Crystee's Corner

I have a friend who is going through a life threatening disease ( Aplastic Anemia), has survived breast cancer, and what she doesn't tell you in her blog, is that she currently has stomach cancer...this girl is a fighter. She has asked me to make her a blog, so this is what I have been working on all morning. Take a look! http://www.crysteescorner.blogspot.com/ Crystee is a wonderful, kind person. Years ago when Spencer was diagnosed with diabetes and I was headed to Children's hospital to admit him and spend a week in the hospital watching him get better and learning how to deal with this new way of life, Crystee gave me a hospital survival kit. It had magazines, chocolate, and many snacks. She now fights for her life, and in the middle of all her trials her husband was recently in the hospital just diagnosed with diabetes type 2. I often joke with her that she is referred to as "my friend with the worst luck in the world." She has been through more than anyone else I know and still keeps a sense of humor. I will do all I can to help this great lady. We love you!

Spencer update...bad to the bone!

ok, leave it to Spencer to be a little creative in his missionary work. He and his companion made these pictures of themselves and handed them out on the streets of LA. He say's they were very successful. They are teaching some people this week! His best story is when he and his companion were tracting and some latinos offered up some food to them. Homemade fajitas! Mondays are his prep days, and he says they played kick ball last week. He misses the rain in Seattle. He is in an area with a car and passed his driver's test last week, and says LA traffic is horrible. That's about it.

just got an email update check it out!

Hey dad yeah that is cool that grandma and grandpa lived in Lomita!!! its just how the Lord works i guess!! haha. so yeah i heard about Mara, but i know they will be ok.. Brother Adams does have a strong testimony and i am glad they recieved my letter. give them my best wishes. i am glad to hear that you saw that miracle! people often miss the things like that where the miracle was simply she got to return to heavenly father earlier than us and for that i think she is extremely blessed...

So i am glad to hear everybody is doing well. Tell Dallin to keep going because he is an amazing soccer player and they will get a win! always give it his all tell him i said that. also tell Jensen im proud of him for sticking with basketball ; tell him not to be too hard on himself.. here is a quote for them. "The Lord doesnt expect perfection he expects progression so just tell them that and to keep progressing to be the best they can be! "

I am very pleased to hear of the success at home. we are also having success. we found 12 new investigators this week! the most my trainer has ever had his whole mission in a week so that is really good news! also, we found a family of 7 and we are really exited about them as well. hopefully all of them turn into baptisms. pray for that please. on top of that i gave my first sit down lesson about the restoration to a guy named nick and his family and i am super exited about that! i felt the lord guiding me the whole way and him putting words in my mouth just like the scriptures said.

Yeah its not really ghetto here its just low class to middle class with lots of gangs and mexicans haha. i am getting good practice with my spanish here! i had something called helote the other day. its pretty much ghetto corn in spanish haha, but it was so good!! it was corn with mayonaise, butter, parmasian cheese, and a chile kind of spice. i will have to take a picture of it sometime and show you guys haha its hard to explain, but this guy goes around honking a horn and all these mexican people crowd around to get some of this helote. its comparible to the icecream truck! its way popular around here. haha.

Well all is going well! the work is progressing and i am exited for this upcoming week! keep praying for me and keeping me posted!! i love you and miss you dad! take care!

Elder Flitton

Check out our ward web site...

Ok, so some of you know I am the ward activities chairperson. Take a look at our last activity. Jeff was a judge of 17 different chili's. Can you tell by his expression that he has about 200 different ingredients in his tummy? greenriverward.blogspot.c0m

Phantom...I know be jealous!

Cover of our program
The Paramount in Seattle

No pictures allowed inside the theater, oops
another sneaky picture inside...

Well this is something I have always wanted to do. Go to the theater. Jeff (being the manly man that he is) cringes every time I bring up the cultural events subject, so this was a milestone in our marriage. He is actually the one that came home one day and said, "I want to go to Phantom" I bought tickets right away, hoping I wasn't dreaming. And we loved it!

