Race dump

PR for Dan. 12:03, he recovered well.

Santa Rosa Ironman

Dan raced in this a week ago. He raced well and his recovery has been fast. So good that he seriously considered racing again in a week, but we've just returned to Singapore and school starts in 3 days... he'll also be traveling to Vietnam, Philippines and Dubai in the next two weeks, it seemed a little too busy for another race in the middle of everything.

Our home is beautiful, unorganised, and wonderfully close to the school. Hopefully I'll rectify that chaotic part soon. My body is craving sleep. Ode to jet lag. I have such a love/hate relationship with it.

I started that three days ago. School has begun, Maeser starts tomorrow.
Nothing really important- the tasks of organising and putting everything away looms large. We did have a sister missionary come back to visit, she is traveling with her parents and they came for dinner on Sunday.

I am trying hard, like Hannah to always see the good in others, to be mindful of the smallness of my children and less impatient. And to be less busy. There will always be something to do, to get done or someone to visit... but those aren't the most important tasks.

All things...

We painted our cabin this week, just interior and only 4 rooms, but it looks amazing. Basically we asked the painter to paint anything that had been painted brown. There were at least 4 shades of brown painted on various walls or door frames. I love it. Sometimes we all need a good coat of white paint. 

The rest of the week is a blur. Dan is back, and the last of his hard training was this week. He has a race in California this weekend. Roadtrip! He has been training with Derrick occasionally and they swim in Deercreek reservoir a couple times a week. This pan of steak isn't steak. Dan has been eating the liver Bonita left in the freezer. How much is too much? I can't figure out how to prepare it.

Mary had one day of volleyball camp at BYU. She makes friends so quickly. She walked out with a new best friend and plans to hang out... too bad we live so far away. She quickly exchanged emails and said see you next summer! 

The last of the reunions ended on Saturday. I agree with Robert, "This is fun, but it will be even better with everyone here next year." I think he was referring to Dallin and Hannah.

Dan and Abe out for a run after/during the reunion's 5k that Sam organised. Abe was well prepared with a pair of jeans and his crocs. 

Fenton (and Robert) did a great job hosting and organising everything. He was everywhere. By the time we left 3/5 children were crying because they didn't want to leave. Fenton and Uncle Raymond make a great team. And Abby and Mark should be on cleanup duty every year. She is meticulous.

Cousins make the best friends. 

Saturday night we got a babysitter and took a "hike" down to Sundance and back. I think you are going to love this place. I forget how much I love the mountains when I am away from them. It is easy to see God in all the beauty around you. It is harder to see Him in the business of our life at home. I want to recognise Him in the people we see and the work we are doing. Alma 30:44.

Oh! And Maeser learned how to pump himself on the swing. Victory!

Camping

I can't say I'm a fan of camping. Very few showers, lots of junk food, sleeping in the same room with my own children. Some mothers are amazing and can handle round-the-clock companionship with their littles. I would rather get more thank 2-3 hours of sleep a night.

And I don't know that sleeping in a cabin in Manti qualifies as real camping, but lets leave it at that. My mother's family reunion was this last weekend. I left early after two rattle snakes in just as many days and an accident on an ATV- I didn't know the driver took Moses and they were thrown from the ATV while going up a hill.

We left, miraculously in good condition. When I got back and spoke to Dan we realised that between all the chaos, Dan (working in Bangkok) had begun his fast and I am certain that some of the blessings we experienced last weekend were because of him.

There is a great talk by Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Recognizing God's Hand in our Daily Blessings, read it. I should keep a more consistent record, but I do believe so many of the little things come about as blessings and I don't always acknowledge them as such or thank the Lord, which I should do immediately. And that God is a part of all the intimate details in our life.

A couple photos. Sharing my bed with Maeser and his glow sticks. And playing at the lake.

Favorite scripture this week: Helaman 3:35. The blessing of continually keeping your covenants and plugging away is that you grow "firmer and firmer in the faith". And sanctification cometh because we yield our hearts unto God. 

Keep doing good. Keep repenting and trying hard, and trying harder tomorrow.

Colonial fest... Armour and stocks.

Moses is a snot factory at the moment, avoid kissing at all cost.

