas a little more fun for some children than to sit around eating at a ward Christmas party. A lot of people asked how you were doing and are so happy to hear that you are doing so well.

We got a lot of snow this weekend and it has been very cold. The high has been around 20 degrees, and everything is just grey and cloudy. I am looking forward to some sunshine later this week.

We bought some catfish at the store this week, and will be making it up tomorrow with some dirty rice and some hush puppies. I am really looking forward to that.

Mary Ann has decorated the house up very nicely for Christmas, The living room has been rearranged to make room for the tree, and "the stockings are hung by the chimney with care." Everything is ready for Christmas, now we just have to get some presents. Mary Ann is excited to see her kids again, and they will be here in just a couple of weeks. We keep saying that we need to get your christmas box into the mail, so this is your last chance to tell me what you would like for Christmas?

I hope things are still moving forward for your latest baptisms. We are so happy that you are having so much success finding people that are ready to receive the gospel.

Well it has been a slow week, so I will close now.

We love you and our prayers are always with you.

Dad, Mary Ann, and Benson

-- "It's never to late too live happily ever after."

Virginia 12-02-09

Well this week has been one of adventure, and it is still not over, our baptisms will be later this month then planned. But as of yet they will still happen.

This work is amazing, you learn so much about yourself and others, and what and how to help so many people.

With the Christmas season coming up, I have been rereading my journal and I can't belive that I am doing so, the days have flown by, and are still moving faster. But. the work is picking up too.

Others and myself, are at the head charting the course. This work is the literal gathering of Isrial and there are more than 13 million that are in the work.

We'll all need to be engaged, this is the work of the Lord. He is at the head and guiding the elect to the restored gospel, the only way to salvation and everlasting happiness.

I am so greatful to be apart of this work and be able to make a difference in so many peoples lives. The feeling is amazing and unforgetable.

My faith has been strengthened and my hope unfurled. This is my mission and in the lord I will not fail.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

I love the snow but I don't get it. the book of Mormon is true and the work is to.

12-02-09

Hello son,

This week has been very quite. We had Steve and Tausha (and Andrea) over for Thanksgiving dinner. Mary Ann made a delicious Turkey with all the fixin's. Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Stuffing, Rolls, etc.

We used her grandmothers china and silverware, and I made name cards, and fancy napkins. It was fun, and Steve and Tausha spent the entire day here.

Mary Ann has taken down all the Thanksgiving decorations and we have the Christmas tree up, and the lights on it. We rearranged the living room so everything fits.

Michell Misbach had his mission farewell on Sunday. I was looking at the Mission Board and saw that we Paul Keyes is coming home in March, David Luebke in April, and Andrew in June.

Well, things are going well at work, and I am keeping busy.

The Family History Library is busy with everyone wanting to learn to use the new Family Search program.

Mary Ann and I are going to the Temple on Thursday for a Sealing Assignment. I have about 200 names of couples to be sealed.

Anneke gave Rat-dog a haircut. Now he looks like he has cancer, and is going thru radioation therapy. Big chunks of his hair are missing, and you can see his skin in several places.

I have been walking about 2 miles a day, on the river path by work. It takes me about 30 minutes, so it makes for a nice break in the middle of the day.

Mary Ann is making a beautiful Christmas tree skirt to go under the tree. And she loves her new sewing machine.

I think that just about covers things back here.

How are the 2 baptisms looking? Are they going to work out?

Let us know, We love you and we pray for you always.

Take care of yourself

Dad, Mary Ann and Benson

-- "It's never to late too live happily ever after."

Dinner with Bentz - 11-25-09

Hi William,

We had a great visit with Sue, Robin, and Grandma Boy. They were here for two weeks. Robin and Grandma never tired from holding little Andrea. They didn't want to leave her behind when they went home.

We all went out to dinner last Monday night, for Chinese out in Lehi. Robin wanted to try Sushi, and he loved it. Sue even tried a simple California Roll; Grandma wouldn't even consider it.

Sis Earl says that Andrew is coming home in 7 months, and that she can't believe that she is counting down his time already. He is really having a great time, and loves his mission.

Anneke is staying over on Wednesday night and we will be together all day on Thursday.

Garth and Trisha will not be coming up, so Mary Ann is kind of bummed about that. But they will be up for Christmas.

Just for fun I tried to fit into Benson's size 36 jeans, and I can actually fit into them. And not just barely, but they are kind of loose. Just try to imagine that. I just saw your letter come thru, sorry to hear about someone trying to steal your bike. They will burn in Hell for that.

Keep up the good work, and know that we love you. Love you

Dad, Mary Ann, and Benson

-- "It's never to late too live happily ever after."

Bent Tire and Rim 11-25-09

Well this has been a very interesting week.

First, we have had to move McCala's baptism back to Dec. Only, do to time, we still need to teach her all the lessons. Then the rest of the week we has had lots of opposition and struggles.

