Saturday, July 30, 2011

Some People are So Creative!

Nice!
I guess people had gum they were sick of
 and didn't have anywhere else to put it!
(In line, waiting for a ride at Lagoon in Farmington, Utah)

Friday, July 29, 2011

Family History Friday: A Fun Way To Write Your History!


You know you should do it
write your personal history! 
We've talked about this before. 
Remember, here and here and here and here?
I know I don't have to remind you, that you are the only one who can do it! There is not another person 
who lives inside your brain and 
knows what your thoughts are. 
Only you!! 
So I found another fun place that will help you write it down. It is called "This is Me, Challenge." It is a blog written by Kim and Emily. I absolutely love them for doing this! They will help you do write your history, a little at a time. Go here and check it out! You will love it, I just know you will. 
Happy Family History Friday! Love, Joy

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

She's 4!!

My sweet
 grandbaby,
 Natasha 
is 4 today! 
Happy Birthday!!
What a blessing she is to our family. 
When we are riding in the car, she talks and talks. She is usually telling us somewhere she is going or has been. Sometimes, she gets her days mixed up. One time riding in the car she kept saying that she went to this place, or that place, "yesterday." Everything, was "yesterday." Later, all of the adults were playing games and my friend Julie said, "I swear, I put this card down, 'yesterday.'" We laughed and laughed! 
She is wonderful and I'm so blessed to be her Grandma!

Monday, July 25, 2011

Totally "Fort Worth" It!

Hermana Kelsey 6:1 -email-

Mama!
 
That's awesome you are going to do daycare again. You will love that, of course! :)
 
I had a really great week too. On Monday, I found out I was geting transferred, of course. I was super sad, because I love Temple, and we had so many good things going on there. But now that I'm in Arlington it is really awesome here too. Very different, but I like it. Here are just a few of the differences:
-We have a ward instead of a branch, which means a lot more members
-There are 3 sets of missionaries in our ward (two other sets of Elders and us). In Temple, we only had one companionship for a huge area and that was us.
But it is really a great area. Everyone that we have talked to has been commenting about my spanish. They all ask me how long I've been learning, and when I tell them they are really surprised, and comment about how well I speak it. They also talk about how I don't really have a gringo accent, which is cool too, because even people that have been speaking it for a while sometimes have gringo accents. I think that is a good sign that my spanish is improving. :) Hopefully it still continues to get better.
 
I really did have a good birthday. Nothing really happened in the morning, but then we were visiting some people, and the zone leaders in our area drove by. They said something about President Sagers, and I commented about how he had texted me that morning. One of our zone leaders used to be assisstant to the president, and he knew that President only texts people on their birthdays, so he asked me if it was my birthday. I told him, "Yeah", and he was like, "Sister, you need a Slurpee." So I said okay, and he took us to 711 to get a Slurpee. Then later in the day, we were eating dinner with some members, and the Elders that we serve with brought over pan dulce (or sweet bread, {it's super yummy!}) and they all sang happy birthday to me, in spanish. So overall it was a pretty good birthday.
 
Oh man!! I miss my sweet Tashers!!! Tell her I love her. Does she even still remember me? I sure hope so.
To answer your question, yes we are living in a member's home. It is actually a really nice house and the couple, the Kotters, are pretty cool. The husband works a lot (in fact, I only met him yesterday, and I've been living at their house since Wednesday). But they a pretty cool. I'm not really sure how I like living in a member's home though. I don't hate it, but I don't love it either. It's definitely different than living in your own apartment.
 
My companionship is great. Hermana Quiroz is awesome! She is a Lamanite! And she is actually a convert to the church. We get along really well too. We're gonna do lots of good things in this area.
 
We have a lot of great teaching experience, but none really that I can pinpoint right now.
 
The biggest challenge we face is trying to get people to live the law of chastity. Hispanic people in general are not into getting married, so then they can't get baptized. It's kind of hard, but every type of missionary work has it's hard points.
 
