A TIME TO BE GRATEFUL (November 30, 2014)

 

 

Thoughts for the week:

"Don't forget to set your scales back ten pounds this week."  Thanksgiving can do that to us!

"Worrying is like walking around with an umbrella waiting for it to rain."

"I do NOT HAVE a huge house, a brand new car or lots of money.  What I DO HAVE is an amazing family and friends and memories that will last forever."

So much to be grateful for during this week of Thanksgiving.  I can't believe we've been gone for two Thanksgivings now.  Our blessings are still growing and we feel so thankful for this opportunity.

We had a wonderful week getting back into serving at the temple after being gone for three weeks.  It was so good to see all our temple friends and feel that special temple feeling you get when you serve the patrons.  Fortunately, the temple was very busy this week with a lot of visitors in town for the holiday.  Our only slow time was last night.  We work on Saturday night so we arrived at 5:00 and were ready for the six o'clock session but no one came, so the session was cancelled.  Unfortunately the same thing happened on the seven o'clock session.  Poor Pres. McArthur tried so hard to make the last session happen.  I think he would have gone out on the street and flag people in if it would have been permissible. Thus we went home two hours early.  Only a nine hour day instead of 11 hours.

Saturday morning was really busy.  Our 11 o'clock session had 45 people on it.  I worked in clothing and was busy.  Most visitors don't bring their temple clothes, they just rent them.

Friday Rudi and I went to Burlington to grocery shop and try and see a movie.  No movies that sounded interesting, so we went to dinner at Gator's and came home and crashed.

None of our kids got together for Thanksgiving.  They all went in different directions.  Tiff and family did stay home and tried their first Thanksgiving dinner with just the five of them.  She said it was different but O.K.  Troy and family went to Tremonton to spend Thanksgiving with Kristin's family.  Her brother came from Michigan, so they enjoyed visiting with them.  Traci and kids plus  Karly Castellaw went to St. George and Zion Canyon.  Super weather and fun with her high school friend Diane and her family.  Tami and family stayed in Gillette and spent Thanksgiving dinner with friends.  It'll be great to be back together for Thanksgiving when we get home.

Today was Sunday and off to Canton for our weekly time with the branch out there.  It was the smallest group ever since we started going eight months ago.  There were only 40 people in sacrament meeting.  We felt like we were singing solos.  A lot of people were out of town for Thanksgiving.  The weather is still good enough for us to travel that far. We so enjoy being with them and feeling of their sweet simple spirits.  Rudi once again gave a wonderful lesson on the importance of the temple.  We have two couples in the class preparing to go through the temple.  The Deppermans are planning to get to the temple before we leave in April.  I gave the closing prayer in sacrament and helped Rudi with the lesson.  Its all good!  I think the thing I'm impressed with the most about these people in the branch is their willingness to step up and fill in any position that is needed.  Today the  chorister wasn't there so a sister just stepped up and filled in.  Most of the branch members speak in sacrament about four times a year or more.  Two brothers just covered the administration of the sacrament because there are no priests in our branch.  Everyone just knows they are needed to make the branch function.  So wonderful to watch and be a part of.

As usual I've rattled on with my feelings.  This mission is a new awakening to us and I don't want to ever forget how it has made us feel and want to be a better person.

We hope your Thanksgivings were special and full of love for family and gratitude for your blessings.  We continue to miss you all but look forward to our reunion in a few short months.

With love always,

Rudi and Kathy Grateful Missionaries)

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary to Tami and Dan on December 7th.

 Thanksgiving dinner with all the temple missionaries.  Tons of food and fun!

 Enjoying dinner with the Smith's and many other missionaries.

Cutest table decorations!  Eatable turkey!

Its Christmas time again.  Same scene as last year but still loving our grandchildren tree and nativity.

So much to bring us happiness.  Now all I need is my family around us.

Fort Madison Bridge.  We cross it about once a week to get to Burlington.

Downtown Nauvoo.  We'll never forget this little town in Illinois.

BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN...STILL REMEMBERING NEW YORK MEMORIES (November 23, 2014)

Thought for the week:

A THANKSGIVING POEM:
"May your stuffing be tasty, may your potatoes and gravy have nary a lump.  May your yams be delicious and your pies take the prize, and may your Thanksgiving dinner stay off your thighs."

TO BE A PUMPKIN:
A coworker asked a recently baptized lady what it was like to be a Christian.  She replied, "It's like being a pumpkin.  God picks you from the patch, brings you in and washes all the dirt off that you may have gotten from the other pumpkins.
Then he cuts off and scoops out all the yucky stuff.  He removes the seeds of doubt, hate and greed.  He then carves you a new smiling face and puts his light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.  Let your light shine!"  Sister Thomas of the Canton Branch gave me this quote.  She knows I love to collect quotes.

