September 2005

Saturday, September 03, 2005

Dear Journal,

Landon and an exceptional game against Evanston Friday (last) night.  He had a couple unassisted tackles, one of which was sacking the quarterback.  He ran a touchdown in. (His FIRST varsity) and had a  BUNCH of assisted tackles.  He felt good about the game!

Saturday was a good day.  First off !!  A little “tender mercy” coming our way !!  My mom and dad called from Cambodia !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   It was soooooooooooooooo good to hear their voices, and after we were assured that everything was alright, it was so good to talk to them !!  They sound just the same !! even that many miles away.  Yesterday we also worked up at Round Valley for a little while (me, Mark, Zac)  went to the Labor Day Softball Classic, where Landon played and umped.  Went to Dallin and Devin’s football games, cleaned the house, did the wash, made the yard look soooooooooo good, and really really really (me and Zac and CJ) cleaned the garage.  It is so nice to get that done !!!  We took a load to the dump.  And then last night again, another call !!!! from mom an dad.   I need to check into out Skype  then we can talk computer to computer.

Sunday, September 04, 2005

Dear mom and dad

It was sure good to hear your voices yesterday !!  It made my WHOLE day.  I was just like Christmas !!

I hope you got a hold of Mark either on his cell or at home this morning.   

Manda and Camryn are still in Phoenix, and I miss them.  I'm glad you told me stop watering the tomatoes dad, although I watered the heck out of them just before I talked to you.  I'll stop now, and see what happens.  My garage sure looks good !!

Zac is such a hard worker, and we worked and CJ sat and watched the mice try and escape our cleaning. There were about 6 in the garage.  I guess we need a cat.  CJ is feeling pretty good, just big and pregnant.  Actually she's not that big, but she feels like it you know?  Her first Shower is this coming Saturday.  Our  shower for her isn't until Oct 1st.  

I've got meeting starting at 7:30 this morning, so I better go and get ready.

Love ya !!  Keep on working hard, you are the best parents anyone could have.  We are so proud of you both!! LOVE GWEN

September 10, 2005 - Letter from MOM and Dad on their mission

Dear Family and Friends,

I can't believe we are just getting around to sending you our journal for the last part of August and here it will soon be the middle of September.  We hope this finds all of you well and excited about life.  How thankful we should all be that we are not in New Orleans and the area around there.  I only wish they would tell of some of the good things that people are doing to help one another instead of so much of the negative news.  This afternoon we are going to the District Center to watch  President Hinckley's 95th Birthday.  President Towers received the DVD a couple of weeks ago.

The pictures we have included this time are:

2017 - Socheata and Rama, our Khmae teachers for the last Employment Workshop.

2060 - Students in the workshop that received their Certificates of Completion.

004 - Elder Johnson took this picture of Lee at Spider Town (Skun) on our way back from Siem Reap.  I chickened out.

Will sign off for now.  We send our love and our prayers.

Love, Elder and Sister Dickson  

Landon:

Good morning young man.  I thank you for the note last week.  Things are going good here but I sure did miss coaching this summer.  I’m glad to see that you are very proactive in your college search.  I hope that you can get a great opportunity to continue playing ball in college if this is what you choose to pursue.  I met one of the coaches at UVSC a few years ago and if I find his business card I will get that info to you.

Your football team is playing some pretty good ball right now.  Are you the stud linebacker?  I hope the winning ways continue as that would be pretty neat to have the Trojans rough a few of the bigger schools up a little bit.

I will get you a letter written up over the next week or so and I thank you for thinking of me.  Please send my best to your Mom and Dad and have a great week.

Forrest McNabb (Landon's old baseball coach from St. Joseph's)

Sunday night - or I guess EARLY 12:11 a.m. Monday morning, September 12, 2005

I'm keeping all of my notes to you in my journal, so I need to write things that have probably been spoken about in our phone conversation, but that's okay.  

Roger, Zac and Landon have reinforced our corrals so that we can put a couple of steers in there in a couple of weeks.  We traded them for our Oat Hay with Randy Sessions and Kurt Stapley.  The pipes were full of wasps, and Landon got stung 3 times.  I'm glad I wasn't out there. 

Camryn got her 16 month shots on Saturday, and she had been horribly onry every since.  I hope she gets feeling better soon.  

CJ's shower at the property turned out nice.  It was a little cold, but she got a lot of nice things.  Zac had to put them all away, and clean the house, and go grocery shopping because she isn't supposed to get up off the couch.  I have a feeling this is going to be a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnggg 6 weeks remaining.  Please remember her in your prayers.  We are planning on having a shower for her on Oct 1, but HE may get here sooner than that.  Oh well.  

Landon went to Joe Reyna (Shelly Lofgreen's son's) homecoming today.  It is so nice to have someone in my family care about going to church besides myself.  He is pretty whooped on Brigette Mellott, and I wish he wasn't, not that she's not a nice girl, but I don't want him to get serious, and she's so young (even though she is really mature for her age) She's not even 16 yet, and yet her mom doesn't seem to mind if she dates.........  I guess I should put my foot down and tell Landon he can't date her, but we are getting along so well, I don't want to rock the boat, and he's such a good kid........... excuses excuses..... I know......................  I guess they are going to the Homecoming Dance which is coming up in a few weeks.  Landon says he needs a suit - not a tux.  I guess we'll be buying him his FIRST SUIT - I wonder if he could wear it on his mission too?  I bought him some white dockers the other day $9.99 at Meier and Frank, and told him they were for his mission.  He's trying to talk me into letting him wear them to church !!  Also, he says he needs a WHITE tie for this Homecoming Dance, so I guess we can save that for his mission too.  We are working on getting things (paperwork, video, etc.) out there to different colleges so that he can hopefully get a baseball scholarship.............  Have to see how it works out........  Rog is soooooooooooooooo hyped about this, and him playing college ball.  He will have a year to go to school before his mission, and me and Rog haven't even talked about how THAT will fit into plans.............. you know me, don't want to ROCK THE BOAT !!!   Landon keep assuring me his EDNET Chemistry and Writing classes are doing fine........  hope he's not feeding me a line.  

