Birds, Roller Skates and Treasure

Hi Tyler,

I am so sorry that we haven’t been able to connect on Hangouts.  I am loving teaching the choirs.  It is really fulfilling, but I keep having to teach during your calls.  So SORRY!  I was thinking alot about you yesterday (Sunday). I hope you are doing well in your new area and with your new native companion.  During Sacrament meeting I felt prompted to pray for you so I hope everything is going well.  

Allysa gave a talk yesterday.  I’ll forward the audio to you. I thought she did a good job.  She also bore her testimony last testimony meeting.  I think she is growing up.  You do have a lot of influence over her.  Thank you for your example, testimony and love towards her.  

The boys and dad left Thursday to go hunting in Oregon.  They had a great time.  We saw all their pictures.  Hopefully they can forward them to you.  Allysa and I held down the Homefront.  One funny thing, I spent the day on Saturday at pinewood for the admissions open house.  I didn’t get a ton of work done around the house that day.  I came home from the open house and took a nap and then Allysa and I washed two cars.  

Well, I forgot but Dave Cutler had organized a 40th bday party for Lenessa at Aloha Roller RInk.  So I decided to go with KC Grewal and Rachel Choi.  It was super fun and roller skating around made me feel like I was back in 6th grade. Well, the music was playing.  We were all dancing and I lost my balance and grabbed the wall and then fell down.  In that process I sprained my shoulder so I am now barely able to lift my arm up.  :) Hopefully it heals quickly.  I don’t like to be injured.  

Blake and Grant have both started basketball at school.  Blake is doing well except he keeps asking if he can do a “study abroad” in Utah for his jr. year.  :). 

I think Pinewood was a great fit for you and maybe not such a great fit for Blake.  Academically Blake is struggling and his peers are excelling.  We will see what we end up doing.  I need to talk to Dad about it.  

I am singing for Jameson’s dad concert at the creche.  I have a few solos at the creche concert in Dec which I have invited all our neighbors too. :)  

Mia Pistelak is doing stake play.  We are continuing to hold meetings and last night dad gave a good lesson on servant leadership.  Hopefully it sunk in.  

Anyways…I love you and continue to pray for you.  I have loved re reading all the conference talks.  I really like President Nelson’s talk to the women of the church, “Spiritual Treasures”. What’s interesting to me is that when we think about buried treasure, or treasure in general,  it usually takes a lot of work to find or obtain.  President Nelson tells us that we have to rely on the guidance of the Holy Ghost to know how we can purify ourselves to be able to tap into the power of Jesus Christ in our lives.  We have to seek for greater purity and put aside the things of this world.  He asks us to “Shift your focus away from worldly distractions”  He promises that as we do this that we will have increased spirituality.  Lucky you! You have the opportunity to focus on this 24/7.  Take advantage of living a consecrated life.  I’m so glad you are working hard to spread the message of Jesus Christ.

Love you my boy!!

Mom

Hi Ty

We are at the lake for the long weekend.  Here’s a picture review of the week. 

Last Sunday we wished Will, well and gathered for cookies as we sent him off to college. Hilary made her famous snicker doodles and we gave Will advice for BYU.

Sunday we found out that Markham Bennett was called as the bishop to the el Camino ward. So that means the kids will be attending the el camino Sunnyvale ward.

Monday night we held a farewell for the tabaska’s in the park. They are heading to Austin Texas. FYI Chris tabaska’s is engaged to be married. 

Wednesday night dad and I left for Utah on a late flight. We spent the night in salt lake and the next morning spent all day with a designer looking st pictures picking out finishes for the Montana cabin. 

Thursday afternoon we drove into Provo for a tailgate that Chris Keller organized.  It was called the “Heritage Oaks Ward bbq”

Here are some pictures from it.

Byu knows how to celebrate at a football game.  Fireworks, jets flying, dancing, bands battling etc. it was a fun game except BYU lost to Utah. The ending came (with six minutes left in the game) when huge raindrops started to fall. We ran for cover. And he game was delayed and then called. It’s won. 

We saw Kolton there with his Ute shirt on.  I guess he has joined a “dry” frat. His hair is long and he’s now a Ute. I don’t know if can still be friends 😊🤔😳

I’ll send you some more pictures. 

Grant’s class went to Yosemite this week. Wednesday through Friday evening. They spent three days enjoying that beautiful place. 

Friday morning dad and I got on a plane and came to Montana. It’s such a great place. Not as hot as summer but still warm. The lake is 71 and the boat keeps beeping.  An update needs to happen. 

