May 2005

May 3, 2005 - - Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

I'm sitting here, wishing to hear from you, and then I realize that I haven't been very good at writing to you!!  Sorry !!  Let's see..................  what's been going on in our lives.

Roger is loving his work as usual (HAHA)  He had to get up in the middle of the night (2 a.m) because one of his driver's had been arrested and thrown in jail because of a falsified driving log. The highlights in Roger's life are of course, Camryn and watching Landon's baseball. All the stress from his job wears him down, and he's usually asleep in his chair by 8:30 p.m.

Amanda has about 44 days left of school.  She has done well, and is at the top of her class.  She won't know about the externship (where she goes) until June.  We walk everyday (that it's not raining!) on the walking path. She struggles with her emotions, and gets down easily.  Jim is not making things any better, as he has now refused to let her have full custody, but want's joint custody, and will fight "to his dying breath" for this.  She (it seems to me) gives in so easily, wanting to not have contention, and wanting Camryn to have a relationship with her dad.  She is planning on taking Camryn down to Phoenix for the weekend, over the 20-22 of this month.  

I am going to St. George this weekend (7-8), but not next weekend, and me and Manda will celebrate Camryn's birthday (May 12th) on the 13th, as we are going to go to SLC, to Hogle Zoo, and shopping, etc. 

Zac is always working on a project !!  Let's see.  He's got his heat ducting all in for his upstairs, and it's now connected to his furnace.  That was quite a job.  He and Shawn Prescott worked on it most of the day last Saturday.  He has the ditch all piped, head gates in, and grates on the head gates, pipe all in down the side of his house, with little pipes coming up (2 1/2 inch)that he has capped, which can be opened to get the side if needed.  He's got a sprinkling systems all in the front and side.  The curbing people are coming Thursday.  Rain gutter people are coming next week.  Hydro-seeding people next week also.  He's got the walls (next to the driveway) that we did while you two were here, and the wall out front, and a front step leading down to the sidewalk...............It's looking very very nice.

CJ is still working, and has decided to get her CNA also.  She got her pharmacy tech license, but hasn't worked in that area yet.  She and Zac will find out whether or not they are getting a little boy or little girl on Thursday. We'll let you know !!

Landon is still going full throttle at baseball.  They will go into the first round of the State playoffs this weekend, in third place in our Region.  They will have a double header on Saturday in St. George.  If they lose both games, they are out,  If not, they'll be BACK to St. George on the 12th (Camryn's Birthday) to play again.  We'll have to see how it goes.  Somedays they look real good, and others, the BAD NEW BEARS.  Landon plays a good game consistently, and is batting 300+.  He usually throws at least 2 runners out a game, at either 2nd or 3rd, or gets them coming home. He does well in school, and is in the National Honor Society besides all of his sports.  I hope he can go far in life in both directions.

I'm still buried at work, but slowly digging out.  I'll be glad when May is over, because it HAS to be done by then. Young Women is fun, but a lot of work !!  We are decorating cakes (with Vicki Walker's help) tonight.  Last week we did gold leaf pictures, and the week before, made lip gloss.  I took Breanne Wilson's senior pictures last weekend, and they turned out good.  I'm also working on "photo slide shows" of wrestling kids, to give them as Senior gifts.  We will go to Temple Square on the 12th, to plant flowers with the young women.  I'm excited about this !!

The weather has been raining on and off, and the River is high.  There has been some flooding in Peterson, but not too bad.  East Canyon was running pretty high too - but they have started holding it back now, but Bud Carter says they let too much out, and unless we get a lot more rain, it won't fill.  It still has 15 feet to go, and is going up 2 inches per day. Yesterday day I met with Dee Waldron, and that Daren Rasmussen from the State, and Shane Green (originally from Morgan) and Bud Carter, to walk the creek, and see the project that the church wants to do.  I hope it does not impact us negatively downstream. - they say it won't.   I guess this park is not going to be your typical church park, similar to Zarahemla, etc.  There is to be no mowed lawn, no asphalt, no concrete.  They are basically trying to create a floodplain that will allow the water to slow and the energy to dissipate.  They are not planning on disturbing the river bed itself, just sloping the ground around it.  I wish I could explain it better. It looks like their permit will be approved (surprise surprise).  From the walk yesterday it is quite a ways from our campground, more than I thought, so hopefully it will be okay. (They never did do this Church "camp")

See you later :)

Gwen

May 6, 2005 -- Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

Dear Family,

Things are going well and we are now settled back into our schedule that seems to become busier each day.  The weather is HOT and should continue like this for several more weeks.  Lee it taking it a lot better than I am.  In fact, cold weather along with cold hands and feet sounds mighty good.  At 7:30 this morning it was already 86 degrees outside.  We hope all is well back home.  We miss all of you and think of you often.  Love, Elder and Sister Dickson

May 8, 2005 - - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

Dear Gwen, Erika, Carrie,

Thanks for being such wonderful mothers to my grandchildren.  Have a good day. 

Love Dad

Dear Gwen, - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

"HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY" to my wonderful daughter.  I hope this day is as special for you as you are to me.  You are not only a caring Mother and Grandmother but an outgoing person and a very good friend to everyone.  I am so pleased with all that you are doing in the Church and the way you set your goals and accomplish them.  I don't think I will ever be able to memorize the statement of the Living Christ.  That is quite an accomplishment and you should be very pleased with yourself.  You will never know just how much joy you bring to Dad and I.  Thanks again for being our pride and joy.

Love,  Mom

Letter to Mom while on their mission to Cambodia

Happy Mother's Day to you too Mom

I've been thinking about you a lot today, and seem to miss you especially bad.  I'm sorry you will get this late, since I'm writing it at 7:37 p.m on Sunday (Mother's Day) - I know it it 9:37 a.m. on Monday morning there.  I hope you did not think I had forgotten you.  We were traveling back from St. George today.  We have been down there watching Landon play baseball in the playoffs.  Morgan went into the state playoffs as third in Region, and this past 2 days, they played two games, losing to Wasatch and winning Delta.  They will travel back there next Wednesday night for the rest of the state playoffs (Two games on Thursday).  If they were to take State, they would have to WIN 7 games in a row, over a three day period.  If they get beat once more, they are out, since it is double elimination. I won't be able to go, because Camryn's birthday is Thursday, and Manda has to work, and that is the day our Young Women are going to Temple Square to plant flowers, and MAYBE if they are still alive and will play on Friday, I will try and make it down for that game, we'll have to see !?!?!  I'm sorry I can't go, but I don't want to desert Manda and Camryn on her birthday, because even though Camryn wouldn't know, Manda would feel really bad. 

I love you very much, and miss you too.  I am very proud of you and dad, you set a great example for our family.  I know our family is and will be blessed because of your sacrifice.  Landon got up this morning, (he rode the bus home with the team last night and they got home a 3 a.m this morning) and we stayed down and came home today, and even without me here, Landon got up by himself and went to church!  I told him that was the best Mother's Day present I could ever ask for.  I don't know if Mark or Erika told you, but we are planting a tree down at the property in your honor for Mother's Day.  I hope that meets with your approval.  I will send a picture as soon as we get it in !  I hope you had a nice day.  You are the BEST MOM !! (I don't think we ever planted a tree?)

LOVE GWEN and family

May 10, 2005 -- Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

We are attaching a few pictures showing some of the meats that are available here in Cambodia.  You will see some show a variety of meats sold each morning in the market.  These are freshly slaughtered, probably killed that very morning so the meat would be good as long as it was cooked well.  However, we buy all of our meat at one of the more modern grocery stores.  If you look at various pictures you will see parts of pigs (head and feet), ducks, chickens, etc.  Also notice a large pan of locusts which were for sale at the Central Market. 

Two of the pictures need further explanation.  The other night as we were going to a wedding reception we passed by an open air eating establishment loaded with people and our driver said, "this is where they eat dog meat."  When we looked closely we could see a dog's head in one of the pans.  Of course we didn't have our camera with us.  Today, while returning from the Red Cross celebration we passed the same establishment.  This time we did have our camera and got a couple of pictures that we have included.  One of them shows a dog on a grate over a flame.  The hair is being burned off after which it will be scraped clean and butchered.  The other one shows a dogs head in a pan, notice the teeth and nose.  We didn't feel too much like eating our lunch after seeing this.  Maybe we could have a barbecue with certain dogs when we get home.  We asked Brother Som if they raised the dogs for this purpose but he said no, they just steal them off the street.  He has had two or three of his dogs disappear over the years and he thinks that they were taken for this purpose. 

We will close for now as it is past our bedtime but we just had to send these pictures to you.

