April 2006

April 2, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

It doesn't seem possible that another month has flown by.  Why just last week it seems like we celebrated Christmas and here it is the end of March.  We are looking forward to seeing General Conference next week.  It will be a week late but we have been told they will have the videos available for us then.  This is a first for the members here in Cambodia, as they meet together and watch General Conference.  It will be broadcast in English, Khmae and Vietnamese.  I hope there is a good turn out to all the meetings and that the members realize just how fortunate they are to be able to receive instructions from our Prophet, the Lord's mouth piece here on the earth, and the other Church leaders.  I hope all of you took advantage of this opportunity too.

The Gospel is truly a wonderful way of life for those who will let it be.  It is our prayer that we will all keep the Lord's commandments and the commitments we have made with Him, and endure to the end. 

We send our love, Elder and Sister Dickson

 

 April 4, 2006

 Just to let you know that you got a check from Deseret Mutual Ins. for 271.32 which I deposited. 

How are you feeling mom??  Any better??  We have been praying for you.  Conference was really

great !  Last night Landon had a baseball game at Lindquist and they won Wasatch 4-3.  Today he

has a game but it's supposed to be bad weather.  I haven't looked outside or watched the news yet.

Sadie Adams is getting married, and her shower is this Wednesday night. Hope you enjoyed the

"First Burn" slideshow that I sent.  Work is crazy, life is crazy................. Hurry up and get back so

you can go crazy with us :) haha 

Love Gwen 

 

April 4, 2006

We really enjoyed the slideshow.  It made us so homesick.  I can remember all the good get togethers we had down at the property when we were cleaning up.  Boy, we sure did have some good fires.  Dad and I are getting excited about coming home. 

Erika mentioned that Sadie was getting married and that Joan called and apologized about sending the invitation and all the others to the wrong mailing address.

We are glad the baseball team is winning their games.  Tell Landon to keep up the good work.

Thanks for letting us know about the money.  Now Dad can relax and know that that has been taken care of.  He ended up having to resubmit the claim.

We are anxious to hear General Conference this coming weekend.  Did you realize that Elder Oaks was talking about Brother Som and his son Collin when he talked about Cambodia? 

See you  soon,

Love, Mom and Dad (Grandma and Grandpa)

PS  Dad tried his hardest to see in the slideshow if Roger had done any plowing of the fields but couldn't tell.  He'll just have to wait until we get home to find out.

April 4, 2006 

Hey - you didn't answer my question - are you feeling any better mom??  Also, tell me more about Elder Oaks and what he said........  I guess I missed that part, although I do remember something about Cambodia, because my ears perked up..  Roger has NOT plowed the fields.... he won't be doing it himself, but hiring it done.  It would take him hours and hours with his two bottom plow, and Roger Stuart can have in done in a couple of hours.  Also, we haven't told Aunt Barbara yet, but we won't be running her place or Kendell's this year.  Roger is just too busy at work and too tired when he gets home.  We will still plan to run yours, but will be telling Orson to find someone else also.  We will have Aunt Barbara's plowed, before turning it over to someone else.  Roger hasn't talked to her yet, and I told him he needs to SOON........    I know she will be upset that we didn't tell her before last fall, so she could have someone in there plowing it then, but oh well......  we will pay to have it plowed this spring for her.  Don't say anything to her yet, Roger will this week sometime. 

April 5, 2006

I'm sorry.  Yes, I am back among the living and am feeling much better but still get tired very easily.  My cough has improved a lot but comes and goes, especially if I do much talking or get in the direct line of the air conditioning.

As for Elder Oaks, he asked President Towers to give him something about conversions here in Cambodia.  He approached Som to see if it would be okay to tell about him and Collin and the way they were introduced to the Gospel.  If you recall his story it goes something like this.  Collin was about eleven years old and was riding his bicycle in the neighborhood when he saw a couple of young men showing a group of people a picture of Jesus Christ and asking them if they knew who it was.  No one answered and so Collin spoke up and said it was a picture Jesus Christ the Son of God.  He then sped off on his bicycle before the two young men (missionaries) could question him.  It was about a month later that they spotted him again and this time he was with Som.  They explained why they were looking for him, ended up teaching and baptizing the family.  As a result, Som is now serving as 1st Counselor in the Mission Presidency.

It was really touching to Brother Som when he heard Elder Oaks tell the story.  We can hardly wait until Saturday and Sunday to see General Conference.