We had many of our investigators cancelled on us. The day we are getting ready to set them for baptism, and then we stopped by Wal-mart quickly. and when we came back out. the bikes were moved around and the lock was almost chopped and my back rim we bent like a C. (see picture)

Well, that night I was able to bend it mostly back and yesterday I took it to the bike shop in churchland and they fixed it right up. Apparently, it wasn't to bad after I bent it back, so they fixed it for free.

I will still need to respoke it in a few months unless this happens again. all in all the week has been fun and I am greatful that out of all the things that they could have taken my $2 patch kit was the only think taken.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I love the snow but I don't get it. the book of Mormon is true and the work is to.

One Year Mark 11-18-09

It just hit my last night the transfer is over and I am at my one year mark.

WOW!, Time just doesn't stop. Luckily the work is still moving forward and I am happier than ever and I have been blessed to know that I get to stay in Portsmouth a little longer.

We have set two people for baptism the last two weeks; McCala and Camaria. They are both progressing in the gospel so well, and I am so excited for them both.

We had a bad storm last week, a "northestern" that came up through North Carolina and dumped rain all over. We got called to stay in because of flood warnings and so we got stuck inside for two day.

This week has been great. We started it off with a district meeting and then went on exchanges. ( I left my area for about 4 hours) and Elder Vosters set Camaria for baptism.

All in all, this has been a great week, and I can't wait to see what happens in the end.

Last week the libraries closed on wednesday for Columbus day and so we emailed on Tuesday.

Merry Christmas and a happy new year, I love the snow but I don't get it. The book of Mormon is true and the work is to.

Andrea Bentz is here 11-11-09

William,

I just type in a page long letter to you, and lost it. So here is the short version.

Grandma Boy and I are sitting her talking and she wants you to know how much she loves you and is so proud of you.

Mary Ann is down 56 lbs for a total of 90 lbs. I have lost 51 lbs and 7 inches off my waste.

Sue, Robin and Grandma are here for the next 2 weeks.

Steve and Tausha had Andrea Grace Bentz, at 2:45am on Saturday. Steve got to cut the ambilical cord for his daughter, and she fits nicely between his elbow and the palm of his hand. He holds her like a football.

We are going to Las Vegas this weekend to see "Alice in Wonderland", a play that Garth helped work on. It is a dinner theater and we expect it to be fun. Mary Ann is excited to see her kids again, especially Wes, because she hasn't seen him in a while.

The Ensign is out and has all of the Conference Talk in it. The Priesthood session had some really good ones. Congratulations on your recent successes, and I hope that you are training your Jr. companion to do things right.

We love you and are all so proud of you.
We pray for you always, take care of yourself.

Dad, Mary Ann, and Benson, and Grandma Boy
-- "It's never to late too live happily ever after."

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise 11-10-09

You scared me!

I thought that I forgot that today was Wednesday, and I missed your letter.

But, today is only Tuesday, have you changed p-day's? or are you just taking a free moment to send of some good news.

Steve and Tausha had a baby girl at 2:45am Saturday morning, and Sue, Robin, and Grandma came up here on Sunday. They will be here for the next two weeks.

Well, I just wanted to reply to your quick note, but I will plan on sending your regular letter out on Wednesday.

Love you and take care of yourself.

-Dad

11-10-09 from William

Well this has been a great week. We had a few lessons fall through but we finished off strong.

On Thursday Elder Fly came home, and on Sunday he asked us to come over and teach his niece, and then set her for baptism, and we did. It was a cool lesson and she is really cool.

Her name is McCala and she is 11 years old and her dad just now has opened the door for her to be baptized after her uncle got home.

We have been working hard and things are starting to take off. I can't wait to see what happens.

Virginia ROCK! the church is true, and I love you. read alma 7

Teaching Camaira 11-04-09

Hello Everyone

Well, this week has gone by faster than it should have. I have been out almost a year already! No, it can't be, I just started. That is how fast time is going for me. I believe that I have been gone for that long and that David is coming home soon, and Andrew is next. I mean Elder Lubke and Elder Earl.

We have been having lots of fun finding old investigators and such, as well as a woman named Camaira. She is an older members girlfriend, and he wanted us to teach her. She is great, she has been reading and praying and she came to church this week.

This is great. all in all, this last 6 weeks have gone by really fast and I can't wait to see what will happen this winter.

I now know how cold it gets and can be prepared for it much better that last year. That, and I only have to put up with winter one more time. So that is not too bad. (I use to like winter but not out here and I have to go out in it all day).

I love you all and hope you are safe.

Virginia ROCK! the church is true, and I love you. read alma 7

What's Happening in Utah 11-4-09

Hey William,

Life is wonderful and everything is going great. How are things going with you?

I talked with Grandma Boy on Sunday. Her Sister Nancy and Brother Butch came to Arizona for her birthday. She really enjoyed seeing them again.