Just pray for all of them. I don't really know most of our investigators here yet, but everyone that we talk to needs blessings so much. Especially the blessings of the gospel.
 
How do we receive personal revelation? Well there are lots of different ways. Sometimes, when we pray, and ask a specific question, God tells us in our hearts what the answer is. Sometimes, when we are reading the scriptures, a certain chapter or verse really sticks out to us, and it answers a question that we have been having. Sometimes, someone that we confide in says something, and you know that the thing they said could really have only come from God. And then you know that he is listening, that he cares about you and what is going on in your life, and he wants to help you.
Well, I better go now! I love you lots. Be strong. Thanks for sending my package for me. :)
 
Love, Hermana Kelsey
 
P.S. Did you ever hear anything more about Cole?
 
Papi,
 
Ha ha, thanks for the recipe. I might try that sometime. I really am horrible when it comes to cooking though. We just don't really have time to do it. We usually eat something we can make super fast and easy. It's lame, because now I am starting to gain weight. Just a little, but I did so good my first two transfers, so I'm kind of upset that it's finally starting to stick. :(
 
Also, sorry about your toe. Maybe you shouldn't get so crazy in soccer! :) Jk. My other companion, Sister Summers, was the craziest soccer player ever. She was really violent with me, too. But I could take it. :)
 
Anyway, I better go. Love you!
 
Love, Hermana Kelsey
 
Emmysaurus Rex!
 
I am doing great. Thanks for sending me a card. I still haven't gotten it yet, but I might as well say it ahead of time. :) That's awesome you had fun at girls camp. I'm glad that you are such a good example for the other girls and that you take care of the girls that have trouble. :) That is a really good thing.
 
Anyways, I gots to go. I'll be talking to ya at another time. Bye!!

Love, Hermana Kelsey

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Sunday Best!

"No one of us can survive in 
the world of today,
 much less in what it will soon become, 
without personal inspiration."
-Boyd K. Packer
Hope your Sunday was the Best! 
Love, Joy

Friday, July 22, 2011

Family History Friday: Pictures!



My Great-Great-Grandpa Andrew Hanson,
is second from the left on the front row. 
My Great-Grandpa Emil Oscar Hanson is on the top left. 
(This picture looks better in person, sorry) 


"Seek out those with photographs 

and records of your family 

and meet your ancestors.

 Like us, you can connect with them 

and learn that everyone's ancestors 

are more than just names on

 paper."

-Russell Bangerter


Go here, to read a great article about family photos!

Happy Family History Friday! Love, Joy

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Happy Birthday "Dream Come True"

Happy 22nd B-day to my beautiful Kelsey!!
****** 
22 Things I love about her:
1-She's mine!
2-She loves me!
3-She's tiny! 
4-She in respectful!
5-She loves Heavenly Father!
6-She loves our Savior!
7-She loves her fellowmen!
8-She is responsible!
9-She is a wonderful daughter!
10-And sister!
11-And friend!
12-She loves reading!
13-She loves learning!
14-She is smart!
15-She has cute "tootsie roll" toes!
16-She has a great smile!
17-She has a great sense of humor!
18-She is sensitive and kind!
19-She is spunky!
20-She loves to sleep!
21-She loves to get things done!
22-She is a "dream come true"!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Family Fun!

Squishy cousins!!!
 Duncan, Claire, Erin, Emily and Kiefer.  

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Happy Birthday "First Born"!!

Riley, my "First Born" and his daughter Natasha! 

Going swimmin' together! 
Fun!  
Natasha giving us a little thumbs up! Cute!

I'm glad I'm your mom, Riley! 
You are: Handsome, athletic, strong, loving, responsible, a great dad, brother, son, friend, creative, fun, entertaining, sweet, a good hugger, God fearing, a Jesus lover, helpful to others, an Eagle Scout, a hard worker, an amazing bike rider, smart, in the Army, family, a spray painter!
and  I love you!! oxoxo

Monday, July 18, 2011

Totally "Fort Worth" It!

