Feb. 28, 2015

Hi mom!

I loved your email!  you make me happy. I love being able to hear you say what you have typed! I am glad that we have such a close relationship. I love you so much. don't forget to wear your bracelet tomorrow!

it is so much fun to have others going to Naga as well! it will make mission conferences that much better! I love my Kasama. that is companion in Tagalog. she is so sweet and wonderful, and makes me strive to be a better person in general. I am amazed at how well we balance each other out. we comfort each other when we are feeling down, or discourage. we are so insync, its crazy,and awesome! our teacher the other day, as we were conjugating verbs, he was like"I love your companionship." We really are a good match.

the other sisters are going to lagastby, and Quezion city north. 

the language is great. we can write simple sentences now, which makes teaching easier. there were a couple days that it was harder than normal. but through prayers, and amazing teachers, and some awesome scriptures, I was able to get through it. 2 Nephi 32:2 was one of those  scriptures that helped me remember that I have only been here a week, and that nothing is impossible with God. I am so grateful for his help, and for my wonderful teachers!

Sister Baird and I had a wonderful learning experience with Joy this week. so we taught her about the book of Mormon, and she asked us about life, after death, so we totally thought that we should talk about the plan of salvation. well i had a thought after the lesson, that we should invite her to be baptized, but I didn't know if we could do that, so I stayed quiet. well during personal and companion study, I could not focus for the life of me on the plan of salvation, and sis. Baird couldn't really either, but she was better than I , and pushed through, and studied on the plan of salvation. well that next night,  we still couldn't focus on the lesson, and we just could not agree on how to teach this lesson. so I suggested that we pray. when we finished with prayer, we sat there for a minute thinking, and then sis. Baird said that she had the thought that we should invite her to be baptized, and that she had had the same thought I had after the lesson. but didn't voice it either. so we read where joy had her question, in the third paragraph in the BOM, and it talked about the doctrine of Jesus Christ, and that talks about being baptized. the lesson then began to fall into place, and we felt so good about it. Such an answer to prayer. I had always known that prayer worked, but I took those experiences for granted. I know now that they are real, and true.

really quick, this week the sister from Kiribati had never had popcorn, and we were talking about it, and so we went and we popped it, and she like freaked out! it was so much fun. those are some of the picture that i sent to you earlier were about. 

I love you mom, and I know that this Church is True.

talk to you next week!!!

Love sister Emma Nelson

emman@myldsmail.net

Andrew is now a Life  Scout!
So happy for him.  Now on to Eagle...

Spencers Preference Pictures with Aubrey.

Her first email...

Hi my dears!

I love you all! Saturdays are P-days until April second, then it will probably be Monday for p-days!

How is life at home? The MTC is an amazing place! I am amazed at how well I have pick up the language here. I can say sentences and I am learning how to pray in Tagalog. I like my companion, Sister Baird she is from Heber Utah. We are both going to Naga. She reminds me a lot of Janell Boekweg.

I have six people in my district. a set of Elders, my kasama and I, and another set of sisters. the Elders are also going to Naga! I am so excited to go over there. 

Yesterday Sister Baird and I taught our fist investigator in Tagalog. it went about as well as a first lesson in a different language could go! her name is Joy. today I get to go to the temple. I am so excited to go back! I miss the temple.

I am also surprised at how well I have adjusted to not having my phone. Like I miss it, but I don't have separation anxiety from it. I do wish though that I could call home, and be able to explain things to you over the phone than from E-mail. 

I found out that email I showed dad about like that card information is because I get like a church debit card to use while I am in the Philippines for like food and stuff.

I love my roommates. Two of them are from Utah, and there is one from the islands of Kiribats. she gets to go through the temple today, so I think our zone is going to support her in that. I found out today, that this will be her first time in the temple ever. That shocked me. I never realized how much I take for granted. like the temple and the convinces of living in America.

My Branch President told us that that don't have a lot, and I knew that before, but then he told us stories about how an elder was limping one day, and pres asked why he was, and the elder said that he didn't have any shoes for his mission, so he neighbor gave the elder his old ones, and they didn't fit the elder right, so Pres. gave him some money, and told him to go get some shoes that fit. A day or so latter, Pres. saw the Elder again, and he was still wearing the shoes that were too small, and Pres. asked where his new shoes were, and the Elder responded, "President, those are my Sunday shoes. I can't wear those!" I realized how blessed I was, living in America, and that I had been so blessed to be sent to a family that had money, and that i live  so close to not just one temple, but four within about a 30 minute radius. 

I am so grateful for the gospel in my life, and that I have the opportunity I have to go to the Philippines and teach those brothers and sisters! I love this Gospel, and all of my brothers and sisters. It makes me happy.

I will send pictures next week. I also have a letter that I need to mail to you dears, and just haven't gotten to the mail box yet. I love you all so much, and I will talk to you on mothers day, and next week! maybe I will write in Tagalog ;) Hope that this is enough for you, mom. If not tell me what more you want to hear, and I will write it! 