Moses has got the BBQs figured out.

Hiking in Sundance.

When dinner is at 8pm and Dan is out of town... it's cereal. Don't judge too harshly.

Maeser isn't such a morning person.

First letter from Bonita at the MTC

I was so thankful to receive this letter. It was an amazing week. I felt that I need to continue to do my best. Have love and charity for others... beginning with those in my home. I would that all should feel God's love for them when around me, just as you do when you are around a missionary.

Dear Hughes Elder and Hermana Hughes,

You will need to just print out this letter and mail it because it will be too long to read during your hour on the computer.  SO much has happened!  I hope you don't mind that I'm writing both of you together.  Tuesday afternoon Sage and Rebekah tended while we went to the temple together.  (Sam was in Boston with Michael at a Dale Carnegie training.)  

Wednesday was a traumatic day.  This is what I wrote in my journal:

We’ve known for over a month that we would be set apart today, and got up early to be ready. Stewart had an appointment to go to breakfast with DeLoy Young and Perry Johnson, old friends from Bonneville Stake, and returned about 9am. We got dressed and reached Orem before 11 on order to be on time for our 1pm appointment with Elder Anderson. And about 11:15 we got a call from his secretary asking if we were on our way — the appointment was actually at 10:30 and they'd been trying to reach us! She graciously said that if we could be there by 12:15, Elder Anderson could still set us apart. 

We dashed to the car! Fortunately everyone was dressed, although Sam didn’t have a chance to shower, and Sarah was still at swimming lessons. There was no one to tend the children because Rebekah hadn’t arrived yet, so Sage volunteered to stay home, even though we’d invited her to come. Sarah got home and immediately left without even feeding Oskar. All the way there I was wondering, “How did this happen?” “Why didn’t I follow the prompting to double-check the email?”, etc. I was so upset, and Stewart was very patient in calming me, and Fenton and Sam, who were in our car, joked about it and tried to ease my anxiety. It was a nightmare and I felt horrible.

We arrived and parked by 12:05, then waited until about 12:15 for the Smarts to arrive. We went up to Elder Anderson’s office while Rocky parked the car, and Elder Anderson greeted us very graciously and waved off our apologies for being late. I was mortified. Elder Robbins was also very kind and forgiving. I felt love instead of the disappointment and condemnation I’d expected.

They visited with us while we waited for Rocky to come. Elder Anderson asked about our children and had me go through and tell about everyone. He asked about Unicity, and counseled Stewart that he can occasionally accept phone calls or meet with his sons to make significant decisions. He talked about Clive Winn and the story of the evil behind the smiling eyes, and of golfing with Stewart.

Elder Anderson talked about the timing of our mission call. He said he couldn’t remember if he put Stewart’s name in or not, but he said that it’s like what Elder Maxwell said, that if you throw out an idea and it doesn’t take on a life of it’s own, you should just let it lie there. The timing of mission calls is similar—and this is the right time for Stewart.

He suggested to Fenton and Sam that that they should get married in the Manila temple while we’re there! He talked about how they’ve discussed letting fathers come back for weddings, but have decided it’s best that they stay.

Elder Robbins explained his connection with Stewart of being in our bishopric and knowing Mom. He told Elder Anderson that Paul, my youngest brother, is the mayor of Centerville, and that he, at Mom’s request, worked with Paul on his Personal Management merit badge to pass off his Eagle right before his 18th birthday. And that Paul got a perfect score of 36 on his ACT! 

Elder Anderson said we were well-prepared for this assignment and made us promise to tell the area presidency he wanted us to attend the cultural celebration for the new 100th stake in the Philippines the first weekend of September. He asked our children what they thought of our call, and Sarah said, “We weren’t surprised. They will be great!”

Elder Anderson talked about visiting Africa and the miracles there and that miracles happen occasionally in the church, but they are usually subtle. However, in missionary work the miracles are non-stop in the lives of the missionaries.

After glancing at the clock, Elder Anderson motioned for Stewart to take the chair to be set apart as he had a 1:00 meeting with the Missionary Executive Committee, including Elder Oaks, or he would have spent more time with us.