Hermana Kelsey 5:4 -email-


Dear family,
I am getting transferred. I'm going to Arlington on Wednesday. I am super sad, because I am going to miss the people we are working with now, and there are lots of great things happening here in Temple and also in Killeen. But I know it's where I need to go. I probably won't get your package for a while, because it will porbably go to my old apartment. That's okay though.

Tell people so they can send me letters!!
 
We had a really great week this week too. We had a competition in our district to see who could get the most new investigators in one week, and we lost, but our district got 37 new investigators. Wow! It is really cool. We had our last p-day for the people who are getting transfered from this area. It was super fun.
 
I'm sorry to hear about Cole. I will definitely be praying for him. He is such a good guy. I hope everything works out good. Keep me updated.
 
Dad: Tell Annette that I see Sister Hawkes twice a week, because we stay at their apartment when we go down to Killeen. She is a really great missionary. I'm gonna miss that girl. :(
 
That's cool that Meg and Jase are in your ward. Where are they living now? Tell that girl that she needs to write me a letter!!!! :)
 
Riley: How is life? How is my sweet niece?! Adorable, of course. I already know that though. You should write me a real letter soon. If I have time to write letters to people than you surely have time to write a letter to me. :)

Emmy: Did you get my letter? I hope so. You should send me one back soon. I hope girls camp is great for you. I always loved girls camp. I really do miss it.
 
 
Anyways, I love you all. Sorry this is so short. We took too long at p-day activity so now I have to hurry. But thank you for the birthday wishes. I'm not gonna lie, this birthday kind of sucks. I really wanted to stay in Temple for another transfer. But it'll be okay. :) Bye, love ya.
 
Hermana Kelsey 
- Show quoted text -

Howzit-Elder Flexy!


Elder Flexy 13:2 -email-
Make,
this week has been very nice we are working hard with our recent converts. we had eleven people at sacrament meeting. And we are working very hard! we went to a game park today saw some pretty sweet critters we saw elephants, rhinos, springbucks, warthogs, and an oschrich. the oschrich ate our doritos out of our hands it was pretty sweet. im glad to hear that all is going good. well there isnt a scout program here in swaziland but that would be cool. i miss camping and stuff it was so nice to go every month when dad was the scout leader those were good times. but ya Nhlangano is a cool place to be!! well love you
    Love Elder Flexy

   I had to teach Elders Quorum today the lesson was on family responsibilities I did an object lesson using the 25 lbs of lead I bought to weight pinewood derby cars and split it into four grocery bags, then I got four volunteers and told them to hold the bag with their upper arm by their side elbow at a ninety degree angle  which all could do easily. Then I took all the bags and gave them to Jase (Jase and Megan live in our ward now) to hold, he could do it but in a few seconds his forearm started shaking and he was starting to strain. Then we talked about families sharing the many duties that make a household run smoothly. If only one person does everything It gets to be too much, even if you could do it for a while.

Baba,
wow thats a cool object lesson we have to use those all the time when teaching because the people have a hard time understanding. i taught the lesson on preisthood offices to the investigators class at church it was a good lesson. we are teaching this lady named Khanisile and she is powerful she should be baptised on the thirty first of this month. well this computer cut my time short so i better go. love you. And YA!!
    Love Elder Flexy
Riley,
well its ok if you dont have a grip by the time i get there i'll help you out i love you man. keep your head up!!!
    Love Elder Flexy
M,
 well my little sister im glad your going to camp have fun love you
    Love Elder Flexy

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Favorite TV/Movie Quotes!

Mr Holland's Opus

Gertrude Lang: Mr. Holland had a profound influence on my life and on a lot of lives I know. But I have a feeling that he considers a great part of his own life misspent. Rumor had it he was always working on this symphony of his. And this was going to make him famous, rich, probably both. But Mr. Holland isn't rich and he isn't famous, at least not outside of our little town. So it might be easy for him to think himself a failure. But he would be wrong, because I think that he's achieved a success far beyond riches and fame. Look around you. There is not a life in this room that you have not touched, and each of us is a better person because of you. We are your symphony Mr. Holland. We are the melodies and the notes of your opus. We are the music of your life.
-----------------------
What a great movie!!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Family History Friday: This Day In History!