Love Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa

Wed, 11 May 2005 - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

Here I am, half-way around the world and still concerned about affairs at home.  We heard from Bruce concerning a meeting Zac and CJ attended for the LLC.  He mentioned that workdays were planned for the May 14th and June 4th.  If this is right, since I can't be there, please see that our family is represented.  Thanks.  Dad

 Reply to above:

Don't worry dad - we'll be there. Hey, there was a problem with your toilet in the main bathroom. It was not flushing right.  #1 would go down all right, but not #2.  Jason and Shelly had Zac come over and take a look at it, and Zac was just sure it was the toilet, so he got a new one, and put in on and the Dickson luck held true...............  Still would not flush, and even WORSE than before !!  He climbed up on the roof, just SURE it was the vents, stuck a hose down, but no luck -  He told Jason he would have to call Roto-Rooter.  They called them, and they snaked it down, and now it flushes like a charm !!  Sorry we did not try that before buying a new toilet.  Is it okay to pay from your account ?  It was $90.00.  Sorry.............

Love Gwen

May 11, 2005 - Letter from Amanda to Gwen
Hi mom

I was just checking in w/you to see how you where doing.  I have been really worried about you lately and I am hoping that it's just the pressures of your job, and your deadline.  I hope that you have called your Dr. and made an appointment. I am really worried about you and you better take me seriously.. dammit.. luv ya Amanda

I'm okay hon.  Just tired.  I don't have time to go to the doctor now.  We'll see how it goes after the end of May, and if I'm still messed up, I'll pursue it.  Thanks for worrying about me - you are the only one that does !! Love Mom

 That is not true.. everybody else is just a busy as you and don't have the time to notice... if you haven't gone to the Dr by the 1st week on June I am telling dad and we are going to make you... got it!!! Luv always Amanda 

ps I don't know if i will ever be able to repay you for what you have done for me and camryn... Thanks

May 13, 2005  - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

Would one of you update me on Roger's farming and the weather and high-water situation. 

Thanks, Dad

May 14, 2005

Roger got the field behind Mark's house planted in alfalfa, and it is coming up beautifully !!  We have had rain rain rain and more rain

There is no flooding in Morgan (except at Peterson a little bit), and Roger said the other day he might not need to water ANYTHING before cutting first crop. 

I wish you could see Zac and CJ's yard.  If they could have gotten the seed or hydro-seed in, it would be doing great - IF it hadn't been washed away.  As it is now, it is still just dirt, waiting for a drying out period and then will be planted.  The weekend is supposed to be nice, and me and Camryn and Manda are going to the Hogle Zoo today (I'm taking off work)  It's supposed to rain again next week.  It's the wettest bunch of weather (historically) that we've had in a Lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng time. 

Gotta run - take care - love you !!  Love Gwen

May 15, 2005  - Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

Dear Mom and Dad

Is everything there okay?  Haven't heard from you in awhile.

Today was a good day, as all Sunday's are.  Yesterday was awesome.  I had the opportunity to go to the Bountiful Temple and see Chris and Kimberly Mikesell and their three kids sealed together for time and all eternity.  Chris is Roy and Patsy's boy, and Kim is Morris and Merla Fife's daughter.  They have been married for 11 years.  They have 3 kids, Rory is about 8 years old, Megan is about 3,  and Tanner is about 15 months.  It was really special.  I had forgotten the words that are spoken, as far as saying they are sealed to you, just as if they were born in the covenant.  Then I went home, and got to go to a baptism for one of our Young Women - Sarah Sims.  She is 15, and has been coming to Young Women for a few years, and is friends with Danielle Durrant (Dave and Gayla's daughter) and Anne Robinson (you wouldn't know her parents). Sarah lives up Hardscrabble.  She was confirmed by the Bishop today in Sacrament, and the Young Women sang, "Walk Tall You're A Daughter Of God".  It was very very special.  Landon also helped out in Primary Sharing Time.  The lesson was on the Priesthood, and Landon talked about the Aaronic Priesthood.  I peeked in the back door so he couldn't see me, because I knew he would be nervous.  He did a great job.  He's such a great kid, and such a joy to be around.  Today we had Zac and CJ and Ben and Luann over for Camryn's birthday cake and ice cream.  We took pictures as she ate her own little cupcake !!  Earlier today she accidentally shut her finger in the french doors.  It was so sad, and she just screamed and screamed.  The end of her little finger was about smashed FLAT !!  No blood, but totally squished !!  I was pretty upset. It's a good thing Manda remained calm, because I was crying I felt so bad for her.  But it seems okay now. 

CJ starts her new job in Salt Lake on Thursday.  She will still be working for IHC, as a pharmacy tech, working with outpatients on their meds.  It is a DAY job !! - 9 to 6 Mon-Fri.  So she should miss the traffic.  It's on 2100 South, off of I-215. (I don't know if she ever took this job?)

Mark and his family went on a trip to Arizona to catch a Diamond Back game.  Now he's back in the ball games again, pretty hot and heavy.   There was a nice article on Jaden's Eagle Project in the Morgan County News, he fixed up the baseball field at the fairgrounds for WBBA to practice there.

Kelly and Michelle had a new baby about 6 weeks early.  He is doing well, they will name him Easton.  He weighed 5 lbs. 3 oz. and is still in the hospital.

Ella Barnum died a couple of days ago, we went to her viewing tonight.

Zac worked a long day up at Round Valley on Saturday.  They got there at 9 a.m., but Zac said they just stood around for a couple of hours before starting, and then worked till 5 p.m.  Roger and Landon and Mark were busy and couldn't help.  Zac said there were 10-20 people there, but mostly him and Richard and Troy and Michael did all the work.

Hogle Zoo was fun last Friday.  We went and drove up through the avenues while Camryn slept, and then went to Gateway for lunch, and then to the zoo, and home over Emigration Canyon and then to Parley's and over and home by Park City.

I head back to work tomorrow - fun fun.  Almost got the assessment roll finished.........  Hopefully this week will see the end of it.

It was a nice weekend as far as the weather, but it's supposed to rain again tomorrow. 

Write soon,

Love Gwen and family

May 16, 2005 - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

We thought the grandkids would get a kick out of these pictures.

They were taken while we were in Bangkok (the end of March) at the Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo.

These tigers were very big and I carefully held their tails up.  I don’t know what I would have done if they moved.

Grandpa got his picture taken with these two cute little elephants.  He bought some little bananas and fed them.  They really liked him.

I am feeding a baby elephant.  They sure can pick things up quick with their trunks.  It was hard to feed them and look at the camera at the same time.  I was afraid they would get my fingers mixed up with the bananas.  We had to wash our hands after feeding the elephants because they slobbered on their trunk when they put the food in their mouths and then the slobber got on us when we fed them again.

Grandpa is showing how big and strong he is with the alligator.  Doesn’t he look like a big game hunter?

After the elephant show we got to ride the elephants.  This was a big one and he still has the colorful coverings he wore during the show.  Even the trainer is dressed up fancy.

We are fine will write more later and send our journal.

Love, Grandma and Grandpa

May 22, 2005  - Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

Sorry I haven't written much lately - we have been so busy !

I miss hearing from you too !!  And I KNOW you two are busy busy.

Little tidbits of what has been happening.

Carrie's Grandpa Harrop died last night - I don't know the details, except I asked Devin on the phone if he had been sick, and he said, "No, he's just old..........."  I got a kick out of that.

We are is the process of getting our yard spruced back up after years of neglect.  I hope by the end of the summer it begins to look respectable.  We bought us a riding lawn mower yesterday - a Craftsman at Sears.

Spence had a group down at the property Friday night - I haven't heard how it went, but I'm sure just fine.

The dove is on the hill in Porterville, so maybe we'll escape flooding this year.  It has been really warm 80-90 these past few days.

Roger used your mower to mow down grass in the barnyard.

Manda and Camryn have been in Arizona for the past few days, celebrating her birthday with the Schutt's.

Manda will intern at a chiropractor's office in Layton, and probably get hired on there part-time  - 4 days a week.  (I don't think this happened)

CJ is going to her new job in Salt Lake now. 

Zac gave Richard Brown his two weeks notice, and will work for Dave Durrant and Matt Slate.

Baseball banquet is tomorrow night.  Graduation is this week also.

I have two Young Women, Lori London and Breanne Wilson who are graduating.  Next year, I'll have 11 seniors !!!

Zac and CJ's yard is just beautiful.  We'll have to send some pics.  He has worked sooooooooooo hard on it.

Well I need to get ready to go to a meeting.

Please write back and tell me if Dad is feeling better, and also you mom.  Are you both able to keep up health-wise with what you need to do?  Are you tired a lot, or managing okay?  I worry when I don't hear from you.

I love you both very much, and miss you too.  I'm glad it's only another year.  I can't believe 6 months have passed by so quickly.  Hopefully the next 12 will go by that fast too.