I have Board of Equalization on Tuesday morning, then Volleyball in the afternoon (Karly Prescott is a Freshman, and gets some playing time on Varsity!!) Then pick up Camryn from Diane's then go to YW and we are doing a service project at Barclay and Denise Earl's home.  Wednesday I am cancelling a doctor's appointment so we can have a YW meeting to plan the Evening of Excellence night that will be in November.  Landon is on the Scholarship Board (1 of 3 students chosen) and has a meeting Tuesday morning.  He won't be able to go to his National Honor Society meeting on Thursday night because of Baseball practice.  We leave for Grand Junction Colorado on Friday night after his football practice.  Zac is trying to sell the little Toyota Camry.  It is just a money pit.  He's driving your white car now.  I think his hole is supposed to be dug this week for the detached garage.  Bret Kendell is going to do his foundation for him.  I am going to miss seeing your picture at Stake Conference this week, along with all of the meetings..............  I wish it was a different weekend (Grand Junction)  because I REALLY like Stake Conference.  

I picked 6 more tomatoes today (2 are pretty ripe, and 4 are kinda ripe)  I covered them last night, but didn't need to.  I didn't cover them tonight, an watch - they'll freeze !!!  Not really, it is a lot warmer tonight that it was yesterday/night.  Still you can feel the chill in the air and know the seasons are changing.  Manda is liking her job really well, and will probably be thrilled to get to work and away from an onry baby tomorrow.  Hopefully she is feeling better so Diane can take her, if not, I'll be taking the day off work - I can, but Manda can't, it being a new job, etc.  

Zac has started back up at DATC for plumbing school.  It's his third year this time.  Can't think of anything else to tell you, haven't I rambled on enough???  Love you both, and I like hearing your voices !!!  It will be nice to have you home in 8 1/2 months, and then you can do a nice temple square mission or something, huh?? 

Take care, love GWEN and family

September 15, 2005 - Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission

Dear Family and Friends,

Once again we are behind schedule but we are still here and doing fine.  We thought the days and weeks were flying by, but now it seems to be the months.  We thought we would send you some pictures of the things we see everyday.

2025 - a cute little bright colored van - it reminds us of the miniture outfits we saw in Japan when we picked Mark up from his mission.

2026 - these are the typical water tanks used on buildings for water storage.  Norris, we wish we could bring one home for you in the Uintahs.

2035 - don't know what they are going to use these plants for but we don't think it is a salad.

2038 - a little shop or vendor on the side of the street.  Does anyone need a cap?  All the moto taxi drivers wear them.

Hope the frost hasn't done too much damage to the gardens back home.  It is still quite warm here but has cooled a little so we don't have to use our air conditioning as much, just the fans.  Right now (11:30 a.m.) it is 86 degrees outside. 

We wish all of you the very best.  Love, Elder and Sister Dickson

September 18, 2005  Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission

Dear Family and Friends,

Well, here we are again and a little more caught up with things.  Each day comes and goes quickly and seems to always be filled to the brim.  It would be great to see the leaves changing back home, but will have to settle for green leaves and flowering trees.  We are losing another senior couple tomorrow.  It doesn't seem possible that only two more couples will leave before it will be our turn.  As usual, we are really enjoying our mission and would encourage everyone who possibly can to seriously think about going on a mission.  It's a great experience and one you will never regret. 

We send our love and prayers, Elder and Sister Dickson

The pictures we are sending this time are as follows:

2061 - Elder Garry and Sister Sharron Davis at the airport just before leaving Cambodia.  They are the ones we have been working closely with in Employment.

2075 - Sister Joyce Larsen (left) and Sister Phyllis Gunderson (right) also leaving, pictured with Edwin Loh and some of his family.

0023 - The foyer as you enter the District Center.  Classrooms, District offices, Family History Center, and baptismal font on this floor. 

0038 -  District Center - taken from back of cultural hall looking into the chapel.  The kitchen and CES classrooms and offices are behind cultural hall.  This is the second floor of the District Center.

0048 - Taken during the District Center's open house of some missionaries, young women and leaders.  Typical clothing (dark skirts and light blouses) when they dress up but not as fancy as at weddings.  They seldom dress like this for church as they usually wear slacks or pants.

September 20, 2005 Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission

Well we are back from Grand Junction.  It was okay, there are four catchers on the team and so Landon only got to catch one full game, and then part of another.  Got to bat only another game.  We are just used to seeing him play all the time, and so it was kind of disappointing.  He sure has his plate full with all of the studying he's "supposed" to be doing.  He keeps telling me that everything is okay, and I've quit harping on him, because he is under alot of pressure.  Mark came over last night and we worked on a brochure for his WBBA for the Buy-A-Brick program.  He was impressed with my "computer" skills on Microsoft Publisher.   Me and Manda also went over to Zac and CJ's last night a saw all of the stuff they have gotten from the baby showers so far.  They are getting excited !!  CJ is still not working, and just supposed to be laying down.  That gets old fast.  Roland Haslam of course, didn't start on digging Zac's hole last week, and then we heard he went to Hawaii from Friday to yesterday.................  It seems like these contractors are really good about putting you off, and you KNOW how patient Zac is...............  Roger took this week off work.  He got the south side of the little white garage painted yesterday - it looks good.  Also Dee Waldron got our third crop alfalfa cut and off the field.  He does not want the second cutting of oats and young hay so I guess we'll have to do something with that.  Well I hope all if going okay with you two.  We love reading your journals.  Take care.

LOVE GWEN and family.

September 21, 2004  Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission

Dear Gwen, Roger, Landon and Family,

Sorry we missed talking to you Tuesday evening, Gwen.  We just happened to be at the Family History Center Wednesday morning, since I didn't have anything else pressing  to do, and decided to call.  It was good to talk to Roger and Landon.  They both sounded great and filled us in on a few things.

Last night I went through some of the e-mails you have sent, re-reading them and looking at the pictures.  I love the pictures of our good-looking Landon and the one of he and Camryn is darling.  The picture of your Laurels all dressed in their beautiful formals was nice and they were all very modest.  Tell them for me how lovely they looked.  The members have a challenge here as all the fancy formals usually worn to weddings and receptions are strapless, unless they have one specially made and then that is expensive.  It is surprising because in their everyday clothing they are very modest and usually have even their arms covered.  You very seldom see even young children (girls) not fully dressed.  The boys are different, and the little ones most often wear only a shirt or nothing at all.