If you are writing the history of one of your ancestor's, or just trying to make a timeline of their life? A great place to see what happen in history is at 
"The History Channel"
 website.

They have a great website it is 
www.history.com 

One of the tabs across the top is called 
"This Day in History."

You click on the tab and it will give you information about things that happened on this day in history. What if you want to know about another day in history? You can pick a day, and find out about that day too! You can find it  here!
Happy Family History Friday! Love, Joy

Thursday, July 14, 2011

A friend on the back porch!

We had a special guest at the back door, 
the other morning! 

This is him through the storm door. 

He's kinda cute!! 

And of course you know, I laughed
and laughed, and then snapped this picture to share with you!

We don't know if he has a name or not. 

How nice of him to visit!!

There was also a friend of his, on top of my darlin's truck, too. 

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Grandbaby bowling!

Natasha bowling with her Daddy!
I'm glad she didn't drop it!!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Funny!

Ouch! Okay, I won't!

Monday, July 11, 2011

Totally "Fort Worth" It!


Hermana Kelsey 5:3 -email-

Mi Familia!
Hey everyone! I hope you are all doing great. This week was kind of weird, but pretty good.
Monday: I already told you a little about Monday in the last letter, but I was on exchange with Sister Crossan. We got locked out of our van, because the clicker wouldn't work, and for some reason some people decided not to tell us that there was a key hidden inside. It was quite an adventure. We also got to watch some fireworks from the sister's apartment in Killeen. It was cool, because Fort Hood was the only place in our area of Texas that got to have fireworks, because of the drought and fire dangers. So we were really lucky to get to see them.
Tuesday: I spent a LOT of time speaking in Spanish. It was really hard, and I didn't know how to say a lot of things, but when I have to I can get by. It was pretty awesome. We ate dinner with a less active family that is in the military, and then Sister Crossan did this funny spiritual thought with a dish towel. She told a story about a chicken, and how it was her pet, but it got run over by a car because she didn't listen to her mom, and played in the street with it. Then she folded the towel this certain way, and when she was done it looked like one of those chickens with no head, and all it's feather missing. It was pretty funny. The kids really liked it too.
Wednesday: We went up to Waco for Zone Huddle. It was really fun. I got my real companion back. It was fun to have an exchange for a little bit, but I'm glad Sister Summers is back, and I don't have to do all the talking in Spanish. :) Other than that, it was kind of a bust day. We tried to see a bunch of people, and they either weren't home or were busy and wanted us to come back later. It's hard when we have days like that. But the good ones make it all worth it.
Thursday: Jose (one of our investigators)'s wife died. She was in the hospital, because she had cancer, but then the cancer went away, but the chemotherapy and all that ruined her insides (her kidneys were failing and her bladder had exploded). She was on life support in the hospital for a long time, but she finally passed away. It was a really hard thing for him. But I know that the things we have been teaching him are definitely helping. He wants to get baptized really bad. We're hoping he can in a week or so. Hopefully sooner rather than later, because I might be getting transfered this transfer. :( But it'll be okay.
Friday: We studied Spanish too hard and for too long in the morning. I got a really bad migraine. But I'm still improving on it. My branch president is so cool, and he always tells me how my Spanish is getting better, and I sound like a true Hispanic. :) It's pretty awesome. I'm really not that good though. But I'm still working on it. Someday, I'll be able to speak it fluently. Also, we tracted in a trailer park where we met some really cool people, and met a ton more Hispanic people. It was so cool. It's pretty much a gold mine. We are stoked to be working in that area now. We have a challenge this week in our district to see who can get the most new investigators this week. We are shooting for 20 because I'm pretty sure none of the Elders will be able to get that many. :) Also, if we win we get Olive Garden for free, because the losers have to buy dinner for the winners.
Saturday: We had a really great lesson with one of our new investigators, Isabel. She is super cool, and she is actually the sister to one of our other investigators, Eduardo, who is also really cool. She will probably get baptized someday. :) Also, one of our other investigators, Luis, professed his love for Sister Summers, so we can't go see him anymore. He has a problem with falling for sister missionaries apparently. It's sad, because he actually, legitimately was progressing towards baptism. But hopefully if Spanish Elders get put back in our area, they can go see him at some later point. Also, we had some really delicious tamales, made by one of our members. She sells them to make money, so she is like crazy good at making them.
Sunday: We had another hard day. I am now having issues with creepy guys. Our investigator Jose (see above), likes me, and when I went to shake his hand, he all tried to pull me in, and held onto my hand for way too long. It weirded me out, so I just pulled my hand away. It was gross. But it's all good. Also, I'm to the point where I am now expecting things of people, and they are starting to disappoint me. It's really hard. :( I want to help them so much, and they don't want to help themselves, so there is nothing I can do for them.
Today, we went to Graciela (Jose's wife)'s funeral at a Catholic church. It was really different.
I love you all!! Be safe. Have a great week.
Con amor,
Hermana Kelsey Shelton