Hope you aren't sick of my New York pictures.  I promise I'm through putting in those and will try and take some Nauvoo pictures for next week.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEK.  I'm sure all of you are gearing up for my favorite holiday.  I love being with family, eating the best meal all year, and most important thinking of all my blessings.  I'm truly grateful for this past year and all the wonderful missionary experiences we've been able to enjoy.  Rudi and I still love serving in the temple and being with the best people in the world.  Everyone is so happy and loving to each other.

Our Thanksgiving will be spent with the temple missionaries.  Last year we were combined with the site missionaries but they're doing theirs on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.  They work on Thursday so they've changed their plans.  We'll be eating at the Arrival Center next to the temple.  We plan on about 60 people.  I'm taking 3 pies and green bean casserole.  Can't wait for the big dinner!

Last week the temple reopened on Tuesday.  An lot of patrons came during the day.  We are now open for two endowment sessions in the morning and two at night.  All of the temple missionaries work two to three double shifts each week.  On Saturday, Rudi and I work from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00, then back again at 5:00 p.m. till 9:00.  That's right, 11 hours!  Very tired when Saturday night rolls around.  Surprisingly, the time goes by pretty fast.  I spend most of my time in the main office.  I have three shifts each week in the office, one as clothing coordinator and the rest on line.  Last week they started training me to be in the sealing office and to be initiatory coordinator.  Last week I spent more time training or being a trainee.  It's all good, just confusing sometimes.  Rudi gets to be on line as a ordinance working on Wednesday and Saturday night.  We work two shifts that day so he gets double the time serving as an ordinance worker.  He looks so cool in his white suit.  Thanks again Hugo for the suit.  Rudi and I officiated a session on Wednesday together which was special since we haven't done that together since last winter.

This Tuesday Rudi and I get to guide a couple that will be sealed.  We're looking forward to doing that together since we don't often get the opportunity to work side by side.

Today we drove to Canton since the weather is fairly descent today.  It rained all day. We're suppose to be dropping 20 degrees by tomorrow.  Then the forecast is snow this week.  President McArthur has told us to continue to go to Canton unless the weather is bad.  We love the people their and feel of the spirit so strong.  These people are so humble and loving and accepting to all.  Today one of the Y.M. who has learning disabilities spoke in sacrament meeting.  It was such a simple talk but so special to realize what a big step it was for him.  He really humbled me when he turned to the branch president and asked him what the word was on his paper.  He has a lot of disabilities but tried his hardest.  His mom is in the R.S. presidency and she just smiled through her tears of joy for him.  These people are very humble and Christ like.  They all pull their own weight and seem to be ready and welling to serve wherever needed.
Do you see why we love the members of the Canton Branch?

Right now it's pitch black outside and it's only 4:30. Not ready for another dark and freezing cold winter.  Hope this winter is warmer.  Dream on Kathy!

Well family and friends I hope your Thanksgiving is warm and full of loving family and friends around you.
We love you all and are most grateful for the Spirit of Christ in our lives.  Our family and friends make life full of blessings.  Until next week, stay healthy and happy.

Love always,

Rudi and Kathy

 Bear with me for more New York pictures.  Cold, but so fun!

 Our first two days in Manhattan were warm and wonderful.  Walking on the High Line in Chelsea.

Ellie and I walking the streets of Manhattan.

 Ellie and I at the Ground Zero Memorial Fountains.

 Oh, to die for the warm croissants!

 On the High Line enjoying the music of this friendly man who called us the Saints from Utah.

 Grandma visiting with our new found friend.  Hope you love the red coat since I wore it in every picture.

 Over looking the city from the High Line.

 
In front of the St. Devine Cathedral.

 Getting ready to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

 Riding on the ferry from Manhattan to Brooklyn.  Beautiful look of the Manhattan skyline.

 Shopping at F.A.O. Schwarz.  So many fun toys.  We salute our shopping experience.

 Inside Dylan's Candy Store.  What a sweet lovers holiday!

Another shot at the candy store.  Children (and adults) love this colorful store with every candy imaginable.

 Yea!  My favorite place to eat and enjoy the best hot fudge sundae in the world.  Just a two hour wait to get inside.

 Check out the doughnut pillows on the wall at the Doughnuttery.  Every kind of doughnut you can think of.  Caden and Logan, you'd go crazy here!

 Don't think we sampled every place we stopped at (but almost).  Love bakeries and display cabinets.

 Ellie checking out the cupcakes and other bakery delights.

 Checking out the lobsters at Chelsea Market Place.  We did have lobster rolls that day for lunch.

 Traci and Ellie pointing out the railroad tracks on the High Line.

 What a cute mother and daughter picture.  Can't believe how tall and grown up Ellie is.