Gwen, rather than just plowing the field, maybe you should check with Aunt Barbara and Kendall to see if they think anyone else would be interested in running it for another year before it is plowed.  If you do plow it, make sure the two steel posts we have put in on the North edge of the gravel road are not disturbed.  They are used to locate a stake out in the field that is on the corner  of the property line between us and Aunt Barbara.  From that stake down toward the creek, the actual property line is approximately 10 feet north of and parallel to the road.  It runs straight to a stake down by the creek.  From the stake in the field up toward the highway, the property line angles towards the gravel road.  There is a stake up at the top of the gravel road just south of the head gate that marks the corner of the property line.  It is perfectly ok to plow up the stake out in the field as long as we can locate where it was by measuring from the two steel posts (15 ft I think.  It is written down somewhere). 

We love you, Mom and Dad

April 7, 2006

Dear Family, We just received this from Aunt Barbara and thought you should

know if you don't already.

Love Mom and Dad

 Hi, I hope you are both feeling better.  I'm sorry that Lee's health hasn't been the best while you have been in Cambodia.  You always sound so busy, I know that makes the time go fast, but I don't see  how you can keep all the things you do separate and organized. I don't know if anyone has told you about Jack's health.  About five or six years ago he had a small melanoma removed from his right ear.  In fact, they  had to remove the top portion of the ear.  A few months ago he noticed a small lump behind the right ear--on that bony prominence.  The doctor removed it and it was a lymph node with the presence of more melanoma.  He has had multiple scans to look for invasion of any vital organs.  With the exception of something in the left side of the thyroid, all that showed clear.  He is , however, having extensive surgery to remove clusters of lymph nodes along the  right side of his neck and shoulder.  Apparently, these nodes are in a sort of chain or cluster and anything will spread from one to the next. this surgery is to be done on April 13.  I am flying there for a few days.  Regardless of what the nodes show when biopsied, he will undergo intensive therapy--they aren't calling it chemo, but he will receive doses of interferon intravenously, everyday for a month.  Then once a month for a year.  This will make him very sick with fatigue and flu-like symptoms. They tell him to not plan to be able to work much for this month-long period.  He is trying to be very up-beat, but of course he is worried.  They may have to do something with the thyroid at the same time.  He was to have a biopsy of that organ yesterday.  I haven't heard the results.  They have said the surgery would be about 8 hours.  He feels confidant about his oncologist and the surgeon who will do the work. This will take place at the hospital at Fort Collins.   We are all praying for good news at every stage, and know you will join your prayers with ours.  Our family has been so free from cancer, maybe we have become overconfident, figuring it would never happen to any of us.  Jack is telling all of us to take care in the sun. We are looking forward to seeing both of you in not much more than a month.  Wed. night Joan had a shower for Sadie.  I saw Gwen and Mandy and her little girl there.  She is a sweetie.  I couldn't believe how long her hair is.   Love to both of you.  Barbara

 April 7, 2006 (email from Dawna)

Gwen

I lost the date that your Mom & Dad left to go on their mission to the MTC.  I know it was after Thanksgiving, or was it just before Thanksgiving 2004, who knows!!??.  I thought I had it, but right now can't find it.  Could you email me that date?  Also, have they mentioned the date yet, besides the end of May, when they will be coming home?  I think they are looking forward to it, yet sad that it is over and like they have said, the friends they made over there they probably won't ever see again.  

By the way, loved the pictures you sent us.  Your little granddaughter is sure growing, and getting cuter and cuter, can't wait to see her again in person.  Probably won't be until your Mom & Dad comes home.  How is your grandson Treyson doing?  In you Mom's journal she stated that he had a sore or something on his head (can't quite remember what she said), but did they discover what it was?

Talk to you later.

Dawna

My reply:

Dawna I don't know the exact date for sure that they left, but maybe you can figure it out if you have a 2004 calendar.  We did Thanksgiving at Mark's on the last Thursday, and then on the next Monday they went in the MTC, and then they flew out on December 13, 2004.

Here is what they wrote us concerning coming home, but I don't think it is TOTALLY Finalized (as far as the airlines)........... unless it is, and they forgot to tell me.  Anyway we are planning for 9:30 on May 13th at the airport - so come and join it the celebration !!!

As far as Treyson, he's doing great - it turned out to be just a bruise I guess.  They thought it was a leptomeningeal cyst, but it is gone now.  With all of the praying we were doing, it very will might have been a miracle.......... because he had ALL the symptoms

April 9, 2006

Dear Family,

Thought I would drop you a quick note.  We have watched General Conference the last two days (Saturday and Sunday) and it was awesome.  We have another appointment in about 45 minutes so thought I had better let you know where we are going and why I won't be sending my regular journal.  The journal is not up to date and after my 8 a.m. Family History meeting tomorrow morning we are leaving with Pres. and Sister Towers for Battambang.  They invited us along since we haven't been there yet.  After the Zone Conference in Battambang we will then travel to Kampong Cham for another Zone Conference returning on Thursday, just in time for the Khmae New Year which is Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  These last five weeks are going to go by fast if we keep this pace up.  Hope everything is great back home and that the weather is warming up. 

