According to Natalie

Letter from Spencer 29 Jan 2012

2012-01-30T07:50:00.000-08:00

hey fam pence here

this week was awesome and then aweful, we had a great week proselyting and then transfer calls came and i have to leave!!! im extremely saddend , saying goodbye to my converts and some of the less actives we reactivated to get our converts was one of the hardest things i have ever done, even though it brakes my heart im so glad i was raised by my mother, mom you really have taught me how to truley love poeple, life and even how to love challenges, you are my hero mom, never forget it. saying goodbyes are not fun, but the burden is lightened by the promise of eternal families, for they truly are my family now, my celestial kingdom wont be a happy place without some of the people i have met and taught here in charleston, its crazy how the gospel can forge such strong relationships. i am sad to leave but i know i can create an area with just as much love wherever i go, another thing mom taught me how to do, one thing that ive realized is that where you are does not make a place great , sure it can help , but the people there with you is really what makes where you are, great. lets just say charleston is great. anyways i dont know where i am going but i think i might be going to agusta just a gut feeling, sad part is that elder cardon is probably going to leave agusta this transfer, hopefuly i see him at the transfer meeting, thanks for the money for the glasses but i am going to order them when i get to my new area so they dont arrive while im gone and elder carter would have to send them to me. im so sad i only get to serve one transfer with elder carter, i feel like we have known eachother since the pre earth life, from the start we were just friends and neither of us have had to make any adjustmants to make living with eachother fun, i hope i can be completely myself with my next companion without annoying him, and even if not too bad haha i am who i am.

anyways i love you guys and miss i will let you know where i am next transfer,

p.s. mom, no more packages! just put money on my card, i dont want candy i just want money so i can buy what i need, and also things like protein so i can stay in shape, i think i am going to go off gluten, just see how it goes, i will probably give in though, homemade tortillas are amazing, lets just say they are celestial.

love elder harris

tell ally congrats and that i love her, and im happy for her, jesse is a good man.

ALI xxooxx

2012-01-30T06:41:00.000-08:00

I knew you'd want to see this...March 13th :) How stinkin' CUTE is she?????

Letter to Spencer 30 January 2012

2012-01-30T06:17:00.000-08:00

Hi Lovey! As you can see I had SUCH a LOVELY time in Fort Collins with Catherine and her family.
I have been wondering how things are going with your glasses? We are still waiting on your contacts. YOU HAVE PLENTY OF MONEY in your account for your glasses.
I am excited that it is already MONDAY morning and I won't have to wait long to hear from you :)
Pray for Josh and Michael on Thursday when they are in Vegas at the open casting call for Survivor:)
Not much new news with the Fort Collins trip taking the chunk of my week in preparing for and being there. I thought of you SO MUCH while I was there with EVERYONE having an in house dog...and then the dog park...it is a Spencer kind of place. These people would be your peeps. They even have a country club with a golf course :) A little hard for me to wake up to the REAL Lindon world this morning :)But having your email coming makes it SO MUCH easier!!!! Actually I have some super exciting work projects I am working on and with a little more exercise I will be happy to be after "it"!
I LOVE YOU. Excited to hear how your week with your investigators went.
Mom
XXXOOOXXXOOOXXXOOOXXXOOOXXXOOOXXXOOOXXX

I am LIVING Surprise:) Happy Birthday Catherine!!!

2012-01-29T21:06:00.000-08:00

Happy, HAPPY DAY and WEEKEND FOR ME!!! Friday morning I flew out of the PROVO...yes, I said PROVO airport (I may never be able to go out of Salt Lake again). Provo has ONE gate...it takes me 10 minutes...15 minutes tops to get there...you walk in, hand them your boarding pass, go through security and get on the plane. This may just be Utah Valley's best kept secret!!! Only Frontier flies out of there...but I think we should take the Light Rail straight in and go for MORE plane flagships!!!
ANYWAY...I flew out of Provo to be Catherine's LIVING birthday surprise...Michael her husband (Husband of the year I might add...I am sure many husbands are having Michael "hate" after the weekend he prepared for so many of us--this man racked up MAJOR POINTS!!!) planned it ALL. So, he picks me up at the airport and has me sitting in the front room when minutes later Catherine walks in from work and he says.."Your birthday present came a week early...it's in the front room"....she walks in and THERE I AM!!! She was truly surprised! It was SO STINKING GREAT!!! And the sweet party began right then and there! I am in LOVE with Fort Collins. Everything is so HOMEY and friendly and ecology "GREEN" :). Of course we had to start with eating! We went to this AMAZING and quaint little CHOCOLATE CAFE where we had the BEST QUICHE I have EVER had, served with homemade applesauce that will make you believe that maybe it was a REAL apple that Eve was tempted with...just cooked down to this very recipe! Kathi Tosi (other High School friend) joined us --SO SAD I don't have a pic with her! My coming was a surprise to her as well. Kathy dropped everything and joined us. Even though it was Catherine's celebration it FELT like mine! We sat in the sunshine in this CHARMING yummiful food filled place and just basked in being friends and catching up. These are my beach women from the reunion this summer. And if you remember, Catherine came to Utah to visit me this Fall.

We made ourselves leave the cafe and walked the enchanting streets of OLD TOWN (reminded me alot of downtown Boise). So many novelty shops! We tootled and bought and solved the problems of the world :) You give the three of us a little time together and we can make most anything all right:) And Tosi will have your stomach hurting from laughing. Catherine will have qualmed all your insecurities with her generous praise that feels believable. Pretty much I just want to BE them, but am SO SATISFIED to be WITH THEM. I was endeared to these college students who were just walking down the street offering their free hugs. They were GREAT hugs too! It just has a FEELING in this city!

After going home and meeting Lucy the dog (now, it seems you MUST have a HOUSE DOG to be a citizen of Fort Collins) and CAROLINE the beautiful and lovely and want to take home girl, we left for the lovely dinner Michael treated ALL of us to at Austin's (another to die for place in Old Town). Now most of you know I don't drink...but this trip has me seriously considering the possibility of it. So...the friends show up to SUPRISE Catherine AGAIN...and wine is poured and we just "visit". This whole HAPPY HOUR tradition is TRULY SO HAPPY. Michael had thought ahead and had some bubbly lime water for me...but I felt left out of the whole totally relaxed ooze that just washed across all of them. This was my first time meeting all of them, and I swear, I feel like I belong to a new Sisterhood. I LOVE THEM. And really, I could FEEL their love for me. It's like I've always known them. I can barely stand that I can't go have Happy Hour with them again and again and again. They are thicker blooded than I am though. I was freezing and had to keep my coat on...but they were WARM...I wondered if it was the wine? And the whole wine thing...SO MUCH TO KNOW and SO MANY CHOICES...so PRETTY in the goblets! We covered everyone's religion, family, in-laws, a little politics,...and there was just so much LOVE and acceptance and encouragement and SUPPORT for one another. I was breathing air I haven't breathed before and it was as sweet as any as I have ever breathed in. We left dinner and stopped at yet ANOTHER wine sharing party. This one, another of their friends, Susan, who is dealing with her husband (not yet 50) having just suffered a horrific stroke (having to relearn to talk and walk etc...)and he is coming home Monday and she will be the full time care giver. They wrapped her in love and assurance that she will not be alone...and LET ME be apart. More women I had NEVER met, and MORE new friends to miss. The COMMUNITY of it all was thicker than peanut butter and more binding than honey.

You don't get to see us (Michael, Catherine, Caroline and myself) doing Yoga. Yes, how incredibly perfect parenting that the WHOLE family goes to YOGA , right? Well...there was a little redemption that we went directly to Lucille's for a true Louisiana breakfast!! See this plate below bottom right. You are NOT mistaken...those are GRITS on that plate...smothered in butter...and that biscuit...oh my oh my oh my...ok, and pretty hard to miss how ADORABLE the actual old house is.... I think I was really in Mayberry. I am still waiting for my Barney Fife to call and say he was sorry he missed me:)
While here I got to meet Laura Reseau who is the author of the following kids books... THE RED GLASS, WHAT THE MOON SAW, THE RUBY NOTEBOOK, QUEEN OF THE WATER...and others. She is coming to Catherine and Caroline's Mother/Daughter Book Group in February. She is a family friend and her husband works with Michael. TOO COOL right?

Catherine and I then went to see the DESCENDANTS with George Clooney at this artsy fartsy tiny theater that was the size of my basement and the first few rows were couches. The ticket counter was a makeshift kitchen with crock pots full of homemade food to buy with banana bread and lemon bars, and all kinds of coffee and other drink blends. The movie was nothing like I expected and we both walked out saying WOW and grateful for the lives and children we have. Catherine is the friend you can tell anything to and she speaks her truth while pouring her love all over you. We came home and Tosi came back...and there was another minature Happy hour with snacks (I told you I REALLY like this practice). Every night, Catherine comes home, puts on James Taylor, Jack Johnson or the like, pours a glass of wine, turns on the fire, starts making dinner and waits for friends to drop in. Who is NOT going to show up for that? They light the candle on the table before starting dinner in remembrance of the LIGHT of Humanity out in the world, they pinky hold or tiger paw hold each others hands while they say thank you for the food and those who helped it get to them. And then the family love talk begins.

Since Caroline was itty bitty, after each meal she goes to Dad and taps him until he clears a space on his lap and she snuggles in until she has had her quota of Dad love. Or maybe its the other way around. There could be a movie made about these two. Watching them in action is love poetry. I wondered if Caroline will EVER know what a rare gift she has...and then I hoped with all my heart that she will never have to know.

So yeah...this is perfect Michael who gets gazillions of husband (and friend points for creating a perfect weekend). He is Celiac...and now that SAM has joined Josh in his gluten intolerance, Michael was my hero on a whole other level this weekend. He has been dealing with his non gluten life for over a year!! HE is the baker in the house so he gave me so MANY needed tips and led me to a cookbook that I think will save these boys eating lives. He made chocolate chip cookies that YOU COULD NOT TELL were gluten free!!

This is their Unitarian Church I attended this morning. I may be a convert. I wish I had other pictures, but I loved this idea of name tags...this is a huge name tag holder so you can call people by their first names. But let me tell you what I REALLY LOVED...

the Sermon title was "Is God/Goddess Listening". I swear. GODDESS was printed in the program. THEN...the opening song was pg. 8 (I HAD to buy the hymnbook for myself) "Mother Spirit, Father Spirit"....just a few lines...
"Mother Spirit, Father Spirit take our hearts, Take our breath and let our voices sing our parts, Take our hand and let us work to shape our art"..... :)
We closed with the hymn pg 23 "Bring many Names"...another few lines....
Strong mother God, working night and day, planning all the wonders of creation, setting each equation, genius at play: Hail and Hosanna, Strong mother God.
Warm father God, hugging every child, feeling all the strains of human living, caring, and forgiving till we're reconciled: Hail and Hosanna, Warm father God.
I cried. This is a real place.
From the title of the sermon you would think that the sermon would be on prayer. But no. It was on atheism. He said we are ALL atheist because we ALL have Gods and Goddesses we don't believe in. He said some pretty amazing things....but some of my favorites were ....after going over male and female traits saying "people, if God is a Guy, GOD HELP US ALL :)" He took the Geroge Carlin comedy excerpt where he says "God has 10 rules...but you best not be breakin' them or your going to spend eternity in hell fire and damnation, ---but hey, don't forget, HE LOVES YOU!" He never one time said THIS IS HOW IT IS...but he often had you reflect on what and how YOU feel about the things he was presenting. I could go ON and ON about how much I LOVED this morning...I am THRILLED that they have just started podcasting his sermons. Remember the book I LOVED a year or so back called HERE IF YOU NEED ME? She was a Unitarian. They embrace all religions. The 9th grade Sunday course of study is their youth going to visit a different denomination each week and having THAT denomination teach them about what they believe....if anyone decides to head over to that religion, ALL IS WELL...
Check out I TUNES for Justin Roth...he played his guitar and filled pretty much all of Fort Collins and most of Colorado with the Spirit.He played his song SURRENDER and introduced it by saying "this is a song about letting go and trusting what is to come". I let go and trusted. Afterwords, they all went to the back of the large hall where he had his Cd's for sale and a young girl had her girl scout cookies for sale and they had free trade coffe and other keep the earth green things available....AND a hymnbook...Thank you. I LOVE it. Did I tell you LEAN ON ME is one of the songs in there?
I realize that many of my Mormon friends will smile and understand that I am fully being me. But I wish you could ALL have been there....because there are no words...but with the SPIRIT that was there made it so no more were needed. GOD/GODDESS, bless the Unitarian Church at www.foothillsuu.org. and if you Facebook friend them you can get the Podcasts :)
Could a morning be more perfect that to end church with one of the best donuts I have ever had from a place called LAMAR's?? Or then for Cat's friend also named Catherine to come over and we take a beautiful trail run through the hills with their dogs at 50+ degrees? I saw a DOG PARK for the first time...really, a DOG PARK...this is a park JUST FOR DOGS...this is another I SWEAR its true. I wish I had pics. By the time we spent such a lazy day it was time to head for the airport. I was sad to see it end...but so HAPPY knowing that I CAN GO BACK!!!! KNOWING that that place is IN MY WORLD! That those new friends are just right there!
And did I tell you how DELICIOUS it was to wake up in an electric blanket earlier than everyone else and just be able to snug into that warmth WIDE AWAKE and read for a half hour or more before anyone stirred...that might need to be worked into my morning routine. There is a peace and unhurriedness in that home that I covet. SO DIVINE....
I am loved. THIS IS MY LIFE!!!!

The Winter Sea

2012-01-26T09:01:00.000-08:00

Need to leave your life for a Scottish shore, with lovers who say the right thing and make you feel like you are perfect and the ONLY possible perfect connection for them? Want to FEEL people who really CONNECT? Quit life and join Susanna Kearsley for about 10 hours :) If you want to HEAR the accents, get it off of audible.com. Go ahead. Treat yourself. Willing to bet Graham and Mr. Morey will keep a place in your heart.

THANK YOU KIM PETERSON...so many good recommendations!

Robin on the hot tub

2012-01-25T10:43:00.000-08:00

My heart is near to bursting. I can not NOT record this here. This is just another time when the heavens have visited me directly with a witness that is undeniable. Details are not needed on the specific issues, but I had a body talk session (google it if you don't know what it is-AMAZING at the least) last night where I am trying to move forward in my life in the direction of my TRUE self and release old unneeded energies and embrace with love, grace and ease the new way that is best for me to move forward in taking care of myself and and the life I want to live here. With that said, the session was raw, direct and heart revealing, and even though I could not deny any of the stuff that came up, I was wondering if I was up to the changes and if it was just mid life crisis and many other wonderings. Sooooo...I just asked the Heavens for a sign to KNOW if I am on the right path or if I am just being distracted or deceived.

This morning while meditating I opened my eyes...I NEVER open my eyes...I can't even think what made me open them now...but there, sitting on the edge of the hot tub, not 5 feet...maybe closer...I don't want to exaggerate...there was this Robin sitting there. When I gave him my attention he bobbed his head at me, I sat up taller and while I was doing so thought "oh, don't scare him away, can you believe this?" And then he bobbed at me again and just sat there. I said out loud. " Thank you for trusting me, thank you for this visit". He cocked his head and flew into the tree and sat there looking down at me. I finished meditating and he was still sitting there watching over me. When I went in to the house he flew away. After coming in, I thought he must be thirsty and wanted the water...but there were pools of water on the pool cover. The more I thought about it the more curious I became so I came in and goggled ROBIN....and here is the stuff you just can't MAKE UP--there are actual symbolic meanings and "totems" for different animals and birds.... these are excerpts from 3 different sites:

A Robin totem will stimulate new growth in all areas of your life.
Believe in yourself as you move forward.
Obstacles will fall by the wayside if you do and confrontations will be for show only.
This totem gives you the ability to will new growth into your life.
Meditate on Robin and the correct path will be revealed to you.

The robin brings a fresh new perspective to situations that are otherwise foggy and unclear. Try calling on robin energy for clarity when your judgment is clouded or when you need light shed on an issue.

Robin:

Robin signifies stimulation of new growth and renewal in many areas of life. He teaches that any changes can be made with joy, laughter and a song in the heart. Robin shows how to ride the winds of passion within your heart and become independent through this change. Robin will teach you how to move forward with grace, tenacity, perseverance and assertion. Are you letting go of personal dramas? Ones that no longer serve your higher purpose? Are you exercising compassion and patience in mental, spiritual and emotional areas? Robin will teach how to incorporate new beginnings with faith and trust in the process. It is time to believe in yourself and use the inspiration that is given. Listen carefully. It is time sing your own song for a new period in life force abounds.

I love being LOVED. I LOVE BEING ANSWERED. And now...I LOVE ME SOME ROBINS!!!!!