He set Stewart apart as president of the Quezon City North Mission and blessed him with the keys for the work. He blessed him that
—time of service will be a fruition and magnification of the gifts and talents you have been given
—you will have revelation you need and a vision for the mission
—bless you wife (she will receive her own blessing) and you will be blessed through your wife’s inspiration
—you will be warned of danger; be aware of spiritual warning
—your family will be blessed and strengthened.
—your business will be protected and prosper and will continue on the path you have set it on
—health and strength

Elder Anderson hugged him and shook his hand at the same time and Elder Robbins hugged him. It was sweet!

Elder Anderson invited me to sit in the chair and for Stewart to join them as Elder Robbins set me apart as a companion to my husband and full time missionary in the Quezon City North Mission.
—anxiety, worries about culture and changes would be swallowed up the the joy of service.
—protection from danger
—family blessed with health and safety
—gift of discernment to know the needs of missionaries and how to help them.

They shook my hand afterward and Stewart hugged me.

Elder Anderson excused himself but invited Elder Robbins to stay and give us counsel. 

Elder Robbins said we would see many miracles on our mission and suggested that I keep a record of them.

He gave us three items of advice:
1-Love your missionaries sincerely. They can tell if love is feigned.
2-Have high expectations
3-Teach effectively Teach the missionaries in with fun lessons in zone conference

He mentioned Stewart’s system of calling at EF Hutton and how that applies to missionary work.

He invited us to stay in Elder Anderson’s office after he left and suggested Stewart and I bear testimony. Stewart invited me to testify first, and I loved looking at the smiling faces of my family as I did. Then Stewart bore his testimony. Afterwards Dan asked for a father’s blessing, which Stewart gave him. Then we filed out of the office, thanking the secretary, Alisa Hale, for her kindness and patience with us. She told us not to worry, it all worked out, and if we’d been on time we wouldn’t have been able to stay and use the office.

I love my family and wish they could have all been there. And I'm sad about Sage, since I invited her and she was all ready to go, but due to our lack of attention and preparation, she wasn’t able to attend. But she was cheerful and uncomplaining and we appreciated her help so much. 

On Friday morning, Amy planned a delicious breakfast for Megan Knowles and her boyfriend, Steve Thorne.  She is visiting this weekend in Sandy to meet his parents, so Connie and Steve came from Oklahoma to meet Steve, and Megan and Steve came to Orem for a couple of hours.  He seems really nice (pretty nervous at first) and she seemed very happy.  I hope things work out between them.

Friday night we went to a trampoline place Sam's friend's family owns, and the children had a great time.  During my haircut my hair dresser thought she found skin cancer on my scalp, but fortunately the dermatologist confirmed on Saturday morning that it was not.

And then Saturday after lunch we said goodbye and drove to the MTC.  It was surreal -- people all around us were going on with our lives and it felt like we were entering another dimension.  We got our name tags, missionary credit card, and then went to our hotel until the dinner at 5pm which was with Elder Robbins and all the mission presidents in his areas. (About 30) We met five of the other mission presidents going to the Philippines and listened to some funny stories of things that have happened in our area.

Then back to the hotel and a good sleep -- probably the last time I will sleep in until 6:30 then go back to sleep until 7:30, at least for three years.

This morning began with sacrament meeting where the speaker was President Eyring.  He talked about taking Christ's gospel and his love to all of God's children, some of the opposition we may face, and how to overcome it.  He said our missionaries are specifically assigned to us and to our predecessor -- so that must be true for you two, also.  

Then we had lunch in a super crowded dining room because the real dining room is the auditorium now.  We randomly sat at a table with Elder Arden (from New Zealand) and his wife who served as Area President in the Philippines for five years.  They told us we have a beautiful mission home and gave us some advice.

Before the next meeting began, Elder Bednar reminded us to be quiet--that reverence invites revelation, and suddenly all the visiting stopped.  Then all the missionaries were introduced and slides of us shown on the big screen.  

Elder Oaks gave an introduction and counseled us to teach our missionaries that the sacrament is the central act of the Sabbath.  Many churches use identical wafers to represent the body of Christ, but we use bread, broken and torn.  Just as each piece of bread is unique, we are all different, repenting of different sins, and he encouraged us to think of the ways Christ's sacrifice applies to us, individually. He said what we take into our mouths is not as important as what we do with our minds.

