Brynlee's 3rd Birthday!!!

Bryn missed you guys at her birthday party. She had fun despite your absence. Of course she loved the attention and her presents. She got the CARS movie, a view finder, some books, a game, a doctor's kit and some dance outfits. Leotards seem to be magic. When she puts them on she starts shaking her booty. We also had a pink pony pinata. The kids loved smacking it as hard as they could. Well, she misses you and enjoyed your happy birthday email. Love you.








POOR DEAD PONY!!

MTC

The MTC has been a wonderful experience! We have enjoyed the learning! The first week we were in the Preach My Gospel Training, it was an amazing training, as well as a challenge. Bishop Johnson correctly likened it to 'drinking from a fire hydrant', that was what it felt at times, too. The second week we did the CES Training, I really enjoyed that! Our visa's have not come in so we are receiving additional training- PEF (perpetual education fund) and this week we will be going to some Welfare Training. We are going to be so smart that we will know nothing when we get there! But I am glad we have something to do. We are still continuing with our language lessons with our Mongolian Tutor, 3 days a week for a 2 hour session. It is beginning to make a little sense. This picture is the young Elders and Sisters who are going to Mongolia in October. We have visited with them and they talk Mongolian with us. They are cute! They come and sit by us in Sacrament Meeting and we have sat with them for some meals. They remind me of the time all of you missionaries were at the MTC, it is interesting to see it from our point of view, all the Elders and Sisters are so cute!
We still have at least a week to wait for our visa's. The EIL Training, to teach English in Mongolia, isn't until Friday, the 28th and Monday the 31st. By that time we hope the visa's are in and we will be allowed to enter Mongolia as English Teachers.
Because there was nothing for us to do today (24th) they allowed us to come home for a few hours. So Jody called the family and we are having dinner together, it is good to see some of the family. We report back tonight and start Welfare Training tomorrow! We love all of you and miss you!

First Day of School

Today was the first day of school. Notice their excitement on their face. Marlie does not start until next week. She cried all day today saying, "I don't have anybody to play with." Poor girl, she forgot what it was like to be home alone.

Caden is going into the accelerated 6th grade class. He said that he loved it. He said that it is going to be a lot of fun. I am a little nervous about the homework aspect. His teacher told him he would have at least 1 hour of homework each night as well as reading time. Since he gets home from school at 4:oo and football starts at 6:00, I am wondering where it is going to fit in.

Hailee is going into the 4th grade. Her teacher is Mr.Partridge. She is a little nervous because she has never had a male teacher before. I told her she would be just fine. She wanted me to trim her hair. Of course I put if off until this morning.(The morning school starts) She wanted me to cut it to her shoulders. I told her I would not. So we compromised. I cut off about 6 inches. After she looked in the mirror she wished she had not cut it. She told me after school that she is getting used to it. I think aunt Jody may need to fix the layers I tried to put in it.

Kale is going into the 2nd grade. He was nervous about school because he is afraid he is going to get made fun of. When I asked him how it went today he said it was GREAT!! He really loves his teacher. She seems to have the energy to keep up with him. He was sad that neither of his 2 good friends were in his class with him. I found out today that they purposely separated all 3 of them. This came from the suggestion of their teacher last year. I guess it was a little rough on her. She was great with them but they keep their class "lively."

нийгмийн халамж (Welfare Work)

We are pretty excited that you get to take the Perpetual Education Fund program into Mongolia! I think it is one of the greatest humanitarian efforts the church has made internationally. As a welfare missionary, I spent 2 of my 2 1/2 months in the MTC in the Welfare Training Program, so it is pretty close to my heart (the rest of the time I spent totally lost in Spanish classes). It is a wonderful way of teaching people to find a balance and harmony among spiritual, temporal and physical needs.

My favorite quote by Spencer W. Kimball (and the essence of the welfare program of the church):

“Providing for the poor and needy in the Lord’s way means that the giver helps those who are less fortunate by giving according to what he has received from God. He gives freely and with a true spirit of love, recognizing that his Heavenly Father is the source of all his blessings and that he is responsible to use those blessings in the service of others.

The receiver accepts the offered help with gratitude. He uses it to release himself from the bondage and limitations of his need and become more able to rise to his full potential, both temporally and spiritually. He then reaches out to help others.

Providing in the Lord’s way humbles the rich, exalts the poor, and sanctifies both. Both are blessed as they keep the Lord’s commandments. Both become more able to give as Christ gives.

Isn’t the plan beautiful? Don’t you thrill to this part of the gospel that causes Zion to put on her beautiful garments? When viewed in this light, we can see that welfare is not a program, but the essence of the gospel. It is the gospel in action. It is the crowning principle of a Christian life.”

It is exciting to hear about what you are learning and doing! The MTC is a great place to focus on what you will be doing in the "real world" without all the distractions. What an adventure you are having!

We love you!
Tama and Loren

Waiting for Baby

Mom and Dad,

We plan on giving you minute by minute updates on the baby. He's doing great, kicking around in Tracy's belly like Landon Donovan (a U.S. soccer player, by the way). We went on a shopping spree this weekend and are now a few steps closer to having everything we need (until we learn about the thousand other things we didn't know we needed).
We're missing you like crazy. We love you.

Love,
Ryan and Tracy

MISSION FAREWELL PHOTOS

WILLOW CREEK & SCOFIELD REUNION PHOTOS 2009

OK so here goes the inaugural posting for Dad and Mom's family blog. I know these photos are heavy on my children ... sorry. However, they are so darn cute and photogenic I am certain you will all enjoy them. Marla is in the process of getting everyone's email address to us so you can be added as an author. Please visit and post frequently! If you have questions or need help contact me or Tama. Tama and I will keep our own blog yet attach postings from there to this blog. You can visit our own blog at www.restlesselephants.blogspot.com. I know shameless plug. Anyway, enjoy ... I will add the farewell photos as soon as I am able.