2012-01-23T11:09:00.000-08:00

hey fam this week was another good one, we now have 15 people on date to be baptized in febuary!!! how awesome is that, as a district we have thirty people on date to be baptized and as a mission we have 304 and so our district alone has 10 percent of the people on date, so im pumped we should have a very white febuary, that is if im still here and im praying that i am, i love it here, it will be almost as hard to leave charleston as it was to leave home, lets just say ive settled in here, ive made some of the best friends ever and its finally turned into a place with as much love as i was able to have / create back home, and really dont want to have to build that from the ground up agian haha but if i do get called somewhere else i will go happily and bring as much love as i can there, please pray for the charleston missionaries and there investigators please.

yesterday we played socker and went to the aquarium in down town, it was so awesome, enserio i loved it, i dont get how anyone can believe there is not a god, the world is way to beautiful and unique to be created by science or on accident, seriously how stupid/ brainwashed can ya get haha, but anyways i will take you guys there when you come, it is awesome.

we got to spend last night in west ahley right outside of downtown and that was so awesome / sad if i have to leave it could be my last dinner with all the young couples down there, they are awesome and help us so much its rediculous, i miss the charleston ward haha just not trying to find hispanics there haha, north charleston ward has much more for which im grateful , i get the best of both worlds as a missionary, and mom i dont get bike problems , ha i never get to ride it unless im on exchanges outside my area, all of the hispanic areas are to dangerous to bike to because we would literally have to bike on a highway, and even though i love the lord i dont love him that much haha, we get a car but we only get a certain amount of miles which means we walk alot to, i prefere walking to bikeing in the winter , its perfect temperature to walk here 55, 60, 75 on sunday haha.

anyways i got to run but im doing great and i love you guys so much,

wait oh ya , so i went and got my eyes checked and with the insurance coverage we would still have to pay 289 or 300 basically to get my glasses, so mom please go to walmart and reorder me a supply of contacts, why didnt you ever tell me how expensive it was to fix my blindness? geez yall have been spending a ton on me just for my vision, anyways i love you for it, im very grateful, especially that you never made me skimp or anything in them, thats alot of money considering ive had glasses since 18 months and i broke a pair like every 3 months when i was little haha.

so ya i dont know what to do about the glasses , but please order me some contacts atleast for now.

thanks love elder harris

Extremelly Loud and Incredibly Close

2012-01-22T21:39:00.000-08:00

Barb turned me onto this book a few years ago...anything Barb turns me onto is noteworthy. I will never forget the message of the commonality of LOSS in everyone's life...and how losing things/people helps us to FIND ourselves and others. Dad and I went to see it at the movie Friday night and it was brilliant.

This book was our book group read this month....it goes a little slow, but is filled with mind slapping doses of "need to be reminded of" life gifts. What a sweet life George led even in the midst of true hardship. I am still trying to wrap my mind around my OWN life expectations. My favorite part was near the end where the author explains how he started out to write about a life of injustice and hardship, and instead, by coming to know George, and George's outlook on his own life, it ended up being a book about gratitude. Some of my new favorite quotes are from here.
"EVERYTHING will be alright"
"You have no right to judge another human being. Don't you ever forget that...(some of them white people where nasty and men, some was just scared)." We are all scared aren't we?
"Mostly I have good memories, but even if I wanted to I can't make the truth good or bad, it's just what it is."
"If they didn't pay me fair for a fair day's work I figure that is THEIR worry"
"It's just that I don't eat with the dogs"

LIFE IS SO GOOD and getting better every day!!!!!!!!
I love you George Dawson!

Sunday at Harris'

2012-01-22T21:04:00.000-08:00

These guys are SUCH a KILL!!! How lucky are we to have such crazy great boys in our house all the time? Perk kept his helmet on through food AND Halo...Obviously Johnny was HAPPY about the way the game ended...and then so sad for Perkins:( We planned out Super Bowl Food ---Winger's wings and sticky fingers (found a recipe on net), potato skins, 7 layer dip (again) and then the sweet treats...

Perk and the 7 layer dip.

Josh ran in for a minute on his way back to Logan...he spent the weekend with his old missionary companion down in Brian Head snowmobiling and boarding.

Marsh and Johnny had to be guinea pigs as well for my new glutten free chicken tetrazinni and peanut butter bars...don't think any male between 12 and 20 should qualify...if its warm and has meat they seem to think it's terrific. But let me say, I can make a MEAN loaf of glutten free bread for these boys now!

Josh heading out the door...won't take another pic...we have our quota... :) He starts bus driving training next weekend so he'll be home again...

Meg heading down to Provo with HER glutten free goat cheese and butternut squash pasta dish for her friends to try.

And then Sam....taking a nap break from his hard day of football viewing.

Hey LOVE BUG!!!
Only 63 more weeks! We finally got snow yesterday in the mountains...just a scruff on the valley floor that melted by mid day today. Sundance got over a foot. The snowboarders are going to be in heaven...bet some kids are missing school tomorrow:)
Meg and I went to the Zach Brown Concert last night. Let me just say A M A Z I N G!!!!! He started with KEEP ME IN MIND (I LOVE that song) and ended with CHICKEN FRIED (and I LOVE that song) and sang about 20 others that I LOVE inbetween!!! Meg and I danced the whole time, people watched and had a GLORIOUS evening. Concerts with Megan are the best. She LIKES it when I scream and LIKES it when I sing and LIKES it when I dance...and she does it with me. They announced that Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney are touring together this year so as soon as I'm done writing you I'm going to see WHERE they are going to be.
Michael is working and playing and still thinking he likes that Sara girl. The Tribe brothers from Lindon moved in with he and Andy into his apartment. Andy has a steady CUTE girlfriend! I'll keep you updated.
Sam is ALMOST done applying to colleges. I am crossing my fingers for BYU cuz I am selfish and want him to be close this next year. Won't be long and he'll have a game plan. He is rocking it at Jr. Jazz Basketball. You would have loved his 3 pt shots on Saturday. It was an intense game and they won by only a basket. What on earth am I going to do when I don't have you guy's games to go to????
I went to Janey (Olsen) Butler ?'s BABY shower yesterday. She is having a boy. That made me feel old. It was at Laurie and Ronnie's house and they were all so excited to hear how YOU feel about South Carolina and hoping that you and Aaron will at least see each other. Alyssa and Kaylie are GORGEOUS. Everybody just grew up so fast. Not fair.
Make sure to answer Dad's eye questions so we can get you what you need. I am nervous that it has been 3 weeks now!!!!
Haven't seen your boys still. Going to have to invite them again I guess. Karie has been so busy working and so have I so I don't have a Michael update.
I can only imagine the hoop la Mitt Romney is stirring in South Carolina for your missionary work. Pretty much most of Utah think he's better than hot bread and butter. I'm still not crazy about him...but you know me and politics. At some point I HAVE to pick somebody...even if I don't like ANY of them.
I love it when I can tell you are so happy. Your last letter was sugar to my soul. Happiness is a choice and I LOVE that you have always been the boy to CHOOSE it. I bet your companions love you alot. I bet EVERYONE loves you ALOT. How couldn't they? I LOVE YOU ALOT!!!!!!!!!!!
How is being District Leader? Is it much pressure?
What would you like in your Valentine's package? Besides me? :) Don't worry...I won't show up...we will be in Boise that weekend. We are having an 80th birthday party for GrandMom Ground?Harris. Leonard is doing well in the assisted care and so is GrandDad Harris---but its hard on GrandDad Harris when he has a "good" day. Please keep them both in your prayers.
I'd also love it if you'd pray for me in work. I am trying to transact a Cement Company and it would be a big deal to me if I could be the one to find the Buyer. Thanks Bud.
Sam has picked up my daily Hot Tub soak habit and goes out most days after lifting. Going off of glutten has made it so he doesn't need or want to sleep so much. I am sad that I didn't get this nailed down sooner.
Joe Hatch is still home but heading back out soon. It's fun to have Paul and Dallin on Sam's JJazz team. Such good boys and sweet brothers to each other. Dallin is huge...I swear he is bigger every time I see him.
I LOVE YOU. I wish I had more news or better pics.We took these tonight JUST for you so you would know we LOVE YOU!!! Can't wait for morning! About time to NOT have a holiday and to get it on MONDAY!!!
Your MOMMA xxxoooxxxoooxxxoooxxxoooxxx

Letter from Spencer 17 January 2012

2012-01-17T09:11:00.000-08:00

anyways i got to run but im doing great and i love you guys so much,

so ya i dont know what to do about the glasses , but please order me some contacts atleast for now.

thanks love elder harris

On Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 12:42 AM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:

Buenos Dias Spencer,

You’re doing it son! I just reread your message/letter from last week and it became obvious why you’re doing so well: You’re loving the Lord, you’re loving the Hispanic people of South Carolina, you’re loving your Mission President, and you’re loving you companion. (And you still love your family!) That is the success equation for a successful, happy, productive, meaningful, wonderful mission. Way to go Spencer – really, I’m so proud of you and so happy for you.

Thanks for writing us in Spanish Spencer – that was fun. Your Spanish is getting good. It will be great to do it often. I’m excited about how well your work is going for you and your companion. You are being blessed for your hard work and dedication and faith and prayers and because there are people in your area with good hearts who need and want the gospel. I love your story about knocking on one more door and the great results – way to go Elder Carter and Elder Harris! We’ll keep praying for Bella, Daisy, Francisco, Jesiel, and Zurry from Panama. So glad you enjoyed your latest leadership training – you’re going to be a very successful leader as you continue in your dedication and love – as you continue in the ways of Jesus Christ our Savior and our Exemplar.

Things are good here. Mom was sick with a bad cold but she’s almost totally better already. Sam is doing great with school (all As and 1B in AP Calculus) and starting early-morning baseball practice. Meg and Michael and Josh are all good. My Mom in Boise is struggling with Leonard getting worse in the Care Center – falling often and right now not eating well, which could cause him to lose strength for the basic body functions.

I received a calling at church. I’ve been called and set apart to serve as the YM Secretary. I’m happy about it and going to serve in a devoted way to be the best YM Secretary I can be. It will be fun to get to know and serve the Young Men and all the YM leaders of the ward.

The Packers lost. What’s up with that? The Giants beat them today. And Baltimore beat Texas today. San Fran beat New Orleans yesterday and Denver finally got beat by the Patriots. So now it’s the Patriots vs. Baltimore and the Giants vs. San Francisco. BYU basketball continues winning.

Mom was her wonderful self and fixed a great lunch for all the Home Teaching families that Sam and I have, and all 6 came today – it was great.

Thanks for serving so well Spencer. The gospel is true and I want the people around you to accept it and receive the unlimited, eternal blessings. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life. In John 10:10 – 11 Jesus says: “I am come that they might havelife, and that they might haveit more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” Christ gives us that abundant life as we follow Him and receive and keep the covenants made available to us in His church.

I love you son.

Dad

From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, January 09, 2012 8:57 AM
To: Don J. Harris
Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 1/8/2012

buenos dias familia,

todo fue bien esta semana, hemos tenido mucho milagros y bendiciones que viene con seguir la guia del espiritu santo. encontramos 10 nuevos investigadores y 8 de los 10 tienen fecha para bautismal, estoy muy agradecido que el senor ES preparando la gente aqui para que podamos ensenar y ensenar tambien, tengo much animo para la mes que viene, espero que puedo quedarme, pero voy a irme cuando el senor quiere y no voy a complacer. tuvimos una cita con una familia ricoso, y ellos no fueron en casa, pero nuestro presidente dijo a nosotro durante nuestro reunion de lideres que si nuestro cita no esta que es una senal y que de dentro 10 puertas de su cita hay 1 bautismo, entonces empezamos a tocar las puertas, despues de como 5 puertas nos preguntamos si debemos continuar en un lugar lenno de orgullo y riquezas, pero elder carter me dijo, uno mas, y en esta casa estaba 6 latinos de varias paises y todos ya tiene una cita para bautismo!!! en el noche pasado el padre de ellos francisco, ha orado, y ha pedido el senor ayuda por su hija, que ella pueda empezar a aprender y vivir el evangelio, y el nos dijo fuimos un senal y cuando hemos explicado el restauracion el dijo " finalmente..... un iglesia con razon" todos van a ser bautizados feb.4th, que chido.

anyways fam if you could not understand that then ask dad, good story of a miracle where we found hispanics in a rich neighbor hood, there father praid for help for his daughter and family and the next night we showed up on his door five minutes after his daughter got home so ya, dope , im excited there all on date to be baptized, there form panama, there names are bella, daisy , francisco, jesiel, and zurry, please pray for them.

we also found another family, one hispanic his soon to be wife and there 3 children only of of them is of baptismal age but lets just say shes elect, she answers all the questions and understand the gospel better then her parents anyways good week over all.

we had a leadership training conference for all of the dls and zls and trainers which was awesome, i learned a ton and got to get some one on one time with the pres which is always awesome cuz i love him.

me and elder carter are doing great , we work well with eachother and we have alot of fun while doing it, its amazing how much more success you can have with a companionship thats filled with love for eachother and the people we teach.

thanks for the updates from wade stephen and sefa mom it was awesome.

gota go but i love you all so much and SAM its been way to long my friend.

love

elder harris

ps dad always write in spanish i like it.

On Sun, Jan 8, 2012 at 8:04 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:

Apreciado Spencer – Nuestro Querido Elder Harris,

¿Cómo estás hijo? ¿Han encontrado nuevos investigadores para enseñar?

Espero que recibiste los mensajes en cuanto a sus lentes y lentes de contacto y el seguro (Insurance) y las tiendas para utilizar y todo. Avísame si le puedo ayudar con cualquier cosa al respeto. ¡Llámame! J (chiste)

Entiendo totalmente que no debemos buscarte de tu misión y pasear en los lugares de tu misión sin ser relevado primero. Y tienes razón, no vas a poder ser relevado en Columbia – tendrás que volver primero. Esto no es un problema. Puedes volver y toda la familia puede ir todos juntos después de pocas o varias semanas a Carolina del Sur. Pero tienes muchas obras buenas e importantes para realizar – mucha gente para ayudar y servir y ensenar el evangelio - entre ahora y la semana de volver. Podemos volver al tema de terminar la misión en 2013.

Todo bien por aquí. Seguimos adelante con las cosas normales. Ha sido un buen año para los partidos bowl - BYU y South Carolina y otros. Mañana por la noche es el bowl y campeonato grandote - Alabama vs. LSU. Los New Orleans Saints juegan en contra de los Packers la semana que viene – Aaron Rogers vs. Drew Brees. El equipo de básquet de BYU ha estado ganando la mayoría de los partidos, pero St. Marys les ganó.

Tu mamá está trabajando mucho con bienes raíces (Real Estate), con éxito. ¡Es muy buena en esto y tantas cosas (no sorpresa). Que bendición es tu mamá para nuestras vidas! La amo mucho. Mi trabajo también va bien. Josh volvió a Utah State hoy para seguir estudiando. Sam empieza las practicas de béisbol mañana.

También amo mucho a nuestro Señor Jesucristo y a su evangelio. Sé que es la verdad. La obra que tú estás haciendo es la obra de Dios. Sé que el Libro de Mormón es la palabra de Dios. Testifico que tenemos un profeta viviente – Tomás S. Monson. La iglesia es verdadera y de tanto beneficio para nuestras vidas.

Cuenta con mis oraciones y mejores deseos Spencer. Estoy tan feliz y tan orgulloso de quien eres y tu dedicación al ser misionero de Dios.

Con mucho amor,

Un abrazo fuerte,

Dad

From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2012 11:37 AM
To: Don J. Harris
Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 1/1/2012 - Feliz Año Nuevo!

hey fam sorry its one day late but all the librarys were closed yesterday again , but hey its fun to email on tuesday. well this week was good i guess we had to drop alot of investigators last week so we are out looking for new ones, finding new hispanics is hard but i know if we work hard the lord will prepare someone for us to teach.

i am in love with the guitar i got i dont get alot of time to play it except for mondays but hey that makes me super happy, thanks mom, sounds like a up and down week back home, stay positive mom. enjoy the last few months of having a child at home and in highschool.

and about coming here to get me and picking me up, whatever happens i want to be released before we go around and do everything, im not like josh where i want to wear missionary clothes untill i die haha so ya if i can get released first then you could pick me up but i dont think thats possible.

..................... sorry not alot to talk about thats new but i love you guys and im doing good so dont worry about me , im having an awesome time.

oh ya, mom i need to have an eye apointment again , its been over six months and im almost out of contacts, but the walmart place said that our insurance from back home does not cover here is south carolina, and its way to expensive to pay out of pocket, i would like a pair of glasses too, all i have is the old pair you sent to me while i was in the mtc, so ya i dont know what to do about that, maybe you could call the insurance?

buyt anyways i love you guys and miss you so much. dont ever forget how lucky we are and how blessed we are just to be US , living in our family, living the gospel, i dont think you can find more love in any other house in the world. and its all because we are founded upon the rock of our savior and his restored gospel.

love elder harris

2012/1/1 Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org>

Hey Spencer!

Feliz Año Nuevo!

I hope you had a good week during the holidays. Have you been able to teach as much or more than usual? How are things going with your new companion?

We’ve had a good week and all are well here. It’s nice to have Josh and Michael around more. Megan was here during the week but just left for St. George with her friends yesterday and gets back tomorrow night. We went to Randy and Tonya Olsen’s tonight to say hello to Nathaniel who just returned from his mission to Sweden. They asked about you and we told them you’re doing very well.

I went to Boise this week to help Mom with Leonard. Leonard is now 90 and he recently fell and hurt his neck and had to go to the hospital. We made arrangements (a lot of time and hassles and mess with insurances and qualifying for aid, etc.) and he is now in a Nursing Home in Meridian where he is getting the intense amount of help he needs to eat and use the bathroom and just do the basics to survive. I don’t really expect him to live real long – my guess is that there will likely be a funeral for Leonard in 2012. He is getting weaker physically and his mind is deteriorating. Sometimes he seems to be thinking fairly quickly but a lot of the times he doesn’t. The other day I walked him in a wheel chair for more than an hour – all over the hospital and out into the cool air just outside the hospital doors a few times – and about 2 hours later he didn’t remember it happened at all. It is sad to see. But I am grateful that my Mom is no longer burdened with caring for him constantly. She can now know that there are others taking care of him and she can go visit him often.

Mom and I have been called to serve in the investigator/Gospel Essentials class. We are one of 3 active and fellowshipping couples who will be there to help and fellowship those less active members who are invited to attend. I think it could be real interesting.

OK son – tell us about YOU! How was your week?

Jesus es el Salvador del mundo y tú tienes el mensaje más importante para la gente del Carolina del Sur. Cuentas con mis oraciones. Mucho éxito Spencer.

Un abrazo,

Dad

From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2011 12:31 PM
To: Don J. Harris; Natalie Harris
Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 25 Dec 2011

hey fam is was very bitter sweet seeing you all this christmas but i love you and sorry i didnt email yesterday the library was closed so we got permission to come today, i want you guys to know i love you and i am thankful for you all everyday, sorry not much new news over the past two days, saw christmas lights last night in 65 degree weather, its weird. love you!!!!

elder harris

On Sun, Dec 25, 2011 at 8:15 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:

Mi Querido Spencer,

Merry Christmas!