 Breakfast one morning.  Beautiful presentation!  Plus the girls make a great presentation themselves.

 Excited about the Time Square lights and glitter.

 Check this macaron wedding cake out.  Can't imagine how much it costs when six macarons were $8.00.

How much alike does this mother and daughter duo look?  Kristin and Tieler Diederich, way to cute!

 Another mother daughter duo.  Cute and so fun!

Tiffini, where's your cute daughter?  Maybe in a few years she'll be old enough to come with us.

 Enjoying lunch at Serendipity's.  Check out all the Tiffini lamps.

A WEEK TO REMEMBER! (November 18, 2014)

 

Thoughts for the week:

"When you were born, you were crying, and everyone around you was smiling.  Live your life so that when you die, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying."

"It is easier to build up a child than it is to repair an adult...Choose your words wisely."

"The struggle you're in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow.  DON'T GIVE UP."

Wow, where do I begin to write about a fabulous week in New York City with five crazy, wonderful, energetic, and loving daughters and granddaughters!  It all went by so fast and now we're all back home to reality.  We made some pretty wonderful memories and lifted each other's spirits so much.

Since the Nauvoo Temple has been shutdown for three weeks I decided to meet my family in New York.  Tiffini, Traci, Kristin, Tieler and Ellie meet me there for a roller coaster ride of fun.  We went to so many places and saw so much I don't know where to begin.  I guess at  the first would be the best place.

I arrived on Monday and Traci and Ellie meet me at the JFK Airport.  It was so late that we taxied to the city and crashed.

Sometime either Tuesday or Wednesday Traci and Ellie rode bikes thru Central Park.  I sat down and people watched and then walked back to our hotel about 10 blocks.  The weather was beautiful that day and a great day to be outdoors.  We did so many things that I get all the days mixed up.  All I know is that I loved every minute.

The next day Traci had everything planned out so we could see and do a ton of things.  We spent most of the day in Chelsea.  There are so many fun shops and restaurants in that  area of Manhattan. We loved the Chelsea Market and ate lobster rolls for lunch.  Ellie hates seafood so she covered her nose most the time.  We also walked on the High Line an old railroad track converted into a park where people can walk and enjoy the gardens.  From there we went  to Columbia University to see the campus.  Maybe Ellie will go here to school someday.  Work on a scholarship the tuition is out of sight.

Our next stop was at Absolute Bagels for their wonderful bagels of every kind and cream cheese.  From there we walked to St. John the Devine Cathedral.  Beautiful building but very cold internally and externally.  You come away with a feeling of emptiness.

Tuesday night we went to the new Ground Zero Museum.  It was free admission that night and what a crowd.  Normally it costs $25.00 to get in so everyone came that night.  It was amazing and very touching.  So many lives lost for such a random act of terrorism.  I'll never forget the photos on the walls of people jumping to their deaths, and spectators feeling obligated to watch their final act of courage in honor of those heroic people.  A very powerful place to visit and remember what took place on that dreadful day on 9/11.   During  that day we also went to Dominique Ansel's for cronuts and DKAs.  We always shared just a bit with each other.  So many places to go and so many fun foods to try.  Rice to Riches was also delicious.  Love the rum rice pudding. Yes, I think we all gained a few pounds.

Wednesday we continued our whirlwind of activities by going to the play "You Can't Take It With You."  A hilarious mixed up play about a crazy family.  Really enjoyed it!  That night we went to Aladdin.  Wow, the show was so exciting and the staging was amazing.  Loved the costumes and fun antics of the genie and Aladdin.  We ate at John's Pizzera before the play and of course we loved it.  Nothing better than New York pizza!

Late Wednesday night Tiffini, Kristin and Tieler arrived.  We had adjoining rooms so we woke up when they arrived and had to hug and kiss and catch up on all the latest adventures with them.

Thursday morning came very early for us since we stayed up so late.  We had to be at the "Live with Kelly and Michael Show" by 7:45.  It was so cold waiting to get into the show.  We all had a great time.

Traci, if I've gotten all these places and events mixed up, please forgive me.  Just know that everywhere we went was spectacular and memorable.  Your planning was amazing and we saw so much thanks to your organization.

After the Kelly and Michael Show we waked a half a block to the Manhattan Temple.  Tieler and Ellie did family baptisms while Tiffini and I did initiatories.  Traci and Kristin went back to the baptistry and watched the girls get baptized.  It's a beautiful temple but very small and very few temple workers around.  They didn't have enough workers for Traci and Kristin to do any initiatories.  All the temple workers had to go and help with the endowment session.  I think they could use Rudi and I there as temple workers.  It wouldn't be a bad place to serve.  In fact a great place to serve.  I love New York!

We then had lunch at the Shake Shack.  Great burgers!