Then Elder Brent Nielson, the Seventy in charge of the missionary department, told a riveting story (complete with slides) of the hurricane in Taclaban and the miracle that all 204 missionaries were safe.  He said "a culture of obedience will increase the safely of your missionaries."

Then Elder Neil Anderson taught about finding.  He had lots of slides and videos, and his presentation was amazing.  He talked about the importance of setting goals for finding people and making plans to meet them.  He said that finding is a "daily tutorial in faith."  

Elder Lynn Robbins then held a discussion with our group on finding people to teach.  He said that if a missionary has 60 hours of proselyting a week, he/she should be finding the entire time.  We should be looking for clues about how to approach each person.  He quoted Sherlock Holmes, "Watson, you see, but you do not observe."  We need to make first connections with people that are meaningful.  There were a bunch of GA's in the back, and Elder Kleibengat observed that whether or not a contact is interested in the gospel doesn't matter as much as approaching them and making a contact.  By just speaking with someone in a kind way we are "warning", which is another duty of missionaries.A missionary can feel a deep sense of satisfaction at the end of the day, whether or not anyone was interested in the gospel.

By that time my head was so full of information I was feeling ovewhelmed!  We met Elder Craig Christensen and his wife and talked about him calling Raymond. Then we went to dinner, sitting at a random table with Elder Wilfred Anderson and then Elder Hallstrom came and sat down by Dad.  All the seveny are so kind and gracious.

After dinner we planned to go back to the hotel, but the Kellys (El Salvador) highly recommended the tour of the new MTC building.  We decided to go on the tour, and happened to be in the group with Elder Brent Nelson and his wife and Elder and Sister Bednar.  While we were waiting, Sister Bednar approached me and said she visited our mission recently and that our mission home is very nice.  She was so kind!  Meanwhile, Dad was talking with Sister Nelson who said she never learned Tagalog and was glad she didn't waste time on it because she would sound like a 4-year-old when she spoke!  

Elder Bednar was joking with our guides (two sister missionaries), but at the end we sat in a classroom and watched a short video.  Afterwards, one of  the missionaries invited Elder Bednar to say something, if he wanted.  He was on the back row, and he stood up and said, "As one of 15 men who are called to be witnesses of Christ, I know that is what I will be doing until I'm laid in the grave and then I will continue in the Spirit World."  He said, "I testify of Jesus Christ.  He lives.  He is resurrected. The tomb is empty.  I am a witness that He lives."  It was the most powerful testimony I have ever heard.  I felt he had seen Jesus Christ. The Spirit was so strong I was amazed!

I guess that's why we are going to serve.  Because He lives and this is His work.  Which is a good thing, because I wouldn't be able to do it on my own, no matter how much training I received.  I am so thankful you are witnesses to the world and that you have this opportunity to find people prepared to receive the gospel.

There's a lot more but I am pretty tired.  More later...

Love,

Mom

PS:  Mark graduated Friday and they're on their way to Utah!  Ask Abby to write you The Sad Oddessy of Their Cat.

Riding Sheep and Eating Dirt

Maes.

No children were harmed in the making of this photo essay...

Scout on a sheep.

Scout off a sheep.

The girl and the sheep regard each other.

Phew.

Best Story of the Week:

From Bekah Cutler, a cousin:

After the cash cow at the rodeo, Maeser sat down by me looking rather dejected. I told him he'd done a great job chasing the cow; he was really fast! But he was pretty bummed that he didn't grab any of the money. Mary quietly reached into her picked and pulled out a dollar bill or two and some quarters. She gave Maeser a few of the quarters, which made him pretty happy.
I asked her if she'd grabbed the money from the cash cow (I was trying to picture how to loosely attached coins to a cow, and it didn't seem like an easy feat..). She said, "No, it's not from the cash cow, it's just some of my own money that I brought," and went back to contently watching the rodeo. I thought it was really sweet of her to try to make an effort to cheer up her brother, especially because it was in a situation where it wasn't really necessary for her try to do anything, and nobody else was watching. I think she just figured that giving her brother some quarters would be a nice way she help him have a good experience at the rodeo. It was a sweet gesture. 

