Ronnenburg Castle, Saturday, April 23, 2011

We went to the Ronnenburg Castle on Saturday, April 23, 2011.  We went to Frankfurt and picked up Allan and Diane Asplund, another senior couple to go with us.  We were told that there was suppose to be some kind of a fair there with jostling, sword fights, booths and performances and that it would be really fun so we decided to do that.  We were told it started at 11:00 a.m.   We got there around 11:30 and had no problems finding a park.  We went inside and there really weren't any people around.  There was a small group of performers in the field that appeared to be practicing and there were some people hang gliding on the hill below the castle but other than a few other people (very few other people) walking around it was us.  We spent some time in the museum and then finally asked about when the festivities started and were told we were a week too soon.  Oh well.  We were told we could pay 5 Eur and go inside the castle and wander wherever we wanted so that is what we did.

We had an absolute wonderful time.  This is the kind of castle I expected to see in Germany.   It is old and they have kept it as much as possible looking like the original.   I believe someone lived in it until around 1960.   We could touch almost everything in the building and that was a fun thing to do also.  

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Inside courtyard of castle looking up at the tower.

Outside wall of the castle before going in.

The wheel that they would walk on to drop the bucket into the well to get water and to bring the bucket back up.  The well is 317 feet deep.   We threw buckets of water into the well and it was amazing how long it took for the water to hit the bottom and then to hear that sound come back up.  We had so much fun doing it I think we did it at least 3 times.  They had a light on so you could see to the bottom of the well.  There was grate over the top of the well so you would not fall in.

We all decided to be like the little kids and pretend to be a Queen or King.  We did have to stupe pretty low.  We look pretty funny but there was no one around so we could act like kids again for a minute or two.

Vickie

Marv

Allan Asplund

It looks like Allan and Marv were not so liked as King because they are in the Stocks.  What do you think, should we let them out?

In the courtyard was a place where they built a fire and used a bellows to make things.  They also had a cannon.

Hope we don't break the cannon.  That would be hard to explain.

The next are some pictures of the tower we walked up.  Marv counted the stone stairs and he said there were 103 steps plus two flights of stairs toward the top out of wood that were very narrow and pretty straight up and down - a little of an angle of about 20 steps each.  

Looking up the tower we are going to climb.

Entrance to tower to start our climb.

The top level of the tower and door leading to the outside.

I think I must have been a little nervous about going down because I am watching my feet.

I made it down the first flight to steps at the top going back down.

The spiral stairs going down.  See how skinny the sides are.  You always hoped you didn't have to pass anyone on the stairs.

This is the top of the tower and that ledge where the railin is is where we could walk all around the tower.

The view was amazing.  You can see the performers below, a biplane flying around, the buildings below and the fields and towns in the distance.  The weather was perfect and it was simply amazing.   I can now understand why they built their towers because you can see for miles and what a great protection that must have been for them.   Below are some pictures of the inside (windows) and then pictures overlooking the valleys.

Marv's telephoto is really good because they were way down there.  Previous picture shows a little of how far away they were.  These were the performers that were practicing I guess for next week.

I think we were told the yellow fields are Flax.  There are lots of these fields and they are so pretty.  They also seem to grow dandelion fiels and they do look pretty until we Americans get up close and see what they are.  They make teas and other things out the dandelions and they are allowed to grow in flower beds etc.  Marv tells me I have to quit pulling the tall grass out of the Ivy by our apartment.   I can't help myself.

Now for the inside of the castle.   The dungeon first.  We saw a room that they had the armour in and some of their swords and weapons.  This was about the only thing that was locked behind a gate that we couldn't touch.  Then we went to the dungeon where we saw a table they tortured people on by putting their heads and arms in one end and feet in iron cuffs attached to a bar that was attached to a chain which was attached to another bar that they turned.  The doorways are short so were the people short until they took them to this stretching table (ha ha).   Marv and Allan tried out the tables.  What do you think?

Then we are off to the kitchen.   It is pretty big I guess but I sure am glad I don't have to use their pots and start a fire to cook everything.  What's for dinner?

Looks like Allan is ready for dinner.

What you want dinner?

Anyone know how to cook on this?

Our friends, Allan and Diane Asplund.

How would you like to cook in this?

Is this a drying rack?