¡Qué gran gusto fue poder verte y oírte hoy! ¡Hablas muy bien el español! Qué alegría me dio escucharte. Será tan lindo poder hablar español juntos, y espero tener la oportunidad de poder servir en la iglesia contigo entre la gente de habla hispana.

Son, I am so proud of you! Really – I couldn’t be more proud of you and happy for you. I can see and feel a very special spirit about you now. You are truly the Lord’s servant, with a special mantle of authority as His duly called servant, holding His priesthood. I would love to have had a one on one talk with you to share spiritual experiences – I know you are having them. I’m so happy that you’re able to see lives change and improve as they accept the gospel of Jesus Christ and make sacred covenants in His church.

It was so great to hear you smile and laugh and enjoy the family together with us. That was SOOoooo great today.

Things are great here – we had a great Christmas eve, saw two movies (Mission Impossible 4 and Sherlock Holmes 2) and then ate at PF Changs where we spent some time with Michael, then last night we opened all our presents – not just the book and jammies. It was fun. And we still had something GREAT to look forward to for Christmas morning – YOU!

The only thing that is not good is that my Dad, your Granddad Harris, goes into an Assisted Living Center on Tuesday – it’s sad but his Alzheimer’s and health requires it. He’s now 81 years old. And my Mom’s husband Leonard, now 90, fell yesterday at home because his legs are so weak, and he will likely also need to go into an Assisted Living Center. So I’m worried about my mom and will spend some time with her this week on the phone (and possibly even go up to Boise) to try to help her figure out her options. Life is often rough when you get old.

We LOVED talking to you today! Hope to talk with you again tomorrow! Call us if you can. Or let us know if it is possible or better and we’ll call you. It would be great if mom and I could each have some one-on-one time with you.

I love you son,

Dad

From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 2:16 PM
To: Don J. Harris; Natalie Harris
Subject: Re: FW: Dad to Spencer - 18 Dec 2011

hey fam,

sorry my email is late mom but we helped someone move in just barely so were running a little late on the pday, i dont know what time on sunday to be honest i dont even know where i will be , or who my companion will be either, elder parsons just went home, and wow that was hard phew i love him but he was hard to teach with just cuz of his social akwardness, but hey im not complaining there is way worse situations i could be in, like whats going to happen this transfer...... not excited pres just said he has plans for me, but oh well i will do whatever he asks me to and love doing it. im going to have a white christmas? magui is getting baptized this week on saturday and a comformation sunday morning! how bamf is that ! my best christmas ever i think, sorry it has to be away from home, but hey i never helped someone get baptized back home haha

mom i love you more then you know your blog is always awesome, and seriously you are the best , thanks for the packages i love the packers blanket and everything you sent me, and i opened them early cuz i wont have time on christmas with church and the comfirmation and all the dinners i will probably have, and my favorite part that will make me busy is that i get to talk/see you guys!!!

giselas husband is still holding her and the rest of the family back from being baptized, [lease pray that his heart can be opened he wouldnt even let them come to church this week! hes getting more and more scared.

but ya im doing great starting to get fat but i will lose it after the holidays, nothing i can do about it now, and oh yeah its 65 degrees today:) haha but you guys just just laugh at me when its the summer time and miserabley sticky.

sorrry not much to report besides that i love you more then you can imagine and cant wait to talk too you soon!!!

On Sun, Dec 18, 2011 at 10:26 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:

Spencer!

My Skype name is:donjharris1

My picture and my email -Don.harris@familysearch.org– are also on my profile.

If you have any trouble getting in touch with us that day, we’ll know what time we’ll be skyeping because you’ll tell us, so if there’s any trouble, just call us on our home phone (801-796-8266) or on my cell phone at 801-651-3138 and we’ll coordinate the Skype. Even call us collect if you need to.

OK – you can just contact us at my contact name via Skype. donjharris1

I love you son!

Dad

From: Don J. Harris
Sent: Sunday, December 18, 2011 5:50 PM
To: 'Spencer Harris'; Natalie Harris
Cc: ' "MIke Harris'; 'josh Harris'; 'Sam Harris'; 'Megan Harris'
Subject: Dad to Spencer - 18 Dec 2011

Mi Querido Spencer,

Como estás Elder?! So great to hear about your great week of missionary work last week! I’m so happy and so proud of you. And we’re so anxious and excited to talk to you on the phone!

We got your pics! THANKS SON! We’re loving having them! And THANKS for your great letters and e-mails! SO GREAT hearing from you!

SKYPE! How great is that! We’ll be ready! Just let us know what time and we’ll be there! We’ll set Skype up on mom’s laptop and on the computer/weird room and be able to Skype from either one – we’ll have a back up.

So, how’s Magui? Are you going to have a WHITE CHRISTMAS? (Baptism(s) on or near Christmas day?) And how are Gisela , Isidro, Toni, Tamirha, and Simeon? So great that you’re teaching so many people the most important information they can learn in their lives. I hope they accept it and take action on it to make sacred covenants with the Lord and receive all the blessings that can be theirs.

Yes Spencer, you’re right. Setting good goals that are in line with your mission and vision in life, making plans to achieve them, then working to implement them, are the ways to achieve success. We will set some good goals and plans for the New Year.

All is well here. Except the Packers lost today – 19-14 to Kansas City. But they’re still the #1 team in the NFL. Mom and I just got back from Boise, where we saw my Dad and Ellen, my Mom and Leonard, Pam, Trish, Cheryl, Kath, their spouses, and more family. My Dad’s Alzheimer’s is a little more advanced – so he’s doing so-so, but he’s mostly happy. Leonard is hardly able to get around – he’s lost all his strength. It makes you wonder how much longer he can last when his body is wasting away so much. I’m a little worried about my mom caring for him – she can’t lift him and he is in need of more and more help. All my sisters are doing pretty well. It was great to talk with Randy and Ronnie again – they’re good guys.

We’re having the whole fam except you here tonight and a lot over the next two weeks – Megan, Michael, Josh, Sam, Mom and I are all here together to watch the finale of this season’s Survivor.

How was your Zone Conference? Did you get our Christmas gifts? How did we do?

Have a WONDERFUL week son! We so look forward to talking & Skype with you next Sunday. Please let us know what time is best for you.

Con aprecio y cariño,

Un abrazo fuerte,

Dad

From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 8:49 AM
To: Don J. Harris; Natalie Harris
Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 11 Dec 2011

hey fam

this week was good, i went on exchanges and we helped two people move, and all of the driving and credit card stuff was taken care of so ya all in all it was a good week, we had two investigators at church this week, one of which will be gettting baptized very soon, she is a young hispanic named magui who has been searching for the gospel her whole life, and has now found it, she is was awesome haha, i think my comp has a crush on her haha but i guess we will see when he comes back for her or not haha, my companion elder parsons goes home this saturday, so i will be on a temporary exchange untill transfers next wednesday.

good news!!!!!!!!!!!11 we get to skipe!!!!!!! sich huh?!! anyways not sure where i will skype you from or when but i will let you know when i know probably around 11 or twelve my time, tell mike cooper and the boys to come over please so i can say whats up atleast for a few minutes, invite whoever you want, and maybe i should talk to mom first and then to them , then you can kick them out and then i can talk to the rest of you guys , i just cant talk too sam until they leave cuz i will probably cry alot. anyways ya im ecited.

well we have about five investigators who are ready to get baptized but they either need to get married or leave there spouse , and three two of them cant leave so please pray for, gisela , isidro, toni, tamirha, and simeon, they all have firm testimonys of the gospel but have thing holding them back so pleasae pray that god will provide a way for them to be baptized.

i have realized over the past few weeks that setting goals and making plans to acheive them, and then following those plans is the way to success in this life, so start making your goals for new years haha, anyways i love you guys evrything here is going great and im happy, hope you are too

love elder harris

On Sun, Dec 11, 2011 at 8:03 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:

Hola Spencer! ¿Como estás Elder?

As always we were so happy to receive your letter last Monday! And thanks for the very nice compliment you gave me – I’m so blessed and so humbled and grateful to be your dad.

You asked last week, saying:“Dad why is it so hard for a catholic, a hispanic catholic to change religions even when they know its true? any advice on hispanic catholics? i could use it.” Here are some thoughts for you:

·        It is a greatly an issue of tradition from their parents and grandparents and friends – that is just what they do – they practice the same religion as those before them. It helps them to feel they belong to their parents and family. And many / most Catholics are only Catholic in name only – they don’t really go to church or practice their religion actively – they just “belong” to the church without being involved or “active” in it.
·        Remember this: People, all people, don’t usually make much if any action on what they know – they take action or are motivated by what theyfeel. We take action on knowledge that we internalize and emotionalize and feel. A person can know that smoking causes cancer, or the cancer they already have, but may not want to give it up, because of their addiction to tobacco – or how they feel psychologically about this or something else. So the key is helping these Hispanic Catholics, or anyone else for that matter, to truly develop not only a knowledge that the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is true, but toFEEL it, and to identify all the benefits and blessings they will receive andFEEL as a result of accepting and embracing it.
·        In general, Hispanics are a warmer and more emotional people that the average American, so the FEELINGS they feel are even more important and determine the actions they take.

o To help them FEEL the truthfulness of the restored gospel and to take action by attending church and making the covenant of baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost, they need to FEEL their new testimonies of the truths you’re teaching them in their HEARTS, not only in their minds. The greatest motivator is LOVE – to FEEL God’s love and to FEEL your love from you missionaries and to FEEL the love of the Bishop or other members of your wards. In love, you need to help them learn the new truths and to FEEL these truths in their hearts. You need to earnestly pray to ask for Heavenly Father’s help and inspiration in the things you say and do to help them FEEL the truth of the gospel.

o It is important to help them see and FEEL the blessings that will come to them as a result of taking the actions you hope they will take – those actions you know that their loving Father in Heaven wants them to take – to exercise faith in Christ, repent of their mistaken ways or sins, and make covenants to follow Christ be receiving baptism, then to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost through confirmation. So again, the things you say to them as you teach, and the things you do to help them see and feel the blessings that will come, will motivate them to change.

· This is not your work – this is the Lord’s work. You are chosen, called instruments in his hands to carry out His work. Pray earnestly that each God will bless the people to use their agency wisely and to choose the right and to choose what will most bless their lives. More than anyone, our most powerful God can influence people and can cause things to happen in their lives (usually humbling them in some way) to help them learn and see and FEEL the truths of the gospel. Agency / choice is so important to God, and many will not choose the restored gospel and will not choose to make the effort to attend church and get baptized. But many will. As a missionary, you will rejoice in those that accept and take action and lovingly allow the others to choose – to exercise their agency in ways that are not in their best interest.

I hope this helps some Spencer. There is no easy answer. As you continue to follow the guidance and instruction provided in Preach My Gospel and the Scriptures and the teachings of your Mission President, then you’re doing what’s right and will be blessed. But I hope you’ll keep in mind and in your heart these thoughts about people taking action on what they FEEL, then use the inspiration you receive to help them FEEL the truths and blessings of the marvelous gospel of Jesus Christ.

Things are good here – all are doing well. Sam gave a GREAT talk in church today about Matt. 5:14-16 - about being an example in order to bring glory to God. He gave a great talk! He’s a natural speaker. He ended his talk stating that his dad and all his older brothers set an example for him by serving a mission. He said that his best friend is his brother Spencer and that Spencer is being such a great example by serving a mission, and that he too wants to become a missionary like his best friend and brother Spencer.

The Packers are now 13-0 after trouncing the Raiders today, 46-7. Many are predicting and undefeated season. They’ll play the Bears on Christmas Day. It would be fun if you could see some of that game. Speaking of Christmas – you’ll have your Zone Christmas gathering this week – enjoy the gifts and the love we sent! And also speaking of Christmas – it will be so great to talk with you by telephone that day. You’ll have to give us some instruction on what number to call or how we’ll talk on that day. We’re so looking forward to it.

8-2 BYU basketball plays Number 6 Baylor this coming Saturday at the Marriott Center – should be a good game.

We had Mike Cooper, Michael King, Zack Willis, Cade Hooley, Jordan Esteban, Calder Bonnet, Austin Walker and Josh Johnson? all here this last Monday night. We ate together and caught up on their lives a little. They all speak so highly of you and some couldn’t believe it had already been 7 months since you left. You’re such a great example and inspiration to them. Here’s some great pictures: http://accordingtonatalie.blogspot.com/

Sorry there weren’t any investigators that Sunday the 3^rd – what about yesterday? Any investigators at church?

How’s the money and lost wallet situation? Are you still able to drive the mission car since you have a copy of your driver’s license? Did you receive the replacement ATM card? Is there anything else we can do for you about this?

We’re so looking forward to your letter tomorrow. Tell us lots Spencer. Tell us all about your experiences – especially the spiritual experiences you are having. You have our love and support. I’m so grateful and so proud of you for your missionary service, and for being our loving and wonderful son.

Con cariño,

Un gran abrazo,

Dad

From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, December 05, 2011 9:07 AM
To: Don J. Harris; Natalie Harris
Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 4 Dec 2011

well dad theres no attachemant! bummer i wanted to see the banner.

but this week was good, noone at churhc! from 12 to 0 it kinda stinks but we still have about seven people progressing towards baptism right now, so im excited pray for tony tamirha maggie, isela and isidro, dad why is it so hard for a catholic, a hispanic catholic to change religions even when they know its true? any advice on hispanic catholics? i could use it. anyways ya got my wallet stolen, at the pulga ( flee market ) but thats ok i will get taken care of thanks for everything mom and dad. also if you did not know austin walker is now home, invite him tonight to, he will be going back out to a reasigned states mission in a few months. hug mike for me mom and kiss him on the face and tell him that i have never been more proud of anyone. amn i miss those guys, they really are my brothers.

im sending the pictures today so dont worry. tel sam and london to write me. hmmm well seriously a pretty boring weeek we taught gisela and isidro and put gisela and her daughter on date, the father said he would need more time but he knew it was true, and then right after we left he got mad at gisela and his daughter for wanting to change religions but they are still on date and we are going over tommorw night so pray for them. tell michael king that his little baby but better write me more, especially after all that we have gone through togethor, he literaly is part of the family and has no excuse to not write his best friend haha. tell the family i love them. the times i miss the most is when our family was togethor even if we were just at the movies, and actually especially if we were at the movies, carrabas was always good too, sadly i lost all the subway money in my wallet mom, sorry. anyways i love you guys, tell ally that she better write me and tell me her love story, and if i dont get an invitation we are not friends anymore, i dont care if i cant go haha. anyways enough friend talk, i love you mom and dad, you really are the best parents and friends and examples i could ever have and i am eternally grateful that i chose you. i love you dad.... dont WHO YOU ARE, WHO YOU WERE BEFORE THIS LIFE, AND WHO YOU WILL BE in the celestial kingdom, you really are the best father i know.

love elder harris

On Sun, Dec 4, 2011 at 9:34 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:

Spencer!

Thank you for giving us an excuse to talk briefly with President and Sister Holm! Sorry you lost your wallet, but this will pass quickly, and we will help you get what you need. President and Sister Holm said that they love Spencer, and that he is an easy (easy for them), obedient and great missionary. They love serving with you. I knew that, but it was great to hear that directly from President and Sister Holm. They also said that you will get your Christmas packages we sent on December 14.

·        We will call the Utah D.L. place and find out what needs to happen. We are to call Elder Hunt, your mission vehicle coordinator, at 803-781-6100 if any Driver’s license correspondence is needed.
·        We called the UCCU to cancel the ATM card tonight and Mom will go into the UCCU tomorrow (Monday) to order the new one.
·        Sister Holm said they will get you a replacement Mission Card
·        And they said that your companion will help you out for money until you get these things replaced

So glad that Thanksgiving went so well for you! And so glad you had the opportunity to remember you are an athlete and that the people treated you so well.

All is well here. Nothing big new with the fam, but all are doing great. Attached is Sam’s new pic with the other select athletes at Timpanogos H.S. This is one that you can click on and zoom in to see him and Bryson Nickle and Tyler Hamilton better. It will be a 7 foot by 20 foot poster hung in his H.S. gym for the next year.

Sure hoping the work is going well for you! Tell us all about your investigators and who we can pray for!

Sure hoping you will send us your camera card soon!

Sure love you son! You are great and we love you and love the gospel of Jesus Christ that you are teaching. Write us lots and tell us all about it.

I love you Spencer,

Dad

From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, November 28, 2011 2:54 PM
To: Don J. Harris
Subject: Re: Cade Hooley's talk

hey fam sorry the email is getting to you later today we had stuff to do this morning ! this week was awesome thanksgiving and alot of cool stuff. for thanks giving we had two dinners and i was about to die after, literally i was in pain for two days after. and we played football that morning( not tackle) whichi loved of course, i was starting to forget that i was an athlete haha. we had dinner at the schleggals an awesome fam and with tony and hugo a less active couple with there non member friends who are crazy! but it was fun , then another couple we are teaching had there babay, and they invited us to come, there names are tony and tamirha sadly neither of there families were there, i am so gratful for the gospel, they have had to live on there own since basically middle school and we are kinda there only close friends besides tonys brother and his brothers wife, so ya awesome that we were there but sad that missionaries are there closests friends and only people they can trust, i got pictures of the whole thing dont worry mom, mom you would love this young couple, they are only 18 and 17 but they are so strong and amazing. today we took a carriage ride down town and it was cool cuz it was for free haha! but ya thats my week............. and sorry to late i already got some presents for you guys.......... but dont worry i really wanted to get them for you i didnt feel obligated i just want to , you will get your pictures too dont worry, i cant find meg anything though so ya sorry meg i luv you but never see anything that i think you would want, love you guys. and thanks for everything mom you really are the best mom ever, presidant wants all the packages sent by dec1st i already mentioned that but ya send them really soon.

love you!

elder harris

On Mon, Nov 28, 2011 at 8:56 AM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:

Spencer and family,

FYI, I took more notes at Cade Hooley’s talk yesterday but didn’t include them in my letter to you except for President Uchtdorf’s quote. I just looked at them again this morning and I think they’re well worth sharing:

His topic was the Love of God. As I said, he started with this quote from President Deiter F. Uchtdorf:

Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount—that is the measure of God’s love for you.⁷God does not look on the outward appearance.⁸ I believe that He doesn’t care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely.