Wednesday night we saw Cinderella.  we all wished Addie, Ainsley and Callie could've been there to see all the glitz and glamour of this show.  Someday I'll need to take them to New York to see how amazing it all is.

Friday and Saturday we went to the Empire State Building and Ground Zero.  Tieler has never been to see the tourist attractions so we enjoyed watching her and her reaction to it all.  Her first time on the subway, time square at night with all the lights, lots of taxi cab rides, all the fun stores,  Maceys, Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Station, American Girl Place, Rockefeller Center, Serendipity for the best and largest hot fudge sundaes in the world.  Yes, Grandmas  favorite place to go!

Saturday night Traci, Tiffini, Ellie and I went to see the play If/Then.  By then I was so wasted that I must admit I don't remember a lot but the girls said it was great.  Idina Menzel was the lead and has a great voice.  What I heard was really good.

By Sunday we all were getting tired but still ready to keep going.  We took the ferry to Brooklyn and saw the Manhattan skyline from the ferry.  We then walked back to Manhattan over the Brooklyn bridge.  Yes, I walked all the way back.  Check that off my bucket list.  I felt so good but very tired.  Glad I did it!  After we had our last meal together at Grimaldi's Pizza in Brooklyn.  What a way to end a fantastic vacation with the best people ever.  Thanks girls for making my memories of New York so wonderful.  I know I have forgotten so many things but all I know is that I'll never forget this trip and I hope we can have many more together.

We all flew home Sunday night.  So hard to say goodbye again, but I'll see them again in a short 41/2 months.  Rudi picked me up in Moline after a two hour delay in Chicago.  It's good to be back and continue on with the best mission in the church.

Today, Tuesday we started back at the temple.  So many changes, new phone system to learn, new covered chairs in all the endowment rooms.  Rudi and crew did a wonderful job on the chairs while I was playing.  He really deserves a vacation but we're back in the saddle again.  Today we're working a double shift.  We went in this morning at 9:00 to 1:00, then home until 5:00 to 9:00 tonight. I guess we'll survive but very different.

Well, for those of you who have survived reading all of this email, congratulations.  My fingers and hands are really tingling now.  I went to the doctor yesterday and found out that the reason my hands go numb and tingle are due to carpal tunnel problems.  I'm scheduled to see a surgeon on Dec. 9th to get it fixed.  So much fun, NOT!

I was so sorry to hear about my Aunt Caroly passing away last Saturday while I was gone.  She was such a special person to me.  We shared our diabetes stories.  She was such a fighter right up to the end.  I'll miss her so much.  Two of my moms sisters have passed away so close together.  I'm sure mom is having a great reunion with them in heaven.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Uncle John and his family.  We love you and feel your loss.

Now I really do have to close and get ready to go back to the temple.  We love you all and always appreciate your support.

Stay warm somehow!  We're freezing again just like last year.

Love always,

Rudi and Kathy

 

 

 Six girls in New York loving every minute and loving each other.

One way to stay warm in New York, drink lots of hot chocolate, steamed milk and hot cider, YUM!

 On top of the world at the Empire State Building.  Really cold up there but a beautiful blue sky, couldn't ask for more!

 At the broadway play Cinderella.  Love being with such fun people and enjoying so many plays and musicals.

 Of course eating was one of our main interests.  So many new and exciting places to try out.  Churro's in hot chocolate.  Reminds me of Madrid.

 Aladdin was fabulous.  Love New York and all the great musicals.

 Grandma and Ellie in Time Square.

 Traci and I enjoying a quick pastry and rest.

 New Ground Zero Museum.  So very interesting and touching.  Don't miss it if you're in New York.

 Our first play was You Can't Take It With You.  So funny and very entertaining.  Ellie in the corner at the bottom of the picture.

 At the Kelly and Michael show.  We love seeing all kinds of the New York culture.

On the subway again.  We got pretty good at riding all over the city.

 Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.  Yes, I walked every step myself, with a little help from my friends.  Really cold day but so fun to be with my girls.

 Grandma with Tieler and Ellie on the Brooklyn Bridge.  Thank goodness for these two sweethearts who helped their old grandma make the over mile walk.

 Pizza in Brooklyn to celebrate making the walk across the bridge.  I'll walk anywhere for pizza!

 The whole gang at Grimaldi's Pizza in Brooklyn.

 Stopping for macrons and a quick rest and break from the cold.

Ellie and Tiffini at the top of the Empire State Building.

 Mom and her two girls.  Do you see and resemblance?

 Shopping with Ellie for her cactus!  Hope it made it home in tack.

 Super granddaughters!  So much fun to hang out with.  They know how to make me feel young!

 Traci, me and Ellie at Columbus University in Manhattan.  Maybe Ellie will get a scholarship here some day then I can come and visit her all the time.