Joshua- Letter 3

Marilyn Williams

Thu 7/26/2018, 2:28 AM

Joshua Williams

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I was so excited for tomorrow to come to get your latest letter but then your mom said you're in Texas without the same P-Day!  Bummer!

You mom and the kiddos dropped by after a hike in one of the canyons and had a swim.  I am sick AGAIN- flu, I guess, besides my inflamed arm that I have an appointment for Physical Therapy.  I'm feeling like our houseboat....

 

Annee was in the Days of 47 parade with her horse drill team.  It's a pretty fun thing for her.

 

Can't wait to hear all about your dad's and Elijah's trip to Guat.  Good stuff!

 

I didn't go to the temple today because of being sick but I'm substituting for another shift on Friday, then we are off two weeks for temple cleaning.

My cousin's daughter (Kristin Dahlquist Nelson) posted this on Facebook about her little boy.  I thought it was precious and I want you to "fink" about all of Jesus too!

Love you cute boy.  Can't wait to hear all about Texas!!!!!!  Stay away from the border patrol!  Hugs- Grandma

It is, without question, his favorite part of the meeting. In the past, he’s been known to take his piece of bread, wait until it advances to the bench behind us, and then before anyone can stop him, like a lightening bolt he turns around and swipes another piece, squirreling it away for later. This time he decided to seize the moment while the tray was in passing, stuffing his mouth with no less than 7 pieces of Grandma Sycamores. I quietly scolded him and told him we can only partake of one piece each week. To this he responded, “But Mom! I want to ‘fink’ of ALL of Jesus, not just a piece of Him!” ❤️

Who is That?

 I'm trying to clean out my office/craft/hoarder room.  It's impossible because I am also extremely Attention Def. so any job takes 10 times longer than it should and then it still doesn't get done.

My friend Fay said she sets a timer for 2 hours  and has to work, work, work... to get her work done.

Ahhhhhhh!  2 hours?  Truly.  I'd. Be. Climbing. Up. The. Wall.

Do you know how many non-essential, day-dreaming, ridiculous things you could accomplish in two hours?

So with my two minute timer (15 is my limit)- I ran across this newspaper clipping that was in my parent's files.  I can't believe it has been 21 years ago!!!!!

What really is shocking (besides that I had attention enough to write a complete book of poetry)- is that I DON'T EVEN RECOGNIZE MYSELF IN THIS PICTURE.  It looks more like my mom than me.  I don't even know where this picture came from.  I do remember submitting my manuscript for this Utah State Poetry Assoc. Endowment prize, thinking I would get some feedback on how I could improve. It was my first attempt.  It was such a shock when I won.  (The contest chair had notified David and he was in the wings with flowers.  So awesome.  I think he cried.  Me too.  For 2 minutes, tops.)

I really miss writing and you would think it would be something I could just start again.  But I can't.  It is harder than you think.  It takes real thought and energy and the corralling of the mind.  It takes conjuring up memory and also seeing everything with new eyes. 

I remember praying that it wouldn't matter to me so much.  I guess my prayers were answered.

It was such a joy.  And now it is gone.  It really is a loss for me.  Self-induced, I guess.

But now I have a lot more time to ponder how did the newspaper get my mother's picture?  Why do I always look at pictures of myself and think, "What in the heck was going on with my hair?"

Okay.  Time's up. 2 minutes.  I'm exhausted.   Got to move onto something else without purpose.  (It is hard being me sometimes....)

Fink All of Jesus

Oh I love kiddos sweet sayings.  I read my cousin's daughters entry on Facebook and it just touched my heart.  (Kristin Dahlquist Nelson)

It is, without question, his favorite part of the meeting. In the past, he’s been known to take his piece of bread, wait until it advances to the bench behind us, and then before anyone can stop him, like a lightening bolt he turns around and swipes another piece, squirreling it away for later. This time he decided to seize the moment while the tray was in passing, stuffing his mouth with no less than 7 pieces of Grandma Sycamores. I quietly scolded him and told him we can only partake of one piece each week. To this he responded, “But Mom! I want to ‘fink’ of ALL of Jesus, not just a piece of Him!” ❤️

Joshua- Letter 2

Tue 7/17/2018, 10:21 PM

Joshua Williams

Elder Williams!  Oh, how I love you!  I can think about you without crying finally so that is good.  Now I'm just ready for the good part.