Happy Birthday Bonnie!

Bonnie's mom, Bonnie, Gracene,Cheryl & Michelle
I just love this woman! For her birthday we got up early and took her to breakfast! We all went in on a massage and gift basket for her and got her a bouquet of flowers. Bonnie is one of those people you meet in life who does everything, and does it well. Her energy and love of life are contagious and you just can't help but love her! She cans, she cooks from scratch, she makes her own bread, she packs her kids lunch everyday with homemade snacks, she runs a business with her husband, she is a soccer coach for all 3 of her kids, and she is a wonderful friend.

Hope you had a great day!

Mara's Funeral today...

This morning we are all getting up and ready. It is so hard to put on our brave faces and deal with the death of a small child. We have been so blessed to be friends with the Adams and we know that today doesn't end their trial, as her absence will be painful throughout this lifetime. We so desire to carry and support them in their loss,and just love them so much. Thankfully we have the gospel of Jesus Christ and the knowledge that their family will be together forever! This knowledge makes this day bearable.

Dallin and many boys from our ward play on a select soccer team, so I thought it would be nice to share the picture we sent in to the Mara's Team web page. They had been gathering pictures of family and friends in their Mara's Team shirts for Mara to see, it made her so happy. Mara didn't get to see this one, but we thought it would be a nice way to show more love and support.

A letter from Spencer's mission president...

We received a beautiful letter from Spencer's mission president. It just let us know he got there safe and sound, and that they have prayed about his companionship. Spencer also emailed us on Monday...here is his email.

092208
Hey mom i made it to LA safe and sound!! my p day is on monday so that is why i am writing now. sounds like everthing is going well that was nice of dad to do that! so yeah everything is going well! i am way exited to be here and i have already had some good experiences. right when i got off the plane the president did take us door knocking and that was interesting. lots of rejection haha. anyway a couple of days though i got into a really good conversation with a man and he told us we were angels of heaven sent to tell the truth so we will see where that goes. oh and by the way my companion/trainers name is Elder Aitken and he is really awesome. i have already learned a lot from him. we went trackting on sunday with the youth and that was a blast. reminded me of when i did that. anyway all is well over here and i am absolutely enjoying preaching the word to everyone! so make sure to write me back asap! i will send a letter as well and look for that. alright well ill talk to you later ok? i love you and i miss you!!


Oh and my first area is called Lomita! it stands for the hills in spanish. anyway we are in charge of a samoan, spanish, and english ward. the area is ghetto to middle class so its a lot of fun! anyway thats just what my area looks like. i love you again!

Elder Flitton

In a separate email to Kylee, Spencer says the Samoans are feeding him constantly, he thinks he has gained 5 pounds just this week...

We love you Mara!

Jensen,Dallin &Kylee wearing our Mara's Team T-Shirts! We love you Mara!
We lost a beautiful person yesterday, our dear friend Mara. She was diagnosed a year ago with a challenging brain tumor, if you look up DIPG you will see how difficult this kind of cancer is to fight. We are so sorry for this loss, as Mara was an amazing little girl. Throughout her trial she was patient and long suffering. She taught us so much in her short 6 years. Her mother told me that Mara had a easy going spirit, Heavenly Father knew what she would face and blessed her with a demeanor to accept and face this trial. How blessed the Adams were to have such a special spirit in their family. They are in our thoughts and prayers, and we couldn't love a family more. We know that this little girl had a mission here, and she served valiantly. Please leave a note on their family blog, I am sure they will appreciate it. http://www.maraadams.com/

Dirty Little Secrets...

Ok, so today I went for a soda pop, and this just struck me funny...I am confessing a secret. I hide food from my kids! Does anyone else do this? So here is a pic of the last of my stash...

The tuperware cupboard...the kids never use it...now I will have to find a new place...

We heard Spencer's Voice this morning!

Spencer a few years back...always the great big brother.