What ever happened to the Church project on East Canyon creek?  Was anything done this summer on it? 

Never heard anything more about it.  Dee planted, where it WOULD NOT be in corn, and left where it WOULD BE in something else, grain I think.  But nothing has happened.

Have you heard how Stephen and Jean Dickson are doing in Bangalore, India? 

Paul Dickson said they get there fresh milk from a Big White Cow, straight from the teats !!  that walks around town and stops at houses.  I don't know if he was pulling my leg or not.  There has been some problems with the Richville Cemetery concerning Dee Waldron and some land he took down underneath the hill for a building site.  Paul and others are upset.  You might want to ask Aunt Barbara what she knows about it.....

 I'm glad we are here in Cambodia and not there.  In fact, talking to other senior missionaries and the reports they get from some of their friends in other parts of the world, we are in the very best place.

Are you covering your tomatoes or are they far enough gone that it doesn't matter if they freeze? 

I haven't been covering them.  I need to be more dutiful on this.  There are still quite a few tomatoes, but I'm lazy, and the porch warms up during the day with the sun, and I think this helps as they are right against it. 

 We're anxious to see your yard now that you have redone it, especially the berm.  Did the grass come up good? 

So- So.  It will look alot better next spring I suppose. 

Another question for you.  How did Zac's watering go this summer?  Did he do his watering or did his neighbors do it for him most of the time?

Zac has done both watering this summer, more of the sprinkling I think.  After getting all that nice back yard in, he then sprayed in with round-up where the garage is going to be.  His plan is to fill in the back ditch, and do total sprinkling out there.  He HATES mowing around the ditch. 

Dad and I are doing fine.  Our ASPECA English class was cancelled today because of a holiday and the students are celebrating or doing something at a pagoda.  I do have an appointment with President Sophon (South District President) about some Family History questions.  I sure hope he gives me the answers I want.  If he does, I will be able to have the temple work done for about eighteen people.  I am really enjoying this part of our mission even though it is very difficult at times trying to figure out just who is who and what to do.

We hope things work out with the baseball scholarships Landon is applying for.  We are excited for Zac and CJ and are looking forward to their little one getting here safe and sound.  Tell Amanda we are glad she likes her job and to give Camryn a big hug and kiss for us.  You and Roger need to slow down a little or you'll end up all worn out like Dad and I.  He keeps telling me that he is falling apart and won't be able to do a thing when he gets home.  He is anxious for these next eight months to go by so he can be home and nearer good medical help.  I sure hope something can be done to give him some relief.  Maybe he just needs Morgan air and some outside activity.

Well guess I had better close and get ready for my appointment.  We love you and think about you often.  Take care of things.

Love,

Mom and Dad

PS  There, will be a fairly large check coming in the mail ($30000.00 +).  Deposit it in our checking account.  Tithing needs to be paid so I will arrange for a donation slip when we find out just what the amount is.  Thanks for your help.  Love Dad

September 22, 2005

 Gwen,  thanks for the PhotoShow.  We really enjoyed watching it again and again and again.  It looks like you all had a great time.  Keep making those memories for you family.  You are the greatest daughter and mother (and grandmother).

Love, Mom

September 25, 2005

Dear Family and Friends,

Just a quick note to let you know we are fine and keeping busy.  The pictures are of different places, people and things that Elder Johnson took and has labeled all of them Siem Reap even though none of them are from that area.  Hope you enjoy them. 

Love, Elder and Sister Dickson

005 - Can you believe this!  They put everything they can on and in these vans to travel to other cities or places.

006 - These are live chickens going to market to be sold.

010 - These huts or community homes are in the mountains in Mondulkiri where the quilt distribution took place.  They are different than the average hut or home you find in the country and out by the rice fields.

011 - Inside a hut in Mondulkiri.  Elder Johnson said they were dark and dingy (no windows) and smoky from the little fire (no chimney or hole for the smoke).

012 - Some of the little children in Mondulkiri.

085 - Two senior missionaries (guess who?).  The floating village we went through is in the background.  We are on the Tonle Sap Lake.

Sept 27, 2005 - Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission

Well I'm up figuring out my check book on the computer. And going over YW stuff.  Quickly, here are some things to ask you.

Do you want me to pay your $20 DUP dues mom?  or just let them go since you won't be there for a year and half.  Let me know.

Also - Robert and Pauline Capener had a 50th anniversary celebration at Maddox and you were invited.  I'm so sorry I didn't let you know earlier.  I don't know if you correspond by email or not with them. 

Landon had another great game against Park City Last Friday - they won 27 to 0.  We travel to Uintah (Vernal) this Friday........yuck.

CJ's shower is on Saturday, and we hope she is still around.  She went to the doctor yesterday and her blood pressure is up again, and they almost kept her !!  She goes back on Wednesday (Zac's birthday) so we'll see what happens.  If she lasts over the weekend, they'll probably start her on Monday when her doctor gets back in town from Germany.

Zac got his hole dug for the detached garage.  I've attached a picture

Manda and Camryn are doing great.  Camryn is a little busy body, running around everywhere.  She keeps everyone on their toes.

Take care - love Gwen and all

September 28, 2005

Our son Zac is 24 years old today !!  I can remember when he was born, he was a blonde ball of fur……….  I wonder what he little boy will look like?  I wonder if he’ll be born today?  Probably not, but that would be a nice birthday present.

Last night, I went down to SLC to listen to the Young Women General Presidency speak.  I went with Penny Smith and Gayla Durrant. The meetings were in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square. It is such a wonderful peaceful place down there.  Their messages filled me we hope and inspiration, and wanting to do my best and more in my calling as YW president.  I need to become more spiritually in tune with my Heavenly Father, seeking the companionship of the Holy Ghost at all times.   Every night I pray to my Heavenly Father that a miracle will occur, and that Manda will somehow, someway experience a change in heart and come to love the gospel once more, like she did when she was a little girl.  Zac is going to church (CJ can’t because she’s supposed to stay down) so that he can stand in the circle when the baby is blessed.  I wish he could bless his little one.  He would have to be an Elder for that, and I think he could be made one, but they would have to pay their tithing and I don’t think they are doing that right now.  I don’t know for sure.  I hate to pry and seem overbearing to them.  I wish Landon was old enough to bless the baby (having been ordained an Elder).  Dad is in Cambodia, Roger can’t, Ben can’t, so I guess either Jim Wilkerson or my brother Mark Dickson will do it. 