He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our résumé but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God’s love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked. What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us.⁹

·       We can be forgiven of our sins – Jesus Christ made this possible
·       Been reading the scriptures more and loving them. The iron rod / word of God keeps us on the right path to God and His love. The more we read and study the scriptures the closer we feel to God and the more we feel His love
·       Ether 12:27 – when we come unto Christ our weaknesses can become strengths
·       It is tough and challenging to humble ourselves, but when I am more humble, I feel God’s love and spirit more
·       Footprints story / poem. God’s love will never leaves us
·       Serving 2 years is the least I can do to try to repay the Lord in some way
·       Thanks to all friends and family for all you’ve done for me to help prepare me
·       He bore his testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel and the church and the prophets and scriptures, etc.

(Cade enters the MTC in mid December, and has been called to the Milwaukee, Wisconsin Mission)

NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

Forward

Don J. Harris

9:25 AM (39 minutes ago)

to me

Natalie, I’m so excited and happy and humbled by Spencer’s joy he is experiencing in doing this sacred and marvelous work of sharing the gospel.

Let’s talk about this glasses and contacts issue together. It may make sense to ask Spencer some questions about his needs and to call the mission office to make the arrangements to get him what is needed.

I love you and I’m so grateful we had this wonderful son!

Don

From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 9:06 AM
To: Don J. Harris
Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 1/15/2012

anyways i got to run but im doing great and i love you guys so much,

so ya i dont know what to do about the glasses , but please order me some contacts atleast for now.

thanks love elder harris

On Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 12:42 AM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:

Buenos Dias Spencer,

Mom was her wonderful self and fixed a great lunch for all the Home Teaching families that Sam and I have, and all 6 came today – it was great.

I love you son.

Dad

From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, January 09, 2012 8:57 AM
To: Don J. Harris
Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 1/8/2012

buenos dias familia,

thanks for the updates from wade stephen and sefa mom it was awesome.

gota go but i love you all so much and SAM its been way to long my friend.

love

elder harris

ps dad always write in spanish i like it.

On Sun, Jan 8, 2012 at 8:04 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:

Apreciado Spencer – Nuestro Querido Elder Harris,

¿Cómo estás hijo? ¿Han encontrado nuevos investigadores para enseñar?

Cuenta con mis oraciones y mejores deseos Spencer. Estoy tan feliz y tan orgulloso de quien eres y tu dedicación al ser misionero de Dios.

Con mucho amor,

Un abrazo fuerte,

Dad

From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2012 11:37 AM
To: Don J. Harris
Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 1/1/2012 - Feliz Año Nuevo!

..................... sorry not alot to talk about thats new but i love you guys and im doing good so dont worry about me , im having an awesome time.

love elder harris

2012/1/1 Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org>

Hey Spencer!

Feliz Año Nuevo!

I hope you had a good week during the holidays. Have you been able to teach as much or more than usual? How are things going with your new companion?

OK son – tell us about YOU! How was your week?

Jesus es el Salvador del mundo y tú tienes el mensaje más importante para la gente del Carolina del Sur. Cuentas con mis oraciones. Mucho éxito Spencer.

Un abrazo,

Dad

From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Tuesday, December 27, 2011 12:31 PM
To: Don J. Harris; Natalie Harris
Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 25 Dec 2011

elder harris

On Sun, Dec 25, 2011 at 8:15 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:

Mi Querido Spencer,

Merry Christmas!

It was so great to hear you smile and laugh and enjoy the family together with us. That was SOOoooo great today.

I love you son,

Dad

From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 2:16 PM
To: Don J. Harris; Natalie Harris
Subject: Re: FW: Dad to Spencer - 18 Dec 2011

hey fam,

sorrry not much to report besides that i love you more then you can imagine and cant wait to talk too you soon!!!

On Sun, Dec 18, 2011 at 10:26 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:

Spencer!

My Skype name is:donjharris1

My picture and my email -Don.harris@familysearch.org– are also on my profile.

OK – you can just contact us at my contact name via Skype. donjharris1

I love you son!

Dad

Mi Querido Spencer,

Como estás Elder?! So great to hear about your great week of missionary work last week! I’m so happy and so proud of you. And we’re so anxious and excited to talk to you on the phone!

We got your pics! THANKS SON! We’re loving having them! And THANKS for your great letters and e-mails! SO GREAT hearing from you!

We’re having the whole fam except you here tonight and a lot over the next two weeks – Megan, Michael, Josh, Sam, Mom and I are all here together to watch the finale of this season’s Survivor.

How was your Zone Conference? Did you get our Christmas gifts? How did we do?

Have a WONDERFUL week son! We so look forward to talking & Skype with you next Sunday. Please let us know what time is best for you.

Con aprecio y cariño,

Un abrazo fuerte,

Dad

From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 8:49 AM
To: Don J. Harris; Natalie Harris
Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 11 Dec 2011

hey fam

love elder harris

On Sun, Dec 11, 2011 at 8:03 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:

Hola Spencer! ¿Como estás Elder?

As always we were so happy to receive your letter last Monday! And thanks for the very nice compliment you gave me – I’m so blessed and so humbled and grateful to be your dad.

8-2 BYU basketball plays Number 6 Baylor this coming Saturday at the Marriott Center – should be a good game.

Sorry there weren’t any investigators that Sunday the 3^rd – what about yesterday? Any investigators at church?

Con cariño,

Un gran abrazo,

Dad

From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, December 05, 2011 9:07 AM
To: Don J. Harris; Natalie Harris
Subject: Re: Dad to Spencer - 4 Dec 2011

well dad theres no attachemant! bummer i wanted to see the banner.

love elder harris

On Sun, Dec 4, 2011 at 9:34 PM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:

Spencer!

So glad that Thanksgiving went so well for you! And so glad you had the opportunity to remember you are an athlete and that the people treated you so well.

Sure hoping the work is going well for you! Tell us all about your investigators and who we can pray for!

Sure hoping you will send us your camera card soon!

Sure love you son! You are great and we love you and love the gospel of Jesus Christ that you are teaching. Write us lots and tell us all about it.

I love you Spencer,

Dad

From: Spencer Harris [mailto:harriss@myldsmail.net]
Sent: Monday, November 28, 2011 2:54 PM
To: Don J. Harris
Subject: Re: Cade Hooley's talk

love you!

elder harris

On Mon, Nov 28, 2011 at 8:56 AM, Don J. Harris <don.harris@familysearch.org> wrote:

Spencer and family,

His topic was the Love of God. As I said, he started with this quote from President Deiter F. Uchtdorf:

(Cade enters the MTC in mid December, and has been called to the Milwaukee, Wisconsin Mission)

Forward

Click here to Reply or Forward

Don J. Harris
don.harris@familysearch.org

Show details

Letter to Spencer 15 January 2012

2012-01-15T22:47:00.000-08:00

Hi LOVEY!!!!
Tonight is one of those nights it just FEELS like you should be HERE. Sam and possee are downstairs dying Brady's hair black and goodness know what else. The holiday tomorrow is PERFECT for easing us all back into a regular routine after the Christmas break.

Dad was called to work in the Young Men's as the secretary today so now he will be gone Tuesday nights doing his thing. He already had a fireside tonight. I watched the awards show and realized how many movies I still want to see. Next time I'm sick I guess.
We had all the people Dad and Sam Home Teach over for roast lunch after church today. Sam REALLY loves me now. All done at once, in under 2 hours and yummy dinner to boot! Visiting is ALWAYS so much nicer than those darn LESSONS.

This weekend was AMAZING...in the high 40's...on Saturday I took off for a run at 3:30 because I couldn't stand NOT to be outside another minute! EVERYONE seemed to feel the same way. I past several other runners, tons of men washing their cars, families at the parks with kids running barefoot...kids on bikes and scooters EVERYWHERE. They say it could snow this week, the temps are suppose to drop tonight. I'll believe it when I see it. And if I don't see it I will darn happy. I could do more Utah winters here if this is how it goes. I've had a nasty head cold all week and it was so great to have the "heat" to help burn it out on my run. I swear it felt like spring. I could even smell the earth from the warming as I past several yards and barns. I know you wanted to know about the weather. I am laughing at myself because I have mocked openly certain other people who only seem to be able to report about the weather. I am sorry my boy, I AM getting older.

Marta's wedding was at Sleepy Ridge so you KNOW I was so thinking of YOU the whole time. It was simple and small and I am happy for them. Randy seems like he will be a great addition to the neighborhood. He's already come and watched a BYU something with Dad. His first move was put in cable at Marta's...and she LET him...so it MUST be LOVE:) The reception was at UVU...ALL IN PINK. I never really think of Marta as a PINK person, but it actually really suited her. I thought I needed to leave a golf ball and baseball with our name on it somewhere in the room to make it complete.

Still getting ready for Sam's baseball Banquet, things are coming together really well. We have 2 donated trips to Kaui WITH airfare... that should go for ALOT. It is SO tempting since it is tax deductible. There is a trip to Monterrey, Mexico and all the normal St. George stuff as well. I will be glad to have the auction over and have the season START. I love those boys SO STINKIN' MUCH!!!!!

All the missionary moms came to our house last Monday for lunch and a download. Stephen is still struggling with his jaw. Sefa is rocking it...I LOVE his Mom. Kristy Gunnell came and said how hard Honduras is...no doubt! Still no word on when Austin goes out. Haven't seen the boys in a few weeks now. They talked alot about bike troubles. DO YOU HAVE BIKE TROUBLES? Sister Cardon told everyone how you had been made District Leader...and Dad swears that he told me, but believe me, that is when I found out too....SO TELL ME NEXT TIME WILL YOU? I love that you are a District Leader...cuz I already love the way you lead. The Church NEEDS men like YOU Spencer...the ones that care MOST about LOVE and the PERSON, and not so much about the programs....lead on sweet boy.

I LOVE YOU BIG...I LOVE MONDAY's!!! I hope you get to write earlier in the day tomorrow, but I am prepared if it is Tuesday since you probably can't get into the library tomorrow. I'm working but not till noonish. Dad and Sam have the day off...poor Meg has to work.
TREAT YOURSELF TO A GOOD DINNER SOMEWHERE AND THAT DOES NOT MEAN McDONALD'S!!!!
Your Momma XXOOXXXOOXOXOXOOOOOXXXXXXOOXOOXXXO

Marta is now MRS. FONG

2012-01-15T22:18:00.000-08:00

Add caption

Sam the Man

2012-01-15T22:16:00.000-08:00

Wish I could figure out how to turn this pic...

Sam and Brynn after Bargain Ball at our house with 18 couples for a movie and treats :)

These kids are SO FUN...they had cereal for dinner at a chapel, and then turned the tables sideways for a nerf BLOW GUN war...they used the nerf gun bullets but shot them out of cut PVC pipe lengths. Sam swears they would fly all the way across the gym. Every one had 2 lives...and they turned on a smoke machine and turned out he lights...I WANTED to go play! So creative and so CHEAP....wish more of the dances could be BARGAIN BALL :)

Brady and Johnny...decided to go last minute:)

CINDY LAMB

2012-01-15T22:01:00.000-08:00

So...I am SAD that the cover isn't showing up bigger. I am so glad that this blog is really for ME...then I don't have to worry so much that whoever is reading this besides Spencer gets crazed with all my book LOVE. Well...my book LOVE is REAL. And I REALLY loved this book. Barb...when you read it I already know what you will say to me. Yep Cindy Lamb is my new Sarah Addison Allen :) And for the very SAME reasons. I NEED my endings to be SWEET people. I NEED the imperfectly REAL characters to screw up and still be totally LOVED and charming in spite of their quirks. Thank you Cindy Lamb for the laughter, the fear places you touched so honestly but then came back splatting me in the face with handsfuls of STRENGTH and remembrance of my "womanly soul" and all her "parts". Anyone up for the first soon to be weekly Psyhic Night at my house? Yes, it WILL include skinny dipping come Spring.
Cindy...THANK YOU that she wore red to her second marriage attempt. Thank you for the character Lara. Thank you for pg 307 "You all make the woman in me want to cry"....pg 325 "Sometimes, for a moment, life is truly beautiful."--Like Friday the 13th on my run at 9:40, NOTHING BUT SUNSHINE and the road and me.... ...pg 376 "Your feminine juices are saying this....GRAB THE LOVE"...its WHY we want to LIVE....
and so many others. Cindy...just ordered all your others off amazon. These are the moments I could shriek in delight that I make money and can treat myself to such happy life diversions.

Uncle Ambrose and Aunt Barbara

2012-01-12T18:09:00.000-08:00

When I saw this I immediately thought of Uncle Am and Aunt Barbara...and LOTS of other memories came flooding back. I remember Uncle Am getting dressed up and eating in the fancy restaurant when the depression was in full force...he couldn't afford to pay and was SO HUNGRY...and he offered to stay and do dishes and they let him. I remember Aunt Barbara saying how Kelly was the true beauty, but that I had great legs and not to worry because men liked a good pair of legs. I remember the Thanksgiving she was Sloshed and the turkey was a fried crisp by the time we got there :) I remember all the elephants in the elephant collection and how I loved to see if she had added any. I remember their spring and fall trips to Maine and the live Lobsters they would carry home.It seemed to me that for old people they were always having fun and I wanted to have the fun with them. They were great companions. I never understood THEN why they didn't marry. But I do now.

Taught the Activity Day girls to make these today. They wrote down their resolutions and then we folded them up into stars and they were DARKLING...YES...BOTH the GIRLS and the STARS.

Letter from Spencer 9 Jan 2012

2012-01-09T08:08:00.001-08:00

buenos dias familia,

thanks for the updates from wade stephen and sefa mom it was awesome.

gota go but i love you all so much and SAM its been way to long my friend.

love

elder harris

ps dad always write in spanish i like it.

Sam asked to Preference

2012-01-08T20:18:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought such a sweet bag of sugar could cause so much CRUD??? The Sophomore girls decided to beat the Senior girls to the Senior boys and asked them 7 WEEKS early!!!! Sam's whole Senior Guy crew are now going with the Sophmore's....albeit the DARLING Sophomores, the Senior girls are ripped, and I get it. The adorable AND talented Diana Marsh (yes Spencer...Tanner's little sister---the one Sam kept saying "you should hear her sing and play the piano') asked Sam. He's excited to go! I'll give you the details in S E V E N weeks!!!!!

For my car loving boy

2012-01-08T19:04:00.000-08:00

Spence....I will give you the details when you get home...but this is the car one of my clients is selling to pay my commission on a deal I am closing with him. I knew you would WAY rather me just keep the car...it will be auctioned off on this TV auction show called Barret Jackson on the 18th or 19th of this month. He just laughed when I told him I'd NEVER even heard of Barret Jackson. I told him of your Chevelle love and he says he is going to help you get set up when you get home....DREAMS COME TRUE BUDDY. DREAMS COME TRUE:)

2012-01-08T18:43:00.000-08:00

As you can see I've had a LOVELY time on Pinterest this week! Wanted these to print in my BLOG book for next year.

MY FATHER AND MY MOTHER....

Leonard in his new home...look how adorable ADDIE is!!!

Well LOVE BUG...
I've had a great week with Josh being able to stay home until today. I feel bad I had to work so much, but its just so nice to have him here. Can't wait till I can say the same about you :)!!!!

Megs brought Casey the OTTER guy home for Sunday lunch today and he was funny. She's excited and planning her trip to Disney and Harry Potter World with her friends for April. She is super diligent with her Crossfit and excited that Bob on Biggest Loser is adding it to this season's workouts.
.
Michael is working his head off. Still not sure if he is starting school this week or not. He is pretty convinced he will moved to Seattle by Fall :(. His poor mototcycle accidentally got snowed on this weekend-barely. You know how bad I felt about that. Now its in the garage. Yes..MY GARAGE. That is MOTHER LOVE. He has been able to ride it for SO LONG with no snow and the fairly warm temps. He is going to Vegas Feb.2nd for the live casting call of Survivor. Josh is going with him--they are going to try for a "brothers" spif---I told them to wait for you and Sam and then all 4 of you go. But then I really thought about it, and how CRAZY would I be with ALL FOUR of you out there hungry, cold, wet, bug bitten......???? No thank you!!!
Josh got hired this week to drive buses in Alaska this summer...he will leave as soon as his finals are over in May. I am sad---the only good news is that he will come home most weekends starting in Feb. for training. He really has his heart set on Stanford. He is hoping to apply for a transfer this fall. He feels sure with a Stanford degree he could pick any med school. I think he should go to the University of Florida so I can come visit ALOT.

Sam's poster is up in the High School gym. Early Mornings for baseball start for him tomorrow. We are in the middle of getting the Banquet all planned and wrapped up. He's been dedicated at lifting and he is really getting buff. He LOVES it. If I touch his arm he automatically flexes :) He's asking Brynn Willis to Bargain Ball tonight. He has this assignment for Mythology where he has to create this mosaic that has taken HOURS and he still isn't done. He's at the kitchen table right now cutting and pasting itsy bitsy pieces of all kinds of paper, materials, etc...He is so diligent in his homework. Did you hear he got a 27 on the ACT? Now if we can just get him to finish his college applications!!!

The funerals were sweet. Kori spoke and was amazing...especially considering that she was Carli's second Mom. Michelle spoke as well and that might have been my favorite funeral ever...just LOVE filled. Bizarre how things come in threes. The Jackman's oldest boy's wife was expecting twins and delivered them both during all of this, they lived 3 days and then both died. So sad. I sold Jackman's home in Orem and then helped them buy one in the same stake so I was working with them through it all.

I got your temporary DL and it will be mailed in the morning so be looking for it. Hopefully it won't take long for your real one to get here.