First of all your letter!  What a way to start off your MTC experience with receiving direct (like you said "very directly, bluntly) personal revelation concerning your talk!  I was so touched!  It never ceases to amaze me the power and revelation that we are able to tap into in our lives.  After I taught my last RS lesson, a wonderful sister came up to me and said, "Would you teach me how to do that?"  I asked "what?" and she said, "Receive personal revelation."  I was astounded!  I realize that what she needed was to learn how to "recognize" personal revelation- she is a wonderful woman who serves constantly and I know Heavenly Father guides that service.

I had a good snort laugh about the Elder that may be coming to Utah with his feigned language skills.  Noah will call him on it- like he did Grandpa for not rolling his "r's" (ha ha) (Grrrracias!)

It is so hot here (about 100)- and our power went out for 3 hours (who knows why.)  I have had Brandi's girls for the past week.  We have

shopped, and had cooking classes and Addi's ridden with Grandpa lots, and played games (big surprise but I'm almost sick of games!) and they got to take friends to Draper Days and more eating and swimming and then to a cool candle making place in Ogden yesterday (Rylee came with us yesterday- Heidi shopped with us on Friday)….and I can't even remember all we did but, I'm telling you, TOO MUCH FUN IS EXHAUSTING!  We had a great time and made new memories (I taught them how to hide dead bodies along the side of the road in case they ever needed to.  They were shocked.) (I love that I can still shock my grands!)  I took them home today.  Brandi and Doug are in Alaska with Connor and will be home tomorrow.  Tonight the girls have a youth activity to read all of Alma from 5-11:30 tonight.  I told them to ask for specific guidance and that they could receive it.

Grandpa just walked in and asked what I was doing and said to say hi.  He's been horsing around in Delta today and came home and straight down to rope.  Do you know I didn't marry a cowboy when we got married...and horses weren't a part of our lives for like 30 years!  It's still a shock to my system.

So, I'm in Helaman in my slow/pondering/commitment after conference- two times ago- to re-read the Bk of Mormon by next October Conf.  I love to think about it everyday- I listen to it on my phone before I go to bed half the time, then try to go back and make notes.  I am getting really close to Christ's birth and the people are soooo wicked!  Helaman (Helaman's son) cries that he wished he had been born when they first came from Jerusalem because the people were willing to listen then.  Really?  Pretty sure Laman and Lemuel and their followers didn't but I guess we can't imagine the wickedness of these Gadianton robber lovers so the earlier Lamanites looked pretty good. 
God chooses us to live now, serve now, serve here and I guess that's what we need to realize.  So thankful for God's guidance in my life.

Don't feel bad about not having time to write a personal letter.  I will love the group letter and realize you have a limited time.

While we were shopping, Parker called and was happy to hear we were shopping because his clothes are falling apart. I picked him up a couple of pair of jeans and a shirt and need to go get them mailed.  I will take any way I can serve him (bribes, cash, whatever.)

I planned on stopping at temple square yesterday to pick up the Bk of Mormon in Viet Namese but we ran out of time.  I 'm following through with my OYM I did with a gal that was giving me a pedicure.  It was such a good experience for me.

Love you, sweet boy.  Have a great week in that spiritual haven.  I imagine you are exhausted but at least you are exhausted in righteousness!!!!  Carry on!   Hugs- Grandma M.

Girl Week!!!!

 

Oh My Goodness!  Is it possible to get totally worn out from PLAYING SO HARD!

That's what we've all done this past week- having Brandi's girls while Brandi and Doug are in Alaska visiting Connor (Bri went too).  They've had a great time but truly, nobody could out do US!

 

The girls came Wed. after we got home from the temple.  Gracie babysat that night and Addi had soccer practice so Hallee Babe and I decided our plan of action.  We went to the library, checked out books, then went to Swig for drinks and a movie theater for popcorn- then parked at Addi's practice and read and munched and had a perfect time!

 

 

 

 

Swimming always works.  The girls swim and swim and swim.

 

 

 

I bought cookie molds that they filled with melted chocolate melts, then topped with an Oreo cookie.  Our goal was to take treats to people but we ate them faster than we saved them.

 

 

 The next day was pedi day.  Think long soak, massage chair, hot rocks, hot wax, hot towels, more massage and pretty toes.

 

 

 
That night our goal was making gourmet pizzas. 
 