Love, Mom and Dad (Grandma and Grandpa)

 

Email written to Forrect McNabb (Landon’s old summer ball coach)

Hey - we're playing Park City tonight at 5:30 at Lindquist field, and we'd love to have you come and watch if you are not busy.  See ya, Landon and Derick

 

Email back from Forrest:

You guys are awesome, along with Gwen & Roger.  I hope I can make it by Saturday to see you – do you know the time for Friday’s game yet?  Congratulations on your win against PC.

Best of luck to all of you this season and I have been watching the box scores in the SLC Tribune.  We need less rain & snow and more ball games.

See you soon. Forrest

April 12, 2006

Dear Mom and Dad

Hey – Mark called me last night, and the Tyrrell boy who lives across the street from Mark, called him and wants to know if he can get married and have a reception down at the property on June 3^rd.  Mark called me and said he’d leave that up to me and you guys……….. and that he would get back with them in 2-3 days. 

I don’t know what you think about this, but here are my thoughts.  The property is a mess…………..as far as branches, leaves, etc.  I am having the Young men and Young Women in my ward go there tonight for some service project cleanup, and a weenie roast and devotional, and I’m sure it will look a lot better when they are done…….. and I’m sure we’ll be mowing and cleaning it up by then (June 3^rd) – but I just think that a wedding is a little much, especially because they are both from Morgan, (he’s marrying Tony and Teresa Jones’ daughter) and where will all the people park?? What about toilet facilities??? Etc etc e.c . And I know you and dad will feel that the property has to be JUST PERFECT, and you will get back on May 13^th, and only have 3 weeks before June 3^rd, and you will both kill yourselves off, trying to get it just so…………..  I personally don’t think it’s a good idea at this time, maybe if it was way later in the summer, to give you a chance to get back into the swing of things.  

Now don’t read into this that we are going to just let you do it all…………….. because Mark and I learned a good lesson this past year, #1 It needs to be mowed twice a week  #2 It sucks to have to do the mowing all by yourself each time…………..#3 This property is a lot of work !!!  and we all need to pitch in, and have a schedule of who is mowing, and trimming, and when, and let you and dad just fill in the “small” gaps………. 

Anyway, back to the wedding….. You know I am right when I say that you two will feel that you have to make it just perfect……………. And the parking?!?!?!?  Rog will NOT be happy if they get on your 10 acres that he is farming……….. and he talked to Aunt Barbara last night, and told her that he won’t be running hers or Kendell’s and she was okay with that, and Roger is getting with Jeff Jones, and he will probably do them (Aunt Barbara would like him to, but I don’t know about Kendell yet)  - by the way Dick Yardley died, don’t know if I told you about that yet.   So I guess Jeff Jones (being Tony’s brother) wouldn’t care if parking was done on the bottom of the ground he would be running for Aunt Barbara, but I don’t’ know……………..  

Anyway, I’m not telling you what to do or not to do, because it is your property, and I wouldn’t have even bothered you with this, and would have just told them no myself,  but Roger said I had to tell you so you wouldn’t hear about it after the fact and be mad that I made a decision that wasn’t mine to make.  Am I making totally sense ?!?!?!? heheJ  

Anyway, I hope you have had a fun time traveling, and that you are both feeling well, and please get back with me asap, so I can call them and let them know (Tyrrell’s)

Thanks

Love Gwen

PS  Mom, I just talked to Lois Bell, and she’s staying at her mom’s Saturday through Tuesday, so she said to stop over when you get back.  She knew all about you and dad, because Carol Tonks keeps her up on things.  Also, FYI  Aunt Sharon’s husband’s mother died (Beus).

 

Gwen,   

All the reasons you mentioned, especially parking, bathroom and timing are problems.  Mom and I agree that all things combined it would be best to say no to the wedding.  Tell them we are really sorry we have to say no.  Thanks for all you do for us.

Love Mom and Dad

 

April 13, 2006

Dear Gwen,

Could you please check with Vickie Thompson (I believe her husband is Roy Thompson) who lives over by Kent Francis.  I need her Email address so I can check with her on some Family History questions and procedures.  She is very knowledgeable in Family History and hopefully she can give me some answers.

Thanks again for all you do.  See you soon (now it is less than a month - by one day).