The Vests came to spend the weekend with us.  Saturday morning the kids came and we boated and we bbq’d with a few mosquitoes. 

Sunday we had a fabulous testimony meeting. A woman from Columbia note her testimony in Spanish and a sister translated for her. She bore a powerful testimony. It was all about finding peace in the temple, slowing down in life and enjoying your family and following the promptings of the spirit. It was a great meeting. 

We came home had some downtime and went into the park. We saw grand prismatic lake, artist paint pots, Firehole falls and a moose an elk and a few bison. 

We came home played wizard, ate dinner, played psych, celebrated Jami vests bday with some Texas sheet cake and looked at the stars. It was a great day. 

Can’t wait to talk to you. 

❤️❤️

Mom

Cheetahs, Topis and the 80's

Hi Ty!

This week was pretty low key.  Can you believe Conference?!?  I am still enjoying listening to a talk a day and I’ve loved it.  I listened to Elder Bednar’s talk about praying continually and about the cheetahs and the Topis.  It is an insightful to hear from an apostle that the adversary is relentless.  Just like the Cheetahs, Satan and his minions pursue mankind hoping to make them miserable like unto himself.  

I’ve been spending a ton of time working on Stake Play stuff.  Trying to train the youth, have meetings to decide what Stake play will look like and then spending time communicating with people.  We are adding a great aspect to stake play where we are going to take kids in small groups and head out into the community to perform for old folks homes etc.  We are going to do this instead of the Saturday Matinee.  There’s been pro’s and cons both ways but ultimately the youth voted to do the service which I think is a great choice.  I have spent many visits to rest homes to perform and I always leave there feeling like I have ministered as the Savior would.  He loves those people. It is so fulfilling to bring a little joy to them. It is well worth the sacrifice.  

I attended a meeting with Elder Penmintel. Who told us that we are to “Wear out our lives in service to the rising generation.”  It was a good message to hear right as I was starting to work on Stake Play because I feel like I am spending a ton of time on Stake PLAY!  It’s all good.  I start teaching in a week at Pinewood.  I’ll be taking over for ms. Linza.  

Grant's flag football team.

Grant and Justin eating French Toast at Kneaders!!

Sitting at Justin's game 33 degrees...COLD!

Surprising Justin

Surprising Jacob

We went to Cache’s farewell today and it was such a great talk and so good to hear him share his journey and desire to serve a mission.  It was powerful.  I hope you take time to listen to it.  He really bore a powerful testimony about how the Spirit worked on him to serve a mission.  At the end of the meeting, Boyd Smith Sr. Said the closing prayer and it was touching to hear the story and then see Grandpa Smith hug his grandson.  Cache has been through a lot with his parent’s divorce and then with the allure to continue playing basketball and not to serve a mission.  His resolve is strong and he will be a great missionary serving in Boise Idaho!  So proud of him and all the great missionaries serving.  We love you and are so proud of the choice you made and make every day to serve the Savior and proclaim His message to the people in Chile.  May you know, and feel of our love everyday.  May you also continue to find joy in your service.  

LOVE YOU MY BOY!!
Mom


PS. I’ll send you some pictures of our 80’s high fitness night that we hosted this week. :). I also sent you the clip of the boys surprising the cousins right?

Here's a little Nilla love for you!

Wasn't she just the cutest!! 
You seem to love all the dogs you see.  :)

A Missionary Letter

Dear Ty,

We have been thinking and praying for you and your companion unceasingly.  You are doing such a great job.  Keep trying to be kind and love him.  Pray for the ability to see him as God sees him and hopefully you can start to serve him with Love in your heart.  I know it’s hard.  Heck, very often I have to pray to see people as God sees them.  Even my own kids…when they are being difficult.  It’s a great life skill.

Yesterday we were studying spiritual gifts and being unified in Christ.  It was the Come Follow me lesson for this next week.  See 1Corinthians 12-12-22.  We need everyone in this great big church.  “12 For as the body in one and hath many members, and all the member of that one body, being many are one body so also is Christ.”  Even though we are so different we are unified in our great church through the Sacrament each Sunday.  WE talked about where ever we are in the world we are unified in that we all partake of the sacrament.  Which means we are all one big Church in Christ.  Christ is the Sacrament.  Then of course we LOVED in 1 corinthians when it starts to talk about Charity.  The pure love of Christ.  1 Corinthians chapter 13.  It’s a classic and always a good one to review.  

Our lives…In Primary we are getting ready to have the primary program except it will be different now that we have a shortened meeting schedule.  Our program is more singing and less speaking.  We tried to have children learn scriptures that they will recite as a class.  Yesterday was the first practice and no one really knew their scriptures.  We perform on Sept 15th.  So hopefully by then we will have our scriptures down.  We are only reciting words of Christ.  