To my brothers! I miss you both so much! I hope Esther is dancing for me ;) I hope you do well today, Andrew, at your basket ball game! (I want a picture of him in his jersey please mummy). have fun on your date tonight Spencer!!! (I also want pictures of that pleas Mummy) Keep going to mission Prep! that has been so helpful for me, even though I am speaking another language! It is a wonderful opportunity or you both! I love you both so much!

Love, Sister Emma Nelson

emman@myldsmail.net

Emma's Mission has begun

Emma went into the MTC on Wed., Feb. 18, 2015.  It was a beautiful day!  We had lunch at Wallaby's (her choice) and then headed to Provo to drop her off.  

Update...

It has been to long since I have posted. Life moves so quickly and is so wonderful!!! All the children keep growing and I can't believe how amazing they are. Being a mom is fabulous! John is busy with NRCS and works in St. George each week. I miss him, but am so grateful he has a job! Emma is busy being a Junior. She is such a good student. She want's to go to BYU. She will graduate with an Associates in Child Development and with the new announcement on missions is now planning on working after graduation until her Birthday in 2014 and then going a a mission. Spencer is in 9th grade. He is so happy to be in High School. He is an amazing student. 4.0. He loves to play basketball and is working hard for tryouts in Nov. He is such a leader. Andrew is 5th grade and is homeschooled. He continues to be a very positive and happy son. He plays the piano and really wants to play football (hum...i must think about this...) Esther continues to be a miracle. I am so thankful for her and the wonderful blessing she is in our family. She is making great progress in her speech. She is working with a speech pathology master student at the BYU Clinic. She goes to a preschool with other children in our ward (all the moms take turns hosting it) It is very fun! We had a wonderful summer with tirps to ST. George and Disneyland. We also had the blessing of going to the LA, Redlands & New Port Beach Temples. We went home the back way up over the mountains on the Top of the World Highway in Southern CA mountains and thru Big Bear Lake, CA. Amazing and Beautiful!!!!!! We have enjoyed the time we have all spent together this past summer. Now fall is upon us and we are looking to the holidays and extended family activites.

Baseball and Boys

The boys began in January practicing for Baseball season. It was a full schedule through June. John coached Spencer's team, the Cardinals and Andrew was on the Dodgers. It was fun to see the boys progress and grow. They love baseball!!!!
Spencer loves to watch it as well. I hear all the stats of the teams he likes. It is fun to see him and Andrew talk and throw the ball and hit the ball together. They are great boys and grwoing up so quickly. In August the boys were invited along with the Cardinals team to visit the Orem Owls baseball game. They were able to meet with the players and go out on the field with a different player and stand with them during the National Anthem and then have a picture taken with the team and some of the players. It was a wonderful experience. I love baseball fields. There is an excitement and happiness that comes to me as I sit on the ball fields each season. What a wonderful place to spend time and watch my boys. I am already looking forward to next season.

100 Years of Scouting

My Scouts....John is an Eagle Scout and the Order of the Arrow. Spencer is a Tenderfoot and is working on his 1st and 2nd class scout ranks. Anderw is a Wolf in about two weeks. Aren't they handsome!!!!!!.

Andrew wanted to do a cake for the celebration of the 100 years. We had a picture of the guys printed on edible paper and the decorated the cake around that. It turned out pretty good and was fun to do and eat!

It has now been a whole year since I last posted...Lots and Lots of changes. We are now living next door to my parents. It has been a blessing to be close to family. They are all wonderful and we are grateful for them. Our home in Georgia is still or home. With the housing market the way it is we are not able to sell it, so with help from the Lord we have been able to find some great renters. It has now been rented for one year.


John is doing great in his work. He has had many great experiences and is also now teaching an early morning Algebra class for SLCC. This has been a blessing for us. I appreciate all he does for our family.





Emma is back in Ballet and is doing great. She is so happy and is doing really well in school. She is in 8th grade and will begin Seminary next year. She is already registered. She is growing up to fast.





Spencer is doing great in Scouts, school and has been preparing for Baseball season. He has tryouts this month and is looking forward to the season beginning.






Andrew loves Cub Scouts and will be receiving his Wolf advancement and a gold arrow point. He will also begin piano lessons next week. He is doing really good in school, expecially his reading.







Esther continues to be a miracle and we feel so blessed and grateful for the power of the priesthood in her life and ours. She loves to sing and read books and she loves her baby doll and her purse.






Me, I continue to be busy with homeschooling, young womens and being a wife and mom. I love life!!!! I have learned so much over the last several years and I am just so grateful for all the little things that make up my amazing life!

Hi Everyone,

We have now been in Utah for 4 months. I am very thankful we are here. We had a wonderful trip out west and took pictures of all the big rivers we passed. My parents were with us and it was fun to drive with them. It was sad to leave our home and have wondered how it would fare while we were away. We had a wonderful holiday season with all our family and celebrated Emma's 13th birthday.