Love Gwen

5/22/05  - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

Dear Family,

They have given us a lot to do but My excuse for not writing is that I don't type.  Mom is off to the Service Center where she is entering data on membership records.  I'm sure she has it all in her journal which she will be sending soon.  Then at 1pm she goes to teach English while I go visit a bank about loans to start-up businesses.  Tonight we go to an open house for our drivers daughter and her family that have just moved into a new home.

Sorry to hear about Carrie's Grandpa.  Thank heaven for the gospel and our knowledge of the Plan of Salvation.  It makes death so much easier to deal with. 

Hope Manda gets back safely and that everything is going well for her with her new job.  Richard will really miss Zac and I hope CJ tolerates the drive to her new job.  Even though I am far away I still worry about each one of you.  Let us know what the family is doing, especially the grand kids.  Send those pictures of Zac's yard.

It sounds like things are happening down by the creek.  Have you got the sprinkling systems going?  Mark, does the mower work ok after a winter off?  Also were you able to find the old laptop computer?  Keep us up on what the boys are doing.

Erika, thanks for your update on your family.  It sounds like you are tooooooo busy.  Hope that Aaron's allergy soon clears up.

We are both fine so don't worry about us.  As Gwen mentioned in her last e-mail, six months has gone by very quickly and before we know it we will be back home.

Keep the e-mail coming, we check it several times each day in hope we will hear from you.

Love Dad

5/24/05  - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

Dear Family and Friends, 

Here we are once again with the happenings of the past week.  Attached are pictures of the house that Brother Som has been building for his daughter and son-in-law.  Notice the different stages as it progresses along.  Because labor is so cheap bricks are laid to form the walls.  The walls are then plastered and painted.  The inside floors are almost always ceramic tile.  The house is narrow and long (approximately 15 feet by 40 feet) with the living room in front serving as a garage at night.  The hallway down the left side leads to two bedrooms with the kitchen and bathroom in the back. 

We hope all is well back home.  Love, Elder and Sister Dickson.

5/29/05 - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

Just a few recent pictures.  One is of a bicycle pulling a trailer, usually it is a small motorcycle and there are hundreds on the street.  Another is of your mother in a kongbei, Brother Som was in an accident and was unuable to drive one day and this is how we got around.  The driver's name is Phat.  Again there are hundreds of them on the street.  The third picture is of a street vendor cooking her goods to be sold on the street about a block from where we live.  She is there every time that we go by whether it is morning, afternoon or evening.  We don't dare sample her offerings and we don't know what she is cooking but it looks pretty good.  You can see that Mom is well and happy.

We are just getting ready to go to church, it is 7:20 Sunday morning here and our driver will pick us up in about twenty minutes.  We hope you have a nice Memorial Day weekend.  Keep in touch, we love to hear from you.

Love, Mom and Dad (Grandpa and Grandma)

 5/29/05 - Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

Hi mom and dad.  Well, it’s been a pretty uneventful Memorial Day weekend.  I got the flowers put up on the graves, including grandmas and grandpas (both).  Our yard is looking better and better.  Poor Zac is having a time with his grass planting……….  First of all he plants it, and then Cannon on the corner decides to water, and it spills out all over Zac’s front yard (this is about 2 hours AFTER he plants it!)  I was ready to kill !!!

Then Lee’s on the other side water, and THEIR head gate leaks so bad, that it comes onto Zac, so Zac diverts it down the side pipe to the back yard, and it spills over and wets his BACK yard that he is trying to get ready to plant.  Then Daisy Brimley (in back) waters, and it spills over in the back yard too………….. Then Uncle Ray waters, and instead of shutting off the water up at the main ditch !!  He pulls the headgate and sends it DOWN the ditch !!  And back on Zac’s backyard again !!!!!  The main headgate up on the corner (on 100 S.) is so poorly done.  It does not seal, and water is always leaking by.  Zac is pretty discouraged, but I told him to look on the bright side – IF he EVER does get his grass planted, he won’t have to water it – HIS NEIGHBORS will do it for him !!!

Amanda only has 10 more days of school, and then she starts her externship at the chiropractor’s.  Landon starts summer ball on Tuesday.   Roger is thinking that it will be hay cutting time soon.  We are also going to get the watering at the property set up tomorrow.  We got us a riding lawnmower, so we can help Mark mow the property too.  Boy that is a full time job, as well you know.  Do you care if we get some weed and feed, or maybe just some weed killer to put on it? Mark says there is more weeds than grass. 

I am now working on the Morgan Trojan Football Program, getting ads sold, and layout put together, etc.  It is a big job that I wish I HAD NOT said I would do…….  Oh well, we’ve all got to help out – right?

Better go for now.  Thanks for the quick notes dad, and we LOVE the pics !!  Also, I’m passing your journal as I get it, on to Aunt Maisie and Uncle Ray (printing the pages) because they don’t get email.

Take care, work hard, DO GOOD !!!

LOVE Gwen and family

5/31/05 - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

Dear Family and Friends,

These are some pictures and our journal.  Hope you enjoy them. 

Love, Elder and Sister Dickson.

The attached pictures are: (0392) A bread vendor that you see everywhere along the streets.  Since their product is completely exposed all day long we don't dare buy any.  (0659 and 0661) These look like lobsters and it would probably be alright to eat them right after they are cooked but after she carries them around all day on her head, we don't buy any of these either.  This was on the beach in Sihanoukville.  (1023)  The group of young elders that went with us to the Hong Kong Temple.  (1849) This is the young man that helped on our boat tour of the three islands while we were in Sihanoukville.

April 2005

April 1, 2005 - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

In case I don't get our journal to you this week here is a letter that we wrote to our group of friends at the temple.

Well it has been too long since we last wrote so we will take time today to catch you up on what we are doing.  We are getting a little taste of warmer weather but are told it will get a lot warmer.  The other day it was 102 degrees and very humid.  Just the thought of moving around makes you perspire. 

The Learning Center has now closed and starting Monday we are going to be trained to work with the Employment missionaries here in Phnom Penh.  Additionally we will be teaching English to the staff of a non-governmental organization (NGO) orphanage.  I  (Veloy) will also be teaching English to several girls (ages 11 to 17) at a shelter.  These girls were sold into prostitution by their families and were rescued by the police.  I have taught two classes with them and they seem anxious to learn and are very cooperative.

We have just returned from Bangkok where we saw some doctors about a persistent problem Lee has been having.  To our surprise, our taxi cab driver (Charlie) knew and had pictures of Ray and Helen Johnson, a couple we worked with at the Temple who served a mission in Thailand a couple of years ago.  What a small world we live in.  Anyway, for the past three months Lee has been tormented by a burning sensation in his groin and upper legs and we hoped that the doctors in Bangkok (a very modern hospital) could determine what the problem was and give him some relief.  We saw four different doctors on two different days and got four different opinions on what the problem was.  We did come back with some medications that will hopefully do the trick.  All the tests that were done show that he is healthy and there is nothing seriously wrong with him.

The week after our Employment training is the Khmae (Cambodian) New Year and everything here shuts down and the people travel to the country to see their relatives.  Most of the senior couples are going to get the chance to travel somewhere.  A good number are going to Vietnam, which will be a fairly extensive and expensive trip.  Since we are going to Hong Kong and have just returned from Bangkok, Thailand, we are going to do something closer to Phnom Penh.  We will travel with two other couples to Sihanoukville, a city on the ocean about four hours drive south of here, where we will lounge on the beach and take several one-day excursions to various nearby places.  One-day trips including lunch run from $10 to $15 each and our guesthouse where we will be staying is only $15 a night per couple.  Sounds like we are having a tough time doesn’t it.  Of course we will take our lessons plans along and do some studying also.

On April 25^th we are going to the Hong Kong Temple with another missionary couple to accompany nine new missionaries, Elders from Cambodia who will receive their endowments there.  It sounds like we will get to do a little bit of sightseeing but most of the time will be spent in the temple.  Of course we will have to pay our own way but it will be worth it.  We will be flying late at night to minimize the cost for the new missionaries so hopefully the whole trip won’t cost too much.

Hope everything is fine at home with all of you and that you won't get too bored when you receive our journal.

Love you all.  Elder and Sister Dickson 

{Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Sister, Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law} 

April 5, 2005 -  Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

We are all well and doing fine.  The weather has been rainy rainy rainy !!

Landon's game was cancelled yesterday, and the makeup game (because of rain)

was cancelled the day before that !!

Mandy got your birthday card.  I guess Dallin's B-day is this week also.  We'll

have to celebrate both of them on Saturday when we have pizza !!  We are going

to try and clean up at the property a little bit on Saturday too.