My favorite scripture lately has been Matthew 11:28-30  The kids recite it at the end of the program and last week at conference we heard it multiple times.

 “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Such a great scripture to remember and have in your mind as you face challenges or come upon people who are facing challenges.  Christ will come to us where we are and give our souls rest as we come unto Him.  What a great promise!  

This week Blake and I visited Esmi and brought her flowers.  She had a swollen Lymph node and the drs. weren’t sure what it was.  They did multiple tests and they thought it might be lymphoma which is a cancer in your lymphatic system.  They spent a ton of time in the hospital running test during the first week of school and it was rough because she couldn’t do any of the fun class trips last week.  She was a champ though.  Her mom texted me though and they found out that it was just MONO!  So yay!  She’s going to be ok.  

Grant is heading to Yosemite to spend 3 days there with his 6th grade class.  He’s excited.  Dad and I are going to go to Utah wed night to have a meeting with the designer for Montana and see the BYU vs. UTAH game.  Then the whole fam is going to Montana for the long Labor Day weekend. :)  

Grandma and Grandpa are celebrating their 47 anniversary on Sept 2nd.  You could send them a happy anniversary email and I’m sure it would mean a lot to Grandma.  :) 

Will is taking off for School tomorrow early morning with his family.  He’s nervous and excited. :)  I told him to not be afraid to introduce himself and have a great time.  Paige said it best, Embrace the green jello!  Be ok with all the weird Utah things that sometimes happen.  

Well tonight we are holding a farewell for the Tabaska Family who are moving to Austin Texas next Tuesday.  We are throwing them a party at the park.  

Did you get any of your packages yet?  I have the family pictures ready to send to you.  Is there anything else you would like sent with them? 

Just let me know.  I love you my boy!!

Mom

A Birth A Death and Someone turned 40!

July 28-Aug 4 2019

Dean Lloyd Andrews was born on July 28th Sunday.  Lindsay had a c- section because her blood pressure was high and baby’s heart rate was dipping.  Grandma and Grandpa are spending 3 weeks in Seal Beach.  Mike and Lindsay are enjoying being first time parents.  Mike is “sleep deprived” and trying to sleep when the baby sleeps. :)  I think they are loving having a baby.

Monday, we had a funeral for Virginia Fowler on Monday.  She was an older lady in our ward who passed away at 92.  She had 3 sons and it was interesting to see the different paths her 3 sons made through life.  Only 2 of her sons were present.  One son stood and very eloquently gave her eulogy.  One son gave the closing prayer and with a shaky voice plead to know if she was ok.  He ended the prayer in sobs, hoping for some solace in her passing.  The last son wasn’t even present.  While death can be a lonely and sad outcome for those that are left, it’s a graduation to the next part of life.  I saw this quote today by President Gordon B Hinckley, who I absolutely love.  “Death, though bitter to observe, is not the end, but is, rather, only another graduation from which we go on to a better life.”  That brought me comfort as I thought about death.  Virginia is now reunited with her husband and her parents.  I know it’s not a fun topic but I’m sure you will encounter many people who are grieving losses. What a great opportunity you have to comfort those who need comfort as you teach them the great plan of happiness.  

I made a soup and rolls to take the funeral.  It was a broccoli soup and I made enough for our family.  Blake and Grant didn’t like it much but I thought it was pretty good.  :)  The rolls were a hit.  Monday night we all went to Dad’s hockey game.  Scare Bears and watched them win.  They are doing really well in their division-tied for 1st with another team.  Tuesday we got stuff done around the house.  Blake and I had eye apts and I am going to get some reading glasses to see music etc.  It’s a very low prescription but I’ll send you pictures when I get the glasses. :)  Brigham Robinson came over and spent tons of time at our house.  Grandma and Grandpa went to Seal Beach to welcome Baby Dean to the family and take care of Lindsay and Mike.  

Wednesday I took the boys to Half Moon Bay.  I love going to the beach.  I love just hearing the waves roll and crash.  I laid down on the blanket and started to read until I fell asleep.  It was so relaxing.  Grant Blake and Brigham were skim boarding for a few hours and then we hit up McDonald’s for ice cream.  It was a great day.  

Thursday I went to the airport and met Janet and Elizabeth in San Diego to celebrate Janet’s 40th belated birthday.  We ate dinner on the beach, 

walked around The Hotel Del Coranado-where we were staying.  