Love, Mom

April 13, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

Almost the latest news from Cambodia.  I am finding we are always a day late but thank goodness not a dollar short.  We are really going to be in for a sticker shock when we return to the United States and see how much more things costs, especially to eat out.  We are truly spoiled.  As I have said before, the time is passing quickly and we have mixed emotions.  We can hardly wait to see all of you again but hate to bid goodbye to everyone here in Cambodia.  We are working hard trying to get everything done but it all takes time, and even though we have no one to replace us the Lord's work will continue to move forward. We send our love and prayers, Elder and Sister Dickson

100_3622 - The small watermellons we get here but they are delicious

100_3680 - Sister Hayes and Brother Som's granddaughter, Selina
100_3694 - Employment class of returning missionaries

 April 15, 2006

 Well..................your truck is started !! yahoo !! I'll get it registered, and what about ins.?  Zac was going to drive it a little bit (once a week or so), just to keep it going, but wasn't sure about the insurance.  Who do I contact, Mike Mangum? 

We also moved your big furniture back into your home, what about the other stuff?  boxes, etc.  Should we stack them in the garage??

See you later :)

Gwen

Easter talk in YW

 “He is risen; he IS NOT HERE”  Mark 16:6 – These are such simple words, but they tell of the most “significant” event that ever happened upon this earth. 

In the Old Testament it says (Job 14:14) –“If a man die, shall he live again?”

This question has been around since the beginning of time. I doesn’t say in the bible, but I imagine that when Adam found his son Able, whom Cain had killed, that his was heart broken !  Imagine how he must have felt when Heavenly Father told him, “Your son will live again!”

I have this thought that keeps recurring over and over again to me.  It is this.  I think about how WE in this day and time, read about the people in the Book of Mormon.  How they lived, their families, Lehi, Nephi,   King Benjamin,  Ammon, Helaman, Samuel the Lamanite, Mormon, Moroni.  I think about how they “hoped” and “had faith” that the Savior would be born into this world, they listened to the prophets, met together in meetings, just like we are, and just like we do every week, trying to live their lives the way that Heavenly Father and  Jesus would want them to, so that they might live with them again.   …………..then the signs of His birth !  I happened, just like they had faith that it would !  Can you imagine their joy ??  And then, the 33 years of  faith, waiting for the sign of his death and resurrection, and then seeing Him again in all of his resurrected glory !!  We read in third Nephi, and hear about all they experienced, seeing the resurrected Savior, and wishing we could have been there to – I think about that often, and marvel at the faith they had, since the beginning of time – since Adam found Able,

Wondering – will my son live again ??  Having to wait until Christ made it possible for that to happen – and HE DID !!  Christ was born, He did live, and He did rise from the dead.  He made it possible for EACH ONE OF US, to live again.

Here we are 2000 years later, and WE listen to our prophets, and apostles, telling us of the day when Christ will come again to this earth, we have faith, and try to live our lives that way the Heavenly Father and Jesus would want us to, so that we might be able live with them again.  In this, our time on earth, we have sorrow too…………. We have deaths and injuries and  illnesses.  But we have faith and KNOW that Jesus came to earth, died for us, and rose again…………..we have faith in His resurrection.  Jesus said, “blessed are they that have NOT seen, and yet have believed”  (John 20:26-29)

Jesus taught – “Because I live, ye shall live also”

April 16, 2006

Reply from Mom and Dad

Thanks to everyone!!  Call Mike Mangum on the insurance.  Have him reinstate what was on the white truck  before we left.  Also, if you use the green truck its insurance needs to be reinstated. About the boxes, Mom says she needs to think about it.  She's busy right now  with family history.

 Gwen,

 I'm sorry Dad couldn't wait a couple of seconds until I finished what I was doing.  When he decides to do something, he wants to do it right now. Sounds a lot like me, huh?  I'm not sure what boxes you are talking about but I think we can take care of them when we get home.  I plan to take mytime in putting things away.  It seems that I have finally reached that point in my life that, "if it doesn't get done today maybe it will get done tomorrow."  Actually, I can't think of where I put anything when we packed them away.  Just use your own judgement and we will take care of the rest. We really appreciate all that you are doing for us. Thanks for getting Vickie's email address.  See you soon.  Love, Mom

Gwen's reply:

The boxes I'm thinking about are the ones up on the mezzanine in the shop.  I realize that there are probably some stuff there that you probably might want to keep there, but what about kitchen utensils, pans, etc. We wanted to have your fridge/pantry stocked with basic essentials, milk, bread, cereal, bananas, etc. for you when you get home, but you won't have anything to eat on.............. - I guess we could just have plastic utensils and I could bring some of my pans........ or I was thinking we could stack them (boxes) in your garage (nicely), and then it would be easy for you to get stuff and put it away, as you need it?  What do you think??  Maybe all the stuff you would need is downstairs in Tonya's bedroom??  I'm not sure.  I know it's no big deal, but I just wanted to have it be as nice as possible for you two.  You know that Mother's Day is the day after you get home, and you know that we will all want to see you and spend alot of the day with you, especially Erika and family who won't be coming home after the airport with us....................  I was thinking maybe we could all pitch in and make food at our homes, and then bring it to your house for dinner??? Without you having to do one single solitary thing........what do you think about that??  Or maybe you will be too tired?   Anyway, we can talk about it as it gets closer.  We are sure getting excited.  Here are some cute pics for you two.