Hallway to kitchen

There were lots of different diningrooms.   Here are a few.  Notice the European head mounts of animals.  It was very strange I thought.   I like that ours have the fur and look like the animal not just a skeleton.

Can you see the carvings on the bench?  I think it is really neat.  Cozy window table.

Does this remind you of Bear Lake?  Well maybe not but this looks like where royalty ate and just maybe we could get all our family around this table.  What do you think?

Another diningroom. 

The paintings on the walls are original and they are trying to preserve them.  This is one of the rooms that actually had things inside of glass cases we could look at.

Do you thing these were elk?

Are these Jack-o-lopes?  They really do exist?

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This is a diningroom with all different mounts on the walls.  I think they actually use this room for a special adinner they offer which I think Marv said he saw on the internet which costs 50 EUR.  I know we aren't eating here, that's for sure.

Here is the pharmacy.   I can just see a Wizard in here mixing up all his potions.

Here are some pictures inside the castles

Looking out the window toward tower we climbed.

Staircase in the castle.

Iron box we think was used to heat a room.  The detail is beautiful.

 This is a clock.  Doesn't the middle look like the sunstone?

Their toilet.   No door but a window.  Candi, you definitely would not like this one.  Me neither!

 I think this floor was wood and creaky.   You sure couldn't sneak up on anyone.

Don't you just love the multicolored cobblestone.  This is before you enter the room with all the antlers.

Here are some more pictures of the outside of the castle in the courtyard.

 Inside the courtyard looking up to the tower.

 On the outside of the courtyard between the buildings inside and an outer wall.

The entrance to the first part of the castle.

Outside looking up the castle and smaller tower.  Larger tower that we climbed in the back.

 Walk way on the outside of the courtyard between courtyard building and outside walls.

 Outside walls.

 Standing on outside wall looking back through the trees to the tower we climbed.

 Outside walls.

 Close up of a window in wall.

 A spot on the outside wall looking back to the tower.

Marv and Vickie on the landing at the outside wall.

Gate to go off the wall.

 Arches on the inside wall.

 Looking at the buildings and tower from the outside wall.

 Well I hope you have enjoyed your tour of the castle at Ronnenburg, Germany.   We had beautiful weather and a great time with our friends.  We did try to eat at the restaurant there until they brough us the menu.  We had already ordered our Coke Lights and so didn't dare leave.  We couldn't read the menu because it was all in German.  We found the guy that told us the event was going to be today - he was there because he thought it was that day also and asked for him to interrupt the menu for us.  He is a paid employeed married to a German, our Relief Society President, and I think he is from Ireland but he is very knowledgeable about about all these fortresses throughout Europe.  Two other missionary couples had come also.  They didn't do all the crazy things we did and I'm not even sure if they went in the castle to all the rooms because they were eating at the restaurant long before we got there.   Anyway, he explain what was on the menu and we noticed that everything was 18 or 20 Eur so we decided to order a salad that cost 6 Eur to split and the Asplund's order a bowl of soup to split, which cost them 5.5 Eur.  We ate that and paid for our stuff and went to the hot dog stand and bought a  Bratwurst which Marv and I shared and they shared one and we bought some fries to share.   We were glad that the others were gone so they didn't see us do that.   But we didn't want to pay all that money at the restaurant and so this was our solution.    Anyway it was still lots of fun.  

Then we went back to Frankfurt.  Parked our car at the Office.  Went up the Asplund's apartment for a potty break and a cold glass of water and then we walked over to catch the train.  We rode the subway (train) downtown and walked over to the Bridge over the Mein and at 4:30 p.m. 10 churches rang their bells at the same time.  It was pretty neat and it sounded neat.  There was a meeting with lots of other senior couples that had come to listen to the bells.  They do this 4 times a year.  Once on the day before Easter, Christmas Eve, start of Lent and may the start of the Passover or something like that.  They rang for over a half hour.

Then we walked through the plaza and down to the second place to pick up the train where  Sister Asplund and I decided to go half on some strawberries and half on 2 kilos of white asparagas because everyone said they are so good.  Do you know how much 2 kilos are?  Well we didn't, it's A LOT.  We were laughing as we said to the guy, is that 2 kilos?   That's a ton.   He was totally laughing at us.  I gave some away and I think she did too.  Guess what's for dinner?   That's right white asparagas - probably for lunch too.  Don't think I can do breakfast too.  

