Wedding Party, Love Ammon

For sure, you had to be there to recognize who's who in 'the wedding party'. This drawing is by Ammon, who was 10 at the time... Just thought I'd share it before packing it up! 

Love, Ellen

In Preparation for Nathan's Homecoming, Love Ellen

Hi Kids!

Glad to hear your time together was great! I'm also happy things are working out for Monika's whirlwind tour to be w/ both families! We will do our very best to make this visit good for everyone, but I admit I am starting to feel the panic of how fast the time is approaching. 

Shakeh moved all her stuff in right away without letting me finish painting her room--she had to feel like she was finally 'home', so that is still not done. I felt bad that it wasn't finished for her, but now I can see I am not really happy with it anyway, so I will redo it when she goes again if I can't get to it sooner. The guys from the window place never come when they are supposed to and we have missed each other, so that too is still YUK! The garden is in, but the sprinkler heads are broken, so it is always flooding! The weeds are ever springing up to choke the little seedlings--it is much like raising a family. Soil prep & vigilance goes a LONG way, as does gentle watering and feeding. Right now I am gutting out the den and will hopefully have that painted in time. I'm not getting much help though (basketball forever) and it seems like there are a crop of needs in the RS w/ all the sisters battling cancer and some of the youth falling apart as their parents were caught in adultery. One of the boys plays basketball over here and helped me plant strawberries. I told him he can eat some anytime he comes, like any member of the fam for his kind help. He just looked at me and smiled a little, like that will never happen if they move...

As summer approaches, more & more guys (Ammon's age & up) are hanging out here, which is great under normal circumstances, but they are always hungry & messy, so it just never ends and it's very difficult for me to get any projects done. I told everyone I'm not doing the shopping anymore, I'm not cooking anymore, and I'm not doing their dishes or laundry anymore. Hopefully by the time July 22nd comes, they will have made the adjustments without me buckling, cause right now it is a nightmare! I'm doing fine, though--better than ever, but Strater is ready for the nut house! They'll pull it together eventually.

Monika, your email was what every mother loves to hear and brings peace to my heart. Thank you. You and Sam already seem like you have been married forever. I honestly believe if there was ever a match made in heaven, it is yours! I think you two will be a powerful force for good and a tremendous example for many of this generation. I too notice the change in Sam. As the children do come, he will become even more rooted and protective, for he will know then, it is ALL up to him to support all of you and keep the adversary out! There is nothing like our children to soften and turn our hearts back toward heaven. He has the warriors' instinct for the fight and not the flight. He is brave & unashamed of his love, his faith and beliefs.

There have been so many times the adversary has threatened to destroy our kids and our family, from their beginnings in the womb to the present day! No wonder my nerves are shot! But, the Lord does have his hand in our lives and I praise him for his judgment and wisdom above our understanding. I have been having some incredible dreams and have been to my bishop to discuss them and other things that have been concerning me. I believe some very difficult times are about to fall upon us all. Now is the time more than ever, to repent from all sloth and to be obedient in all we are asked through the prophet to do, and to be humble and helpfully build one another up, prayerfully going about our days. This is something all of us need. It is not a time to 'relax' from our duties and obligations, but it is a time to relax from useless cares and let God direct our lives. Bishop Harker has asked me to speak to our ward about my experiences and on preparedness. Even as I write this, I can see where painting in preparation for Nathan's homecoming may be a useless care... Ironic, isn't it?

But I will be putting you, Monika in that room! So I really want to get it done since it reeks of onions now and I need to do it soon so the paint fumes will dissipate or you might think I am a looney-tune out to gas you for sure! It is my want and desire to make you feel as wanted and desired as you ARE! 