Because the market is not great at this time, we have decided to rent our home in Georiga, I neve thought we would have to do this, but it feels like a good choice. We are excited that maybe we will be able to purchase a home here in Utah. That will be fun for our children, but it will be sad to leave my parents home. It has been a blessing to be here with them. The kids love them and it will be difficult to leave. (at least we won't have a 4 day trip to visit) The kids would love to live next door if at all possible or as close as they can.

John is enjoying his job. He has great job security, he is working on road projects in Utah and with the money from the federal govt. he will have a job forever. ( this is good, but also not so good...)

Spencer and Andrew begin baseball this month and are excited, Emma is beginning ballet again and Esther is 1 in 3 weeks. Time is going so quickly.

I am grateful for all the blessing we have been given. I know and have felt the hand of the Lord in our lives. He is so gracious and good and blesses us, even in trial. As Pres. Monson taught in Oct. Conference we should "find joy in the journey". It is the only journey in mortality we will have. The journey is not easy but the rewards for our "reconciling ourselves before God" are eternal.

Thank you, all of you for your prayers and support.

A Few Last Activities

We had to take a trip to the Blue Willow Inn. It is in Social Circle, GA. They have a world renowned southern menu. The restaurant is in an old Antebelum (sp) home. It is beautiful! This is where we have had our special family Christmas dinner each year. The food is delicious and very southern. We will miss the drive in the country and the fun times we have had here.

Pictures of Esther

Esther and her dad.

In the fall leaves.

I was asked to show her hair after the curlers so here it is. Also the one of her in the pink pjs is from my mom they are from Alaska. Doesn't she look so cute?!

A Job is Found.

As most of you know, John has been looking for work the past 4 - 5 months. He has sent many resumes out and had quite a few phone interviews and face to face interviews. Well, in September he sent out a resume to a company in Salt Lake and they called a week later and had a phone interview with John. A week later they called to arrange plans for a face to face interview on Oct. 1. John flew to Utah and had a great interview and we felt that this would be the job, but it took forever to hear from the, and then once we heard an offer was coming it took another two weeks to get the offer. We accepted the offer and on Monday, November 10, 2008 we are moving back to Utah. We are all very excited. We are putting the house on the market and pray it will not take to long for it to sell and hopefully we will be able to find a new home in Utah very soon.

It has been an interesting year and there have been many challenges, but we have "enjoyed the journey". We look forward to being closer to family and friends in Utah and for the new friends we will make. The Lord has been so good to us and the blessings, even in our trials, have been amazing. Thank you all for your prayers, support and kindnesses these past months. May you all be blessed for your goodness. We love you all!!

Happy Birthday Andrew!!!

Andrew celebrated his 7th birthday on Oct. 8. He had a wonderful birthday. He wanted to go to Stevie B's and have pizza and play games. So that is what we did. It was a fun evening. We then came home and had birthday cake and opened presents. It was really fun. Andrew is in 1st grade and loves to read. He is doing great at reading the big words in the Book of Mormon. He loves to play games on the wii and Star Wars and Lego games on the internet. He is kind and hepful and loves to hang out with his brother Spencer. I love you my Andrew! You are a wonderful son!

Happy Halloween

We wanted to wish everyone a Happy Halloween. We saw this on the Neil Boortz website and wanted to share it. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywuW9OWhLos

Our Handsome Spencer

This is Spencer at the beginning of 5th grade. He is now a Webelo Scout and loves it. He is working hard andis a great helper. I love you son.

More Pictures

Our Model

Emma was in a fashion show for Standards night. She modeled casual/school clothes. She looked beautiful and had lots of fun.

With friends Lyndy (L) and Courtney (R)

Field Trip North Georgia

School has begun

Another year of homeschooling has begun. Andrew is in 1st grade, Spencer is in 5th grade and Emma is in 7th grade. For Spencer and Andrew I continue to use my own curiculum with emphasis in reading, math, comprehension, writing and science with current and past history. Also, anything the kids desire to learn about. Emma has begun BYU Homestudy. She loves it. She is currently taking English, Math, History and Art.

We went on our first field trip Friday. We visited Hillcrest Apple Orchards in Ellijay, GA. It is in the North East part of Gorgia and is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is a beautiful place. We purchased a 1/2 busshel of Honey Crisp apples and will be making apple butter and an apple crisp (for John) this next week. We also visited the petting farm where the kids held baby chicks, petted and played with goats, a baby cow and loved the kittens. We also went on a wagon ride through the orchard. It was really fun. Then as moms part of the field tirp, we had a picnic and went for a beautiful ride through the mountains. We stopped at a few over views of the valleys and then a spot on the Applichain trail. It was cold and the kids were happy to put the heater on and watch a movie towards the end of the ride until we were home. Thanks John for the great adventure!