9/28/05 evening

Well, when CJ went to the doctor today, her blood pressure was still too high, and so they said - over to the hospital you go !!  Any way, they are there and they broke her water and started her on Pitocin at about 7 p.m. September 28th.  Zac probably won't get a baby boy on his birthday though, because it will probably go into tomorrow.  It is about 9:15 p.m. and we are headed down to check on them.

I'll let you know what happens !

LOVE GWEN 

It's 5:30 a.m. Sept 29th - No baby yet !  Zac just called, and after being in Labor for almost 10 hours, CJ is only to a 2 !  She's feeling sick (pukey) and they've got her on oxygen, I guess because her oxygen is low.  (I remember that from Landon in the hospital, they get breathing so shallow, that they don't pull enough oxygen into their blood.  Zac didn't get any sleep last night on the uncomfortable coach.  Shirlee and McKenzie went home during the night also, I hope McKenzie gets back over there, because she's a labor and delivery tech, and knows what is what. I suppose I'll head down when I hear more- they will keep me updated and I'll keep you updated !!

LOVE GWEN

Well she's been in labor 18 hours now, and still no bambino !!  Zac just called (1:30 p.m. Sept 29) , and she is about a 4-5 dilation, and they are going to increase the Pitocin, and hopefully in a few more hours we'll get the new little one.  She is pretty miserable, throwing up, headache, etc.  It seems nothing ever goes easy with her, darn it !!

LOVE GWEN

Little Treyson  Lee Rich was born at 8:04 p.m., September 29, 2005.  He weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20 inches long.  He is not blonde like his daddy was.  He has brown hair, not as dark or long as Camryn's was.  He has tiny petite features.  After 27 hours of labor, and no progress, he was taken Cesarean section.  Mom is worn out and in a lot of pain.  Dad is tired but so happy with his baby.  The grandma's left the hospital at 11:25 p.m. (It's now 11:55 p.m.)  I'll write more later.   Love Gwen

September 30, 2005  Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission

Congratulations Dad Zac, and Grandma Gwen and Grandpa Roger,

Sorry we haven't responded to what was happening more closely the past 24 hours, but we were out of town for a day and didn't have access to the e-mail.  Thank heaven we live in a day when the doctors can help when there is difficulty with a delivery.  We are glad the little guy is here and feel confident that CJ will be feeling better soon.  It's hard to keep our minds on what we are doing when these kinds of things are happening at home and we want so much to be there.  You were all in our prayers (especially CJ and the baby) and we knew things would work out well.  We're so happy our little

great-grandson has come into a family where he will be loved very much by everyone.  Grandpa Dickson was tickled to think that he has the middle name of Lee.

It sounds like he was a good size baby but sorry CJ had to go through 27 hours of labor.  Thank goodness mothers soon forget about the pain and are able to just enjoy their little new babies.  Thanks for keeping us posted and up to date.

Love, Grandma and Grandpa Dickson

Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission

Friday, September 30, we traveled to Uintah High School in Vernal to watch Landon play football.  They won 27 to 21.  Landon got an interception on the 15-20 yard line and ran it back for a touch down !!!  Also, he was instrumental in two other of the touchdowns, throwing key blocks to allow the runners to score!!    Saturday Night (October 1) or should I say early morning Sunday I was sick with the flu or food poisoning I don’t know what and was throwing up all night, I laid around sick all day Sunday (General Conf.) except when I went and helped Zac clean his house, then had a pretty good night Sunday night, but have been sitting on the pot all day today October 3^rd  with diarrhea.  

Note – Zipper our dog of about 10 years was hit and killed by a car sometime early Sunday morning.   It has been one year since Manda called us to come and get her from Arizona.  It has been a good year, busy and hectic, but good to have her and little Camryn home.

August 2005

August 3, 2005  - Letter from Mom and Dad on mission in Cambodia

Dear Gwen,

We just got an e-mail from Bruce and Carol telling us about Veldy Bell's

death.  We told him to get a hold of you if they put our names on flowers or

whatever so that you can pay him our share.  We are enjoying the sights here

in Siem Reap but wearing ourselves out.  We are able to check the e-mail each

night at an Internet shop.  It costs $1 for an hour of Internet usage.

Take care and we will write you a longer letter when we get home.

Love, Mom and Dad

August 5, 2005 Letter from Mom and Dad on mission in Cambodia

Dear Family, just a quick note to let you know we are back in Phnom Penh safe and sound.  We had a wonderful time and saw some very interesting sights.  Angkor Wat was amazing.  Hope everything is fine back in Utah.

Love, Mom and Dad

August 6, 2005  Letter to Mom and Dad on mission in Cambodia

Just to let you know.

Clark and Wendy Anderson Waldron's boy Weston who is a month younger than Landon was killed in a car accident tonight about 7 p.m. as they were headed to Ogden on the freeway.  Little truck rolled, all were ejected.  Preston Earl (Barclay's boy) and Trevor Flitton (Kelly and Janet Flitton (who are divorced) boy)are in critical condition.  Weston and Landon were good friends at one time (3-4-5) years ago and they were in our snowmobiling group.  This brings back a lot of unhappy memories of Tonya.  I feel so bad for the moms and dads.

Just thought I'd let you know........... 

Love Gwen

August 7, 2005  Letter from Mom and Dad on mission in Cambodia

Dear Family and Friends,

We have had a very interesting week but are now back to work and busy.  The pictures we are sending this time are some we took on our trip to Siem Reap to see the Angkor area and its historic temple ruins.  They are:

0010 - "Silk Farm" where they are taking the silk threads off the chrysalis and putting them on a large spool.

1730 - One of the many Tuk Tuks in Siem Reap.  Some are painted and decorated fancy.