Love you Buddy. Many times a day I wonder where you are and what you are doing and of course if you are eating WELL!!!!! Sooooooo...for the Momma, will you eat well and BE HAPPY?
XXOOXXOOXXOOXXOOXXOOXXOOXX

Letter from Spencer 3 January 2012

2012-01-03T13:36:00.000-08:00

..................... sorry not alot to talk about thats new but i love you guys and im doing good so dont worry about me , im having an awesome time.

oh ya, mom i need to have an eye apointment again , its been over six months and im almost out of contacts, but the walmart place said that our insurance from back home does not cover here is south carolina, and its way too expensive to pay out of pocket, i would like a pair of glasses too, all i have is the old pair you sent to me while i was in the mtc, so ya i dont know what to do about that, maybe you could call the insurance?

but anyways i love you guys and miss you so much. dont ever forget how lucky we are and how blessed we are just to be US , living in our family, living the gospel, i dont think you can find more love in any other house in the world. and its all because we are founded upon the rock of our savior and his restored gospel.

love elder harris

HAPPY NEW YEAR SPENCER!!!!!

2012-01-01T21:14:00.000-08:00

Lovey Lovey LOVEY!!!!! I can't say enough how great it was to Skype withyou. I just needed to see you. You are still my gorgeous boy. I feel bad Idon't have any pictures for this week. I have been working like crazy. Still no snow so no skiing. Everyone has just been lounging around the house and all doing our fair share of eating. LOTS of friends over and sleeping the night. Especially fun to have Mike Hardman, Jake and Dave around so much with Josh. Michael has been in and out and working like crazy too...he's made some good money this break. Megan went to St. George for New Year's with Kylie and crew. Tomorrow is the last official day of holidays. Josh gets to stay until next weekend so I AM A HAPPY MOMMA!! Sam had a last minute New Year's party and the house rocked. I love it. I love that we know so many incredible kids. I watched the ball drop in NY and wished I was in a hotel room above it all. Just looking at all those people made me feel claustrophobic, and you know how I hate to be cold...but I really liked the idea of watching from above in a LOVELY hotel room. Let's make a plan for it after Sam is back and we have our first New Years with NO MORE ANYBODY'S GONE!!!!!!!

It's been a sad several days. Michael, Michelle's brother that lived withher, died. And Michelle is the one who found him. The funeral is Tuesday.Robert and Bronson are toughing it out...but you can imagine how hard it is. When I took dinner their mom just cried and cried and kept saying "He's my baby...he's my baby". I could barely breathe. It felt so real to me, as if it was one of you.
Then, on the same day, we found out that Karli, Kori's little sisteroverdosed after having a party while her Mom was out of town. Her funeral isFriday. Kori has been through so much lately. My heart just breaksfor all involved. I am SO GRATEFUL that we have not had todeal with any of that drug mess in our family so far....and I PRAY that we never do. Such nasty, hard, near to impossible to conquer crap.. I hope my fear with all thegenerations we have of addiction has soaked you all to the bone. Such senselessloss. Now all we have is the memory of their love in our lives.

Friends and Family~
Funeral services for Carly Lichfield will be held in the Hobble Creek 9th Ward Chapel at 450 S. Canyon Drive, Springville on Friday, January 6th, at 4pm.
Thank you for all your support in this tragic time of loss. Kori's facebook message.

Michael Richard Fackrell
1978 ~ 2011
Michael Richard Fackrell, our loving son, brother, father, andfriend, passed away December 29, 2011, at his home in Orem. He wasborn April 25, 1978 in Provo, Utah to Kenneth Frank and JoanKathleen Dexter Fackrell.
Michael was raised and attended schools in Orem, and graduatedfrom Mountain View High School. He attended UVU, and was scheduledto graduate this spring with a degree in graphic design. Michaelwas very artistic, and excelled in photography. He did sportsphotography for the UVU Review. He also enjoyed mountain biking. Heloved spending time with his daughter Brooklyn, she was his wholelife.
Michael is survived by his daughter, Brooklyn Sage Fackrell; hisparents, Kenneth and Joan Fackrell of Orem; a sister, Michele Lewisand her children, Robert and Bronson Lewis of Orem; a brother,Matthew (Jeni) Fackrell, and their children, Carter and ShaylaFackrell of Eagle Mountain; and by many aunts, uncles and cousins.He was preceded in death by his grandparents.
He will be greatly missed, and will remain in our heartsforever.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at 11:00a.m., in the Aspen 10th Ward LDS Chapel, 1546 North 1100 West,Orem. Friends may call Monday evening, at the Berg Mortuary ofOrem, 500 North State Street, from 6-8 p.m., or Tuesday, at theward chapel, one hour prior to services. Interment, Orem CityCemetery. Condolences may be sent to info@bergmortuary.com.

Joe Hatch had to come home from the MTC with some freaky disease he picked up when he went to Asia with his Dad. Some funky kind of fever and passing out. Paul says he should be heading back soon. If I make it over to see him I will get a picture for you. Pretty frustrating for him I bet!

I think of you every morning as I do Jillian from Biggest Loser's 30 day SHRED. I can actually DO this one. The P90x was just too intense for me. I HATE walking around sore all day every day. I am sore with this, but NOT Like the P90X sore. Five days down...25 to go...and NO I am not sending pics.

Nathaniel Olsen is home and beautiful!!! His homecoming was today and we went over late this afternoon and visited. We love the Olsen's. We didn't get to visit with Silas very much because he was sick and throwing up, and Randy was sleeping, but Paul, Jessica and her kids and Tonya and all her family were so fun to just catch up with.Of course they wanted an update on YOU.

We love you. I LOVE YOU. As I made my resolutions I promised myself to keep myself AWAY from South Carolina. BUT, I did commit to making enough extra money to come pick you up with EVERYONE.

Miss you. SO GLAD YOU LEFT THE MESSAGE ON MY PHONE!!!!! I listen to it every day!!!

You are KIND, you are SMART, you are IMPORTANT...YOU belong to ME:) And I KNOW I'm not a very good sharer.

YOUR MOMMA

XXOOXXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T07:20:00.000-08:00

My/OUR FAVORITE PRESENT!!!!!! SEEING and TALKING to Spencer the BEAUTIFUL!!!!You can see in the next picture how we hooked the computer up to the TV so we could see you really big!!!

The Rubberband guns I bought from the Mexican man and his little family were and still are a BIG success!

Josh not co-operating for the family pic...I have about 12 photos with him with stuff over his face..nothing has changed :)

Family pic....in the one below Josh is representing with his finger puppet behind the couch.

Stocking treats...

Da Bam is a HAPPY Baseball Boy.

They all wore their UGLY Christmas Sweaters when we went to Mission Impossible and Sherlock Holmes. We did Christmas Eve Dinner at PF Chang's since Michael had to work there...he got to sit with us for a minute or so at a time, but not much more. He was home by 10:30 and we opened presents then. Lovey...SO SO SO SO SO SO SO GOOD to see you. I am so GLAD that you are happy. We love you. We're proud of you. We miss you. Now the count down for Mother's Day!

Countin' Down!

2011-12-20T08:50:00.001-08:00

5 DAYS and we SKYPE with SPENCER!!!!!!!!

A life moment in the middle of my day.

2011-12-19T15:16:00.000-08:00

Today I had one of those experiences that just makes you stop and think about WHO you really are and HOW I want to be spoken of by others. The kind of speaking that can't be faked...you have to earn that genuine kind of admiration.
I am working on a tricky large home transaction...and am looking for a wealthy CASH investor who has the stomach to take on such a large proposition with all it's details in THIS market. I was given the name of Ty Mattingly by an attorney. Each time this man's name was mentioned to different parties I would get these raving, glowing reviews of what an amazing person he is... this man has built a fortress of goodness around himself just by being his true self.
I am pleased to report that after speaking with him that he is REAL. He is soft and direct and calm and thoughtful and honest. He will probably not be the investor we are looking for...and the lovely part is, he didn't even try to pretend that he would be, or get upset for my disrupting his day. My 48 year oldness is making me aware of MY humanity. Just thinking I hope the day comes when I grow up to be like him....and to think I'd never known of him before today. Ty Mattingly, thanks for the example of HOW to be that was shared with me by total strangers in your behalf. Well done.

Letter from Spencer 19 Dec 2011

2011-12-19T13:29:00.000-08:00

Here they are eating cheeseburgers with Krispy Kreme donuts as the buns...they call it a Celestial Burger :)

On his Pday at the beach... then with his companion and ? still wondering about the tie????

hey fam,

sorry my email is late mom but we helped someone move in just barely so were running a little late on the pday, i dont know what time on sunday to be honest i dont even know where i will be , or who my companion will be either, elder parsons just went home, and wow that was hard phew i love him. I am wondering whats going to happen this transfer...... not excited pres just said he has plans for me, but oh well i will do whatever he asks me to and love doing it. im going to have a white christmas? magui is getting baptized this week on saturday and a comformation sunday morning! how bamf is that ! my best christmas ever i think, sorry it has to be away from home, but hey i never helped someone get baptized back home haha

sorrry not much to report besides that i love you more then you can imagine and cant wait to talk too you soon!!!

Commercial Break

2011-12-18T22:54:00.000-08:00

Have I given this commercial before? I FREAKIN' LOVE AUDIBLE.COM!!!!! Don was patient, and even LIKED listening to Dave Ramsey with me. I am his disciple. And we actually only listened to part of Change your BRAIN, CHANGE YOUR BODY....I'll do the LIFE one next...but both were GREAT for the long drive. we made it to Boise in 6 hours and home in just under 6. If you're looking for an inspiring read, either one of these will do! But no matter WHAT You like to read...I suggest AUDIBLE.com.

Megan and Ryan--Mr. and Mrs. Gingerbread Man

2011-12-18T22:28:00.000-08:00

I stole this right off of Meg's blog so you wouldn't miss it:) She had a blind date with this other guy Friday night and so far not so magical...how could he compete with a man in costume?

"So the other night I went to the Lower Lights concert. I got talked into being a gingerbread man the entire concert. Yep.. sat in a seat and everything. For someone else's thoughts about it and to see the blog where I stole the pic click here It was a hilarious night that ended up being way too much fun."

Just for Spencer....

2011-12-18T22:22:00.000-08:00

Right now..11:17 pm Sunday Dec 18, 2011...all for the love of Spencer :)

Cooper just walked in...Scott got called to the New Dehli India Mission and will leave Feb. 22nd.

We got to watch Jason on TV playing in Boise at some bowl game-- while we were IN Boise...funny that he was there playing and we went all the way there to watch him on TV. Sadly they played Ohio and lost by ONE . Hard loss. He and Perk in the man cave --not in the Poker game yet...

Harris Party in Boise

2011-12-18T19:54:00.000-08:00

Look how dang ADORABLE Addison is!!! I gooshed on her on night:) I wasn't a very good sharer and I don't feel a BIT bad:)

GrandDad and Kath...he will be going to a care center the week after Christmas. His Alzheimer's has progressed significantly and it is just too much for Ellen to care for and tend to working. Ellen has really been remarkable in all she has done to care for him. It is sad. He is pretty happy all the time...just unsure about WHO people are and what he is suppose to be doing. During the party when it was more than he could handle he kept gong round and round locking all the doors. He has an eating hang up and always thinks he hasn't eaten. He had 8 bananas before we got there early afternoon...and then told us that he hadn't eaten in 24 hours....a cruel disease.

The white elephant Christmas exchange....

Addison being too cute for words....LOVING crinkling the wrapping paper.

Nettie...who made us personalized cookies and got me a cookbook...Ronnie sporting a new tatoo under those black zip pants, Ellen taking pics (I will post hers when I get a copy...she takes GREAT ones...GDAD in his chair...

Aunt Pam the Beautiful got the Tiarra in the naughty present exchange...

GrandDad and Randy...still trying to get Randy to go on Survivor...still has his nipple rings:) He's getting a new dog for hurding his goats.

Look at those legs....look at those cheeks...as scrumptious to squeeze as they look.

Molly and Sam made this "fort" for their Penguins with the bar stools and boards...pretty impressive!!! Johnson's are doing great. Annie and Katie pretty much WOMEN. Snuck away for dinner with Ali and Paul Friday night. The trip actually seemed too fast for me this time...so grateful the roads were perfectly clear!!

Came home to JOSH home!!!! :) That makes fcr a happy ME! Megan has been sick and just now perking up. Go to her blog and check out her and Ryan dressed up as Gingerbread people at a concert in Salt Lake this week...they were the hit of the night! Tonight Michael came and watched the Survivor finale with us...oh Spencer...you are SO going to love this season. I was SAD about who won...I SO WANTED OZZY...but as always an interesting season. We missed you.Michael just got back from St. George where he went to Scott's wedding...all his friend's are dropping off like flies. Sam is in heaven...he is in the basement right now with Este, Jason, Brandon, Michael King, Mike Cooper (he came in in his suit, just left Godfrey's office:)) Perk, Brady, Marsh, Colton Jackson,....they are having a poker all nighter. I'm glad I'm a sound sleeper cuz I've got a big work day ahead tomorrow. I LOVE to hear them laugh!!!
I have LOVED that I can count down to next SUNDAY when we talk to you!!! This time next week I will snuggle in my bed and recount again and again ALL that you tell me! I am SO EXCITED that we get to SKYPE!! PLEASE let me know what time so I can have your friends here (AFTER ME/us.. of course:).
I love you Spencer. You are the light of my life. You are amazing. I am still in awe at your strength and dedication. What kind of a kid makes such sweet lasting friendships that his friends STILL come to hang out even though YOU aren't here, just to BE in this loving place YOU CREATED? I can only imagine how much your companions love you.
I'll be having happy dreams waiting for morning!!!
Your Momma XXOOXOOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOOXOOOXXXXX

Letter from Spencer 12 Dec 2011

2011-12-12T08:18:00.001-08:00

I just got Spencer's camera card in the mail...sure to be my FAVORITE Christmas present...so GOOD to see him...as if GOOD could even cover the feelings!......

hey fam

love elder harris

Letter to Spencer 11 Dec 2011

2011-12-11T16:30:00.001-08:00

This was you last Christmas....and here they are THIS Christmas, only Ali has that ring on her finger...these pics will make more sense to you in a few days.

ONLY 14 days till we TALK ON THE PHONE!!!!!!!!!! We are so excited!
Please let me know if you got your card and the Driver's License papers will you?
Do you have Burger King or Appleby's or Olive Garden in your area?
The weather here is nuts. NO SNOW...just freezing cold, and then today it wasn't even that cold..it got into the 40'S!!!! It doesn't look like there will be snow for Christmas either. Park City has enough for skiing, but Sundance barely has any. I would love to have some for Christmas. Are you warm? Do you know your plans for Christmas Day yet? What time are you going to call us? I think you should call us at 11 your time :) (Our sacrament mtg is at 9). You know I just want you to call us he second you can. I will be up and BE HERE whatever time you say :)
Work has been super busy and I am thankful. I wish I could find more Buyer's in the upper price ranges. The market is still flat there. I really wish I could sell Naumann's home. It's a catch 22 thing though...if I sell it then they leave the ward. argh. The Christmas Parties have begun as you have seen. This week Dad will have his work party up at the Nichols cabin, mine will just be at my office, I have the Activity Day girls coming for one on Thursday. JOSH COMES HOME ON THURSDAY!!! Dad and I leave for BOISE for his family party Friday...no one else is going with us so all will be home.
Dad just keeps doing his work thing and still figuring out what to do with no calling. He needs to get himself a book group or two and a Bunco group so he doesn't think I am gone all the time. So funny how the tables turn. I have to smile when I see him aggravated that I am off with OTHER friends again....and realize that I had to get over that with his church work years ago...I have happily made a lovely world and he will figure it out too. Wish I was rich enough to give him Jazz season tickets.
Megan's been having all kinds of get togethers with her friends...she made this white chocolate peppermint popcorn that will rock your world when you have it when you get home. It's a new must have tradition. She is going with the gang to British Colombia for New Year's.
Michael is at his PF CHANG's party tonight. They have to have it on Sunday since all the employees work the other 6 days of the week. Meg went with him...the rest of us are jealous.They are having outrageous food and prizes and doing a talent show--Michael is playing and singing Silent Night. He took your "baby" to play it on, but don't worry, Megan will make sure it doesn't get messed with. He had his mission friend Scott's bachelor party here last night. Scott marries next Saturday in St. George. Michael is keeping his hair long and I like it so much. He just looks so relaxed....and happy. He is so dang handsome...when he smiles, and then his sparkling "let's play" eyes... I don't know how girls his age can keep away from him. What beautiful children I made...from scratch:)
Josh could use a few prayers...he is in the throws of finals. He has been in the library EVERY time I have called or texted him the last 2 weeks. He WILL have his 4.0. I love how he loves to study. He hasn't dated anyone since he's been back from Thanksgiving. Bets are good that he'll have a few "visits" when he's home. I wish I COULD CHOOSE for him. What am I saying? I want to choose for ALL OF YOU!!!! :) I'll try to leave enough money in my will for you all to have therapy over my control issues after I'm gone...until then I expect you to humor me:)
Sam took Kelsey to Salt Lake to the Temple Lights with a group of them on a date last night...even though Kelsey has a boyfriend (Jordan King's little brother)...I listened while he asked her ---he explained that it was a date and he knew she still had the boyfriend....there is a pause and then he says, Great...we are going to have such a good time! I just started laughing, and Sam winks at me with his little upward head shake that means "you know it". I am still a little baffled by their relationship. But whatever it is, it is simply pure and sweet. I watched as she charged over from PG's side of the court to him at the Timp Basketball game Wednesday night. She throws herself at him in a full body hug and then rubs his beard with both her hands while shaking her head "no". Guess who shaved it today? He spoke in Sacrament meeting today so that could have been a reason as well. Sam is a gifted speaker. He just talks his heart to you. I guess I wouldn't really know if he is gifted since I am the Mom and I am convinced you are ALL freaking amazing and gifted and God's gift to all the world, especially MY WORLD. Anyway. I love it when people can speak their heart. He told how much he missed you and how proud he is that you would do something so hard. We all missed you AGAIN for the bazillionth time today.
I love you baby boy. I love WHO you are and HOW you are and all that you are BECOMING. Remember to just pour LOVE on everyone and everything. I love you more every time, everyday when I get in the hot tub and think about you, pray for you and send my happiest energy towards you. Everyday I visualize walking into your apartment, hugging the guts out of you and kissing you all over like crazy and ending with a zerbet on your neck....then I tell you something to make you laugh so I can see your eyes twinkle, I tell you I love you, wrap a protective white blanket around you, call my Mom to take over from there, and then I breath you in deep into my chest and exhale slowly releasing you to the world. Every day. It comforts me. And oddly, sometimes I feel like I am really there. I LOVE ME SOME MONDAY'S!!!!!!! I'll be waiting!!!!
Your Momma
XXXOOOOXOXOXOXOOXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Book Group & friends...