Landon has his ACT test (the first one) on Saturday.  Tonight is Young Women's and

we are practicing for our Missionary Night which is next week.  The boys and girls

will be paired up into companions and sent to various homes in the ward to teach

as missionaries do.  They are excited for this - but I would be really nervous I think.

We need to remember to teach by the spirit, and pray that the recipients will be able

to learn by the spirit, because this is when individuals are truly reached.

Did you watch General Conference?  I really really liked the talk about being kind,

and Elder Bednar's talk about the tender mercies of Christ, and so many others.

Where did you watch it?? Stake Center??

Landon like the priesthood talk by Anderson, on how evil is disguised by friendly eyes,

or something like that.  Also he was impressed by the talk discouraging gambling, as

he has participated in poker with his friends at one time or another, but it has not been

an active pursuit of his, like it has become with some of the people he knows.

Zac has put a heat vent up the corner of his living room to service the upstairs. He has boxed around this pipe with a wall.  He was able to relocate the plug that was on the kitchen wall (by bringing it out to the new wall) and also ran a switch (two-way) so that he didn't always have to go clear across the  living room to turn off the living room light !!  He's pretty smart !! I wonder where he get  all of his mechanical, electrical, do it himself capabilities?!?!?!?!  Hahaha........ Little does he know that he is setting himself up to be just like you dad, depended upon for every little thing !!!!

Amanda has finished the HARD part of his schooling, and now just has to put in the time on the easy stuff until she finishes the course in the middle of June.  She has a weekend trip planned to Vegas then with Therese and Jody to celebrate all of her hard work. Then it's back for her externship (she doesn't know where this will be yet) and then hopefully hired somewhere that she will like.  She plans on living here for at least another year after that - if she can stand it !! Seriously, she appreciates all that we have done for her, but I told her, that is just what parents do for their kids !!  We have enjoyed having them here so much, and surprisingly, there has been very little tension.

On another subject - is Hong Kong in China??  I thought the church did not have a presence in China??  Or is it like Vietnam used to be (or maybe still is) where there is Communist and Free China??  Please explain.

Have fun this next week in Shanoukville.  Relax a little for all of us !!  You deserve it !!

Take care, and don't worry about us here at home, things are going well.

Love Gwen and family

April 8, 2005 - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

Dear Family,

Well you can see by reading our journal that we have had a very busy week.  Hopefully we can get all rested up next week and be ready to start working hard again.  We hope you are all doing well.  Have fun with your get together and don't work too hard cleaning the property.  We love you all and miss you.  Will write again in about ten days.  Don't worry about us. 

 Love Elder and Sister Dickson (Mom an Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, etc., etc., etc.)

April 18, 2005 -  Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

Dear Kids,  we're back from a very relaxing and nice trip to Sihanoukville.  The weather was beautiful and the ocean was warm and wonderful.  Wish you could have been with us.  We got a taste of a Cambodian rain storm last Saturday.  It rained cats and dogs or in other words, it poured down good and hard for about two hours.  The streets were flooded and water was running everywhere.  We spent about an hour in a hilltop restaurant waiting for the rain to stop long enough for us to take an open cable car down the hill to where our car was.  It didn't stop so we left anyway.  The cable car was pulled up and down by an old International Harvester tractor.   Will write more later.  We are well and everything is fine.  We get back into the swing of things tomorrow.   

Take care!!!  We love you, Mom and Dad (Grandma and Grandpa)

April 21, 2005 - Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

I just wanted to tell you about a play that Landon made at catch last night in the JV game against Ben Lomond. A kid was on third, and a kid was up to bat and struck out on a third strike and the ball was in the dirt, and Landon dropped it so Landon had to scoop it up and throw the kid out at first.  And here was the kid on third wanting to come home.  Landon scooped up the ball, pointed at the kid at third, and bulleted it down to first - kid out.  Jake Blomquist bulleted it back to Landon at home, and it was on the money and Landon was able to block the plate, and the kid was out coming from third base!!  Game ends, Morgan wins 10-3.  I wasn't there to see it, but Rog said it was pretty awesome.  When I ask Landon about it, he just "ah shucks" it, with a BIG SMILE !!

Tomorrow  - Landon is going to be in THREE skits for his friends that are running for SBO's.  He is going to be performing an original New Zealand war dance that Jason Bush taught him, Chase Kimbal (running for SBO president), Tyler Carrigan, and someone else - I can't remember who.  Then he's in Katie Rhodes skit, about some kids that go to a movie (he get's kissed on the cheek, and has to kiss someone else on the cheek in this one!) and then he's in Jake Blazzard's skit, which is something about Blue's Clue's cartoon.  I'm going over to watch and FILM it.  It should be pretty good !!

Gwen and Family

April 23, 2005 - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia 

Thanks for all you do for us.  We really appreciate it and the e-mails you send to keep us informed.  Now that we are back from the beach and Dad is feeling better it looks like we are going to start getting busy and involved.  You will notice in our next journal (I will send before we leave for Hong Kong of Monday night) some of the things we are going to be doing.

Thanks for the pictures especially the one of Camryn, Dallin and Devin.  You are right that picture was too cute to not send.  We sure do wish we could have been with you on Amanda's birthday.  How did the cleaning up of the property turn out or did it storm? 

Landon seems to be really involved with a good bunch of friends.  We wish we could have been there to see his spectacular play in getting those two players out.  How did his ACT test go?  Are the elections over for student body officers?  Who got in and how did the skits work out? 

We went to a Zone Conference today and we were really impressed with the young missionaries.  They are awesome.  I can just picture Landon doing all of these things that they do when he gets on his mission.  He is a great kid besides being a special grandson.  But then all of our grandkids and great-granddaughter are extra special.  We are glad Amanda is doing so well in school.  How is Zac coming with fixing his upstairs and how is CJ feeling?  I hope she isn't too sick.

How did the YM/YW do on their missionary night?  Could they pick the homes they wanted to go to or did the leaders send them to certain homes?

I haven't heard from Pam and Norris so I don't know if they are receiving any of our e-mails or if their computer or whatever is still not working.  Also, would you please make a copy of stuff and give it to Aunt Maisie and Uncle Ray.  By the time we get things to the Mission Home and hit the mail pick up just right, things could be a week or two late. 

Thanks again for everything you do.  Dad mentioned the other day that no one tells us about the weather.  Is there any high water yet or hasn't it started to melt.  We are having really warm weather now.  Yesterday afternoon it was 95 degrees.  In fact, it starts warming up early in the morning.  We try to open our windows to get a little circulation and fresh air when we get up in the mornings, but have to close them before 8 a.m.

Will close for now.  We love all of you.

Love, Elder and Sister Dickson (Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa)

April 23, 2005 - Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission to Cambodia

I've worked from 7:30 this morning till 7:30 tonight at my work.  I took a 1/2 hour lunch at the Chicken Inn with Zac and CJ and Manda and Camryn.  I am swamped, and my May 22 deadline is looming, and I have SO MUCH left - I hope I make it !

Roger and Landon went to Ogden to see Northridge play at Lindquist field.

Now to answer your questions !!

But first - one of my own.  You say dad is feeling better now?  I'm so glad. Do you think it's the medicine working?

We did get down to the property on a Monday night a week or so ago, and got it all raked.  Mark said he would mow today, and our family is going to keep it trimmed.  We'll see how it goes ??!?!

Landon does have a bunch of good friends.  He got his ACT test results today, an 18 - a little lower that we thought he'd get.  He'll be taking it 2-3 more times, so hopefully he can get it up in the 20's.

The student body elections were yesterday.

President - Chase Kimbal against Landon Peterson (Darrin Peterson's son, who is Jerry Peterson's son) - Landon won  Landon's skit was a spoof off the Incredibles, and was pretty "incredible"!  Chase's New Zealand war chant went well also, with Landon, Tyler Carrigan, Mike Rose, and Colton Winchester helping him out.

Secretary Josh Wilson against Whitney Weaver - Josh wonVP -  -Jake Blazzard against Bryce Smalley - Jake one.  He did a skit on "Blue's Clue's"  It was great !!

VP - business Jake "Beaner" Christensen against Katie Rhodes (one of my YOUNG WOMEN) - Katie won, and I'm so happy for her !!!

VP - advertising Tim Poll against Ren Blake - Tim won

VP - historian Cami Mayhew against Stefanie Clemens - Cami won

The YM and YW did great on their missionary night.  We had the homes picked out, and they did a good job.

I don't know if Aunt Pam's email is working or not - I'll have to ask them.

I'll get Aunt Maisie a copy of things for you.

The weather has been warm, and then rainy.  The river and East Canyon creek is pretty high.  The Weber is higher that I have seen in in MANY years. 