We made:  BBQ Chicken and Bacon (everyone's favorite)

 

 Ham and pineapple.  Pear and Prosciutto and thyme.  Also Blackberries and pinenuts with gouda and ricotta.  It was so fun cooking together!

 

 
 The next day Heidi met up with us at the Outlets at Traverse Mountain.  We found some things in Called to Surf- then headed to lunch at R and R BBQ.

 
 

 
 

 

We had the best (and longest day) shopping!  All the girls got darling outfits, complimentary of their wonderful Grandma- and shopped til we dropped.  Whew!

Saturday the girls all got to invite a friend and I took them all to Draper Days.  They all went off as friends and I basically hung around waiting for them, watching all the dogs at the Dog Splash (where they threw a ball into the water and the dogs jump as a competition to see how far they can jump.)  It was pretty entertaining.  We were there for HOURS- then headed home to swim again.  Lots of laughter.

 
 
 

 

Sunday is usually a bit of a rest but someone needed a substitute in Primary so I stepped up to the plate.  Only two kids from the class showed up but we had 3 visitors and they were all darling.  Basically the lesson was on gratitude- and the story of the 10 Lepers. They all got it. I mean really got it! Actually it was fun. 

 

Time to come home and cook again.  Sunday we made chicken crepes (Addi poured all the crepes!)- then dessert crepes for dessert. (Strawberries and bananas and cheesecake pudding filling.  My favorite dessert crepe is what I learned to love in Paris....just fresh lemon juice with a dusting of powdered sugar.  So refreshing!)

 

Every day was also filled with games.  Games. Games. Games.  We are all gamed out.  Addi did horseback riding with David several days as well.

 

Today was another big day.  Rylee joined us today and we headed to Ogden this morning (about an hour's drive.)  We went to the Art Box where we all got to make cool candles with embellishments.  It was soooo awesome and the girls loved it!  While our candles were setting up, we went to the Rooster Grill for lunch.  More eating.  What can I say?

 

 
 
 

 

  

 

 
 

 
 

 

 
 
 
 

 

 

After lunch, we headed to the new Farmington Outlets.  They are FABULOUS!  More shopping for Rylee to pick out her outfits, then drinks at Fizz and headed home.  I could hardly drive, I was so pooped.  Really, I need a giant nap for about a week.  We have funned ourselves to death!

 

 
  
 
 

We took a million pictures and laughed about our most embarrassing moments and shared our favorite things and I taught them how to look for places to hide dead bodies.  They didn't know about that game. I love to shock my grands.

 

When we were driving home, I was struck with the realization that I was transporting precious cargo.  How I love these grands of mine.  I'm so lucky to get to spend time with them and that they want to spend time with me.   This has been one of the best weeks EVER!

Family Pics

 When I went to pick up Rylee a few weeks ago, I saw family pictures on their wall (that I don't have!!!)  They make me so happy!  T and T and family!!!!! 






Ryan and Marci's kiddos had pictures taken before Josh left and I thought they turned out so darling!

 

 These look like they should be on the cover of a farm magazine!!!!  Love these kiddos!

 

 

 

 I told you Heidi couldn't smile without closing her eyes!  I'll keep her though!

Dear Joshua- 1

Tue 7/10/2018, 2:00 AM

Joshua Williams

Elder Williams!  I still can't think or talk about you without crying so I'll call you Elder Williams instead of Josh.  I bet this has been an exciting week for you!  I hope you are meeting good people, understanding the language, eating something other than beans (although that should be one of your goals!), and all the other good things to learn there in Mexico City! 

This week has been busy with Dr.'s appointments.  Remember when we were at Lake Powell and I kept saying, "This houseboat is falling apart!  I'm falling apart!"  Well, I am.  I sit on the couch, coughing (for 3 1/2 months- just learned I have a sinus infection that is behind my eyes and in the back of my head- who knew?- that is causing me to cough.  Go figure.  I have ice packs on both shoulders and see an orthopedic surgeon on Thursday.  Saturday I pulled something in my lower back/bum area and have been twice to Physical Therapy (Brandi!)- for relief but I can hardly walk.  Just hobbling like an old lady.  Wait?  I AM an old lady.  Then my foot needs to be iced for something else.  And I can't see (cataract surgery scheduled for Aug. 1 and Aug. 17.  Then I think I have two suspicious skin cancer like things on my face.  I go to that appointment next week.  I'm sure there are a few other things wrong but we'll leave it at there.