We played Nerts, ate chocolate and tried to sneak into the hot tub at 10:15.   (It closed at 10) We got kicked out really quickly and so we went back to our room and filled our large tub full of water and all sat in the hot tub.   It was a very fun night.  The next morning we all went for a short run with Elizabeth (I’m still sore!)  ate breakfast, went into the hot tub for reals.  

Bike Riding

Elizabeth had to go back home for a really big swim meet that her kids had.  We had a great time.  Janet and I continued by heading to the spa and getting Swedish messages.   Then we rented bikes and biked around the whole island of Coronado.  I loved it.  I love using bikes to see the surroundings.  They were beach cruisers so they had really big seats and our bums weren’t sore at all.  Janet had a good time.  She said that she hasn’t felt so care free and relaxed in a really long time and that she loved it.  I’m so glad.  We read by the pool, ate good food, painted our toes and watched a movie.  We ended our trip by heading to the San Diego Temple for a session at the castle.  :)  

It was a great way to commemorate turning 40!!  

A selfie with Moroni

I got home Saturday night, unpacked, cleaned up the kitchen and starting opening up windows in the house.  It has been so hot and our air isn’t working.  :)  Then Dad had a hockey game and I decided to go and support him so I could see him.  It was a good choice.  The team they ended up playing was so bad they won 9-1.  Dad scored two goals and had two assists.  Once I saw a goal I decided to read my book that I started on vacation.  It’s a book about Alaska called "The Great Alone.”

One thing that I found out this week was that Grandma and Grandpa Johnson were sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple when they were sealed as a family.  I had always assumed that it was the Seattle temple but the Seattle temple wasn’t built yet…I don’t think.  ANyways I was looking at the family cookbook and saw the picture of Grandma and Grandpa at the Idaho Falls temple when the family was sealed.  If you remember, we went to the temple last year on our way home from Montana.  We stopped and did baptisms in the Idaho Falls temple and that it the temple Dad’s family was sealed in.  Such a great find.  :)  

Allysa bore her testimony today in fast and testimony.  It was powerful.  I think my favorite part of her testimony was that she said that when she was having a hard time she was told to rely on Jesus Christ.  She said that was hard because she didn’t feel like He was there.  She said looking back she can see how He was there through it all.  Sending her blessings in the form of people and supporting her.  She told the story Elder Uchtdorff shared in conference when the Lutheran church was destroyed and rebuilt.  I’ll see if I can send you a copy of the talk she referenced.  

Bring on Summer!!!

June 23-30

Summer Party is in full swing!  This week we welcomed lots of friends to our home. Blake and Grant came home from scout camp. I think the week of scout camp is void of all hygiene practices.  Without mom’s there, I’m convinced there are very little toothbrushes used and underwear seldom changed. Grant and Blake brought their bags into the laundry room. After emptying the bags the floor was filled with dirt. The clothes were thrown into the wash and poo was left. Seriously. After doing a load of wash I was transferring a load of laundry to the dryer and I saw a brown dirt clod at the back of the washer. I pull it out and it didn’t smell like dirt. Soooo grosss!! 

 We had 5 boys come back including dad so we spent most of the time Saturday day shuttling clothes to and fro and running washing machines. 

The boys (Blake Carter and Colin)  all went to a dance in Gilroy in someone’s beautiful backyard. At that dance they met some Santa Cruz girls. More on them later. 

Sunday night we had Juliet, Beckham, Jami Vest, carter and Landen to dinner. We had the “worlds best lasagna”, French bread and salad. Grandma had made chocolate chips cookies so we made ice cream sandwiches with her cookies.  We talked a lot with Jami about raising kids in Utah vs California. Sunday night Beckham and carter spent the night. 

 Monday we pressure washed the arbor then the boys swam and played. I went to San Jose and picked up some beautiful Strawberries and Grandma and I made strawberry jam.  For dinner that night we had pancakes. :)  Monday night Collin Hepworth joined the party and four boys slept in Blake’s room. We had family night and Blake gave us the lesson. He shared a story that Brother Canaan shared with him during Sunday sacrament delivery. He talked about faith and about David o Mackay visiting Europe after the war. A man was working in the rails and in the process of work and getting to see the prophet his hand got crushed in between the two rail cars. He wrapped up his hand and went to the fireside to hear the prophet.  When the prophet saw the hand he immediately blessed him and his hand was healed.  Blake loved the idea of miracles still happening.  

Pictures of Allysa at her worksite in Argentina building a women's shelter. 