So, what a surprise. Spencer was able to call from a pay phone at the airport before he left for LA...we almost missed it. He forgot to tell us to expect it, and he was there at 6 am, 5 am our time... but we all saw a Utah number on caller id and we quickly called it back... luckily his companions were still on the phone with their families and Spencer picked up the pay phone. He sounds great! Kylee and I were in tears, his voice is deeper, and he sounds so sure of himself. He is happy, healthy and sends his love to everyone. He has everyone on his mind and in his prayers. He says the MTC was wonderful, he got all his medical supplies through security, but he had some troubles with his pump and the titanium in his ankle, I guess they have stronger metal detectors now, because neither of these use to go off at the airport. He gets a debit card, and will have a budget to follow. I instructed him to not go cheap on groceries, because he only gets to go once a week. He is really an adult and sounds prepared. I am so grateful.

The reason spencer has a metal plate in his leg...surgical break to correct a birth defect...

Spencer's last letter from the MTC...California here he comes!

Spencer last letter was so touching and I am so impressed with his testimony that I am going to share his entire letter, which although very private and special to our family, I feel his words have so much value that it would be wrong not to share.

Dear Family,

ONLY ONE MORE WEEK UNTIL I LEAVE! ha, ha. I'm way excited. Ok so I got a letter from the Fastwolf's and I'm wondering what exactly happened to Cameron? ( Spencer's cousin was in a major car accident) Anyway I got my flight plans on Friday! I wake up at four in the morning and my plane is at eight so everything is set. My leave date, again, is the 17th, so I am excited. I had an amazing week this week! For our Tuesday devotional, we had Dieter F. Uchtdorf, and I learned a lot! One thing he said was every night offer the Lord your work for the day and wait for an answer. This advise can be good for outside of the mission too! So keep this in mind. Also, his wife is so funny and so cute! Oh, you have to hear her in order to understand, she is just funny. Anyway I have an awesome scripture I really wanna share with you. It's in 3 Nephi 24:3, and while reading this scripture, replace "sons of Levi" with "me" to understand the meaning of the scripture. ( This is the scripture put as he wanted us too... And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; and he shall purify me, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.) We must allow God to refine us into what he wants. In order to do this we must humble ourselves and pray to always change for the better. Do you know how silver gets so shiny? It is constantly re fired. We are the Lord's silver. We won't be the way he wants after being re fired once. He will constantly give us trials to make us even better than before. "He refines us in our afflictions" (1 Nephi 20:10) So just remember that. Trials are blessings in disguise. God will put us in the fire, but he won't let us burn. Anyway I thought this was awesome! Oh yea, and also if you have someone you have a hard time with, serve them! This is the best way to warm a cold heart. Man I love the MTC. I have learned so many things and how to follow the spirit, it's amazing! Jensen and Dallin, I can't wait until you feel what I feel in the MTC. I can't explain it, but it is very amazing. Kylee you as well. Ok, one more thing that I have learned this week; when you fight thoughts, you give them life. Don't fight a bad thought, if it comes in just let it go. Alright? This is how you get rid of a bad thought! Mom, Dad, Kylee, Jensen,and Dallin, I KNOW with out a doubt this church is true. All of the faith promoting experiences in my life have concluded to this knowledge. I know this church is true. Jesus is the Christ. God lives and he love us. And Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration. If you have not yet, I urge you to gain this knowledge by trying your faith. Pray for faith promoting experiences. Ask God if he love you and you will receive an answer. I am grateful for my time here in the MTC, but I can't wait to get out! So until my next letter , which will come from California :) I love you and miss you guys so much. God be with you.