Actually, dad reminds me of ZAC (or vice versa) to a T !!!!!!!!!

Love Gwen

PS - the tattoo is NOT real........hehe :)

Reply from Mom:

It sounds great.  You are always so thoughtful.  I didn't realize just what boxes we had up there but don't overwork yourselves.  You might check in the kitchen cupboards downstairs.  I can't remember if we left dishes there and told Jason and Shelly they could use them if needed.  Anyway, we can hardly wait the closer it gets.  The get together on Mother's Day would be terrific.  Go ahead and stock things and pick up anything you think we will need for the family to eat Sunday (pop, chips, etc) whatever all of you decide.  I believe there is soap, etc. downstairs on the shelves in the fruit room so you shouldn't have to worry about that.  If you want even get paper cups and plates. We really enjoyed the pictures.  Your grandchildren and our great-grandchildren are darling.  Now about our grandson - Landon get a haircut.  You look great with long hair but we are used to seeing the Elders and their missionary haircuts.  We couldn't believe the difference in the East Canyon Creek in just such a short time. Well, guess I had better close and get to bed.  We think of you often and appreciate all you do for us.

 Love, Mom and Dad

 

Dear Mom and Dad,

Remember I told you we'd have to get that log out of the creek??

(see first picture) - April 2nd

 

Well - that won't be necessary NOW !!!

Take a look at the remaining two pics !!! April 22nd

 

Welcome to 2006 Spring in Morgan !!

 

See you later :)

Gwen

 

 

 

Your new Bishop Is……………………………………………………………………….

 Kendall M. Walden

Just sustained yesterday………..  Lance Andersen (Laurie’s boy) is 1^st councilor, and David Shank (whose backyard backs up against Jess Hopkin’s lot/home) is the 2^nd councilor.  They are new.

Anyway, that is the word !!

Love ME

5^th ward is getting one next week……………. Rumor is that 6^th ward will get ours the first week in May – haven’t heard about 8^th ward yet.

Just a note to let you know that I deposited another check from Deseret Mutual for $557.15, and also, registered your 4-wheeler and truck and got the ins. reinstated.

 I got a schedule for the south Morgan Ditch - can't make heads or tails of it...........  Looks like it is scheduled to start on April 7th, but I don't think they have, since we are having SUCH a wet spring.  It snowed again today - 3 different time, snow 1/2 inch.....melt......snow 1/2 inch  ..... melt.....etc. etc. etc.  Do you want me to scan the schedule and send it to you, so you can tell me what to do??  Maybe I should just talk to Jenni, and have her keep me posted??  What do you think??

Landon is going to the Junior Prom this weekend with a Junior, Amy Wright, Kelly and Sherie Wright's daughter.  Here is what Kelly wrote to me about it...............

PS: Your son made my daughter absolutely estatic. The rose was perfect, it exactly matches her dress. Landon came when our entire family (less Mark) was home, and wow, what a deal. Thanks for having such a great young man!

Love Gwen

Gwen,  We are sorry you are having to deal with so many things for us.  Relative to the water, make sure that the plugs are in the lawn next to the natural area so that if Dennis Stevens waters, we won't get water next to the house.  Other than that, it won't hurt anything if nothing is watered until we get home .  Don't worry about trying to fire up the pressurized system, that will wait 3 weeks and 4 days (but who is counting?).

On another subject, we're sure as his mother you feel the same way we do (bursting with love and pride} when we hear what an outstanding young man Landon is.  Let him know how much we love him and appreciate the kind of life he is living,

Thanks again for all that you do.

Love, Mom and Dad

April 17, 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

Well it is 3 a.m. and since I couldn't sleep decided to send you our journal for the past week.  We continue to see new and different things and experience the sweet spirit of the missionaries and members of the Church here.  We are really gaining a deep appreciation for the blessings we have received and are now receiving from the Lord.  The Gospel is true and we have come to realize how important it is and what a privilege it has been to have its teachings and guidance in our lives. 