We have ALL missed you! We are so excited for Nathan to meet you! I want you to know that I totally understand the desires of your family that you be there, and it is important to us, too! We will never be able to take the place of other loved ones, or try to, and we would never want to impose upon or interfere with your life with Sam. Our experiences and the gospel have taught us the sanctity of our own togetherness. Our role as inlaws, grandparents, aunt & uncles is one of SUPPORT & CHEER, and we are here for you! You're our daughter as much as Sam is our son! We pray fervently for you both! We delight in you & Sam and we will love to see you together. You comfort us and give us great hope as we focus our kids still 'at home', speaking of which I should get them up and started on the day! 

We are still gathering addresses and I will email them to you or have the list ready by the time you get here. Timing is not the big deal for most as much as it is just letting them know. We will have an open house if you like up here during the holidays. My aunt threw one for me months after we actually married. I was already pregnant by then and had nausea, etc. It wasn't fun, but we can do whatever you would like and feel comfortable with. Strater wants to run announcements in the Calgary Herald, Western Wheel, Strathmore Standard, Windspeaker, Siksika Times, etc., so there will be no more ignorant episodes like the one at Siksika. We love you. Sam loves you and you are joining our family and we want the world to know it! Gotta go! Love, Mom

hey sam, 

i was just on campus signing up for my navajo language test and thought of you. i was just thinking of last summer and how i used to get all dolled up just in case i bumped into you on campus. i remember how we used to write tons of emails and chat online for hours until you got off work. i remember taking the jeep to various camping spots just to cuddle up with you.... and evening or early in the morning visits. man, that was the best summer. ahh, young love. all i really wanted to say was, I MISS YOU. 

 I LOVE YOU from head to toe! 

your best friend (forever), 

monika

Knocking Doors and Weird Dreams, Love Monika

hey hot stuff,

you know what? i really really love you. its 11:25pm, almost midnight and i'm wishing i could be in your arms. its hard to be away from you, especially when i want you to know how much i love and support you; and how much i want to encourage you as you go door to door. i hope you don't feel as discouraged tomorrow. i know you will do well. you have all that it takes to be successful in anything, you have great potential and thats one of the reasons i love you - you're so talented. you know i wouldn't be with just any joe schmoe. ;) i only want the best... and you are. i can't wait to see you again. i love you more than ever. its nice to have memories to recall and to dream about being in your arms. 

i didn't get to finish telling you the end of my dream. okay so i was in the car with my family and once my mother saw that there was a canyon ahead and the road had ended she slammed on the gas pedal and sped up in order to make the jump. i was so scared because the gap was so huge. i thought we could never make it. i closed my eyes preparing to die, all the while my mom saying that our family was going to make it.... and we did. just barely. its a good thing cuz, i would hate to have died in my dream. i was terrified. so thats the end of it. i wanted to hear your interpretation of my dream without you knowing the ending. but here it is now. you were right, i did make it. who knows what the bug thing was about though? 

i love you so much and i know things will go better tomorrow cuz i'll be praying for you. i miss you and love you and miss you and love you and miss you and love you again. (smooch!). I LOVE YOU! goodnight sugapie, xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo, monika

Wedding Plans, Love Monika

hey sam,

so how was your day? i have so much to tell you. i can't wait until we can talk on the phone again. my graduation reception was great and everyone was asking about you. it was all good! i am so happy! i got to talk with my parents again this morning. everyone is so supportive. let me know what your address is so i can send you some letters, too. everyone was tripping out on the ring. great taste! i love you so much and i miss you terribly. i can't wait until we're together again! i'm so excited about everything. virginia (candi's mom) wants so badly to help with the wedding decorations. my mom and i were talking about wedding plans too. 

I LOVE YOU! LOTS & LOTS! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo. but i better go to bed now since it is really late... its midnight here. i went out with darrell and chris and thier friend roxie. she's cool. her mom used to be my kindergarten teacher back in tha day. we all went bowling. fun stuff. when we got back i showed them the homestarrunner website. great laugh. i love you and have a good night. sweet dreams.

love, monika

p.s. you can choose the color quilt... it doesn't matter to me. your grandma is so sweet!