P.S. Seester! I finally got your letter, and I will be writing you back sometime today. :)
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Howzit-Elder Flexy!

Elder Flexy 13:1 -email-

Make,
This week has been very fun we have been going all over the place.  i'm glad the roof got fixed. and i'm glad landon has made it home safe. ya it will be cool to hang with him next year but ya. we will probably still do the same things just not all the time like we used to.  we have been working hard and having a good time. we had this young boy who is eight years old ride in a taxi alone 8 kilometers to church he is a powerful little guy,  life is good i had an interview with president, and it was nice to talk to him.  mission is fine i'm doing good. 
love you  Elder Flexy

Baba,
Dad i'm glad you've been working hard its good to hear all is well and that the roof is finished, we are teaching some very good people and we even had one resieve an answer to her prayers through a dream it was pretty cool. but ya love you give you mor details on how that works out next time.
    Elder Flexy

M
well i'm glad your doing well and i hope you drive safe now that you have your license. i love you little sister.
    Elder Flexy  

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Sunday Best! For Keith.

Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-9
7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness,  and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, an shall be for thy good. 
8 The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he? 
9 Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.
******************
Should we be protected always from hardship, pain, suffering, sacrifice or labor? Should the Lord protect the righteous? Should He immediately punish the wicked? If growth come from fun and ease and aimless irresponsibility, then why should we ever exert ourselves to work or learn or overcome? If success is measured by the years we live, then early death is failure and tragedy. If earth life is the ultimate, how can we justify death ever, even in old age? If we look at mortality as a complete existence, then pain, sorrow, failure, and short life could be a calamity. But if we look upon the whole life as an eternal thing stretching far into the pre-mortal past and into the eternal post-death future, then all happenings may be in proper perspective and may fall into proper place. 
-Spencer W. Kimball 
I love you, my brother!
Hope your Sunday was the Best!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Diet Dr. Pepper!

So I don't know if I told you, but I teach the 
ladies in 
Relief Society
 now. It's a little different than teaching the kids in 
Primary. 
They hold still and they raise their hands when they want to talk. Also, they don't have to tell you what they've been doing, 
or the dirt on their family 
for the first 10 minutes of class. 
Funny! 
Anyway, I was talking about 
tithes and offerings. 
It was a good lesson for me to prepare. 
I understand the topic, but we all need reminders, 
about why we do the things we do. I shared a quote by C.S. Lewis (you can read it here). 
What a great man. So, as I'm teaching, I say something to the effect of, 
"Can we give more? 
Do we buy things we don't really need? 
Like I say to myself, 
'Do I really need this 
Diet Dr. Pepper?'"
 After which all the ladies are laughing. It is true though! I have a struggle with this. Well, a few days later, my friend Tricia shows up at the front door. 
She is holding a case of 
Diet Dr. Pepper
I just busted up laughing, because the box says, "Joy, For Medicinal Purposes", with a smiley face. She went on to say that someone she loved used to use that excuse about liquor. So, funny!! I guess we all have a vice of some kind. And mine is
Diet Dr. Pepper!! 
I'll keep working on it, though!
*****
*singing* 
I'm a Pepper, You're a Pepper, He's a Pepper, She's a Pepper, wouldn't you like to be a Pepper too? Dr. Pepper! Drink Dr. Pepper!!!