You are in our prayers and thoughts always.  Elder and Sister Dickson

000_0016 - rye straw stack, they come in all shapes and sizes

100_3770 - stream of bats after they emerged from the cave
100_3791 - group of missionaries in Battambang
100_3804 - Kampong Cham, (left) Sister Hun, Sister Dickson, Sister Leng, Sister Towers and others
100_3815 - Loads of people - it looks scary
100_3818 - Loads of people - I don't envy them
100_3821 - Cashew fruit and nuts in a shell on the bottom of each fruit

April 21, 2006

Well, it's winding down............. I'm thinking of deleting Skype from my computer (haha)

Landon got his Senior pics done last night, and we (Roger, me, Landon) worked with all of the other seniors and their parents over on the river parkway path to clean up to earn funds for operation graduation.(see pic attached)  Also, Zac is getting ready to pour cement (see pics attached)  He is such a handy person.  I don't know if I told you dad, but the console went out in the white car, so he couldn't read the odometer, speedometer, gauges, etc.  He just went to a junkyard and got a new one and put it in, and also installed a new radio/stereo in it.  And then something went on the axle, and he just goes and fixes it !!  He is so handy, reminds me or someone else I know... HEHE.  Tonight Landon has a game at Woods Cross, and then tomorrow is the Junior Prom.  I'll be sure to send pics !!

 Report on Junior Prom

Junior Prom went Great !  Landon took Amy Wright, daughter of Kelly and Sherie Wright (Kelly used to be our county attorney and he is a very great guy – he’s now working for Salt Lake County, and is also the bishop of the singles ward in Mt. Green, Sherie now works part time in our office, and she has helped Landon with school, scholarships, ACT, and is such a great great person)  Michael Rose took Stacy Swapp, she’s from Mt. Green, and Jared Olsen took Mysha Porter, she is Bryon Porter’s girl.  They picked up the girls about 10:30 a.m. in Michael’s grandpa John Wilkinson, 1956? Yellow convertible……………you can imagine that !!  They brought them to the property, where they played volleyball, croquet, and roasted hotdogs and marshmallows.  Then we went up to Cliff Burwell’s and took some pics in that great car, in front of all of those nifty old pumps and signs.  Then they took the girls home to get ready for prom.  They made sure that everyone – even the GIRLS, got to drive the convertible !!  Then they went back and picked the girls up about 5-5:30, and went down to Ye Lion’s Den in Ogden to eat supper.  A bunch of us moms made corsages (Lynelle (Jared’s surrogate mom), Gwen, Vicki, with some BIG help from Vicki Walker, Lynelle’s sister and Robyn Birt, Michael’s cousin, who is a PROFESSIONAL flower arranger) and they were absolutely beautiful, and we made an extra one for Sherie Wright, Amy’s mother, because it was her birthday, and when the kids went to get Amy, they all got out of the car and sang Sherie, Happy Birthday and presented her with a corsage !!  After dinner then came back to the Prom, and of course all of the parents were there to see the Promenade, and they all looked so great !!  They all walk down the aisles with their dates and are introduced, and spotlighted down in front before taking their places on the stage – Juniors on the stage, and escorts in the audience.  When they got down front, Jared knelt before Mysha, as if proposing, and Mysha pretended to swoon.  Michael swept Stacy off her feet – literally, and laid her back in a big DIP, and Landon and Amy did a pirouette – with Landon doing the twirling, because Amy is a little bit taller than him.  It is reported that they had a great time at the dance.  They got their pictures taken at the dance, both group and singles, and I can hardly wait to see them.  All in all it turned out wonderfully, and they all had a great time !!

Note from Amy’s dad (Kelly Wright) to Gwen – email

You’re a crazy lady – what an awesome photoshow! Amy had an incredible time on Saturday (and so did her sister and mother). Landon is one funny guy – but a true gentleman. As a Dad, it was fun to just sit back, (stay out of the way) and let the girls fuss and watch it all unfold. Thanks!  

April 23, 2006

Well, it 11:40 pm on Sunday night..........I couldn't sleep, so I got up and worked on a "photo show" of the Junior Prom, which I will be sending to you.  You will notice that Landon took your advice and got a haircut !!  In fact, Leisa Wilson didn't cut it short enough the first time, so he went back and told her to do some more.  Don't know if you've heard or not, but Chet Adams is the new bishop of the 6th ward.  Mark Wall and Chris Jensen are his counselors.  The 7th ward got their new bishop today, but I haven't heard who it is.  We had a really really great sacrament meeting.  Garret Durrant and Derek Wiscombe both had their mission farewell today.  Garret is going to California, and Derek is going to Samoa.  Tammy Bullock reported on her son, Lawson Bullock's mission in Peru, where things are going well.  Don't know if I told you, but Landon is running a milk delivery truck for Rosehill Dairy two nights a week.  That's where he is now.  He slept from 5:30 pm till 9:20 pm tonight, and will work from 10:30 pm till about 2:30 a.m.  He did it once last week, and really liked it.  Zac has got the shop all cleaned up, and we are looking forward to having you home.  The time seems to be flying..................  I'm tired now, and can't concentrate.

Take care, love me.