1766 - One of the many faces carved in the stones at the Bayon Temple.

1813 - Roots of the strangler fig tree or silk-cotton tree at Ta Prohm or "Tomb Raiders" Temple.

1877 - Plastic hung to catch crickets at night.

1885 - Tarantulas that have been cooked - "Spider Town"

1886 - Stuffed toads.  Heads are cut off and then they are stuffed.  Don't they look chewy and juicy?

Thanks to all of you who keep us up to date of things that are happening.  We love the people here and enjoy working with them.  Now I can see why it was so hard back in the early days of the church to keep everything running smoothly.  With different cultures, backgrounds and religions that the members were coming from to join the church, it would have been hard for some of them to change their habits and ways of doing things.  Please remember these sweet humble Cambodian people in your prayers.  We send our love and prayers.  Elder and Sister Dickson

August 8, 2005  Letter to Mom and Dad on mission in Cambodia

Dear Mom,

I just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday.  I'm sorry I don't get a physical card off to you.  I have lots of excuses, but that is all they are.  It's been a pretty hectic summer, as you can probably tell, as my email writing has not been what it should.  I think about you and dad often, and wish you were home.  I know that is not what you are supposed to write a missionary, but that's what I feel.  I wish I could talk to you on the phone and hear your voice.  Is that possible?  I wondered if you had a phone in your apartment, and then I thought about finding out what the phone number was at your church?  I know it would cost some money, but maybe we could plan for this at Christmas??  I'm glad you are on a mission, and I'm proud of you and dad.   If you read in Matthew 19:29 it says, "And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, of wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life".  I know our family will be blessed and you will be blessed for your sacrifice in serving a mission.  I love you very much, and I'm proud to be your daughter.  You are the BEST mom !!!  I miss you !! 

Now for the news.................

LaRue Waldron died this morning.  Don't know any details.  Also, Uncle Martin and Aunt Jane have a new email address which is  mpmerz@msn.com.  They have not received any of your latest journal entries, and miss them really bad.  

Me and Zac have been working up Tonks hollow for Bruce.  We have dug a ditch, and taken down a fence, and trimmed some trees.  We still have some trees to trim and haul up on the burn pile.  

Landon  is practicing for football which starts first game on the 19th.  He also will register for school this week.  

Zac and Cj got the babies room all done.  I'll send pictures soon.  

Manda is working at AOL and will hopefully start for IHC in a few weeks.  

I'm going into the doctor on the 24th for an endometrial ablation, which will hopefully make my periods less (maybe nothing). 

Roger is waiting for Roger P to cut second crop (should have been done a week ago).  

We will go to Weston Waldron's funeral this week.   Roger talked to Barclay Earl, and Preston is holding his own. 

Young Women's was really special today.  Gayla Durrant gave a wonderful lesson on "A Change of Heart".  We all bore our testimonies, and had a good cry............. 

Landon is pretty whooped on Brigitte Mellott (Dave and Vivian's girl)  I wish he wasn't, but oh well - 

I'm working on my Young Womenhood Medallion, and along with all of the other leaders, hope to earn it by January.  We are having a Medallion night this month, and 6 girls, and 1 leader will get theirs this month.  I am working on putting a slideshow together with all of the girls in white dresses at blessing day, baptism, and temple sealing (Leaders and SOME of the recently wed YW - Janel Fisher, and Lindsey Anderson, and me and my family at our sealing, and Kim Mikesell and her family at her sealing).  The Bishop is going to sing a song to go with this.  I'll see if I can attach the mp3 sound file to this so you can hear it. and picture it.  The dad's talk about their daughter's at this special night.  I was wondering who I could have talk for me in January, because you know Roger won't and Dad is gone, and so I asked Landon, and he said he would.  I love him so much !!

Well I better go for now.  Sorry this is so mixed up.  I love you and am proud of you and dad.  We pray for you always.

Love Gwen

August 12, 2005    Letter from Mom and Dad on mission in Cambodia

Dear Gwen and Family,

 I thought it was about time to answer some of your questions from your past e-mails.  So here goes.

 Yes, we have heard about double dipping concerning the water.  We had 1-1/2 shares so we still have 1/2 share that we can irrigate with.  That is about all we know.  We are sorry Zac is having to deal with that from his neighbor.  That reminds me.  I'm sure CJ will have some baby showers.  Treat them the same way we did Amanda.  Take whatever money you need to help buy them something that they would like.  We trust your judgment.

 As for phone calls.  Dad said to scope out Skype on the Internet.  Some of the senior missionaries have this and say it works fairly well and is quite inexpensive.  We do have a phone in our apartment but very seldom us it because of the cost going through the switchboard - 15 cents a minute.  I'm afraid that I will spend all my time on the phone crying instead of talking to you.

It sounds like you are the kind of a Young Women's President that everyone should have.  It's too bad Amanda couldn't have had the experiences the girls you are involved with are having.  The baptisms at the temple, girls camp, Dads and daughter's night, and all those other extra special things that you do.  Dad and I are so proud of the way you are magnifying your calling and always seem to be going the extra mile.  You and the other leaders must really be inspiring the girls to have six of them getting their Young Womanhood Medallion this month.  It will be wonderful for you to get yours in January.  Good luck.  How did the Girl's Camp at Camp Zarahemla go?  Was it as fun as you thought it would be?  Did the girls stay up all night?  Did you have any water fights? 

I didn't know you were having any (female) problems.  We will be thinking of you on the 24th and you will be in our prayers.  I had an endometrial ablation a few years ago and have been doing great ever since.  If you haven't already had it done, have them check you for pernicious anemia also.  My doctor said it was hereditary and that my children should be checked when they are around forty years old.

Landon is as good a choice as your Dad and will give a good talk about you.  I know he thinks the world of you and Roger.  You have both been good parents.  I guess Landon is all excited about the football game on Friday the 19th.  Is this just a pre-season game?  Who are they playing?  You will all have to yell extra loud since we won't be there to cheer him on.  What classes will he be taking in school this year?  You mentioned that he was registering.  Just think, your baby is a senior in High School.  It's a good thing you have sweet little Camryn around to squeeze and hug.  Have you pretty well child proofed your house by now? 