Tausha hasn't had her baby yet, but she is due next week. Sue and Robin are going to wait until at least Nov 14th to come up to Utah. That way they can stay all the way through to Thanksgiving. (Robin can only use 2 weeks vacation) And they have the wedding for Matt and Melanie in St. George on Dec 19th.

For Halloween Trisha, and Garth came up. We sat in the driveway with a fire going in the firepit. I finished the park bench that I bought at D.I. this summer, I painted it Red and it looks great. We only had about 75 kids come around for trick or treating, that is a far cry from the old days of 800 kids in a night.

Mary Ann bought a mirror for the kitchen and it really sets off the wall in the kitchen. I think it looks great. Work is going great, I am getting some cool projects done, and making some real progress cleaning up the databases.

Mary Ann and I are finishing up our diet session. We only do it for 40 days at a time, and then we are off for 6 weeks. I am down 51 lbs from when I started and Mary ann is down 56 lbs. She is down a total of 90 lbs from her highest weight (before I met her). I have had to punch 2 new holes in my belt so that my pants don't fall down. And I love it.

Mary Ann is excitedly planning the Thanksgiving Dinner. She loves the fact that we will have a full house and a big dinner. She and Benson have out voted me and they are going to have sweet potatoes. I told her that as long as we have pumpkin pie, I am ok with it.

Well, that's about all that I can think of for now. We love you and pray for you everyday.

Dad, Mary Ann and Benson

-- "It's never to late too live happily ever after."

Great Week! 10-28-2009

Well this week has been fast, cool, spiritualy uplifting, and a great time for learning.

We started off the week by setting up as many member lessons as we could and then, on Monday went and taught. We had the best day on Tuesday. We were able to see many of our investigators and found out the one (Charlotte) is back in the hospital. We have been trying to call her for a week and about 25 times (knowing that it takes her some time to get to the phone or it is turned off or she is sleeping and can't hear. All in all this has been a fun week.

I have learned so much in such a short time and am amazed at how the Lord has helped me through the last few weeks, we have been struggling to have lessons hold, but faith and diligence and the Lord has helped us.

Virginia ROCK! the church is true, and I love you. read alma 7

What happening in Utah 10-28-09

Hey William,

I am happy to hear that you have been receiving so much help from the Lord as you grow into your new calling. Bishop Slaugh says "Hi", and so does Sister Earl. She says Andrew is doing great, and really loving his area.

We are starting up a new genealogy class, to teach the members about the newFamilySearch program. We have divided it into 3 levels to help beginners to advanced members. I am teaching the computer basics class, to help people with using the computer.

We bought a fire pit a couple of weeks ago, and I finally got around to putting it together. I am going to have a fire going on Halloween night so that the trick or treaters can get warm. We had snow yesterday, and the weather has really turned cold. Last week was the last week of warm weather, so we trimmed up the apple trees, and cleaned up the back yard. I took some of the old fence wood that I saved, and made Mary Ann a rustic looking pumpkin. I wanted to show her how easy it was to make, so she would think of other things that I could make for her. It only took about 20 minutes, and she was with me through the entire process.

Our diet is still going along great! Mary Ann is down 51 lbs, and I am down 48lbs. My ring keeps falling off, so I will have to get is resized or just buy another one. Tricia was talking with Mary Ann and was asking her how much she weighed now, and Mary Ann wouldn't tell her. She said that she wanted to know, because Mother's aren't allowed to weigh less then their daughters. Mary Ann told her that if she was worried about weighing more, that she better get moving. So Tricia is going to get the details of our diet when she comes up for Christmas, and we will help her to understand how to make is work for her.

Mary Ann and I bought a sign while we were in St. George last week. We hung it over the front door. It reads, "It's a Wonderful Life" Benson has downloaded about 150 movies, and I have created a list of about 150 more that I would like him to find. It is so convenient to just throw them on a jumpdrive and play them on the DVD player.

Aunt Susie sent pictures of Matt and Melanie at the western party that they went to a couple of weeks ago. Matt has lost a lot of weight and Melanie is a real cutie. We are all so happy for him, and they look really happy together. Susie says that even if Tausha has the baby early, they will not be coming up until Nov 14th. that way they can plan on being here for Thanksgiving. We will have a very full dinner table for Thanksgiving. Mary Ann and I, Benson and Anneke, Tricia and Garth, (maybe Wes) Sue and Robin, Steve and Tausha (and the baby) and Grandma Boy. Thats 12 or 13 people, so we will have a lot of food. Good thing we will be done with our diet by then.

Well, we are so glad to here that you are staying positive, and that you are having so much success. We love you and pray for you everyday.

Take care of yourself, and have every experience that your mission has to offer.

You only have 1 more year to make this the best two years of your life.

We Love you,
Dad, Mary Ann, and Benson.

P.S. Do you get to call home on Thanksgiving? Let us know so we can plan on it.

-- "It's never to late too live happily ever after."