April 24, 2006

I woke up at 4:15 a.m and Landon wasn’t home, and I got so worried.  I am such a worrier.  Just like Grandma Dickson………….I called his cell phone, and he didn’t answer.  I didn’t bother leaving a message because he never listens to them, he just looks and saw who called, and USUALLY calls them back.  Well his dad called him at about 5 a.m. and he answered !! Thank goodness.  As usual they just sit around talking after they are done, and Landon doesn’t care about the grey hairs he is giving me !!

Gwen and Family,

We sure love your emails.  You have been so dedicated in always  writing to  us.  We really do appreciate it. We love the pictures you send and are looking forward to seeing our good  looking grandson and the Jr. Prom.  The pictures of Zac's yard makes us so excited to get home and see it in person.  We only wish we could be  there to help him pour cement.  He has helped us so often.  Dad and I can  hardly wait  to get back out to the property and the shop.  

We are glad the car  is  working out for him but hope it isn't proving to be too big of an  expense. It's not - he's glad to have it!

 How is our little Treyson doing?  Treyson is doing great - he's rolling all over, and likes to bounce up  and down when you hold him.  He is ONE BIG BOY !! He is easily spooked, and cries if anyone is loud - it's kind of funny !  Of course I'm always squealing around him, and then he puckers up and that bottom lip comes out and he starts to howl.  

And how is Camryn doing at the  babysitters?  Have things blown over by now? Yes - and we knew they would.  She seems really happy there.  Treyson goes there too.  Camryn has two other little girls (Diane's granddaughters, Reese and Lindsey) who she likes to play with, plus Leslie Hyde's little boy Colton, who will be getting a new baby sister in a few days.  Mitch Clark had his appendix out yesterday, so Diane isn't tending today, which puts us all in a pickle.............Camryn in going to Becky Widdison's (Manda's friend) to play with her little girl who is about the same age.  Shirlee is staying home to watch boy Treyson and Rilee.

 How many deliveries does Landon have to make on his rounds each night.  He goes from North Morgan, around Stoddard Lane, Line Creek, up Milton side of North Morgan Valley Drive to the Y, up Richville and Porterville, and Hardscrabble, and up Hwy 66, then back down 66 to Morgan City and around the city, and then back to the dairy in Mt. Green.  Actual run can be done in 2 1/2 hours if he books it.  I can't remember for sure how many gallons exactly he takes. 

He is such a dependable young man and always does what he should.  Is  he going  to work for Darin Dawson in the mink this summer, or does he have  other  plans. I think he'll move on to bigger and better things.   

I'm glad we will be home for his graduation.  What does he  need for  graduation, do you have anything in mind for us to give him?  Manda is giving him a big duffle bag on rollers, don't know about Zac and CJ, we are hoping to get him a laptop for college, unless you wanted to get him something specifically, you could go in on the laptop??  I don't have any great ideas. 

Thanks for keeping us informed about the new Bishops.  It will be a  great  growing experience for all of them. Chet is Bishop of the 5th ward - I'm sure you caught my error.  Also the 7th ward bishop and first counselor are total new comers, and I don't know them, I know the second counselor is Craig Carter........ Lisa's husband, and Margaret's (Landon's friend) dad. . 

I know Mark and Carrie think a  lot of  Chet Adams and that is good. Well guess I had better close.  Dad has come in a couple of times to  see if> I am ready to go to bed.  We love you and your family so much, and  have> missed all of our family and are looking forward to getting home.   It just  doesn't seem possible that it is getting so close.I know what you mean.........it has passed by quickly -We can say that at this point, huh?

Love you lots!!!  Take care !!. Love, Mom and Dad

April 24, 2006

 Dear Family and Friends,

 As you will be able to see from our journal, nearly everything was put aside for Family History.  It has been a busy week but we were able to get everything accomplished and to the temple on time.  Things are going great here in Cambodia and we are going to hate leaving, but are anxious to see all of you again.  We love hearing from you and sorry we can't keep closer in touch with each of you.  Remember to always live so that you are in tune with the Holy Ghost so he can help you make the right choices everyday as you use your free agency (a precious gift from our Heavenly Father).  We send our love, Elder and Sister Dickson.

 000_0006 - Happy Easter, these clouds are the closest we came to Easter Bunnies.

000_0008 - Typical country cottage, most have hammocks, a table-like platform used for eating and sleeping, and even animals.
000_0015 - Blue barrel object in center is a threshing machine for threshing rice.
100_3698 - Eggs with a skewer in them and cooking on a clay fire stove.  They say the eggs are good but we didn't try them.
100_3736 - Scaffolding made of bamboo so a budda could be carved in the cliff on the side of the mountain.  The AP's climbed to the top and reported that it was quite sturdy.  They had a guide with them.
100_3792 - Missionaries at Battambang.