You said your tomatoes were doing great.  What kind did you plant?  I can't remember if Amanda likes tomatoes or not.  Do you think Camryn will follow after you and like tomatoes or will she be like the rest of your family?  Personally, I think they are crazy not to like tomatoes.

I thought I had added Aunt Jane's e-mail address to our journal but in checking more thoroughly I found it was not there.  Thanks for reminding me.  I received a nice e-mail from her on my birthday.   

Well, its time to fix our lunch.  We have a wedding at 1 p.m. and the reception at 4 p.m. so our afternoon is pretty well taken up.  Dad and I did house inspections this morning.  We had to visit three houses or apartments of the missionaries and check to see what condition they were in.  The Sisters apartments were very good and the Elders apartment was a lot better than it was last time we checked.  Dad is a lot harder on them than I am.  I never was good at telling people they needed to change or improve certain things.  I wouldn't make a very good boss.  Instead of bawling someone out or getting after them, I end up apologizing and giving in.  

Next week we have a very, very busy schedule Monday through Thursday.  Besides an Employment Workshop class (Khmae) each morning for about 4 hours, we have our own English class plus an English class in the evening for Sister Larsen and Sister Gunderson who are going to the Hong Kong Temple with the group this month.  I also have Family History work to do on a couple of days.  Oh well, that will make the week pass fast.

We love all of you very much and will soon have half of our mission behind us.  It doesn't seem possible.  The time is going so fast.

 Take care of each other while we are gone.  You are always in our prayers.

 Love, Mom and Dad 

 PS, Gwen when I think of you and Landon and what you are doing my whole being is affected and I feel like I'm ready to burst with pride.  What a wonderful daughter you are!   Love Dad

August 12, 2005 Letter to Mom and Dad on mission in Cambodia

Now some answers back to you !!

Zac and CJ had .75 shares in the ditch, so they are alright too in both flooding and sprinkling. .  If they only had .33 or something then it would be a different story.  We are planning on a baby shower for her on the 24th of Sept.  CJ is getting a BIG belly just lately, but has only gained about 13 pounds since she got pregnant.  She lost quite a bit at first through her sickness.

Girls camp was fun, I had to come home each night so that I could be here when Manda left for work at 5 a.m. and get Camryn to Diane's and then I went back up.  We had fun tubing down the creek, which is where most of the getting wet happened.

Landon is way excited for the football games to start.  The first game on the 19th is with Roy, and in a non-region game.  We got him all registered for his senior year, and he is taking a bunch of heavy classes.  He's trying really hard to get his associates degree by the end of NEXT summer.  We are glad dad will be back, because Landon will be taking 1010 and 1050 next summer, and will need some heavy tutoring.

I can't remember what kind of tomatoes we planted.  But there are 3 plants, and a bunch of tomatoes.  Some are as big as a baseball, and alot of smaller.  Hopefully they will turn red.  None have yet.  I am so proud I grew them !!  Amanda doesn't like tomatoes either.  I'm the only sane one in the family.  Camryn, who likes EVERYTHING it seems, turns up her nose at them too !!

Just another note about Landon, I know you like to hear good things about him like I do.  Last night Kovi Christiansen (one of the coaches) came over to the sidelines at practice and told me what a "stud" Landon was..............  I thought, well, yea, he's a good a player, and then Kovi went on to tell me that the night before, when all the kids were running sprints, that one of the Freshman boys was struggling really bad, and Landon ran along side of him, encouraging him along, and then would run back to get in line with the Seniors for HIS sprints, and then again with this boy, helping him along.  Kovi just about started bawling when he was telling me about this.  He said that the coaches had noticed it, and REALLY appreciated Landon and his leadership.  Landon in one of the 4 team captains this year.  The others are Michael Rose, Chase Kimbal and Alan Tucker.  Doesn't that make you so proud??

Also - to let you know.  Zac went up Maple Hollow and dug a small ditch to divert the water off the road, and then I went up a little later, and me and him took down part of a barb-wire fence (one night)  Then another night we went up and took down the rest of the fence.  There were 4 strands of barb wire and fox netting at the bottom.  Zac said it was the hardest fence he had ever taken down.  We also cut down some branches that were crowding on the road.  Then last night, Mark and Carrie and me and Zac and Landon went up with the Truck and trailer, and gathered up all the branches and wood along the side of the road, and along in by the bathtub trough and took it up to the burn pile.  This was all stuff that Bruce had told us to do up Tonks Hollow.  I guess Moe and Richard and Troy and Michael are helping up there on Saturday, but Bruce said that is all the help he needed.  We'll check with him again, and get him to line us out on some other projects that we can just go up and do ourselves.  He was very appreciative.  He's got Walter Neal Boyce up there with his equipment doing work on the troughs, reservoir, etc.

Our Babysitter is off this week, so Manda went to Carrie's on Monday, Annette's on Tuesday, LuAnn's on Wednesday, and Joni's on Thursday, and I took today off (Friday) to watch her. 

LaRue Waldron died, did I tell you this??  Also that little Kimberly Richins (Vicki Tonks' sister-in-law) at age 36 was the worlds oldest living baby with Trisomy 18.  Weston's funeral was nice on Wednesday.   I guess they won't have to worry about him now.  Barclay's boy and the Flitton boy are still in serious condition in the hospital.

Take care, we love you

I've attached some pics of Zac's house for you to see

LOVE GWEN and all

August 17, 2005 - Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Hi from wet rainy Morgan.  You guessed it   Roger's 2nd crop is soaking wet.............  This has NOT been a good year for us.  Oh well, it took us 3 weeks to get 1st crop cut, rained on, dryed out, rained on, dryed out, turned baled and put in the barn, hopefully it won't be quite that bad for 2nd crop.  Rick Charlesworth is buying all of it, although now we won't be getting as much money as we expected from it.  I should have gotten my front lawn (out on the berm and out to the mail box and around the pine tree planted.  It's all ready to plant, just need the seed thrown out on it.  Hope it clears up (and it's supposed to) by Friday for out first football game with Roy.  The programs that I've been slaving and toiling over all summer look good.  I'm sure glad that the most part of that is over.  Now I just have to worry about selling them, and getting half-time sponsors prizes handed out, etc.  Well, I better go for now.  Camryn is waking up (I can hear her on the monitor) and I need to get her up and dressed and me to work on time.