We rode the train back to the drop off point and walked back to our car.  It was a fun filled day and we actually got home before 6 p.m.  

Church In Offenbach

This is the church house we attend in Offenbach.   It has another ward that meets at 9:30 a.m and we meet at 11:30 a.m.  Our ward is an International Ward that has mostly those that speak English.  There are senior missionary couples that attend and also those that work for the US Embassy.  It is in a section of town that is kind of industrial or at least next to the church is an older building that has broken out windows.   It is a little strange to see this building in the setting not typically like the ones in Utah.  All the parking lot is in bricks and cobblestone.  The mission president and his family attend our ward.  A member of the Area Presidency attends our ward when he is in town.   There are quite a few different nationalities in our ward. 

The first two pictures are of the building.  Notice there is a gate we go through.  It is usually open but I guess they can lock it if they need to.  The last picture is looking in the parking lot toward the building (apartments) next to the church.

The one thing that has impressed us is the fact that all the young men when they administer the sacrament or pass the sacrament are in white shirts and ties and a suit.  They look so handsome and very clean cut.

Castle in Friedsburg - Elvis Presley in Military here

Marv and Vickie after Stake Conference in Friedsburg at the Castle.   This was the town that Elvis Presley served in the military at.  The people here love him because he was really good to them.  They even have a monument to him.   I think he worked here 3 years.

Secretarial Training and Easter In Germany

April 15, 2011

Dear Family,

It looks like this is going to be another generic letter to all.   Where does the time go?   Marv and I (Dad and I or Grandpa and I) have been gone to a secretarial training for the secretaries in the Europe Area of Seminaries and Institutes.   We were able to meet with about 30 or so secretaries and another 7 Coordinators.   We were busy from early morning until late at night but it was a good experience.   The spirit of these people is wonderful and it was very interesting to sit with some of them and hear their stories.  Most are first generation converts or at the most maybe second generation converts.   Many of the secretaries work only 8 hours a week and some have 3 or 4 coordinators they work for and so they are full time employees.   There were 8 men that are secretaries in the area.  All of them are married and 6 of them have families of their own.  The one just got married last June and one other one only spoke German so we did not speak with him.

The secretaries were from the following countries:

Spain, United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, France, Finland, Portugal, Italy, Sweden (she is actually from Utah but married a Swede and has lived in Sweden for the past 8 or 9 years), Norway, and Romania.    Most spoke pretty good English.   The French girls had the hardest time with the English and so the three of them preferred to speak to each other instead of to us.   I did finally get to visit quite a while with two of them.  

I learned that the Book of Mormon was the thing that converted most of them in the end.   Some had family members who had been baptized before but had not wanted anything to do with the church and then one day a missionary approached them and it started to change.  This man joined the church and then was asked by the missionaries to help teach an investigator, who ended being his wife.  Another one told of how his wife was the one that the missionaries asked to help with him a new investigator and they too ended marrying.   Another one had been a foreign exchange student and lived with an LDS family and it wasn’t until many years later when we went back to live with them again that he found a Danish Book of Mormon in a piano bench in their home and so he just started to read it.  He couldn’t put it down.   He prayed and knew the church was true but then he went through the missionary discussions and the rest is history.   He just returned from being a Mission President in Norway and then he hired on as a Coordinator for Norway and Denmark.   He and his four sons biked across the United States  from New York to San Diego in 2004, I believe.  They did it in 28 days.   They never rode on Sundays.   

We had an Easter egg hunt in the forest with occasional rain after our meetings in the evening the first night.   It was actually pretty cold but it was a fun experience because we got the chance to walk and talk with others.   They had the eggs hidden in 12 different places along the trail and at each station we were to look for a bag hidden with enough chocolate eggs for each of us.   On the egg was a picture and we were to determine how it related to the week before Christ was crucified and the three days following.   Axel had scriptures that we read that related to the events and the pictures and so we learned and heard the story of Easter on our walk.   When we got back to the Hotel, I found a machine where I could pay 1 Eur for a cup of hot chocolate.   Lots of us were getting hot chocolate.   It was really good and I was really cold.   Then we all went to our rooms because it was about 9:30 p.m. by then, I think.

