Another Misssion Call

After Kay passed in April, we could start seriously considering when we could serve another mission.  I already had commitments for the volleyball season and so did Pat for the basketball season.  So we decided that March would be a good time to make ourselves available.

With that said, we began the process when it was 180 days prior to our availability date.  We were in Branson when Pat started the paperwork.  

I had my dentist appointment in September and a physical scheduled for October.  While at the latter appointment, Emily told me that I would need a TB test as well as an eye exam.  I called Pat and set up a time for him to do those tests later that same day.

His TB test came back inconclusive so had to be redone.  He was not a happy man.  He wanted to pick up the paperwork that day as we had our interview with President McKee later that day.  It didn't happen.  He had to be retested and then found out that the machine that does the test was broken and his results would not be available as soon as he wanted.  I had to try to settle him down once again.

When all the results were back, our Stake Clerk, Todd Gasall, called as he couldn't find the dentist paperwork.  Pat talked him through that and it was found. 

We left for Florida on Nov 8th.  Pres. McKee let Pat know that everything was submitted on Sunday, Nov 9th.  

We had put down some preferences of missions that we would like to serve in.  We would love to serve in the temple in Nauvoo.  We would love to serve on Temple Square or at church headquarters and even in the office in our own Wisconsin Milwaukee mission.  

On Friday, November 21st, I saw that I had an email and a text that said our mission call letter was ready for review.  

Erin got all the rest of the family on a FaceTime video call and I began to read.  I didn't mean to get ahead of myself but as I was scrolling I saw the assignment.  I couldn't believe it!  My reaction told everyone that the call was not what we expected.

We are called to serve in the Texas Dallas West mission!  We begin our MTC experience and training on May 4th for almost two weeks.  Then we head off to Texas.

We've had our first zoom call with some information regarding what to expect and what we need to do prior.  We will have several training calls with our specific assignments in mind. 

Here we go again!

 

Sunset

Anatomy of a sunset at Naples Pier.

I love how the color of the sky changes as the sun sinks lower.

The giant ball of sun gets easier to look at.

A few birds flew through the shot.

I love the beauty of the changing sky and the promise of a new day after each time the sun sets.  I do not understand how anyone can not believe in our awesome God with all these beautiful creations in this world.  The sun rises and sets are breathtaking!

 

Naples

Another trip to Naples to spend a week with Dennis and Phyllis Allsop.  They are such great hosts and even better friends.  

As always we went boating.  The first day was cooler and very windy.  On the beach the sand was really blowing and stinging my legs.  You can see the "drifts" of sand on the beach wherever there was something to stop the sand.

Pat really wanted to get in the water but I told him there were "rip tide warnings" and I was not willing to go back home as a widow.

We went home and made a dinner afterward. Card games always follow.  On Tuesday morning it was only about 40 degrees which is very cold for south Florida.  The wind was blowing which made it feel even colder.  We spent time at Bealls that day.

On Thursday we were back out on the boat and saw this sign.  

It is so ridiculous. 

The best part of the boating day was seeing the dolphins. 

We followed them and they followed us for a long time.  

A mom and her pup and then a trio.  They're so fun to watch.

We ate at the Island Gypsy last year and Pat insisted we go back again.  They have these enormous onion rings which were delish!  I had a fish sandwich that was very tasty with grilled pineapple on it.  

We went to watch the sunset at Naples pier.  Nice but just a little cool.

The setting sun surely makes everything glow.

The Naples pier was damaged during Hurricane Ian and hasn't been repaired yet. 

The birds gather there instead of people.

While walking on the beach and again on the boat we saw some of these long legged birds.  I'm not sure what they are but I was able to get within a few feet of one before it moved.

It was a very nice getaway with good food, great friends, interesting conversation and lots of fun!

 

Birthday Cake

When I was a child and then again later in my life as an adult my Grandma Otto made me an angel food cake with white mountain frosting.  It is my favorite cake!  

One year she made me the cake again and put it on this plate.  She told me to keep the plate.  Every time after that when I made angel food, I put it on this plate.

This year for Sammi's birthday I bought her a Hawaiian dress for her to wear during her pregnancy.  Since she had a miscarriage in April, she gave the dress back to me in September.  She told me that she just couldn't wear it anymore because she only wore it during her short pregnancy.

She said, "I know it was a birthday present.  You don't have to get me a different present."  I was heartbroken for her and thought that she needed something very special.  She said she wanted an angel food cake for family dinner and I told her I would make it.  I knew she needed to have my Grandma Otto plate.  I gave it to her with the history of the plate.  It is now an official heirloom although it was probably purchased at a rummage sale.  

Happy birthday my beautiful daughter!

I love you!  Enjoy the plate!

 

Tundra Lodge

On November 1st we went to Tundra Lodge as a family.  There were a few missing but most of us were there.  It's been a long time since we went to a water park.  

I brought along the two water floatation vests we purchased during the summer.  Three children could have used them so they needed to share.  Anyone going down the slide needed to have one.  

Jacob got wet only for a little while and then took Eloise for a nap.

I believe she enjoyed the water as it wasn't too cool. 

We enjoyed the Lazy River together while others of the family sat in the hot tub.

We only spent a few hours there but for the most part it was just our family in the park.  It was a wonderful day to play together!

 

Stake Reorganization

In September we had stake conference where our stake presidency was reorganized.  The stake sister  leaders were asked to meet with Elders Hirsh and Ames prior to interviewing the brethren.  We were able to talk about the needs of the stake and what kind of man the stake president should be.  We even gave a few suggestions.  In the end, the Lord chooses and He chose well. 

We were asked to have a photo of the three stake presidents who still reside in the area. I love the Lonsdales!  I don't know the McKees yet but look forward to it. 

These are great men who are willing to follow the promptings they get.

The new presidency is Clint McKee with David Kauffman and Frank Bennett as counselors.  Since their calling I have met with President Bennett as he is my contact in the stake presidency.  He loves Primary and is so supportive.  We have had our mission interview with President McKee and I can say that even though I never met him prior to the day of conference, I support, sustain and love him already!

Change is always good.

 

Teenager Evelyn

Our sweet Evelyn is officially a teenager and loves volleyball.

I was able to attend two of her games.  Due to my own officiating schedule I couldn't get more. 

She's really a good player.

She works hard at her craft and practices outside of practice. 

She played on the B team but could have easily been on the A team.  I enjoyed watching her play.  Welcome to the world of being more grown up.