So, I taught Relief Society on Sunday on President Nelson's talk last conference on revelation.  We had a marvelous discussion and I love teaching because I learn so much myself.  As Pres. N. talked about his experiences of revelation for the Church, then he went on to talk about the importance of personal revelation.  It made me think of some of the grands (including Parker-lol) asking me what "super power I would like to have.  Like to be invisible or time travel or super strength.  I thought there could be no super power more powerful than personal revelation from God.  I just need to learn how to tap into the power better!

One of the things the Spirit has repeatedly impressed upon my mind since my new calling as President of the Church is how willing the Lord is to reveal His mind and will. The privilege of receiving revelation is one of the greatest gifts of God to His children.

Through the manifestations of the Holy Ghost, the Lord will assist us in all our righteous pursuits. I remember in an operating room, I have stood over a patient—unsure how to perform an unprecedented procedure—and experienced the Holy Ghost diagramming the technique in my mind.

Imagine the miracle of it! Whatever our Church calling, we can pray to our Heavenly Father and receive guidance and direction, be warned about dangers and distractions, and be enabled to accomplish things we simply could not do on our own. If we will truly receive the Holy Ghost and learn to discern and understand His promptings, we will be guided in matters large and small.

In like manner, what will your seeking open for you? What wisdom do you lack? What do you feel an urgent need to know or understand? Follow the example of the Prophet Joseph. Find a quiet place where you can regularly go. Humble yourself before God. Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Turn to Him for answers and for comfort.

Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses—yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen! Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take. As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will “grow into the principle of revelation.”

Then he said:  I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation, for the Lord has promised that “if thou shalt [seek], thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.”

So, at the end of the lesson- I asked them what they were going to reach (to stretch ) for personally.  How were they going to tap into this super power?  Where did they need help in their lives?

And I thought of you.  I loved your sweet letter that you wrote for Grandma and me.  We love you so much and are happy our family traditions have mattered to you (as well as us!)  But when I got to the part about "take care of Parker."  I really cried hard.  I don't know how to do that.  I'm ready to shoot him after being with him for 5 minutes.  But then I realized what better goal could I have than to pray for the super power to be a better Grandma to him.  To develop a more unconditional love for him.  Thank you for your nudge and it will be a focus for me in my prayers and life.  I love you! 

 

Our ability to hear spiritually is linked to our willingness to work at it. President Hinckley has often said that the only way he knows to get anything done is to get on his knees and plead for help and then get on his feet and go to work. That combination of faith and hard work is the consummate curriculum for learning the language of the Spirit. The Savior taught, “Blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost." Hungering and thirsting translate to sheer spiritual labor.  Spiritual work works and is the key to learning to hear the voice of the Lord.

Okay, back to real life.  Grandpa is busy getting sand for his arena, fixing Buford, ordering rocks for the fence up front and about a dozen other projects.  He's a working fool!  Me?  I'm just an icing fool!  Just hope my back doesn't keep me from temple work this week.

Love you so much!  Anxious to read your letters.  I'm sure your mom will save all your letters- and they will become like scripture for your own family someday (ha!  Don't feel any pressure!!!!)

Big hugs- Grandma W.

Achy Breaky Heart

Oh boy!  I have been crying for days.  Last week Josh had his farewell and did such a great job!  Last night we went to his setting apart as a missionary and he left this morning for 4 weeks in Mexico City MTC before heading to Dallas Texas.  This grandma's heart is both so happy, so proud...and soooo sad.  I love this boy so much.  I will miss him like crazy!

Not only was it hard for him to say goodbye to all his family and friends- but he is an animal person and had to leave his two dogs (HIS dogs) that he loves and all his chickens and bunnies and the rest of his farm animals. 

 

 

 

Josh comes up with the funniest things (just like his dad did when he was young.)  When we were in Guatemala, Noah (age 11) ran out of the kitchen where we were playing games and threw up all over the wooden slat entryway to the house.  I went outside and hosed it off, and said, "Noah, when I was raising your dad, I told him the first time he leaned over in bed and threw up on the floor, I would clean it up.  After that, he would have to do it.  And you know what, he never threw up on the floor again."  The kids all laughed and then later Josh said to me- "You know, it's kind of like baptism.  The first time the Lord cleans you up and then it's up to you!"  We laughed and think that's a pretty great analogy (except we know God is a more patient parent than I am and a God of many, many chances.)