On Wednesday after our training we went to the Frankfurt Temple which was just down the hill from where we were staying and did a session.   Christie had sent me my temple clothes from Cedar on the previous Thursday or Friday and just as Marv and I were leaving our office to go to the meetings on Tuesday, the box was delivered with our temple clothes in it.   Can you believe it arrived so quickly?  The postoffice told her it would take 2 weeks and it arrived in about 4 or 5 days.   That was a tender mercy of the Lord because then we didn’t have to rent our temple clothing.  Marv just had to rent the pants and shoes because I hadn’t gotten his new pants hemmed thinking that we would just have to rent everything one more time anyway.   My dress was not even wrinkled when I opened it up on Wednesday so that was good too.  

Anyway we had a good session in English except for when I got to the veil the man on the other side spoke in German.   I panicked but the Sister said you can do this just answer in English so I did.   I know I had help because I had to remember what was being said.   It was quite the experience but now I think I can do even better the next time this might happen.  

We went to dinner at a Chinese restaurant that we walked to and had a good visit with others on the way and then at dinner.   I thought I had ordered the chicken breast with sweet and sour for Marv and I previously but two other people got what I thought we had ordered and then we got something that the waitress said was sweet and sour and what we had ordered.    It was a bunch of vegetables and a little bit of pieces of chicken in a sauce.   Oh well, I will make sure I get the right one next time.   Marv and I had eaten there before with the Church’s Financial Controller so I was pretty confident in knowing what to order so I have no clue what happened.   Another learning experience!  The two men that got what I wanted shared and I shared with them mine so it is all good.

We were asked to get one of the French ladies to the Train Station after the meetings.  We had a nice visit with her before we got her to the station.   Getting her to the station is another story but the bottom line is we made it and we learned some new streets we haven’t been on before mainly because we have never been to the main train station before.   Another new experience!   Not sure we could find it again without the GPS.   Thank heavens for GPS.  

Tonight after work at 5:30 we are going to some castle which should take us about 45 minutes to get to.  We are doing a night watch tour.   Not exactly sure what this is but I heard that it is something you should do while here so we will let you know how that is.   You will probably already have heard about it before you get this letter.

We heard some wonderful devotionals and it is amazing how you can take from the devotionals the things that apply just to you.   I heard numerous times that we were chosen to do this work at this particular time and that the Lord will help us.   He is in charge.   I know he loves all of us and I know that because Marv and I have been set apart for this calling he will help us because he wants his work to be furthered in Europe and just maybe the little thing of being stewards of the Lord’s tithing money is very important to him and so it is an honor and privilege to be requested to take care of the Finances here.   There are so many challenges but we will make it with the Lord’s help.  

I have enclosed a story that was  shared at our meetings that I thought was very powerful and hope that you will enjoy it too with Easter approaching us this next week.   May we enjoy our traditions (another thing we learned about was the traditions in other countries or lack of traditions) and also to be grateful to our Savior for his sacrifice for us.   I am grateful the Savior loved us enough to die for me and for my sins and that because of that I can repent and I can return to live with my Heavenly Father and family forever.   I love each of you and I do love the Lord and our Savior and pray that I will be his worthy servant.    May the Lord bless each of you with the righteous desires of your hearts and keep you safe while we are serving here in Germany.  

The sun is shining today and it makes me so happy.   A quote we heard this week says, “Life is not just waiting for the storm to stop … it is to learn to dance under the rain.”   May we all follow this advice and look for the happiness and peace all around us in the small things.   Have a wonderful Easter as I have blown it to send cards.   We love you!

Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma Vickie or Marv and Vickie (whatever you want to call us)

Letter to Family April 8, 2011

Friday, April 08, 2011

Dear Children and Grandchildren:

Sorry that this has to be just a quick letter home to all of you and not individualized but for some reason this week has been crazy.   First off we love all of you and we feel your love and prayers so keep them coming our way.

One of the things that happened to us this week was on Wednesday of this week I was feeling a little down and the Asplund’s that dad works with said they were thinking of going to McDonald’s for lunch and did we want to go.   Dad (Grandpa) told them I had brought food but when he talked to me,  (you know I don’t want to miss a party) so I said, “Let’s good, the lunch will keep until tomorrow.”   That was just what I needed because we had a great lunch break together.   We went to a McDonald’s we haven’t been to before and the people were so cute.  Here we were the men in suits and us in our dresses with our nametags on.  They really treated us like royalty and even figured out what we were trying to order.   (It helps you can point and say what’s on the sign because it looks like English enough for them to figure it out.)  