Zac has got his grates in all of his head gates.  They look beautiful.  Dad would be so proud.  They are perfect.  I would put them up against any in Morgan.  They look awesome.  He has taken such care to make sure they fit with exactness, leaving nice slots for the head gates to be pulled out, without having to lift the grates.  He even made the two little ones in the middle come down in front, and not just on the top.  I'll have to take a picture and send to you. 

He got your car licensed - because his pooped out on him.  CJ feels good some days and some days not.  They haven't worked on the upstairs too much, only ripping out carpet and pad of the back room and the little room. 

Amanda got  90 on that test I was telling you about.  She's at the top of her class !!  I hope she can get a job in Ogden and not Salt Lake when her externship starts, which is in June.

Tomorrow is YW, and I have a lot of meetings to go to - one at 8:30  9:00 10:00  11:00 - 2:00 is church, and then one at 3:15.  Does that sound familiar??

I have a challenge for you !!  Have you heard of the Living Christ??  It's a statement that the Prophet, and the apostles put out in 2000.  Well guess what??  I memorized the WHOLE thing !!  It's a doozy.  I cannot believe I did it !!  We (Lynelle Rich and I) have done it, and challenged our young women to do it also.   I am so proud of myself. I challenge you to do the same !!  I know you can.  Here I go - I'll type it for you from my memory:

As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millenia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life, and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice.  None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.

He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, and(remove) the Messiah of the New.  Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of  the earth.  "All things were made by him; and without him, was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3).  Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness.  He "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it.  His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill.  He entreated all to follow His example.  He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead.  He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

In instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice.  He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary's cross.  He gave His life, to atone for the sins of all mankind.  His was a great and(remove) vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

We solemnly testify, that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary.  He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the World.

He rose from the grave to "become the firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Corinthians 15:20).  As Risen Lord, he visited among those He had loved in life.  He also ministered among His "other sheep" (John 10:16)  in ancient America.  In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long promised "dispensation of the fullness of times" (Ephesians 1:10).

Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: "His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying: "I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father" (D&C 110:3-4).

Of Him the Prophet also declared: "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That He lives! "For we saw Him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father -

"That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God" (D&C 76:22-24).

We declare in words of solemnity, that His priesthood and His Church have been restored on the earth -  today(remove).  "built upon the foundation of ........ apostles and prophets,  Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" (Ephesians 2:20).

We testify that He will someday return to earth.  "And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: (Isaiah 40:5).  He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to  be judged of Him according to our works, and the desires of our hearts.

We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles -  that Jesus in the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God.  He is the great King Emmanuel, who stands today even(remove) on the right hand of His Father.  He is the light, the life,  and the hope of the world.  His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life, and eternal life in the world to come.  God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.

The words in red - are where I made a mistake, either by leaving something out, or using the wrong word. I also thought you might like the scripture references - I didn't memorize them. - pretty good don't you think??

Well I better go for now, it's 9:34, and I'm beat.  Take care, we love you and pray for you daily.

Love Gwen

March 2005

March 1, 2005 - Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Haven't heard from you in awhile?    Is everything okay?  Are you sick?? or just busy??

I guess it's the Grandma Dickson in me...........  Please send a email soon.

We are all doing fine.  Landon is trying out for baseball team.  I guess we shouldn't worry about him making it, because Stan sent home about $250 in brand new catching gear  last night, and the tryouts don't end until tonight !!

Manda has a BIG test tonight at school.  She's doing so well, and getting excellent grades, etc.  She' just like chips off the old blocks........... She seems to do well in whatever she set her mind to.

Zac sold his truck to Jim and Shirlee, and is proceeding with plans for a detached garage. CJ is working also, and studying to take the final little State test for pharmaceutical tech. She already passed the BIG one.

Roger still in not liking his work very much, but what can you do?  Me, I'm pretty much buried with work, and Young Womens, and watching Camryn, and keeping up a house and fixing meals, etc. 

I've been reading the Book of Mormon steadily since mid-January, and am already to 3rd Nephi.  I've been taking really good notes, trying to outline and follow the transition of the plates, and the timeline, and keep everything in perspective.  It is going really well.  I could always quote you the story of Nephi and Lehi, but after Jacob got the plates, and Enos, and then King Benjamin, I sort of got lost as to who, where, why, etc.  So Hopefully I'll be better able to put in all in place when I'm done (this time).  Then I want to go back through it and fine tune my notes, putting them on a spread sheet with the timeline on the Y (vertical?) axis, and the people, events, etc. on the X (horizontal) axis.

March 2, 2005 - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Sorry we have not written more often.  Just busy.  I commented to Mom that we check the e-mail here everyday hoping for word from home and forget that the same thing is happening there.  We are fine but very busy with school, zone conferences, lost sheep project, etc.  Mom will write more soon.  Love Dad

March 2, 2005

I weighed yesterday, and lost 6 pounds !?!?!  I broke the 190 barrier, and am at 187.5 pounds.  Since August 10 of last year, I have now lost 39.5 pounds !!  I feel good, and the only complaint I have is in my hip sockets.  Don’t know what the problem is, but they catch and pinch when I get up from a sitting position, or when I straighten up from bending straight over, or sometimes when I’m walking.  Wish it would go away, but maybe I’m just getting old.  My mom has the same problem too.

YW went good last night.  We tied a quilt for Karli Rich.  Tonight is the wrestling banquet.  Hope we can show the slideshow presentation I put together.  The auditorium might not be available, and if not, I don’t know where we would show it.  Last night Landon tried to clean up the MESS in his room, and plugged the vacuum hose up.  What a mess !!  Tana Myers had answered him for the Junior Prom, and had put confetti, and Easter grass, and crepe paper ALL over the place.  What a mess !!

March 3, 2005

Worked today – it seems I don’t get much done, and time is running out on my May 22^nd deadline.  Went to a baseball meeting tonight.  It’ s always good to change seasons, but I don’t feel as connected to these baseball boys as I do the wrestlers.  I think I forgot to mention this !!  as I would not be writing it in a letter to my mom and dad, at least not yet !!  Zac and CJ are pregnant !!  They told us last Saturday night, the 26^th of Feb.  Her first doctor’s appointment isn’t until next Thursday.  She will be due approximately the middle of October.  She hasn’t been feeling all that well, with the nausea and such. We are very happy for them.  They will have a cute little family I’m sure.  Zac is still working on his detached garage, at least he is making plans for it.  We are planning on going snowmobiling on Saturday.  We were going to go up to Logan area with the Judds, but have decided to go to Woodland with the Kimbal’s instead.  Manda and Camryn leave early in the morning for a visit to Phoenix.  I sure hope all goes well there with Jim and his family.  

March 6, 2005 Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

So sorry it has taken so long to get back to you.  We really enjoy your e-mails and you have been so faithful to write no matter how busy your schedule is.  I guess now that wrestling is over it is time to start thinking about baseball.  Landon will be, and is a very good catcher.  Stan knows what he is doing, but $250 worth of equipment.  He is really spoiling Landon but we know he is worth it. 

We are glad Amanda is doing so well in school and hope she aces her big test.  She is one sharp gal, as all your kids are.  Sure wish we could give Camryn a few kisses and hugs.  I was showing off our pictures at the Learning Center the other day and it made me so home sick.  I mentioned that when we get home she won't even recognize us and probably won't come to us.  It sure made me feel bad to think that this will happen.

It sounds like Zac and CJ are keeping really busy too.  Thanks for typing his e-mail, we enjoyed hearing from him.  Dad can't get over how quick Zac can do things.  He just shakes his head and says, "while I'm thinking about how to do something, Zac has it done."  He's a great guy!!

We are sorry that Roger isn't enjoying his work but a new snowmobile should surely lift his spirits.  Has he had a chance to use it much?

Gwen, we are so proud of what you are doing in studying the Book of Mormon.  I wish I had as much determination and get up and go as you do.  I mentioned in one of my journal entries about the book I have been reading by Russel M. Ballard - "Our Search for Happiness."  I would like you to get that book (it is a paperback) and pay for it with a check.  If you can would you have Amanda read it for me.  I know she doesn't want anything to do with the church but maybe it will help her understand why the church is so important to us.  I feel just like our Father in Heaven must feel and want so bad for us all to be together in the eternities.

Just so you won't worry about Dad when you read the journal entries, he is okay, nothing serious.  We have both lost weight but part of it is because we don't have all the goodies and fast foods around to indulge in.  He was sick though when we first got here and lost extra weight then.  He is still having problems with burning in his upper legs and groin and no matter what we try or the doctors suggest it doesn't seem to get any better.  We have referred to it as a rash for a better way of saying, it but it is not a rash.  It is wearing on him and he worries a lot (you know, Grandma Dickson).  Anyway, things are going fine but it is hard for him to keep his mind on his work. Don't send this last paragraph to anyone as he doesn't want people to know.