2011-12-11T16:11:00.001-08:00

Rachel and Rachel with these way cool Malmark chimes Julia brought that we played while we caroled...sounded AMAZING...so easy...just ring when the word is circled in the song book...wish they weren't so pricey...could be a FUN family tradition where everyone can participate. We ate our yummy RAW FOOD dinner (my friends are WAY healthier than me), caroled, exchanged presents and talked about the plan for next year. So GOOD to be together. I love these women.

Kim, Julene and Chris above---Holly, Hiedi, Kystelle with book purposefully in front of face, Charlene.

And while I'm on the subject of women I love...Marcii has become an OIL TYCOON since her Grand Dad kept the mineral rights on his land down south...her first check and of course we guided her in her spending it!

Kim, who will forever look 12 no matter how many times she hits 30:) in the kids Justice store playing around. And then there is Sara, and you KNOW why I posted this picture for you:)

Monday Night the 5th of Dec 2011

2011-12-11T16:03:00.001-08:00

It was SO GOOD to have them all home!!!! I made chicken pot pie, big salad, fruit and then got a Red Velvet cake cuz its your favorite Spencer!!!

Poor Austin is a skiiny minny now...lost all his bulk in Brazil. He hopes to be back out in a few months.

Cade leaves this Wednesday. Calder doesn't go until Feb. Este is hoping for January as well.

Mike promises he is going to write more often.

Da Brethern.

True love for the Spencer. Writing their Christmas messages...

Sam on HIgh School Gym poster

2011-12-05T08:22:00.001-08:00

Spencer, not sure how well you can see it...you will have to try to open it with something that has a ZOOM feature....

2011-12-05T08:18:00.001-08:00

well dad theres no attachemant! bummer i wanted to see the banner.

im sending the pictures today so dont worry. tel sam and london to write me. hmmm well seriously a pretty boring weeek we taught gisela and isidro and put gisela and her daughter on date, the father said he would need more time but he knew it was true, and then right after we left he got mad at gisela and his daughter for wanting to change religions but they are still on date and we are going over tommorw night so pray for them. tell michael king that his little baby but better write me more, especially after all that we have gone through togethor, he literaly is part of the family and has no excuse to not write his best friend haha. tell the family i love them. the times i miss the most is when our family was togethor even if we were just at the movies, and actually especially if we were at the movies, carrabas was always good too, sadly i lost all the subway money in my wallet mom, sorry. anyways i love you guys, tell ally that she better write me and tell me her love story, and if i dont get an invitation we are not friends anymore, i dont care if i cant go haha. anyways enough friend talk, i love you mom and dad, you really are the best parents and friends and examples i could ever have and i am eternally grateful that i chose you. i love you dad.... dont forget WHO YOU ARE, WHO YOU WERE BEFORE THIS LIFE, AND WHO YOU WILL BE in the celestial kingdom, you really are the best father i know.

love elder harris

Letter to Spencer 5 Dec 2011

2011-12-05T05:06:00.001-08:00

Hey BUG!
Thought the cartoon might make you smile:)
SO SORRY to hear about your wallet...I am all over it this morning as soon as the bank and DMV opens. I can't help but hope that maybe I will HAVE to TALK to you for some reason. Even though I know I am only 20 days away from HEARING your voice, I would SO TAKE a little early TREAT!!!!

Its been a busy week with baseball banquet planning back in full motion and getting ready for Christmas.
I listed Holly Bergmann Gustafavson's home in Provo. She just moved to Holladay--its closer to the airport for Gus. It's another BIG house...I v been spending tons of time on the phone for work trying to find Buyer's in this upper price range...just not hardly any with the economy. My activity day girls came Thursday as usual and we made dinner for Debbie Hulsey and her family together--she had baby #8-Caleb. He is as beautiful as all the rest of the Hulsey's. Cooking with 10 and 11 year olds was an experience and I didn't get a single picture . I am sad. I spent the weekend in Salt Lake at the Hilton with friends shopping for Christmas and just relaxing...we all had massages and ate at amazing restaurants. Downtown Salt Lake is gorgeous with all the Christmas lights.We shopped at the Gateway and then the Park City outlets and you know how I HATE shopping? Well...when I go with friends it makes it much more tolerable. But when I am with them I feel like God forgot to put that girlie part into me. I am almost done with Christmas Shopping. Yeeee HAW!

Michael went to St. George for his mission companion's wedding. Josh has been studying for finals but will be back home around the 17th. Sam went to London's killer 18th birthday party--97 kids in his house with a DJ and pizza from Pizza Factory. London is rarely here now...spends all of his free time at Paloma's :)-go figure.Basketball season has started as well so that keeps him away more. We miss him. Sam is having a hard time knowing what to want for Christmas. I think this is going to be a lifelong theme with him. I wish I was as good at surprises for as much as he LOVES them. Meg is hanging with friends.

Tonight all of your possee that is left is coming for dinner. I WILL GET PICTURES for sure! And I will make them WRITE you letters, but they all swear they are talking to you weekly via email....I HOPE SO. Bishop Godfrey shared the letter you wrote him with Darin Hunsaker and Darin didn't tell me what was in it, but said what an amazing son and friend you are :) Thanks Bud. All Christmas is sent. I hope whatever they do to celebrate will be fun. I have no idea how things are for your companion...share what you need to and I can replace anything for you if you need to share.

Snow in Logan, snow in Park City but none here. Pretty cold. The winds in Centerville this week were over a hundred miles per hour...it looked like a tornado on the TV with Port a Pottiess flying down the street. One TV footage showed a cat flying down the street. Some people were without power for 2 days. It was just freaky---and we barely even had wind here. Crazy how something so severe could happen so close to us without our even having slightly similar weather. It's their canyons I guess. They are on alert again today.

Hey...the bank will want to know HOW LONG your card has been lost? Also...any idea how much you had in your account so I can know if someone ELSE has used your card? Just knowing when you last used it will help. Thanks love.

I LOVE YOU!!!!! All this Christmas stuff makes it harder for me to have you gone. Tiger winning the golf tournament makes it harder.Sometimes its just HARDER. I'm going to slurp up every minute of today while working on getting you the card and your license back all the while hoping that MAYBE I will HAVE to talk to you :) LOVE YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU LOVE YOU!!!! And no matter what....TALK TO YOU IN 20 DAYS!!!!!!!
Mom
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Letter from Spencer 28 Nov 2011

2011-11-28T14:09:00.001-08:00

love you!

elder harris

LOVE YOU SPENCER HARRIS!!!!!!

2011-11-28T07:45:00.001-08:00

Just working and messing around close to the computer so I can see when your email hits. I get email on my phone...but I like it best when I can get it here and not have to squint and hold the phone a mile off to read it.
Anyway. JUST EXCITED that it's MONDAY and I get to hear from you.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE....and all the LOVE,
YOUR MOMMA xxooxoxoxoooxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxooxo

Letter to Spencer

2011-11-27T19:34:00.001-08:00

LOVEY LOVEY LOVEY LOVEY LOVEY!!!!!! Please give me a detailed message with HOW you spent the holiday weekend. In slight mocking Josh prayed at dinner tonight that you would always be FULL. We laughed and Dad said "what does THAT mean?". I must have said ONE too many times that I wondered what you were doing and hoped they were feeding you something YUMMY.
We put together the traditional puzzle, played rounds of Settler's, Ticket to Ride...and Poker. Sam swears he gained 8 pounds. I refuse to weigh and instead bask in the delight of just eating what I prepared, and DANG I can cook~!!!! :)
Preston, Jer and Girlies did their own thing in Logan. I missed them. Kori had the kids at her Mom's for the big dinner. I missed all of them. I keep getting a clearer and clearer picture of what heaven really is for me. A big part of it will be EVERYONE I LOVE together...not sure exactly how that will work... but hey, its MY heaven:)
Michael bought a motorcycle. You'd be proud of me. I did NOT throw a hissy fit. I didn't cry. I didn't guilt. I just offered to pay for a safety course. He says he's going to take one. Now I feel slightly sick when he leaves here.It's hard for me to relax until I think he's home safe. I keep telling myself that I GET TO CHOOSE and I don't have to feel so panicked. Hopefully my brain will be able to work on my heart. He is thrilled enough you'd think it would wash my anxiety right away. But no...nope...nada. I really hope the rest of you don't feel the need to have one.But if you do....I'm not sure I can promise NOT to throw that hissy fit the next time. I don't know what kind of bike it is. It's BIG and it's black and silver. I'll get a pic for you sometime soon.
Megan just signed leases with 4 guys to rent her condo so she is still deciding where to be for January. Josh has decided to declare chemical engineering for his major so he may only be at USU for this year. He may transfer to the U. His dream would be to finish at Stanford or MIT....this is when I want to be a millionaire. But one semester at a time....he just left for Logan. Michael has gone home and Megan is at kylie's....so poor Sam is with just us again. I'm so glad Christmas break is so soon.
I brought the Christmas decorations up but just don't feel much like putting them up yet.
I took the 2 letters you sent and dropped them off on Saturday. Did your mission president give you a date he hoped to have all your Christmas presents by? All packages from now on are for Christmas. I am having some things sent directly to the mission home so they might not be wrapped. PLEASE DO NOT SEND US STUFF...okay, send us the camera card so i can SEE YOU....but don't send presents....even Sam says he knows you love him so don't worry about it. Just let US love on you!!!!
CAN'T WAIT FOR YOUR MESSAGE!!!!! I LOVE you BIG!!!!
Your Momma
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxoooooooooooooooooooooooooxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxoxoxoxooxo

Joseph's farewell

2011-11-27T12:02:00.001-08:00

Jospeh was running in late :)--- I snapped this for you Spencer...as always he wanted a Spencer update, but his Dad was hurrying him to get his coat on and get IN THERE... :)
It was Cade Houle's farewell today also...Dad and Sam went. I missed it because I got to sub for Riley and Taylor Nielson's Primary class. Elise Lundberg, Ryder Kirby and Emma Southard were in there too (oozing with energy and cuteness!). The lesson was on fasting. I was a little shocked that they would be having me give a lesson on FASTING to 6 year olds... ALL of them were convinced that THEIR parents had NEVER fasted. ( For those of you not Mormon, they have the membership Fast the first Sunday of every month and that week the Sacrament Meeting is a Fast and Testimony Mtg). When I told them fasting was a way to get closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus, Riley gets this nasty look on his face and starts shaking his head NO and says "that WON'T work, all you're gonna do is think about how HUNGRY(he says with a roar) you are".... I explained that the being hungry helped you to remember to think more about what it is you were fasting for....that it helps you to pray more...to which Ryder interupts and says,"I have a GOOD idea...quit praying and make a sandwich, and say a blessing and God will know you love him." Amen Riley and Ryder. Amen.

2011-11-27T11:31:00.001-08:00

Happiness is only a thought away.

EVERY DAY YOU MAKE a thousand choices. You choose what to wear, where to go, who to meet, what to eat, and what to do. Most important of all, you choose what to think. One thing is for sure:today will not be any better than your thoughts. Choose your thoughts wisely, therefore, as you can only go as high as your thoughts.

Look inside your mind and notice all of the thoughts. It is estimated that your mind thinks at least 2,000 thoughts an hour all through your life. Unless you are in samadhi, deep sleep, or a coma, your mind is thinking. Perhaps this is the problem! Maybe you are thinking too much!

Notice how your mind is full of thoughts of love, peace, fear, grace, guilt, joy, anger, forgiveness, attack, laughter, work, play, judgment, kindness, isolation, oneness, etc. In your mind is every thought in the world. Which thoughts are you identifying with right now? Which thoughts are you choosing to go with?

My work in psychology and healing has taught me that mental health is the capacity to choose your thoughts. The ability to choose your thoughts is the difference between pain and freedom. For instance:

When your child crams another cookie into the DVD player, it doesn’t ruin your day because you choose not to let it.
A flat tire doesn’t give you a headache because only you can give yourself a headache and you decide not to.
A personal criticism could cause a cardiac arrest but you choose to laugh it off instead.
A computer crash could be the end of the world for ten minutes or a month. It’s your choice.
A friend who lets you down could trigger Armageddon, but you choose otherwise.
A bad hair day does not mean you have to write a suicide note because you know better.

In difficult times perception collapses and you lose sight of your choices. Fear plays tricks with the mind. Thoughts appear to take on a life of their own, running up one-way streets, getting lost in mental cul-de-sacs, hitting a wall, and being beaten senseless in dead-end alleys. Your mind is out to get you. It is not a safe place! True perspective is shattered. There appears to be no choice.

When you are in trouble, your thinking will never get you out alive. What you need is faith.Faith is the willingness to look past your thoughts and see another possibility.Better still, it is the courage to stop your thinking altogether and let yourself be inspired and blessed and guided by something other than your ego, i.e., the clear mind of your Unconditioned Self.

Your ego uses a slow, limited form of thinking called logic. Logic is a device of the separated mind which believes that you have been left to think your life out all on your own. Your higher mind—the part of you that is unconditionally connected to all life—does not have to confine itself to singular logic. It is an Aladdin’s lamp that uses inspiration, intuition, vision, eureka, miracles, and love.

The greatest truth I have learned about happiness is that happiness is only ever one thought away at most. One fresh perception, one new belief, one innovative thought, one powerful decision, one moment of surrender, one instant of complete openness, is all it takes to experience a world of difference.Nothing but your thoughts can hurt you. Therefore, whenever you are in fear or pain you are being called to choose again.

Every day the world shows you your state of mind. Life comes right up to your face and says, “This is what you are thinking—have a nice day!”The good news is you are free to change your mind whenever you want. When you shift your thinking, the world shifts.This is because the world is an effect of your thoughts.

In every event, encounter, or situation, cultivate the habit of asking yourself, “What is the highest thought here?” Be still an instant, lay aside everyday thoughts,delete the ego, release your fears, jettison your judgments, and make yourself available to the higher wisdom of your Unconditioned Self. Inspiration goes wherever it is made welcome.

my kindred friend KIM SORENSEN sent this to me this morning...I had heard it on audio tape, but written is beautiful.....

Goes right along with Matthew Kelly's...BEST VERSION OF MYSELF....

THANKSGIVING 2011

2011-11-25T16:40:00.001-08:00

I was pretty grossed out that Josh was eating mashed potatoes with HOT DOGS with cheese melted all over the top...EVEN WHEN I WAS HERE to fix him something!!!

Wednesday night Kori dropped the kids off and we had a PARTY--played ALL the games I made with the Activity Day girls. DON'T EAT TOM was the favorite. It was so rocking that SANTA showed up at the McDonald's where we had been playing in the playland for a L O N G time...he must have seen us on his radar...he'd just driven here from ALASKA...says he's getting ready for the big night and super glad our family has been SO GOOD this year :)!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think we're in for a FABULOUS Christmas!

Graham talks up a storm. NEEDS to have a ball in his hands...and loves some traditional finger olives :)

While I was finishing up the last of the feast delights, the boys thought it their DUTY to teach Jake (in rocker, sweet boy of Sara who dropped in with her for a visit) and my College friend 's kids (Sherry Matherly Glass) poker. Heather and Jake took the pot... :)

Close up of Jake for a certain someone I love.

West end of table.... Jeremy had his friend Hannah come and she brought yummy soup and oatmeal bars...we liked the way she laughed so easily.

Sherry Matherly Glass and me...only 30 years later...I AM NOT OLD...even if the checkout guy at Costco thought I was Sara's MOM !!!!

East end of table. For all who missed it...WE MISSED YOU!!!!!! ESPECIALLY YOU SPENCER!!!! Today has been such a LOVELY day of leftovers and naps....Don't think I'll ever understand those Black Friday shoppers.

Princess Ali ENGAGED....