When the guy gave us our drink, they had a fountain machine in the foyer and said to fill it there and have as much as we wanted.   Wow!  Free Refills, this doesn’t happen in Germany.   We thought that was great.  We got our orders and sat down and had a good visit.   Then they came around and took our trays when we looked like we were done.   

When got ready to leave and were heading to the door all the workers came out to the front counter and smiled and waved at us and said Goodbye.   We definitely received Royal treatment that day.   I almost want to go back and see if they will do it again.   We didn’t notice them do that to any other people so we felt special.

That night I had to come back into Frankfurt from our apartment by myself to a Sister’s Night Out.  I almost didn’t go but felt I should be supportive so I hurried and changed my clothes and headed back to the office – the stake center is right next door.  This was just for the senior missionary sisters in our area.  

I said a pray before I left for a safe trip and it was definitely answered.  I was feeling pretty confident about driving in because I know the way and so was not really scared to do so.   But about half way in a HUGE BUS (two lengths of bus – I’ll have to have grandpa take a picture so you can see one) decided to move right into my lane and tried to push me into the other lane which I couldn’t get in because the traffic was very thick.   I was like between the bus and traffic (in the middle section of the bus no less) and he was not stopping for anything.  I’m not really sure how and what I did to get out of the situation because I remember there was a lot of traffic behind me and just didn’t think I could just stop but I was able to get behind him and then another big Van pulled right in front of me and barely missed my car.   At this precise moment I began to wonder if I wanted to drive over here and I also realized that Heavenly Father had answered my earlier prayer and I was protected and so I traveled on just fine and thanked Heavenly Father for his protection.

I am glad I went to the little gathering even though I didn’t make the scarfs out of Tshirts or flowers for your dresses out of zippers but it was interesting to watch.   I really don’t think I want one but good to see you can do it.   The sisters I visited with were really nice and I was able to have my neighbors husband go home and bring his wife home with me.   He was just going to sit in the car and wait for her.   He had already been waiting two hours because she had to be there at 5 p.m. to set up and it started at 6:30 p.m.   We got home about 8:30 p.m. with no problems.

Today, Jens brought in some cakes he had purchased from a bakery.   He brought four different kinds to share with us.   I picked one they call the Bee Sting because it is made with honey and bees like it and then one that has dark chocolate.   I haven’t eaten them because I am going to share them with Grandpa at lunch.  They sure look good.   Maybe I should walk home.   (Fat chance – it’s not going to happen – too far and I’m too lazy.)

Tonight Grandpa and I are going to an English speaking movie in another town.  The movie is called,  “Joseph Smith and the Golden Plates”.   Maybe it has been over there already.   It is by the producer that did “One Good Man” and the video about the Sister missionaries, I think.   Anyway, he is an LDS producer and writer and he is suppose to be at the showing and is going to answer questions afterwards.   It should be pretty nice.   Either way it will be nice to see a movie in English.   Our Netflix is not working so well.  It stops a lot but we are glad that Scott helped us have access to this at least occasionally we can make it work.   We are suppose to meet our neighbors at  a Kentucky Fried Chicken place before the movie.   That will be a new experience because we haven’t been to Kentucky Fried Chicken over here yet.   (It’s seems strange to be going to McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken over here – those are American foods, right?)   We’ll see if we make it or not.   We are suppose to meet them at 6 and we have to buy our tickets at 7 and the movies starts at 8 so we are in for a long night.

  

It has gone from cold to hot over night.   Now I don’t think I have enough cool clothes to wear in the summer.   Oh well, that is life and we will handle it. 

  

I did the scripture for the devotional today in the office and picked from Moroni 7:33, 36, 37 and bore testimony that the Lord can help us with whatever we need to do and that miracles do exist and we are watched over by angels.   I have had that shown to me this week especially when I feel so inadequate in what I have been asked to do.   I know that this is from the Lord and he has sent both Grandpa and I here to do his work.   With is help, your love and prayers we will do it and serve well.

I love you and so I need to close because I need to get back to work and get this printed and off to the mail. 

Love,

Grandpa and Grandma

Mom and Dad

PS keep the letters and notes coming.   We love them.  I’m not taking time to proofread this so I hope it is not too bad.