With love,

Elder Flitton

Four,Four,Four,Four

I got this from my sister to fill in the blanks ...
Copy and add to your blog!
A) Four places that I go to over and over: Church,Dallin's Elementary, Jensen's Middle School, Kylee's High School. ( The last three are every day!)
B) Four people who e-mail me (regularly): Mom,Katie, Jeff, Spencer
C) Four of my favorite places to eat: Herfy's, The Keg, Las Margaritas, Baja Fresh
D) Four places I would rather be right now: Hawaii, California, Italy, Eating lunch at one of the above
E) Four TV shows I watch over and over: According to Jim, King of Queens, Survivor, Ace of Cakes

Thanks to the peeps in my life!

Just a little shout out to the people in my life who make me feel loved! These are the wonderful things I received for my birthday from great people in my life.

My fabulous Husband! What a find! I have the best man in the world! He brought me home roses, took me for a lobster dinner and gave me a gift certificate to the Salish Lodge for a romantic get away including massages, dinner and breakfast! YES! That's what I'm talking about! Thanks Jeff!
I also received a beautiful blog post from my daughter Kylee, thanks sweetie!

And what would I do without my mom! She always sends me a card with money, well before my birthday, I so appreciate her constant and unwaivering love and support.

Thanks also to my brother Carl,my mother in law Janet; to Wendy and Deanna for the thoughtful emails.

Also, Jeff's grandma Lund, I don't know how she does it, but a card has arrived on my birthday every year since we have been married. That is a lot of work, and I appreciate her love and support.

Thanks to my friends Bonnie, Kristen and Katie, for calling and setting up lunch dates.

Thanks to my son Dallin, who last night tucked me in and gave me a kiss goodnight, this was priceless.

Thanks to Jensen for singing me happy birthday, and planning me something fabulous, althought I don't know yet what it is, because he needs lots of money for it...it's the thought that counts.

If you read a few blogs ago, my toes were hideous, my sweet friend Beth got me some items to rectify that situation! And also a coupon for a "girls night out!" Thanks!
My dearest friend Kris, knows me better than I know myself. If you remember the pool was damaged, now I need a new backyard, she got me a gift card to Lowe's and this beautiful gardening tote full of goodies! Thanks!
Kris also gave me this wonderful arrangement, I so love flowers!

My new BFF Sunne surprised me at work with funfetti cupcakes, roses and a balloon, but best of all I got to see Piper, her gorgeous daughter! Thanks for thinking of me and including me in your family tradition!

Happy Grandparent's Day! Thanks for everything!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

How we spent our Saturday 090608

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Check it out...30 million views...thanks mom for sharing!

remember pause my playlist before you watch :)

Spencer Update! 090208

Well, I hope I am not being redundant posting information regarding Spencer, I don't know who is writing him and who he is writing. I plan on updating every so often.

His latest letter had a sister missionary write "hola" to our family, and he had to explain. I thought that was cute. He says he has fallen in love, no it's not that kind of love, but a love for the scriptures! He is getting many answers and he says its amazing! He says that he is learning how to feel the spirit more accurately in his life. He was taught that when you are living worthily and doing everything you can, to just trust your thoughts because 9 times out of 10 that is the spirit. He further explains that if you are living the way you should the spirit and you should be on the same page so just trust your thoughts... He is also excited because he is now the oldest in his district and all the new missionaries look up to him. He is so excited to get to LA and start tracting, and teaching about the gospel! He leaves for LA in 11 days!

In other news, my sister's husband Steve is getting baptized!!! This month he faces a difficult neck disection for cancer, but on October 11th he will be getting baptized and we are so happy for him and their family. There are so many blessings that come with living the gospel. I believe the most important being peace and happiness regardless of our trials.

Secondly, please take a look at my sweet friends blog. http://www.maraadams.com/ This little girl is amazing. Her parents belong to our church and have written in such a beautiful way what we all believe, and you would be missing out if you don't take a look and their last few entries, specifically August 31st. You will understand the peace I write about when you read their words in the face of what they are dealing with...

Our prayers are with them, my sister's husband and family and our son Spencer.

Found more California pics!

Kylee has another boyfriend in her club...


Everything is edible ...yummy
Dallin can even eat the treasure box...

Hey Meg, I am texting you here...