Tuesday Grandpa took the boys to see a movie while I got my hair cut and then we painted the arbor.  It was no small feat.  The boys worked…or tried their best and I decided that they need to work more in their life.  I’m having a painter do a second coat to help us cover up the parts we missed.  Carter Vest was valiant to the end and so was Grandpa and myself.  Blake and Grant splattered some paint here and there.  :)  That afternoon Jack Carter came to stay at our house.  

Wednesday we went to the beach,  Manresa, with a bunch of Los Altos families and those visiting from Utah-Jami Vest, and Kristy Carter.  The boys skimmed boarded and enjoyed the beach.  That afternoon Blake went to a surprise bday party for Beckham Wilson.  They went to an earthquakes game and then went to dinner.  Then Collin, Carter and Jack all came back over to spend one last night with Blake.  They went to Theo’s house to get his tv.  Blake rode his bike and had tied the wagon to the bike with Nilla’s leash.  Jack sat in the wagon and held the tv while Blake rode the tv home.  The only bad part about it was that Jack threw his helmet into the wagon and in the process hit the tv.  When they went to plug in the tv they saw a big line through the tv where Jack had thrown his helmet.  ooops!!  Theo said that it wasn’t a big deal but Blake felt back about it and assured me that it was ok.  

All the moms at the beach...

The Boys of Summer!!

Blake getting to SCL airport to spend some time with the Asay's before EFY!

Thursday morning the boys went to Santa Cruz again to meet up with the Santa Cruz girls that they met at the dance.  Lanie and Audrey.  Blake really liked Laney but didn’t kiss her.  (He’s holding out for the $500.)  She was pretty cute though and they went around the shops of Capitola hanging out and skim boarding again. :)  Blake came home Thursday night so tired but needed to pack for Montana and EFY.  

Blake is going this next week July 1-6 to EFY at BYU with Jake.  Blake left for Utah on Friday morning at 6:50 AM.  It was a close call but he made it to the airport and on his flight to Utah.  The Asay’s picked him up and he had a fabulous time boating and hanging with them.  Grant had a fever and wasn’t feeling great on Friday.  He went Golfing with Grandpa on Friday morning but wasn’t feeling well.  He came home and slept most of Friday and Sat.  

Saturday morning we went and picked out appliances for our kitchen remodel.  We might start that in the next year.  :)  We played some Ticket to Ride with Grandma and Grandpa and Grandma blocked me.  I was pretty mad and decided that i needed to take a break. That night Dad and I went to Maddy Healy’s wedding reception.  It was at the Los Altos Country Club.  It was beautiful.  I really liked seeing her siblings and meeting her husband, Lewis.  He seems like a nice guy.  It was a fun night with lots of fun friends, good food, and dancing. :)  Dad even came to the dance floor.  Grandpa is trying to protect the apricots so that Grandma can make a pie with ripe apricots but it’s really hard to get the squirrels away from the fruit.  I convinced him to not put up the chicken wire this year and we just wrapped the tree in netting but the pesky squirrels are still getting in the nets and eating the apricots.  SOOOOO annoying. :)  

Sunday we went to church and it was sparsely attended.  Our ward vacates in the summer months. :) Dad blessed the sacrament and Grant passed.  It was neat.  This afternoon we started playing Wizard with Grandma and Grandpa.  Sean Loosli came to dinner and played with us.  We ate Bison steaks, baked potatoes and roasted veges and a salad.  It was delicious.   We got the note from Allysa today which was really nice.  She wrote it and then someone took a picture of it and sent it to us.  I sent it to you. It was great to hear from her.  We were also able to get onto your mission facebook page and see some videos of you.  It was great to see your face.  

Can't wait to talk to you soon!! 

Love
Mom

Prom Dinner Junior Crew

Mountain View Prom 2019

We hosted a prom dinner for Allysa and her friends at our house.  Jennie Blake, Abby Bennett, Amy Pal, Krissanne Davies, Sandra Mahlmiester, and Norm and Nancy worked hard to make and serve the dinner.  I wish we would've gotten a picture of the kitchen staff.  I believe that Sandra Mahlmiester did.  I'll look for that. 

The Dinner was a delicious marinated Flank Steak, Summer Salsa, Green beans, Mashed Potatoes, Caesar Salad, Fresh Rolls and Berry Cheesecake. 

Dinner was served in the dining room on an Italian Linen tablecloth, with Gold Chargers, China and Fresh flowers.

The Guests were adorned in their fine apparel.   Women and Men...dressed to the nines!

Cole, Liam, Logan, Jannette, Jonathan, Miles, Lucy, Julia, Chad, Mason, and Allysa

Allysa straightened her hair for the event and bought her dress on Amazon totaling about $100.  What a bargain!