Frankfurt, Germany Town Square

This was our first learning experience on how to ride the train.  Elder Colton and his wife took us and the Asplund's on the train to downtown Frankfurt.   It cost us each 2 Euro's and it was standing up room only.  That was quite the experience.  Hey kids it kind of reminded me of TRACKS when we have ridden it in Salt Lake.   Well now I will try to enter some of the pictures that Dad took of what we saw.   It was mainly a walking tour and we didn't do any shopping or go into any cathedral's or museum.   They said we would do that another time.  Because this was to teach us how to ride the train.  I'm not ready to try it on my own because I don't know if I remember where to get off and then where to get back on.   I guess we need to be shown again.  

One thing of interest is the buildings in the town square have all been restored except one of the buildings was not bombed and  so it is the original.  It has a restaurant in it and I think a shop of some kind.  The buildings are called half timber houses because of the unique designs.    Also, in the square is a big plaque that the German people put in the ground that tells the story of how Adolf Hitler made them bring their books to the town square and burn them.   Frankfurt was known for their intelligence and love of reading books.  It was the gathering place of the scholars and book writers but Hitler said that the Nazi's were the intellegent people and wanted  the books burned.  The plaque says that this burning the start of the destruction of humanity.  It is said that he stood in the Magistrate building and watched this burning.

Frankfurt Town Square

This is the plaque in the square that tells about the burning of the books by Adolf Hitler.

The middle building is probably where Adolf Hitlet stood during the burning.

Just a church in the town square.

Bridge of the River Main next to the
square.

Outside one of the shops.  Huge Nutcracker.  There are shops with
lots of these.  They are not cheap.

This is the only building that survived the bombings in WWII.

Another church in the square.

They cut their trees and shrubs way back
but I understand they are beautiful
when they bloom.  The trees are starting
to bloom now.



I believe they said this is a government building and there
is something about walking across that bridge to
pay your taxes in the old days.



This is Justice She does not
have a blindfold on becaues
they say she is looking at
the magistrate building as
to say I am watching.

After we walked around, we went to Pizza Hut for dinner.   It was really good.  They even had more things on their menu than back home.   We had a pizza and had some for lunch the next day.   It cost us 22 Euros.

Oh I forgot to tell you, I needed to use the restroom and so Sister Colton and I went to the restroom.  Guess what you have to pay to use the restroom but the waitress knows the Colton really well so she gave us a token to use.   I wouldn't even think about carrying a Euro with me so I can use the bathroom.   After dinner we walked to the train station and rode the train back to close to our work.   We walked a block and drove home.   It was a fun night.

Letter to Scott's family March 29, 2011

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Dear Scott, Kristin, McKayla, Sterling and Lincoln,

It was so good to hear from you.   I love the e-mails.   I thought I would be okay with just SKYPE but I realize that the e-mails really help too.   I am so excited about your new Denali or Yukon.   I hope that it serves your family well and that you love joining the rest of us with that vehicle.   We really love ours so hopefully you will love yours too.

Scott thanks for getting us set up on the internet so we can watch videos.   We haven’t watched any for a while became I have been using my computer but it seems like we get to watch one or two a week, which is great.

Our new thing to do is go to the grocery store.   We really do need to find something different to do.   I think we have found a couple of stores that might be less expensive so we will keep looking around.   Jens from work is taking us to a couple of stores and going to help me understand what I am trying to buy.  I think I will have Sister Asplund go too because she wants to know how to buy things and what she is buying.   I love the adventure.   We turned in our plastic Coke and soda bottles yesterday and that was cool.  We got a refund for almost 5 Euro.   So I guess we have drank a lot of soda.

  

I got my first haircut yesterday.   I paid 15 EUR.  She did a good job.   It is a lady from the Philippines that cleans house for the Mission President and prepares meals for big functions at the mission home and then every two weeks she comes to an apartment of one of the missionaries in the building next to the office and cuts hair for the missionaries.   She has a son who was born totally deaf but he has had the implants and now he is doing pretty good.  He is 15 years old and she is a single mom plus she is supporting her father in the Philippines.   She seems to be a hard worker and she was very nice.   She actually told me she thought I was in my 40’s and couldn’t believe I had 10 grandchildren.   Nice way to get a big tip – tell me I look younger than I am.   It was a great self esteem builder. 