Love you both, and pray for you always...........  Keep up the good work.  Write when you can.

Love Gwen and family

August 18  Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Hi,  just a quick note.  It is 4:40 a.m. Friday morning.  We are headed out for a P-day that we managed to squeeze in.  Elder and Sister Johnson have invited us to go with them to Pusat (north and east of Phnom Penh) where they have some business and then we will board the bamboo train and travel to another outlying village to check on some Latter-day Charities projects.  The Bamboo Train is like the little hand cars or carts that some of the workers use to move about on the train tracks.  This however is motor driven and is on the main track (two rails).  They are built so that if you meet another bamboo train, whichever one has less people and supplies on must disassemble their car and remove it from the tracks (wheels and all) so the other one can pass.  The car is then assembled back on the tracks and they continue on.  They are scheduled though so they won't interfere with the regular train the travels along the track.  This should be very interesting and exciting. 

We have had a very busy week but are looking forward to this little outing.  Things are going well and we are enjoying being here in Cambodia.  Keep us in your prayers and we will do the same for all of you.

Love, Mom and Dad (Grandma and Grandpa

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

Well, school starts today, and my baby will be a senior !!  This year will be a hard year of "lasts"....................  I don't know if I told you, but Landon is going to try and get his associates degree by the end of summer next year.  He has two college classes this first trimester, Intro to writing and Intro to chemistry.  The game last Friday went well, and we won Roy.  Landon recovered a fumble, and made a couple or three runs, one for about 40 yards.  Defensively he  plays fantastic as usual.  He and Mike Rose, and Josh Wilson, and Chase Kimbal, and Alan Tucker get alot of mentions in the game.  It's pretty neat to see these boys we've (Roger) coached and watched from day one through all the many years of little league and being underclassmen, come up and be the stars.  Check out the website www.barrphoto.com , look under Lightbox, and then scroll down to see some pics from the game.  Landon is #21, Chase is #20, Mike is #40, Alan is #7, Josh is #22.   I've prepared a slideshow for the YW Medallion Night next Sunday.

Here are the words to the song that goes along with the show that the Bishop will be singing.

Sent to this earth

You were saved through the ages for this day and time

Child of great worth

Child of promise, daughter of the Divine

Pure and holy in a little, white dress

You were held in a circle and you were blessed

And the Father looked down

And the angels surrounded that place

They knew the truth—all that you could do

And you will, too, if you have eyes to see

What heaven sees in you

Dressed in white once more

Making promises to follow in God’s way

So much lies in store

For the little girl who enters at the gate

Pure and holy in a little, white dress

You were led into the water and you were blessed

And the Father looked down

And the angels surrounded that place

They knew the truth—all that you could do

And you will, too, if you have eyes to see

What heaven sees in you

Do you understand who you are?

Part of the Father lives in you

If you continue on this path

Every promise God has given will come true

Heaven on earth

In the house of God,

So much fills your heart and mind

Woman of great worth

Woman of promise, daughter of the Divine

Pure holy in a long, white dress

You promise forever and you are blessed

And the Father looks down

And the angels surround that place

They know the truth—all that you can do

And you do, too, ‘cause you have eyes to see

What heaven sees in you

Will you have eyes to see........ 

What Heaven sees in you ?

I have pics of the girls in there blessing dresses, and then in there baptismal outfits/dresses, and then we have the leaders in there wedding dresses, or with their families after being sealed (if done later).  It's pretty nice.  I can hardly wait to show it !!

We are hopefully getting the grass planted out in front of the house this week (out on the berm, and next to the road, and around the pine tree.  Also I can't remember if I told you or not, but I have eaten (4) !!!!!! tomatoes from MY OWN PLANTS !!!   Here is a pic of Camryn holding one of them.

The weather was rainy last week and rained on Roger's 2nd crop, but it's all dried and baled and the guy is slowing getting it hauled away.  It's been nice weather as far as the heat, only in the 80's and low 90's. 

What did you think about Erika being put in as Primary President ??  She was pretty excited.  Mark's boys have started little league on Saturdays.  I don't know how they did last week though.  Mark is having a party at the property on Labor Day, and David Smith is having a little get together with his wife's family on the 4th of Sept.  (Sunday).  He was very appreciative of being able to use the property.  Also the city party on August 2nd went good too!  The mowing and trimming is being done twice a week, by Landon and Jaden.  They are taking good care of it.

Did I tell you that my girls placed a time capsule down on the property?  Here is a pic of them doing that too !!

Well, better get going !!   Take care, love your pics from the bamboo train, etc.  Keep up the good work, you are working hard !!!  We are proud of you.

LOVE  Gwen and family

August 23, 2005   Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Dearest Gwen,

Just thought we would let you know we are thinking of you and that you are in our prayers.  Try to take it easy and don't overdo. 

We received your last e-mail but had a slow and hard time in getting the pictures to come up on the screen.  What is Landon's number?  Did Morgan win or loose?  What position does Landon play?

We love you.  Keep being just as thoughtful and sweet as you are now.

Love, Mom and Dad

My reply  - Aug 23rd Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

 Landon is #21

Morgan won 24 to 14

Landon plays fullback on offense and outside backer on defense

I'll let you know how tomorrow goes...

Love Gwen

August 24, 2005  Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Gwen, your e-mail about the hay made me think of Roger's new alfalfa that he planted with the oats.  Did he get a good stand of alfalfa?  And will he get a second crop off of it?

What a tomato and what a cutie of a great-granddaughter!

We are so proud of you and Landon and all that you are doing in and out of the church.  Keep writing.

Love Dad

August 24, 2005 Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

 Yes, the alfalfa came up pretty good.  They lengthened the ditch across the front of the hay (by the road) on the south side of Mark's house, hoping to get the water out further so it could go down and hit that bottom corner, and not just come out of the culvert and run down the side of Mark's yard.  This did help somewhat, but that bottom corner must be higher (even though Roger land planed it very good both ways) because it did not water, and even when Dee watered Ada's piece it went around it.  But all in all it came up pretty good.  I'm not sure if he'll get a second crop off it or not. It's still pretty short.  All of the hay off of Aunt Barbara's, Kendall's, Orson's and ours is cut, baled and the last of it will be picked up and gone today.   We got the grass planted last night on the dirt out in front of our house by the road.  Also, did I tell you?  The county fixed our approach !! 