Thanks again for your support and the e-mails.  We love you all and miss you terribly.

All our love, Mom and Dad

Monday, March 7, 2005  Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Manda and Camryn got back yesterday (Sunday) from a weekend in Phoenix.  It went very well, and Jim was on his best behavior.  Camryn took to Pam (Jim's mom) and to Jim without too much trouble at all.   She was (is) such a sweet baby, and was a good as gold down there.  Manda said everyone in the airport she would smile at and say HI, and EVERYONE commented on what a cute baby she was.  I guess she really got into showing off, and laughing, and pretty much had everyone wrapped around her little finger.

Don't get too sad about not seeing her, or her not knowing you, because I'm sure she'll warm right up. 

Well it's back to the grind this week again.  I've got a lot to do at work, and it seems with everything in Young Womens and all that I don't get alot done here at home.  I come home and tend Camryn everyday at 4 p.m., and you don't get much done with a baby around, that's for sure. 

The wrestling banquet last week went very well, and everyone was really impressed with my yearly slideshow.  Landon has his first baseball game day after tomorrow.  Hope all goes well. 

Thought I'd let you in on a little exciting news.........................  Zac and CJ are expecting a baby !!  She hasn't been to the doctor yet, she goes on Thursday, but they figure the baby will be born in the middle of October !!  They are excited, and we are excited for them.  I guess Zac will get started on the project of doing the upstairs bedrooms now.

Amanda aced her test (of course).  She is doing really well.   I'll get that book you wanted me to get her and hopefully she'll read it.

Better go for now - got a lot to do before I go to work.  I hope dad gets feeling better. We pray for you everyday.  Do good.

Love Gwen

March 11, 2005  Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Well it's Friday - thank goodness !  Although I've got so much work to do at work that I should wish for longer days and longer weeks. it seems it's like this every year at this time. 

Did I tell you that the Varsity baseball team won their first game?  Landon did well defensively as catcher, but could use some work at bat.  He catches all of Varsity, and a couple of innings of JV - Stan doesn't want to get him hurt, because then the team would be up a creek without a paddle.  I am working on a Baseball poster, similar to the wrestling poster I did.  We put these in all of the local businesses, advertising the schedule, etc.  Our Stake Conference is this Sunday, and we found out the Elder Packer will NOT be coming.  It is a disappointment, but oh well.  We are pouring cement at Zac's tomorrow (the walls between the headgate boxes he poured last year.  Dad you would be proud to see how he has formed it up, and tied the rebar in.  It looks so good, and he has done it JUST LIKE YOU - as far as making sure it is all tied in.  It will be there for the millennium, just like my front porch on the house on the hill !!!  Amanda is still doing well in school - and looking forward to getting a job where she can put her skills to work.  Her goal is to be out on her own in an apartment by a year from July.  I think this is a realistic goal.  We are trying to talk her into leaving Camryn with us HAHAHAHA.  It will be hard to see them leave.  I'm glad it's not for awhile yet. One of Landon's coaches (Burtenshaw) dad died, and we will take Landon to the viewing tonight.  He was the coach at Ben Lomond (the dad) and his son, Coach Brad Burtenshaw, coaches football at Morgan.  Landon sure likes him.  I can't remember if anyone else you know has died - have you been checking Walker Mortuary website??  That might be something you want to do periodically.  Haven't heard if Kimberly had her baby or not.  Maybe Dawna knows?????   Landon reffed wrestling (sp?) at a  recreational league  tournament last night.  He does so well Roger says - I stayed home with Camryn who has a little cold.  Roger said there was this teeny little guy about 2 feet high, who went out there to wrestle, took the other little boy down to his back, and slapped the mat 1-2-3, said, "you're pinned!", and got up and ran off to his mom and dad on the sidelines..........  Landon just stood there shaking his head and laughing along with everyone else !!  It was pretty cute I guess !!  Jaden is trying his hand at wrestling also !!  It would be neat if he could get into a sport - I know that Mark would be REALLY excited !!   I guess Mark is league director?  for the Morgan WBBA (I think)  Anyway, he is head of the board or something.  He will be busy busy this summer with that I guess.  Zac and CJ went to the doctor yesterday, and everything looks great.  She is about 8 weeks along now.  Well I better get going getting ready for work.  Love you both, and miss you too.  Hope everything is going good.  Keep up the good work, and remember we are praying for you !! 

LOVE GWEN

March 13, 2005 - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Just a quick note to let you know how much we enjoyed your last e-mails.  It sounds like you are all very, very busy.  This week is going to be a busy week for us too with final exams and "lost sheep" training for the District (stake) Presidencies.  But we are going to end the week with an excursion to Sihanoukville on Saturday.  It is about a four hour drive south and east of Phnom Penh and is a beach resort on the ocean.  It should be a full day as we are leaving at 5 a.m.  We are doing fine and just trying to keep up with everything.  Love and miss all of you a lot.

Love, Mom and Dad (Grandma and Grandpa)

March 13, 2005 - Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

We had Stake Conference today.  It was very good.  They released John Wilkinson, and moved Bohman up to 1st counselor, and called Larry Wilson to 2nd counselor.  No mention was made on why this was done, but we were basically told not to speculate, and not to gossip, and to keep out of other people's business.  President Bott, John Wilkinson, and Bohman talked, and also general authorities, Brenchley?? and Monte Brough.  Brenchley talked about Senior missionary couples, and I was again, so proud of you two.  They said that you are sooooooooooo needed, and how much the missionaries look to you for examples, not just on church matters, but on how you treat each other as husband and wife.  Brenchely talked about how he was a mission president in Australia, and how over 75% of his missionaries came from single parent homes, and how they really looked to the senior missionary couples for direction in how to relate as an eternal couple.  Elder Brough talked on mothers, and he was entertaining.  He has a slight speach problem?  or maybe he just mumbles, but he was very nice.  Janene Walker said that his daughter lives in Morgan, but I don't know who she is. (Lynette Butterfield)

Roger and I have been working on a new computer program we got to keep baseball stats.  We got this from Mark.  We also got us a PDA, sort of a palm pilot to do this at the games.   I go to Price on Thursday for assessor meetings, and then we head to St. George on Friday and Sat. for baseball.  We are staying in Mark and Janene's condo.

We poured cement out in front of Zac's yesterday (Sat.) and both Zac and I commented that YOU BOTH were sorely !! missed.  It really kicked our butts, and took us longer to do.  Boy we sure miss your help !!  But it turned out beautifully !! I have sent some pictures with the credit cards (mailed Monday morning early) so you can see the fine work. 

The weather has been beautiful, but now it is getting cold for a few days.  Hope it warms up by this weekend in St. George. Landon has a game on Tuesday too, and I hope the weather cooperates. 

I fixed his baseball jacket/coat, that he had burnt a hole or two in.  I was able to unpick the seams, and put in a few new pieces (used contrasted black material because I could not get any maroon to match) and sewed it back up again, and it looks wonderful !! I'm so glad I can sew when I have to.  Thanks MOM !!

Had to get a new garage door opener.  The old one finally broke.  Seems like it's always something !!

Mark and Carrie came over tonight for a little while.  They said their kids were driving them crazy !.  They went to Pocatello over the Friday/Sat. to watch their two youngest in a basketball tournament.

Well, it's 9:32 p.m., and I"m getting tired, so I guess I"ll head to bed.

  Love you both, take care, and do good !!

LOVE GWEN

March 16th -  Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

How are things going?  We are all fine. Life is going on as usual.  Work, ball games, Young Women, over and over it seems.

I'll be glad to head to St. George for a break this weekend (Friday & Sat).  The weather is a little bit colder, but we didn't get

the snow and rain (at least not yet) like the weather man said.  It will probably wait until tomorrow when I have to drive to Price and

back in one day................

Well, I better go for now - a lot to do !!

LOVE GWEN

March 17, 2005 

Well I’m driving to Price in about 45 minutes.  Need to get my butt in gear.  Hope it will only take me 3 hours so I can be there at 8:30 a.m.  Hope the meetings are productive, and not a waste.  Landon had a busy day yesterday.  He went to school, then baseball practice, came home grabbed a bite to eat, then went over and weight lifted, then home, and ran to Ogden with Tana Myers to get some fabric for her home-ec class.  Then home, packed for St. George, then over to Leisa’s to get his hair cut and colored, then he was going up to Jamo’s to sleep over (tradition) the night before St. George, then he’ll head to school from there tomorrow morning, do school, then head to St. George with the team on a bus.  We won’t see him until Friday morning when we get to St. George.  We are leaving in the morning about 5:30 a.m.  Kind of makes your head spin doesn’t it ??