 

The German lady who works with finances came to train Dad yesterday and trained him for 3 ½ hours so we didn’t get to lunch until after 2:30 p.m. and I was so hungry.   Dad was getting teased about how she really liked him because I guess she can be pretty stern but Dad was a good student.   He admitted to me, he isn’t really sure what he learned but it will all come together once he has a payment request and has to actually do something with the programs.   She talked to me after and I’m not so sure she likes me as much, oh well.   (It was cute because Brother Asplund was telling me, how she liked Dad because he even saw her pat his arm.)   Poor dad, she speaks English but with a very strong German accent.  You know he has a hard time with that so he just smiles.

The weather is starting to be rainy over here and the skies are gray overcast.   I like it so much better when the sun is shining but that is probably why things are getting green and the trees are starting to bloom.   Everyone has flower pots on their homes and the fields are getting green.  

I am learning how to make a lunch for us each day.   That is interesting but we are doing pretty good with that.  I usually bring my caffeine Diet Coke for Dad and I to share at lunch.   If you have any good ideas for lunch, let me know. 

Dad is funny with our car because it is really small and it shifts on its own hard.   He keeps threatening to have me drive it because I am laughing at him.   I’m afraid to drive it because I will probably do worse than him.   I am just grateful for a car and for having to walk everywhere even though that would be good for me.  I would spend less at the grocery story because I would have to carry it all home.

I think we will watch conference on the internet.   We will watch Saturday morning session at 6:00 p.m. here and we will see if I can stay awake to watch the afternoon session at 10 p.m.   I think we have decided to stay home and not go to the church to watch the broadcasts.

Well, I guess I will close.   We love you guys and appreciate all you are doing for us.   Scott we hope your business really does well and that you can feel good about what is happening and hopefully that Kristin will be able to stay home and be a stay at home mom.   I know you are working hard for that to happen.   You are in our thoughts and prayers.  Love ya,  talk to you on Skype soon.

Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma Paxton

Hey MaKayla,

 

Just a note to say, I love you.   I understand you probably are going to grandma Vickie’s house this weekend and you will get to see Camron.   Actually you probably just got back by the time you get this letter.   Did you and Camron have fun?   Did you like riding in your new car?   Was it comfortable?   How is your playroom?   Are you keeping it clean?   How are all your babies doing?   Are your Barbies fun to play with?  I bet you are a really good big sister to little Lincoln.   Give your mom and dad a kiss for me.    I love you tons and love to talk to you on Skype.   

Love, Grandma Vickie

Hi Sterling,

I love you too.   I love your kisses you give in the air to me when I am on SKYPE.   How are your trucks?   Are you having fun with them?   Do you love your new baby brother, Lincoln?    I bet he loves you as his big brother.    I love you.   See ya soon on Skype.   

Love Grandma Vickie

Dear Lincoln,

You don’t know me yet but I am sure we will be best friends when I get home.   You sure are cute.  I’m glad you have a great big sister, MaKayla, and a big brother, Sterling, to give you lots of hugs and kisses.  Maybe they can give you some from me.   

Love ya,  Grandma Vickie

Letter to Quayde Youth Detention

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Dear Quayde,

It was so good to hear from you.   I am glad to hear you are hanging in there and that you are going to have plenty of credits to graduate.  We know you will make the best decision for yourself as to where to go after you get out.  Just think about all the options and then I suggest you talk with Heavenly Father and tell him what you think you should do, and then ask him if that will be a good decision for you.   Hopefully you will feel good or uneasy with your decision and then that might help you know what to do.

Tell the Cowan’s hello for us.  I’m glad they are taking good care of you.   We do miss our Monday nights with you too.   Thank you for saying you miss us because you never know if you are making any kind of a difference in anyone’s life and we are glad to know we have made a difference in yours.   I do want you to know that you always made us feel that you were glad to see us and that made us happy and so we always looked forward to the next time.   You have a wonderful smile and great personality so always use that gift to bless the lives of others around you. 

 

That is exciting to get your CTR ring when you graduate.  Remember to always look at it and it will help you make correct choices throughout your life.   Remember there are a couple of things you can take with you when you leave that can help you in your life, 1) the scriptures and 2) your CTR ring.   I hope your family is doing well and that your brother is safe.   We think about you often and are praying for you that things will work out well for you and that you will find happiness and love in your life.