See you later :)

Gwen

August 25, 2005  Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Well, I'm as good as new !!  The endometrial ablation went well.  I hurt a fair amount yesterday afternoon, but was able to rest comfortably last night, and feel almost 100% today !!  Also, I got your mission picture turned in so it can be in the video that they play in Stake Conference on Sept 18th.  I am so excited to see it !!!

Take Care

Love Gwen

August 29, 2005  Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

The football game against Ben Lomond was good last Friday.  We won, and Landon played awesome.  Saturday he went boating all day with Garret Durrant and friends.  Sunday we did the church thing, and Sunday night the YW Medallion night went great!  Had a lot of compliments on the slideshow presentation and the pictures we had done of each of the girls “exemplifying” the 7 different values, Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice & Accountability, Good Works, and Integrity.  Tonight he’s at a swimming party to celebrate Josh Wilson’s 18^th birthday.  I guess we will be going to a baseball tournament in Grand Junction Colorado over the 16-18, so I WILL NOT be able to see your mission pictures at Stake Conference.  I feel bad about this.  I turned in the ones you had taken at Kiddie Kandids.  

I don’t know if Mark has emailed you, and I haven’t heard back from him, even though I called him on his cell and home and left a message, but Dallin hurt his arm?  Hand? In football on Saturday, and I heard through the grapevine at church that they were taking him to see if it was broken but it wasn’t.  

I guess we are having CJ’s baby shower on the 1^st of October .  I’m inviting all those we did for Manda.  How much did you want to spend?  I can’t remember what you did with Manda.  

Zac will be getting a building permit for his detached garage tomorrow, and we are painting his new front door tonight.  Roger is mowing the back yard right now.  It surely is growing and looking good, as well as the front yard.  Well I better close for now.  Hope all is well with you, haven’t heard from you for awhile.  Write when you can

Love Gwen

August 30, 2005  Letter from Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia

Dear Family, 

Well we just passed the halfway mark in our mission yesterday.  Nine months and we should be on our way home.

We are really having some great experiences here but miss our family terribly.  There is so much happening that we would like to be part of so take plenty of pictures and write often and tell us what is going on. 

We just received a couple of e-mails from Bruce telling of all the things that are being done up Tonks Hollow.  You might want to check with him to see if there is anything you can do.  Dad is chomping at the bit wishing he were home to help.  Enclosed is one of his e-mails. 

Gwen we are glad your operation went okay.  Take care of yourself and don't overdo until you are fully recovered.  It sounds like you have a lot of yard work and we are concerned about you overdoing it.  Also, eat one of those delicious tomatoes for us.  You are lucky that the rest of your family doesn't like them so you can enjoy them all by yourself.  We know you will enjoy watching all those boys that Roger has been involved with playing football this year.  Tell Landon to take care and not get hurt.

Mark keep us in touch with what your boys are doing with their sports and any other things that you and Carrie are involved with.  How do the boys like being in different schools this year?

Erika good luck in keeping up with everything.  What is the theme for the Primary Program this year?  Hope Aaron and his allergies are okay.  It sounds like the kids are busy with everything they are involved with.  When does Tiana start at Junior High?  Sorry we can't offer any advice on your garden.  It could be the heat, lack or water or too much water, etc., etc., etc.

Amanda and Camryn we love the both of you.  We can't believe how much Camryn has grown.

Zac and CJ it shouldn't be much longer.  The time just keeps moving a long.  CJ be sure to take it easy.

Well guess we had better close.  It has been another full day.  Three hours this morning in Employment Workshop and four hours this afternoon in Zone Conference, but we are enjoying it.

All our love, Mom and Dad (Grandma and Grandpa)

Letter to Mom and Dad on their mission in Cambodia - From Bruce Tonks

Notes from Round Valley

Hi, Lee and Veloy

Bruce has had Walt Boyce up here the last two days working on Chit Creek, I don't understand a lot of what Bruce tells me, but he did say there is a lot of water there.  It will take another day maybe two to finish and then they will move on to the bend in Tonks Hollow.  Bruce has the Trough by the reservoir ready to pour,  as soon as they get finished with Chit Creek done he can set the tire and put the forms in and order the cement; when he does pour he will need a least 4 people at each trough so we won't hold up the cement truck.

We've rented the little apartment again, I hope these people are better that the last 4 renters we've had.  Being a landlord isn't fun when you get people that don't think they have to pay their rent.

Marie is doing OK; she'll probably live a long time.  She doesn't know us.  Carol Ann, who takes care of her needs to have an operation, so when she goes in we will put Marie in a home and take a little vacation; We haven't been anywhere for over a year.  It probably won't be until November.

Hope all is well with you

Love,  Carol and Bruce

Email from Mark to Gwen

On Tue, 30 Aug 2005 09:25:48 -0600 mark dickson <mldickson@gmail.com> writes:

Gwen:

I'm glad your surgery went well, although I didn't know you had had surgery.  Hmmm, I guess you inherited some privacy genes from Dad & Mom !!!  I hope you know I'm just kidding....if I had minor surgery (that's what I'm assuming it was), I wouldn't have bothered to tell you either.

Please call me in advance so I can plan on helping up at Tonks Hollow.  Saturdays are horrible for me unless they were very early.  Are the emails to Dad & Mom from Bruce his way of soliciting help from our family, or are they purely informative.  What I mean is, does he contact you and let you know that he needs help with pouring cement, or is the request going through Mom & Dad?  Let me know.

My reply to Mark

You are so funny - I had an endometrial ablation last Wednesday, outpatient at David North Medical Center.  It is where they "burn"? the lining of my uterus, so I won't have periods hardly at all anymore - probably MORE than you wanted to hear, huh?

I need to call Bruce again, and find out what's going on.  I can't remember if he said He'd call, or if I should call him.  I'll do that tomorrow.