2011-11-25T16:38:00.001-08:00

She'll marry sometime in MARCH.... xxooxxooxx

Letter FROM Spencer 21 Nov 2011

2011-11-21T08:39:00.001-08:00

hey family this week was not as exciting but good, presidant holm spoke in our ward this week and we had 11 investigators at church......... hoorrah! and we should have a bunch of bapisms this christmas i hope everything goes well, the work is going well, i wish my spanish was better but we need more spanish work for that, but it will come i know it will, thanks for the package it was awesome and you will get the sd card when you get it sorry i am trying but theres things i need to do with it first. glad to hear everything has gone goos i got some awesome letters this week from my friends, please tell sam to write me and to tell me how michael king and estey are doing. and that he should check up on them. im jealous that you guys all get to be togethor, but i have left my family and home for a short time so that others can be with there family for a long time. and i know its worth it. i wish i would have known all these things im learning before my mission but i guess if that happened i would not appreciate it as much, the gospel is such a blessing and the plan god has for us truley is perfect. mom i dont know if there is a harry potter onsie? but tell sam to choose one for me that would be cool. and also if i could get the polar express sound track that would rock my world haha. anyways i love you guys, oh i also want to by some presents for the fam if thats cool one of these pdays, let me know if i can use the card to do that. i love you guys so much and i miss you more then can be imagined.

love elder harris

Letter to Spencer 20 Nov 2011

2011-11-20T19:30:00.001-08:00

Hey Lovey!
Lots to read through here for the week! We've been missing you BIG! With Josh home, Michael's been coming home everyday....and you know I LIKE THAT! I don't like that Michael has been driving his room mates motorcycle so much--not sure if he BOUGHT it and just can't tell me so---good idea if he did. He and Josh went rock climbing --I just need to help you guys understand NOT TO TELL ME until you are done and home SAFE. Josh got the nerve up and ended it with Kaitlin. Last night Tania and Stephanie Hale invited him to the movies so he is back on the horse. Tonight Sam has Brady (he is home now...back in school starting this week) and the Brethren here for Poker....they had an all nighter Friday to Saturday and it was SO MUCH like you and your possee!!! Josh is even playing with them. The 4th Twilight movie came out and Megan went. She's been showing houses and still LOVING her new job. They have a weight loss competition going with the prize being a week trip to Hawaii all expenses paid and no vacation days deleted. You can imagine how motivated she is....and complaining that she can't do it living here in this house with me and the cooking and the baking and the treats. Hmmmm....I didn't buy the Chocolate Cadbury Christmas eggs...that should count for something! Sam went to the PG REC turkey shoot out (20 free throws) and lost by one shot!!! He shot 17 and the winner made 18! The prize is a turkey.

Do you remember when you were little and my friend Paula Sutterfield died and her kids came and stayed with us until their Dad found a Nanny and then got remarried? Taylor and Morgan were with us through out the whole day...the older kids were in school for most of the day and only with us a little before and after school. Anyway. Kevin and his new wife (well, 14 years married) have let me help them buy a new home....its been good to be with them. Taylor is on his mission and Morgan is a Jumior. Hayley is on a mission as well and comes home next month. Been super sweet to catch up on all of them.

Stephen cracked his jaw playing DODGE BALL with Basketballs and may have to come home for a bit...I will let you know more details once I know!

Everyone gets here Wednesday. It will be decadent to just eat like crazy and hang out with the whole family. We will take pics and make a video for you. I hope you got the package or that you get it before Thursday! Happy Thanksgiving Spencer. THANK YOU for choosing ME to be your Mom and taking a chance on me. I know I'm not perfect, but I swear, NO ONE could LOVE YOU MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My heart will be near to bursting Thursday thinking of you! Make sure you get YUMMY food :) And if not...HEAD TO DENNY's :)
Your MOMMA :)
XXOOXXOOXXOOXXOOXXOXOXOXOXOOOOOOOOOOOOOXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXOXOX

PS..the ONLY thing WE want for Christmas is your camera card so we can SEE YOU!!!!!
Did you see the Onesie Harry Potter jammies somewhere? I have looked EVERY WHERE and can't find them...but I did find some Onesies that Sam think are cool?????

Amen

2011-11-19T19:29:00.001-08:00

Barbie

2011-11-18T10:53:00.001-08:00

So....I'm at the REC CENTER running my circles super late (9:45), I was thinking about Christmas and the kids....when living BARBIE gets on the track ahead of me. Literally. I would have taken a pic of her if I had had a camera. My phone doesn't have and SD card so it wouldn't let me. After I got over being so taken with how much she looked my first Barbie (it was my 4th Christmas) My mind went to how much I loved that blue case she came in. How much I loved dressing her in the "gowns" as my mom would call them. There was a special compartment to stand her up in so she stayed in place when you closed it. I remember wanting to have a special case for ME that I could put my self in so I could stay safe. Funny what you remember. I remember my hair was turning color from Blonde to brown and I wanted it to stay blonde like hers. Today, over 40 years later, I ran extra hard after seeing her, cuz I'd still like my body to look like hers. Crazy fun to be able to go to the net and SEE the picture of MY BARBIE and the case!

Mari breaks her back

2011-11-18T07:57:00.001-08:00

Trueville. Mari was shaving her legs with her feet in the bathroom sink, lost balance, fell flat back and BROKE HER BACK!!! The pain is crazy. She dry heaves it is so bad. There isn't anything they can do right now. They have her home with pain meds and she is trying to keep still, but laying on her back is near impossible. Going to be a long couple of weeks. Keep her in your prayers.

Activity Days with the Girlies

2011-11-18T07:49:00.001-08:00

Our ACTIVITY this time was putting together THANKSGIVING games that they can take charge and play with their families while Mom is getting Turkey Dinner on the table...they also did the candy corn guess game...these others came from Pinterest. I AM GRATEFUL for that site! We had a great time but it was a LITTLE hard for me because Josh had just barely come home and was in the other room! How ADORABLE are these women???? A D O R A B L E!!!!!

Painting the clothespins for the Turkey Feather game!

Josh SURPRISE

2011-11-18T07:47:00.001-08:00

DA BROTHERS....Surprising Michael at work....

BOOK GROUP SURPRISE!!!

2011-11-18T07:37:00.001-08:00

I really LOVED this short, POWERFUL read! Strong female characters, a writer whose words slide across your mind with electrifying truths. Book group was at my house yesterday...I also LOVE the women in the group! I served hot cider in Grandmom's tea cups and donuts from DAYLIGHT. You would think that would have been enough for an amazing day? WELL...about 2/3rds of the way through JOSH COMES IN THE DOOR!!!!! And he is staying through Thanksgiving so he'll be home a week and a half!!!!!!!! We all went to PF CHANGS for dinner to surprise Michael with Josh being home....Michael was working...we had YUMMY dinner that Miss Kimberlie Cooper discounted embarrassingly too much. A perfect MOTHER'S DAY!!!

What the fuss is all about...

2011-11-15T12:22:00.001-08:00

Spencer...this is Caitlin....thought you'd want to see...Michael is the only one who has met her yet. She's a cutie!

MOM's version of the weekly letter.

2011-11-14T08:49:00.001-08:00

You will read the first letter sent to his Dad below....and I am glad that I got to read it...I knew SOMETHING was off last week, but I thought my feelings were from the missionaries killed in Texas....
This is MY letter for the week....

well family this week was a doozy, we have had a ton of success coming out of no where, its been awesome, but sadly its been with all americans, with this new law coming out in january here i dont think there will be a devision between spanish and english speaking missionaries they are all leaving, the law will make it impossible for a ilegal hispanic to live here, imagine what the jews would have to do in world war two and thats what the hispanics will have to do here , but anyways enough of that.
this week we put seven people on dat had a couple, (hispanics!!) come to church and during spanish class the second hour they got attacked by the whole class when asking questions about the preisthood cuz there catholic and there preists are alot different then our preithood and so they were way confused. We have an apointment with them tuesday, hopefully they were not offended.anyways not much happened this week but we have had alot of success, for which i am very gratefull.

for christmas all i want is some sick ties and a harry potter(gryfindor) onesy pj, and whatever esle you would like to send me haha, the mission home says send them early so they can just bring all of our presents to the zone christmas party.

love you mom

love pence

LETTER TO SPENCER 14 NOVEMBER 2011

2011-11-14T08:17:00.003-08:00

Spencer....the reason it is GOOD I got to read the letter is because I need YOU to know how I feel about God and heavenly protection. In the deepest of my knowing, Heavenly Parents NEED YOU to be SMART and WISE. I don't believe that they sit around waiting to snatch you OUT of a nasty situation even if you got there by trying to be OBEDIENT. Stuff happens. People...ALL PEOPLE have their agency. I believe we are sent the Spirit to warn us sometimes, and other times we just get the experience--but we live according to our choices. FEELING uncomfortable should at least be a CLUE, a TRIGGER, a realization, a SPARK that leads you to question if WHERE you are is a good place to be....and just because you are there to teach the gospel does not mean that there are times and places to NOT be there. I know you know this. I just can't stop myself from making sure you hear it from me AGAIN. MOM SAYS IT IS OK TO NOT GO SOME PLACES EVEN IF IT IS IN YOUR AREA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will sit still and be grateful that you were able to help the man...and maybe even you were there just for him. I can only imagine the comfort you were for him....and HIS MOTHER is somewhere so grateful to you. BUT...I will also hold close to my mind the feelings in my heart of your inborn carefulness. LISTEN to your promptings....and your Mother BEGS you to ALWAYS choose the safer option when given a choice...and it seems to me there is ALWAYS a choice?
God needs you to be SMART. I NEED YOU TO BE SMART. I know stuff happens. I am still getting over the missionaries killed in Texas last week...and all the last 10 years of soldiers dying....It's just more than a mom can bear. Soooooooooo. My love is showered all over you in prayers and happy thoughts and Faith in YOUR CHOICES.
The Momma YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO!!!! Sorry for the crazy parts of me.
XXXXOOOOXXXXOOOOXXXOOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXXXXXXX

Letter from Spencer

2011-11-14T08:17:00.001-08:00

well family this week was a doozy, we have had a ton of success coming out of no where, its been awesome, but sadly its been with all americans, with this new law coming out in january here i dont think there will be a devision between spanish and english speaking missionaries they are all leaving, the law will make it impossible for a ilegal hispanic to live here, imagine what the jews would have to do in world war two and thats what the hispanics will have to do here , but anyways enough of that.

this week we put seven people on date. We had a couple, (hispanics!!) come to church and during spanish class the second hour they got attacked by the whole class when asking questions about the preisthood cuz they’re catholic and their preists are a lot different than our priesthood and so they were way confused. We have an apointment with them tuesday, hopefully they were not offended.

and now the cool crazy part, mom dont freak out i will always be safe, haha. so we had an apointment with some less actives at six in the heart of the ghetto, the second we got out of the car we were talking with like the entire neighborhood, when we started talking to one guy every kinda started going back to there houses once they realized we were church people and not the police, while talking to this man who we now have a return appointment, there was two muggings behing my companions back and about 2 drug deals, and behind my back there was about 4 drug deals my comp said , but all the people were nice to us, i promise mom, black people love church people , especially the gangs,

and then after we talked to him we headed to our appointment late of course, then another guy started talking to us so we talked to him for about thirty seconds before this guy comes up to us and asks us if he can use our phone cuz he just got stabbed, and sure enough his bare chest was covered in blood, the old man, about sixty, was just sitting there calm with two stab wounds one in his rib and one in his back , there were not too wide but they were deep, it looked like someone stabbed him with a pumkin carver knife, anyways long story short he got stabbed by some crazy gay guy cuz he would not have relations with him and we didnt get to our appointment untill about 830 cuz we were helping him. but it was good because ron (the male) was not there untill we knocked on the door, thats when he pulled up, and with him his brother and his brothers wife, who we then taught a lesson cuz there not members , and they’re on date and its awesome. They will get baptized. Crazy right? God made us do all that just so we could teach two people, but hey i wont complain haha sorry if that story does not make sense. And now that i think about it i won’t send it to Mom.

love spencer

Letter to Spencer 13 November 2011

2011-11-13T19:14:00.001-08:00

Hey Lovey.
It's been a busy week as you will see from the posts. Farewells are hard on me because I see all the guys and MISS YOU!!!! A lot of them were freaked out to think you've been gone 6 months. Tyler's talk was sweet and he is READY to get out of here and be on his way. Russel went in on Wednesday.

I am sitting here with not much to say that I haven't already posted. Megan went to the Governor's Gala this weekend with Ryan. Michael went to Logan to be with Josh for the weekend, and they got into the Basketball game that the kids had literally camped out all week to get into. Michael met Josh's girlfriend, the one who just this week wanted them to be "exclusive" because Josh has kissed her. This is going to make Josh smile. MOMMA SAYS you don't HAVE to be exclusive just cuz you be kissing her....you date ALOT of girls...and KISS them too!!! HOW ELSE are you going to know if the mojo is right???? YOU CHOOSE if you want to be exclusive! Sam had his picture taken for the humongo pic/poster the High School is doing of him to be put in the gym to represent golf....I will take a pic when it is put up and post it here. On 11-11-11 they had a HUGE "become a TRUE T-Wolf" at 11:11pm and of course Sam showed up to do his part in "helping" those poor young girls....can't have UNTRUE T-Wolves running around. I'll tell him to send you a pic...he showed me one posted on Facebook and there were a TON of kids there.

I am sending your Thanksgiving package tomorrow morning. I hope you end up with great plans!AND yummy food!
I LOVE YOU BUG!!!!!! Take some money and go somewhere GOOD to eat....and pay for your comp so he can go too....write Esteban. Be HAPPY!!!! Just THINKING about you makes me HAPPY!!!!
Your Momma
XXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXOOX

Sydney's Wedding at Platt's barn

2011-11-13T19:09:00.001-08:00

All the pics I took of her were blurry...dang. Megan did the flowers (I LOVED her bouquet!)...they served Chili and corn bread with a cookie bar....she looked gorgeous as ALWAYS...they are honeymooning in California this week.

Look how adorable Julie and girlies look in their cowboy boots!

Tyler Whitely Farewell

2011-11-13T19:07:00.001-08:00

Here he is Spencer....and here THEY are....ALL sending you their LOVE....

11-12-11

2011-11-12T18:59:00.001-08:00

YESTERDAY was suppose to be the day for wishes...well, I guess it REALLY worked!!!! So tonight, I am hot flashing and go to stand on the front porch where it is freezing to get cooled down, --and there sat this brown package with MY name on it....and inside was this BOWL to match my Grandma's pattern (OVER 50 years old!!!!) And ONLY ONE PERSON could have sent it!!! Miss Catherine Coleman Kane!!! QUEEN of detail and thoughtfulness!!!! I told her the story behind WHY they are so dear to me while she was here. I LOVE YOU WOMAN!!! That was one of the sweetest surprises EVER!!!AND just in time for THANKSGIVING! Really. I love you. THANK YOU!!!!

AND THEN...Don came into the office while I was working today and asked me on a date COUNTRY DANCING!!! He might just love me. I am so excited!!! I've got my RED BOOTS on people :) We will have LESSONS from 9-9:30 and then dance till we drop.I plan on closing the place down :) Megan laughed when she heard and assured me we WILL BE the OLDEST "date" there...I don't care!!!

Whoa...just sitting here about to burst wondering when the rest of my wishes are going to manifest!!!!

Happy Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T05:45:00.001-08:00

I will post him in his dress uniform with his medals on when I find the pics....until then...this is him standing by his army pic at his 90th bday. :) Love you BIG GrandDad!

11-11-11

2011-11-11T05:18:00.001-08:00

Are your WISHES ready? Mine are...thought through and written down....and already made. A MOST MAGIC DAY that won't come again for another hundred years.....CELEBRATE THE BLESSINGS!!! I am LOVING that it comes on a FULL MOON and Veteran's Day.

Our family has a PROUD and long history of service...The upper medals were my great grandfather Arthur Simmons who served for Britian but received the coveted AMERICAN Purple Heart (that was very rare!!!).
The lower medals belonged to GrandDad--William A. Steadwell, who served in the Royal Canadian Army. His original medals were stolen and the last year of his life the Legion in Brussels had them represented to him. It meant the world to him--with tears in his eyes he said "I never thought I'd see these again". That service and the tragedies he endured affected his whole life. There were many others in our family lines who served --some in the Civil War and on both sides.. But these men were the closest to me. Don's Dad and his brother Kelly both served in the Navy. Forgive me, but as a mother of four sons, I PRAY they will NEVER KNOW the horrors of it all.
GOD BLESS OUR MEN IN ARMS.

Activity Days

2011-11-11T05:08:00.001-08:00

Making Turkey's in the kitchen!

Marissa! XXOOXX

Elayndria XOXOXOX

Lauren XXXOOO -Spencer, Russel went into the MTC yesterday...all still weepy.

Ashley OXXOXX and then MAREN XXOXOXOOX. Lexi and Talia didn't make it :(

My new calling is ACTIVITY DAYS with the10-11years old girlies and YES I LOVE IT...I mean, LOOK AT THEM! My partner is Allison and she brings her little Dawson with her---so how extra lucky is that? We meet every other week. Yesterday, thanks to PINTEREST...we made these MOST ADORABLE Turkey cookies. YUM!

Halloween missed pictures

2011-11-11T05:02:00.001-08:00

Well...not Halloween...but this was Sam and his Sadies date...the Power Rangers!

Carly's little girl....look at that face! And then HOW stinkin' cute to have the twins dressed as "two peas in a pod"???

Jeff was a Little Boy with favorite bedtime snug toys!

Walter the waffle! It was his first Trick or Treating and he LOVED the being able to go into everyone's house!

Sam the MACHO PUMPKIN CARVING MAN with his work of art.

2011-11-09T05:04:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to newly elected Lindon City Council members:
Jeff Acerson, Matt Bean, and Randi Powell
How GREAT is this Spencer??? And MATT got the most votes. You would have been SO IMPRESSED watching this gal Randi Powell....I think she went to EVERY DOOR in Lindon for the Primaries....and Matt must have gotten to them all before last night! So proud to be his friend. SO THRILLED to have him represent Lindon City!