It was immediately after this that he took his coins down to the refreshment stand to try and buy Strawberries. And he got lost. And the Rodeo MC had to call for us to pick him up from the announcers' booth. 

June-ish

Today is just some random thoughts as I am struggling to put everything in order. I feel a little scattered. Utah always welcomes us with perfect weather. It doesn't seem like the early summer. We have had a lot of time to play, and swim and eat. Something magical happens in mom's kitchen, everything tastes better. Goals for the summer:Be still. Listen. Be kind. It's been a great week, and we signed the kids up for a Rodeo this Thursday!  Yeesh.Mom is a woman who creates beauty where ever she goes. I'm sitting at the kitchen table and can see out to the yard. There are flowers and life everywhere. I want to cultivate the same kind of space.

Gratitude

We've arrived, and about 8am is when we have lunch. Fenton snagged this photo of Scout, "5pm Jet-lag." It makes me laugh every time I see it.

Eating breakfast at 3am and Maeser said, "Mom, I'm so happy we're in America and we're eating cereal."

It really is great to be back. It's like aging fast. When you facetime for just a few minutes a week and then actually come back you realise how many small things have changed, how quickly small people grow or how quickly grandpa is ageing... my grandpa is using a cane now. It's kind of adorable and kind of sad. And then I notice how old I must be getting when girls I taught in YW now have 2 or 3 children of their own.

I love seeing family every single day. Families are the bread of life. I love seeing others busy and coming in and out of the house. I love that there is always someone around to talk to or for the children to play with. I am feeling quite sappy at the moment. So thankful for family and ever thankful that Derrick and Julie will be in Singapore when we get back.

Utah has absolutely perfect weather. It is a bit cool, but the sun is bright and sitting outside for a few minutes warms the toes. And shopping... walking the isles of Harmon's is amazing. I loaded my cart so quickly I had to put things back. And I kept thinking of all the food I want to make with the ingredients so handy. Working in mom's kitchen is a dream too. One day I'll have a kitchen with lots of light and air con and delicious food. I really love it. I'm not trying to make you feel homesick, but there are some things that I love about our summer breaks.

Gosh, this is probably one of the worst kinds of letters. Just know I am feeling an abundance of gratitude and it is almost like walking in heaven.

"No matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is somethings in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it."  Dieter F. Uchdorf


Photos: 

Dan swam in a race on Saturday in the Great Salt Lake.

Sam has a little pet goat. The children love him.

May 28, 2017

Julie has 10 weeks left until the baby is due. She better not have that baby before we get back from summer break!  I'm kinda afraid the baby will come early and we won't be very much help abandoning them in a new country to have a baby. 

We're off in less than 24 hours. Just enough time to scrounge up some bags and clothes and send the kids off for their last day of school. And the movers are coming too! We can't get to Utah soon enough.

Really. I can't wait.

I just read a letter from a friend, he said that hard weeks don't have to be bad weeks. Bingo! Rings true. It has been a very hard week, and this coming week will probably match the last, but they are far from bad weeks. I am thankful that we have the opportunity to have family here and to see family for such a long time this summer. It will totally be worth it. And the hassle of moving is just a hassle, maybe a little inconvenient and a lot of work, but the reward come August will pay off. And then, these are just 1st world problems, meaning- not really problems. 

I've had a thought ringing through my brain all morning- Saying "Yes" to something is an automatic "No" to another. There are so many things I want to do. Places I want to be. People I want to get to know better. But by pursuing those things I am choosing not to pursue or commit to something else. It is very applicable to Bonita and Stewart's choice to serve. And Hannah and Dallin's. I hope I also learn to make the better choice. Always.

A few photos from this week. I tried to think of funny things the kids said, but my brain is fried. I'm sure there will be something hilarious in the next week.

We spent a few days at the beach, it was great to get away.

Sunday naps. Cred goes to Dan for getting both babies down after they woke mid nap.

My dearest.

Growing boys. And cousin time.

Scout!

Mae Mae.

Grimace? Growl?

Beach naps. I kinda wish I'd have taken one too.