The weather doesn’t look too bad outside, so hopefully it won’t snow on my today as I go over Soldier Summit.  I just hear Rog getting in the shower – darn !!  I haven’t gotten in yet, and I’ve got to leave in 40 minutes !!  I am a slacker !! 

Young Womens is going good.  It’s settling down now, and I’m not so stressed.  I need to keep up with the spiritual aspects of my life though, and not get into a rut.  Need to keep up with the Book of Mormon. I’m in Ether, and it’s so confusing as I’m trying to diagram all of the people, and the generations are sooooooooooo messy.  I asked Landon yesterday, if something ever happened to me, what did he think I would want most for him to do.  He hit the nail right on the head.  Number 1 thing – for him to go on a mission.  Number 2 thing – for him to be married in the temple.  I love my family so much, and only want for us to be together in the eternities.  I keep reflecting back to my patriarchal blessing, where Patriarch Little said that through my journals, that my family would be blessed, as it would be a “road-map” to help them to know the way back to our Heavenly Father.  I hope this is so with all of my heart. 

March 18, 2005 -  Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

My trip yesterday to Price was uneventful.  It only takes 2 1/2 hours from Morgan, and is about 161 miles. 

It's now 4:22 a.m. on Friday morning, and we are going to be leaving for St. George within the hour.  We need to be

there by 1 p.m. for a game at Pineview HS.  The weather is cooler than last week, and we'll probably get rained on before it's over. 

It tried to snow a little bit last night. 

Have you taken many pictures?

Can you burn a disk and send us some?  Do you have access to the pouch mail, or do you have to send it regular?

Did you get your credit cards yet?  I sent them Monday. 

Well better go for now, won't be able to check email until Sunday afternoon when we get back.  Hope there is something

there for us to read !!

Love Gwen

March 20, 2005 – Sunday  Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Dear Mom and Dad

Hi - we are back from St. George.

The team did well.  They played 4 games (the JV got rained out)

and won two and lost two.  Landon played especially well in the game against Skyview

and Hurricane (the ones we won).

He had a BUNCH of put outs at second base (beautiful throws) and a couple at home, and

caught a pop up fly, and had 2 RBI's and also a triple.

Maurell and Betty Brown asked about you, they think of you both often, and Maurell says you are his favorite person mom !!

We enjoy reading your journals so much.  It looks like you got in a little recreational time, huh?  That is good.

Here is a question for you - People always ask about you two and how you are doing.  I tell them you are fine, and then they ask, "Do they like it?"  Well - do you?  is "like" the right word?  I'm not sure how to answer them on that one. 

So now mom, are you going to be working with this lady, and the girls?  What is dad going to do?

We love you both very much - take care, we pray for you daily.

Love Gwen

March 23, 2005 - Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Good morning !! - but you are probably reading this in the evening maybe.....

We have been keeping busy here a usual.  Landon had a baseball game here

yesterday, and it got rained out in the 6th inning.  We were ahead 7-1, so

that's okay I guess. 

Then I had YW at the church.  We had a getting to know you night, and it was

really fun.  The girls had filled out questionnaires, and we compared interests, i.e.

favorite color, subject in school, temples, scriptures, likes, dislikes, etc.

Zac finished up at Shirlee and Jim's (doing their bathroom) and they bought him a nail gun

as part of the payment.  He's excited about that.   CJ is working as usual.  She is

feeling the "sick" effects of pregnancy.

Manda took her test last Saturday, and thinks she did well on it.  She is a good mom,

and loves Camryn very much.  But that is not hard to do, she is such a sweet baby.

Zac comes up to the house more often, just to see HER !!!

Landon and I are reading scriptures about our Savior's resurrection this week, to

get us in the spirit for Easter.  I guess we are going up to Luann's on Sunday afternoon

to eat with all of the clan. 

Erika and her family and Mark and his family will be coming over to our house on April 9th

(Manda's birthday) to eat pizza.

Well, better go and get ready for work !!

LOVE YOU BOTH, and hope all is going well.

Write when you can.

LOVE GWEN

03/23/2005

Email to Mark – Wed. night

The game was cancelled today (Wed), but should be played tomorrow at 2pm unless

it's cancelled again !!  I told Roger that I wish the info below was a little more precise.

What is listed in red concerns Landon - HE was the interference (he reached to snag

the ball to quick)  and also,  Landon got Allen's BUNT, and turned around and on his

belly, tagged the base to get the guy out coming home from third, then he JUMPED up

and threw the kid that was coming from second to third, and who had over run third

out - it was so cool.  As I'm writing this to clarify for YOU, what exactly happened,

Roger is sitting here laughing at ME, because he said that he BETS a MILLION dollars

that you already read between the lines (which I was unable to do..................) and

already know what a STUD Lando is.. HAHAHAHA

> > Morgan Varsity 010511880
> > Top of 1st - Parkcity
> > Jamo Rees pitching:
> > -- .Anderson: Ball, Ball, Ball, Strike, Strike, .Anderson struck
> out
> > swinging.
> > -- Sanchez: Ball, Ball, Ball, Sanchez walked.
> > -- Meister: Meister singled, Sanchez to second.
> > -- Artsistas: Foul, Artsistas awarded base due to interference,
> Sanchez to
> > third, Meister to second.
> > -- Allen: Allen on base by fielder's choice, Sanchez forced out at
> home,
> > Meister to third, Meister tagged out going home.
> > End of Inning (0 Runs, 1 Hits, 0 Errors)
> > Bottom of 1st - Morgan Varsity
> > .Anderson pitching:

See you later :)
Gwen

On Wed, 23 Mar 2005 17:24:45 +0000 "amanda rich" <arich0409@hotmail.com> writes:

Hi mom

I just wanted to write to you to let you know how I have been feeling.  I am really not good at talking face to face because you usually get mad at me and walk away or give me that look.

I luv you guys so much and thank you so much for basically rescuing me and Camryn.  You will never know how much I appreciate all that you have done for us.  I hope that I can eventually repay you back someday.

I just am kinda having a hard time right now.  Living here is driving me crazy, I just get so frustrated and its nobody's fault.  You just get used to having things a certain way, and when its not and there is nothing you can do about it, its hard.

So if I am kinda ornery I am sorry, but I just can't imagine being here for another year even though I know that its what is best for me and Camryn,  You probably can't imagine it either

If I am feeling this way you are probably too, huh?

Oh well

Luv Amanda

Dear Manda,

Please be patient with me. I know I drive you crazy.  I worry that I am losing my mind sometimes, but

I think that I just have so much going on in my life, with home, and work, and YW, and everything that

I can't keep things straight.  I'm sorry that you feel bad when I walk away and look at you wrong.  If

you will remember, there was a time that I would yell and scream, and I don't do that anymore, so I just

walk away so I won't way something I'll regret.  I'll try and have the kitchen cleaned up better, and I

thank you for vacuuming today for me.  I just get so tired sometimes at night that I can't get up the energy

to get anything done.  It will be alright, we'll all work together to make it okay, and honestly, I am looking

forward to having you and Camryn here - if you can put up with us (me).

Love Mom.

Night – March 24^th

Dear Mom and Dad

> Just checking to see if all is well - I know you are busy.

> It snowed off and on yesterday and today - didn't stick

> too much, but the mountains go hammered.

> I love you both - take care

> See you later :)

> Gwen

Reply back

Dear Gwen

We received the pictures and credit cards (I e-mailed Vickie Anderson at the

credit union and she is supposed to activate them for us).  We cannot

believe how much Camryn has grown.  Was Landon's hair color temporary or

does it have to grow out?  Looks like a good cement job, we really feel bad

that we missed the fun.   Mom has a lot to write you about but she hasn't

time right now and I don't type.  Thanks for all you do for us.

Love, Dad

March 25, 2005  Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Now don’t worry, but Dad is still having problems and we have decided to see a Dr. Singh at the hospital in Bangkok, Thailand.  We leave this coming Monday morning as Dad has an appointment at 1 p.m. in the afternoon.  The country director, Elder and Sister Johnson, are going with us and we are planning to spend several days there so that we can see some of the local sights and provide time for any tests that may need to be done.  He seems to be in very good health except for this burning that he can’t get any relief from.

April is going to be an unusual month for us.  The week following our trip to Bangkok we will be taking an Employment Training Workshop (April 4 – 8).  We are going to be working with Employment (mostly Dad) to replace the time spent in teaching English.  He and Brother Som will be helping the Employment Director.  Saturday we leave for Sihanoukville (April 9-18) for a week at the beach.  Doesn’t that sound awful?  It is the Khmae New Year and everything shuts down here in Phnom Penh.  Seven of the senior missionary couples are touring Vietnam but since we have been asked to go to Hong Kong (April 25 – 30) to escort nine missionaries to the Temple we decided to save our money for that trip.  Yes, we have an exceptional mission but we get a lot accomplished too.