2011-11-07T09:08:00.000-08:00

[Just me (MOM) wanting to LOOK at my boy....]

well im sorry i dont write lots but a missionaries life just doesnt change enough over one week. tranfers came and wemt without a change once again here i have a feeling that ill be here in charleston for the entire first year of my mission. we dont have big plans for thanksgiving my guess is we will be at members houses almost all day, even if they wanted us to tract im not sure i would, i think that would be seen as rude to 90 percent of the southern population haha. yes i can do p90x but its hard to get someone to wake up and do it with me so usually i only get to about twice a week, and the other days i just run a mile or two, but with how much we have to eat that wont even keep all of it off, mexicans and southerners just wont take no for an answer, trust me ive tried. we have had alot of progress this week we put three black young investigators on dat, one of them has come a rediculously long way since i have first started working with him, we are like best friends now his name is xavier and his future wifes name is jameisheia, the other guys name is triny, and hes a drug dealer haha, im being serious, but hes awesome, he doesnt do them just deals, and he has always had a strong relationship with gos , he has told us some amazing stories, but ya , tomorrow we teach the word of wisdom so ya, hope that goes well haha. missed the fam like crazy this week, but i guess they told me that always happens on your 6 month mark, whatever i just think its cuz our family is awesome. i did not do anything crazy for my 6 month mark , just went out to lunch with elder green and holyoak and my comp of course, elder green goes home this week to spanish fork, he is awesome, we will be friends forever i think same with holyoak. besides that not much has happened just alot of the up and down emotions that comes with putting all of your faith in other peoples agency and theres also the stress to but hey im sorry, i just love people to hard, one thing i probably wont ever be able to fix. i love you guys so much, mom i cried this week too, dont worry i miss you just as much, but the lord has other plans for me right now. just remember that if god commands it, he will provide a way for it to be done, we can make it mom i promise, tell sam and the fam i love them, tell perk and london and all the boys i love them too. have a good week

love

elder harris

6 Nov 2011 Mom to Spencer

2011-11-06T18:03:00.000-08:00

Love Bug...XXOOXXOOXXOOXX
Another week...So happy for the daylight savings time change, but WEIRD to have it DARK at 5:30!!! At least it will be light when I get home from my runs in the morning now. It's felt a little "off" to leave in the dark and come home in the dark. It was lovely to have the extra hour today...not that I could sleep...but everyone else did and I had the house to myself.

I subbed in Primary today for the 6 year olds. 6 is really one of the greatest ages to be. So much unsuppressed LOVE just oozing out of those little bodies. Parker Williamson was in there. We already have deep love for each other---he made sure to remind the other 2 boys (both new in the neighborhood, you don't know them) that they had best be on their best behavior for me. I'm crushing right back on him! And Mylana sat by me and let the other 2 girls (both new as well) know that we have been friends since she was a baby:). A brand new girl with severe disabilities came for the first time today. Her name is Izzy. She can't talk or walk so she is bound to a wheel chair. When the kids get a bit more use to her, her mom will bring a computer that attaches to her wheelchair that she uses her EYES to operate and make talk for her. The mom says it is pretty distracting to the other kids so they will work it in later. I'm excited to see it. In addition to her physical disabilities she has autism. She kicked around her legs, flung her arms and made noises every now and then, but was such a trooper considering it was all new and every limitation she is dealing with. I will be excited for the day we can make and keep eye contact. My heart is pressed, it almost feels panicked in a way...I just want to be able to LET HER OUT. My room was super tight with the wheel chair and the mom...I couldn't decide if it really was the scrunched space or the thoughts of her not being able to express herself that made me feel so claustrophobic. Jamie (who I subbed for) works once a month on Sundays. I am begging her to let me sub for her permanently on that week to help make staying at church for 3 hours more tolerable.

Ben Platt blessed his new little Olivia today, and Britta and Scott Peterson blessed their new little HENRY who has a BUSH of hair. So much like our Michael. Noelle Platt's little Emily is still in the hospital with heart troubles. They released Sister Reeves as the YW Pres. and put in Sister Southard. Dad still doesn't have a calling. Krystal Knickerbocker AND her older sister are getting married. Elections for city counsel are Tuesday and Matt Bean made the Primary's and we have our fingers crossed he will make it. It is officially winter. Most of the leaves have fallen. We'll get another big storm next weekend. I had forgotten just how freaking cold 26 and 28 degrees can be to run in. It's not so bad if its not windy---but I bought a 6 months pass to the PG rec this week and had to use it twice . The circles round and round and round are hard for me. Saturday I was so THRILLED when Karie tagged me as she passed and said "you're it!" We ran 3 miles together before she had to go and I didn't even NOTICE the circles!! Gotta get synced up with her running times. She says Mike writes you every Monday so I don't have to try so hard to keep you updated on him.That's pretty much the Lindon news.

Michael and Andy came for wild rice turkey soup and rolls for dinner.Michael is working over 40 hours a week at PF CHANG's...and I am just being an AMAZING mother and NOT asking how that is working out with school. He's happy and that's whats important. He brought a DARLING girl over last night to watch a DVD, but he swears they are just friends. I never snuggled with my guy friends unless they were MORE than a friend. A new generation :). Josh had the throw up thing this weekend that I had last weekend. Poor kid...strep right into that...and 2 hours away from ME!!!! ARGHHHH! He'll be home the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Please let me know YOUR plans for Thanksgiving!!!Sam is smoking it at the school Ping Pong table...such a FUN idea for a High School. The house is still rocking with all of his friends...I can't imagine how I will survive next year when EVERYONE is gone. I may have to become a foster mother. Sam will write you tonight to REALLY catch you up. You can see from the Blog what Dad and I have been doing. Megs is a working machine.
Haven't heard from Grand Dad B in a while, and still no news as to exactly who is coming for Thanksgiving. If its NO ONE, we will have a Movie Marathon and break from the traditional turkey stuff and go with whatever the highest voted favorite dishes are.

Watched the NY City Marathon today and made me wonder if I will run one next year?So totally not even in my head that they could AVERAGE 4:45 minute miles!!! Of course the woman and the man who took it where Africans!! Already starting to think about my plans for 2012.

I LOVE YOU BUD!!! Tell me EVERYTHING...still wanting to know if you did something wacky to mark the 6 month mark? Don't forget to tell me about your Thanksgiving plans. How chilly is it? Do you need your blanket now? Do you go to a laundry mat to do your laundry? Are you able to do P90X? Do you need a door bar thingee for the pull ups and stuff? Santa is SO going to FIND YOU... :) xxooxxooxxooxx

Can't wait for morning! Hope somebody who is a great cook had you for Sunday dinner. You are the SUNSHINE of my life...
Your Momma!!!!
XXOOXXOOXXOOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOOOXOOXOXOXOOX

Sydney's getting married!

2011-11-06T05:40:00.000-08:00

It's true Spencer! Next weekend on my favorite date ever! I'll get some pics for you....Megan is doing the flowers.

Fund Raising Auction

2011-11-06T04:54:00.000-08:00

Dad had bought tickets for the comedian ANJELAH JOHNSON up at the U in Kingsbury Hall for last night...in an effort to PLEASE ME and make our dating life more exciting. He had seen Megan and I UTUBING her and rolling on the floor. So he surprised me (AND I APPRECIATE THE ATTEMPT and EFFORT). But then yesterday one of my favorite clients/friends--Steve and Kim Sorenson, called with these Gala Tickets...it was a tough decision,--Sorensen's are so great to be with, we are over the Baseball Auction on Feb. 4 and needed some more ideas, AND I could stand to net work new circles for all these upper end houses I have listed....so the GALA it was. AMAZING CHOICE!!! We came away with lots of ideas of how to make OUR auction better, new friends, a free massage, a sweet memory with the Sorenson's. I especially love to see and be apart of successful women changing their world...AND that all the money made went to our LOCAL women and children in need. Thanks Sorenson's for inviting us.

Loved this man....

2011-11-05T06:19:00.000-07:00

At dinner last night we were told Corey had passed away. It was like getting punched in the stomach. SOMEHOW we didn't know...Dad not being in the Stake anymore really puts us out of the loop.Corey was the Bishop I served as YW's President under. Corey was our family's Home Teacher for about 4 years when the kids were little. Do you remember that Spencer? Corey walked his talk. I trusted this man. My heart is broken for his family having to deal with him leaving so early.

Corey L. McBride
1949 ~ 2011
Corey Lester McBride, 61, returned home to his Heavenly Fatheron October 5, 2011 after a courageous battle with cancer. Coreypassed away at home surrounded by his wife and children. Corey wasborn on November 5th, 1949 in Driggs, Idaho, to Charles LesterMcBride and Thora D. Larsen. He graduated from Preston High School,served an LDS Mission to the New England States and later attendedBYU where he met his wife Linda. They were married for eternity onJune 28th 1972 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they have sevenchildren; four sons and three daughters.
Corey served faithfully in the church holding many callingsincluding, Scoutmaster, Bishop, High Councilor and Home Teacher.Corey provided for his family by installing and later sellingcultured marble. He enjoyed scouting, bee keeping, hunting,fishing, camping, rock climbing, gardening, oil painting, Indianculture, family history and rock hounding. But most of all, heenjoyed spending time with his family.
Corey is survived by his wife, Linda and his children, Corey(Sara) McBride, Paul (Natalie) McBride, Christopher (Jewelia)McBride, Michael (Nicolette) McBride, Cynthia (Reed) Ryan, Rachael(Ryan) Duvall, Leslie (Kaleb) Houston, his sisters Paulene (Allen)Kerr and Barbara (Gilbert) Wellisch, his brothers Vail (Pamela)McBride and Keith (Beverly) McBride. Corey and Linda have twentygrandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, October 10, 2011 at 12:00Noon. A Viewing will be held Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00pm andprior to the service on Monday beginning at 10:30am. All serviceswill be held at 731 East Center St., Lindon, Utah. Interment willbe in the Lindon City Cemetery.

2011-11-04T10:27:00.001-07:00

GOLD RUSH of 2011

2011-11-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

Monday Night while I was answering the door to the Trick or Treators, I was also watching a new TV show with Brian Williams that featured a blurb on Williston, ND and the oil drilling boom that is going on there. How they need 18,000 workers RIGHT NOW, and they are paying 6 figure salaries--but there is no housing infrastructure to accommodate them. Well....you can imagine what that information did when it hit MY brain cells. My heart started racing, my breathing wouldn't regulate...and my brain....flitted from every piece of pertinent information to another existing in my brain about the possibility of MY creating something there. I think it really DOES affect me that I can't have babies anymore. This desire to CREATE something I can nurture is overwhelming. Immediately I am trying to reason through what things would be dicey about going there. I barely slept that night. I have lived through the Vernal, Utah and Green River boom and busts. Have worked on a project in ELKO...so I know the risk and some of the warning factors. But to NOT take advantage of the ripe moment....ugh. Think of Levi Strauss...and all the others who created empire's and made great livings NOT off of the GOLD RUSH itself...but on catering to the Miner's!!! I don't need an empire especially, but something to keep this brain and heart involved with something that truly BLESSES other people's lives...AND provides College Tuition and all the opportunities my children would like to have financed would be good.
So...yesterday's idea was to buy RV trailers since it is end of season and they can be bought at amazing prices and drive them there and sell them for a sizable profit....but upon investigation...these poor workers don't have a place to PARK them. The RUSH is just far enough in that the land owners won't part with property for prices that will make that business plan work. The city itself is a bogged down mess trying to process everyone who has beaten me to the news, so even the simple obvious businesses like restaurants, copy shops, shoe stores...not so simple. Just can't let go of the hope of it...brain STILL processing....anyone have ideas? Want to partner????

6 MONTHS TODAY!!!!!

2011-11-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

Soooooo....I KNOW its NOT just about me,...but I I I I I I have made it 6 months.....and so has HE (snd SAM!!!)!!!! I have NOT SEEN or HUGGED this boy since MAY 4th....this is were I swear.....
And then now is where I look at those 75 WEEKS left on the calendar and suck air, and cry and swear some more, and NO, I AM NOT COMFORTED THAT I HAVE MADE IT THROUGH 2 times before. The only thing that comforts me is that HE really does want to be there. Calling all Gods, all Angels, all Guardians, all Guides to wrap me and ALL of my children, and everyone I love, in THEIR love and wisdom, and let the beauty of life and our choices fill us with peace and hold us in sweetness until we are all together again. SPENCER ANDREW HARRIS...YOUR MOMMA LOVES YOU!!! And so does your WHOLE FAMILY and ALL of your friends!!!!!

11-1-11

2011-11-01T08:46:00.001-07:00

You gotta know that I LOVE THE DATE TODAY!!!! It may be raining outside...but SUNSHINE IS ALL AROUND ME! TODAY I AM HELPING MIRACLES HAPPEN!!! :) And remembering and giving THANKS for all that I have received.

Here's whats for dinner

2011-11-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

AND IT'S YUMMIFUL!!!!! Megsalina the Magnificent made them a few weeks ago with Turkey Burger...I was being a little food "snotty" and wasn't so excited to go for it...as you know I like my fat...but then my socks were ROCKED!!! You don't even need a sauce the spices here are so perfect!! And to think...a few years ago I'd never even HEARD of a lettuce wrap! Happy US!!! Come by around 6 if you just need a taste to prove to yourself its as good as I'm saying!! It took less than a 1/2 hour to prepare, the recipe LOOKS daunting, but oh, no...SO NOT! Here ya go!

P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps

http://iowagirleats.com/2011/04/26/p-f-changs-lettuce-wraps-remade/
Serves 2-3
Ingredients:
1lb ground chicken breast (like I said, Megs went HEALTHY and used ground Turkey)
1/2 medium onion, minced
salt & pepper, a dash of each
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1 inch gnob fresh ginger, peeled & minced
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
2 1/2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 Tablespoon water
1 Tablespoon natural peanut butter
1/2 Tablespoon honey
1 Tablespoons + 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (or more if you like it hotter)
dash of fresh pepper
3 green onions, chopped
1/2-8oz can sliced water chestnuts, drained & chopped
1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
10-12 large outer lettuce leaves, rinsed and patted dry
Directions:
1. Heat a large, non-stick skillet on high. Add chicken, onion, salt & pepper, and cook until chicken is nearly done, stirring often to break up the meat. Add in minced garlic and ginger, and continue cooking until chicken is no longer pink.
2. Meanwhile, in a microwave safe bowl, combine sesame oil, soy sauce, water, peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce and pepper. Microwave for 20 seconds, then stir until smooth. Add into the skillet and stir to combine.
3 Add green onion and water chestnuts into the skillet then cook for 1-2 minutes until the onions are soft and the water chestnuts are heated through.
4. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, and serve with cold lettuce leaves

Letter from Spencer 31 Oct 2011

2011-10-31T07:53:00.001-07:00

hey family this week was really hard and really rewarding, we baptized marco antonio saturday and confirmed him sunday it was awesome after his baptism he bore his testimony and it had everyone there crying, way awesome he goes back to mexico in a month so we really need to prepare him before he leaves but he is awesome, he was truly converted by the spirit.

i got the package from mom, the back scratcher was my favorite part, holy crap my back has been depreived. for holloween we are going to proselyte from three to 6 and then were locked down all night, ugh and the zls wont let us go down to west ashley, i want to scream at some missionaries, they take the rules and exagerate them, you got to serve hard but have fun just as hard, if your not having fun your just not doing it right. oh well i just wont get to chill with elder holyoak and green during lock down.

well really dont have alot to say, sorry but i love you guys so much i miss you and have dreams about you almost everynight, which i dont really like to be honest. thanks for everything you have done to help if i need something i will let you know, and just so you guys dont forget, i love love love love our family, its the best family on earth , there is not even a debate seriously ask any of my friends haha ....... i shouldnt be prideful anyways love and miss you mom, wish you could scratch my back this holloween.

Happy HALLOWEEN!!!

2011-10-31T06:13:00.000-07:00

Thought you might want to see SAM in his cow outfit...this costume has gotten MORE use...I think Michael bought it when he was a Senior??? The hat is long gone :(

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2011-10-31T05:12:00.000-07:00

These are the pumpkins Megan and Sam carved....tonight we will have our Pumpkin Guts dinner...I am feeling SO MUCH BETTER...but still not so keen on eating:) Love you Spencer! Hope its a FUN DAY!

According to Natalie

Letter from Spencer 29 Jan 2012

ALI xxooxx

Letter to Spencer 30 January 2012

I am LIVING Surprise:) Happy Birthday Catherine!!!

The Winter Sea

Robin on the hot tub

Extremelly Loud and Incredibly Close

Sunday at Harris'

Letter from Spencer 17 January 2012

Letter to Spencer 15 January 2012

Marta is now MRS. FONG

Sam the Man

CINDY LAMB

Uncle Ambrose and Aunt Barbara

Letter from Spencer 9 Jan 2012

Sam asked to Preference

For my car loving boy

Letter from Spencer 3 January 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR SPENCER!!!!!

Friends and Family~ Funeral services for Carly Lichfield will be held in the Hobble Creek 9th Ward Chapel at 450 S. Canyon Drive, Springville on Friday, January 6th, at 4pm. Thank you for all your support in this tragic time of loss. Kori's facebook message.

Christmas 2011

Countin' Down!

A life moment in the middle of my day.

Letter from Spencer 19 Dec 2011

Commercial Break

Megan and Ryan--Mr. and Mrs. Gingerbread Man

Just for Spencer....

Harris Party in Boise

Letter from Spencer 12 Dec 2011

Letter to Spencer 11 Dec 2011

Book Group & friends...

Monday Night the 5th of Dec 2011

Sam on HIgh School Gym poster

Letter to Spencer 5 Dec 2011

Letter from Spencer 28 Nov 2011

LOVE YOU SPENCER HARRIS!!!!!!

Letter to Spencer

Joseph's farewell

THANKSGIVING 2011

Princess Ali ENGAGED....

Letter FROM Spencer 21 Nov 2011

Letter to Spencer 20 Nov 2011

Amen

Barbie

Mari breaks her back

Activity Days with the Girlies

Josh SURPRISE

BOOK GROUP SURPRISE!!!

What the fuss is all about...

MOM's version of the weekly letter.

LETTER TO SPENCER 14 NOVEMBER 2011

Letter from Spencer

Letter to Spencer 13 November 2011

Sydney's Wedding at Platt's barn

Tyler Whitely Farewell

11-12-11

Happy Veteran's Day

11-11-11

Activity Days

Halloween missed pictures

6 Nov 2011 Mom to Spencer

Sydney's getting married!

Fund Raising Auction

Loved this man....

GOLD RUSH of 2011

6 MONTHS TODAY!!!!!

11-1-11

Here's whats for dinner

P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps

Letter from Spencer 31 Oct 2011

Happy HALLOWEEN!!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Friends and Family~
Funeral services for Carly Lichfield will be held in the Hobble Creek 9th Ward Chapel at 450 S. Canyon Drive, Springville on Friday, January 6th, at 4pm.
Thank you for all your support in this tragic time of loss. Kori's facebook message.