 

Junior Prom problems, which we were made aware of on Tuesday after Junior Prom

Email from a mother  – Pete's mom to Gwen

On a more serious note…I’m not even sure how to start this. 

I’m not sure what time Landon and Jordan got home on Saturday night, but Pete was not the one who dropped Jordan off at her doorstep, Landon was. 

Steve and I were talking to Pete about the prom last night and were quite shocked and upset about what happened at the end of the evening.  Pete was very hesitant to discuss the evening and it was by total surprise to him that Nick began to report happened.  His statements were, “Pete was ditched by Jordan” and “Landon stole his date.”

Apparently after Jordan and Pete dropped off Kirk and Shantelle, Jordan did not want to go home right away so they drove around town for a short while. Jordan was text messaging on her phone for several minutes, and then asked Pete to drop her off at the Rock Church.  She told Pete that she was going to meet Landon in the parking lot and go with him.

I’m not sure what lead up to this happening, but Pete was stunned needless to say.   Pete said that Jordan did not seem uncomfortable or upset.  She thanked and hugged Pete for the evening as she was getting into the car with Landon.

Steve and I keep trying to put this into perspective, but I need to say that we are sick about this.  Pete is so hurt and humiliated.  He is embarrassed to go to school, and doesn’t quite know what the heck happened.

We have been pumping up this prom for months.  Pete is shy with the girls and didn’t want to go in the first place, and we kept at him, telling him that the Junior Prom was a big deal and one of the most memorable moments in his high school experience.  Not only that, but this event was really the first “real date” he has ever had.  This is not what the way it should have ended. 

We have always thought so highly of Landon and we were completely taken aback that Landon would be a party in a thing like this.  This lack of consideration by both Landon and Jordan has really done a number on Pete.  He kept asking us why his “friends” would do a thing like this. 

We don’t know what Jordan was text messaging to Landon and we don’t know exactly what prompted him to pick her up.  We do know there are two sides to every story, but not knowing the other side, we can only tell you that it appears to be very thoughtless and inappropriate of both Landon and Jordan.  

Gwen, I feel so terrible about this that I needed to get it off my chest. I told Pete that I would be contacting you and he was very hesitant to agree to it.  He wasn’t’ even going to tell us about it for fear it would become an even bigger mess.  After everything that has happened, he had doesn’t want to jeopardize his friendship with Landon any further. 

Josie – I’m so glad you said something.  I had no idea.  I read your email last night (Tues) about 11pm and was just sick. Landon came home shortly after that from baseball at Vernal.   We told him we needed to talk, and he said, “Is this about Pete _____?” and we said yes.   He said he had just spoken with Pete, and that everything was okay, but I’m guessing this is just Landon’s take on it, and not necessarily Pete’s.   Landon said he had been getting razzed by everyone about stealing Pete’s date, and he was concerned about this, and talked to Pete about what happened. Landon’s version is this.  

After Landon’s date was over, he was going to go up to Sean’s and hang out and watch a movie.  He said that Jordan texted him – he did not say what she said in the text, that her date was over??  Who knows…… , but suffice to say, he did meet her at the church and they went up and hung out with kids and then he took her home.  I think that is a horrible way to end a date !  I do believe Landon when he says that he and Jordan are just friends, and this was not pre-planned or anything – but grab a clue Landon!!  How does this make Pete feel?   I posed the question to him, “What if last year on your Junior Prom, Tana had said she didn’t want to go home, and then you drove around, and as you are driving, she is texting someone, and then she just says just pull over, and jumps out and gets in the car with one of your senior friends, and says TaTa !!”  Duh – light bulb comes on…………  You think a 17 year old boy would have more sense – but I guess sometimes they just don’t think of all of the feelings that are involved.  He thought it was no big deal………..so apparently Pete would too?? Landon didn’t say this to me (the preceding sentence) but I’m just surmising….  I’m so disappointed and sorry.  Sometimes I think Landon is too friendly and approachable for his good.   Landon now realizes that he made a very poor decision in picking Jordan up, I don’t know what he would have said to her, maybe – NO  !!!  What a twit – I don’t even KNOW the girl, and I want to shake her !! and Landon both.  I think he has learned an important lesson.  Anyway, Landon wanted to come to see both you and Steve, to let you know how sorry he is about what happened, so he will probably come over tonight if you are home.  I hope that this will not affect our friendship and that you can hopefully forgive my son, and that with time, it may not seem as upsetting – because believe you me, I am WAY upset right now. Thank you again for making us aware of this situation. Gwen

Gwen,  Thanks for responding so promptly.  Yes, both Steve and I would like to have a chat with Landon, however, I am staying in SLC tonight.  Maybe he can make some time tomorrow after the game.   Josie