Friday, July 8, 2011

Family History Friday: Family History and Genealogy Conference, Etc!

 There is so many people who want to help us learn about our precious ancestor's. I wish I could attend all of these conferences. There will be a conference at 
Brigham Young University in Provo 
starting on July 26th, 2011. It sounds awesome!! You can learn more about it here
There will also be one at 
Weber State University in September on the 17th, 2011.  
This conference is only for one day and it is free!! I will give you more information as it comes available. 
And of course the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, 
as well as many local Family History Centers around the world have classes for minimal cost, or no cost. There are over 4,500 Family History Centers all over the world. To find a Family History Center near you, check here
Happy Family History Friday! 
Love, Joy

Thursday, July 7, 2011

It's been a year!!

-Alex at 6 years old-
Today, it has been a year since my darling missionary son, left for his mission!!
 I can't believe it's been a year. It usually goes by fast when it's someone else's missionary, but it has gone by fast for us too! He is one amazing young man. From the start he has always been so easy going. Happy a lot! Not afraid to do nerdy things, and things that are not always popular, he is also not afraid to do what's right.  
-Flexy with his mission president and wife-
He is someone who knows who he is, and is not afraid to show it. That works out kinda nice when you are in another country, telling people about your Savior, and trying to help them make some needed changes in their life.
-Flexy at an orphanage- (darling children)
He is loving his mission
 and the experiences he is having. 
I am so glad!!
-With the other missionaries-
We are so proud of our son! 
Only one year left!!!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

The Roof is Done!!!

Before! 
See the shingles curling?
 They need to go bye-bye!!
My hard working darlin!!
What an amazing man! 
He can do anything!
We have such great neighbors, 
friends, and family!!! 
Thursday evening we had lots of help tearing off the old shingles! It's a dirty job!
We had big people and little people helping!
Everett and Parker! My buddies!
It was starting to get dark so they had to quit for the night. 
We borrowed a trailer from
 one of our neighbors, for the dead shingles! 
May they "rest in peace!"
The next morning lots more help!
My friend Krissy, 
and her son Tyler, and husband Tom. 
They are amazing!! 
This little guy wanted to help so bad. 
This is Jacob, 
he lives next door. 
He was helping put the 
shingles in the trailer! What a helper!!
The roofing supplier delivering the shingles and stuff!
It's pretty slick! They have a conveyer type machine that sends the supplies and shingles up to the top of the roof. The shingle bundles weigh about 80 pounds each. In the old days these guys would carry them on their shoulders, up a ladder. I'm glad we didn't have to do that. 
Can you see the hole? It was leaking below the swamp cooler. Ouch!! My darlin had done a patch job, but it really just needed to be re-done.
My brother Keith helping! He was a hard worker too!
Starting to put the shingles on!!
My job was keeping them fed and hydrated!! 
Taking our last load to the transfer station. We took 3 loads total!
Taking a water brake!
Almost done!
I love it! It's beautiful!!
Beautiful!!
Thanks to Riley, Emily, Keith, Krissy, Tom, Tyler, Chad, Parker, Don, Autumn, Nathan, Jacob, Robert, Everett, Cragun, Brad, Alex, Chase, James, John, Wayne, Kent, Joseph, Danny, Justin, David, Jacob, Darwin, Devin, Mark, Howard, Annette (yummy brownies), Kent and Terri (popsicles), for your help!
(If I forgot to mention you, please forgive me) 
You are all heaven sent!