Now to answer your questions.  You can tell everyone we are really enjoying our mission and like it here very much.  We are adjusting more and more each day but do miss our family and seeing the grandchildren and our sweet little great-granddaughter.  The weather is starting to get warmer and this afternoon it was 102 degrees.  Brother Som said April and May both will be hot.  Thank goodness for air conditioning. 

I will be teaching at Pela's Shelter.  Pela does not live at the Shelter, but has house mother's there.  She has decided to go back to Finland but has arranged for the Shelter to continue while she is gone.  Dad has been going with me but he will probably be working with the Employment Director.  We are both set up to teach at ASPECA (you can read about it in our journal) as there will be two classes.  Until we get into it I don't know if I will teach both - one at 1 p.m. and one at 2 p.m. or if we will both teach a class at 1 p.m.

We're glad you are all getting together for Amanda's birthday.  Sure wish we could be with you.  Dad talks about your pizza often.  It is so much better than what we have here but then we really haven't tried too many pizza places.  I'm sure yours is much better anyway.

We enjoyed hearing about the ballgames in St. George.  The narrative on the baseball stats was something else.  I'll bet it took a long time to get it all typed in.  Is this the program you talked about getting from Mark.  The slide show of the game was great.  I was able to count twenty times seeing Landon.  Of course that was when I recognized his number.  There were probably more times but we couldn't tell for sure who they all were.

Thanks for the e-mail addresses.  I was going to ask you to get me Aunt Jane's.  As for the disk of pictures, we are working on it. 

We are really proud of you and Landon and your scripture studying.  It will help him a lot on his mission.  I can't remember if I told you or not about memorizing D&C 4.  All the missionaries have it memorized over here.  I don't know if they had to learn it in the MTC or what.

We can't believe how much Camyrn has grown.  Give her a big kiss for us.

Better get an e-mail off to Mark and Erika.  I will try to send you our journal before we leave Monday morning.

Tell all your family "Hello" for us.  We miss you all!!!!!

Love, Mom and Dad

March 27, 2005 - Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Please let us know ASAP what you find out about Dad.  I hope you took your computer with you to Bangkok  and find an internet hookup.  I wasn't too worried, but both Mark and Erika have called, and we are all concerned.  We know you are both very private about things, but please let us know.  Mark is worried that it's skin cancer?!?!?   So now I'm upset and worried too.  Please let us know.

Love Gwen

You know we are praying very hard for you....................

How are you going to watch general conf.?  Do you go to a Stake Center, or on your own TV, or do you have to

wait till later and get tapes??

March 28, 2005

Today I got up early and read and studied the Book of Mormon.  I am in Ether, and this is a very confusing story as far as the genealogy and who begat who.  The basic story is of the destruction of a people, who forgot our Heavenly Father and rejected the prophets.  Kind of like the book of Mormon as a whole, but without all of the wonderful faith inspiring stories.  Basically it just goes on about who begat who, and who conquered who, and back and forth and back and forth.  The basic theme, is the same as the Book of Mormon, and Moroni does interject with some choice tidbits here and there.  I may not understand the need for the “back and forth”  part, but I feel good when I read it, and I like picking out little things that pertain to me and underline them.  When I look at my scriptures I feel they are truly mine, because they are so marked up – just for me !!  I want to start again with full purpose on my Personal Progress.  I have finished my Faith value, except for my “slideshow” presentation on my testimony, which I am working on.  I have completely finished Divine Nature, and am working on Individual Worth.  This is what I want to write about today in my journal. 

I have been noticing each persons individual worth, and remembering that we are each a child of our Heavenly Father.  I went down with the Young Women a couple of nights ago to the YW General Broadcast at the Conference Center.  I just LOVE it !! I really would like to go down to General Conference this weekend with Landon.  Sometimes it’s a chore getting there, but it is definitely worth it!!  I hope it works out for us……As I looked at all of the YW there the other night, it just amazes me how many there are, and how many love our Heavenly Father, and how we are each His child, and how HE knows each one of us individually.  I do not doubt this. Sometimes when I am frustrated, and feel anger or disapproval to other, I tell myself, that they are a child of God too, and that He loves them.  It helps me when I remember this.  I have tried to share my love with others, I really really love the women I work with.  I talk to them, and we share each others lives, and our frustrations with our families, and we probably talk more together with each other than we do our own families sometimes.   I wrote a letter the other day to Sister Hansen in our ward.  I told her how much I enjoyed her Sunday School classes that she teaches.  She is awesome.  She has a son who is Zac’s age, and who went on a mission, and then has returned and has fallen away from the church.  I know her heart aches for this, and I wish there was something I could do to ease her pain.

I also wanted to tell you about YW and when we sang in church last week.  We sang, “In This Holy Place”, which is about the temple.  It is SUCH a beautiful song, and the girls sing like angels.  Holy Temple, hallowed walls, creations grand design, where the spirit whispers peace and testifies of Christ.  There within that holy place, our hearts are joined as one, united by the hands of peace in pure eternal love.  House of beauty house of strength, house of peace and prayer, …………………..we’ll find his presence there.  I will stand, with heart and hand, kept clean and pure each day. Worthy of the blessings found, in that holy place.   There were many wet eyes in the audience.

Also – yesterday on Easter Sunday, Effie Rich and Otis Rose spoke in Sacrament.  Effie spoke so wonderfully on her knowledge of the Resurrection, and her knowledge that she will one day feel her mother’s hands in hers, and her father giving her a kiss on her forehead, and Kent’s arms around her, and her knealing at her Savior’s feet.  It was absolutely beautiful, and I’m sitting here crying again as I type this.  Then Otis Rose spoke on the Savior’s last hours before being crucified.  He quoted scripture from memory and it was a joy to listen to him.  I was almost sobbing I felt the spirit so strongly.  I love my Heavenly Father and Savior sooooooooooooo much.  I am so grateful for the gospel in my life.  I love to feel the Spirit with me, and am so grateful that I have the Holy Ghost to testify to me, and bear witness, and comfort me, and bring things to my remembrance.  I am so blessed.  I want so badly to do my best and endure to the end so I can feel my Savior’s arms around me as I am welcomed home

March 30 Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

We got back two days early.  Monday, Dad was poked and prodded by three doctors no less.  The urologist gave him a prescription for some anti-inflammatory medication as he feels it's related to his long-standing prostate infection.  Blood tests and physical examinations indicate that he is absolutely healthy - skin, kidneys, liver, white count, blood pressure, temperature, everything okay.  Tuesday, he saw a neurologist who thought there might be a possibility that there is a problem with the nerves coming from the lower spine down into the pelvic area and he prescribed some medication that should help if that is the case.  If everything responds as they hope it will the pain will go away and everything will be fine.  The main thing is that there appears to be nothing seriously wrong.  So stop worrying. 

We have had a long tiring day and need to get unpacked and to bed.  We will write again soon.

Love, Mom and Dad

March 31, 2005  Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Glad to hear everything was okay...............  at least mostly okay.

Tell dad I'll get a check to Paul Dickson for the Richville Cemetery

Also I talked to Daren Rasmussen with the Division of Water Rights the other day

and he didn't know much about this project that the church wants to do, but said he would check it out.

His email is darenrasmussen@utah.gov.  I conveyed dad's concerns, and I have talked to Dee Waldron

and he has some major concerns also.  Dee's email is lwilde@qwest.net, if you want to get a hold of him

and I talked to Marie Heiner, and am going to give her a copy of the Stream Alteration paperwork tommorrow. 

She is very concerned also.  Her address at Morgan City's email is -  morgancity@qwest.net

Landon had a game on Tues and Today with Grantsville and Ben Lomond.  Lost both of them by only

a run or two, were ahead both times, and the other teams came from behind on our errors.

Camryn is getting cuter everyday.  I bought her a little fuzzy "chick" today, and she says quack quack when she sees it.  She walks around furniture quite a bit, but no steps alone yet.  She sure likes her Grandpa and has said, papa.  She sure like Zac too, and gets sooooooooooo excited when He comes up to see her, which he often does - just to see her !!

Chip Covil quit Richard Brown plumbing, and Zac is pretty bummed about this.  Richard is now working with Zac, and he drives Zac crazy !! 

Manda is getting along okay. She gets stressed easily, and I feel like I'm walking on egg shells sometimes.  She does not like living here, and wants her own place, but realizes that this is not possible at this time. 

My work is crazy........... so much to do, with deadlines looming.  It's like this every year !! I'll get through it !!

I am looking forward to General Conference this weekend.  How will you watch it??  I'd like to try and go down and stand in the standby line on Sunday afternoon.  We'll see how that goes.

Take Care - we love you                 

PS  Did you feel the last quake???

Love Gwen